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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
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{{infobox musical artist
{{infobox musical artist
| image = Gerry and the Pacemakers New York arrival 1964.JPG
| image = Gerryandthepacemakers (cropped).png
| caption = Maguire (2nd right) with Les Chadwick, Freddie Marsden and Gerry Marsden.
| caption = Les Maguire (1965)
| name = Les Maguire
| name = Les Maguire
| birth_name = Leslie Charles Maguire
| birth_name = Leslie Charles Maguire
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| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|11|25|1941|12|27|df=yes}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|11|25|1941|12|27|df=yes}}
| occupation = Musician
| occupation = Musician
| years_active = 1961–1970
| years_active = {{hlist|1961–1970|1990s-2000s}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[The Undertakers (band)|The Undertakers]]|[[Gerry and the Pacemakers]]|Hog Owl|[[Ian and the Zodiacs]]}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[The Undertakers (band)|The Undertakers]]|[[Gerry and the Pacemakers]]|Hog Owl|[[Ian and the Zodiacs]]}}
| origin = [[Liverpool]]
| origin = [[Liverpool]]
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}}
}}


'''Leslie Charles Maguire''' (27 December 1941 – 25 November 2023) was an English musician who was a principal member of the [[Beat music|Merseybeat]] band [[Gerry and the Pacemakers]] from 1961 to 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45-rpm.org.uk/dirg/gerryp.htm |title=Gerry And The Pacemakers |website=45-rpm.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-03-13}}</ref>
'''Leslie Charles Maguire''' (27 December 1941 – 25 November 2023) was an English musician and retired who was a principal member of the [[Beat music|Merseybeat]] band [[Gerry and the Pacemakers]] from 1961 to 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.45-rpm.org.uk/dirg/gerryp.htm |title=Gerry And The Pacemakers |website=45-rpm.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-03-13}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
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==Gerry and the Pacemakers==
==Gerry and the Pacemakers==
In 1961, Maguire joined [[Gerry and the Pacemakers]], replacing the group's original pianist, Arthur "Mack" MacMahon. The same year, on 19 October, [[the Beatles]] and Gerry and the Pacemakers merged to become the 'Beatmakers' for a one-off performance in [[Litherland Town Hall]]. The line-up comprised [[Gerry Marsden]], [[George Harrison]], [[Paul McCartney]], [[John Lennon]], Les Chadwick, [[Pete Best]], Freddy Marsden, plus vocalist Karl Terry from the Cruisers with Maguire on [[saxophone]].<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years">{{cite book
=== Early years (1961–1963) ===
In 1961, Maguire joined [[Gerry and the Pacemakers]], replacing the group's original pianist, Arthur MacMahon.

On 19 October 1961, [[the Beatles]] and Gerry and the Pacemakers merged to become the 'Beatmakers' for a one-off performance in [[Litherland Town Hall]]. The line-up comprised [[Gerry Marsden]], [[George Harrison]], [[Paul McCartney]], [[John Lennon]], [[Les Chadwick]], [[Pete Best]], Freddy Marsden, plus vocalist Karl Terry from the Cruisers with Maguire on [[saxophone]].<ref name="NME Rock 'N' Roll Years">{{cite book
| first= John
| first= John
| last= Tobler
| last= Tobler
Line 38: Line 35:
| id= CN 5585}}</ref>
| id= CN 5585}}</ref>


=== International success (1963–1966) ===
After signing to [[EMI Records]] In 1963, and being managed by [[Brian Epstein]], Gerry and the Pacemakers achieved immediate success in the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[record chart|chart]] and later in the United States. They were the first group to hit number one in the British charts with their first three singles, starting with "[[How Do You Do It?]]".<ref>{{Citation |title=Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden dies |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2J6gSitYiE |language=en |access-date=2023-02-19}}</ref>
After signing to [[EMI Records]] In 1963, and being managed by [[Brian Epstein]], Gerry and the Pacemakers achieved immediate success in the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[record chart|chart]] and later in the United States. They were the first group to hit number one in the British charts with their first three singles, starting with "[[How Do You Do It?]]".<ref>{{Citation |title=Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden dies |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2J6gSitYiE |language=en |access-date=2023-02-19}}</ref>


The band would go on to have many more hits including "[[I Like It (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I Like It]]", "[[You'll Never Walk Alone]]", "[[Ferry Cross the Mersey]]", and "[[I'm the One (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I'm the One]]", among many others.
The band would go on to have many more hits including "[[I Like It (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I Like It]]", "[[You'll Never Walk Alone]]", "[[Ferry Cross the Mersey]]", and "[[I'm the One (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I'm the One]]", among many others. The Pacemakers guest appeared on shows such as [[The Ed Sullivan Show]] and [[Top of the Pops]], were featured in the 1964 filmed event ''[[T.A.M.I. Show]]'', and starred in a film of their own, titled ''[[Ferry Cross the Mersey (film)|Ferry Cross the Mersey]]''.

