Nocturnes
I'm glad that the Nocturnes and Allan Williams have settled their differences.

The boys are now not only resident once more at the Blue Angel but they've gone under Allan's management, which should be to the advantage of both.

Incidentally, I hear that Manchester's Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders are doing 'Too Much Monkey Business' - which is to be the Nocturnes' first disc - so bear this in mind when buying your copy of the Liverpool group's release.

While at the Angel the other evening I was treated to yet another version of the Dennisons' 'Walkin' The Dog.'

It was none other than Dave Beattie, the Angel manager, and it was good enough to bear in mind if anyone is looking for a new lead vocalist.

The Dennisons' version, by the way, is still in the local charts and gaining popularity - a real slow starter.

Coming back to the Nocturnes though, and a few words about that much publicized show 'Maggie May.'

I asked a few weeks ago just what is going on - and it seems that since then there's been even more confusion.

The Nocturnes went down to London last week for a further audition from which Lionel Bart was absent, but Alun Owen was there.

They seemed to go down very well and as far as they know they are only waiting to decide on actual money terms and the job in the show is theirs.

Unfortunately my information is that another group, the Masterminds, also went to London last week and received similar treatment - so much so that they too believe they've got the part.

A spokesman for the Masterminds tells me that Bart was knocked out by the group months ago and really wants them to work with him - but now neither the Masterminds nor the Nocturnes know the score.

Editor's Note: It's a pity that Gerry & the Pacemakers didn't continue to make films or acting roles on TV. They had a great sense of comedy. I remember traveling with them from Wales to London and suggesting it would be a good idea if they were to make a TV series set in a little clubhouse in Liverpool similar to the 'Bowery Boys' films.

There is currently a great demand for 'Ferry 'Cross The Mersey'. It's never been shown on TV or released on video or CD and is owned by Apple. Gerry Marsden has been trying to get it released for years. He has written to Apple offering to buy the rights, but they haven't even replied to him. It's a dead asset on the Apple shelves, so it doesn't seem logical. When Gerry set out on his worldwide tour in 2004, it would have been a great item to sell at his gigs.

Cy Tucker and Earl Preston shared lead vocals with the TTs until Cy split to go solo. He still sings in the Liverpool clubs. 

Blue Beat was the name of the Jamaican style music that later became known as reggae.

Clem Dalton later became road manager for the Four Pennies when I managed them. He was to find success with BBC radio as a producer.

The Nocturnes succeeded in gaining the role of the beat group in the 'Maggie May' musical.

Return to main section