Next year is the 50th anniversary of 1963, the year in which The Beatles led pop music and culture around the world into a beat generation. Never again would popular music be dominated by the older generation, as record companies for years tried to grasp control of a movement they simply didn't understand.

Word is that a celebratory 50th anniversary of merseybeat tour will take place, but who should be on it? Nothing has been published yet about any possible line-up, but I'd like to suggest the following. Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Searchers, The Merseybeats and how about Ray Ennis's Blue Jeans for the fourth act! Assuming that if there is a tour, it takes the format of four groups.

And while we're on 50th's, how about 2014 for a 50th anniversary of the British Invasion tour of the U.S.? Other artists could be in the frame for that one. Peter Noone and Billy J Kramer spring to mind as U.S. residents, and how about Chad and Jeremy (right), little known in the U.K. but huge stateside? The Searchers and Gerry will certainly be available health permitting, but are there any American promoters with the clout to undertake it?

Reg Presley of The Troggs has sent us this letter, which is self explanatory -

As you all know I was taken ill whilst doing a gig in Germany in December. During my stay in hospital tests showed that in fact I have lung cancer. I am receiving chemotherapy treatment and at the moment not feeling too bad.

However I’ve had to call time on The Troggs and retire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the cards and calls and for your love, loyalty and support over the years.

A big thank you to Jackie for running the fan club and keeping you all up to speed, and a huge and special thank you to Chris, Pete and Dave.

I shall miss you all.

Lots of Love

Reg.

I am sure he would be pleased to receive cards and know that we are all thinking of him. I will be happy to forward them.

Jacqueline Ryan
56 Waite Davies Rd., London SE12 OND

The Troggs Fan Club Secretary

Welsh superstar Tom Jones is currently filming his role as an aging British Teddy Boy in a television drama there. "King Of The Teds" is scheduled to air in the spring.

Congratulations - if that's the right word - to PJ Proby for his complete innocence in any wrong doing regarding the HMRC. To celebrate his being found not guilty, he wrote and released a single, and you can hear it here -

VINTAGE RECORD LABELS...
We've revamped our UK record label pages. Its an ongoing task, but you may already find them of interest.

Vinyl Records
Some original UK vinyl for sale

UK Collectors Record Centre
A vast database of UK record shops selling everything from Roy Orbison to The Orb!