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Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas
Johnny Kidd - vocals (born Frederick Heath, December 23rd 1939 London, died October 7th 1966) Mick Green - lead guitar Johnny Spence - bass guitar Frank Farley - drums
Originally a rock 'n' roll band, The Pirates' greatest days were perhaps behind them when the beat boom began. Formed in 1958 when rock 'n' roll was still in its first flush of youth in Britain, they enjoyed several hit records including the classic "Shakin' All Over", which was written by Kidd and was a British No. 1 in 1960. They managed to sustain a seven-year career without ever releasing an album. Kidd was a fine R'n'B singer and one of the few credible British pre-Beatles answers to American rock singers and in The Pirates he had one of the toughest-sounding groups in England. They'd had a couple of barren years between 1960-62 when the music they played was at odds with the public taste for teen ballads, but had something of an indian summer in '63 as "beat" music was emerging in popularity. In 1964 Green left to join Billy J. Kramer's band, the Dakotas and was replaced by John Weider. After the hits dried up the band continued working until Kidd was killed in a car accident. During the late '70's "pub-rock" fad, The Pirates made a comeback. Singles Jan '63 Shot Of Rhythm And Blues Jun '63 I'll Never Get Over You Nov '63 Hungry For Love Apr '64 Always And Ever Jun '64 Jealous Girl Nov '64 Whole Lotta Man 1965 Don't Make The Same Mistake As I Did Apr '66 It's Got To Be You Nov '66 Send For That Girl E.P. 1964 I'll Never Get Over You/Then I Got Everything/Hungry For Love/Shot Of Rhythm And Blues Selected Re-issues 1987 The Best Of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates - 1996 Rarities - 