Rickysblog

Ricky & The Topspots Break Up

2011-12-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
I am taking this opportunity to announce that I have taken the following decision; the "Rockin' at The YPC" gig at the Ormskirk Civic Hall in October last, was my final gig with The Topspots. With immediate effect, I will have no further association with the band.
For all future engagements I will be backed by the newly formed "Silhouettes".
I understand that the "The Topspots", in their present form, are to continue.
Thank you all for your past support, this will be my final blog on this site.
Best Wishes for 2012.
Ricky.
Ricky Gleason & The Topspots 1961 ~ 2011
(50 years)

"Rockin' at The YPC"

2011-11-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hi All, great video of me and the lads at the "Rockin' at The YPC" gig the other week, take a look. Open mic night at the Blundell at Lydiate again this week, this gig just keeps getting better and better! Keep on Rockin'

Rockin' at The YPC

2011-11-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who came to "Rockin" at the YPC" at Ormskirk Civic Hall, what a great night, superb atmosphere and great to see all those past aquaintences.
Keep On Rockin'

Rockin'at The YPC

2011-10-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hi All, get along to 'Rockin' at The YPC' Ormskirk Civic Hall, Friday 28th October. What a great show this is going to be, featuring; Me & The Topspots; Shooter & friends (West End star Marianne Price and Ian Gregson of Ian & The Rebels) and The Bumblies who are to morph into 'The Cryin' Shames'. Ormskirk YPC (Young Peoples Club), situated in Burscough Street Ormskirk, was a major venue in the Mersey Beat days, featuring all the top Liverpool bands including favourites Me & The Topspots. Our then manager and mentor; Dave Forshaw, was the supplier of what was a tremendous line up of bands of the day. The YPC shared the fate of the original Cavern Club and is now a car park. 'Rockin' at The YPC' aims to relive the atmosphere of this vibrant club. For tickets (£7:50p) go to; www.liverpoolbeat .com - or from Ormskirk Tourism Office 01695 579062.

Gigging in Manchester

2011-09-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

Hi All, Saturdays gig at the John Alker Club in Manchester on the weekend, was probably our best gig yet, Kel Keith and Tommy were on top form. A special mention for drummer Tommy Limb who's rendition of 'Wipe Out' bought the house down!!!!
A big thanks to Graham and all at the club for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Back On The Road

2011-08-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

After a short layoff Me and the Topspots are back on the road with a gig at The John Alker Club (Flixton Ex- Servicemens Club)Flixton,South Manchester on Saturday next 4th September, see you there.
Ricky.

Kicking Donkey!

2011-08-08T04:12:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Great night at The Kicking Donkey in Ormskirk on friday, a big thanks to all our friends who turned out and help make it a fun night at this lovely pub.
Thanks again; see ya. Ricky.

Kick & Donkey

2011-08-05T05:35:00.001-07:00

Hi All, great gig at Rylands in Warrington last Saturday, Tommy was on good form, wowed them with some dynamic drumming in Wipe Out; where does he get the energy from.
At the Kick And Donkey in Ormskirk tonight hope to see you there.
Rock On Ricky.

All Quiet On The Western Front

2011-07-06T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hello, how are you all; other than my weekly stints of open mic nights at the Weld Blundell pub in Lydiate, it has been very quiet as late. The last Topspots gig was at The Martin Inn out in the countryside near Burscough, good traditional pub this and me and the band had a good night. With a re booked promised, I look forward to returning in the not to distant future.
Following the gig I flew off with Dotty to Majorca for a week, what a great place, we had a whale of a time. Couldn't escape the Weld Blundell though, walking through the hotel we bumped into a couple of girls who are regulars at the open mic night, they were crazy! had us up on the karaoke till all hours, just got back home and I'm knackered, need a weeks rest to get over it.
The open mic nights continue every Wednesday night (8pm) with help from my old friends; bass player Dave May from Mark Peters & The Silhouettes, drummer Kenny Webb and guitarist Allen, a good evening is promised for all. Keith from the Tospots sometimes calls in and we get a good support from the original Mersey Beat muso's.
The Next Topspots gig is on 30th July at Ryland Sports Club in Warrington, hope to see you there. Rock On! Ricky.

