The Cryin' Shames
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | George Robinson, Norman Eastwood (manager) |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles |
The Cryin' Shames were an English pop and beat ensemble active during the mid-1960s, with production overseen by Joe Meek. Their notable success came in 1966 with a UK charting single, a rendition of The Drifters' 1961 track "Please Stay," originally composed by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard.
Career
Originating from The Bumblies, a Liverpool-based group formed in 1963 by George Robinson and managed by Norman Eastwood, The Cryin' Shames initially consisted of six members: vocalists Charlie Crane and Joey Kneen, guitarist John Bennett, keyboardist Phil Roberts, bassist George Robinson, and drummer Charlie Gallagher.
Prior to this, Joey Kneen and Phil Roberts were part of The Calderstones, a band that included Tom Evans who later joined Badfinger. After their debut single was recorded, John Bennett departed in December 1965 and was succeeded by 16-year-old Ritchie Routledge from The Aztecs. Routledge was both a semi-professional musician and a junior reporter for Music Echo, a publication owned by Brian Epstein. Shortly before Christmas 1965, the group adopted the name The Cryin' Shames. Their first single under this name, "Please Stay," was issued by Decca Records on 18 February 1966 and marked Joe Meek's last charting success prior to his passing in 1967.
The single "Please Stay" climbed to number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. Although Brian Epstein offered to manage them following an encounter at Liverpool's Adelphi Hotel, the band opted not to accept his proposal.
In May 1966, George Robinson left the lineup and was replaced by Derek Cleary on bass guitar. Cleary performed on their follow-up single "Nobody Waved Goodbye," which was released in June of the same year. Robinson continued his musical career alongside multi-instrumentalist Katie Peacock under the name Class Of 59.
Following these changes, Charlie Crane and Ritchie Routledge exited to establish a new group featuring Brian Norris (bass), Mike Espie (guitar), Pete Byrne (organ), and Paul Commerford (drums). This ensemble produced one last single with Joe Meek: "September in the Rain" backed with "Come On Back," released on 1 September 1966 under the name Paul and Ritchie and The Crying Shames.
Routledge subsequently led the band Blackwater Park and was involved with Grimms. He also contributed as a session vocalist for The Scaffold, appearing on their 1974 UK Top 10 hit "Liverpool Lou," produced by Paul McCartney. Charlie Crane became the lead vocalist for Gary Walker and The Rain. Ritchie Routledge passed away in Nashville on 8 October 2023 at age 73.
Singles
- As The Cryin' Shames
- "Please Stay" (Bacharach, Hilliard) / "What's New Pussycat" (Kneen/Robinson) (Decca F 12340 - February 1966) (UK No. 26 NME) (UK No. 22 Melody Maker)
- "Nobody Waved Goodbye" (Schroeder, Gold, Brooks) / "You" (Cryin' Shames) (Decca F 12425 - June 1966)
- As Paul and Ritchie and The Crying Shames
- "September in the Rain" (Warren, Dubin) / "Come on Back" (Crane/Routledge) (Decca F 12483 - September 1966) (UK No. 40 Melody Maker)
Compilation albums
- The Cryin' Shames' track "What's New Pussycat" was included on English Freakbeat, Volume 5 of the English Freakbeat series.
- Friendly Persuasion: Please Stay (2024)