The Merseybeats performing at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight this Sunday

Oct 21 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

THE ORIGINAL line-up of legendary 1960s band The Merseybeats are performing at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, on Sunday (October 25).

Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley, who founded the band in 1961, are taking to the stage with long-term bandmates Bob Packham (who joined in 1974), Dave Goldberg (1993) and Lou Rosenthal (2000).

Tony and Billy started the band as an Everly Brothers-influenced duo around the clubs and pubs of Liverpool.

The band had their first hit in 1963 with It’s Love That Really Counts, followed by the million-selling I Think Of You.

The Merseybeats appeared regularly at the Cavern Club and made numerous appearances alongside The Beatles.

They were originally signed to Brian Epstein but the relationship came to an end after a dispute between artists and management over the “classy suits” given to The Beatles.

The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15, available from the box office on 643 8757.

Wirral News has teamed up with the Gladstone Theatre to give away two pairs of tickets to the show, and to be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: What was the original name of the Merseybeats? a) The Mavericks, b) The Musicians or c) The Guitar Players?

Tickets will go to the first two callers who ring the newsdesk on 239 5907 with the correct answer.