The Quarrymen appeared at the Imperial Ballroom in Secaucus, New Jersey, on Saturday, March 17, 2007. This skiffle band was originally formed by the late John Lennon 50 years ago. Rod Davis, Len Garry and Colin Hanton have been performing together during the course of the last decade.

     Reformed in July 1997 in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the day John Lennon met Paul McCartney, The Quarrymen have plans to headline a celebratory weekend in Liverpool, beginning on July 6, 2007. These engagements will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of that momentous day.

     It was on July 6, 1957, when McCartney came to see Lennon performing on stage with The Quarrymen at the invitation of mutual friend Ivan Vaughan. After introductions between the two, McCartney impressed Lennon by playing "Twenty Flight Rock" on guitar, which was his entry into joining the band.

     It was McCartney who secured an audition for his friend George Harrison. His incendiary rendition of "Raunchy" on guitar granted Harrison membership in the band. Although several young musicians would rotate on instruments within the ranks of The Quarrymen, the trio of John, Paul & George would later evolve into The Beatles.

     In 1958, The Quarrymen actually financed a studio session at Phillips Sound Recording Service to record "In Spite Of All The Danger". Eventually issued on Anthology 1 in 1995, this is the only McCartney-Harrison composition commercially released. Drummer Colin Hanton and pianist John Lowe embellished the triple guitars of John, Paul & George on that historic 78 rpm acetate.

     Fifty years have passed since John and Paul formed a musical partnership that would produce a global impact well beyond their recording legacy. It is pleasantly amazing that The Quarrymen continue to entertain audiences. Check out either of the two Quarrymen studio albums to experience the authenticity of the skiffle sound.

Secaucus setlist: Mean Woman Blues * Rock Island Line * That's All Right Mama * Worried Man Blues * Have I Told You Lately That I Love You * I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) * Puttin' On The Style * Long Lost John * In Spite Of All The Danger * Blue Suede Shoes

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These gents are the Ambassadors of Skiffle
Celebrating five decades of skiffle with The Quarrymen

by Timothy Tilghman