Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
Kissin’ Time Again For Marianne Faithfull
With the reissue of Kissin' Time looming, Marianne Faithfull is hoping that 2023 will bring her a new lease of life post-Covid... By Ian Woolley It is astonishing to consider that Marianne Faithfull has been making music for over 55 years. From releasing hit single ‘As Tears Go By’ at the young age of 16, her return with the...
News Beat ➧
Win A Pair Of Free Tickets To See The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS and Red Hot Chilli Dancers announce May & June 2024 UK Tour Dates! Red Hot Chilli Pipers + The Red Hot Chilli Dancers - 20th Anniversary - World Tour 2023/2024 In 2023 and 2024 the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will embark on a world tour to...
Back Beat ➧
Still At The Helm Of The European Disco Beat – Jimmy Helms
The 82-year-old soul singer certainly come a long way from Florida. These days his group Londonbeat are still filling the dance floors around Europe in a new direction that he could have never foreseen... By Ian Woolley The Londonbeat singer's story begins in his home...
Review Beat ➧
The Keys to Starting a Vintage Record Label in the Modern Musical Climate
It can be a very tough climate for music right now. Those who look back to the 70s and consider music to be Top of the Pops, glam, Pan's People, and when everything was simpler can find the demands of creating music in the modern world incredibly tough. But for those...
Obituaries ➧
Lead Singer Of The Shangri-Las, Mary Weiss Has Died
Teenage love and tragedy were told through many of the Shangri-Las songs which propelled the two sets of sisters to the very top of the US charts in the 60s... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The group came together when they met at school in the tough Queens district of New...
Kissin’ Time Again For Marianne Faithfull
With the reissue of Kissin' Time looming, Marianne Faithfull is hoping that 2023 will bring her a new lease of life post-Covid... By Ian Woolley It is astonishing to consider that Marianne Faithfull has been making music for over 55 years. From releasing hit single ‘As Tears Go By’ at the young age of 16, her return with the...
Print Issues ➧
Trending
News Beat ➧
Win A Pair Of Free Tickets To See The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS and Red Hot Chilli Dancers announce May & June 2024 UK Tour Dates! Red Hot Chilli Pipers + The Red Hot Chilli Dancers - 20th Anniversary - World Tour 2023/2024 In 2023 and 2024 the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will embark on a world tour to...
Back Beat ➧
Still At The Helm Of The European Disco Beat – Jimmy Helms
The 82-year-old soul singer certainly come a long way from Florida. These days his group Londonbeat are still filling the dance floors around Europe in a new direction that he could have never foreseen... By Ian Woolley The Londonbeat singer's story begins in his home...
Review Beat ➧
The Keys to Starting a Vintage Record Label in the Modern Musical Climate
It can be a very tough climate for music right now. Those who look back to the 70s and consider music to be Top of the Pops, glam, Pan's People, and when everything was simpler can find the demands of creating music in the modern world incredibly tough. But for those...
Obituaries ➧
Lead Singer Of The Shangri-Las, Mary Weiss Has Died
Teenage love and tragedy were told through many of the Shangri-Las songs which propelled the two sets of sisters to the very top of the US charts in the 60s... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The group came together when they met at school in the tough Queens district of New...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
News Beat
Paul da Vinci – Putting The Miming Record Straight
By Ian Woolley The voice of Paul da Vinci catapulted the Rubettes into the charts back in 1974. It was ironic that a short time later he appeared on Top of the Pops with his solo single “Your Baby Ain’t Your Baby Anymore” in the same studio with The Rubettes......
The Real Partridge Family – The Cowsills are still happy
The tours, the songs, and other things with the real Partridge Family By Ian Woolley The Cowsill family story begins in 1965 when brothers Bob, Bill, and Barry form their band with John joining them a short time later. A chance appearance on The Today Show led to them...
New Jane Quinn book released
Our Jane Quinn releases her cuppa tea experiences... For over ten years Jane Quinn has been sharing a cup of tea with some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment world as she has engaged them in a long-running series of intimate interviews that go beyond...
P.P. Arnold – Soul Survivor
By Ian Woolley P.P. Arnold has lived through it all. Escaping an abusive marriage and the racism she encountered along the way, this first London Lady of Soul is a true soul survivor... P.P. Arnold's career stretches across more than fifty years of pop and rock ’n’...
