Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
50 Years Of Glastonbury – The Birth
By Ian Woolley Farmer Michael Eavis has always stayed close to his roots. Born just down the road to where the world-famous Somerset festival is held, this incredible man has certainly put the village of Pilton on the musical map... 50 YEARS OF GLASTONBURY – PART 1 (THE BEGINNING) He was 10 years old when he moved to Worthy...
News Beat ➧
Has Auntie ‘Beeb’ Radio Had Her Day?
In the past few decades as the stats will prove, the BBC's stranglehold on their loyal radio listeners has dwindled. Through their revolving doors, new controllers have come in with newer ideas on how to reverse their diminishing listening figures. The result is the...
Back Beat ➧
Songwriting To Success – The Jeff Christie Story
As lead singer of the group Christie, things may have turned out differently had the group he offered his song to in the first place not rejected it... By Ian Woolley The pivotal moment in the Jeff Christie Story was in 1970, the year he offered "Yellow River" to the...
Review Beat ➧
What Cars Did The Beatles Band Members Drive?
The famous British band The Beatles is known not only for legendary compositions. The band members and their fans have created a special charm and style around the band due to their authenticity. Such bands are becoming included not only in the history of music, but...
Obituaries ➧
A Powerhouse Of Energy – RIP Tina Turner
After a long illness, it was announced that Tina Turner has died at the age of 83... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Born Anna Mae Bullock in the small Tennessee town of Nutbush which she sang about in her 1973 hit with Ike 'Nutbush City Limits'. Tina met Ike Turner at a...
50 Years Of Glastonbury – The Birth
By Ian Woolley Farmer Michael Eavis has always stayed close to his roots. Born just down the road to where the world-famous Somerset festival is held, this incredible man has certainly put the village of Pilton on the musical map... 50 YEARS OF GLASTONBURY – PART 1 (THE BEGINNING) He was 10 years old when he moved to Worthy...
Print Issues ➧
Trending
News Beat ➧
Has Auntie ‘Beeb’ Radio Had Her Day?
In the past few decades as the stats will prove, the BBC's stranglehold on their loyal radio listeners has dwindled. Through their revolving doors, new controllers have come in with newer ideas on how to reverse their diminishing listening figures. The result is the...
Back Beat ➧
Songwriting To Success – The Jeff Christie Story
As lead singer of the group Christie, things may have turned out differently had the group he offered his song to in the first place not rejected it... By Ian Woolley The pivotal moment in the Jeff Christie Story was in 1970, the year he offered "Yellow River" to the...
Review Beat ➧
What Cars Did The Beatles Band Members Drive?
The famous British band The Beatles is known not only for legendary compositions. The band members and their fans have created a special charm and style around the band due to their authenticity. Such bands are becoming included not only in the history of music, but...
Obituaries ➧
A Powerhouse Of Energy – RIP Tina Turner
After a long illness, it was announced that Tina Turner has died at the age of 83... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Born Anna Mae Bullock in the small Tennessee town of Nutbush which she sang about in her 1973 hit with Ike 'Nutbush City Limits'. Tina met Ike Turner at a...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
News Beat
The Stones, Bacharach and Nils Lofgren are back on tour
By Martin Hutchinson The Rolling Stones No Filter tour is in the UK and Ireland this summer, with more shows in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and Poland. They play 13 shows in 12 venues across Europe in September and October. STONES – NO FILTER has Mick Jagger,...
Share a Cuppa Tea with Peter Noone
By Jane Quinn Peter Noone talks broken hearts, and cats and dogs... Referring to himself as Peter NO-ONE. Well, he is not a no-one but, indeed, a SOME-ONE, and I had the pleasure of sharing a big cuppa tea with the ever-youthful Peter in my garden somewhere in the...
Sharing a cuppa with Alan Clayson
By Jane Quinn Alan Clayson of The Argonauts discusses Elvis and Elvis, monkeys, and new projects... Well, as I grew up in the American cornfields, I never suspected one day I would share a cuppa tea with a genuine Argonaut. But here we are, chatting about Elvis and...
Justin Hayward – Wind of Heaven Tour
By Martin Hutchinson “I can't remember his name, but he sang Nights In White Satin”... So said Jeff Wayne when he was casting his legendary album ‘The Musical Version of The War of the Worlds’. He wanted the perfect voice for the song Forever Autumn and he thought the...
