Dedicated to the Music & Stars of 50s to 80s
Celebrating 50 Years Of ABBA’s Eurovision Win
It was 50 years ago when a little-known Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became one of the biggest groups in the history of pop... By Ian Woolley It seems ABBA mania has been around forever, yet in fact, when the group broke up in late 1982, as their last four singles faltered in the lower end of the UK...
News Beat ➧
At 85, Veteran Marty Wilde Tops Pop Chart
Officially the first artist to achieve chart success over eight decades, Marty Wilde scoops first no.1 on his 85th birthday... Pop icon Marty Wilde shot to No. 1 in the Heritage Chart as he turned 85 and said, “I’m No. 1 at 85—it’s the best birthday present ever!” In...
Back Beat ➧
Celebrating 50 Years Of ABBA’s Eurovision Win
It was 50 years ago when a little-known Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became one of the biggest groups in the history of pop... By Ian Woolley It seems ABBA mania has been around forever, yet in fact, when the group broke up in late 1982, as...
Review Beat ➧
The Legacy of Rock Legends: Remembering the Icons of Rock Music
Introduction Since it manifested itself as an essential part of our culture, rock music has always been more than just a genre of music. It has shaped multiple generations, sparked revolutions, and provided a voice for change and political cause. Behind every iconic...
Obituaries ➧
R & B Singer Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry Has Died
The talented New Orleans musician and singer, who had several top-ten UK hits in the early 1960s, has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Clarence Henry started playing piano and trombone at an early age while at school and played in several local groups. A Chess Records...
Celebrating 50 Years Of ABBA’s Eurovision Win
It was 50 years ago when a little-known Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became one of the biggest groups in the history of pop... By Ian Woolley It seems ABBA mania has been around forever, yet in fact, when the group broke up in late 1982, as their last four singles faltered in the lower end of the UK...
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News Beat ➧
At 85, Veteran Marty Wilde Tops Pop Chart
Officially the first artist to achieve chart success over eight decades, Marty Wilde scoops first no.1 on his 85th birthday... Pop icon Marty Wilde shot to No. 1 in the Heritage Chart as he turned 85 and said, “I’m No. 1 at 85—it’s the best birthday present ever!” In...
Back Beat ➧
Celebrating 50 Years Of ABBA’s Eurovision Win
It was 50 years ago when a little-known Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became one of the biggest groups in the history of pop... By Ian Woolley It seems ABBA mania has been around forever, yet in fact, when the group broke up in late 1982, as...
Review Beat ➧
The Legacy of Rock Legends: Remembering the Icons of Rock Music
Introduction Since it manifested itself as an essential part of our culture, rock music has always been more than just a genre of music. It has shaped multiple generations, sparked revolutions, and provided a voice for change and political cause. Behind every iconic...
Obituaries ➧
R & B Singer Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry Has Died
The talented New Orleans musician and singer, who had several top-ten UK hits in the early 1960s, has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Clarence Henry started playing piano and trombone at an early age while at school and played in several local groups. A Chess Records...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
News Beat
At 85, Veteran Marty Wilde Tops Pop Chart
Officially the first artist to achieve chart success over eight decades, Marty Wilde scoops first no.1 on his 85th birthday... Pop icon Marty Wilde shot to No. 1 in the Heritage Chart as he turned 85 and said, “I’m No. 1 at 85—it’s the best birthday present ever!” In...
Special UB40 featuring Ali Campbell Concert In Crawley
UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, are heading to Crawley for a special open-air performance, and we have a pair of tickets to give away to one of our lucky readers... The legendary reggae performers will bring their unmistakable sound to Goffs Park on Friday, July 12th,...
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,...
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...
55 Years In The Pop Business – Chris Norman
"Me having a croaky voice or something was made up once in a magazine article or something way back when and it never happened...it just wasn't true". Smokie lead singer Chris Norman dispels the rumours that his distinctive voice was due to a freak throat infection......
