BIOGRAPHY

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THE MERSEYBEATS History in brief..

For a more detailed band biography contact the fan club and I will be please to assist.

The Merseybeats are:
Tony Crane, Billy Kinsley, Bob Packham Adrian Crane and Lou Rosenthal.

History was made...
Founder member and lead singer Tony Crane has guided THE MERSEYBEATS from strength to strength through decades of popular music. In 1961 with original member Billy Kinsley they performed as a duo naming themselves The Mavericks, for a short while they called themselves The Pacifics, before being re-named The Mersey Beats in April 1962, by Bob Wooler, M. C. of the famous Cavern Club. Later in 62’ the groups name was re-titled THE MERSEYBEATS. They were signed to the Brian Epstein organization, but Epstein failed to supply The Merseybeats with the same classy suits that he had given The Beatles, there was a dispute between artist and management. The bands displeasure brought an end to their relationship, the spilt with Epstein is something the group regret to this day.

The Merseybeats signed a record deal with Fontana and received their first big hit in 1963 with ‘It’s Love That Really Counts’ followed in 1964’ by their million selling recording ‘I Think of You’ which raced up the top ten and presented them with their first gold disc. The Merseybeats adopted their own distinctive style of fashion, the sartorial elegance they would have liked under Epstein.  New tailoring saw them credited as the ‘Best Looking Group’ dressed in tight fitting suits with bolero jackets and frilly shirts, their outfits complete with high heeled zip boots provoked hysteria from their female fans. They received success with two more major hits, ‘Don’t Turn Around’ and ‘Wishin & Hopin’, Other successful recordings include ‘Last Night’ ‘Don’t Let It Happen To Us’ ‘I Love You Yes I Do’ ‘I Stand Accused’. ‘Mister Moonlight‘ ‘Really Mystified‘ ‘The Fortune Teller‘ ‘Lovely Loretta’ and ‘It’s Love That Really Counts’. The Merseybeats appeared regularly at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club and they hold the distinction of appearing with The Beatles on more occasions than any other band from that era. Their success brought them international recognition, 1964 saw The Merseybeats appearing in Germany, the U.S.A. and even having their own Merseybeats Show on Italian television. In 1966 Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley went out as a vocal duo shortening their name to The Merseys fronting a band known as The Fruit Eating Bears, they had an enormous hit with ‘Sorrow’ which has become a sixties classic and mentioned as a favourite by many stars. David Bowie even recorded a version ‘as a tribute to his favourite band!

Today and the future...
The Merseybeats can only be described as one of the most powerful and exciting bands performing ‘live’ music today, they continue to enthrall thousands of fans, in the UK, Europe and World-wide by performing one night stands and package tours….proof that they are still one of the most popular and authentic sixties bands performing today.