Thursday, October 3, 2024

Off Beat: The Day I Met The Beatles

 

The Rob Charles Combo pictured with The Beatles.  The Combo left to right are: Ken Botting, Mike Karn, Bev Blower, and Derrick Page


The Day I Met The Beatles
By Mark Davidson & Derrick Page
Caterham Mirror
February 21, 1991


Reigate musician Derrick Page this week tells of his exciting days during the swinging 60s when he met the Beatles.

Derrick is still involved in the music scene in gigs. He runs a tailoring business on London Road Reigate. Derrick recalls, "The Beatles came to the Channel Islands in 1963 to play two nights at the Springfield Ballroom in Jersey and two nights at the Candy Gardens in Gurnsey. I was playing guitar in the Rob Charles Combo, and at that time, we were working as support band to the top names that were visiting. 

We were also required as backing musicians for artists such as the Allisons, winners of the Eurovision Song Contest with "Are you Sure?" and hit singers Julie Grant and Mike Preston. We also backed and became good friends with those fine Irish lads the Bachelors. 

When the Beatles arrived, it seemed like the whole population of Jersey turned out to welcome them. They had already had two number-one hits, and their EP of Twist and Shout was high up in the charts. They brought their own guitars but asked if they could plug into our amplifiers. We, of course, said yes. And I remember how good I felt when George Harrison (a real gentleman) came over in a soft, Liverpool accent and said, "Thanks very much for lending us your gear," and said how much he liked my Fender amplifier.

On the second night in Jersey, our manager excitedly informed us that Paul McCartney had suggested that the lads in the support band might like to have their photographs taken with the Fab Four in the dressing room. We were there in a flash, and the resulting picture is one that I treasure to this day. I met many famous names in the 60s, and over the next few weeks, I will try to relate some of the more interesting stories, but the week spent with the Beatles must rank as one of the highlights.

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