|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMERSEYBEATS, TheUK pop group '60s formed by Tony Crane, lead guitar and vocals, and Billy Kinsley, bass; both ex-Mavericks. Other members were Aaron Williams on rhythm guitar and drummer John Banks. One of the few Mersey groups to make as great an impact on record as live, thanks to prod. Jack Baverstock; opened their account with cover of Shirelles' "It's Love That Really Counts' (no. 24 '63) and Peter Lee Stirling's "I Think Of You', their biggest hit at no. 5 '64, plus two at no. 13 incl. Jackie De Shannon's "Wishin' And Hopin''. Hits were romantic ballads, but on other tracks they rock'n'rolled with the best. Kinsley left '64 replaced by Bob Garner; hits faded with the Mersey beat boom (with their name they couldn't escape association): three more top 40s were the end; Kinsley returned but group folded early '66. Kinsley and Crane carried on as the Merseys, recruiting the Fruit Eating Bears as backing group, scored no. 4 '66 with haunting "Sorrow', went into cabaret as psychedelia raged. Banks teamed with Big Three's Johnny Gustavson as John and Johnny for "Bumper To Bumper'; Crane formed self-named group '70s; Kinsley formed poppy Liverpool Express with Tony Coates, guitar; Derek Cashin, drums; Roger Craig, keyboards for three top 40 singles '76-7. David Bowie covered "Sorrow' on Pin Ups '73, Elvis Costello did Merseys' "I Stand Accused' on Get Happy!! '80. |