Earthy by the Tornados

Track from the "Sounds of the Tornados" EP released in October 1962, when the Tornados were riding high in the singles chart with "Telstar". Earthy was composed by lead guitarist Alan Caddy. Also on the EP are "Ridin' the Wind", "Dreamin' on a cloud" and "Red roses and a sky of blue".

"Sounds of the Tornados" reached No.2 in the EP charts and remained on chart for 26 weeks.

What became of the band members?

Heinz was the first to leave the group, in May 1963, persuaded by their recording manager Joe Meek to pursue a solo career. He was initially replaced by Brian Gregg, but Brian lasted only three months and was replaced by Ray Randall. Ray still performs around his home town of Whitby, Yorkshire.

Heinz died in April 2000, aged 57, after a five year battle with motor neurone disease.

George Bellamy was next to move on, in August 1963. The strain of constant touring took its toll when he collapsed on stage, so he stood down for health reasons. He went on to own his own record label - SRT and his own music publishing business - Geobell Music. He is now retired and living in Alicante on Spain's Mediterranean coast. George was replaced in the Tornados by Bryan Irwin. Bryan died of a heart attack in 1999, aged 55.

Roger LaVern left shortly after George, perceiving the onslaught on the mersey sound. He made a name for himself in Mexico as "El Lobo", appearing in many TV commercials. He is now living in Bromley, Kent having survived a battle with cancer. His successor on the Tornado's keyboards was Jimmy O'Brien, who has disappeared without trace.

Alan Caddy remained with the band until February 1964, when he moved to the other side of the microphone and became a record producer. He co-founded "Sound Venture". He died in August 2000, aged 60, after spending time in and out of rehab centres for the treatment of alcohol abuse. Alan's successor on lead guitar was Stuart Taylor, who later worked with Dusty Springfield. Stuart migrated to the USA, battled with multiple sclerosis and died in 2005, aged 60.

Clem Cattini, drummer and group leader, left in February 1965. He went on to become Britain's most prolific drummer, and the most sought after session drummer, performing on at least 45 No.1 hit singles. In 1989 he formed a new Tornados line-up which has been gigging around the UK ever since. But as Clem is now in his 70's they only perform occasionally. Clem lives in north London. Two tracks from Clem's current Tornados are on YouTube - "Robot" and "Doctor Who".
Dr Who - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0LUBVlJ4As
Robot - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p7XTGi0uMk

Clem's role in the Tornados in 1965 was filled by Peter Adams, who has disappeared without trace.

In 1966 Joe Meek formed a new line-up of Tornados with Peter Holder on lead guitar, Roger Holder on bass guitar, Robb Huxley on rhythm guitar, John Davis on drums and Dave Watts on keyboards.

Dave Watts has his own YouTube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/davewattskeyboards

For more info on the Tornados go to Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/groups/41580838839/

Image credits: Background images at 1:36 and 1:50 by flaivaloka

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Tornados
• Joe
• Meek
• Clem
• Cattini
• George
• Bellamy
• Heinz
• Alan
• Caddy
• Roger
• LaVern

[MIESCHKI65]

the typical Tornados sound, great vid too. Thumbs up for you and the Tornados.

[jasrowy]

Wow! Matt really looks like his Dad doesn't he? Maybe got his music talent from his Dad too!

[annie482000]

I remember The Tornados from my childhood days but I don't remember this track. It's good though and I like it.  Thanks for posting!