THE KIRKBYS
THE KIRKBYS who turned professional a week ago, are still awaiting news of their first disc release.

The group recorded three tracks, including one original number, with A&R man CHRIS PARMETER of Fontana on April 1. So far the boys have not heard any further details.

The group, who will be off to Newcastle for four days this month, would love to go to the Star Club.

The Kirkbys also took part in a scene in ‘Ferry ‘Cross The Mersey.’ They were shown buying instruments in a music shop – ‘Sound City.’

REDS INCORPORATED
SONNY KAYE has left THE REDS, who are continuing under a new name – REDS INCORPORATED. They have two tracks on the Oriole LP ‘Cavern Alive,’ which is due out in the near future. The numbers are ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ and ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll.’ The group will be touring Cornwall for one week commencing September 5.

PHIL RYAN & THE CRESCENTS
PHIL RYAN & THE CRESCENTS, who have signed with the Columbia label, are currently in Germany where they will be appearing in Brunswich and Keil until October 31. Their first disc should be released in November.

Phil Ryan celebrated his 21st birthday on August 31 aboard a car ferry crossing to the Hook of Holland.

THE ROADRUNNERS
Back in Liverpool after a very successful stay over in Germany are THE ROADRUNNERS. They played their first date at home at the Cavern on Tuesday night.

THE NOCTURNES
THE NOCTURNES are enjoying tremendous success with their parts in ‘Maggie May’ and received a congratulatory telegram from BRIAN EPSTEIN in the States when they opened in Manchester.

They will be recording ‘Carrying On’ – their number from the musical – for Decca when they move to London later this month.

Lead vocalist DAVE WILCOX tells us: “The number lasts for five minutes on stage – but LIONEL BART will be re-writing the number for us and cutting it down to three minutes in length.”

THE ESCORTS
THE ESCORTS taped an interview for the ‘Beat Time For Oxfam’ souvenir programme at the Cavern the other day. In the magazine which will be on sale for five days from next Monday, there is also a letter of thanks from THE BEATLES for their fantastic reception in Liverpool, with signed photographs of the Escorts, and the Beatles, and also an article by WAYNE FONTANA of THE MINDBENDERS. The Escorts, incidentally, made a personal appearance at the Radio Show at Earls Court in London.

Editor’s Note: The Hideaways appeared at the Cavern more times than any other group. The Kubas moved to London and were to be managed by Tony Stratton Smith. Sadly, two of the members have died. It was the record company who actually forced the Undertakers to change their name to the ‘Takers, which is something that never worked and the eventually reverted to their original name. The Kirkbys had that amazing song-writer Jimmy Campbell in their midst, but still never made it, despite changing their name to 23th Turnoff and recording ‘Michaelangelo.’ The shop ‘Sound City’ in the ‘Ferry ‘Cross The Mersey’ was actually Frank Hessy’s music store. There has been something of a revival and Jimmy and Kirkbys tracks are now available on CD.

Sonny Kaye of Warrington group Sonny Kaye & the Reds has also passed away. From the above columns it can be noted that Liverpool groups played all over Germany and not just in Hamburg.

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