The Pacemakers appeared in the 1964 filmed event ''[[T.A.M.I. Show]]'', and starred in a film of their own, titled ''[[Ferry Cross the Mersey (film)|Ferry Cross the Mersey]]''.


Maguire remained with the group until it faded from the public eye towards the end of the 1960s.
Maguire remained with the group until it faded from the public eye towards the end of the 1960s.


== Post-Pacemaker career ==
== Post-Pacemaker career ==
Maguire briefly fronted the [[Mississippi blues]] band Hog Owl in 1970, and teamed up with the Pacemakers for occasional reunion performances.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100818065540/http://www.gerryandthepacemakers.net/lesmaguirebiography.htm] {{dead link|date=December 2020}}</ref> He also in the late 1990's for a number years teamed up with Ian Edwards (Ian and the Zodiacs) the band at this time consisted of Les Maguire keyboards/backing vocals, Ian Edward lead vocals/guitar, Barry Walmsley lead guitar, Colin Fabb Bass backing vocals and Carl Hardin drums.
Maguire briefly fronted the [[Mississippi blues]] band Hog Owl in 1970, and teamed up with the Pacemakers for occasional reunion performances.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100818065540/http://www.gerryandthepacemakers.net/lesmaguirebiography.htm] {{dead link|date=December 2020}}</ref>

He also in the late 1990's for a number years teamed up with [[Ian and the Zodiacs]] the band at this time consisted of Les Maguire keyboards/backing vocals, Ian Edward on lead vocals/guitar, Barry Walmsley on lead guitar (later Mal Little), Colin Fabb on bass (later Colin Fabb) and Carl Hardin on drums. Maguire plays on a 2000 live album by the Zodiacs, which included a performance of the Pacemaker song [[Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Ian & The Zodiacs – Live.... And More |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/15662641-Ian-The-Zodiacs-Live-And-More}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Shortly after the Pacemakers split, he and former band member [[Les Chadwick]] bought and worked a [[Automobile repair shop|garage]]. Soon after, Maguire served in the [[Royal Navy]] including active service in the [[Falklands War]] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fricke|first=David|date=1986-09-11|title=Gerry and the Pacemakers: Where Are They Now?|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gerry-and-the-pacemakers-where-are-they-now-107595/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> He lived in [[Liverpool]].
Shortly after the Pacemakers split, he and former band member [[Les Chadwick]] bought and worked a [[Automobile repair shop|garage]]. Soon after, Maguire served in the [[Royal Navy]] including active service in the [[Falklands War]] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fricke|first=David|date=1986-09-11|title=Gerry and the Pacemakers: Where Are They Now?|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gerry-and-the-pacemakers-where-are-they-now-107595/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> He lived in [[Liverpool]].


Maguire met his wife Brigitte while touring with the Pacemakers in Germany. They had two daughters. Brigitte died in 2012.<ref name=":1" />
Maguire met his wife Brigitte while touring with the Pacemakers in Germany. They had two daughters, Stephanie and Karin, the latter passed away in 1990.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Click here to view the tribute page for Leslie Charles MAGUIRE |url=https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/maguire/5158966 |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=funeral-notices.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Brigitte died in 2012.<ref name=":1" />


In 2016, Maguire was searching through his loft when he found a 10-inch [[78rpm]] vinyl recording of The Beatles performing “[[Till There Was You]]” and “[[Hello Little Girl]]”.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=brown |first=andrew |date=2016-02-26 |title='Holy Grail' of Beatles' memorabilia found in a loft to be auctioned |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/rare-beatles-record-helped-launch-7450018 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref> It was given to him by [[Brian Epstein]], after being given back to Brian by [[George Martin]].<ref name=":0" />
Maguire appeared in the media for his Pacemaker and Beatle [[memorabilia]]. In 2016, Maguire was searching through his loft when he found a 10-inch [[78rpm]] vinyl recording of The Beatles performing “[[Till There Was You]]” and “[[Hello Little Girl]]”.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=brown |first=andrew |date=2016-02-26 |title='Holy Grail' of Beatles' memorabilia found in a loft to be auctioned |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/rare-beatles-record-helped-launch-7450018 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref> It was given to him by [[Brian Epstein]], after being given back to Brian by [[George Martin]].<ref name=":0" /> Maguire appeared on a 2022 episode of [[Antiques Roadshow]] with a silver disc that was awarded to the band for their hit single 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' in 1963.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gerry and the Pacemakers' Les Maguire makes surprise appearance on Antiques Roadshow with rare disc |url=https://www.goldradiouk.com/news/music/gerry-pacemakers-les-maguire-antiques-roadshow/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Gold |language=en}}</ref> Maguire was suggested by antique expert [[Raj Bisram]] to sell the disc to either the [[Liverpool F.C.]] museum or to the [[Liverpool City Council]] to make even more money.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sleight |first=Emily |date=2023-08-13 |title=Merseybeat star told not to auction off rare item |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/bbc-antiques-roadshow-expert-tells-27514737 |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Liverpool Echo |language=en}}</ref>


