7. THE MAGIC

It was a first all-round. The first time any of us had left the country, the first flight, the first time of looking after yourself and the first gig as full time professional musicians.

As we landed in Hamburg airport the Magic started!

 It was in the early hours and the place was buzzing, bright lights huge crowds and the sound of R&R drifting through the air. I will take you to your flat says our driver Off ski was a combined reply take us to the Star Club The tingling of excitement, the apprehension and pure fear pumped the adrenalin to a new high as we entered the club. The throbbing sound of Tony Sheridan met us with full force and to say that we were blown away was an understatement, we were totally transfixed This was the real deal the PURE MAGIC what a sound and what a performer, John said lets go home now, we are not in the same league not even on the same planet as this guy but, cocky me said, your joking we are better not realising that Tony was one of the Beatles main influences and they would look up to him as God. I soon changed my tune big time but, we were still very good as time will show. In the early photo of Tony and his band he looks very young (second on the right) please take note of the custom Martin guitar he is playing there is a big story coming soon about that.

Still on a high and not ready for bed it was decided that our driver would take us on a conducted tour of the things that Hamburg was famous for and I don't mean the art galleries and Churches.

We were lucky to be at the Star Club when the big stars started appearing, now, I’m not normally a name dropper but yes, that is a picture on my mate Gene with me in my flat in Hamburg and to prove it’s him,the other picture is of Gene Vincent in his famous pose, on the Star Club stage with Tony Sheridan backing him.

What a nice man, he was so polite and genuine and not affected at all by his stardom he had time for everyone but he struggled to come to terms with our scouse sense of humour .He did try, god bless him but he didn’t grasp why the lads called him Peggy.

For those scratching your head, look at the picture. He went too soon and is sorely missed.

We played a minimum of four hours, night into day seven days a week and sometimes six hours it was hard but enjoyable work and it made us a much better band. In musicians terms we were tight tight as a Ducks thingy!

The rest of the time we rehearsed, partied ,drank and had fun ,Oh and on the odd occasion slept The Social side was great and I made lots of friends that I still have today and we had a great time together.

The other Liverpool band that when out at the same time was the fabulous Undertakers and in the next part I will tell you some of the printable things we got up to and about the Liverpool shrine,an oasis from home the famous Beershop.

Ken performing at the Hard Days Night Hotel July 12th 2009

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"Star Club Capers"

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