• Article |
• Discussion |
• Edit |
• History

Female fans threaten to swamp Merseybeats drummer John Banks

The Merseybeats

‘Merseybeats drummer John Banks beats a hasty retreat on this occasion as front-row teenage girls reach out and ask for more.’ This was the caption in a photograph published in the Picture Telegraph in February 1964.

The Merseybeats were at the height of their fame at the time, with their million-selling record I Think Of You climbing the Top Ten, when they played to their adoring female fans at the King’s Hall in Derby.

The Telegraph’s report of the one-night show describes scores of teenage girls “packed together like sardines in a tin” and pressed forward round the stage, with screams and shrieks almost drowning the musicmakers from Merseyside.

The band, who performed with The Beatles at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, were admired not just for their music. Credited as being the ‘best looking group’ of the day, they dressed in tight-fitting suits, bolero jackets and frilly shirts and wore high-heeled zip boots – all of which was enough to send their followers into fits of hysteria.

FEEDBACK

Did you enjoy this article? If so, why not comment on it? Perhaps you disagree with something in it, or you know something the writer doesn't and can add some extra facts. You may want to ask a question about this article. Making a contribution is easy - either click 'edit' to insert more information or 'discussion' and then 'add comment.' This is your site. Please feel free to use it to the full and share your memories, thoughts and knowledge about Derbyshire with others.

If there is no 'edit' link showing it means the article has either previously been published in the Derby Evening Telegraph, or it has been protected by the site administrator and cannot be edited.'

County:  Derbyshire

Return to You_and_Yesterday