Brian 'Liquorice' Locking – from Wildcat to Shadow

 

Brian 'Liquorice' Locking – from Wildcat to Shadow.

by Pete Clemons

Marty Wilde's backing group, the Wildcats, was formed in late 1957, shortly after Marty Wilde signed to Philips Records and began his career as a leading British rock and roll singer.

The Wildcats were made up of 'Big' Jim Sullivan on lead guitar and whose roots began in skiffle. Rhythm guitar was Tony Belcher who began life as a quantity surveyor. Drummer was Brian Bennett a former outstanding art student. Finally, on bass was Bedworth born Brian 'Liquorice' Locking who began as a trumpeter with the Salvation Army. Work wise Brian was a fireman on British Railways.

The Wildcats and accompanied Marty Wilde on stage, television and records for two years. And it was while with Marty that they learned a great deal about show business including the studio aspect.

By early 1960, Marty Wilde sought to move into other areas of music and performance, which necessitated a change in his backing setup. His move was a natural progression in his career, driven by changing musical trends, and his desire to move beyond the limited 'teen idol' market.
As such the original Wildcats became surplus to requirements. And late 1960 The Wildcats became known as The Krew Kats (sometimes spelled Krewkats) in 1961 because they were refused permission to keep using the name 'Wildcats'.

Incidentally, while still known as The Wildcats they backed Gene Vincent during that ill fated tour with Eddie Cochran in 1960.

As a band in their own right The Krew Kats recorded several of their own tunes such as 'Trambone' and 'Peak Hour'. These tunes demonstrated what a first rate musical understanding the band had gained during their several years together.

During 1959 Bob (Colin Day) and John (Brian Alford), who were unrelated, were auditioning for Emile Ford (of Checkmates fame) at the Putney Ballroom. That led them to sing in various coffee bars and dances throughout the year.

During September 1960 at the Boys and Girls exhibition - held at London Olympia and judged by Cliff Richard - the pair, and now known as The Allison Brothers, won a Disc magazine talent competition. That win led to some TV appearances but what became later essential was that the prize also included an audition with Fontana Records. The importance of that session could not be understated as, during January 1961, the pair recorded a composition they had written titled 'Are You Sure'. January was also the month that saw the Allisons begin working with The Krew Kats.

'Are You Sure' was entered into the British heat of the Eurovision Song Contest which it won. From there, it was off to Cannes for the finals on 18 March 1961 where they finished as runners up to Jean-Claude Pascal of Luxembourg. At the same time, back in the UK, 'Are You Sure' was winning a silver disc for sales.

The success at Eurovision 61 sparked a huge reaction. Literally the day after the song contest agents, publishers, bookers and press folk kept all lines busy with inquiries about the duo an extensive tour followed. Backing The Allisons on those dates were The Krew Kats.

The Krew Kats were in demand and well respected. Further evolution in the band saw Brian Bennett joining The Shadows as drummer in October 1961, replacing Tony Meehan. Brian "Licorice" Locking followed as he joined The Shadows as the bassist in April 1962, replacing Jet Harris.

A second version of The Krew Kats, featuring future Moody Blues members Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder. In late 1962, the band became the backing group for French singer Dick Rivers. During 1963 The Krew Kats toured Germany before disbanding after a difficult winter tour.

Marty Wilde and Wild Cats