Globetrotter by the Tornados
Globetrotter was the Tornados third single and the follow-up to Telstar, except in the USA where “Ridin’ the wind” was the follow-up. Globetrotter entered the UK charts on 12th January 1963, reached no. 5 on 26th January and remained in the charts until 30th March. What became of the band members? Heinz was the first to leave the group, in May 1963, persuaded by their recording manager Joe Meek to pursue a solo career. He was initially replaced by Brian Gregg, but Brian lasted only three months and was replaced by Ray Randall. Ray still performs around his home town of Whitby, Yorkshire. Heinz died in April 2000, aged 57, after a five year battle with motor neurone disease. George Bellamy was next to move on, in August 1963. The strain of constant touring took its toll when he collapsed on stage, so he stood down for health reasons. He went on to own his own record label – SRT and his own music publishing business – Geobell Music. He is now retired and living in Alicante on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. George was replaced in the Tornados by Bryan Irwin. Bryan died of a heart attack in 1999, aged 55. Roger LaVern left shortly after George, perceiving the onslaught on the mersey sound. He made a name for himself in Mexico as “El Lobo”, appearing in many TV commercials. He is now living in Bromley, Kent having survived a battle with cancer. His successor on the Tornado’s keyboards was Jimmy O’Brien, who has disappeared without trace. Alan Caddy remained with the band until …