After Dinner Speakers: Merseybeats, Patrick Minford, Simon Mayo

Originally called the Mavericks, this Liverpudlian quartet comprised Tony Crane (vocals/lead guitar), Billy Kinsley (vocals/bass), David Ellis (rhythm guitar) and Frank Sloan (drums). In 1962, long before the Beatles put Liverpool on the musical map, they renamed themselves the Merseybeats. Early line-up changes saw Ellis and Sloan replaced by Aaron Williams and John Banks. By mid-1963, Beatlemania had engulfed the UK, and A&R representatives descended upon Liverpool in search of talent. The Merseybeats were scooped up by Fontana and initially signed by Brian Epstein, but left their new mentor within weeks, following an argument over image. Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "It's Love That Really Counts" gave them a minor hit, but it was the relatively unknown songwriter Peter Lee Stirling (see Daniel Boone) who penned their biggest hit, "I Think Of You". Although essentially balladeers on single, the group's EPs had a grittier edge. The On Stage EP, with its use of monochrome photography, was extremely progressive in design terms, as it did not feature the band on the cover, while their debut album included a variety of old musical standards. Pop star pressures prompted founding member Kinsley to leave the group briefly, but he returned in time for their third major hit, "Wishin' And Hopin'". Other members included Bob Garner, who was himself replaced by Johnny Gustafson from the Big Three. The eclipse of the Mersey Sound eventually took its toll on the group, although a change of management to Kit Lambert brought two more minor hits, "I Love You, Yes I Do" and "I Stand Accused". In January 1966, the group split, paving the way for hit duo the Merseys. In later years, Tony Crane reactivated the group, which still performs regularly on the cabaret circuit.