Shipping News

2011-06-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello, back on board at the Ship Inn at Haskayne on Saturday last saw The Topspots in fine form, in fact I don't remember Keith and Kel having a better night. Aided and abetted by dep drummer Kenny Webb acting as standing in for Tommy Limb who was away on family business; Kenny did a terrific job and with thanks to him; the band was cookin'
The Inn was not as busy as last time we played there but on a night when the "Britains Got Talent" final was on the tele and after a wonderfully warm summers day I'm sure that both caused enough distraction for; getting yer feet up and after a glass of wine or two not wanting to move. Still a good night was had by all.
We welcome Tommy back for our next gig which is on Friday 17th June at the Martin Inn nr Burscough.
See you there.
Ricky

Long May She Sail

2011-05-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody, following the new line ups successful first gig at Ormskirk's Kick & Donkey pub, me and the Topspots had a return gig at the Ship Inn. The band last played this venue on New Years Eve and had a great time.
Situated on the banks of the Leeds & Liverpool canal at Haskayne midway between Southport and my home town Maghull, The Ship is an atmospheric old traditional inn, serving great food together with providing weekly entertainment.
Everybody and his dog turned up, our retired guitarist Keith Dodd and his wife Maja, friends Kenny, Alan, Nick and his wife, Kels wife Cathy, Tommy's friend Jackie, Marianne and Bill, Mike from Shooter, Keith's wife Ange and not forgetting my good lady; Dot. After a great days weather, the canal side pub drew a good crowd who were up and ready for a great night out.
Starting with a couple of instrumentals; Telstar followed by Apache, The Topspots were in fine form and after my usual intro (a blues guitar scat by Keith) we ripped into Mean Woman Blues, they were dancing between the tables and never stopped till last orders was gone and it was time to go home. Me and the Topspots are re booked at The Ship on Saturday 4th June, try to get along I can promise you you'll have a great night.
Be there or be square.
Ricky.

Bye Bye Doddie

2011-04-05T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, bad news I'm afraid, our long standing lead guitarist Keith Dodd, has retired from the band. Keith has had health problems and has decided to call it a day, we wish him and his wife Maja well. Although Keith has retired from the road he will still be making appearances with the jam bands at Merseycats and Merseyrats.
The remaining four piece line-up, with Keith Hubbard now taking over all guitar duties, had their first gig at The Kick & Donkey Inn near Ormskirk on Friday last.(1st April 2011)
The Kick & Donkey is a fine pub with excellent hosts; Andy & Sandra, great food and a friendly atmosphere. The enthusiastic audience ensured that the band had a fab first night and we are now looking forward to the next gig at The Ship Inn Haskayne near Ormskirk on Saturday 23rd April see you there, Ricky.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

Ricky Gleason & The Topspots
wish you a
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year

Mersey legends came to see us.

2010-08-27T03:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All, another great night Saturday last, The venue was Old Swan Conservative Club in West Derby, Liverpool. The night got of to great start with resident duo Kenny and Frank, what great voices, worth entrance fee alone. The Topspots where on top form and it was nice to see Mersey Beat legends Karl Terry and Earl Preston at the gig and thanks to the club and committee for their hospitality.
See you soon, Keep on Rockin'.
Ricky.

Kicking Donkey!

2010-08-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Friday 30th July and the band had a really nice night at the Kicking Donkey in Ormskirk. Thanks to host Andy and Sandra and to the many friends who came along to support us.
Saturday 31st July was a great gig at St Peter and Pauls Social Club in Crosby Liverpool; great gig, great place, great people. Nice to see concert secretary Chris Dwyer again after all these years. Chris used to be con. sec. at AC Delco's Social Club in Kirkby and was the singer with Tyme and Motion. Thanks again to friends who came to see us.
Our guitarist Keith Hubbard was away on Shooter duties for these bookings he said that he had a good weekend especially as it was the welcome return of drummer Jeff Walker.
Our next gig is at Old Swan Conservative Club in West Derby Liverpool on the 21st August, see you there.
Ricky.

Grand National

2010-07-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All, WOW! what a great gig last Saturday; me and the Topspots were at Red Rums Bar on the Aintree Racecourse complex. The starter set them of and first to show was FBI ridden by Keith Dodd closely followed by Keith Hubbard on Apache, then the Mean Woman got the Blues because Candy Man made a mistake; Someday he'll get it right. Ricky calmed her down telling her It Doesn't Matter Anymore and Kel asked; How Do You Do It? Ricky pleaded don't be Bad To Me, the bookie cried You Got Me Running and that was only the first set.
After a short rest in the paddock Rockin' Robin led Oh Boy! who then fell over his Blue Suede Shoes. Two young fillies joined the proceedings and asked Matchbox to Slow Down where as Keith Hubbard exclaimed That'll Be The Day, this gave them all the Suummertime Blues. Ricky tried to Runaway and Tommy Limb pleaded Honey Don't! The proceedings ended with Johnny B Good Singing Bye, Bye, Bye, Bye. And a good time was had by all. What a gig!
Topspots bass player Kel was over the fences in great style and has recovered brilliantly from his knee op and cant wait for our next gig at The Kicking Donkey in Ormskirk on Friday 30th July See you there.
Ricky.