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...
Peter Asher Gets Fifth Grammy Award
Famed Peter Asher (of 60s chart-topping duo Peter & Gordon), has just been given a special award at this year's Grammy Awards... However, Asher is no stranger to the ceremony. In this year's 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, the singer, guitarist and producer...
Tony Hadley’s Upcoming Tour Nearly Sells Out After Being Pranked By Michael McIntyre
"Then when the flap went down the noise was just incredible", Tony recalls the surreal moment after being pranked on Michael McIntyre's Big Show... By Ian Woolley Off the back of that prime-time BBC show recently watched by millions of viewers, the tickets for his...
In Charge Of Our Own Destiny – Colin Blunstone
It's taken 50 years to get the Zombies recorded back catalogue back into their own hands and lead singer Colin Blunstone couldn't be more happier... By Ian Woolley "It's very exciting and we were really fortunate with the company that handled our masters and I think...
Dennis Tufano Shares A Cuppa With Jane
You may or may not instantly recognise his name, but you know him and you know his songs... Dennis Tufano was the original voice of The Buckinghams. the Chicago-based group that scored a string of five US Top Ten hits in the late-sixties including, the #1 “Kind of A...
Paul Weller To Play With His Favourite Band
Following a BBC interview in 2010 where Paul Weller sites his favourite band as The Zombies and covered one of their hits "Time Of The Season", Paul Weller is finally set to realise his dream and will join the iconic 60’s band on stage at The Barbican 7th June 2024....
Primitives Announce New UK Tour Supporting Hugh Cornwell
HUGH CORNWELL with very special guests The Primitives announce January 2024 - UK Tour! The recently announced tour begins in Bury St.Edmunds on the 17th of January 2024 and they'll be taking in Newcastle, Glasgow, Holmfirth, Brighton, London, Leamington Spa and Frome....
At 85, Veteran Marty Wilde Tops Pop Chart
Officially the first artist to achieve chart success over eight decades, Marty Wilde scoops first no.1 on his 85th birthday... Pop icon Marty Wilde shot to No. 1 in the Heritage Chart as he turned 85 and said, “I’m No. 1 at 85—it’s the best birthday present ever!” In...
Special UB40 featuring Ali Campbell Concert In Crawley
UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, are heading to Crawley for a special open-air performance, and we have a pair of tickets to give away to one of our lucky readers... The legendary reggae performers will bring their unmistakable sound to Goffs Park on Friday, July 12th,...
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,...
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...
55 Years In The Pop Business – Chris Norman
"Me having a croaky voice or something was made up once in a magazine article or something way back when and it never happened...it just wasn't true". Smokie lead singer Chris Norman dispels the rumours that his distinctive voice was due to a freak throat infection......
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...
Peter Asher Gets Fifth Grammy Award
Famed Peter Asher (of 60s chart-topping duo Peter & Gordon), has just been given a special award at this year's Grammy Awards... However, Asher is no stranger to the ceremony. In this year's 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, the singer, guitarist and producer...
Tony Hadley’s Upcoming Tour Nearly Sells Out After Being Pranked By Michael McIntyre
"Then when the flap went down the noise was just incredible", Tony recalls the surreal moment after being pranked on Michael McIntyre's Big Show... By Ian Woolley Off the back of that prime-time BBC show recently watched by millions of viewers, the tickets for his...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Back Beat
Celebrating 50 Years Of ABBA’s Eurovision Win
It was 50 years ago when a little-known Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became one of the biggest groups in the history of pop... By Ian Woolley It seems ABBA mania has been around forever, yet in fact, when the group broke up in late 1982, as...
Rocking The World Her Way – Suzi Quatro
"I don't do regrets and I have never have. I think the mistakes you make are there for a reason and they are meant to teach you”... By Ian Woolley It's been an incredible 50 years for the leather-cladded singer and musician since she topped the charts with 'Devil Gate...
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...
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...
