Brian “Saxophone” Jones, a Merseybeat musician who played alongside The Beatles in the 1960s, has died at the age of 85. The Wallasey-born saxophonist was a member of The Undertakers and a prominent figure in Liverpool's flourishing mid-century music scene.
Tributes from the Cavern Club and Beatles Museum
Announcing his death on Facebook, a spokesman for the Cavern Club said: “We are very sad to hear about the passing of a true, Liverpool, Merseybeat legend, Brian 'Saxophone' Jones.
“As a member of The Undertakers, Brian played The Cavern so many times and was a prominent character on the local scene. He continued playing with bands and doing great session work right to the very end. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends and thank you for the music. RIP Brian.”
A Beatles Museum spokesman said: “Very sad news. Liverpool legend Brian Saxophone Jones of The Undertakers has passed. Condolences to his family and friends from everyone at the Liverpool Legends Hall Of Fame & The Liverpool Beatles Museum.”
Career with The Undertakers
The Undertakers were formed in 1961 when two of the top local groups in Wallasey - the Vegas Five and Dee and the Dynamites - merged into one. Their range of music was boosted thanks to Brian, as few other Merseybeat bands claimed a skilled saxophonist as a member.
Like The Beatles, they played at Hamburg’s Star-Club during 1962. However, they rejected a management offer from Beatles manager Brian Epstein, and signed a recording contract with Pye Records and Tony Hatch as their record producer.
Their hit singles included “Everybody Loves a Lover”, “(Do the) Mashed Potatoes”, “What About Us” (Leiber/Stoller), “Money (That's What I Want)” and “Just a Little Bit”.
Last surviving member of famous line-up
While the band's official line-up changed multiple times, Brian remained a steadfast presence with his signature sax. Their best-known line-up included lead singer/bassist Jackie Lomax, guitarist Chris Huston, saxophonist Brian Jones, and drummer Bugs Pemberton.
Jackie, 69, and Bugs Pemberton, 68, both died in 2013. Geoff Nugent, 71, died in 2014, and Brian took over the running of the band. His death means that Chris Huston, 83, is the last surviving member of The Undertakers' most famous line-up.
Tributes were also paid to the Merseybeat mainstay on the “Liverpool and Merseyside area rock bands 1960s and 1970s” fan page. Frank Tudor said: “So sad to hear about the passing of Brian Jones. One of the best saxophonists you could ever listen to. Sincere condolences to his family.”
Neil Lancaster said: “Such sad news. A wonderful musician. More importantly, a fantastic gentleman. I had the privilege of performing many times with him. Rest in peace, Brian.” Keith Hubbard said: “R.I.P. Brian Jones. A visitor to my studio on a number of occasions, a fantastic musician and genuine man. A massive loss to the Mersey Music Scene.” Glen Travis said: “So sad to hear this. Great nights watching Brian and YKICKAMOOCOW at Bonkers and the Glass Barrel .. more recently at Stanley's Cask...lovely man, my thoughts to his family.”
