Southport's 1960s music scene

THE Interns were a popular four piece student band playing a regular slot at Formby ice rink when they became embroiled in a murder investigation.
The four students played the gig each Friday night during 1963 - 64.
Steve Kelly, of Ravenmeols Lane Formby, recalls: "In the early 60's, I and thousands of other teenagers were in groups in the Merseyside area - my band The Interns consisted of myself Steve Kelly lead guitar, John Duncan rhythm guitar and lead singer, Roger Carter bass player and singer and Mike Astardjian drummer.

"We were becoming relatively popular in the Southport and Formby area and played at other local venues such as the Ravel Club in Eastbank St, The Flying Dutchmen off London St, The Old Palace Hotel Birkdale - the infamous Klik Klik club and many others which no longer exist."
It wasn't long before the band were caught up in the investigation surrounding a brutal murder.

Steve says: "We were interviewed by the police in an effort to publicise the search for information surrounding the murder of a Southport shopkeeper Charles Griffiths in 1964.
"We were playing at the Ravel club that night which was close by.
"A mobile police station was set up during the weekend - the police knew of us and so we did the pictures to see if we could bring any light to it."
Aside from the murder, Steve remembers 1960s Southport in a positive way.
"Everybody was in a band, the floral hall was flourishing and there were loads of clubs and coffee bars to play in.
"There were lots of groups - The Sandgrounders were around at that time and Rhythm and Blues Incorporated were on Ready, Steady, Go on Friday nights on ITV," says Steve.
The Interns didn't make it to those heady heights, but they gave it their best shot.
Steve says: "I was 16-18 and it was ruining my A-levels.
"It was very short-lived, two or three years, but then we all got serious, but it was fun while it lasted. The best gig we played was The Cavern - I'm delighted to say we've got a brick in the wall."