BIOGRAPHY

THE MERSEYBEATS History in brief..

If you require any more on the band contact admin@merseybeats.co.uk and I will be pleased to assist.

Tony Crane & Billy Kinsley

Founder members

History in the making...

The Merseybeats were formed in 1961, in Liverpool under the name of  The Mavericks which comprised of  Tony Crane (lead guitar, vocals) Billy Kinsley (bass, vocals) working as an Everley Brothers influenced duo around the clubs and pubs of Liverpool.   They soon became a four piece with the addition of  David Elias(rhythm guitar, vocals) and Frank Sloane (drums).  For a short while they changed name to The Pacifics and in 1962 The Mavericks were re-named The Mersey Beats, by Bob Wooler, M. C. of the famous Cavern Club. Later that year the group was re-titled THE MERSEYBEATS and Sloane was replaced by John Banks and Elias by Aaron Williams.

They were originally signed to Brian Epstein, but he failed to supply The Merseybeats with the same classy suits that he had given The Beatles, dispute between artist and management. brought an end to their relationship, the spilt with Epstein is something the group regret to this very day. 

On the Fontana label, The Merseybeats received their first big hit in 1963 with ‘It’s Love That Really Counts’ followed in 1964’ by their million selling recording ‘I Think of You’ which raced up the top ten and presented them with their first gold disc. The Merseybeats adopted their own distinctive style of fashion, the sartorial elegance they would have liked under Epstein.  New tailoring saw them credited as the ‘Best Looking Group’ dressed in tight fitting suits with bolero jackets and frilly shirts, their outfits complete with high heeled zip boots provoked hysteria from their female fans. They received further success with two more major hits, ‘Don’t Turn Around’ and ‘Wishin & Hopin’, Other successful recordings include ‘Last Night’ ‘Don’t Let It Happen To Us’ ‘I Love You Yes I Do’ ‘I Stand Accused’. ‘Mister Moonlight‘ ‘Really Mystified‘ ‘The Fortune Teller‘ ‘Lovely Loretta’ and ‘It’s Love That Really Counts’. The Merseybeats appeared regularly at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club and they hold the unique distinction of appearing with The Beatles on more occasions than any other band from that era. Their success brought them international recognition, 1964 saw The Merseybeats appearing in Germany, the U.S.A. and even having their own Merseybeats Show on Italian television.

In 1964 Billy Kinsley left to form The Kinsleys and was replaced by the legendary Johnny Gustafson  - Big Three.

The line up changed again when Billy returned to the fold.

In 1966 Tony and Billy formed a vocal duo called simply The Merseys with their backing band, The Fruit Eating Bears.  They achieved their greatest ever recording success with ‘Sorrow’ which has become a sixties classic and mentioned as a favorite by many artists, David Bowie later recorded a version.

In 1968 The Merseys had run their course and Billy Kinsley once again left to form Rockin Horse, Annabella and later the successful Liverpool Express, having hits both in the UK and South America with 'You Are My Love' and 'Every Man Must Have A Dream' .  Tony Crane continued to work the cabaret circuit under the name of  Tony Crane & The Merseybeats with a line comprising of Bob Packham on bass, Allan Cosgrove on drums and Colin Drummond on keyboards and violin. 

In 1993 Billy Kinsley returned along with Dave Goldberg who had been an integral part of Liverpool Express.  Billy and Tony were reunited, Tony Crane & The Merseybeats became once again, The Merseybeats. 

In 2000 Tony Crane's son Adrian joined the band replacing Dave Goldberg who left with Allan Gosgove who masterminded Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac.  Replacement for Allan on drums is Lou Rosenthal, who career includes Ian Gillan Band, The Undertakers, and Export.   Adrian has now left to pursue a career with his own band Hudson Fall, with Adrian gone Tony and Billy are delighted to welcome back Dave Goldberg.

The Merseybeats are:
Tony Crane, Billy Kinsley, Bob Packham Dave Goldberg and Lou Rosenthal.

The group can only be described as one of the most powerful and exciting acts performing live music, they still continue to enthrall thousands of fans World-wide,  they are one of the most popular and authentic sixties bands still performing 48 years on!