Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Research continues with regard to the Iron Door Club timeline which is now posted. Geoff deserves much credit for this research.

For a club that has had little mention in the media over the past four decades, it is truly amazing that a fair number of those groups that performed there in the very early years would later be significant contributors to the British Invasion.

Geoff, I would be interested in some of those you heard at the Iron Door that surprised you with regard to their eventual success or lack thereof?

Peter,I do know of such a person,his name is Peter Flannery you will know him as Lee Curtis.
In the 60s Peter was managed by his brother Joe,who also managed the only other girl singer of merit, on the 60s beat scene besides Cilla Black,it was Beryl Marsden.
Peter Flannery in my opinion, had all the makings of an international star.It's a great mystery why he never made it to the top.
It's not in my brief and it would be unfair for me to point a finger at anyone, for Peter's demise.

Very interesting Geoff. Did Peter Flannery perform often at the Iron Door? We will have to put him on our list of artists to add?

Also, did Pete Best drum for Peter Flannery after his departure from The Beatles?

Yes Peter,
A man's pride was at stake,It became obvious that Pete Best could not remain in the confines of the NEMS organisation.
Joe Flannery who describes his job at NEMS as the booking agent working in tandem with Brian Epstien.
Joe suggested that Pete Best join the Lee Curtis All Stars,Pete agreed and joined the All Stars,I think played his first gig with them in Sept 1962.
The All-Stars were offered a recording contract with Decca with Pete on the drums,I don't know whether they did in fact make a record,I do know that Decca were anxious to cash in on Pete's good name and suggested he front a new band made up of All-Star musicians called The Pete Best Four.
I liked Lee Curtis it was always a pleasure to see his name on the bookings at the Iron Door.
Peter Flannery is still around and I occasionally bump into him, he is still singing as good as ever,he visits Germany often to perform,he is very popular there.

Could Pete front a band?

Did he sing or write?

There's some info here...

http://www.petebest.com/

Geoff: As far as I can tell Lee Curtis and the All Stars made four records in the studio and another from a live performance.

1963 - Little Girl/Just One More Dance
Decca F 11622

1963 - LEE CURTIS & THE ALL STARS - Let's Stomp b/w Poor Unlucky Me (Single; Decca F 11690)

1963 - LEE CURTIS & THE ALL STARS recordings - Skinny Minny / Jezebel released on: "Live At The Cavern"; Decca LK 4597)

1964 - What About Me/I've Got My Eyes On You
Decca F 11830

1965 - Ecstasy/A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues
Philips BF 1385

Thanks Mark!