Abbey Road Studios Announces its first Music Photography Awards
By Ian Woolley The World famous studios this year have again hit the headlines by holding the first solely music photography awards. It's the first award to recognise the art that music photographers have given to so many of the World's musical artists down the...
Finally Kinks fans get together again
By Ian Woolley The good news that all Kinks fans in the UK have been waiting for... It's official. Sunday 20th November is set as the date for the postponed get-together for Kinks fans. Official Kinks Fan Club Will Orton has announced that this year's Kast Off Kinks...
Dickie Valentine plaque unveiled in Wales
Finally, a plaque to honour entertainer Dickie Valentine is unveiled... By Ian Woolley It was 51 years ago today that one of Britain's most popular entertainers died. As a young boy, my parents would make regular monthly visits to the village chapel in Glangrwynney....
Record Store Day – Blondie News
By Ian Woolley Bespoke, deluxe two-disc, four-track 7" single set of Sunday Girl on coloured vinyl, limited edition release exclusively for Record Store Day... Exclusively for Record Store Day (April 23, 2022), Blondie, one of the most influential bands to emerge from...
Donovan Returns – The Hurdy Gurdy man is back
By Ian Woolley Legendary singer-songwriter Donovan Leitch has chosen his local church in Cork for his first live performance in almost three years. It will coincide with his 76th birthday. Donovan has made Cork in Ireland his home for many years and will launch his...
Leo Sayer – Always a Beatles fan
By Ian Woolley As Leo Sayer goes back on the road later this year, he has just released a new album of Beatles classics... It’s been 50 years Leo has been in the pop business and he admits that he still has so much unfinished business. With his curly locks of hair, it...
Here come the Mums – Mother’s Day Special
By Ian Woolley Through the decades of music history, special mothers have made their mark... Having recently interviewed Supreme Mary Wilsons' daughter Turkessa Babich about her mum, it became clear that her mother was no ordinary woman. Mary Wilson put her head...
Ireland’s First Top 10
By Pat Murphy On St.Patrick's Day, we thought we'd mark the 63rd anniversary of the first Irish Top 10... The top 10 in Dublin in 1959 was actually 11. On February 12, 1959, Dublin’s Evening Herald newspaper launched a chart compiled on its behalf by music columnist...
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...
Saving A Bit Of Pirate Radio History
A Crowdfunding Campaign has been launched to save the historic former Grimsby side trawler and ‘pirate’ radio ship Ross Revenge - home of Radio Caroline... A Charity that maintains the legendary former Radio Caroline pirate radio ship Ross Revenge is launching an...
Ray’s Old Guitar Shop Closes A Bit Of Kinks History
Muswell's 78-year-old music shop certainly made its mark on British pop history since opening its doors for the first time in 1945. It was the local shop where the Kink's guitarist and songwriter Ray Davies got his first guitar... By Ian Woolley The oldest music shop...
After A 27 Year Hiatus, Belinda Carlisle Is Back
The former Go-Go singer was seriously considering retirement after starting out 35 years ago. Now a chance meeting by her son with her former songwriter has led to the release of a new single "Big Big Love"... By Ian Woolley Belinda Carlisle releases a brand new...
Dear Mr.Pop Star Is Helping Homeless Charities
For over a decade, ‘The Philpotts’ have been writing old-fashioned letters to punk, pop and rock stars, picking up on genuine ambiguities within their lyrics or often deliberately misunderstanding them for comedic effect. 2023 sees the eagerly-awaited New Edition of...
Remembering The 80s with Then Jerico
A lot of music fans will look back at the 1980s decade with fondness. The birth of MTV and the breakthrough of some of the biggest names in pop today were riding the airwaves and our screens with catchy pop videos to boot...and who can forget Live Aid... By Ian...
Rockefellas TV To Promote UK & US Heritage Acts
When TOTP was launched on January 1st, 1964, it went on to become one of the BBC's most popular shows with over 6 million viewers tuning in to its Thursday night show. Now with many mourning its loss, it seems a helping hand from the US may finally bring it back. By...
City Of Dreams For Imagination’s Leee John
The new musical 'City Of Dreams' features the music of Eric Coates and opens in Surrey this April... The action takes place on a midsummer night in 1932 in Piccadilly Circus with all its characters... The Club owners, Flower and Newspaper Sellers, The Star-Crossed...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Back Beat
Billie Davis – Billie’s beat never really stopped
By David Parker But why did Billie Davis with her exceptional talent not achieve the success she yearned for and deserved during her singles career? Now in the early 2021s era, Billie has re-emerged with echoes of her earlier days and music, seeking a new beginning,...