Following the deaths of Freddie Marsden in 2006, Les Chadwick in 2019, and Gerry Marsden in 2021, Maguire was the last surviving member of the 1960s Pacemakers lineup. Maguire appeared on a 2022 episode of [[Antiques Roadshow]].
Following the deaths of Freddie Marsden in 2006, Les Chadwick in 2019, and Gerry Marsden in 2021, Maguire was the last surviving member of the 1960s Pacemakers lineup. The last surviving Pacemaker, Les Maguire died at [[Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust|Aintree University Hospital]] on 25 November 2023, at the age of 81 from a short illness.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Olivia |title=Merseybeat legend and 'devoted' dad and grandad dies |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseybeat-legend-devoted-dad-grandad-28182793 |access-date=28 November 2023 |publisher=Liverpool Echo |date=27 November 2023}}</ref> He was survived by one daughter, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchildren.<ref name=":3" /> His funeral was in [[West Lancashire]]<nowiki/>on 12 December 2023.<ref name=":3" />

Les Maguire died at [[Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust|Aintree University Hospital]] on 25 November 2023, at the age of 81 from a short illness.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Olivia |title=Merseybeat legend and 'devoted' dad and grandad dies |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseybeat-legend-devoted-dad-grandad-28182793 |access-date=28 November 2023 |publisher=Liverpool Echo |date=27 November 2023}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
'''Selected Gerry and the Pacmakers singles'''
=== Studio albums ===

* ''How Do You Like It?'' (1963)
* "[[How Do You Do It?]]" (1963)
* ''Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying'' (1964)
* ''Gerry and the Pacemakers' Second Album'' (1964)
* "[[I Like It (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I Like It]]" (1963)
* "[[You'll Never Walk Alone]]" (1963)
* ''Gerry’s Second Album'' (1965)
* ''I’ll Be There'' (1965)
* ''Girl On A Swing'' (1966)
* ''Gerry and the Pacemakers... Today!'' (1967)


(See full discography at [[Gerry and the Pacemakers discography]])
=== Singles ===
{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="2" |Title
<small>(A-side, B-side)</small>
! rowspan="2" |Year
! colspan="4" |Peak chart positions
|-
![[UK Singles Chart|UK]]
![[Kent Music Report|AUS]]
![[RPM (magazine)|CAN]]
![[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
|-
!"[[How Do You Do It?]]"
<small>b/w "Away from You"</small>
| rowspan="3" |1963
|1
|3
|6
|9
|-
!"[[I Like It (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I Like It]]"
<small>b/w "It's Happened to Me"</small>
|1
|6
|11
|17
|-
!"[[You'll Never Walk Alone#Gerry and the Pacemakers version|You'll Never Walk Alone]]"
<small>b/w "It's All Right"</small>
|1
|1
|31
|—
|-
!"[[I'm the One (Gerry and the Pacemakers song)|I'm the One]]"
<small>b/w "You've Got What I Like"</small>
|1964
|2
|14
|—
|82
|-
!"[[Walk Hand in Hand]]"
<small>b/w "Dreams"</small>
|1965
|29
|32
|10
|103
|-
!"La La La"
<small>b/w "Without You"</small>
|1966
|—
|66
|4
|90
|-
| colspan="6" |"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.
|}


'''Ian and the Zodiacs'''
== Filmography ==


* "Ian & The Zodiacs – Live... And More" (2000)<ref name=":2" />
* ''[[T.A.M.I. Show]]'' (1964)
* ''[[Ferry Cross the Mersey (film)|Ferry Cross The Mersey]]'' (1965)


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 20:12, 19 January 2024

Les Maguire
Les Maguire (1965)
Les Maguire (1965)
Background information
Birth nameLeslie Charles Maguire
Born(1941-12-27)27 December 1941
Wallasey, England
OriginLiverpool
Died25 November 2023(2023-11-25) (aged 81)
Liverpool, England
GenresMerseybeat, pop, rock and roll
OccupationMusician
Instruments
  • Piano
  • saxophone
  • vocals
Years active
  • 1961–1970
  • 1990s-2000s
Formerly of

Leslie Charles Maguire (27 December 1941 – 25 November 2023) was an English musician and retired who was a principal member of the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers from 1961 to 1966.[1]

Early life

Leslie Charles Maguire was born in Wallasey, Merseyside, and started his career playing tenor saxophone in a Liverpool pop group called the Vegas Five, which would eventually evolve into The Undertakers.

