Please Don't Touch!

Description

Johnny Kidd and The Pirates were the originators of the 1960 number one hit 'Shakin' All Over', a performance that is still considered one of the seminal recordings in British pop music history. That record alone would justify their inclusion in Bear Family Records®' 10-inch vinyl series, but the band produced a string of excellent records that unquestionably earned them a place alongside Cliff Richard, The Shadows, and Billy Fury in the pantheon of pre-Beatle British popsters. Unlike his contemporaries, Kidd's exceptional voice shows no Presley influence, and what's more, he was responsible for writing or co-writing most of his early work. As a live act, the band were pioneers. Performing in front of a 20 foot by 30 foot UV galleon backdrop and sporting full pirate regalia, Kidd's power trios influenced musicians up and down the country – The Who, The Hollies, and Wilko Johnson are just three of the artists who openly acknowledge their debt to the head pirate. This compilation focuses on Kidd's early work with the original Pirates band, and recordings made with the 'Mark 2' classic Pirates Brian Gregg, Alan Caddy, and drumming legend Clem Cattini.