The Quarrymen facts for kids
The Quarrymen was a British skiffle and rock and roll band. John Lennon started the band in Liverpool, England, in 1956. This group later became the famous band The Beatles in 1960. At first, the band was made up of Lennon and some of his friends from school.
The band got its name from their high school, Quarry Bank High School. The name came from a line in the school's song. John Lennon's mother, Julia Lennon, taught him how to play the banjo. She also showed John and Eric Griffiths how to tune their guitars like a banjo. She taught them some simple chords and songs too.
How the Band Started
John Lennon first formed a skiffle group called the Blackjacks for a very short time. But he changed the name to The Quarrymen before they played any shows. Some people say Lennon chose the new name. Others say his close friend Pete Shotton suggested it.
The Quarrymen played at parties, school dances, and even in movie theaters. They also took part in amateur skiffle contests.
New Members Join
Paul McCartney joined the band in October 1957. Later, in early 1958, George Harrison joined too. McCartney suggested Harrison join the group. At first, Lennon was not sure because Harrison was only 14 years old. Both Paul McCartney and George Harrison went to a school called the Liverpool Institute.
Images for kids
-
The Quarrymen's instruments
-
"In Spite of All the Danger", the only copy of the record made by the Quarrymen. It has the only two songs they professionally recorded.
-
The Liverpool Empire Theatre, where Johnny and the Moondogs (another early name for the band) tried out for a show.
-
McCartney and Lennon playing on the opening night of The Casbah Coffee Club.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: The Quarry Men para niños
