Johnny Kidd & the Pirates

Johnny Kidd & the Pirates
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1959
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Rock music, singles, albums

Johnny Kidd & the Pirates—later known simply as the Pirates following their reunion—were a British rock group fronted by vocalist and songwriter Johnny Kidd. From their inception in 1959 through the mid-1960s, they gained popularity with hits such as "Shakin' All Over" and "Please Don't Touch".

Their live performances were notable for their theatricality, comparable to acts like Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages, but this aspect ceased after Kidd tragically died in a car crash in 1966. Subsequent reunions saw former members perform as the Pirates into the late 2000s.

Early days

Under the management of Guy Robinson and signed to His Master's Voice in 1959 with producer Walter J. Ridley, their first release was the gritty "Please Don't Touch", penned by Kidd himself. This single climbed to number 25 on the UK singles charts that year.

From 1959 until 1961, on the BBC program Saturday Club, vocal duties were shared between Mike West, Tom Brown, and Kidd.

"Shakin' All Over"

Their signature song, "Shakin' All Over", distinguished by Joe Moretti's unique guitar riff, topped the UK singles chart in 1960. This track and their early proto-power trio formation influenced bands like the Who, who later covered it on their 1970 album Live at Leeds. In Canada, The Guess Who also achieved a number one hit with their version in 1965.

The last recording featuring this lineup was "Please Don't Bring Me Down" (1961), which did not chart but included the B-side "So What", a minor classic in UK rock circles notable for Morgan "Thunderclap" Jones' piano solo. Following this, Pirates members Clem Cattini, Alan Caddy, and Brian Gregg departed to tour Europe with Colin Hicks. Cattini and Caddy subsequently became part of a backing group that evolved into the Tornados. Meanwhile, Kidd pursued a blues-influenced solo direction with the release of "Hurry on Back to Love".

A new trio was assembled as the Pirates: Johnny Spence on bass, Frank Farley on drums, and Johnny Patto on lead guitar; all had previously supported Cuddly Dudley. Patto soon exited and was replaced by Mick Green, also from Dudley's ensemble. Their initial single with Kidd, "A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues" / "I Can Tell" (1962), achieved moderate chart success and highlighted Green's pioneering guitar techniques that bridged British rock and roll with the emerging British beat movement.

Kidd introduced a visual concept for their shows involving pirate-themed costumes and stage props. An intended release of "Some Other Guy" was shelved in early 1963, missing an opportunity amid the rising popularity of beat groups.

Kidd then recorded Gordon Mills' composition "I'll Never Get Over You", which reached number 4 during summer 1963. Its follow-up single, "Hungry For Love", also written by Mills, entered the top twenty that autumn despite stiff competition from The Searchers.

During the session for "Hungry For Love," a Pirates-only single was produced: "My Babe" / "Casting My Spell," featuring Spence as lead vocalist. Both tracks were completed in a single take, demonstrating the band’s strength and assurance. According to Mick Green, this release served as an experiment to determine if Kidd and the Pirates could succeed independently; its lack of commercial impact ended such ambitions.

Later Years

In 1964, the Pirates incorporated organist Vic Cooper into their lineup. Despite his addition, their debut album featuring Cooper was never released, coinciding with a decline in their chart success. Struggling to compete with the Beatles' rising popularity, Kidd abandoned his experiment with dual-tracking and refocused on R&B, which better showcased his vocal abilities. Following the release of 1964's "Always And Ever," Mick Green departed to join Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas. Stuart Taylor filled in temporarily before John Weider became the permanent replacement.

Eventually, Kidd parted ways with the band. With Kidd’s approval, Johnny Spence, Frank Farley, and guitarist Jon Morshead (who succeeded Weider) carried on as The Pirates. They issued a single titled "Shades of Blue" through Polydor but disbanded by mid-1966 due to insufficient commercial success. Meanwhile, Kidd pursued solo recordings backed by anonymous session musicians; his later releases suggested a shift toward soul and R&B influences.

