In Conversation with '60's rock 'n' roll legend Pete Maclaine

We are delighted that the next guest in our series of 'In Conversation With' series is the legendary rock and roller Pete Maclaine who famously turned down an offer from The Beatles to write songs for him. 

Pete started his music career at the tender age of 16 in 1958 and became one of the most popular stage performers during the 1960's. He was mates with The Beatles and recalls "Lennon was the one shouting things out and in command. George was the nicest, quietest man. Ringo was always fooling about, like I used to be doing. McCartney was a pleasure to be with."

Whenever The Beatles came to play at The Oasis in Manchester, Pete and his first wife Sue would organise parties for them. "I remember one occasion they played there, it was packed out and there were a thousand people round the block."
Pete Maclaine & The Dakotas were the first Manchester band to play at The Cavern and Paul McCartney turned up to see them and waiting around to chat to Pete after the gig. He said `I just want to play you this, Pete. See what you think'. He gave this record to the DJ who played it. It was 'Please Please Me'. It had not been released yet. I said `That's very nice. It should do well, Paul'. 

"I used to wear these smart suits and I remember Beatles' manager Brian Epstein asked me for some cloth once. I told him I could not get any more because it was African wild silk ,which I had imported. It was really from a curtain shop in Manchester, 10 bob (50p) a yard!"

Pete seemed destined for superstar status when his career took a an unexpected turn. Brian Epstein asked the Dakotas to ditch Pete and link up with one of Epstein's acts, Billy J. Kramer, a partnership which then yielded six top 20 hits. Pete declined Epstein's offer of Billy J Kramer's old backing band, the Coasters, and instead went on to form the first Pete Maclaine and The Clan.

"Paul McCartney was saying to me `Come with Eppy and we will write you some songs'. I really think that I am the only person in the world who would say `No' to Lennon and McCartney."

Don't miss this great opportunity to hear Pete's fascinating stories and listen to the music he made. Pete's passion for performing has never waned and has the record for the longest running residences in Stockport. Admission to the event is free and there will be a break for refreshments of tea and coffee.

We are grateful to the support of the UK Shared Propserity Fund for making these talks possible. #ukspf