Flying With Wings – The Denny Seiwell Story
"One day we rocked up at Nottingham University with our band and asked to play a free gig. The head was apprehensive until we told him we had Paul McCartney outside with us"... By Ian Woolley The American drummer recalls the bizarre moment when the ex-Beatle decided...
Motown to Northern Soul Legend – Sidney Barnes
For as long as he can remember, Sidney Barnes's life in music was clearly mapped out from a young age. Singing with schoolmates including a certain Marvin Gaye... By Ian Woolley As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Barnes wrote songs for all the talented artists...
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...
Still Getting Sentimental Over You – Lyn Paul
Currently baring all on stage in the musical Calender Girls, the New Seekers singer is also about to bare all in her upcoming autobiography... By Ian Woolley It's now been 50 years since they topped the UK charts with their first No.1 'I'd Like To Teach The World To...
Celebrating 50 Years Of ABBA’s Eurovision Win
It was 50 years ago when a little-known Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest and became one of the biggest groups in the history of pop... By Ian Woolley It seems ABBA mania has been around forever, yet in fact, when the group broke up in late 1982, as...
Rocking The World Her Way – Suzi Quatro
"I don't do regrets and I have never have. I think the mistakes you make are there for a reason and they are meant to teach you”... By Ian Woolley It's been an incredible 50 years for the leather-cladded singer and musician since she topped the charts with 'Devil Gate...
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...
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...
Flying With Wings – The Denny Seiwell Story
"One day we rocked up at Nottingham University with our band and asked to play a free gig. The head was apprehensive until we told him we had Paul McCartney outside with us"... By Ian Woolley The American drummer recalls the bizarre moment when the ex-Beatle decided...
Motown to Northern Soul Legend – Sidney Barnes
For as long as he can remember, Sidney Barnes's life in music was clearly mapped out from a young age. Singing with schoolmates including a certain Marvin Gaye... By Ian Woolley As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Barnes wrote songs for all the talented artists...
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...
Still Getting Sentimental Over You – Lyn Paul
Currently baring all on stage in the musical Calender Girls, the New Seekers singer is also about to bare all in her upcoming autobiography... By Ian Woolley It's now been 50 years since they topped the UK charts with their first No.1 'I'd Like To Teach The World To...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Review Beat
The Legacy of Rock Legends: Remembering the Icons of Rock Music
Introduction Since it manifested itself as an essential part of our culture, rock music has always been more than just a genre of music. It has shaped multiple generations, sparked revolutions, and provided a voice for change and political cause. Behind every iconic...
Transporting Music Fans Back To The 60s
Now you can travel back in time and discover London in the Swinging Sixties—its trendy coffee bars, pubs, fashion boutiques, and venues where music legends cut their teeth... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Launched in 2010 by owner and founder Paul Endacott, his award-winning...
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...
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...
New Book Tells The Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers Story
As the instigator of the British Soul Scene, Cliff Bennett and his band, the Rebel Rousers, now tell their story in a new biography released... By Ian Woolley Cliff told me that his band used to play at the Hell & Heaven Club, which was owned by two local...
Hadley Swings The Classics On His New Tour
A recent leg operation didn't deter the 63-year-old former Spandau Ballet frontman from pulling out his latest UK tour which kicked off in Portmouth last night... REVIEW By Ian Woolley PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL TONY HADLEY BIG SWING TOUR Recently, I asked what his fans can...
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...
The Top 4 Business Mistakes To Avoid in 2024
Running a business in the current global climate is like an uphill battle, but many savvy entrepreneurs are making the best of the situation. Being adaptable, thinking ahead and understanding what your target audience needs is how business owners are going to find...
The Legacy of Rock Legends: Remembering the Icons of Rock Music
Introduction Since it manifested itself as an essential part of our culture, rock music has always been more than just a genre of music. It has shaped multiple generations, sparked revolutions, and provided a voice for change and political cause. Behind every iconic...
