The Merseybeats

The Merseybeats were formed at Newsham Secondary School in Liverpool in 1962 under the name of The Mavericks comprised of Tony Crane (lead guitar, vocals), Billy Kinsley (bass, vocals), David Elias (rhythm guitar, vocals), and Frank Sloane (drums).. 

They were re-named The Mersey Beats in February 1962 by Bob Wooler, MC, at the Cavern Club. Later in April 1962 they became The Merseybeats. By the end of 1962, the Merseybeats lineup had solidified around Crane and Kinsley, with Aaron Williams joining on rhythm guitar in place of Elias and John Banks succeeding Sloane. They were originally signed by Brian Epstein, but left to join the Fontana label.  Their first single on Fontana in August 1963, which was a re-working of the old Shirelles song It's Love That Really Counts.  It reached No. 24 in the British charts.

Their follow-up release, I Think of You, reached Number 5 in January 1964 and for the next two years, they enjoyed great success in the British chart with Don't Turn Around, Wishin' And Hopin'. Last Night, I Love You, Yes I Do, and I Stand Accused.  They also undertook major concert tours and television appearances all over the world. They appeared regularly at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club and they claim to have appeared there with The Beatles on more occasions than any other band from that era. The Merseybeats became well known for their distinctive style of fashion. They were credited as the 'Best Looking Group', dressed in tight-fitting suits with bolero jackets and frilly shirts.

They disbanded initially in 1966. after undergoing several changes of line-up, with only Crane and Kinsley remaining from the original group. However, the two of them resurfaced shortly afterwards as a vocal duo called, simply The Merseys, and in the summer of 1966 they enjoyed their biggest hit with Sorrow which reached Number 4. With their backing group - Fruit Eating Bears - they toured the country for the next three years.

Tony Crane reformed The Merseybeats and played major British night clubs. Billy Kinsley rejoined for a tour of America in 1973, then formed a new group from local Liverpool musicians who over the years had all performed on stage with The Merseybeats in various line-ups.  Now called Liverpool Express they were signed by WEA Records in the summer of 1976 and enjoyed great chart success with You Are My Love, Every Man Must Have A Dream, Hold Tight and Dreamin'.

Kinsley and Crane re-formed the Merseybeats in 1993, and after celebrating 45 years in the music business (in 2006) they are still continue considered to be one of the most exiting groups on the successful 'Sixties circuit'.

See the Merseybeats perform I Think of You and Don't Turn Around

Find out the latest news from the official Merseybeat website at: http://www.merseybeats.co.uk/Index.htm