The Fortunes – Still Going Strong
By Derek Mead A look back at one of the 60's survivors, the Fortunes... Formed in 1961 in Rugby, they were backed by the 1963 vocal group The Cliftones, soon to become an instrumental group signed to British Decca in 1963. But yet again, another group information was...
Tony Christie – It was the way to Tony’s stardom
By Ron Tennant Looking back at the incredible career of Tony Christie... Anthony Fitzgerald (Tony Christie’s real name) was born on April 25th, 1943, in Conisbrough, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He left school aged 15 in 1958 and started working in a...
The Eagles – Still Taking It Easy
By Derek Mead The LA supergroup has endeared themselves to both Country and Pop fans alike... Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey and Vince Gill formed the Eagles in Los Angeles California in 1971. Linda Ronstadt wanted them to tour with her and to...
Share A Cuppa with Jane and Squeeze’s Chris Difford
By Jane Quinn Discussing Inspiration, Barbara Windsor, and much more..... Squeeze has been described as Punk/ New Wave, Pop/Rock, New Wave, Contemporary Pop/Rock, College Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock. Inspired by the Kinks, Beatles, David Bowie, The Who, and others....
Mike Berry – That Mystery Man in ‘The Voice’
By Ian Woolley Mike Berry has juggled acting and singing most of his life. Who knows where he'll turn up next... “When you get an interest in music, that’s all you want to do,” recalled Mike Berry, reminiscing on his early road into music as a 15-year-old. “I would...
Bobby Darin makes a Capitol break
By Pat Murphy When Capitol signed Bobby Darin in 1962, they probably felt they were getting the new Sinatra... Darin would be the best possible replacement for their hitherto star who’d left to set up his own record company. And on paper, it looked like a shrewd move....
Robert Stigwood – Entrepreneur
By Derek Mead The world of a music entrepreneur production of music film television and stage turbulent times and strong attitudes... To read about Robert Stigwood is to become immersed in the world of singers and their songs, and in the production of film and TV...
Billie Davis – Billie’s beat never really stopped
By David Parker But why did Billie Davis with her exceptional talent not achieve the success she yearned for and deserved during her singles career? Now in the early 2021s era, Billie has re-emerged with echoes of her earlier days and music, seeking a new beginning,...
The Fortunes – Still Going Strong
By Derek Mead A look back at one of the 60's survivors, the Fortunes... Formed in 1961 in Rugby, they were backed by the 1963 vocal group The Cliftones, soon to become an instrumental group signed to British Decca in 1963. But yet again, another group information was...
Tony Christie – It was the way to Tony’s stardom
By Ron Tennant Looking back at the incredible career of Tony Christie... Anthony Fitzgerald (Tony Christie’s real name) was born on April 25th, 1943, in Conisbrough, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He left school aged 15 in 1958 and started working in a...
The Eagles – Still Taking It Easy
By Derek Mead The LA supergroup has endeared themselves to both Country and Pop fans alike... Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey and Vince Gill formed the Eagles in Los Angeles California in 1971. Linda Ronstadt wanted them to tour with her and to...
Share A Cuppa with Jane and Squeeze’s Chris Difford
By Jane Quinn Discussing Inspiration, Barbara Windsor, and much more..... Squeeze has been described as Punk/ New Wave, Pop/Rock, New Wave, Contemporary Pop/Rock, College Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock. Inspired by the Kinks, Beatles, David Bowie, The Who, and others....
Mike Berry – That Mystery Man in ‘The Voice’
By Ian Woolley Mike Berry has juggled acting and singing most of his life. Who knows where he'll turn up next... “When you get an interest in music, that’s all you want to do,” recalled Mike Berry, reminiscing on his early road into music as a 15-year-old. “I would...
Bobby Darin makes a Capitol break
By Pat Murphy When Capitol signed Bobby Darin in 1962, they probably felt they were getting the new Sinatra... Darin would be the best possible replacement for their hitherto star who’d left to set up his own record company. And on paper, it looked like a shrewd move....
