Failed Billy Fury Audition
On 10 May 1960, the Silver Beetles failed their audition to back British rock’n’roll singer Billy Fury.
Originally the segment The Beatles Unravelled #103
on the Mop Tops & The King Radio Show #713
Syndicated on over 110 radio stations around the globe
Originally broadcast: 11 to 17 July 2025
To listen again…
The Silver Beetles failed their audition to back Billy Fury
On 10 May 1960, the Silver Beetles were auditioned by manager Larry Parnes to back Billy Fury. They were unable to secure the gig with Billy Fury but Larry Parnes liked them and offered them a tour of Scotland with another one of his acts, Johnny Gentle.
The Silver Beetles were John, Paul and George, bassist Stu Sutcliff and drummer Tommy Moore.
Tommy Moore was late for the audition, so Johnny Hutchinson of Cass and the Cassanovas stood in. Hutchinson stood in again for several gigs, after Pete Best was sacked – and before Ringo joined. Ringo.
The audition did result in them backing another singer, Johnny Gentle. For this tour they adopted stage names, Paul became Paul Ramon. This was the inspiration for the Ramones to all call themselves Ramone.
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