band members
Yanni (Guitar and Vocals)
Yanni is both proud and passionate about the Merseybeat sound. He was born in Liverpool in 1950 and first played at the Cavern Club in 1964 with his band The Seftons. They went on to be very successful and recorded many singles and were very proud to be top of the bill when the Cavern reopened in 1967. In 1997, a commemorative wall of fame was unveiled opposite the Cavern and The Seftons have their own brick in the wall along with the other bands that performed at the legendary club.
Yanni later played at the Mathew Street Festival for seven years running. In 1972, Yanni found further success when he wrote and sang the theme tune to the long running TV show Candid Camera.
With his personality and wealth of experience spanning more than 58 years, Yanni contributes a genuine, reminiscent quality to The Liverpool Echoes.
rick (drums)
Rick has always loved the drums. Even as a lad living in London, he would use his mums wooden spoons and saucepans to make up a ‘drum kit’.
Growing up he loved anything pop or rock, but appreciated the brilliance of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa (who developed the modern drum kit into its current form), and later on Ringo (of course), Ian Paice from Deep Purple, and John Bonham….
Later the family moved to Berkshire, and growing up, played whatever was current in the charts and joined several local bands. Later he moved to Wokingham and hooked up local musicians.
But in 2015 had a call that changed his direction. After passing an audition, he joined up with the professional band The Mersey Legends, a dream come true.
Touring all over the country and abroad (the Isle of Wight 😁) playing in theatres, holiday camps and clubs. He plays a 1964 Ludwig Downbeat kit in Black Oyster Pearl, identical to Ringo’s, and uses Zildjian cymbals (the hi hats signed by Armand Ziljian himself). The beat goes on….
Johnny (Bass Guitar)
Dave has been playing in bands since the age of 14 both on bass and rhythm guitar. He has been both lead and backing singer and spent many years as a solo act.
He has played most of the top London hotels as well as holiday parks and 60’s festivals, and performed alongside many of the original bands/artists who still appear at these venues.
Billy (Guitar, Piano and Vocals)
Billy has been playing guitar since the age of 12 and been in many bands. Almost always his bands have featured songs of The Beatles and other 60’s legends all of which he was raised on in the 60’s.
Originally from Glasgow, he now lives in North London and is a keen golfer and Liverpool FC supporter.