 L/R Back Row : Keith H - Keith D - Tommy
Front Row : Kelvin - Ricky
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For a number of years Keith Dodd and his wife Maja, who he met while playing a stint at Hamburg's Star Club, have been supporters of Liverpool based Mersey Beat musicians' charity 'MerseyCats'.
In January 2009, Ricky decided to visit the MerseyCats band-night, which is held each Thursday at Old Roan British Legion Club in Aintree, Liverpool.
With a view to rekindling old acquaintances, Ricky met ex Topspots guitarist Keith Dodd and drummer Tommy Limb. They contacted bass guitarist Kel Harrison and guitarist Keith Hubbard, to invite them to a re-union.
The meeting was well received, so much so that the 'lads' decided to have a bash to see if they could still cut it as a band.
The session at Keith Hubbard's studio in Southport was a success.
The new band's first performance was in March 2009 at MerseyCats, they received a fantastic reception.
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Ricky Gleason - Vocals. Founder member of Ricky Gleason & the Topspots.
Ricky was born Derek Banks in Bootle, within the sound of the Merseyside docks.
Taking in all the influences of his teen years he was a natural to become a front man vocalist.
Ricky was a great fan of Buddy Holly and Buddy's influence can be heard in Ricky's vocal performance.
Ricky has been the driving force in the re-formation of the band.
Kelvin Harrison - Bass guitar. Kel is also a founder member of The Topspots.
Kel was regarded as one of the best exponents of the bass guitar on Merseyside.
Following the Topspots, Kel was a member of The Mersey Monsters before joining The Rebels.
Kel immigrated to Canada where he kept up his musical interests.
Since his return to England he has been involved with various musical projects before coming back to The Topspots.
Tommy Limb - Drums. Another Bootle-ite and founder member of The Topspots.
Tommy, like Kel, became a member of The Mersey Monsters,
Later he joined The Defenders and has since been a cabaret compere and resident drummer.
Keith Hubbard - Guitar. Keith began his career in various Merseyside bands during the mid 60s. In 1963 Keith helped to form The Rebels. In 1969 he became a member of the British cast of the rock musical Hair. Keith helped to form the rock band Caliban, who were regulars at Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club and on 27th May 1973, played at the Club's closing night, making Keith one of a select group of musicians to finally grace the original Cavern stage. During the mid 70s Keith enjoyed a term with hit pop band Chicory Tip then, after stints with various bands, he formed his present band, Shooter.
Keith Dodd - Guitar - Retired from the band 2011: Keith joined the Topspots after appearances with a number of Liverpool bands.
Keith's influences include, Hank Marvin, Duane Eddy, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry etc.
Keith joined The Principles before becoming a member of hit Mersey Beat band: The Swinging Blue Jeans.
Keith and his wife have been long time supporters of children's charity 'MerseyCats'. |
Enjoying a glass of milk, on the stage of the world famous Cavern Club
