Ricky & The Topspots Break Up

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"

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mersey legends came to see us.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.