Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
Merry Christmas To All Our Beat Readers
On behalf of our Editor David and all the staff at the Beat, we wish all our loyal readers a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year... Thank you all for your support during the past year and we look forward to bringing you more exciting and interesting features in 2024 from the stars we all love. Watch out for our...
News Beat ➧
Chris de Burgh Announces 50th Anniversary Tour For 2025
Legendary singer-songwriter Chris De Burgh is set to embark on a monumental UK tour next year, 5OLO—‘The 50th Anniversary Tour’, in celebration of his remarkable five-decade career... The seven-date tour opens in Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall on February 21, 2025,...
Back Beat ➧
Older And Wiser – Colin Blunstone
The Zombies' lead singer looks back at his solo career... By Ian Woolley Published in the February issue of the Beat, we talked with Colin Blunstone about his long friendship and respect with Rod Argent, conserving that amazing voice and the inevitable split of the...
Review Beat ➧
Tips For Record Lovers To Keep The Magic Alive
As any music lover knows, records are a fantastic way of listening to tunes from a bygone era. They have a real charm and sound to them that music from a streaming service just doesn’t provide. Yet if you’re looking for a way to keep the magic alive, it can be...
Obituaries ➧
‘Tich’ Of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, Has Died
One of The Beat's local Wiltshire musical legends, Ian Amey better known as 'Tich' in the 60's chart-toppers Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Wiltshire music scene in the 1950s was thriving, and many popular bands around...
Merry Christmas To All Our Beat Readers
On behalf of our Editor David and all the staff at the Beat, we wish all our loyal readers a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year... Thank you all for your support during the past year and we look forward to bringing you more exciting and interesting features in 2024 from the stars we all love. Watch out for our...
Print Issues ➧
Trending
News Beat ➧
Chris de Burgh Announces 50th Anniversary Tour For 2025
Legendary singer-songwriter Chris De Burgh is set to embark on a monumental UK tour next year, 5OLO—‘The 50th Anniversary Tour’, in celebration of his remarkable five-decade career... The seven-date tour opens in Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall on February 21, 2025,...
Back Beat ➧
Older And Wiser – Colin Blunstone
The Zombies' lead singer looks back at his solo career... By Ian Woolley Published in the February issue of the Beat, we talked with Colin Blunstone about his long friendship and respect with Rod Argent, conserving that amazing voice and the inevitable split of the...
Review Beat ➧
Tips For Record Lovers To Keep The Magic Alive
As any music lover knows, records are a fantastic way of listening to tunes from a bygone era. They have a real charm and sound to them that music from a streaming service just doesn’t provide. Yet if you’re looking for a way to keep the magic alive, it can be...
Obituaries ➧
‘Tich’ Of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, Has Died
One of The Beat's local Wiltshire musical legends, Ian Amey better known as 'Tich' in the 60's chart-toppers Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Wiltshire music scene in the 1950s was thriving, and many popular bands around...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
News Beat
Music Legends get stoned in Camden
Guyanian legend Eddy Grant was among eleven acts from all musical genres to unveil a commemorative plaque stone in their honour in the 'Music Walk Of Fame' in Camden, London... By Ian Woolley The brainchild of Lee Bennett, the stones celebrate 80 years of music in...
Radio One Roadshow celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary
There was a time when Radio One became so popular the powers to be thought it a great idea to bring those radio DJs out of their comfy surroundings to their fans... By Ian Woolley That idea came from Johnny Beerling, who was the programme’s producer at the time. Tony...
The Australian Dollar Is Back – Thereza Bazar
Since living in Australia, the female half of 80's duo Dollar is back with a brand new tour, and in her own words, putting on a glamorous pop party that she wants her fans to come to... By Ian Woolley Now living in Australia, life is good for Thereza Bazar. “I live in...
Freddie Mercury’s Possessions Go Under The Hammer
Over two floors at Sotheby's in London, an astonishing collection of possessions and artifacts belonging to deceased Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is on display in the run-up to the auction and the bids are going through the roof... By Ian Woolley In the run-up to...
Camden’s New Free Music Festival Celebrates Music Walk Of Fame
Camden Town has always been known for its free thinking and musical roots. Now a free music festival will take place in September with an unveiling of pavement plaques on its Music 'Walk of Fame'... The free festival off the High Street will take place on Saturday 9th...
Jess’s Diamond Celebrations
Actor and singer Jess Conrad OBE celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary to his wife Renee with a star-studded garden party at his new home in Kent. By Ian Woolley The former Miss Camay girl has been with the singer and actor since they first met at a party just...
New Beatle Book From Celebrated Music Biographer
Award-winning music writer and journalist Lesley Ann-Jones's latest book 'Fly Away Paul' looks at Sir Paul McCartney's post-Beatles days... Over the years, there are very few famous people she hasn't interviewed from the world of stage and screen, as well as music. On...
Zombies Finally Get Their Masters Back After Five Decades
The British invasion rock band behind classics like “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There” the Zombies announced this week they’ve obtained their master recordings after decades of outside control... The deal, which was three years in the making, includes classics...
Graham Nash Is Back With New Album and UK Tour
Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Graham Nash returns with his first studio album of new material in seven years, titled Now, out now on BMG. Now is produced by Nash and longtime...
Acoustic vs Electric – Mark Shaw Does Both
One of 80's true survivors, Then Jerico's lead singer Mark Shaw reveals why he loves being intimate with his fans again... By Ian Woolley Singer Mark Shaw has lived one of the most amazing stories in all of pop. We recently spoke with an upbeat Mark Shaw on what it's...
Still Creating His Own Art – John Illsley
“I’ve never had six and half million hits on YouTube before – not many people do. So I’m quite pleased about that!” By Ian Woolley You could forgive John Illsley if he wanted to rest on his laurels. After all, being in one of the World’s biggest and most well-loved...
John Wetton Book released this month
Musician, songwriter, singer, and all-round top bloke (as his friend Geoff Downes describes him), John Wetton lived a truly extraordinary life until his death five years ago... John Wetton An Extraordinary Life features stories and tributes from more than seventy...
The Beatles Last Song Finally Comes Together
"There it was, John's voice, crystal clear," said Sir Paul McCartney after hearing the separated vocals of his former best friend on what will become the last-ever Beatles song... By Ian Woolley "Now And Then" will become the last-ever single release from Paul, John,...
Zombies Homecoming Weekend Planned
The Zombies announce a brand new festival in their hometown of St.Albans... By Ian Woolley 2023 has been a whirlwind year for The Zombies, who recently won back their catalogue, released a new album, Different Game, to widespread critical acclaim from the UK media,...
Revisiting Days Of Future Passed – John Lodge
John Lodge has been voted one of the “ten most influential bass players on the planet,” and in his five decades of being in the music business, he’s just re-interpreted the band’s 1967 album 'Days Of Future Passed'... By Ian Woolley Being long time bass guitarist,...
Stars Come Together In Aid Of Denny Laine
An all-star benefit concert has been organized to raise needed funds for Denny Laine, a founding member of both Wings and the Moody Blues, who has had significant health issues in recent months... By Ian Woolley The 78-year-old guitarist has been in and out of a...
A Whitesnake Legacy – Marsden’s Final Album Sees The Light Of Day
There has been a huge outpouring of loving tributes to Bernie Marsden since the Whitesnake guitarist passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on 24th August 2023 at the age of 72... Rock icon, songwriter, guitar hero, author, even sometimes actor, so many...
Sweet Come Full Circle
Sweet are back, and you’re not going to want to miss out come December as they go Full Circle! A National Treasure and Glam Rock Royalty who have taken the world by storm for six decades, Sweet are at their best, performing all their iconic hits to audiences from...
New Tour and Book Discuss The Songs The Beatles Gave Away
The songwriting duo of Lennon and McCartney surpassed anyone's wildest expectations in the short time span they worked together... By Ian Woolley Between 1962 and 1970, they co-wrote 180 songs of which the majority were recorded by the band. That said, many of their...
Beverley Craven’s Last Tour With Goldie’s Inspiration
Two trailblazing British Singer-Songwriters team up for a new 14-date autumn tour in 2023. Beverley Craven and Judie Tzuke co-headline their 'Strings Attached' UK tour featuring Gabriella Swallow String Quartet. Beverley Craven confirms these will be her final live...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Back Beat
My Tremeloes Days – Brian Poole
"They could all sing as good as me or better and they were getting songs from all kinds of people"... By Ian Woolley Woodwork lessons were never boring for Brian Poole and his classmate Alan Blakley. In the first part of our exclusive interview with Brian, we talk...
Altamont – A Disaster That Was Set In Stone
Sometimes events in history can get lost in time. The more I researched and dug deeper, Altamont had become a dirty word to be buried in the fading minds of pop history like some forgotten mine that had been rusting for over fifty years. Yet what lies underneath stays...
Still Holding His Head Up – John Verity
"I must have been the only guitarist on the planet that didn't learn to play from Burt Weedon's 'Play In A Day' book"... By Ian Woolley So says the ex-Argent guitarist and singer as he hinted at finally writing his life story. "Oddly, I've been looking into my past...
Taking People To Their Happy Place – Judie Tzuke
Not many kids can come home from school to witness Andrew Lloyd-Webber tinkling the ivories on their piano. To a young Judie Tzuke, this was her induction into the world of music... By Ian Woolley With another new album on the horizon, Judie Tzuke has been very...
Living on the Front Line – Eddy Grant
“I feel we have a spiritual relationship as she crossed so many boundaries. She did so much so young and I’m sure that one day my song will be played in front of Carole King and she will cry." By Ian Woolley Eddy Grant is a true survivor in every sense of the word......
Pitney’s unknown songwriter – Barry Blue
By Ian Woolley Barry Blue was one of the few artists who never failed to have a chart hit and for two successful years in the ’70s, he was a chart regular but these days it seems, a lot of people have forgotten about Barry. Until now that is. I'm also guessing you are...
Al Stewart – From The Year of the Cat to the Tiger
By Ian Woolley Lennon put a black Rickenbacker around my shoulders as I played a bit of Chuck Berry. A surreal moment which was pretty cool at the time... So said Al Stewart about the time he blagged his way backstage to meet the Beatles in Bournemouth. The...
Biggest selling Eurovision song – Brotherhood Of Man
Breakfast with: Nicky Stevens – Brotherhood of Man.
With the 64th Eurovision Song Contest looming, I thought it was time to look back some 43 years to the UK’s biggest success story of the competition.
My Tremeloes Days – Brian Poole
"They could all sing as good as me or better and they were getting songs from all kinds of people"... By Ian Woolley Woodwork lessons were never boring for Brian Poole and his classmate Alan Blakley. In the first part of our exclusive interview with Brian, we talk...
Altamont – A Disaster That Was Set In Stone
Sometimes events in history can get lost in time. The more I researched and dug deeper, Altamont had become a dirty word to be buried in the fading minds of pop history like some forgotten mine that had been rusting for over fifty years. Yet what lies underneath stays...
Still Holding His Head Up – John Verity
"I must have been the only guitarist on the planet that didn't learn to play from Burt Weedon's 'Play In A Day' book"... By Ian Woolley So says the ex-Argent guitarist and singer as he hinted at finally writing his life story. "Oddly, I've been looking into my past...
Taking People To Their Happy Place – Judie Tzuke
Not many kids can come home from school to witness Andrew Lloyd-Webber tinkling the ivories on their piano. To a young Judie Tzuke, this was her induction into the world of music... By Ian Woolley With another new album on the horizon, Judie Tzuke has been very...
Living on the Front Line – Eddy Grant
“I feel we have a spiritual relationship as she crossed so many boundaries. She did so much so young and I’m sure that one day my song will be played in front of Carole King and she will cry." By Ian Woolley Eddy Grant is a true survivor in every sense of the word......
Pitney’s unknown songwriter – Barry Blue
By Ian Woolley Barry Blue was one of the few artists who never failed to have a chart hit and for two successful years in the ’70s, he was a chart regular but these days it seems, a lot of people have forgotten about Barry. Until now that is. I'm also guessing you are...
Al Stewart – From The Year of the Cat to the Tiger
By Ian Woolley Lennon put a black Rickenbacker around my shoulders as I played a bit of Chuck Berry. A surreal moment which was pretty cool at the time... So said Al Stewart about the time he blagged his way backstage to meet the Beatles in Bournemouth. The...
Biggest selling Eurovision song – Brotherhood Of Man
Breakfast with: Nicky Stevens – Brotherhood of Man.
With the 64th Eurovision Song Contest looming, I thought it was time to look back some 43 years to the UK’s biggest success story of the competition.
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Review Beat
Music-Themed Room: What Furniture And Music-Related Objects Are Best For Decoration
In modern interiors, musical instruments are not only a source of music, but also an effective decorative element. They complement the main furniture. You don’t have to buy a piano to make your interior sound new. We offer creative design ideas for apartment decor...
Songs and Casino Superstition: A Melodic Affair with Luck
Casinos are not just about cards, dice, and flashing slot machines; they are theatres of the human experience, where hope, skill, and chance dance in an unpredictable tango. Stepping into a casino, you're enveloped in a world of sensory stimulation, from the clinking...
5 Legendary Artists Who Have Been Involved in Video Game Soundtracks
While at one stage, music for video games would contain little more than three notes, the world of gaming has changed. In 2023, video game music is considered as crucial to a project’s success as a soundtrack is for a new movie. There’s even a new award category for...
A Real Life Rag To Riches Story Set To Music
Written and directed by Ben Elton, his latest musical endeavour spotlights Twiggy who became the world's most famous face back in 1966. Now, 57 years on, the award-winning novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and comedian premiers his musical at the Menier Chocolate...
What to Consider Before Creating Your Own Music Venue
Who wouldn’t want to be a rock star? The idea alone sounds so freeing: getting to perform for crowds, hearing the chants for an encore, and embracing the crowd going wild. In fact, there are plenty of musicians today who still do this, regardless of their age, because...
New Munro Film Will Please Bolan Fans
"Timothy Spall and Leanne Best pull out an acting masterclass in this gripping plot that all glam rock fans will relate to. A must see"... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Wednesday, 5th July, London, UK: Buffalo Dragon, in association with Munro Film, are thrilled to announce...
At 81 Years Of Age, Nash Still Rocks
When ex-Hollie and CSN & Y Graham Nash is in town, you know you are in for a special treat. The 2-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is still doing what he does best...writing great songs. REVIEW By Ian Woolley Over the years, Nash's contribution to...
Vintage Clothing for Women: A Sustainable Option for Fashion Lovers
Are you on the lookout for an eco-friendly yet stylish way to refresh your wardrobe? Look no further than vintage clothing! Vintage clothes are not only sustainable but also unique, timeless, and a nod to the past. In this blog post, we will discuss how vintage...
Music-Themed Room: What Furniture And Music-Related Objects Are Best For Decoration
In modern interiors, musical instruments are not only a source of music, but also an effective decorative element. They complement the main furniture. You don’t have to buy a piano to make your interior sound new. We offer creative design ideas for apartment decor...
Songs and Casino Superstition: A Melodic Affair with Luck
Casinos are not just about cards, dice, and flashing slot machines; they are theatres of the human experience, where hope, skill, and chance dance in an unpredictable tango. Stepping into a casino, you're enveloped in a world of sensory stimulation, from the clinking...
5 Legendary Artists Who Have Been Involved in Video Game Soundtracks
While at one stage, music for video games would contain little more than three notes, the world of gaming has changed. In 2023, video game music is considered as crucial to a project’s success as a soundtrack is for a new movie. There’s even a new award category for...
A Real Life Rag To Riches Story Set To Music
Written and directed by Ben Elton, his latest musical endeavour spotlights Twiggy who became the world's most famous face back in 1966. Now, 57 years on, the award-winning novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and comedian premiers his musical at the Menier Chocolate...
What to Consider Before Creating Your Own Music Venue
Who wouldn’t want to be a rock star? The idea alone sounds so freeing: getting to perform for crowds, hearing the chants for an encore, and embracing the crowd going wild. In fact, there are plenty of musicians today who still do this, regardless of their age, because...
New Munro Film Will Please Bolan Fans
"Timothy Spall and Leanne Best pull out an acting masterclass in this gripping plot that all glam rock fans will relate to. A must see"... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Wednesday, 5th July, London, UK: Buffalo Dragon, in association with Munro Film, are thrilled to announce...
At 81 Years Of Age, Nash Still Rocks
When ex-Hollie and CSN & Y Graham Nash is in town, you know you are in for a special treat. The 2-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is still doing what he does best...writing great songs. REVIEW By Ian Woolley Over the years, Nash's contribution to...
Vintage Clothing for Women: A Sustainable Option for Fashion Lovers
Are you on the lookout for an eco-friendly yet stylish way to refresh your wardrobe? Look no further than vintage clothing! Vintage clothes are not only sustainable but also unique, timeless, and a nod to the past. In this blog post, we will discuss how vintage...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Obituaries
Calypso Singer Topped The US Album Charts First – Harry Belafonte
The US chart-topping singer Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Breaking down racial barriers, Belafonte became more involved in the civil rights movement and was an ambassador for equality. Born in 1927 in the tough neighborhood of...
Britain’s Wild Man Of Rock ‘n’ Roll – RIP Wee Willy Harris
Best known for his energetic stage performances, Wee Willy Harris has died at the age of 90 years of age... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Known as Britain's 'wild man of rock and roll', he was admired by many in the pop business including the Beatles and Ian Dury (who...
He Wrote Some Of Music’s Greatest Songs – RIP Burt Bacharach
Bacharach's songs have been recorded by some of the most influential artists in the World. Songs that would become classics... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley His compositions have earned 94-year-old Burt Bacharach countless awards including Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys. In his...
Motown’s First Superstar – RIP Barrett Strong
Few music fans would ever guess who had Motown's first chart success. That person was Barrett Strong... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley When Berry Gordy launched Tamla Records, one of his first songwriting signings was Barrett Strong. Born in West Point, Mississippi, Strong...
Yardbirds’ Founding Guitarist Anthony ‘Top’ Topham Have Died
Original Yardbirds founding lead guitarist 'Top' Topham has died, just two weeks after one of his successors in the band Jeff Beck had passed away... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Anthony 'Top' Topham along with Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, Keith Relf and Ian Samwell-Smith...
He Did Rock Music His Way – RIP David Crosby
One of the most influential rock singers of his generation, David Crosby has died at the age of 81... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Founding the Byrds, and later on becoming one of the trio Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crosby wore his heart on his sleeve but gave the world...
One Of Rock’s Greatest Guitarists – RIP Jeff Beck
The former Yardbirds guitarist was innovative with his instrument of choice and set the bar for others to aspire to... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley When he replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds in 1965, it was a rocky road that would lead him to play with the very best of...
The Voice of Ska – RIP Terry Hall
Defining the disenchanted youth of Thatcher's broken Britain, joining the Coventry-based ska band The Automatics took Terry Hall on a roller coaster ride of chart success and fame... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley As lead singer of one of the most successful ska bands in the...
Calypso Singer Topped The US Album Charts First – Harry Belafonte
The US chart-topping singer Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Breaking down racial barriers, Belafonte became more involved in the civil rights movement and was an ambassador for equality. Born in 1927 in the tough neighborhood of...
Britain’s Wild Man Of Rock ‘n’ Roll – RIP Wee Willy Harris
Best known for his energetic stage performances, Wee Willy Harris has died at the age of 90 years of age... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Known as Britain's 'wild man of rock and roll', he was admired by many in the pop business including the Beatles and Ian Dury (who...
He Wrote Some Of Music’s Greatest Songs – RIP Burt Bacharach
Bacharach's songs have been recorded by some of the most influential artists in the World. Songs that would become classics... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley His compositions have earned 94-year-old Burt Bacharach countless awards including Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys. In his...
Motown’s First Superstar – RIP Barrett Strong
Few music fans would ever guess who had Motown's first chart success. That person was Barrett Strong... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley When Berry Gordy launched Tamla Records, one of his first songwriting signings was Barrett Strong. Born in West Point, Mississippi, Strong...
Yardbirds’ Founding Guitarist Anthony ‘Top’ Topham Have Died
Original Yardbirds founding lead guitarist 'Top' Topham has died, just two weeks after one of his successors in the band Jeff Beck had passed away... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Anthony 'Top' Topham along with Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, Keith Relf and Ian Samwell-Smith...
He Did Rock Music His Way – RIP David Crosby
One of the most influential rock singers of his generation, David Crosby has died at the age of 81... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Founding the Byrds, and later on becoming one of the trio Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crosby wore his heart on his sleeve but gave the world...
One Of Rock’s Greatest Guitarists – RIP Jeff Beck
The former Yardbirds guitarist was innovative with his instrument of choice and set the bar for others to aspire to... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley When he replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds in 1965, it was a rocky road that would lead him to play with the very best of...
The Voice of Ska – RIP Terry Hall
Defining the disenchanted youth of Thatcher's broken Britain, joining the Coventry-based ska band The Automatics took Terry Hall on a roller coaster ride of chart success and fame... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley As lead singer of one of the most successful ska bands in the...