St. Louis Union
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
St. Louis Union was an English freakbeat rock ensemble from Manchester active in the mid-1960s, closely linked to the mod rock movement. The group was originally formed by vocalist Tony Cassidy, guitarist Keith Millar, tenor saxophonist and flautist Alex Kirby (who was later succeeded by Lenni Zaksen and Bernie Brown), keyboardist David Tomlinson, bassist John Nichols, and drummer Dave Webb. Before adopting the name St. Louis Union, they performed under the moniker The Satanists.
In August 1965, they emerged victorious in the Melody Maker National Beat Contest held at Wimbledon Palais, surpassing rising bands including Pink Floyd. The panel of judges featured notable figures such as Graham Nash and Kenny Everett. Their rewards comprised a Hammond organ, a recording contract with Decca Records, a television spot on ABC’s Lucky Stars, and custom-designed stage attire. Under the management of Terry Smith and representation by Kennedy St. Artists, their win secured their television debut on Granada TV’s Scene at 6.30.
Their first single, a rendition of the Beatles’ track "Girl," climbed to No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1966 and was also distributed in the United States via Parrot Records. While the band enjoyed a loyal following around Manchester, their later singles "Behind The Door" and "East Side Story" did not achieve comparable commercial success. They appeared twice on Top of the Pops during April and November 1966, supported Otis Redding at the Manchester Apollo, and featured in the film The Ghost Goes Gear. The band dissolved in 1967.
Following the group's breakup, guitarist Keith Millar went on to perform with Rod Stewart’s band until his death in 2005. Tony Cassidy shifted to education, becoming one of the youngest head teachers in the UK during the 1970s before his passing around that period. David Tomlinson, performing as Dave Formula, moved into new wave music with acts such as Magazine and Visage. Bassist John Nichols established himself as a leading actors’ headshot photographer in Manchester, earning the Heist Award for his work. Bernie Brown continues to play saxophone professionally in Spain, while drummer Dave Webb performed with The New Soul Messengers until his death in 2017.
Discography
All releases were issued in 1966 under Decca Records:
- "Girl" (b/w "Respect") – Released in the UK on 6 January 1966; issued in the US by Parrot Records, a subsidiary of London Records
- "Behind The Door" (b/w "English Tea") – Released in the UK on 22 April 1966
- "East Side Story" (b/w "Think About Me") – Released in the UK on 21 October 1966