The Willow Bank

2010-07-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all, back on the road last Friday with bass player Mike Rimmer from Shooter filling in for Kel who is recovering from a knee job. The gig at Anfields Willlow Bank pub went great. turning up at the pub there was a karaoke session in full swing and the pub was packed to the rafters. The performances went from brilliant; the guy who sang White Wedding, fantastic; to the not so good but everybody was having a great time. Session finished the stage was cleared for the Topspots to set up and what a great night, they certainly know how to enjoy themselves in Anfield.
Kel is recovering brilliantly and has vowed to be back this Friday at Brooks Hotel in Crosby. we'll let you know how he gets on. We will be without guitarist Keith Hubbard for a short while due to his commitments with Shooter, but stand-in Alan is sure to do a great job.
Due to the imminent closure of Old Roan British Legion, Merseycats have moved to a new venue Old Roan Conservative Club just down the road from the Legion, we wish them all the best.
Keep on rockin'
Ricky.

Willow Bank Hotel

2010-06-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All, long time no speak, yes a lay off of about a month has seen our bass player Kel Harrison have his bad knee mended and the release of a protest CD single by super star group 'Mathew Street Banned' featuring our own Keith Hubbard. The song called; 'The Wall' is aimed as a protest against the lack of a designated Mersey Beat stage at Liverpool's Mathew Street Festival and goes on national release next Monday. Featuring as well as Keith; Brian Jones and Geoff Nugent of The Undertakers, Charlie Gallagher and Dave Ferguson of The Crying Shames and The Bumblies, George Eccles of Rythmn & Blues Inc; Ken Shalliker of The Dominoes, Dave Goldberg of The Merseybeats, Lee Curtis and Bobby Sox, the recording is sure to cause a stir. Please visit the Liverpool Beat web site, www.liverpoolbeat.com for a listen and up-dates to the protest. Ricky Gleason and The Topspots are gigging again on Friday with Mike Rimmer bass player from Shooter filling in for Kel at The Willow Bank Hotel, Townsend Lane, Liverpool L6. we wish Kel a speedy recovery.
Great News just come in; after our fab gig at The Albion Hotel in May they have rebooked the band for Saturday 4th September; What a great gig can't wait.
That's all for now, see you soon.
Ricky.

The Albion

2010-06-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody, played at The Albion pub in our home town of Bootle Friday last, what a gig! Our mentor Dave Forshaw dropped in and the place was rockin'. Thanks to all at the venue for a great night.
Sad to hear of the cancellation of the Mersey Beat stage at this years Mathew Street festival, what's going on? Let's hope that the organizers see sense and re-instate what is to 90% of the festival patrons, the main event. If not Mersey Beat what is The Mathew Street Festival about? Certainly not the numerous tribute acts that occupy the variuos other stages.
Keep on Rockin'; Ricky.

Brilliant

2010-05-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

Hi All, Ricky here, hope all's well with you. I'm feeling brilliant after a fantastic gig at the R.A.F. Club in Freshfield nr Formby last week. The Topspots were on top form and with a warm welcome from Sandra, Keith say's; thanks for the tea, and compere Peter, the place was rockin'. This was the first of what the club hope to be a long run of rock 'n' roll promotions. Featuring live bands and expert jive tuition from Steve who travelled all the way from Blackpool, Sandra and Peter promise a great night of entertainment for rock 'n' roller's young and old. I'm really looking forward to our gig this week at Bryn Club in Ashton in Makefield on Friday which again promises to be as exciting as the R.A.F Club.
See you soon; Keep on Rockin'
Ricky.

