Editor’s Note: There you have it, in early 1963, while they are still only just establishing themselves in Britain, Brian equates them with Elvis Presley. In fact, when he was to say locally that he thought the Beatles could be as big as Elvis, people laughed at him. This gives an indication of his unwavering faith in the group.

Paul McCartney certainly has his comments spot on and I notice that the Beatles tout for their Nems stablemates Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy Kramer & the Dakotas (Before John Lennon suggested ‘J’ – for Julian – as a middle initial for Billy) and the Big Three.

Interesting also is the fact that many seem to predict success for Johnny Sandon and the Remo Four. Sadly, it never happened, although they recorded ‘Lies’ c/w ‘On The Horizon’ and ‘Yes’ c/w ‘Magic Potion’ together. Unsuccessful, they split and Johnny went solo while the Remo recorded with Tommy Quickly and Gregory Phillips and later were to record for George Harrison’s ‘Wonderwall’ soundtrack. They were always recognized as Liverpool’s leading instrumental outfit. Johnny’s real name was Bill Beck and he later became a comedian in local clubs although, in a state of depression, he hung himself. Mersey Beat intends to present a tribute feature on this really talented singer who did have a unique voice to offer, but never made the grade.

Brian Kelly, of course, gave the Beatles (when they were known as the Silver Beats), one of their first ‘audition’ gigs at Lathom Hall on 14 May 1960. He booked them back the following week as bill toppers – but they never turned up as they began a tour of Scotland with Johnny Gentle. Their appearance for Kelly at Litherland Town Hall on 27 December 1960 was their breakthrough in Liverpool and he went on to book them over three dozen times for his venues until Epstein then boycotted him because he felt insulted when Kelly paid for a Beatles gig in coins. Kelly’s opinions are quite wide off the mark.

Ted Knibbs was Billy Kramer’s original manager and Pat Delaney was the Cavern doorman.

An amazing quote, once again, is that by Bob Wooler. Remarkably prophetic at the time, once again, although it was on February 1963, accurately describing what they eventually became: “a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.”

There were to be some very slight name changes. At this point in their history the Merseybeats were known as the Mersey Beats and the Fourmost as the Four Mosts. 

Gerry & the Pacemakers, of course, had major success and actually became the first Liverpool group to top the official British Record Retailer charts with their debut disc ‘How Do You Do It’, a Mitch Murray song which the Beatles had rejected. The Big Three also had success, albeit a minor one, and soon pulled away from Epstein’s management. Billy Kramer, under the name Billy J. Kramer had success with some Beatles compositions, but his biggest hit was a number he picked himself, against Brian Epstein’s advice, ‘Little Children.’ The Merseybeats also had chart success and like Gerry and Billy, are still performing today.

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