The amazing Billy Hatton talks about his time with The Fourmost during Liverpool’s Merseybeat days.
Guitarist/vocalist Brian O’Hara and best friend guitarist/vocalist Joey Bower formed The Two Jays in 1957 and did a six week tour of the Isle of Man. The group changed its name to the Four Jays in September 1959 when bass guitarist/singer Billy Hatton and drummer Brian Redman joined the group.
They made their debut at the Cavern Club on 1 March 1961, nearly three weeks before The Beatles. Rhythm guitarist/singer Mike Millward (ex-The Undertakers) joined the Four Jays in November 1961, followed by drummer/singer Dave Lovelady in September 1962. The band changed its name to The Fourmost in June 1962. On 30 June 1963, the group signed a management contract with Brian Epstein. This led to their being auditioned by George Martin and signed to EMI’s Parlophone record label. Find out more here.
Here’s Billy with The Fourmost On Ready Steady Go with ‘Baby I need Your Loving’
15 Comments
I wonder if any of the Fourmost remember when they did gigs at the Queen Of Hearts in Queensbury middlesex, and sometimes stayed in a flat i lived in opposite the pub, we used to have such a laugh i will never forget those days in the 70s. ( I hope they remember )
wondered if you remember doing a gig in Brandon in Suffolk in November 1966…the club was above the Co-OP and was run by my grandad Verdun Butler. My mum was suppose to be working there that night and was looking forward to seeing you perform but she went into labour with me and you guys gave her a signed photo to her and the baby. sadly she lost it and always talks about it . wondered if you had any photos of that era you could sign and send to my mum Rita…hope you can help….many thanks Michaela X
We’re in the music biz here in the USA.
Are you guys still active ?
We might have a project that would interest you.
David.
Hi David,
The Fourmost are still active playing throughout the UK and Europe to all ages. Get in touch at bookings@thefourmost.co.uk.
The Fourmost
I’m searching my family tree and have just found out that I’m related to billy. I have always loved the music of the 60s but always listened to the foremost in particular and they inspired me to sing which I have continued to do. My uncle’s best friend for many years was billy fury and we were brought up in the Dingle and billy would come round and sing. Those were great times events though I was only small so thank you to the foremost for bringing such great music into our lives
I was taught to play guitar by Brian O’Hara from 1973-1976. He called himself “The Big Kahuna” I learned a lot from him and he was a great guy. 310-804-5083
Him and the band had a farm/ranch in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It was really kool to play with them.
Hi, I used to be in the witnesses who played on 1966 cruise with you to the med etc. Also you got us some gigs.You had George peckham I think playing then.Sorry to hear about Brian, very sad. I have just moved back up north after being in Norfolk for many years. Good to see you are still playing, rgds Phil Joned
Hi Really trying to get in touch with Billy Hatton! he was best man at my dads wedding many years ago. My dad Brian Cross married Susan Tansley some 30+ years ago. Dads been trying for along time to get in touch with Billy, dads now 73 years old and I know he would be over the moon to see him or speak to him again. please get in touch with me someone connect them together again!!
Hi Billy
I served my apprenticeship with you at UKAEA Capenhurst (1957 – 1962), do you remember me?
Happy days in the first year workshop under th watchful eye of Harry Watkins.
I have thought about you many times in the past, but have never known how to get in touch.
This clip on ‘Utube’ was pointed out to me recently, so I am adding this comment in the hope that it will reach you.
Hope we can get in touch again after all these years.
Cheers
Dave.
Very nice to see you Billy, been some time, good to hear you talk of the Dingle. The only time an E Type Jag was parked in Miles Street was outside your house. Good times, good luck to you, george farquhar
I just found out this past weekend that billy hatton(no relation) was my godfather when I was cristend as a baby back in 1958 I honestly had no idea!… my parents are Dudley and Catherine Hatton we have lived in Canada since 1964 .. I have many relatives in Liverpool we used to live I believe was orange grove rd… if this is so I am floored would love to meet this gentleman
Hi, is Billy Hughes still around playing in the band .
Hi Billy,
Often wondered what happened to the Foremost. Hope you are well and healthy. I heard about Brian a few years ago, so sad.
Although I live Oxfordshire now, I go back to Liverpool monthly.
Love to hear form you, remember the old days especially Brian and Joey. You take care cc
Hi= Billy, my names June, i live in Barry South Wales. can you please contact me on my email address. I need to speak to you regarding your old friend Jeannie Maggs.if you email me i with you phone number i wil ring you…..thanks a lot.