In this episode Vinyl Vibes Jack is joined by Colin Hanton, Drummer of The Quarrymen. In 1956 school mates John Lennon and Eric Griffiths formed a group called The Quarrymen. Colin would soon join as the band's drummer. The group originally played skiffle music influenced by the skiffle craze started by Lonnie Donegan but soon discovered their love for rock 'n' roll numbers by the likes of Elvis and Gene Vincent.
Paul McCartney joined the group on guitar in 1957 after meeting John Lennon at the now famous St. Peters Church gig at. The group decided they needed another guitarist after a not completely successful first performance by McCartney and so George Harrison soon joined. Colin played with the band through all these historical performances. In July 1958 the band went into Phillips' Sound Recording Services to record straight to a 78 RPM disc. This first recording that McCartney, Lennon and Harrison ever made - a cover of Buddy Holly's That’ll Be the Day. Colin played along side these future Beatles on this very recording.
Colin left the group in 1959 after an argument with the other members and went on to work as an upholsterer. However in 1997, after decades of disbandment, The Quarrymen were put back together with three original members including Colin.
In 2018 Colin released a book on his time with Quarrymen called "Pre:Fab!: The Story of One Man, His Drums, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison".
Jack called direct to Liverpool and Colin spoke about his early musical beginnings, how he came to play drums, how he become a part of The Quarrymen, meeting John Lennon for the first time, The famous St. Peter's Church gig, the recording of their first record, why he left the band in 1959, and his life and work with the post Beatles members.
“He was just one of the lads, we knew he had a decent voice but I mean there was nothing to indicate what would have happened later, you know, that was just beyond everybody’s wildest dream, wasn’t it.” - Colin Hanton taking about meeting John Lennon for the first time.
Episode Hosted and Produced by Jack Hodgins