Performing mostly UK bands from the 60s to the 80s, The Mersey Connection is a story of the growth of music originating and connecting to the world from the Mersey Beat era. The concept originated in 2017 with The Herman's Hermits Story. After a number of line up changes we now have The Mersey Connection duo and band. So if you enjoy the music and stories of such iconic bands like The Beatles, Gerry & the Pacemakers, The Hollies, The Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann, Badfinger, Dire Straits, Free, and many others, come along and enjoy our shows. All Mersey Connection performances include PA system, lights and background music during the breaks or as requested.
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Click hereRon Gaydon
Vocals / Guitar
Ron’s early career as lead vocalist and guitarist led to a recording contract with Festival Records, and an appearance on Countdown. He has supported acts like Richard Clapton, Split Enz and Midnight Oil among others. And after more than 20 years is still performing as lead singer and guitarist in the popular Sydney tribute show, The 3Bs Show (Bee Gees, Beach Boys and Beatles). He has also formed and performed in a number of tribute shows including, The Immortality Show (Bee Gees and Hollies), and The Monkees Live Again (with Herman’s Hermits in support) and The Herman’s Hermits Story and The Mersey Connection. In 2016 Ron moved from Sydney to Kingscliff, and now performs as Rockin’ Ron and Systematic at a number of venues in Tweed and on the Gold Coast.
Bas Hardcastle
Bass Guitar / Vocal Harmonies
Barry has performed numerous shows in his career. Barry forged his career doing many gigs in bands such as Bravura, and “Variety shows” like Jumpin Jive, a recreation of artists in costume from the 50’s, and Catch 22, a recreation of artists in costume from the 80’s. These shows enhanced Barry’s versatility as an artist to this day. Hence when Barry joined The Herman’s Hermits Story, he fit in like a glove. Since that time Ron and Bas have continued to play together in bands and develop their style as a duo. Bas also spent time working on the Tamworth club circuit, and performing with notable artists like Troy Cassar-Daley. Barry is recognised as one of the best bass guitar players in his field, and adds nice vocal harmonies to Systematic.
Ross Mercer
Drums
At the age of 12 Ross joined the local brass band as a drummer. He moved to Sydney to play and watch the developing bands of the 70s on the Sydney circuit. An offer for a full time drumming gig prompted a move to Tamworth as the resident drummer, backing the infamous likes of, Normie Rowe, Debbie Burn, Jane Scaly, Alison Durbin and many more. He also played in Big Bands performing swing era music. Ross toured the east coast of northern NSW and Qld for many years with Little Rock, and eventually moved to the Gold Coast to join the Ray Burton Band in the early 80s. Then progressed through DeSoto, The Duke Of Earl and toured the country with “The Good That Bad The Ugly” show with Chad Morgan, Allison Durbin, Lee Conway and Terry Gordon, and has shared the stage with notable musician’s such as Bo Diddly and Jon English.
Brent Lillie
Keys / Guitar / Vocals
Brent has performed at venues throughout South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Brent's talent has also taken him to the farthest corners of Australia and beyond. His exceptional songwriting skills earned him invitations to perform at prestigious events, including Nashville's iconic Bluebird Cafe and the South by Southwest Festival in the USA. As a touring artist, Brent has graced theatres, corporate events, and clubs across Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Whether captivating audiences as a bassist, keyboardist, lead vocalist, or harmonica player, or stepping into the spotlight with an acoustic guitar as Kris Kristofferson, Brent brings unparalleled energy and passion to every performance.