The Merseybeats

In 1961, teenagers, Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley formed a group called "The Mavericks and played most of the major venues around Liverpool. Bob Wooler, famous booking agent and disc jockey at the Cavern saw The Mavericks perform, he approached Tony Crane asking if they would like a residency at the Cavern. Bob Wooler thought their name sounded too country and western, suggesting a change of name, Tony and Billy were happy and agreed this idea. After consultation and agreement with Bill Harry, owner of a Liverpool music paper titled Mersey Beat, Bob Wooler Renamed the group The Mersey Beats. The Mersey Beats then became resident at the Cavern alongside The Beatles and still hold the record of appearing with The Beatles more than any other artistes.

In the summer of 1963 The Mersey Beats released their first single on the NEW label, Fontana Records, "It's Love That Really Counts" / "The Fortune Teller" which immediately entered the record charts followed up in the autumn by their millionselling "I Think of You" / "Mr Moonlight", many more hit records followed Throughout the decades, The Merseybeats have performed constantly to sell out concerts, appeared in a wealth of prestigious venues in many parts of the world, were personally invited to perform aboard the final cruise of the QE2. They released many more successful albums worldwide including a NEW album released in 2015. The Merseybeats are: Tony Crane Lead Guitar / Lead Vocalist (Original Founder member 1961 - present) Billy Kinsley Rhythm Guitar / Lead Vocalist (Original Founder member 1961- present) Bob Packham - Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals (Joined 1974 - present) Lou Rosenthal - Drums & Percussion (Joined 2000 - present) Key Board Guests: Adrian Crane - Keyboards & Lead Guitar (Tony Crane's son) (Joined 2000 present) Chris Finley - Keyboards & Backing Vocals (Association with The Merseybeats since 1966 - present)