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The Delrenas...
The Delrenas had a unique vocal style with four part harmonies, probably the closest thing Liverpool had to the Everly Brothers, They were part of the first wave of Liverpool bands and were booked to play the Cavern by Bob Wooller for 42 bookings. The original Delrenas who took their name from a Liverpool Shipping line, first formed in 1958. Early in 1959, the group were joined by two extra members Derek Green - Rhythm Guitar, Terry Fisher - Lead Guitar
Ray and the Delrenas as they were often billed at all those familiar venues such as the Cavern, The Iron Door, Holyoak, Blair Hall, Orrell Park Ballroom, Tower Ballroom etc. were very popular. Ray sang in the style of Roy Orbison and Del Shannon and group played instrumentals such as Telstar, Red River Rock, Rockin Goose and Unchained Melody. The Delrenas were probably one of the first of many bands to feature an electronic organ. In 1960 Joan Molloy, a female vocalist joined the band - Joan left after a year. Brian Young also left in same year and was replaced by John Withy on Bass guitar. On stage John teamed up with Brian James to sing harmonies similar to those of the Everly Brothers. Ray Walker and Brian Dean both left the group in 1962, Ian Howe joined as the new drummer.
About this time, The Delrenas decided that a change of style was necessary and altered their act to incorporate more Rhythm and Blues and Rock N Roll Numbers. Brian James, Terry Fisher, John Withy and Derek Green all gave a hand with the vocals.
Brian James, John Withy and Brian Dean went to Hamburg for two months and were featured on the “This Is MerseyBeat” albums. They continued as the Delrenas until they disbanded in early 1964. Derek Green, Terry Fisher and Ian Howe went on to form the Motifs and continued to play Liverpool venues until they, too, disbanded late in 1966. The Delrenas continued playing from time to time around Liverpool but it would be 41 years when all five of the originals finally got together again for a gig at the Cavern Club in 2003 in aid of the MerseyCats charity.
Three of the Delrenas Ian Howe, Terry Fisher and Derek Green got together again to play the Mathew Street Festival in 2005 and here's some rare video of the band. "Speedy Gonzales" "BirdDog"
"Back In the USA"
Recorded at Merseycats 2008
Audios:
Two tracks showing was a great harmony band they were...
"Nashville
When Will I Be Loved
Line Ups:
Deltics (Skiffle) Terry Fisher, lead guitar |
In March 1963 the Delrenas were offered work at the
Star Club in Hamburg but unfortunately, not all the members were able to accept the offer.