As the instigator of the British Soul Scene, Cliff Bennett and his band, the Rebel Rousers, now tell their story in a new biography released…
By Ian Woolley
Cliff Bennett in Shanghai
Cliff told me that his band used to play at the Hell & Heaven Club, which was owned by two local wrestlers, Bob Alexandra and Paul Lincoln. The Club was located right next to the famous 2i’s Coffee Club.
“One day, Paul McCartney contacted Cliff and offered to help the band get a deal with Joe Meek,” Cliff tells me. “Joe was impressed with our music and said that we were the best band he had heard.”
“We hit it off with Joe straight away, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Using interviews conducted with Cliff in 2020-2022, this is the story – in his own words – of his path to fame and fortune. From his youth in post-war Britain with a career ahead of him as a foundry worker, Cliff’s narrative illustrates the unstoppable momentum of his path into the music business, from his early formation of The ACME Skiffle Group to their transformation into Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.
At the height of their success in the ’60s, Cliff and the band were playing alongside other music legends – including Gene Vincent, The Beatles, The Searchers, Brenda Lee and others – at the infamous Star Club in Hamburg, touring the world and pioneering the University Student Union circuit tours in the UK.
Attracting music giants such as Joe Meek, Brian Epstein, Paul McCartney, amongst others, into Cliff’s career path, he was set on a trajectory for great success at a time when music was shaping the world that we see around us today.
Cliff candidly shares anecdotes and memories from this thrilling time rising to fame, his hit single ‘Got to Get You Into My Life’ in 1963 and the rollercoaster of life on the road.
See Cliff and the Rebel Rousers perform ‘Got To Get You Into My Life’ on YOUTUBE
He reflects on the disbanding of The Rebel Rousers in 1969, his time with Shanghai and Toe Fat, including touring the US supporting Status Quo, Elton John and Derek and the Dominoes – and eventually, his decision to leave the music industry behind until the legendary band reformed in the 1980’s under Mark Lundquist’s wing and guidance.
With contributions from people along the way, including Frankie Allen (The Searchers), Bobby Thompson (Kingsize Taylor & the Dominoes, The Rockin’ Berries), Terry Marshall (of Marshall Amplification), Bob Pridden (the Who’s Sound Engineer), Mark Lundquist, and others, this is a valuable insight into the music industry at the onset of rock ‘n’ roll.
“A fascinating insight into the man who paved the way for the British soul scene. a must-read” Ian Woolley (The Beat)
The CLIFF BENNETT & THE REBEL ROUSERS book is now available on Amazon, priced £10.99 (kindle £5.99) HERE
The full Beat interview with Cliff Bennett was published in the 2019 April issue. Back copies are available via our website.