MERSEY BEAT STORY JANUARY 2014

Geoff Nugent (The Undertakers) who provided the musical entertainment for the afternoon.

Dave the Rave, Dave Williams (Jaywalkers & Group One) with Alan Schroeder (Black Nights) with his certificate inducting him into the Mersey Beat Story Hall of Fame.

Geoff Nugent (The Undertakers) and Tony Booth showing one of Tony's original posters that has recently been uncovered.

Fort Perch Rock 15th December 2013

The Undertakers

Compere, Harry Prytherech (Remo 4), kicked off with the quiz then Al Peters started the music with a short blues rendition with the help of Phil Norman on lead guitar and Pete Lornie on bongo's. The Copycats followed they were made up of Carl Harding (drums) John Cross (lead)  Jerry Eccles (rhythm) and guest bass from The Undertakers Bill Good. Harry toured with the band about 16 years ago mostly in the north of England with a Mersey Memorabillia show. Lee Curtis who still performs in Germany was inducted into the Merseybeat hall of fame, he gave a great response speech. Dave La from Canterbury way sang & played accoustic guitar some old stuff some more modern. The first half was closed by a duo from Winsford called 'Road to Ruin' who impressed many in the room with their Beatle and other 60's music. The second half kicked off with 'The Smokey Joe band' from liverpool, the lady lead singer had a powerful voice. The Undertakers with guests finished off the musical procedings with Gaz Gaskell joining Brian 'Saxaphone' Jones. The 'Sax' duets were something to behold, Geoff Nugent was in fine fettle. The day finished with a Poem from Ron our poet in residence. Great day

TALON BEST OF EAGLES

TALON THEATRE SEVERN SHREWSBURY SUNDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2013

I have been following the progress of this band since I first engaged them in Oswestry some 16 years ago. From those early days they have grown in stature to the height that they have now been officially named the UK's No1 Eagles tribute band.

From the moment they step onto the stage these guys ooze sheer class - excellent musicianship, great lead vocals and superb harmonies. The show features not only the hits of the Eagles but also album tracks, all professionally introduced in what album they were from, who wrote them and so forth. There were a few new members in the audience "Talon Virgins" as Chris Lloyd put it, but I am sure that they will have been converted and will be regular attendants at future Talon gigs.

The guys have also recorded an accoustic album and in 2014 embark on an acoustic tour (see flier above) featuring the music not only of the Eagles but also Everly Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, among others.

For details of the Eagles tribute dates and the acoustic tour visit

www.talonmusic.co.uk

If you saw this show or any other on the tour please feel free to add your own comments.

JOHN WALKER MEMORIAL CONCERT

Thank you so much to everyone who came along to The Dakotas’ 4th John Walker charity show held at Uppermill Civic hall on Friday 18^th October.
The room was totally buzzing! And what a line up! Tony Crane (The Merseybeats) Geoff Turton (The Rockin Berries) The Dakotas, The Usual Suspects, Chris Fender Black & Rosie B from the C’mon Everybody tour, then the technicians:

Paul Brierley on sound, and Kevin Cain and Ben with their amazing lights, and Michael Troy Cartmell for photographing everything that moved or stood still!

In fact everyone in that building contributed to a fantastic memorable night.

LIVE music, great company and all in aid of raising money for two very worthy charities (Save the Children and Bury Hospice) The raffle prizes were amazing and had mainly been donated by Cynthia, John’s wife who had flown over from the US especially for the show! John Walker’s own guitar we auctioned off and it made £600 alone!!!! A guitar signed by Chris Farlowe, Wayne Fontana, The Merseybeats, The Dakotas, Geoff Turton, Mike Pender and Dave Berry was the coveted raffle prize! All the artistes had an absolute ball. Extra thanks go to Ronnie Ravey, The Dakotas frontman, for compering the entire evening singlehanded.

People will be talking about this show for a L O N G time!!!

Here’s to next year!

Finale with Cynthia walker joining the musicians on stage.

If you were at the memorial concert and want to add your own comments please feel free to do so!

COUNT AT THE FORT

Count John McCormack (The Spinners) and friends at Fort Perch Rock New Brighton, Sunday 13th October 2013.

This was an interesting afternoon with John and his friends recalling their days in early jazz and skiffle groups, how John became part of the world famous Spinners folk group and so forth. Interspersing their recollections with a number of songs.

The second half featured another set from John and the boys before they invited guests like Susan Hedges and Carl Chase up to join them.

Compere for the afternoon was revivalist DJ Ala Cra, who began the afternoon with his usual quiz that got the old grey matter working.

Susan Hedges

Geoff Nugent (The Undertakers & Carl Chase)



Ala Cra




Carl Chase



Count John McCormack left & friends

Girl Cant Help It

A great night out with cocktails, chocolates etc

SAVE THE LAST DANCE

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME, THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 2nd OCTOBER 2013

This was the story of two teenager girls who go on holiday alone for the first time. Whilst at the sea side they meet an American Airman based at a local camp who invites them to the base for a dance.

The staging of this production was excellent with the opening divided into two sets, one a typical 1950/60s kitchen the other a railway platform. Eventually making way for the dance hall on the air base. The costumes were excellent and typical of the era. The mother in particular reminded me of so many women I saw dressed like that in my youth.

There were some great vocals in particular from the actress playing the young girl, some great comic moments just to lighten the plot from time to time, backed by some excellent musicianship although the volume seemed a little loud on the bluesier numbers.

Among the great songs included were - Tell Him, Viva Las Vegas, Dance With Me, 123, Sweets For My Sweet, Little Sister, Teenager In Love, Be My Baby, Way Down Yonder In New Orleans, Suspicion, Then He Kissed Me, Latest Flame, Surrender, Mess of Blues, She's Not You, and Can't Stand Loosing You, to name but a few. All hits songs written by Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman.

What was dissapointing was that the finale which comprised of a medley of songs already featured in the show didn't finish with the title track which would seem to be the right one for people to leave the theatre singing. However, what was pleasing to see was the varied age groups making up the audience not just ones wanting to revisit their long lost youth. It is through shows like this that appeal to a younger generation also that the music of that era will live on.

For full tour details visit www.kenwright.com

If only we could see into the future and see if a musical featuring today's music will have such appeal!

ALAN CROWE

If you saw the show in Shrewsbury or any other theatre on the tour please feel free to add your own comments.