THEY played some of the biggest hits of the 60s and their songs are still being widely used in films and even TV commercials.

The iconic 60’s Mersey band, the Swinging Blue Jeans rocked the music world with chart-toppers such as Hippy Hippy Shake, Good Golly Miss Molly and Don't Make Me Over.

The band still sell-out wherever they go and later this month, they make a return visit to the Regal Theatre in Minehead.

Formed in Liverpool in 1961 as The Bluegenes, the band followed virtually the same path to success as many of their Merseybeat contemporaries during the early 1960s. After playing a succession of local dance halls and club engagements, including the Cavern Club, they travelled to Germany and appeared at the Star Club, Hamburg. The Jeans had their own Tuesday Guest Night while they were resident band at the Cavern. One of the first bands they invited as their guests were The Beatles

With stalwarts Alan Lovell (lead vocals/lead guitar) and Pete Oakman (bass/vocals) the band work up a party atmosphere that will have everybody wanting to get up and dance.

The Swinging Blue Jeans' other major hits included You're No Good and It's Too Late Now.

The Swinging Blue Jeans also serve up a taste of Joe Brown and The Bruvvers as Pete was the leader of The Bruvvers and wrote Joe’s number one, A Picture Of You.

The other two band members are Jeff Bannister (keyboards/vocals), a former member of The John Barry Seven and The Alan Bown Set, and Graham Hollingworth, drummer for the great Chuck Berry on European tours for 15 years.

The performance on Monday 27 May begins at 8.00pm and tickets up to £16.00 are now on sale at the Regal Box Office (01643 706430), 10am – 3pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 1pm Saturday. Book on-line at www.regaltheatre.co.uk.