Elanso

Who in their right mind hasn’t heard of the Mathew Street madness in Liverpool? On one side, you’ve got Lennon’s Bar, and, on the other, the famously-rebuilt Cavern Club.
In fact, it’s just beside where the old one — where The Beatles, Searchers, Big Three and many other top bands cut their musical teeth — stood (Spencer Hannabuss, bass player/vocalist/songwriter for The Fore,says he’s heard there’s a door in the ladies’ room of the new one that you can go through and see the original Cavern).
The Club — extremely popular as always (partly due to the music, partly due to legacy) — is still the place to go if acts wanna be noticed!

Now, we’ve all heard about JPG&R and their conquest of both Cavern and, in due time, the world. But there were unsung (pardon the pun) heroes of UK rock whose presence at The Club was just as exciting and boisterous.
For example, Faron’s Flamingos were a tremendous hit for three reasons: bassist “Faron” Ruffley’s wild jumps and dynamic voice, drummer Trevor Morais’ crazy “back-flip” during the set, and, of course, some of the most rockin’ music of the time.
Here, in this vid, you’ll not only experience FF for yourself but get a bit of a feel for the old Cavern:

The other was a trio called The Big Three. Not only could they rock, but they really knew how to work a crowd! They also had a tie-in with Faron (see above), as he and Paddy Chambers (guitarist) joined the Big Three in 1963, when Johnny Gustafson (bass) and Brian Griffiths (drums) left.
But here are the originals, doing Reelin’ and Rockin’, straight from the Cavern Club!

Of course, R&R was originally one of Chuck Berry’s hits, and it brings us to the subject of cover songs. Natch, in Liverpool, sailors would bring American 45s back to port, and many of the skiffle groups would take the songs and more-or-less adopt them. When they switched over to electrics and drumkits, they would use these songs as part of their earliest sets.
For example, The Paramounts would be known for the Leiber/Stoller (or Coasters’ ) hit, Poison Ivy. Later, this group would disband and, years later, re-form with original members as Procol Harum.
Another band specialized in Everly Brothers’ covers — and some say that The Del Renas were thisclose to the Brothers’ amazing harmonies! One of their finest works was this one: WHen Will I Be Loved? Though you can hear some differences, pay close attention to the vocal hooks and solo verses (Derek Green’s spot-on as a Don Everly soundalike!). By the way, these guys are also the ones who’ve been credited as introducing the first organ to UK rock bands!

Today, as we know, The Cavern Club is still the place to go for mood and music throughout the Merseyside and beyond! One of the best shows of recent was done by The Fore during the Liverpool IPO Festival. Here they are, doing one of their fab hits:

KEEP ON SENDIN’ YER THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR LUKER!

I spoke with Fore rhythm-guitarist Luke Bentley by phone this afternoon and, while the blood tests have come back negative (meaning everythin’s alright in that respect), there are still more tests to run until the docs find out what’s got him down physically! So just hold yer cursor where it is right now, stop and say a quick prayer for or send a good vibration to the lad, okay?? He told me that he appreciates each one of them, and all his fans who’ve shown their support!
You can send a “get-well” email just by clicking here or here.
C’mon, Rockiteers … let’s lift the Luker’s spirits a bit! Do it TODAY!

Now, with that being said, I’m gonna take about 240 (got an earrrrrly business meeting tomorrow). So, until tomorrow, remember:

Keep yer eyes on the skies, yer feet on the ground, yer heart with the music …
and remember … if yer feet smell and yer nose runs, yer upside down!

I’ll see ya on the flip side.

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