The Liverpool Sound

Johnny O'Keefe performs 'When the Saints Go Marching In' on The Liverpool Sound with visiting overseas stars Dusty Springfield, Gene Pitney, Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, and Gerry & The Pacemakers.

The Liverpool Sound was the first music special of its type to be produced for Australian television. Premiering in Sydney on ATN7 on 7.30 pm Wednesday 27 May 1964, the program then screened around the country over the following week.

In April 1964, promoter Harry M Miller’s Pan Pacific Promotions ‘Liverpool Sound’ package tour introduced Dusty Springfield , Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, Gene Pitney and Gerry & The Pacemakers to Australian audiences.

While the tour passed through Melbourne,  ATN7 producer Kevin Ryder and his Sing Sing Sing production team flew south to helm a one-hour television special featuring the complete touring party.

This clip is from the all-live finale, in which program host and ‘Liverpool Sound’ local tour support act Johnny O’Keefe kicks off an energetic all-cast rendition of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’, each artist taking their turn at the microphone.

Unseen since 1964 and never sold abroad, The Liverpool Sound remained forgotten until recent NFSA digital work transferring the surviving 16mm picture and sound components. 

Learn more about Johnny O'Keefe in the NFSA's curated collection.