Exploring the incredible story of Johnny and the Copycats and their connection to The Beatles.
Topics covered
In the early 1960s, a group of four young musicians from Buckie, Scotland, embarked on a journey that would intertwine their fate with one of the most iconic bands in music history: The Beatles. Formed in 1962, Johnny and the Copycats consisted of guitarist Iain Lyon, drummer Rob Lawson, bass player Bill Cameron, and lead singer John Stewart.
Their passion for music and dedication to their craft quickly forged a strong bond among the members, leading them to rehearse and perform tirelessly.
From local gigs to a historic opportunity
Thanks to the efforts of local promoter Albert Bonici, the band secured regular performances, including a significant gig at the Longmore Hall in Keith.
This event was meant to feature The Beatles, who were then an emerging Liverpool group. However, due to a snowstorm that rendered the roads impassable, The Beatles’ concert on January 2, 1963, was canceled. In a twist of fate, Johnny and the Copycats took the stage instead, performing the entire New Year’s concert from 9 PM to 1 AM. This unexpected opportunity marked a pivotal moment in their musical journey.
Opening for The Beatles
Despite the disappointment of missing their chance to perform alongside The Beatles initially, the Copycats’ fortunes changed when Bonici negotiated with Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein. In April 1964, just fifteen months after the canceled concert, Johnny and the Copycats opened for The Beatles in Edinburgh and Glasgow. By this time, The Beatles had skyrocketed to fame, and fans camped out overnight for tickets, creating an electric atmosphere that the young band would never forget.
Memorable encounters and lasting impressions
During their performances, the Copycats had the unique opportunity to interact with The Beatles. Drummer Rob Lawson recalled meeting Brian Epstein, describing him as a gentleman who was impeccably dressed and well-mannered. The Beatles themselves were friendly and down-to-earth, despite their immense success. Bill Cameron, the band’s guitarist, noted that George Harrison appeared nervous during their first encounter, a sentiment that resonated with the Copycats as they navigated the whirlwind of Beatlemania.
A journey through music and change
As the years progressed, Johnny and the Copycats evolved into My Dear Watson, continuing to pursue their musical dreams. They recorded an LP and a single in London, collaborating with a young Reg Dwight, who would later become known as Elton John. Despite facing challenges in gaining airplay, the band enjoyed memorable experiences, including touring Germany and performing alongside renowned groups like Fleetwood Mac and Status Quo.
Legacy and impact
Though the band officially disbanded in 1972, their legacy lived on through charity events and local performances. Their final gig took place at Elgin Museum in 2016, marking the end of an era for the Buckie musicians. The story of Johnny and the Copycats is not just a tale of local talent; it is a testament to the power of music and the unexpected paths it can create. Their journey from Buckie to sharing the stage with The Beatles remains a remarkable chapter in the history of Scottish music.
My Dear Watson played Tain Town Hall many times in the ‘60s. I played in Tain band The Rough Diamonds at the same time.
We very much looked up to them, they were a very accomplished group. I remember one evening they played their version
of the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations”. It was spectacularly good, so much so that we made them play it three times in a row!
In all truth, My Dear Watson were as good as most of the more famous outfits to play Tain back then.