NOT ONLY BEATLES !
by
Salvatore Libertino
The material presented on these pages is drawn from the sources below, all of which are essential for understanding, studying and analysing the various aspects of that very special musical phenomenon associated with Liverpool "The Merseybeat":
" Let's Go Down The Cavern - The Story Of Liverpool's Merseybeat" by Spencer Leigh with charts by Pete Frame, published by Vermilion, 1984. ISBN 0 09 158541 4. Price £5.95.
"Mersey Beat: The Beginnings of The Beatles - Replica pages of the voice of the famous Liverpool Sound edited by Bill Harry...including original writings by John Lennon and Paul McCartney." Published by Omnibus Press, 1977. ISBN 0 86001 415 0. Price £2.50.
I think the time has come to pay tribute to Merseybeat, the musical movement that exploded in Liverpool and on Merseyside during the early sixties, involving as many as 5.000 young people who gave life to more than 600 bands. The Merseybeat scene occupies a position of great significance in the history of rock music (and not just on a European scale), in terms of both musical content and technical innovation. The Beatles were part of this scene, and it is probably fair to say that they were more talented, but also luckier, than their rivals. Some of the bands became famous because their records, perhaps just for a brief period, scaled the heights of the charts. But many others remained in total obscurity, although they still occupy a place in the hearts of the fans who followed their every appearance in the clubs of Liverpool and Hamburg. However, they are all equally important. Many of the musicians are no longer with us, while others have faded into oblivion. Some of the bands have reformed and, in spite of the advancing years of their members, continue to perform on stages throughout the world. Others are invited to appear at Veterans' Conventions and gatherings. On these pages, I have attempted to draw up a brief list of the most important artists. But the recognition and homage is extended to all those groups - reliable sources place the official total at 418 - and also to the many thousands of musicians who helped make rock music great.
INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN GRIFFITHS OF "THE BIG THREE"
INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS HUSTON OF "THE UNDERTAKERS"
MERSEYLINKS