Generation on: Rebel Dean
It's been a couple of years since we interviewed the rockin' 'n' rollin' singer/actor Rebel Dean, and boy has he been busy since then... He is the performer who the mighty Darrel Higham was quoted as saying: "Rebel Dean - probably the most successful male Rock n' Roll...
Exclusive – Dame Vera talks with the Beat
By David Parker Dame Vera talks exclusively with the Beat. A century of caring, sharing and family... Dame Vera Lynn, 100 years old, in conversation with David Parker Dame Vera: you were not even a teenager at the start of your singing career? Would you say you were...
Sharing a cuppa tea with Jim Pilster – JC Hooke
By Jane Quinn I first saw Columbia recording group, The Cryan’ Shames, live in concert during the summer of 1966... Never – and I mean NEVER – have I been so excited by a live gig. The combination of musicality to such a high standard and performance energy was second...
Jane McDonald – New stars needed
By David Parker We chat with Jane about cruising on the eve of her upcoming tour... It is almost 20 years since 54-year-old Jane McDonald made a splash with the BBC TV docu-soap The Cruise. This month, she returned to the town that brought her to the public’s...
Sharing a cuppa tea with…Emperor Rosko
By Jane Quinn Emperor Rosko talks about, Radio Caroline, getting tattoos in Hong Kong and looking at the pictures in Playboy? Please allow me to introduce you to THE IMP...Michael Joseph 'Mike' Pasternak, or as you will know him - 'Emperor Rosko'. He is an American...
Board members reform
Ken Knox has kept the legacy of the legendary Chairmen of The Board alive after the 2010 death of General Johnson... He continued to record songs true to the group’s past, even as they pave a new way. Ken said he was fulfilling a promise made to General Johnson and...
Share a Cuppa Tea with Sir Tim Rice
By Jane Quinn Sir Tim talks cricket, how to be happy and from here to eternity... Born in a historic English country house near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England, Sir Timothy Miles Bindon, 'Tim' Rice, is an English author and Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Tony...
David Essex – The I’ll Be Missing You tour
Martin Hutchinson The title of David Essex’s November tour is aptly named... The ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ Tour takes in the whole country and the title was chosen deliberately. “It’s called ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ because I will miss everybody. You see, it’s my final tour...
A special day for Frank Murray
By Ian Woolley A special day and tribute to Irish music promoter Frank Murray held in London... On 5th February 2022, a special day was held at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith to commemorate the late Pogues manager who died in December. A unique statue...
Late music manager Frank Murray to be celebrated
By Ian Woolley Tomorrow The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London presents a concert celebrating the life and times of the late, great Frank Murray... Christine Tobin and The Lost Brothers will perform at the Irish Cultural Centre on the evening of February...
Then Jerico – Mark Shaw is truly the ultimate survivor
Mark Shaw has some intimate gigs coming up which should please Then Jerico fans everywhere... By Ian Woolley We recently spoke with an upbeat Mark Shaw on what it's like to be stepping (treading carefully this time) back onto the stage once again. With some intimate...
Marty Wilde – It’s a family affair
by Ian Woolley Marty talks about his love for his family and somewhere close to my heart, Abergavenny... On the tail end of his recent tour at the age of 80, I met up with Marty in the town of Wimborne in Dorset. It seems fate that our paths should cross. Back in the...
Neil Young and Spotify part streaming company
By Ian Woolley The fake news debate continues... One of the legends of 70's rock has withdrawn his total back catalogue from the streaming giant Spotify. It's sparked a fresh debate whether controversial podcasts and the furor of fake news should stand next to just...
New Heritage Chart TV show airs
By Ian Woolley Veteran DJ Mike Read presents a new music show for TV... Featuring lots of stars that feature in many Radio Heritage Charts, it comes as welcome news to viewers and music fans who have been starved of seeing artists perform during these pandemic times....
Long Promised Road – New Brian Wilson film released
By Ian Woolley A new documentary film about The Beach Boys co-founder will be released in UK cinemas on 21st January 2022... The film charts Wilson's early life and career through the fly on the wall footage and intimate interviews. First premiering at the Tribeca...
