Tributes paid to popular frontman from '60s hit group

Alan Parkinson, who was in The Beat Boys, has been remembered following his death earlier this month.
The Beat BoysThe Beat Boys
The Beat Boys

The Leigh-based group’s mix of rock ‘n’ roll, pop and skiffle was hugely popular with live audiences around the North West.

They played between 1960 and 1965, recorded with Decca and shared a Wigan Empire stage with The Rolling Stones as well as appearing on TV and accompanying top American artists on their tours across the pond.

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In later years the band got back together for a number of one-off events, often raising money for local charities and sometimes calling themselves the Redundant Rockers.

Alan Parkinson (left) with charity fund-raiser Pauline Lloyd and Ronnie CarrAlan Parkinson (left) with charity fund-raiser Pauline Lloyd and Ronnie Carr
Alan Parkinson (left) with charity fund-raiser Pauline Lloyd and Ronnie Carr

Originally from Newton-le-Willows, Alan was remembered for his personality as well as his musical talent, which later saw him become extremely popular with fans in parts of Europe.

As well as his singing his ability to play the harmonica and bring it into a rock band was fondly remembered.

The Beat Boys founder and bassist Ronnie Carr said: “Alan played alongside me for 40 years. He was one on his own.

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“I was with him the week before he died. It’s hard to believe he’s gone, I’m really shocked by it.

“At one point he got a band together and went to Italy where he did very well, playing some big arenas.

“He was a very popular lad and a tremendous frontman. He could move really well on stage. I never heard anyone call him or have a bad word to say about him. He was a very pleasant person and very well-loved. If you met him you would think he was a really genuine fella.”

A message on The Beat Boys’ Facebook page said: “R.I.P Alan Parkinson. True friends don’t get any bigger than Alan.

“We love him and will love him forever.”

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The Beat Boys performed throughout Wigan and Leigh in the early ‘60s and also took to the stage at Manchester venues such as the Twisted Wheel.

They also played alongside American names including Gene Vincent, Memphis Slim and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, although a story on The Beat Boys’ Facebook page recounts how the latter musician hated his nickname.

Ronnie said that Alan spent some time in the Cumbrian town of Barrow in Furness where he ran a hotel before ending up living near Leyland.

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