440 pages, with more than 900 black & white illustrations, 7.4 x 9.7 inches 18.8 x 24.6 cm. an anthology of some of the 'other' groups that were part of the 1960's 'Merseybeat' era. However, it is not possible to consider this book without reference to Manfred's previous publication, 'Beat Waves 'Cross the Mersey' (ISBN 9781588502018). This 2021 revised edition of the previous 2013 publication chronicles the stories of an additional 110 Merseyside groups, plus 133 line-ups that were not included in 'Beat Waves 'Cross the Mersey'. The combination of both books accounts for more than 825 'Merseybeat' groups that Manfred has researched and documented. As such, this publication should be considered to be a companion volume to 'Beat Waves 'Cross the Mersey'.
While most people are familiar with the 'Beatles', there is a universal misconception that they invented the 'Mersey Sound' that later became known as 'Merseybeat'. However, nothing could be further from the truth as 'Merseybeat' was 'under construction' long before the 'Beatles' exploded onto the scene. While not in any way attempting to detract from their ability, it is important that anyone interested in that era gives consideration to the other groups that were the backbone of this phenomenon. 'Merseybeat' was a product created by the many hundreds of Liverpool groups and those from the surrounding areas that played there.
So, here are the complete stories of another 110 'Merseybeat' groups, the names of some of them may be unfamiliar to those that were not part of the era. Regardless, it is a fascinating insight into one of the greatest musical revolutions of the 20
th
century.