New Janet Jackson documentary announced
By Ian Woolley Sky has today revealed a trailer for a highly-anticipated documentary Janet Jackson... The four-part documentary, produced by Workerbee (a Banijay UK company) and co-produced by AEC (Associated Entertainment Corporation), explores in her own words the...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Back Beat
Graham Nash – For the love of music
IN 1968, GRAHAM NASH shocked the music world, as well as his family and friends by upping sticks and moving to America
Olivia Newton-John – Can success strike twice?
The announcement of ‘Summer Loving’ as the title of a prequel to Grease (1978) has re-awakened many memories of the late 1970s and those who starred in the iconic film adaptation of the Broadway musical rather than memories of the film itself.
Mike Read – Relaxing with Frankie
By Ian Woolley Mike Read talks songwriting, sitting next to Prince Charles and the truth about that 'Frankie' song... He's done it all. Broadcaster, singer, author, presenter and has even dabbled in the odd musical but Mike Read still does what he loves...
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Micky Dolenz
By Jane Quinn The Monkee spills a few secrets, chats about physics, tells us why he has no treehouse, and all about his dreams coming true... In 1958, Micky Dolenz was TV’s Circus Boy and I became a fan. In 1966, Micky Dolenz was a Monkee and I became a bigger fan!...
Country songs you never knew
By Pat Murphy
The music we now know as country evolved out of a genre that used to be referred to as hillbilly.
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Leo Sayer
Leo Sayer as we chat about Versailles, broken hearts, The Little Prince and more.
Still Out There – The Three Degrees
By Jim Stewart The Three Degrees are still out there performing... The Three Degrees is not only one of the most successful girl groups in music history. They also hold the Guinness record as the longest working group touring and recording group since 1963 constantly....
R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll – Salena’s road to fame
By Derek Mead Since 1965, American Salena Jones has lived in England... Salena sings Jazz - Latin - Pop - Funk Gospel - Cabaret - Swing - Rhythm and Blues as the forerunner to rock'n'roll - and has extended to the standards of The Great American Songbook and...
Graham Nash – For the love of music
IN 1968, GRAHAM NASH shocked the music world, as well as his family and friends by upping sticks and moving to America
Olivia Newton-John – Can success strike twice?
The announcement of ‘Summer Loving’ as the title of a prequel to Grease (1978) has re-awakened many memories of the late 1970s and those who starred in the iconic film adaptation of the Broadway musical rather than memories of the film itself.
Mike Read – Relaxing with Frankie
By Ian Woolley Mike Read talks songwriting, sitting next to Prince Charles and the truth about that 'Frankie' song... He's done it all. Broadcaster, singer, author, presenter and has even dabbled in the odd musical but Mike Read still does what he loves...
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Micky Dolenz
By Jane Quinn The Monkee spills a few secrets, chats about physics, tells us why he has no treehouse, and all about his dreams coming true... In 1958, Micky Dolenz was TV’s Circus Boy and I became a fan. In 1966, Micky Dolenz was a Monkee and I became a bigger fan!...
Country songs you never knew
By Pat Murphy
The music we now know as country evolved out of a genre that used to be referred to as hillbilly.
Share a cuppa tea with Jane and Leo Sayer
Leo Sayer as we chat about Versailles, broken hearts, The Little Prince and more.
Still Out There – The Three Degrees
By Jim Stewart The Three Degrees are still out there performing... The Three Degrees is not only one of the most successful girl groups in music history. They also hold the Guinness record as the longest working group touring and recording group since 1963 constantly....
R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll – Salena’s road to fame
By Derek Mead Since 1965, American Salena Jones has lived in England... Salena sings Jazz - Latin - Pop - Funk Gospel - Cabaret - Swing - Rhythm and Blues as the forerunner to rock'n'roll - and has extended to the standards of The Great American Songbook and...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Review Beat
The Bootleg Beatles – Timeless music still in demand
By Martin Hutchinson Beatlemania lives on, and the tribute band that grew out of the show of the same name continues to delight audiences around the world with their accurate portrayal of The Fab Four... Originally an American production, ‘Beatlemania!’ came to...
