Mike Smith Passes On

 The Man Who Turned The Beatles Down

Mike Smith the Decca record producer who famously turned down the Beatles has passed on. Although this decision would continue to haunt him throughout his life, Mike also had some very notable successes including Billy Fury, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Christie, Alan Price and Georgie Fame. Mike also produced Liverpool's The Pathfinders  first record "I Love You Caroline" in 1964.

 Read his story here.

 New! Cryin Shames Website

 Following their successful comeback show at the recent Operation Big Beat, the Cryin Shames have launched their new and unusual website.

 Macca - Best Ever Concert?

Certainly the people I've spoken with said it was. Macca gave the people of Liverpool three hours of sheer delight on the 20th December at the Echo Arena.. Here's Paul's tribute to John.

Merseyrats Helps The Children

MERSEY RATS the Rock 'n' Roll organisation based at Lathom Hall in Seaforth have raised £11,459 for the Imagine Appeal ,the children’s charity, since their  inception in 2008. This year they have raised a fantastic £3,678 from their 60's revival 60ths Rock n Roll every Thursday night at the Lathom Hall. The bands give there time free of charge and almost every week you can see fab bands like the  Dominoes, Faron's Flamingos  ,the Undertakers, The Bizz and many more top bands for only £1 admission.

This year it was decided that any money left over from the Christmas Party would be given to help two families through the charity SWACA Sefton Woman’s and Children’s Aid. £550 was raised which bought all the children’s presents and a donation of £80 to each family towards Christmas fare. At a recentJam session, Irene Jones from Alder Hey Hospital was present to accept a cheque on behalf of the Imagine Appeal and Jasmin Smith collected the toys and donations on behalf of SWACA. Dave Jamieson the founder of Merseyrats is seen above presenting the cheques.

 Merseycats on the Move UPDATE

Merseycats are moving. The Xmas party night on the 15th December will be the last night at the Aintree Conservative club. The new venue is at the Holy Rosary Parish Centre, Altway, Aintree Liverpool L10 2LG.

Vice Chairman Ronnie Hodge (pictured below) has send us the following new information.

"Merseycats we are very pleased to announce that we will be starting in our new home at The Holy Rosary Parish Centre, Altway, Aintree, with our first Jam Night of 2012 on Thursday 5th January and then, because of prior bookings at the club on Thursday 12th, we will have the next Jam Night on Friday 13th, returning to our regular Thursday Jam Nights on 19th, when we are planning to have a 'Welcome to our new home' special Jam Night."

Visit their website for the latest news Merseycats

 Charlie Crane Remembered

Charlie Gallagher of The Cryin Shames has sent me this link from Steve Thompson who wrote songs for artists such as Elkie Brooks, Sheena Easton, Celine Dion about his recollections of the front man who featured on the bands hit record " Please Stay".

Ironically this year saw the return of band playing as the Cryin Shames for the first time for 44 years.

Allan Schroeder's Mersey Sounds

Listen in to Allan's new radio show which is all about Liverpool music of the 60s. It's on every Thursday from 2.00PM - 4.00PM. You can listen worldwide via the internet by going to WWW.VINTAGERADIO.ORG.UK
Allan would like as many requests as possible for a new section of the show. Contact him on :-

info@vintageradio.org.uk or before the show to
themerseybeatstory@hotmail.co.uk

 Horst Fascher DVD Released

Next year sees the 50th anniversary of the Star Club in Hamburg. Horst Fascher the man who booked the Beatles and many other famous stars tells his story in full for the first time. This promo video features Lee Curtis and many of the stars who played at the club.

Footage of The Beatles at The Cavern 1962

Just released is this extended video of The Beatles playing Some Other Guy at the Cavern. Click the video to see a larger version.