finetune artist: The Big Three

Formed in Liverpool in 1961 as an offshoot from Cass And The Cassanovas, the Big Three comprised John Gustafson (vocals, bass), Johnny Hutchinson (vocals, drums) and Adrian Barber (guitar). During 1962, Barber relocated to Germany and was replaced by Brian Griffiths, who made his debut at the Star Club, Hamburg. A mini-legend in their native Liverpool, the Big Three were revered as one of the loudest, most aggressive and visually appealing acts on the circuit. After signing with the Beatles' manager Brian Epstein, success seemed assured, but their characteristic unruliness proved to be their undoing. They achieved only two minor hits, a cover version of Ritchie Barrett's R&B standard "Some Other Guy", and Mitch Murray's "By The Way". Although a live EP, At The Cavern, gave some indication of their power, their vinyl excursions failed to reveal their true potential. An acrimonious split with Epstein only months into their relationship effectively wrecked their chances. By November 1963, Griffiths and Gustafson found alternative employment with the Seniors; Hutchinson recruited Paddy Chambers (b. 30 April 1944, Liverpool, England, d. 28 September 2000) and Faron (of the Flamingos) as replacements. Less than a year later, the Big Three disbanded. Gustafson later joined the Merseybeats, Episode Six and then Quatermass, and appeared again in the 70s as the bass player in Roxy Music. [N.B. Not to be confused with the early 60s US folk act featuring Tim Rose, "Mama" Cass Elliott and James Hendricks].

Listen to The Big Three at Finetune.

Some Other Guy

kre8uv on 2008-12-05 02:31:08.103:
The Big Three was two guys and a gal. The gal was Momma Cass. This group predated the mommas and the Poppas. I had the album once, but it was stolen. Anyone out there have the album or how to find it on this site?