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The Big Three were a Merseybeat group from Liverpool. They evolved from a group called Cass & The Cassanovas which were formed in the late 50's by Brian Casser. Although originally a four-piece outfit, formed in May 1959 they had slimmed down to a trio comprising of Casser (rhythm guitar/vocals) (born in 1936, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland), Adrian Barber (lead guitar) (born in Yorkshire) and Johnny Hutch (drums) (born John Hutchinson, 18 July 1940, in Malta) from Late July 1959, who replaced original drummer Brian J Hudson. In need of a bass guitarist, Hutchinson brought in Gustafson (born 8 August 1942, in Liverpool, Lancashire) in December 1959. At that time Gustafson didn't have a proper bass guitar so Barber converted an acoustic for him.

In December 1960, Casser left the group and moved to London reducing them to a trio again. In January 1961 the Cassanovas re-emerged as The Big Three. Despite being a three-piece they were one of the loudest bands in Liverpool due to Barber's talents in the electronics field. He built the band giant amps, standing over five feet high, which were nicknamed "coffins".

Brian Epstein signed them to his stable and sent them over to Hamburg. It was during that trip that Brian Griffiths (born 27 August 1943), in Liverpool, Lancashire) joined the group in August 1962, Barber left, and the best-known line-up of the Big Three was established. Their musicianship and attack were legendary and they exerted a considerable influence on their contemporaries.

Epstein arranged for them to audition for Decca Records and they recorded "Some Other Guy". The group were not happy with the recording and appalled when they were told that Decca would be releasing it and wouldn't allow them a proper recording session so they could perform the song they way they wished it to be played.

The Big Three and Epstein terminated their partnership in July 1963, but the damage had been done. Gustafson and Griffiths quit in November 1963, and with drummer Ian Broad from Rory Storm and the Hurricanes formed the Seniors and left for Germany. Hutchinson replaced them with Faron (born William Faron Ruffley, 8 January 1942, at 15a Goodison Road, Walton, Liverpool, Lancashire and Paddy Chambers (born Patrick John Chambers, 3 April 1944, in Liverpool, Lancashire died Mon 18 September 2000) from Faron's Flamingos.

By mid-'64 their days were numbered. Paddy Chambers left in March 1964 and was replaced by Paul Pilnick (born 17 March 1944, in Liverpool, Lancashire) from the All Stars. Pilnick only stayed a short time before moving on to Tony Jackson & the Vibrations in October 1964, when the band split up. Hutchinson received an offer to join Kingsize Taylor & the Dominoes but declined, opting instead to hang up his drumsticks.

Brian Griffiths now lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he teaches guitar.

Discography

• Some Other Guy/Let True Love Begin (Decca F 11614, Mar 63, UK#37)
• By The Way/Cavern Stomp (Decca F 11689, June 63, UK#22)
• I'm With You/Peanut Butter (Decca F 11752, Oct 63)
• If You Ever Change Your Mind/You've Got To Keep Her Under Your Hand (Decca F 11927, June 64)
• E.P. "At The Cavern" (live) - What'd I Say/Don't Start Running Away/Zip A Dee Doo Dah/Reelin' And Rockin' (Decca DFE 8552, July 64)

External links

• The Cavern Club - The Big Three profile