In 1966, organist Ray Soaper formed a new version of The Pirates including Mick Stewart, Nick Simper, and Roger Truth. This incarnation, known as Kidd’s "New Pirates," was intended to stage a comeback and had plans for an album. Tragically, Kidd died in a car crash in October 1966; Simper was also injured in the accident. Their single "Send For That Girl" was released after Kidd’s death but failed to chart. The group continued briefly before disbanding in May 1967 amid evolving musical trends.

The Pirates After Kidd

The most recognized lineup—comprising Mick Green, Johnny Spence, and Frank Farley—reunited in 1976 with Kidd’s blessing. Over the following years, they released four albums: Out of Their Skulls (1977), which peaked at number 57 on the UK charts; Skull Wars (1978); Happy Birthday Rock'n'Roll (1979); and A Fistful of Dubloons (1981). These records blended original compositions with classic R&B and rock covers, with the first two albums featuring both live and studio material.

The band performed at the Front Row Festival in 1977 and contributed to the compilation The Hope & Anchor Front Row Festival, which reached number 28 on UK charts. This lineup also appeared on other compilations such as It’s Rock’n’Roll (1977) and The London R & B Sessions (1980).

Following their last performance in 1983 before a reunion in 1999, The Pirates continued sporadically with various personnel anchored by Mick Green. During the 1980s and early 1990s, John Gustafson joined on bass and vocals; between 1996 and 1998 Björn Anders and Romek Parol were members before the original trio reunited until 2005. Frank Farley retired due to health reasons in 2005 and was succeeded by Mike Roberts.

Post-1983 releases include Still Shakin'’' (1987), featuring Gustafson; Land of the Blind (1998), with Anders, Parol, and Green; and Skullduggery (2006), recorded by Green, Spence, and Roberts. The band dissolved following Mick Green's passing in January 2010.

In 2013, Anders and Parol established The Spellkasters alongside vocalist Pete Edmunds. Their album Kastin' The Spell (2014) featured reimagined Pirates songs co-written by Green and Wilko Johnson. They embarked on an international tour beginning March 2014.

Original bassist and vocalist Johnny Spence has been performing since 2008 with Finnish trio Doctor's Order, mainly playing shows across Finland and at international festivals. They have released two albums: Full Throttle No Brakes (2009) and Hot and Rockin'’' (2011). Mick Green also collaborated with them on a mini-album recorded in 2007.

Another iteration of The Pirates including guitarist Joe Moretti alongside founding members Brian Gregg (bass) and Clem Cattini (drums) has occasionally performed recently; currently guitar duties are handled by Joe Moretti’s son.

Legacy

The flip side of Johnny Kidd & the Pirates' 1964 release "Always and Ever" featured a rendition of "Dr Feelgood," originally performed by American blues pianist and vocalist Willie Perryman, known as "Piano Red." His version was titled "Dr Feelgood & the Interns." The phrase "Dr Feelgood" serves as a slang term for heroin. This particular recording by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates inspired the name of the band Dr. Feelgood.

Former members

Johnny Kidd (Frederick Heath) – lead vocals (1959–66; until his passing)
Mike West – backing vocals (1959–60)
Tom Brown – backing vocals (1959–60)
Johnny Gordon – bass guitar (1959)
Ken McKay – drums (1959)
Tony Doherty – guitar (1959)
Alan Caddy – lead guitar (1959–61; deceased 2000)
Brian Gregg – bass guitar (1959–61; deceased 2024)
Clem Cattini – drums (1959–61)
Frank Farley – drums (1961–66, 1976–2005)
Johnny Spence – bass guitar (1961–66, 1976–2010)
Johnny Patto – guitar (1962)
Mick Green – guitar (1962–64, 1976–2010; deceased)
Vic Cooper – piano and organ (1964–66)
John Weider – guitar (1964–65)
John Moreshead – guitar (1965–66)
Paulie Raymond – guitar (1966–67)
Mick Stewart – guitar and vocals (1966–67)
Roger "Truth" Pinner – drums (1966)
Ray Soper – piano and organ (1966)
Nick Simper – bass and vocals (1966–67)
Johnny Carroll – keyboards and vocals (1966–67; deceased 1995)
John Kerrison – drums (1966–67)
BJ Anders – bass and vocals (1994–99)
Romek Parol – drums (1994–99)
Mike Roberts – drums (2005–10)
Mike Rudzinski – bass and vocals (1966)
Billy Knaggs – guitar (1966)
Les Hall – drums (1966)
John Gustafson – bass and vocals (deceased 2014)
Peter Taylor – lead vocals and percussion (1993–94)

