1957 - 1959

John Lennon was the founder of the group back in 1957 and laid the foundation to what was to become the most famous rock band in the world.  Originally calling the band ‘The Blackjacks’ Lennon played guitar and done the vocals, Colin Hanton played drums, Eric Griffiths on guitar, Pete Shotton on washboard, Rod Davis on banjo and Bill Smith played tea chest bass. 

After lasting only one week, the name ‘The Blackjacks’ was written off and Lennon came up with a new name of ‘The Quarry Men’ using his old school name as inspiration.  Bill Smith left the band and was replaced by Ivan Vaughan. 

When John Lennon became a huge fan of American rock ‘n’ roll in 57 he introduced a number of songs by Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins.  Later that year on 6th July, Ivan Vaughan invited Paul McCartney to see their bands gig at ‘The Woolton Parish Church Fete’ where McCartney was introduced to John Lennon, to form a fantastic writing partnership that was one of a kind.

‘The Quarry Men’ increased its band members to seven with McCartney now on guitar and vocals as well as George Harrison and Lennon, and John Lowe playing piano.  Two band members left soon after including Eric Griffiths. ‘The Quarry Men’ now became a 5 piece band.

Over the forthcoming year the band had very few gigs and only played occasionally at various talent contests.  However, by early 1959 the group wasn’t playing at all and some members lost contact.  Lennon and McCartney kept in touch and continued to write songs, but George Harrison now joined the Les Stewart Quartet with Les Stewart and Ken Brown.

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