Having sold over 40 million records worldwide, the Manchester quintet Herman’s Hermits who are still on the road touring with original drummer Barry Whitwam who makes this month’s front cover.
As 77 years of age, you could forgive Barry if he decided to hang up his drumsticks but here in 2024, the veteran loves to do what he does best.
Now as a new Solid Gold tour is announced for 2024, Philip and David Williams talk with Barry about being in one of the most successful pop groups of the 60s. With a back catalogue of proven hits to fall back upon, you can bet that their audiences will be singing along at the theatres they perform in again this year.
Mike Maxfield in the Dakotas
With the death of original Dakotas’ guitarist Mike Maxfield, his friend Eddie Mooney talks with Ian Woolley about the musician on the eve of releasing a song they covered before he passed away. In this candid interview, Eddie explains how he saw the warning signs of his friend’s deteriorating health problems that eventually saw him leave the band later that year.
Michael Stott looks back at the 50s crooner Frankie Vaughan and doo-wop group The Coasters is the subject of John Firminger.
Dennis Tufano of the Buckinghams joins Jane for a Cuppa Tea and chats about tree houses, comedians, dreams, and much more,
We don’t feature many indie bands in the Beat, but Ian Woolley takes time out to talk with Paul ‘PJ’ Court of the Primitives.
They are about to go on tour supporting former Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwall. Exclusive to our readers, we have a pair of tickets to give away by answering our simple question published in the magazine.
Get your answers to the editor by 21st January at the latest.
New book releases include Jess Conrad and Buddy Holly with the former having an upcoming feature this year in the Beat. Watch this space!
Talking of legendary Rock ‘N’ Rollers, Ron Tennant looks back at the career of Little Richard.
Another guy who was around from those early days is American Dion who has a new album out called “Girlfriends”. Andy McArthur looks at the Byrds and music reviews including Sandy Posey, Dave Mason, The Jam, Merle Haggard and lots of country and western favourites Subjects of Pat Murphy include Bobby Vinton, Bobby Rydell, Ricky Nelson and Trini Lopez to name a few.
Our January special Beat obituary looks back at Moody Blues and Wings guitarist Denny Laine.
We give you the low down on several new tours including the US tour of the Rolling Stones, along with other tours by Paul Weller and Lenny Kravitz. Follow the latest tours of your favourite artists in our ‘Good Gig Guide’.
Order your copy today.