Hello Lovers of the greatest music decade ever, from the Greatest City in the UK.. "Come on you Brummies".
It's Spring!! the first of April, the smells of Rose, Jasmine and sweet Fresia assailing my memorial olfactory glands with heady aromas. Flower Power at its finest.
60 YEARS AGO.
April 1963. The rise of The Beatles.
The first week of the charts in April 1963 saw Cliff and The Shadows were still the major force in British pop music with
The Shadows 'Foot Tapper' occupying the No 1 slot and Cliff Richard at No 2 with 'Summer Holiday' and the film of the same name doing extremely well in the cinemas. It was Cliff and The Shads second film. The incredible Billy Fury held the Number 3 position with 'Like I've Never Been Gone'.
It was the last hoorah of the "old guard", that first flush of teenage stars, who brought Rock and Roll to the British public and although they didn't know it yet they were about to be classified as yesterdays news. The Beatles had their first chart success with Love me Do in Oct 62 and their second single 'Please Please Me' had reached no 2 in March of 63 and was now heading out of the top 10.
I was a dedicated Shadows fan and tried to stay loyal to Hank and the boys but The Beatles massive popularity was too much to ignore, they were causing a tidal wave of excitement. It wasn't just their music that changed things, Liverpool was now seen by the record trade as the epicentre of popular music and scousers Gerry and the Pacemakers were riding up the charts heading to the Number 1 slot with "How do you do", their next 2 singles also went to number 1. There was a great rush by other artists to record a Beatle song, making Lennon and McCartney a vast amount of cash in a little time.The next three 1963 Beatle singles all went to number 1 in the UK. They were unstoppable.
In a years time they occupied the top 5 places on the American charts, an unbeaten record and what is more, they were on 4 different record labels too! It was only in 2019 that Ariana Grande came close when she held the top three places in the US charts.
BACK IN BRUM
The Brumbeats aka The Merseyboys.
Merseybeat became the buzzword for the 60s beat group sound of Liverpool and in Birmingham "Brumbeat" became our own identifier along with the band The Brumbeats. This band had the foresight to imitate the Fabs and recorded an
LP of Beatles songs and re-released them on the VJ Label under the name of The Merseyboys. These days there are only two of the Brumbeats still around, saxophonist Paul Carter and vocalist Graham Ashford, now a US resident who is still performing and regular blog contributer too, thanks Graham. This vinyl LP can still be found on Ebay etc should you feel the urge.
KEITH REID - RIP.
"We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor". I don't believe there can be a music fan alive who doesn't know that opening line to 'A white shade of pale", the song that really defined the psychedelic Summer of Love. Not only did he write the lyrics to that masterpiece but the rest of Procol Harums output too. The magnificent "Salty Dog", "Homburg" and the inspirational "Grand Hotel" rate highly amongst my top favourites of that time and all time. Keith passed away on 23 March aged 76. Just superb to have been around at the same time.
The Moody Blues "Go Now" produced by Alex Wharton also ranks in my top favourites both as a song and it's earthy, soulful production so it's no wonder that Denny Cordell who had been Whartons office boy at that time should have produced Procol Harum with that same magic formula he had learned from his boss.
OPEN MIC
FRIDAHS HALL
I told you, last month, about a new open mic night at Fridahs Hall. The first opening night was unfortunately on St Patrick's day when most people were partying. So just a reminder that the next night will be on 14th April. Book yourself a spot. Its a great venue, great host and a free beer for each performer!!!!
Finally
Easter is on the horizon so get the one you love a nice Easter Egg for a surprise gift, it's only a small gesture but will warm the heart of the recipient.!!
Happy 78th to the wonderful Eric Clapton.
Have a good un'
Bob
Copyright: Bullsheadbob
Contact: Bobsbullocks@Gmail.com