Band On The Road

2010-04-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, after three weeks of bookings ending last night at The Royal Oak in Aughton nr. Ormskirk, I'm pleased to report that the boys are getting better and better.
Thank you anonymous for the kind comment about our gig at West Derby Conservative Club, we can't wait to return.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank guitarist Alan Robson who filled in at the Royal Oak for Keith Hubbard who was away on Shooter duties. Keith is a hard act to follow and Alan did a great job.
Shooter were gigging at The Robin Hood Holiday Park in Rhyl, the reports back from the camp are that they went down a storm and are re booked in October.
Bassist Kelvin Harrison, is still living in Sheffield; he emigrated there sixteen years ago. The travelling he does is incredible. Kel intends to get his telegram from the Queen when he reaches 100years. He has just spent a fortune on three new bass guitars, a new amp and speakers; I don't think he's ready for the knackers yard just yet! Do you?
Can't wait for the forthcoming gigs, please check out the gigs list.
Keep Music LIVE!
Best Wishes
Ricky.

Old Faces

2010-03-22T06:02:00.001-07:00

Hi All, had a great gig at West Derby Conservative Club in Liverpool, we met a lot of old friends who remembered the band from our Cavern days, they gave us a really enthusiastic reception, the gig was brilliantly set up by our mentor Dave Forshaw, a big thank you to him and a big thank you also to the club committee and members for having us; what a night! See you soon. Ricky.

Greetings

2010-02-04T03:26:00.000-08:00

After all the bad weather and illness that we have had, it's good to meet up again and have our first get together of the year up at Keith's studio in Southport.
Talking of Keith, I am so pleased that he is fighting his way back to full fitness and health again, hope it will be a better year for Keith and his family after last years horrible events.
Gald to say The Topspots are now back with our old mentor and mate; Mr Dave Forshaw, hopefully he will get us the bookings that we are looking for.
Good luck to Keith with Shooter who have just been joined by Phil Chittick of Liverpool Express and Cy Tucker band fame, a great drummer. Good luck to ex drummer Jeff who is leaving due to family and business reasons.
See you next time, Ricky.

'ere We Go Again

2009-12-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hurray! what a fantastic few days it has been, reason being; our mate Topspots guitarist Keith Hubbard, after an operation and eight traumatic weeks, at long last, is on the road to recovery, he's almost up and running again.
Keith came and played a few numbers with the band on Saturday night at The Dockers Club, Edinburgh Park, in Anfield, Liverpool, it was like he'd never been away.
We had a great night and would like to thank the people of Anfield who were lovely. We would also like to thank mates of ours; Karl Terry and Manfred Kuhlmann, who made a special effort to come to see us, they stayed the whole night, must be mad!
We would like to show our appreciation to new mate Alan Robson, Alan has been standing in for Keith Hubbard during his recovery and will be Keith's deputy when he is not available. Alan did a great job while playing with us on our previous gig at The Railway Pub in Ainsdale, Southport. We would like to wish Alan, who together with the excellent drummer from The Shakers, all the best while performing in the Pantomime at Crosby Civic Hall over Christmas. Break a Leg boys.
Next up, the band is looking forward to being back to full strength for playing at the MeseyCats Christmas Party at Old Roan British Legion on Saturday 19th December and then on the 22nd December, at The Park Hotel, Netherton, Liverpool.
Finally may I, wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year from Ricky Gleason & The Topspots.

Catch-up

2009-10-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks, great to hear the feedback from Merseycats about the 20th Aniversary gig at the Adelpi Hotel in Liverpool, I hear it went very well, here's to the next twenty.
It's getting into the busy season for bands now, with the build up to Christmas we are starting to get ready for the rush.
More important than the music is the well being of great mate and band member Keith Hubbard, Keith is recovering after surgery and thankfully is well on the road to recovery. he's so lucky that his best friend and wife Angie is spoiling him rotten.
So all the best mate from myself and the boys, who all send their best wishes.

Mad As A Hatter

2009-09-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

The Mathew Street Festival, Liverpool, Hard Days Night Hotel Sunday 30th August 2009
...Ricky Gleason bounced higher than ever, giving a performance of such energy we had the Hotel Doctor on standby just in case... A review from the official MerseyCats web site.
Scouse O-Reilly what a day! I turned up at The Hard Days Night Hotel to find the stage set with what was an impressive array of equipment, the hotel chapel was turned into the Green Room (dressing room) for the bands, there was an expectation that something really special was going to happen, and it did; BRILLIANT! As I was claiming my space for the day, I was accosted by a make up person, who covered my face in rouge and told me that I was to be interviewed for German television, as was our bass guitarist Kel Harrison,(they'll interview anyone these days). This caused great amusement throughout the ranks and this general good humoured banter carried on throughout the day, oh! it just like the old days. The review above tells all, we had a great set, the whole place was jumping. Yes it was a very special day, sixteen bands, all the lads were fantastic but my favourite of the day was; Carl Terry and The Cruisers closely followed by Shooter. Didn't want it to end, cant wait for next year.

