In the late 1950s, a flourishing culture of groups began to emerge, often out of the declining skiffle scene, in major urban centres in the UK like Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London. This was particularly true in Liverpool, where it has been estimated that there were around 350 different bands active, often playing ballrooms, concert halls and clubs. Beat bands were heavily influenced by American bands of the era, such as Buddy Holly and the Crickets (from which group the Beatles derived their name), as well as earlier British groups such as the Shadows. After the national success of the Beatles in Britain from 1962, a number of Liverpool performers were able to follow them into the charts, including Gerry & the Pacemakers, the Searchers and Cilla Black.
Click to listen to the Beatles -> Let It Be
Click to listen to Cilla Black -> Anyone Who Had A Heart
Click to listen to Buddy Holly -> Peggy Sue
Click to listen to the Beatles -> Let It Be
Click to listen to Cilla Black -> Anyone Who Had A Heart
Click to listen to Buddy Holly -> Peggy Sue