Rock Island Line is Released
April 1956: Michael Hill introduces John Lennon to the music of Little Richard
Spring 1956 – Arthur Pendleton teaches John to play Harmonica
Summer 1956 – Geoff Lee (also known as George Lee) suggests to John Lennon that he form a skiffle group
Summer 1956 – John, Pete and Bill Smith and the theft of a tea-chest bass
October 1956 – The Quarry Men’s first performance
In the first look at the Fab 104, we examined the impact and importance of George Smith, Julia Lennon and, of course, harmonica tutor Arthur Pendleton. This time we look at the founding members of The Quarrymen: John Lennon, Pete Shotton and Bill Smith.
In a rare interview, Bill Smith told me where they formed the group and how they came up with the name, The Quarrymen – and who didn’t like the suggestion! They may look innocent, but in the photo we see, from left to right, Bill Smith, Pete Shotton, John Lennon, Don Beattie and Michael Hill (more on the latter two guys later). Bill also told me why his collar is up, and the story behind the hairstyles. Bill was the first tea-chest bass player with the group, but when he left the group, Lennon and Shotton broke into Bill’s house and stole it! But Bill took it back! Read Bill’s story in “The Fab One Hundred and Four: The Evolution of The Beatles” at www.fab104.com
David Bedford
