Brian Poole and the Tremeloes

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Brian Poole and the Tremeloes was an English beat group from Dagenham, formed in 1958. The singer Brian Poole played with lead guitarist Rick Westwood, rhythm guitarist Alan Blakley, bassist Alan Howard and drummer Dave Munden. The band was strongly influenced by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

Music and breakthrough

On New Year's Day 1962 the record company Decca held an audition for two young groups: the Tremeloes and The Beatles from Liverpool. Decca chose the Tremeloes, reportedly partly because they came from near London and so were easier to reach. In 1963 they entered the British chart with a version of Twist and Shout, which The Beatles had put on their first album shortly before. That same year came Do You Love Me, a cover of an American hit, which reached number 1. Candy Man and Someone, Someone also became hits. They were cheerful, simple beat versions of existing songs.

Influence

In 1966 Poole left and the group continued as The Tremeloes. All the members sang, and with harmonies and a more contemporary sound they scored again: Here Comes My Baby and Silence Is Golden from 1967, the second number 1, and later (Call Me) Number One. Yet the group remains known above all as the band that beat The Beatles at Decca, a choice the company soon regretted.

Listening

In School of Rock

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