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Saturday, January 01, 2005Song of the Day: January 2, 2005The Grottybeats-Love Games Grot Records 45, 1984 The synthy snare in the intro does not bode well, but those who presevere will be rewarded with a song that sounds a bit like what Dwight Twilley could have spent the mid-80s doing. Raging Beatlephobes should pass this over (if not for the band's name alone) for that bridge, a nifty rip from the Fab Four playbook ca. A Hard Day's Night. Possibly, maybe even probably, the only release from these Canadians. 
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The editorial staff of Little Hits: From left to right, that's Shamrock J. Cat, Casey, and Mickey. Little Hits does not intend to deprive artists and labels of revenue; it is instead hoped that the music presented on this site will contribute to interest that will eventually lead to legitimate re-issue of the works of the artists represented, or wider recognition of already available releases. If you have legal rights to any of the songs presented here, and wish to have them removed, I will attempt to dazzle you with the speed and abject humility of my compliance. Previous Posts
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13 Comments:
I used to see the Grottybeats play in a bar underneath the Ontario Hydro Building at College and Queens Park in Toronto, Canada. They were a decent Beatles cover band and drew very big crowds weekly.
WOW! I used to be in the Grottybeats - rythym guitar and vocals - used to Love playing DJ's -
drummer for The Grottybeats here........
You're right Jon, this was the only single released by the Grottybeats. The group released another single under the name "the Cabal" in 1985 called "Halley's Coming."
My god, it's so long ago now...
Yes, I was there too for some fab times - I remember seeing them at the El Macombo too I think shortly after the single was released. Great tune and a lovely B side, was it '009'?
This is Stephen .. the official unofficial photographer of the "Early GrottyBeats"
The GrottyBeats were and still are my Fave Fake Fab Four.
"Thinking man's Beatlemania" right? You guys should stage a comeback following the appearance of "Rain" at the Hummingbird Centre.
I'm likely early GrottyBeats biggest fan, except for a really, really, really nice Newcastle girl called "Geordie" (god, she was nice. And any girl who loves Beatles is OK by me). Where is she now? Often wondered if she became a Cynthia Lennon or a Jane Asher.
And often wondered if she could be Astrid to my Klaus Voorman.
First became aware of band when they advertised for a bass player that looked like the TV cartoon version of Paul McCartney.
Then there was a feature story on them in Ryerson's student newspaper, The eyeopener. Must be 1980.
Discovered GrottyBeats at "a cellar full of noise" named after a subway station on Yonge Street {Yonge Street Station, maybe).
Followed them as they moved to better gigs and better digs on Toronto's "A Circuit" -- including DJs at the Hydro Building. Not to mention The Ports. El Macombo came after I left.
Somewhere I have photos of them at the Ports. And at DJs on the night of January 1st -- the night after a very wild and late New Year's Eve party.
I saw two versions the GrottyBeats.
Chris on lead Gretch guitar and mostly the George guy. "O look, he's changing his guitar." Also played mouth organ. I remember a certain "hot" Fender, too.
Marty on rythmn Rickenbacker guitar and mostly the John guy. Quite good as guitarist. Eyeopener described his vocals as somewhere between John Lennon and Alvin.
Gary? on Hoffner bass and mostly the Paul guy. Kinda looked like TV cartoon Paul. "The cute one."
First drummer on Beatlesque Ludwig drums was John. Historically, he became the Pete Best of the band. But he could sing like Ringo. Well, actually, better.
Second drummer was, er, "Studley." I don't remember his real name because Geordie introduced him to me as "Pokey." Historically the Ringo, but he couldn't sing.
I seem to remember he had different drum kit with different GrottyBeats logo. More like the cartoon Beatles logo.
And whatever happened to your manager/sound guy after he got married?
There had been talk of an album and at least one Beatles' cover -- "She's got the Devil in Her Heart."
That was a really strong tune for them. Guess it never happened.
I went out West in 1981 and saw the boys only a few times after that. One time I did see them was at DJs on that January 1st night. I think that's the last time (This could be the last time"?)
There had been talk of an album and at least one Beatles' cover -- "She's got the Devil in Her Heart."
That was a really strong tune for them. Guess it never happened.
Oh yeah, I remember their middle set included a LOT of early Rolling Stones' tunes.
Miss you guys. You were the BEST OF THE BEATLES.
OK, so here's the thing:
I have GrottyBeats photos. GrottyBeats also have some of my photos. Ryerson's radio station may still have an archived copy of a live recording they did of the GrottyBeats -- which I played on my radio show.
Lorne Michaels once offered the Beatles a fair sum of money to re-unite for a Saturday Night Live appearance.
All I can offer is photos, publicity and praise. And friendship. And memories.
Anybody out there?
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