Transporting Music Fans Back To The 60s
Now you can travel back in time and discover London in the Swinging Sixties—its trendy coffee bars, pubs, fashion boutiques, and venues where music legends cut their teeth... REVIEW by Ian Woolley Launched in 2010 by owner and founder Paul Endacott, his award-winning...
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...
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...
New Book Tells The Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers Story
As the instigator of the British Soul Scene, Cliff Bennett and his band, the Rebel Rousers, now tell their story in a new biography released... By Ian Woolley Cliff told me that his band used to play at the Hell & Heaven Club, which was owned by two local...
Hadley Swings The Classics On His New Tour
A recent leg operation didn't deter the 63-year-old former Spandau Ballet frontman from pulling out his latest UK tour which kicked off in Portmouth last night... REVIEW By Ian Woolley PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL TONY HADLEY BIG SWING TOUR Recently, I asked what his fans can...
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...
The Top 4 Business Mistakes To Avoid in 2024
Running a business in the current global climate is like an uphill battle, but many savvy entrepreneurs are making the best of the situation. Being adaptable, thinking ahead and understanding what your target audience needs is how business owners are going to find...
Back issues, subscriptions, pre-orders, etc.
Obituaries
R & B Singer Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry Has Died
The talented New Orleans musician and singer, who had several top-ten UK hits in the early 1960s, has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Clarence Henry started playing piano and trombone at an early age while at school and played in several local groups. A Chess Records...
Former Cockney Rebel Steve Harley Has Died
Following a battle with cancer which forced Harley had to pull out of his recent UK tour, the former Cockney Rebel frontman has died at the age of 73... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Harley had to pull out of his recent tour to undergo treatment after discovering he had...
‘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...
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...
Female Folk Pioneer Melanie Has Died
One of only three female performers at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, Melanie Safka went on to record over 28 studio albums in her long career and was reported working on a new album at the time of her death... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Her three children released the...
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...
Dakotas’ Mike Maxfield Fondly Remembered – Eddie Mooney
One of the original guitarists with the Dakotas, Mike Maxfield has died and now one of his former band members is to release a new single in his memory... By Ian Woolley The original 1961 lineup with Maxfield was drummer Tony Bookbinder, guitarist Robin MacDonald,...
Moody Blues & Wings Guitarist Denny Laine Has Died
Moody Blues and Wings singer, guitarist and songwriter Denny Laine has died after a short illness that kept him hospitalised after getting COVID-19 last year... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley The 78-year-old guitarist has been in and out of Naples hospital in Florida, most...
R & B Singer Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry Has Died
The talented New Orleans musician and singer, who had several top-ten UK hits in the early 1960s, has died... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Clarence Henry started playing piano and trombone at an early age while at school and played in several local groups. A Chess Records...
Former Cockney Rebel Steve Harley Has Died
Following a battle with cancer which forced Harley had to pull out of his recent UK tour, the former Cockney Rebel frontman has died at the age of 73... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Harley had to pull out of his recent tour to undergo treatment after discovering he had...
‘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...
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...
Female Folk Pioneer Melanie Has Died
One of only three female performers at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, Melanie Safka went on to record over 28 studio albums in her long career and was reported working on a new album at the time of her death... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley Her three children released the...
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...
Dakotas’ Mike Maxfield Fondly Remembered – Eddie Mooney
One of the original guitarists with the Dakotas, Mike Maxfield has died and now one of his former band members is to release a new single in his memory... By Ian Woolley The original 1961 lineup with Maxfield was drummer Tony Bookbinder, guitarist Robin MacDonald,...
Moody Blues & Wings Guitarist Denny Laine Has Died
Moody Blues and Wings singer, guitarist and songwriter Denny Laine has died after a short illness that kept him hospitalised after getting COVID-19 last year... OBITUARY By Ian Woolley The 78-year-old guitarist has been in and out of Naples hospital in Florida, most...