Beyond the Beatles: Unsung Heroes of the British Invasion
Though discussions of the British Invasion obviously reference the Beatles and Rolling Stones, the musical wave of the 1960’s was wider and more diverse than just these giants of pop music. An ecosystem of “secondary” bands contributed to the cultural revolution, each with a distinct sound and style.
The Animals: Far More Than “House of the Rising Sun”
Newcastle’s the Animals supplied the grittier, blues sounds of The Invasion. Although “House of the Rising Sun” was their greatest hit, tracks like “We Gotta Get From This Place” and “Do not Let Me Be Misunderstood” showcased Eric Burdon’s deep vocals and the band’s raw emotion. Their working-class background showed and contrasted sharply with the more polished pop of several of their predecessors.
The Dave Clark Five: The Beatles ‘Early Rivals
Virtually forgotten today, the Dave Clark Five were serious Beatles rivals in 1964. Their stomping sound, vocals by Mike Smith and drumming by Dave Clark, created hits like “Glad All Over” and “Bits & Pieces.” The band showed up eighteen times on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” helping to establish the British Invasion in American living rooms.
Herman’s Hermits: Lighter Side of the Invasion
Herman’s Hermits were huge commercial successes with their less threatening image and lighter pop sound. They were led by boyish Peter Noone and had several hits including “Mrs. Brown, You have Got a Lovely Daughter”, “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”, “There’s a Kind of Hush”, “Listen People” and “I’m Into Something Good”. Even though not as musically significant as a few of their colleagues, they represented the more accessible, pop-oriented face of the British Invasion.
The Zombies: Sophisticated Pop Pioneers
The Zombies were one of the most musically sophisticated of the early bands. Their jazz-influenced chord progressions and Colin Blunstone’s ethereal vocals created gems like “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season.” Their 1968 album “Odessey and Oracle” is a psychedelic pop masterpiece, although originally overlooked.
Gerry & the Pacemakers: Liverpool’s Other Sons
Having a hometown and manager (Brian Epstein) together with the Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers were early British Invasion stars. They had been the very first act to reach number 1 with their very first 3 singles in the UK (among them “Ferry Cross the Mersey”) and their rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which became Liverpool Football Club’s anthem.
Lasting Impact of These Performers
These “secondary” bands were hardly second rate. They diversified the British Invasion, providing American audiences varied sounds and different styles. From the bluesy grit of The Animals to psycho-pop of The Zombies, each contributed something to the 1960’s musical landscape.
Their influence goes beyond their chart success. Several of these acts impacted younger generations of musicians whose songs are still covered and celebrated these days. The British Invasion was more than the Beatles & Stones crossing the Atlantic – it was a cultural event which exposed America to all British rock and pop and altered the musical landscape.
When we recall this extraordinary era, it is essential to celebrate these “unsung heroes” who made the British Invasion the pivotal moment of music history.
