Back to the Golden ’60s, Tiverton Town Football Club, Saturday 7th May, 7pm
By Jim Bray
The band who played alongside The Beatles more than any other artist at the world-famous Cavern Club are to headline an open-air music concert in Devon.
The Merseybeats, who had seven top-40 hits in the UK, will head the bill at the Back to the Golden ’60s concert at Tiverton Town Football Club on Saturday 7th May.
They will be joined by three other original acts – Chris Farlowe, Dave Berry and Vanity Fare – in an impressive line-up of names from yesteryear.
The artists regularly sell out theatres and venues across the UK as part of the Solid Silver ’60s Show.
During their rise to stardom in the early 1960s, The Merseybeats played regularly with The Beatles and Gerry and The Pacemakers at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
Their million-selling single I Think of You propelled them to number five in the UK chart in 1964, while Don’t Turn Around and Wishin’ and Hopin’ both reached number 13.
The current line-up includes founder members and lead vocalists Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley.
Chris Farlowe is best known for his hit single Out of Time, which rose to number one in the UK in 1966.
Labelled ‘The Voice’, Farlowe covered a series of Rolling Stones tracks and was the first man to have a hit with the classic Handbags and Gladrags.
Dave Berry, a teen idol in the 1960s, broke into the UK top five on three occasions with The Crying Game, Little Things and Mama.
This Strange Effect was one of four other top-40 UK hits and it became a number one sensation in Holland and Belgium.
Vanity Fare are probably best remembered for their million-selling single Hitchin’ a Ride, which became a worldwide hit.
Their biggest UK hit, Early in the Morning, rose to number eight in 1969 and also sold over a million copies.
The Tiverton concert gets under way at 7pm, with gates opening at 5.30pm. Parking will be available at nearby Tiverton High School.
The concert, sponsored by Ken White Signs, will feature a bar and catering marquee.
Tickets cost £22 for adults and OAPs but are reduced to £20 in an ‘Early Bird’ special if booked before April 1. Tickets for under-18s are £10.
Family tickets cost £60, or £55 if booked before April 1.
There is also a group special. For anyone buying 10 adult tickets, the organiser goes free.
Tickets can be bought via the club website at www.tivertontownfc.com/concert or from the Tourist Information Centre in Tiverton.
Alternatively, call Derek Hawkins on 01884 841454, phone the club on 01884 252397 after 7pm or e-mail Jim Bray at tivvytowncommercial@hotmail.co.uk
The club has joined forces with nearby Tiverton Hotel to offer a special package for those interested in accommodation after the event.
The deal, costing £50 for a single or £80 for a couple, includes tickets to the concert and an overnight room only stay at the hotel.
To book, call the hotel direct on 01884 256120 or e-mail reservations@tivertonhotel.co.uk, quoting ‘Golden ’60s Night’.
For more information on the package, visit http://www.bw-tivertonhotel.co.uk/devon-hotel/19/rooms.html