Merseybeat saxophonist Brian Jones dies aged 85

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 14:20 · Archive

Brian 'Sax' Jones, a saxophonist with The Undertakers, a prominent 1960s Merseybeat band, has died aged 85.

Brian 'Sax' Jones, a Wallasey-born saxophonist, has died aged 85. He was a member of The Undertakers, a prominent Merseybeat band formed in 1961 that were contemporaries of the Beatles.

The Undertakers developed a strong following in Wallasey and Liverpool, noted for their energetic stage shows in which musicians wore frock coats and top hats. Like the Beatles, they played at Hamburg's Star-Club in 1962. Jones' saxophone work contributed to their distinctive big-band-style rhythm and blues sound.

The band signed to Pye Records and achieved one UK Top 50 hit with their third single, 'Just a Little Bit', in April 1964. They split after a US tour in 1965. Jones later became a session musician and continued playing with a reformed version of The Undertakers for many years.

How it is being reported

• Merseybeat legend dies aged 85 as tributes paidBrian Jones was a member of The Undertakers, who rose to stardom in Liverpool's thriving mid-century music sceneLiverpool Echo · 13 Oct, 15:16
• Tributes paid to Wirral-born Merseybeat 'legend' Brian 'Sax' JonesTRIBUTES have been paid to a Wirral musician described as a "Merseybeat legend".Wirral Globe · 13 Oct, 12:10

In this story: Brian Jones · The Undertakers · The Beatles · Wallasey · Liverpool · Hamburg · Jackie Lomax

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