The Tornados

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members

 

Heinz Burt - bass guitar 

George Bellamy – rhythm guitar
Alan Caddy – lead guitar

Roger LaVern - keyboards

Clem Cattini - drums 

Norman Hale – keyboards

 

 

Formed in London in 1960.

The Tornados grew out of a group of session musicians who frequently played behind singers at Joe Meek's Studios in a flat above a leather goods store at 304 Holloway Road, Islington, London. It has been stated by some of the members that the group was formed around Heinz Burt by Joe Meek because of Joe's attraction to Heinz.

Between January 1962 and August 1963, The Tornados were the backing group for Billy Fury for recording and performing purposes. They also recorded and performed in their own right as an instrumental group during this period.

Their most famous instrumental was 'Telstar' written and produced by Joe Meek, which reached No.1 in the UK charts and the US charts. 

Heinz Burt left the group at the end of April 1963 to have a solo musical career and also to try his hand at acting.

 

UK TV Appearances

1 Jun 1963 Thank Your Lucky Stars

 

 

Known Gigs

 

3 Mar 1962 Hastings, The Pier Ballroom.

20 Apr 1963 Portsmouth.

20 Apr 1963 London, Croydon.

21 Apr 1963 London, Empire Pool, Wembley. With Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Billy Fury, The Beatles, Joe Brown and His Bruvvers, The Brook Brothers with The Rhythm and Blues Group, Mike Berry with the Innocents, Adam Faith with The Roulettes, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Frank Ifield, Jet Harris and Tony Meehan Group, Mark Wynter, The Springfields, and The Joe Loss Orchestra. NME Annual Poll Winners Concert 1962-63.

23 Apr 1963 Derby.

25 Apr 1963 Bournemouth.

5 May 1963 Birmingham

14 Jun 1963 Great Yarmouth, Windmill.