Jump to content

The Big Three (English band)

From Alfawiki
The Big Three
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
FoundedJanuary 1, 1961; 65 years ago (1961-01-01) in Liverpool, England
FounderBrian Cassar
Headquarters
Liverpool
,
England
ProductsMusic recordings, live performances

The Big Three were a Merseybeat band originating from Liverpool, England, recognized primarily for their 1963 track "Some Other Guy" and their significant association with The Beatles.

Career

The Big Three originated from the group Cass and the Cassanovas, which was established in May 1959 by Brian Cassar alongside Adrian Barber and Brian J. Hudson. In July 1959, Johnny Hutchinson took over Hudson's role, and by December, bassist Johnny Gustafson had joined the lineup. Gustafson's debut performance occurred at The Tower Ballroom in New Brighton on 31 December 1959.

In May 1960, the band auditioned for Larry Parnes, performing alongside The Silver Beetles (the early incarnation of The Beatles). Following Cassar’s departure in December 1960, the trio adopted the name The Big Three in January 1961. They quickly became known for their intense volume and energetic style. Managed by Brian Epstein, they were sent to perform at Hamburg's Star-Club. The addition of Brian Griffiths in July 1962 solidified what is considered their classic lineup.

Epstein organized a recording audition with Decca Records, resulting in the release of their modest hit "Some Other Guy", which emerged as a Merseybeat staple. Epstein ended his management role in July 1963. Later that year, Gustafson and Griffiths left to create the Seniors in Germany with Ian Broad; Hutchinson then recruited Faron Ruffley and Paddy Chambers from Faron's Flamingos to fill their spots.

Chambers exited in March 1964 and was briefly replaced by Paul Pilnick before further personnel changes took place, including several bassists and guitarists joining. Under Chris Wharton's management, efforts to bring Gustafson back were unsuccessful. Between 1964 and 1966, the band consisted of Hutchinson, Ray Marshall (vocals and bass), and Barry Womersley (lead guitar). The group disbanded in 1966 when Hutchinson retired from music.

A final formation featuring Dave Blackstone, Hutchinson, and Pete Mumford performed a few engagements before the band dissolved entirely.

In 1973, Gustafson and Griffiths reunited with Nigel Olsson and J. Peter Robinson to record the album Resurrection released by Polydor Records. Griffiths and Ruffley also appeared together at a charity concert in 1999.

The compilation Cavern Stomp was issued by RPM Records in 2009.

In 2017, Bill Kenwright’s production Cilla The Musical cast The Big Three as the show's backing band, portrayed by Jay Osborne, Chris Weeks, and Tom Dunlea. Original members Griffiths, Gustafson, and Hutchinson entrusted this new lineup with their name; this group intended to produce new material for release in 2020.

Johnny Hutchinson passed away on 12 April 2019. He, along with Gustafson and Griffiths, are featured in the documentary film Some Other Guys.

Members

  • Johnny Hutchinson – drums, vocals (1961–1966)
  • Adrian Barber – initial guitarist, lead guitar, vocals (1961–July 1962)
  • Johnny Gustafson – bass guitar, vocals (1961–1963, 1973)
  • Brian Griffiths – guitar (July 1962–1963, 1973, 1999)
  • Faron Ruffley – bass guitar (1963–1964, 1999)
  • Paddy Chambers – guitar, vocals (1963–1964)
  • Paul Pilnick – guitar, vocals (1964)
  • Ray Marshall – bass guitar, vocals (1964–1966)
  • Barry Womersley (Barry Walmsley) – lead guitar (1964–1966)
  • Nigel Olsson – drums (1973)
  • David Blackstone – lead guitar (ex Tabs)

Associated musicians

Timeline

Singles

  • Some Other Guy (Leiber, Stoller, Barrett) / Let True Love Begin (Decca F 11614, released 29 March 1963, reached UK No. 37)
  • By the Way / Cavern Stomp (Decca F 11689, issued 28 June 1963, peaked at UK No. 22)
  • I'm With You / Peanut Butter (Decca F 11752, launched 11 October 1963)
  • If You Ever Change Your Mind / You've Got to Keep Her under Your Hand (Decca F 11927, dated 12 June 1964)
  • Some Other Guy / Let It Rock / If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody (Polydor 2058 343, released 16 March 1973)

EPs

  • At the Cavern (live recording) featuring "What'd I Say" / "Don't Start Running Away" / "Zip A Dee Doo Dah" / "Reelin' and Rockin'" (Decca DFE 8552 [mono], first issued 22 November 1963; re-released in 1981)

Albums

  • Resurrection (Polydor 2383199, released March 1973)

Compilation albums

  • Cavern Stomp (LP format, Edsel ED 111, released in 1982)
  • Cavern Stomp (CD edition, Deram, issued in 1994)
  • Cavern Stomp (The Complete Recordings) (RPM Records, released in 2009)

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=The_Big_Three_(English_band)&oldid=78654"