Bill Kimber and the Couriers - Twist And Shout

The first “takhare” (long haired louts) (-: to tour South Africa, bringing the “Liverpool Sound” to the masses! Their take on classic originally recorded by The Top Notes but gained traction when first covered by the Isley Brothers, The Beatles and Brian Poole and The Tremeloes.

In comms with Mr. South African music, Billy Forrest, “…Frank Fenter put the group together and brought them to SA. They were the first “long haired” group to appear in SA and Frank secured sponsorship from Coca Cola. They lived in the original Lonehill farmhouse while filming "Africa Shakes", which, sadly, didn't work out. The only guys I knew really where the lead singer Bill Kimber and their brilliant lead guitarist, Dick Laws…

As per the liner notes, “The forming of The Couriers was more by accident than design, as is often the case with this type of group. Bill Kimber aged 17 (lead vocal and rhythm guitar) had been singing with various combos in London Club’s since the age of 15. Until he was “discovered” and persuaded to branch out on his own. After working “solo” for some time, Bill felt the need for his own backing group and set out to find instrumentalists round his own age, with personality and showmanship as well as outstanding musicianship. Peter Fairweather (aged 20 – bass guitar) was his first find. Peter has been playing in North London area and was in a sort of another sphere from Bill. Bill heard Peter – Peter heard Bill – and a start had been made.
Together the boys scoured London for a drummer and came up with Allan Turner (aged 19 – drums and vocal). Allan comes from a line of musicians, his “old man” being in the profession as well. Allan, apart from being a “knockout” drummer, is also a fine vocalist, and does most of the vocal backing to Bill. With this combo, and what they figured was a new sound, the group launched and set out doing small clubs and dance has. They soon found though that they needed a lead guitar, as jobs were getting bigger and audiences more enthusiastic. And so the greatest phase of the Couriers began.
Enter the “Wildee” and big swinger of the group, Dick Laws (aged 17- lead guitarist). Dick has been playing since the age of 10 and toured France and Germany with several groups. Dick moulded into the group perfectly and the Couriers were travelling, knocking out audiences through the length and breadth of England. Soon the group took a resident job well-known to South African’s in London – the O.V.C, Earls Court Road, and in no time at all everybody was “Shakin’ Up A Storm”. When the offer of a personal appearance to tour the Republic came, the boys replied in unison “Handsome”!.”

Apart from touring and releasing material, the band also features on the 1966 soundtrack of the ill-fated South African cult movie: “Africa Shakes”.

The band returned to the UK shortly after.
Bill Kimber remained in the UK and went on to release a number of tracks, using a variety of monikers, including Bill Kimber, William E. Kimber, and William E. (as Willian E. covering the Gordon Haskell penned track, “Lazy Life”, often confused with our own William. E aka Billy Forrest who turned the track into a hit). Bill become a Record Producer in the 70’s, (Bay City Rollers, Hello, Helen Shapiro,++) A&R Director RCA Records/Head of RCA Music publishing, London the 80’s, (Eurythmics, Bow Wow Wow, Bucks Fizz, Landscape, Clannad, Joboxers, Hooked On Classics,++) Producer, Independent Distributor, International Representation in 90’s, (Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers, Chad Jackson, ++) Consultant on Investments into music by the City of London 2000-2010, (Albums by: Prefab Sprout, Billy Ocean, Natalie Imbruglia, So Solid Crew, Connie Talbot, RPO + at least 30 more.) Entertainment Industry Consultant (Music & film) 2010 to present.

Dick Laws returned to South Africa to join the A-Cads for a fleeting moment and left after not agreeing with the music direction the band was taking. He went on to join Tommy Roe, featuring on a number of albums, including writing tracks for Tommy. He now resides in Los Angeles

Allan Turner joined Gary Tarr and the T-Bones. No tracks released. Still lives in the UK.

Peter Fairweather – relocated to Canada and pursued a legal career with Ogilvy Renault in Toronto until he retired.

Bill Kimber and the Couriers - “Twist and Shout”.
From the album “Shakin’ Up A Storm”. Released on the Renown label, NLP 248, 1964.

Side 1:
I Want To Hold Your Hand
Johnny B. Goode
Misery
Hold Me Tight
Talkin’ Bout You
Twist And Shout
Hippy Hippy Shake

Side 2:
Farmer John
I’ll Never Get Over You
That’s What I Want
Alright
Road Runner (also recorded by the A-Cads as b side for “Hungry For Love”)
Money
I Wanna Be Your Man

Produced by Art Heatlie
Engineered by Geoff Tucker

Publisher: Robert Mellin S.A. (Pty) Ltd.