Robert Stigwood – Entrepreneur
By Derek Mead The world of a music entrepreneur production of music film television and stage turbulent times and strong attitudes... To read about Robert Stigwood is to become immersed in the world of singers and their songs, and in the production of film and TV...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Review Beat
Pursuing the Holy Grail of Guitars – Armand’s Musical Obsession
A priceless collection of music's history belongs to one man. That enviable man is Armand Serra... By Ian Woolley Guitar-Exp’s Armand Serra has arguably the largest and most valuable collection of guitars in the world. And his obsession shows no sign of waning. Where...
Never sounding better…Leo’s in a happy space right now
"I have my own hair. I have my own teeth and everything else is in fine working order"... REVIEW by Ian Woolley So says Leo Sayer on his current UK tour and he should know. It's been an amazing 50 years in the business for one of the most successful singers to come of...
One Tremendous Night Out – The 60’s Gold Tour
Once again an all-star lineup is doing the rounds and will please 60's fans everywhere... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Five 60's groups who collectively in their heyday amassed numerous chart-topping singles in the UK are joined by USA's legendary singer Gary Puckett. Billed...
Gilbert Gets Down With His Fans – Review
It's all crystal clear for the Waterford boy... REVIEW by Ian Woolley On the back of his recent US tour, the Irish singer Gilbert O'Sullivan is currently on his European leg and with a new album out, it seems there is no end to this prolific songwriter. We caught up...
Still One Amazing Voice – Paul da Vinci
The man behind that incredible vocal range is still wowing his audiences... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Published in the September issue of the Beat, we were invited by Paul to see his show. Would his amazing three-and-a-half-octave voice still cut it? So off we journeyed...
Motown Fans Are In For A Treat – Review
Two of Motown's most successful groups have joined together for what may be the last time that an original member of both bands feature in its lineup... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Their European tour ends in the States in April 2023, whilst in the UK they still have three...
Silky Smooth with the Giants of Soul
Some of the greatest names in Soul music today came together to join Silky's UK tour and he almost didn't live to see it... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Bournemouth soul fans witnessed the last performance of one of the best touring soul lineups that the UK has assembled in...
Music Stars That Loved to Gamble and Enjoy the Casino
Most people love to learn about what their favourite musicians get up to in their spare time. Yes, they are known for their singing abilities and their hit songs. But, fans want to dive into their personal lives and see what they really enjoy. Well, there are a lot of...
Pursuing the Holy Grail of Guitars – Armand’s Musical Obsession
A priceless collection of music's history belongs to one man. That enviable man is Armand Serra... By Ian Woolley Guitar-Exp’s Armand Serra has arguably the largest and most valuable collection of guitars in the world. And his obsession shows no sign of waning. Where...
Never sounding better…Leo’s in a happy space right now
"I have my own hair. I have my own teeth and everything else is in fine working order"... REVIEW by Ian Woolley So says Leo Sayer on his current UK tour and he should know. It's been an amazing 50 years in the business for one of the most successful singers to come of...
One Tremendous Night Out – The 60’s Gold Tour
Once again an all-star lineup is doing the rounds and will please 60's fans everywhere... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Five 60's groups who collectively in their heyday amassed numerous chart-topping singles in the UK are joined by USA's legendary singer Gary Puckett. Billed...
Gilbert Gets Down With His Fans – Review
It's all crystal clear for the Waterford boy... REVIEW by Ian Woolley On the back of his recent US tour, the Irish singer Gilbert O'Sullivan is currently on his European leg and with a new album out, it seems there is no end to this prolific songwriter. We caught up...
Still One Amazing Voice – Paul da Vinci
The man behind that incredible vocal range is still wowing his audiences... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Published in the September issue of the Beat, we were invited by Paul to see his show. Would his amazing three-and-a-half-octave voice still cut it? So off we journeyed...
Motown Fans Are In For A Treat – Review
Two of Motown's most successful groups have joined together for what may be the last time that an original member of both bands feature in its lineup... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Their European tour ends in the States in April 2023, whilst in the UK they still have three...
Silky Smooth with the Giants of Soul
Some of the greatest names in Soul music today came together to join Silky's UK tour and he almost didn't live to see it... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Bournemouth soul fans witnessed the last performance of one of the best touring soul lineups that the UK has assembled in...
