| |
| 1956 |
| Heath playing
banjo and guitar in skiffle groups with Alan Caddy (later of the Pirates
and the Tornados) as Freddie Heath and the Nutters. (Strong 1995:448) |
| |
| 1958 [age
18-19] |
| Guy Robinson
(manager) and Don Toye (agent) suggest Heath switch to rock 'n' roll |
| |
| 1959 [age
19-20] |
| HMV renames Freddie Heath and The Nutters, Johnny Kidd and The Pirates. He records his first single
(on HMV) at Abbey Road Studios. |
| 12 June.
"Please Don't Touch" enters UK charts and
eventually reaches UK number 26. |
| December. "If You Were the Only Girl in the World" (Grey & Ayer) / "Feelin'" (Robinson & Heath) |
| |
| 1960 [age 20-21] |
| Kidd adds
the Pirates as his touring and recording band with Alan Caddy (lead
guitar), Tony Doherty (rhythm guitar), Johnny Gordon (bass), Ken
McKay (drums) and Mike West and Tom Brown (backing vocals). |
| January. "You Got What It Takes" (Gordy, Davis, & Gordy) / "Longin' Lips" (Heath & Robinson) |
| 12 February.
"You Got What It Takes" enters UK charts; reaches UK #25. |
| Retaining
Caddy, Kidd adds Brian Gregg (bass) and Clem Cattini (drums). This
ensemble of guitar, bass, and drums becomes Kidd's standard ensemble
setup and a model for other groups (such as the Who). |
| 16 June. "Shakin' All Over" enters UK charts;
reaches UK #1. |
| 6 October. "Restless" enters UK charts; reaches UK #22. |
 |
 |
| Cattini points, Kidd naps, Gregg ponders, and Caddy listens, while Johnny Irvin (the roadie) reads last rites. |
| |
| 1961 [age 21-22] |
| 13 April.
"Linda Lu" enters UK charts; reaches UK #47. |
| Cattini
and Gregg leave to form Tornados and Kidd takes a more pop approach
to his music, sometimes recording with orchestras. |
 |
| September.
Kidd selects new Pirates. Johnny Patto (soon to be replaced by Mick Green),
Johnny Spence (bass), and Frank Farley (drums). |
| |
| 1963 [age 23-24] |
