Formed in Prescot, Merseyside, in the summer of 1963 from the remnants of a local group called The Ravons, this Liverpool beat group were resident at the Peppermint Lounge in Liverpool’s city centre.
The four band members – James “Tex” McDermott (Lead guitar), Francis “Albie” Gornell (Rhythm guitar), Dave Trimnell (Bass) and Roy Little (Drums) – bleached their hair blonde (they were often billed as ‘the blonde bombshells’) and wore matching outfits of blue shirts, blue cravats with white spots, high-heeled boots, tight pants, and unusual waistcoats designed by Jim Blott, who owned the Peppermint Lounge with his brother, George (who also managed the band).
Gerry Marsden saw the group performing at The Cavern in May 1964 when he visited with the film’s production team.
They were scouting for groups to appear in a scene in the movie where The Pacemakers win a beat competition against some other local bands and signed the blonde Blackwells.
Their single Why Don’t You Love Me? was released on Columbia Records to coincide with the release of the film.
Jimmy McManus later replaced Albie Gornell on rhythm guitar.
Not to be confused with the American harmony trio who recorded the original version of Love Or Money in 1961.
James “Tex” McDermott Guitar, vocals
Francis “Albie” Gornell
Guitar, vocals Dave Trimnell
Bass, vocals Roy Little
Drums Jimmy McManus
Guitar, vocals
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The Blackwells appeared in the film Ferry Cross The Mersey – a 1965 starring vehicle for Gerry & The Pacemakers.
