Brian Poole

Brian Poole (born 3 November 1941)^[1] is a singer and performer. Poole was the lead singer of 1960s Rock 'n' Roll band the Tremeloes (1957–1962) then Brian Poole and the Tremeloes (1962–1967).^[1] He was brought up in the East End of London and grew up in Barking, East London. He attended Park Modern Secondary School, Barking and Barking Abbey Grammar School.

Early career

The Tremeloes

Brian Poole met Alan Blakley and Alan Howard, at Park Modern Secondary School. In 1956, heavily influenced by their love of Rock 'n' Roll music, they decided to form a band. The original line-up consisted of Brian Poole (vocals, guitar), Alan Blakley (guitar), Alan Howard (bass) and Graham Scott (guitar). While still in their teens the band members met and befriended Dave Munden, who shared a love and passion for rock 'n’ roll. A strong bond was formed which saw Munden join the band on the drums in 1957. A swift change of tactics saw Blakley switch to guitar, which Brian Poole relinquished to take the title of lead vocalist and front the band.

In the early years the Tremeloes were inspired by Buddy Holly & the Crickets and mainly covered their songs. They quickly gained local fame by playing at small venues in the area; during that time their singing style developed and flourished. With Brian Poole's Buddy-style glasses and the band's unique style of harmony, the Tremeloes soon developed a wide fan base and following. This continued to grow until they became one of the top dance hall attractions across Great Britain. On New Year's Day in 1962, the Tremeloes auditioned for a record contract with Decca Records along with another up-and-coming band called the Beatles. Their regular slot on BBC Radio and large following meant that the Tremeloes were an obvious choice and they were signed by the record label. Upon signing with Decca, the company bosses insisted that the band be billed as Brian Poole and the Tremeloes since this was the trend at the time.^[1]

The band quickly embraced their new name. Their diverse musical talents meant that as well as producing their own singles they also performed as backing for other recording artists. Their first chart entry was "Twist and Shout" in June 1963 (a cover version of an Isley Brothers song that was also covered by the Beatles). "Twist and Shout" reached number four in the UK singles chart selling over 1 million copies and other charts hits were soon to follow. In September 1963 they released "Do You Love Me". It reached number one in the UK charts, famously knocking the Beatles second number one hit "She Loves You" from the top slot. "Do You Love Me" remained at the top of the charts for three weeks. Brian Poole and the Tremeloes continued to produce hits and thrive in the UK charts with tracks such as "Candy Man", which reached number six and the popular ballad "Someone, Someone" which reached number two.

In 1968 the band officially split. Brian Poole left to begin a solo career and pursue other opportunities,^[1] one of which included starting his own record label called Outlook Records. Other members of the band continued under their previous name, the Tremeloes.

Later career

In the 70s, in between performing, Brian Poole worked in his brother's butchers shop in Romford Road, Manor Park (East London).

In 1986 by Royal Command Poole performed at the televised Royal Gala Performance. He was privileged to personally meet Princess Anne after the show.

In 1988 Brian Poole hooked up with four other stars from the 1960s; Reg Presley from the Troggs, Mike Pender of the Searchers fame, Tony Crane from the Merseybeats and Clem Curtis from the Foundations. Together they formed the Corporation, also more affectionately known as the Travelling Wrinklies. They had a hit single with the classic Showstoppers hit, "It Ain't Nothin' but a Houseparty".

In 1996 Poole also wrote his first book entitled Talkback, which is a guide to cockney rhyming slang and is brimming with his native cockney wit.

Poole released further singles and a solo album called Antique Gold in 2008.

Tours

Between 2002 and 2007, Poole toured and performed in the global 'Reelinandarockin' '60s tour, where he performed to sell out audiences in the UK, and as far afield as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and China. 'Re-elinandarockin' was the first '60s show ever to perform in China. Stars such as Dave Berry, Gerry Marsden, Mike d'Abo, Dave Dee, Mike Pender and the Nolans were among the line-up.

In 2006, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes did a reunion tour, to mark their 40th anniversary. The line-up consisted of Chip Hawkes, Ricky Westwood, Dave Munden, Joe Gillingham, Jeff Brown and Brian Poole.

In 2008 and 2009, Poole toured with P.J. Proby in the show 'Oh Boy', which was a mix of non-stop '60s hits.

In 2012 (from May to March) he performed in the Solid Silver '60s show to sell-out audiences at venues across the UK. He appeared alongside Peter Noone, Chris Montez, Brian Hyland and Vanity Fare.

In 2013, Poole appeared in the Sixties Gold Tour, starting in September in Cardiff and ending in November in Manchester. He appeared with Chip Hawkes alongside Gerry and the Pacemakers, P.J. Proby, the Searchers and the Fortunes.

In 2014 he is booked to appear in the Solid Silver Sixties Show alongside the Tremeloes, Chris Montez, Chris Farlow, Wayne Fontana and Vanity Fare.

Family

In 1968 he married Pamela Poole (née Rice). They have two daughters, Shelly McErlaine (née Poole) and Karen Etherington (née Poole) and a granddaughter named Rose Dolly.

Shelly Poole, born Michelle Lena Poole is a successful singer-songwriter. Together with her sister Karen Poole she formed the duo band Alisha's Attic which gained fame in the late 1990s. She is married to Texas guitarist Ally McErlaine and now performs, writes and sings for the alternative country band Red Sky July and has written hits for Westlife, Boyzone etc.

Karen Poole, born Karen Ann Poole is a prolific and successful songwriter. She has produced more than 20 top ten hits for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Will Young, Annie Lennox and many others. Karen Poole was the other half of '90s duo Alisha's Attic. She has a daughter named Rose Dolly Etherington and step daughter Evie Etherington with husband songwriter David Etherington.

In 1997 Alisha's Attic were nominated for a prestigious Ivor Novello award, in the category of 'Best Lyrical and Melodic Composition' for their chart hit "I am, I Feel".

Discography

The Singles

Albums

EPs

Solo

References

External links

• Official Brian Poole website