Mervyn and The Starbeats were originally formed in 1960 and during that wonderful musical decade, became one of Norfolk's hardest working bands. In 1997 they reformed for the "Golden Years" concert presented by BBC Radio Norfolk and The Eastern Evening News. The band have been part of this annual event ever since, helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.



Mervyn has a unique sixties repertoire that includes songs made famous by such artists as Elvis Presley and The Crickets, right through to today's acts such as BR-549.

For good measure, The Starbeats feature the music of groups including The Beatles and The Searchers while their tribute to The Shadows has proved to be very popular.

• Mervyn Hurn (vocals) is an original member of the Starbeats first time around although the band managed to avoid taking him on as lead singer until 1962. He later joined the Falcons before retiring to a well-known printing works in the City. Just when he thought he could grow old gracefully he was brought out of retirement for the Golden Years concerts and, as a result of the subsequent demand (well, actually his wife stopped him singing in the bath), he decided to rejoin his old band. Mervyn Hurn is sponsored by the makers of Strepsils.
• David Spinks (drums, vocals and cowbell!) was the founder of the Starbeats back in 1960. When the band disbanded he retired from the music scene to play golf. It was on a golf course in Norfolk where he was found in 1992 and enticed away to join Marcus & Friends for a one night stand. It lasted five years. In 1997 he was reunited with his former colleagues, The Starbeats, for the Golden Years concerts in Norwich and, since his drumming proved more profitable than his golf, decided to take the band on the road again.
• Marcus Allum (guitar and vocals) was a founder member of Wells' first pop group the Megatons who changed their name to ETC Incorporated to avoid being confused with Britain's nuclear deterrent force. He eventually moved on to other bands and, at one time, was the M in the MBJ Trio. He later worked country-style with Footapper until giving it up to grow Dahlias. After playing at a party he got the bug (some say it was the salmon sandwiches at fault) and formed Marcus and Friends. He is now a Starbeat.
• Brian Adams (bass and vocals) was an original member of Fakenham's first group The Electrons. Having some understanding of electronics it was his job to plug in the primitive equipment while the others took cover. He left the band to go and make an honest living. Some years later he joined an ad hoc band The Generation Gap before moving on to Marcus & Friends and then The Starbeats. He gets an extra 2/6 a gig because he can read music although he may not necessarily be playing what he is reading.
• Jim Baldwin (guitar and vocals) worked with Brian in The Electrons, remaining with them until they disbanded. After this he joined Ian & Danny Eves and The Bruntones for a while before becoming a finger in the ear Folk Singer. He then joined the Dicky Bow Brigade, working in MOR bands such as The MBJ Trio, The Val Day Trio, The Dave Green Set and Acorn. After a year or two resting and watching aeroplanes he joined The Generation Gap and then Marcus & Friends before becoming a Starbeat. He still has his own teeth.

• Telephone: (01328) 710480
• Email: david@starbeats.co.uk