MerseyCats

2009-08-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, we had a great night at MerseyCats last Thursday evening, the standard of the bands just gets better, The Topspots enjoyed probably there best set yet and Keith Hubbard was up with his band Shooter who did a great Beatles set including Sgt Pepper, Bye With A Little Help From My Friends, In My Life, Get Back and of course the obligatory I Saw Her standing There.
On Friday night MerseyCats presented a package show at the Stubshaw Cross Labour Club in Ashton In Makefield in aid of the Children's Hospice: Derian House Charity, what a fantastic night Dave Ferguson open with his band The Bumblies rhythm 'n blues through and through, Tempest gave us a good set of 60s and 70s songs, me and The Topspots had a great time, the audience shouting for more, then Keith and Shooter rocked the socks of 'em, Thanks to Keith Mike and Jeff from Shooter for the loan of their equipment and to Dave who compered the evening brilliantly. A good cause, all the performing artists gave their services free and a great turnout, a big thanks to all involved.
Next comes the Mathew Street festival in Liverpool, we are at The Hard Days Night Hotel on the afternoon of Sunday 30Th August, I have some German visitors staying with me they are very excited and looking forward to the event.
See you next time. Ricky.

The Cavern

2009-07-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! back at The Cavern for the first time in 45 years, the Topspots were in fine form and the atmosphere was electric, just like way back then. The new version of The Cavern is located 50 yards further up Matthew Street than the original club and even though the remake is just a little smarter and cleaner, it's a fantastic reconstruction. I have to say; I couldn't make my mind up as to whether or not I missed the strong aroma of bleach and sweat and paddling through who knows what though. The night featured two other MerseyCat bands, The Spidermen and The Lackies, both did great sets and went down well. Myself and the Topspots were to close the evening, what a reception! there were kids from Barcelona and Japan as well as the regulars, they were very enthusiastic and I couldn't get away at the end for having photo's taken with everyone. Yes great to be back.
The bands next gig is on August 14th at Stubbshaw Cross Labour Club in Wigan, if you can get there it will be a great night and features; Shooter, The Clayton Squares, Tempest and of course Ricky Gleason and the Topspots, see you next time.

MerseyCats

2009-07-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

Starting with a great thank you to all who supported the MerseyCats promotion at The Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool last Sunday. What a turn out, standing room only, people turned away at the door, four great bands, and a jam at the end what a night! nobody wanted to go home.
We started the night off, the buzz was infectious, although the surroundings were a little plusher, it reminded me of our sessions all those years ago at The Cavern.
The Topspots opened with the Shadows instrumental 36 24 36, the audience liked it, following that F.B.I. things were warming up, them came the tremendous blues based Topspots opening to which I make my entry, great guitars soaring over humming drums and base, on I came, straight into Mean Woman Blues, the reception was fantastic, I loved it. Our set including; Candy Man, Someday, Rockin' Robin, I'll Never Get Over You, Summertime Blues, Hello Mary Lou and finally You Got Me Running, seemed to finish all to soon, I was ready to go on all night.
Next up was the Persuaders, Mike Byrne's first band, playing some good ole rockabilly numbers. They were followed by Tempest, what a great band, bass player Wally (ex of Earl Preston's T. T's) now the MerseyCats president, certainly knows how to pick em', this band had the dance floor jumping. The top of the bill was Mike Byrne's Sunrockers, great Rock 'n' Roll, no more to be said. The evening ended with the jam band featuring; Tommy on drums, Ken on bass, Bob on guitar and organiser & compare Dave Ferguson on guitar. Great night here's to the next one, an all day session as part of the Matthew Street Festival to be held on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday Weekend, put it in your diary.
Our next gig is a return after 45 years to the Cavern Club, the date is Sunday 26th July, see you there.

4th July

2009-07-09T03:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 4th July it was the St Helens Show which is held in the towns Sherdley Park. MerseyCats had some of it's groups playing at the show, as Topspots bass guitarist Kelvin Harrison was only just arriving back from the States, we could not appear. Keith Hubbards band Shooter were playing and Keith invited me to get up with them and do a few numbers, so thanks to Shooter.
Shooter did their usual professional job, Keith was in good form, singing and playing, and went down really well with the crowd basking in the hot sunshine.
I have a busy week ahead, with Kel back from the States, we are rehearsing on Wednesday, performing at MerseyCats on Thursday night at the Old Road British Legion, Aintree and on Sunday we are opening what will be the first of the MerseyCat specials at the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool, also on the bill are Tempest and headliners:Mike Byrne & the Sundowners, two great banbds, I'll let you know how we get on.

