Biography
Originally called the Mavericks, this Liverpool, England-based quartet comprised Tony Crane (17 April 1945, Liverpool, England; vocals/lead guitar), Billy Kinsley (b. 28 May 1946, Liverpool, England; vocals/bass), David Ellis (rhythm guitar) and Frank Sloan (drums). In 1962, long before the Beatles put Liverpool on the musical map, they renamed themselves the Merseybeats. Early line-up changes saw Ellis and Sloan replaced by Aaron Williams (b. 23 June 1942, Liverpool, England) and John Banks (b. 23 September 1943, Liverpool, England, d. 20 April 1988, England). By mid-1963, Beatlemania had engulfed the UK, and A&R representatives descended upon Liverpool in search of talent. The Merseybeats were scooped up by Fontana Records and initially signed by Brian Epstein, but left their new mentor within weeks, following an argument over image. Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s ‘It’s Love That Really Counts’ gave them a minor hit, but it was the...
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