60s music still as good as gold
By Peter Checksfield The highest point for me recently was the publication in July of my first book, Channelling The Beat!, which received almost unanimously glowing reviews. I was now really looking forward to what is almost becoming an annual event, the Sixties...
Diamond sparkles in new show
‘A BEAUTIFUL NOISE’ is a lavish new production celebrating the life and music of Neil Diamond, and the show is about to tour the UK and Eire throughout October and November... This joyful celebration will be delivered with an assured virtuosity by the award-winning...
Gillan and The Javelins back together
Every Deep Purple true lover knows how much their magic and powerful style is the result of many different influences brought in by the single members, all merging into the powerful sound loved by millions of rock fans. Ian Gillan's love for American soul and R&B,...
Jackie Trent: Being me
From the music halls of Stoke-on-Trent to topping the charts with Frank Sinatra and Petula Clark, singer-songwriter Jackie Trent finally shares her colourful life in her fascinating new autobiography... “[Their songs] changed my life. They changed the whole course of...
Shakin’ all over – Tribute to Shaky
Whole Lotta Shakin' - a tribute to Shakin' Stevens' is live at theatres in the UK... The 80s Welsh answer to Elvis finally has his own tribute show with all the hits, including 'This Ol' House', 'Green Door', 'Oh Julie'. The rags to riches story are based on his 40...
No studio trickery – just live recording
By Jim Stewart When I first heard Jennifer Holiday sing ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’, I was completely blown away... DREAMGIRLS: ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING. SONY CLASSICAL: 88985429492 (2CD SET) I had to have more, the Complete’ Dreamgirls’ Broadway Cast...
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical – The Sharon Sexton interview
By Jim Stewart As you read this, the most eagerly-awaited theatrical event of the year will have just started a two-week season of previews ahead of the West End... Opening Night on June 20, at THE LONDON COLISEUM, home of The English National Opera, Jim Steinman’s...
The Bootleg Beatles – Timeless music still in demand
By Martin Hutchinson Beatlemania lives on, and the tribute band that grew out of the show of the same name continues to delight audiences around the world with their accurate portrayal of The Fab Four... Originally an American production, ‘Beatlemania!’ came to...
60s music still as good as gold
By Peter Checksfield The highest point for me recently was the publication in July of my first book, Channelling The Beat!, which received almost unanimously glowing reviews. I was now really looking forward to what is almost becoming an annual event, the Sixties...
Diamond sparkles in new show
‘A BEAUTIFUL NOISE’ is a lavish new production celebrating the life and music of Neil Diamond, and the show is about to tour the UK and Eire throughout October and November... This joyful celebration will be delivered with an assured virtuosity by the award-winning...
Gillan and The Javelins back together
Every Deep Purple true lover knows how much their magic and powerful style is the result of many different influences brought in by the single members, all merging into the powerful sound loved by millions of rock fans. Ian Gillan's love for American soul and R&B,...
Jackie Trent: Being me
From the music halls of Stoke-on-Trent to topping the charts with Frank Sinatra and Petula Clark, singer-songwriter Jackie Trent finally shares her colourful life in her fascinating new autobiography... “[Their songs] changed my life. They changed the whole course of...
Shakin’ all over – Tribute to Shaky
Whole Lotta Shakin' - a tribute to Shakin' Stevens' is live at theatres in the UK... The 80s Welsh answer to Elvis finally has his own tribute show with all the hits, including 'This Ol' House', 'Green Door', 'Oh Julie'. The rags to riches story are based on his 40...
No studio trickery – just live recording
By Jim Stewart When I first heard Jennifer Holiday sing ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’, I was completely blown away... DREAMGIRLS: ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING. SONY CLASSICAL: 88985429492 (2CD SET) I had to have more, the Complete’ Dreamgirls’ Broadway Cast...
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical – The Sharon Sexton interview
By Jim Stewart As you read this, the most eagerly-awaited theatrical event of the year will have just started a two-week season of previews ahead of the West End... Opening Night on June 20, at THE LONDON COLISEUM, home of The English National Opera, Jim Steinman’s...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Obituaries
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We cannot locate what you are looking for. We are sorry for any inconvenience. You may try the site menus. If you need further help please do not hesitate to get in touch.