Germany

2009-06-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed my stay in Germany, stayed in a small village called Scheflenz, not far from Heidelburg.

During my stay I met a great guy who claims to be the No. 1 artist (painting) in Germany, his name is Bernd Scheubert, his stage name is Bernado. Bernado's house is like a museum, a Picasso hangs on the wall next to a signed photograph of Paul McCartney and a picture of the artist himself with the Pope, he seemed to know everybody, pictures and paintings everywhere, he gave me a copy of the Paul McCartney picture as a gift.

Did a couple of small gigs that my brother, who lives in Germany, had fixed up, went well, got the bug, can't wait to go back.

What a great night at MerseyCats last week, Mike Byrne, Carl Terry and The Cruisers and a band visiting from Cologne, all live, can't beat it.

Topspots guitarist, Keith Hubbard, has just returned from a trip with his own band; Shooter, from a Mersey Beat weekend in Great Yarmouth, that went so well their doing it again in September.

Topspots other guitarist, Keith Dodd has just got back from safari in Egypt, he bought a camel as a present for his wife Maja, he reckons; it's cheaper to go to work on a camel than go by car.

That's about it, see you next week

Just Chillin'

2009-06-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I have had a fantastic week, my mate drummer Kenny Webb and I went out on Tuesday (26th May) to an open mike night, Webby jammed with the band and I had the privilege of singing with the Mersey legend Sam Hardy and one of Keith Hubbard from the Topspots friends from his Ormskirk days guitarist Norman Petherbridge.
Wednesday daytime (27th) me and the Topspots had a great rehearsal at our guitarists Keith Hubbard's studio in Southport, make a note: should any band be considering making a CD, Keith is the guy to go to, contact Keith Hubbard, The Stable Studio, Southport. 01704 213068.
Went out in the evening to The Swan Hotel in Aughton and got up and sang with three great muso's called; The Weekend Warriors.
Thursday (28th) was a fabulous evening at MerseyCats, the proceedings started at 8pm with a set from yours truly and the Topspots and continued with wall to wall live music till midnight.
Manfred Kuhlmann of German organisation; Beat Club 66 was over for a visit, he showed us his book that he has put together about the Mersey Beat bands, with its Britania encyclopedia type contents it make very interesting reading.
Great for the lads and myself to see our old manager from way back; Dave Forshaw looking fit and well, some of his tales from his time as our manager and as a promoter are really worth listening to. I'm always telling Dave that he should write a book, he's been on the scene for so long, must have great memories.
Of to Frankfurt for a few days so, see you next week; Tatty bye!

Welcome to Ricky's Blog

2009-05-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Ricky's Blog, At last Ricky Gleason & the Topspots are back on the road, with two gigs at MerseyCats under the belt and further bookings to come at Liverpool's Cavern Club and 'Hard Days Night' Hotel, we're on our way. Please refer to the end of my blog for dates and details of both gigs. I will keep you updated with all the gig news and band activity's in my future Blogs.

Had a great night last night at MerseyCats (21st May). The Topspots were not appearing but the Kirby Skifflers Kindly let me sing a couple of songs with them, excellent. Ex Dominoes keys man Sam Hardy also did a great spot. The absence of my good mate's, Colin Woodruff, drummer with the Clayton Squares and Mersey Beat star vocalist Karl Terry, both are performing at gigs in Frankfurt, left the evening a little quiet, they were missed. Karl asked me to go with them but I am going to Frankfurt myself on the 4th June so I declined the offer.

Keith Hubbard of the Topspots has done a great job for us, producing our CD, I feel so privileged to have such a talented band behind me. The two Keith's are both lead guitarists in the own right, even with differing styles, they gel brilliantly.

I've got to say, I am really looking forward to next Thursday when the band will be again performing at MerseyCats, can't wait.

I'll tell you about the gig in my next blog.

See you next time.

Ricky Gleason & The Topspots Gigs;

Thursday 28th May - MerseyCats, Old Roan British Legion, Aintree, Liverpool

Sunday 26th July - The Cavern Club, Liverpool.

Sunday 30th August - The Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool (Mathew Street Festival)