The Merseybeats
| The Merseybeats | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Mavericks (1961–1962), The Merseys (1966–1969) |
| Origin | Liverpool, England |
| Genres | Pop |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Labels | Fontana, various |
| Associated acts | The Kinsleys, Liverpool Express |
| Website | merseybeats.co.uk |
| Members | Tony Crane Billy Kinsley Bob Packham Lou Rosenthal |
| Past members | See: Members |
The Merseybeats (also related vocal duo The Merseys) are a band that emerged from the Liverpool Merseybeat scene in the early 1960s, performing at The Cavern Club along with the Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and other similar artists.
The current line-up is: Tony Crane (founding member) lead vocals and lead guitar; Billy Kinsley (founding member) lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Bob Packham (joined 1974) backing vocals and bass guitar (born Robert Packham, 17 July 1944, Anfield, Liverpool) (ex The Galvinsers); Dave Goldberg keyboards and lead guitar; and Lou Rosenthal (also joined 2000) drums.
Originally called the Mavericks, Tony Crane (born Anthony Crane, 17 April 1945, Anfield, Liverpool) and Billy Kinsley (born William Ellis Kinsley, 28 November 1946, at The Mill Road Hospital, Mill Road, Everton, Liverpool) formed their first band in late 1960 and became the Pacifics in September 1961. They were renamed the Mersey Beats in February 1962 by Bob Wooler, MC at the Cavern Club. Later in April 1962, they became the Merseybeats. By now Crane and Kinsley had joined up with guitarist Aaron Williams (born James Aaron Williams, 23 June 1942, Liverpool) and drummer John Banks (born 23 September 1943, Liverpool – died 20 April 1988).
They signed a recording contract with Fontana and had their first hit single in 1963 with "It's Love That Really Counts", followed in 1964 by their million-selling recording "I Think of You" which gained them their first gold disc. They suffered a setback in February 1964 when Billy Kinsley left to form his own band, the Kinsleys. He was temporarily replaced by Bob Garner (later of the Creation) and permanently by Johnny Gustafson, formerly of the Big Three.
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