Gerry and the Pacemakers

In 1961, Maguire joined Gerry and the Pacemakers, replacing the group's original pianist, Arthur "Mack" MacMahon. The same year, on 19 October, the Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers merged to become the 'Beatmakers' for a one-off performance in Litherland Town Hall. The line-up comprised Gerry Marsden, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Les Chadwick, Pete Best, Freddy Marsden, plus vocalist Karl Terry from the Cruisers with Maguire on saxophone.[2]

After signing to EMI Records In 1963, and being managed by Brian Epstein, Gerry and the Pacemakers achieved immediate success in the British chart and later in the United States. They were the first group to hit number one in the British charts with their first three singles, starting with "How Do You Do It?".[3]

The band would go on to have many more hits including "I Like It", "You'll Never Walk Alone", "Ferry Cross the Mersey", and "I'm the One", among many others. The Pacemakers guest appeared on shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Top of the Pops, were featured in the 1964 filmed event T.A.M.I. Show, and starred in a film of their own, titled Ferry Cross the Mersey.

Maguire remained with the group until it faded from the public eye towards the end of the 1960s.

Post-Pacemaker career

Maguire briefly fronted the Mississippi blues band Hog Owl in 1970, and teamed up with the Pacemakers for occasional reunion performances.[4]

He also in the late 1990's for a number years teamed up with Ian and the Zodiacs the band at this time consisted of Les Maguire keyboards/backing vocals, Ian Edward on lead vocals/guitar, Barry Walmsley on lead guitar (later Mal Little), Colin Fabb on bass (later Colin Fabb) and Carl Hardin on drums. Maguire plays on a 2000 live album by the Zodiacs, which included a performance of the Pacemaker song Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying.[5]

Personal life

Shortly after the Pacemakers split, he and former band member Les Chadwick bought and worked a garage. Soon after, Maguire served in the Royal Navy including active service in the Falklands War in 1982.[6] He lived in Liverpool.

Maguire met his wife Brigitte while touring with the Pacemakers in Germany. They had two daughters, Stephanie and Karin, the latter passed away in 1990.[7][8] Brigitte died in 2012.[8]

Maguire appeared in the media for his Pacemaker and Beatle memorabilia. In 2016, Maguire was searching through his loft when he found a 10-inch 78rpm vinyl recording of The Beatles performing “Till There Was You” and “Hello Little Girl”.[9] It was given to him by Brian Epstein, after being given back to Brian by George Martin.[9] Maguire appeared on a 2022 episode of Antiques Roadshow with a silver disc that was awarded to the band for their hit single 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' in 1963.[10] Maguire was suggested by antique expert Raj Bisram to sell the disc to either the Liverpool F.C. museum or to the Liverpool City Council to make even more money.[11]

Following the deaths of Freddie Marsden in 2006, Les Chadwick in 2019, and Gerry Marsden in 2021, Maguire was the last surviving member of the 1960s Pacemakers lineup. The last surviving Pacemaker, Les Maguire died at Aintree University Hospital on 25 November 2023, at the age of 81 from a short illness.[8] He was survived by one daughter, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchildren.[7] His funeral was in West Lancashireon 12 December 2023.[7]

Discography

Selected Gerry and the Pacmakers singles

(See full discography at Gerry and the Pacemakers discography)

Ian and the Zodiacs

  • "Ian & The Zodiacs – Live... And More" (2000)[5]

References

  1. ^ "Gerry And The Pacemakers". 45-rpm.org.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  2. ^ Tobler, John (1992). NME Rock 'N' Roll Years (1st ed.). London: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 99. CN 5585.
  3. ^ Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden dies, retrieved 19 February 2023
  4. ^ [1] [dead link]
  5. ^ a b "Ian & The Zodiacs – Live.... And More".
  6. ^ Fricke, David (11 September 1986). "Gerry and the Pacemakers: Where Are They Now?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "Click here to view the tribute page for Leslie Charles MAGUIRE". funeral-notices.co.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  8. ^ a b c Williams, Olivia (27 November 2023). "Merseybeat legend and 'devoted' dad and grandad dies". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  9. ^ a b brown, andrew (26 February 2016). "'Holy Grail' of Beatles' memorabilia found in a loft to be auctioned". mirror. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  10. ^ "Gerry and the Pacemakers' Les Maguire makes surprise appearance on Antiques Roadshow with rare disc". Gold. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  11. ^ Sleight, Emily (13 August 2023). "Merseybeat star told not to auction off rare item". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 19 January 2024.