A natural musician, by the age of 18 Tony was appearing on the weekly British television show “Oh Boy,” where he established his identity as a singer-guitarist, becoming the first musician allowed to play an electric guitar on TV. (The BBC had previously banned them.)
For Tony Sheridan success came early—while still a teenager--appearing in London with Eddie Cochran, Marty Wilde, Conway Twitty, and Vince Taylor. Word of this exciting new young performer brought Tony to the attention of European booking agents, who offered him a contract at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg Germany. With his arrival, Hamburg became the “official” Rock & Roll capitol of Europe, and Tony Sheridan its hottest Rock Star. In Europe, Tony Sheridan was Rock & Roll.
After a hugely successful six month engagement at the Top Ten Club, Tony was offered—and accepted-- a one year contract to headline at a newly opened cabaret, The Star Club, which quickly became Europe’s most important venue for Rock and Roll performers and music.
It was during this time—1960-1963—that Tony Sheridan was destined to be the ‘author’ of perhaps the most important chapter in the history of music.
As Europe’s most celebrated Rock & Roll performer, Tony had various “backup bands” that performed with him on stage. One of them he felt had ‘great promise,’ and took the time to mentor the Band’s members. They were known as The Beat Brothers, and The Beat Brothers were: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, & Pete Best (The word “Beatles” did not translate in German—except as a slang term for the male sex organ).
One night after a backstage fray, Tony Sheridan was forced to get rid of drummer Pete Best, and brought into the Band Richie Starkey (aka Ringo Starr), who had earlier worked with Tony but not with the Beatles. The ‘Fab-Four’—The Beatles - that the world would come to know and acclaim, “were born” that night in Hamburg, the end result of Tony Sheridan’s intuition and decision (as well as a quarrel). Tony Sheridan’s backup band, The Beatles, would go on to rewrite Musical History.
Tony Sheridan was signed to a recording contract by Polydor Records and producer Bert Kaempfert -composer of such hits as “Strangers In The Night.” For his debut album, Tony decided to use his backup band, The Beatles, who had been performing with him nightly.
The first recordings ever made by The Beatles were with Tony Sheridan. These first renditions, which appeared in their first album titled: TONY SHERIDAN and The Beatles, are now rare collectibles.
“TONY SHERIDAN and The Beatles” was a hit. And when English music store manager, Brian Epstein, offered The Beatles the promise of a new record contract--- which required them all to return to England-- Tony Sheridan wished them well and gave them his blessings. He had put several years of time and interest into George, Paul, John & Ringo, and very much wanted them to succeed. The Beatles took-up Brian Epstein’s offer, returning to London, and soon thereafter, World acclaim.
In 1964, as Beatlemania was building, the craziness of the news media was focused on anyone who had been a part in The Beatles success. Although Tony had played a pivotal role in their career, he also found the public hysteria being created very “off-putting,” and was far more interested in the Social & Political problems that the 1960s ignited. After extended touring with Chubby Checker, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry, Tony felt obligated to fulfill what he believed was his Social responsibility (which also allowed him to get away from The Beatles media blitz). Tony Sheridan put together a troupe of musicians to entertain the U.S. and Allied troops, in Viet Nam. In 1967 in Viet Nam, while motoring in the military zone, his crew came under fire. One member was killed. The news service Reuters reported that “British Rock star Tony Sheridan had been killed,” and his obituary appeared in papers worldwide (long before the days of faxes, computers & cell phones). Tony stayed in the Far East for 2 years, traveling between Australia & Viet Nam, entertaining the troops. For his services, Tony Sheridan was made an honorary Captain in the U.S. Army. (One of his most valued possessions is the U.S. Army Ranger cap he was presented with, which he sometimes wears on stage.)
Returning to the U. K., he appeared in England for a Command Performance. Tony Sheridan performed a program of his own original words & music, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra before a sold-out audience. Princess Margaret remarked: “Tony Sheridan should be locked-up in the Tower--- because he is one of England’s great treasures.”
When Hamburg’s celebrated Star Club was reopened in 1978, Tony Sheridan was once again the headliner. But, this time he brought the TCB Band with him. His opening night was broadcast live throughout Europe via German television (something never done before). To support their close friend, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr made surprise and unannounced appearances with Tony at the opening.
Tony Sheridan is a consummate artist of extraordinary depth. In the film (and now on videotape) The Compleat Beatles, Paul and George both relate that: “all they learned musically, they learned from Tony Sheridan.” After 41 years, Tony still retains a close and very private relationship with George, Paul & Ringo.
Married and with a large family, Tony lives in Germany, and appears in concerts throughout the world, most recently in South America. He has never appeared in Concert in the United States. But that may soon change.
Tony Sheridan and Elvis Presley became friends during the time Presley was in the U.S. Army, and stationed in Germany. With the recording of this album, Tony Sheridan accomplished one more of his goals-- to perform with the Elvis Presley TCB Band.
My Bonnie
Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My Bonnie lies over the sea
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
Well, my Bonnie lies over the ocean
Yeah bring back, ah bring back
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me to me (to me)
(Ah bring) Oh bring back, ah bring back
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me
Well, my Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
Yeah my Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh, I said bring back my Bonnie to me
Yeah bring back, ah bring back
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me to me (to me)
Oh bring back, ah bring back
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me
The song "My Bonnie" is a Scottish folk song that gained popularity in the 20th century. This particular version, recorded by Tony Sheridan and The Beat Brothers in 1961, became popular in Germany, where The Beatles were also gaining popularity around the same time. The song is a simple love song: the singer longs for his lover, Bonnie, who is across the ocean. He asks for her to be brought back to him, expressing his desire through repetition of the same phrase at the end of every verse.
It's easy to see why the song became popular: it has a catchy melody and a sing-along chorus. But there may be more to its popularity than that. Some have pointed out that the song's yearning for a far-off lover echoes the feelings of German youth who were separated from family and friends due to the country's east-west division. The song's popularity may have provided a sense of unity and connection for those who felt alone in a divided country.
Line by Line Meaning
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
The person being referred to as 'My Bonnie' is currently situated far away from the singer, across a large body of water.
My Bonnie lies over the sea
The aforementioned body of water which separates the singer and 'My Bonnie' is the ocean.
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me
The singer is expressing a desire for 'My Bonnie' to return to them, as they are currently separated.
Yeah bring back, ah bring back
The artist is repeating and emphasizing their desire for 'My Bonnie' to be brought back to them.
Well, my Bonnie lies over the ocean
The artist is restating the fact that 'My Bonnie' is located across the ocean, as a reminder to themselves and others listening.
Oh bring) Oh bring back, ah bring back
The singer is continuing to express their strong desire for 'My Bonnie' to be brought back to them.
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me to me (to me)
The singer is repeating their desire for 'My Bonnie' to return to them, and adding emphasis by saying 'to me' multiple times.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tony Sheridan, Traditional, T SHERIDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind