Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
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 clothing for women is a great way to dress sustainably and why...
News Beat ➧
An Incredible 65 Years In The Music Business – Marty Wilde
Original Pop Icon Marty Wilde Celebrates 85th Birthday With New Single, EP & Mammoth Live UK Tour. Exactly 65 years since he first topped the pop charts, Marty Wilde releases new music for his 85th Birthday, alongside a 20-Date Greatest Hits UK Tour... A national...
Back Beat ➧
Slade Are Not Just For Christmas – Dave Hill
“Christmas for me is all about memories of childhood and excitement when you went to bed early and I got up with my sister Carol at 4 am looking for presents. Now it’s all about my lovely grandkids and their excitement, it’s all about family”... By Ian Woolley So says...
Review Beat ➧
From Blitz To Glitz – New Jess Conrad Autobiography
Jess Conrad is a name that will be instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with 1960s pop culture. Emerging from the decade as one of Britain's most versatile stars, Jess has sung on hit records, starred in cult movies, headlined stage shows..and hasn't stopped ever...
Obituaries ➧
Beat Column Writer Jane Quinn has died
Famous for her 'Share a cuppa with Jane' monthly Beat column, writer and interviewer Jane Quinn has sadly passed away... For many years, Jane has been interviewing many of music's biggest stars in her monthly page 2 column in the Beat, asking questions that were often...
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 clothing for women is a great way to dress sustainably and why...
Print Issues ➧
Trending
News Beat ➧
An Incredible 65 Years In The Music Business – Marty Wilde
Original Pop Icon Marty Wilde Celebrates 85th Birthday With New Single, EP & Mammoth Live UK Tour. Exactly 65 years since he first topped the pop charts, Marty Wilde releases new music for his 85th Birthday, alongside a 20-Date Greatest Hits UK Tour... A national...
Back Beat ➧
Slade Are Not Just For Christmas – Dave Hill
“Christmas for me is all about memories of childhood and excitement when you went to bed early and I got up with my sister Carol at 4 am looking for presents. Now it’s all about my lovely grandkids and their excitement, it’s all about family”... By Ian Woolley So says...
Review Beat ➧
From Blitz To Glitz – New Jess Conrad Autobiography
Jess Conrad is a name that will be instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with 1960s pop culture. Emerging from the decade as one of Britain's most versatile stars, Jess has sung on hit records, starred in cult movies, headlined stage shows..and hasn't stopped ever...
Obituaries ➧
Beat Column Writer Jane Quinn has died
Famous for her 'Share a cuppa with Jane' monthly Beat column, writer and interviewer Jane Quinn has sadly passed away... For many years, Jane has been interviewing many of music's biggest stars in her monthly page 2 column in the Beat, asking questions that were often...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
News Beat
50 Years A Rebel – Steve Harley
Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year and the celebratory shows were such a joy that Steve is once more on the acoustic road to mark ‘50 Years A Rebel’... By Ian Woolley The Times wrote, in a profile marking this half-century, that...
60 Years Of Making Musical History – The Half Moon
It's easy not to pay attention as you pass this unassuming pub situated on the south bank of the River Thames in Putney. Yet its rich musical history dates back to 1963 when it started putting on the many new bands and artists that sprung up at that time... By Ian...
Beatles In Comics Comes To Mathew Street
In the few short years since it opened in 2019, the Liverpool Beatles Museum has swiftly become one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations... Created by former Beatle Pete Best and his brother Roag Aspinall Best*, the museum features hundreds of intimate...
Just Happy To Be Back – Go West’s Peter Cox
With the release of his first solo album in 10 years, the Go West frontman is just happy to be back performing... By Ian Woolley His first album in 10 years, ‘Seaglass’ is the new album from Peter Cox, vocalist and frontman of Go West. Peter’s seventh album sees him...
Are Some Stately Home Concert Organisers Ageist?
With many planned bespoke outdoor events involving some of the biggest names in pop music, seems most fans of a certain age must now stand for hours or miss out completely on seeing their idols... By Ian Woolley In these troubled cash-strapped times, some of the...
Ralph McTell celebrates 60 years Of The Famous Putney Venue
60 years ago, Ralph McTell made history by being the first act to perform at the famous Half Moon. Now he's back again at the famous Putney venue to honour that memory with a five-date residency... By Ian Woolley I reminded him that it's also been an astonishing 55...
Setting His Spirit Free – Daniel James
The former Yell! singer believes in getting a positive message out to his fans despite today's challenges. If the re-release of his single Set Your Spirit Free 2023 is anything to go by, he might be getting the word out finally... By Ian Woolley The original version...
Entertainer Sings On Charity Single For Mental Health
Local Vocals, a choir community based across Lancashire, have teamed up with Tommy Cannon (one half of the infamous Cannon and Ball) to create a charity single in aid of local mental health charity, Lancashire Mind... The choir, made up of over 200 local people from...
ABC’s Greatest Album Gets The Symphonic Makeover
The 1982 debut chart-topping album from ABC, "The Lexicon Of Love" spawned five hit singles. Now the celebrated album gets a full symphonic makeover... REVIEW by Ian Woolley The Lexicon of Love defined a decade, a widescreen pop classic that gave ABC their...
An Irishman With A Real Pop Story To Tell
One of the world's greatest music agents and promoters Paul Charles is coming to The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith to launch his new autobiography "Adventures in Wonderland"... By Ian Woolley Irishman Paul Charles is one of the leading music agents on the...
A New Tour from the New Song Man
Today, legendary singer, songwriter and keyboardist Howard Jones has announced a major UK tour for October to celebrate 40 years of his incredible career and the release of his revolutionary debut single “New Song” from the Human’s Lib Album. By Ian Woolley The tour...
The Beatles Story plan exciting Eurovision line-up
Two of Liverpool’s iconic Beatles locations have teamed up to celebrate local music and deliver an exciting lineup of free live music events in the lead-up to Eurovision 2023... The Jacaranda has a rich history of developing artists and providing them with a platform...
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...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Back Beat
Gilbert O’Sullivan – A Waterford Boy Naturally
By Ian Woolley Talking about the art of songwriting and that famous court case with rapper Biz Markie... "Gilbert is ready for you now," said Clair at the stage door as I entered the Cadogan Hall in London's Sloane Square. I wondered if it was the same Clair he sang...
Tommy Hunt – From Doowop to Northern Soul
We look back at the career of ex-Flamingos singer Tommy Hunt in our January issue... Northern Soul legend Tommy Hunt has certainly come a long way from his American roots. Going AWOL from the army to visit his sick mother, he turned to music at an early age. After...
Ronnie Wood
Ron Tennant Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood has survived cancer in 2017 and also in 2020. The great member of the giant British pop group The Rolling Stones found out in mid-2020 that, in the coronavirus lockdown, he had, for a second time, been diagnosed with...
‘Popeye’ Thomas the Northern Soul man
From the moment he was born, blues played a big part in Jimmy Thomas’s life growing up in Osceola in Arkansas. Raised by his aunt and uncle, it was their family friend Albert King who nicknamed him ‘Popeye’ and would go on to influence him throughout his life and play...
Crispian St. Peters
by Ron Tennant Singer Crispian St.Peters played The Pied Piper with his own tune... Flirting with fame Crispian St. Peters was born Robin Peter Smith on April 5, 1939, in Swanley, Kent. The first phase of his career actually came to an end when he was called up for...
Marty Robbins – The Nearly New Squad
The country star was an original teen pop song chart-topper Even to this day his music influences country and pop culture to a considerable degree. Martin David Robinson was born in Glendale Phoenix, Arizona, on September 26, 1925, and was one of the most popular and...
Tina Turner
Tina is to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame... TINA TURNER said she is “absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame among such amazing artists! Thank you for all your continued love and support over the years! Love, Tina.”...
Bobby Darin
A look back at the life of dazzling Bobby Darin... Darin was an American singer, a songwriter, and instrumentalist with vocals — guitar - piano - drums - harmonica, and xylophone – and he performed jazz, traditional pop, rock and roll, folk, swing, country, big band,...
Gilbert O’Sullivan – A Waterford Boy Naturally
By Ian Woolley Talking about the art of songwriting and that famous court case with rapper Biz Markie... "Gilbert is ready for you now," said Clair at the stage door as I entered the Cadogan Hall in London's Sloane Square. I wondered if it was the same Clair he sang...
Tommy Hunt – From Doowop to Northern Soul
We look back at the career of ex-Flamingos singer Tommy Hunt in our January issue... Northern Soul legend Tommy Hunt has certainly come a long way from his American roots. Going AWOL from the army to visit his sick mother, he turned to music at an early age. After...
Ronnie Wood
Ron Tennant Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood has survived cancer in 2017 and also in 2020. The great member of the giant British pop group The Rolling Stones found out in mid-2020 that, in the coronavirus lockdown, he had, for a second time, been diagnosed with...
‘Popeye’ Thomas the Northern Soul man
From the moment he was born, blues played a big part in Jimmy Thomas’s life growing up in Osceola in Arkansas. Raised by his aunt and uncle, it was their family friend Albert King who nicknamed him ‘Popeye’ and would go on to influence him throughout his life and play...
Crispian St. Peters
by Ron Tennant Singer Crispian St.Peters played The Pied Piper with his own tune... Flirting with fame Crispian St. Peters was born Robin Peter Smith on April 5, 1939, in Swanley, Kent. The first phase of his career actually came to an end when he was called up for...
Marty Robbins – The Nearly New Squad
The country star was an original teen pop song chart-topper Even to this day his music influences country and pop culture to a considerable degree. Martin David Robinson was born in Glendale Phoenix, Arizona, on September 26, 1925, and was one of the most popular and...
Tina Turner
Tina is to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame... TINA TURNER said she is “absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame among such amazing artists! Thank you for all your continued love and support over the years! Love, Tina.”...
Bobby Darin
A look back at the life of dazzling Bobby Darin... Darin was an American singer, a songwriter, and instrumentalist with vocals — guitar - piano - drums - harmonica, and xylophone – and he performed jazz, traditional pop, rock and roll, folk, swing, country, big band,...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Review Beat
Tips for Choosing the Perfect 3-Piece Suit for Men
The 3-piece suit is a timeless and classic outfit that every stylish man should have in his wardrobe. It is versatile, elegant, and can be worn on various occasions, from weddings and business meetings to formal parties and celebrations. However, choosing the perfect...
Dire Straits Bassist Wows His Local Crowd
A packed village green of music fans witnessed the legendary Dire Straits bassist perform at this year's revamped Milford-on-Sea music festival... REVIEW By Ian Woolley As music festivals go, this quaint New Forest village swells by many times its population on one...
Legendary Plugger Jumps The Fence! – Dylan White
Dylan White, Oasis, U2, Paul Weller, Suede, Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines…. all names that can rightly be placed together but, whilst there’s a connection, Dylan White was the odd one out. He was a record plugger working for these luminaries, rather than actively...
Keeping The Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac Alive
Lauded as the World's Finest 'Fleetwood Mac' tribute band, Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac are currently doing an exhaustive 62-date tour of the UK finishing up on The Isle Of Man on 26th August... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very...
Radio Presenter Delves Into London’s History
Everyone remembers the music bible, the Guinness Book Of Hit Singles which was first published in 1978. One of it's contributors was former Radio One DJ and presenter Mike Read. Since that time Mike has published over 40 books. Now his second book (to be published in...
Game Chords: How Music Shapes the Gaming Narrative
In the digital world of video games, it's not just the high-definition graphics, compelling characters, and intricate plotlines that get our attention—it's also the music. From simple 8-bit ditties to sweeping orchestral arrangements, music gives life to the gaming...
Best Strategies For Maintaining Strong Business Relationships
Strong business relationships form the backbone of a successful company, paving the way for growth, new opportunities, and a loyal network of clients and partners. In today's competitive landscape, nurturing and strengthening these connections are more important than...
New Mike Read Musical Shines A Light On Composer Eric Coates
If the opening night is anything to go by, the new musical City Of Dreams will delight festival lovers in Surrey. Directed by Ray Shell with lyrics from DJ Mike Read, the story brings to life the music by English composer Eric Coates... REVIEW By Ian Woolley Even...
Tips for Choosing the Perfect 3-Piece Suit for Men
The 3-piece suit is a timeless and classic outfit that every stylish man should have in his wardrobe. It is versatile, elegant, and can be worn on various occasions, from weddings and business meetings to formal parties and celebrations. However, choosing the perfect...
Dire Straits Bassist Wows His Local Crowd
A packed village green of music fans witnessed the legendary Dire Straits bassist perform at this year's revamped Milford-on-Sea music festival... REVIEW By Ian Woolley As music festivals go, this quaint New Forest village swells by many times its population on one...
Legendary Plugger Jumps The Fence! – Dylan White
Dylan White, Oasis, U2, Paul Weller, Suede, Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines…. all names that can rightly be placed together but, whilst there’s a connection, Dylan White was the odd one out. He was a record plugger working for these luminaries, rather than actively...
Keeping The Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac Alive
Lauded as the World's Finest 'Fleetwood Mac' tribute band, Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac are currently doing an exhaustive 62-date tour of the UK finishing up on The Isle Of Man on 26th August... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very...
Radio Presenter Delves Into London’s History
Everyone remembers the music bible, the Guinness Book Of Hit Singles which was first published in 1978. One of it's contributors was former Radio One DJ and presenter Mike Read. Since that time Mike has published over 40 books. Now his second book (to be published in...
Game Chords: How Music Shapes the Gaming Narrative
In the digital world of video games, it's not just the high-definition graphics, compelling characters, and intricate plotlines that get our attention—it's also the music. From simple 8-bit ditties to sweeping orchestral arrangements, music gives life to the gaming...
Best Strategies For Maintaining Strong Business Relationships
Strong business relationships form the backbone of a successful company, paving the way for growth, new opportunities, and a loyal network of clients and partners. In today's competitive landscape, nurturing and strengthening these connections are more important than...