The (New) Pirates (1976)

Nick Simper – bass and vocals (1976)
Roger "Truth" Pinner – drums (1976)

Kidd Kane & the Pirates (2005)

Kidd Kane – lead vocals (2005)
Joe Moretti Jnr – guitar (2005)
Brian Gregg – bass guitar (2005; original Pirates member)
Clem Cattini – drums (2005; original Pirates member)

Current lineup

Johnny Spence – lead vocals (2008 to present; original Pirates member)
Teppo "Teddy Bear" Nättilä – bass and vocals (1998 to present)
Arto "Grande-Archie" Hämäläinen – guitar (1998 to present)
Kimmo "Mighty Man" Oikarinen – drums (2007 to present)

Harmonica on all albums is played by Kaj Erik Ensio Takamäki

Past members

Timo "Madman" Väätäinen – drums (1998–2003)
Harri "Dirty Harry" Tuominen – drums (2003–07)

Extended plays

Shakin' All Over EP: "Please Don't Touch" / "Shakin' All Over" backed with "Restless" / "You Got What It Takes" (December 1960)
Johnny Kidd EP: "I'll Never Get Over You" / "Then I Got Everything" backed with "Hungry for Love" / "A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" (December 1963)

Singles

"Please Don't Touch" backed with "Growl" (May 1959)
"If You Were the Only Girl in the World" backed with "Feelin'" (December 1959) — A-side credited to Johnny Kidd with Chorus and Orchestra
"You Got What It Takes" backed with "Longin' Lips" (January 1960)
"Shakin' All Over" backed with "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" (June 1960)
"Restless" backed with "Magic of Love" (September 1960)
"Linda Lu" backed with "Let's Talk About Us" (March 1961)
"Please Don't Bring Me Down" backed with "So What" (September 1961)
"Hurry On Back to Love" backed with "I Want That" (January 1962) — both sides credited to Johnny Kidd with The Michael Sammes Singers and Orchestra
"A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" backed with "I Can Tell" (November 1962)
"I'll Never Get Over You" backed with "Then I Got Everything" (June 1963)
"Hungry for Love" backed with "Ecstasy" (November 1963)
"Always and Ever" backed with "Dr. Feelgood" (April 1964)
"Jealous Girl" backed with "Shop Around" (June 1964)
"Whole Lotta Woman" backed with "Your Cheatin' Heart" (October 1964)
"The Birds and the Bees" backed with "Don't Make the Same Mistake As I Did" (February 1965)
New recording of Shakin' All Over backed with Gotta Travel On (May 1965)
It's Gotta Be You backed with I Hate to Get Up in the Morning (April 1966)
Posthumous release: Send for That Girl backed with The Fool (November 1966)

Singles

"My Babe" backed with "Castin' My Spell" (January 1964) (His Master's Voice POP 1250)
"Shades of Blue" backed with "Can't Understand" (July 1966) (Polydor 56712)
"Sweet Love on My Mind" (Live) backed with "You Don't Own Me"/"Don't München It" (September 1977) (Warner Bros. K 17002)

Unreleased album

After achieving chart success in 1963, a number of songs were recorded in early 1964. Nevertheless, EMI, which managed several prominent artists, appears to have discontinued the project following the single "Always and Ever" not breaking into the Top 40. The only track released during that period was "Shop Around," issued as a B-side in June 1964. The unreleased material was eventually made available two decades later through various compilations issued by See for Miles Records.

External links