In 1968 The Top Rank
Suite in Sunderland was becoming a very popular night spot
in the late 60's , with popular bands such as Love Affair
fronted by Steve Ellis, Love Affair were formed in 1966. A
recording by Steve Ellis of Robert Night's song
Everlasting Love swiftly moved up the charts taking top
spot. After a further four chart hits the band
split. Key board player Morgan Fisher later appeared in
Mot The Hoople. Love Affair's other hits included: Rainbow
valley, A day without love and Bringing on back the good
times.
Below is the Wearside top ten for the 19th December 1963
1 I want to hold your hand The Beatles
2 She loves you The Beatles
3 Glad all over The Dave Clark five
4 Secret Love Kathy Kirby
5 You were made for me Freddie and the Dreamers
6 Maria Elena Los indios tabajaras
7 I only want to be with you Dust Springfield
8 Twenty four hours from Tulsa Gene Pitney
9 Swinging on a star Big Dee Irwin
10 Money Bern Elliot & the Fenmen
Status Quo
Also appearing the same month
was the legendry Status Quo, formally The Spectres. The enduring
partnership of Rossi and Parfitt is the thing that keeps Status
Quo on the road today. Their career began at Butlin's holiday
camp after winning a four year contract, spanning four decades
of hits. There first release was a huge hit Pictures of
matchstick men followed by Ice in the Sun and future hits such
as In The Army Now and Rockin' All Over The World.
Below is the Wearside top ten for the 18th April 1963
1 How do you do it Gerry and the Pacemakers
2 From a Jack to a king Ned Miller
3 Brown eyed handsome man Buddy Hollie
4 The folk singer Tommy Roe
5 Rhythm of the rain The Cascades
6 Say wonderful things Ronnie Carroll
7 Like I've never been before Billy Fury
8 In dreams Roy Orbison
9 Say I wont be there The Springfield's
10 Summer holiday Cliff Richards
Marmalade
Marmalade: Another popular
group visiting The Top Rank Suite. Marmalade's history began in
1961 when teenagers were just getting to grips with with the
60'sound.Line up consisting of William "Junior" Campbell
,Patrick Fairley, Billy Johnson and drummer Tom Frew. Johnson
and Frew were later succeeded by Bill Irving and Raymond
Duffy. They are best remembered today for one record, their
cover of the Beatles' "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da", other hits include,
Reflections of My Life, There's a Lot of It About, and Doing It
All for You.
Below is the Wearside top ten for the 31st October 1963
1 Do you love me Brian Pool and the Tremeloes
2 She loves you The Beatles
3 you'll never walk alone Gerry and the Pacemakers
4 Blue Bayou Roy Orbison
5 Then he kissed me The Crystals
6 Sugar and spice The Searchers
7 Be my baby The Ronettes
8 Hello little girl The Fourmost
9The first time Adam Faith
10 Everybody Tommy Roe