New Mike Read Musical Shines A Light On Composer Eric Coates
If the opening night is anything to go by, the new musical City Of Dreams will delight festival lovers in Surrey. Directed by Ray Shell with lyrics from DJ Mike Read, the story brings to life the music by English composer Eric Coates... REVIEW By Ian Woolley Even...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Obituaries
Blues was always in Kim’s soul – RIP Kim Simmonds
The influential UK Blues musician and founder of Savoy Brown has died at the age of 75... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Beat interviewed the singer back in the 2020 August issue when his band Savoy Brown released their 41st album "Ain't Done Yet". Now living in the US...
The Beat of Punk – RIP Jet Black
Formed in Guildford, Jet Black was a founding member of the Stranglers and drummed on all their biggest hits since they stormed into the UK charts in 1977... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Formed in 1974, Black's unique drumming style saw the Surrey band achieve 23 top 40...
The Fleetwood Life Was Never Perfect – RIP Christine McVie
Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie has died following a short illness at the age of 79, her family confirmed today... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Born in the Lake District village of Bouth in Lancashire, Christine Perfect spent her early life living in Birmingham. Born...
Fame at an early age – RIP Irene Cara
It was said that Irene Cara could sing the perfect musical hit and she proved just that when Fame took her to the top of the UK charts... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Her powerful vocals were behind two of the most successful musical films of all time and as one of the...
The Punk Pioneer of Dr.Feelgood – RIP Wilko Johnson
Some 10 years after doctors told him he had only months to live, Wilko proved he still had that fighting spirit... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley The R 'n' B pub rockers from Canvey Island formed in 1971 were always a big draw at the venues around Essex. The original lineup...
One of Scotland’s finest folk songwriters – RIP Rab Noakes
Rab influenced so many artists in his 50 years in the music business... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Rab Noakes influenced the world of music in Scotland and beyond, so much so that many of the musicians he worked with down the years can testify. Born in St.Andrews, Fife,...
Nazareth’s lead singer Dan McCafferty dies
One of the '70s most distinguishable voices, Dan McCafferty of Nazareth has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Scottish gravel-voiced singer propelled Nazareth into the big time in 1973 when Broken Down Angel and Bad Bad Boy both became top 10 hits for the band....
One of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s great entertainers – RIP Jerry Lee Lewis
A controversial personal life overshadowed one of Rock 'n' Roll's true pioneers... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The real surprise was how 'The Killer' lasted until his ripe old age when in reality there were many reasons down the years why he wouldn't. A drug and...
Blues was always in Kim’s soul – RIP Kim Simmonds
The influential UK Blues musician and founder of Savoy Brown has died at the age of 75... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Beat interviewed the singer back in the 2020 August issue when his band Savoy Brown released their 41st album "Ain't Done Yet". Now living in the US...
The Beat of Punk – RIP Jet Black
Formed in Guildford, Jet Black was a founding member of the Stranglers and drummed on all their biggest hits since they stormed into the UK charts in 1977... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Formed in 1974, Black's unique drumming style saw the Surrey band achieve 23 top 40...
The Fleetwood Life Was Never Perfect – RIP Christine McVie
Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie has died following a short illness at the age of 79, her family confirmed today... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Born in the Lake District village of Bouth in Lancashire, Christine Perfect spent her early life living in Birmingham. Born...
Fame at an early age – RIP Irene Cara
It was said that Irene Cara could sing the perfect musical hit and she proved just that when Fame took her to the top of the UK charts... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Her powerful vocals were behind two of the most successful musical films of all time and as one of the...
The Punk Pioneer of Dr.Feelgood – RIP Wilko Johnson
Some 10 years after doctors told him he had only months to live, Wilko proved he still had that fighting spirit... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley The R 'n' B pub rockers from Canvey Island formed in 1971 were always a big draw at the venues around Essex. The original lineup...
One of Scotland’s finest folk songwriters – RIP Rab Noakes
Rab influenced so many artists in his 50 years in the music business... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Rab Noakes influenced the world of music in Scotland and beyond, so much so that many of the musicians he worked with down the years can testify. Born in St.Andrews, Fife,...
Nazareth’s lead singer Dan McCafferty dies
One of the '70s most distinguishable voices, Dan McCafferty of Nazareth has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Scottish gravel-voiced singer propelled Nazareth into the big time in 1973 when Broken Down Angel and Bad Bad Boy both became top 10 hits for the band....
One of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s great entertainers – RIP Jerry Lee Lewis
A controversial personal life overshadowed one of Rock 'n' Roll's true pioneers... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The real surprise was how 'The Killer' lasted until his ripe old age when in reality there were many reasons down the years why he wouldn't. A drug and...