Music Stars That Loved to Gamble and Enjoy the Casino
Most people love to learn about what their favourite musicians get up to in their spare time. Yes, they are known for their singing abilities and their hit songs. But, fans want to dive into their personal lives and see what they really enjoy. Well, there are a lot of...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Obituaries
Part of the Motown Clan – RIP R. Dean Taylor
Motown's first white singer and songwriter was so underrated... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Canadian singer and songwriter auditioned and signed for Berry Gordy's record label in 1964. At the time he was the first white artist on their books. He become part of what...
A troubled but successful life – RIP Ronnie Spector
The lead singer of the Ronettes, Ronnie Spector has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley As the lead singer of the 60's girl group, they found success with catchy hits including Be My Baby, Walking In The Rain, and Baby I Love You. Born in 1943, Veronica Yvette Bennett was...
He helped put Woodstock on the map – RIP Michael Lang
One of the founders of Woodstock, Michael Lang has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley As the organiser and co-creator of Woodstock which first took place in 1969, Lang planned to hold a 50th anniversary of the famous festival. Originally called the Woodstock Music and...
She broke the TOTP mould – RIP Janice Long
The first woman to host Top Of The Pops Janice Long has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Former Radio One broadcaster and TOTP presenter Janice Long's career started out in 1979 when she started out on Radio Merseyside as the station assistant. Within 4 years, she got...
The Liquid Paper heir had fun too – RIP Michael Nesmith
Monkees singer and songwriter Michael Nesmith has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Along with Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones as the Monkees, they became overnight TV stars during the '60s with their catchy songs and antics on the TV show of the same name....
The Man Who Shot The 70s – RIP Mick Rock
Earning the nickname 'The man who shot the 70s', Mick Rock has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The renowned music photographer's photos earned him lots of accolades as many were used to cover iconic albums. Emerging stars of the decade like David Bowie, Blondie, and...
The drummer’s drummer – RIP Charlie Watts
One of the World's greatest drummers, Charlie Watts has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Regarded as one of the finest of his profession by his contemporaries, Watts was the pulse of the World's Greatest Rock & Roll band for four decades. Earlier this month it was...
The Voice had it all – RIP Jay Black
Jay Black, lead singer of Jay and the Americans has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Jay and the Americans amassed 21 chart hits during the 60's in the US charts. Hits like Only In America, Come A Little Bit Closer, Cara Mia, This Magic Moment and Walkin’ In The Rain....
Part of the Motown Clan – RIP R. Dean Taylor
Motown's first white singer and songwriter was so underrated... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The Canadian singer and songwriter auditioned and signed for Berry Gordy's record label in 1964. At the time he was the first white artist on their books. He become part of what...
A troubled but successful life – RIP Ronnie Spector
The lead singer of the Ronettes, Ronnie Spector has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley As the lead singer of the 60's girl group, they found success with catchy hits including Be My Baby, Walking In The Rain, and Baby I Love You. Born in 1943, Veronica Yvette Bennett was...
He helped put Woodstock on the map – RIP Michael Lang
One of the founders of Woodstock, Michael Lang has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley As the organiser and co-creator of Woodstock which first took place in 1969, Lang planned to hold a 50th anniversary of the famous festival. Originally called the Woodstock Music and...
She broke the TOTP mould – RIP Janice Long
The first woman to host Top Of The Pops Janice Long has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Former Radio One broadcaster and TOTP presenter Janice Long's career started out in 1979 when she started out on Radio Merseyside as the station assistant. Within 4 years, she got...
The Liquid Paper heir had fun too – RIP Michael Nesmith
Monkees singer and songwriter Michael Nesmith has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Along with Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones as the Monkees, they became overnight TV stars during the '60s with their catchy songs and antics on the TV show of the same name....
The Man Who Shot The 70s – RIP Mick Rock
Earning the nickname 'The man who shot the 70s', Mick Rock has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley The renowned music photographer's photos earned him lots of accolades as many were used to cover iconic albums. Emerging stars of the decade like David Bowie, Blondie, and...
The drummer’s drummer – RIP Charlie Watts
One of the World's greatest drummers, Charlie Watts has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Regarded as one of the finest of his profession by his contemporaries, Watts was the pulse of the World's Greatest Rock & Roll band for four decades. Earlier this month it was...
The Voice had it all – RIP Jay Black
Jay Black, lead singer of Jay and the Americans has died... OBITUARY by Ian Woolley Jay and the Americans amassed 21 chart hits during the 60's in the US charts. Hits like Only In America, Come A Little Bit Closer, Cara Mia, This Magic Moment and Walkin’ In The Rain....