An original Ribbon RBH Reslo microphone, formerly owned by Rory Storm and the Hurricanes guitarist Johnny ‘Guitar’ Byrne. Johnny used this microphone extensively throughout his career. The Reslo was a popular choice for British bands, including The Beatles, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, capturing the raw energy of live performances and rehearsals. Rory Storm and his band often relied on the Reslo’s durability and rich sound to deliver the sound of their dynamic stage performance. The Beatles can be seen in numerous photographs from the Cavern Club using a similar style of Reslo microphone to this.
Provenance: from the collection of Margaret Byrne widow of the Rory Storm and The Hurricanes guitarist Johnny ‘Guitar’ Byrne. Comes with a provenance letter from Mrs Byrne which reads:
'This is to confirm that the microphone illustrated below was formerly the property of my late husband Johnny ‘Guitar’ Byrne. It was used by Johnny throughout his career. '
John Byrne was born in Liverpool on the 4th December 1939 to Michael Byrne, a seaman, and Elsie Ford. John attended St Oswald’s School in the Old Swan suburb of Liverpool. He met his future band member Alan Ernest Caldwell (later to be known as Rory Storm) on the top deck of a bus in Liverpool in 1956. A firm friendship developed between the two teenagers who lived only a stone’s throw away from each other in Broad Green. Alan’s interest in the guitar was furthered by John who showed him how to play simple chords on the instrument. Seeing Lonnie Donegan in concert galvanized the pair into forming a band. It was initially called Alan Caldwell’s Skiffle Group but after several changes of names they became known as Rory Storm And The Hurricanes. John assumed the name of Johnny Guitar. Rory Storm and The Hurricanes began to pick up gigs throughout Liverpool, playing the Cavern and other local venues. By 1960 they had transitioned from an amateur skiffle group to a fully fledged rock ‘n’ roll band. Rory Storm And The Hurricanes also had a high profile drummer going by the name of Ringo Starr. Constant gigging between 1957 and 1960 turned them in to the number one band in Liverpool. Testament to their growing fame was the fact that Rory Storm And The Hurricanes were invited to appear on the same bill as Gene Vincent at Liverpool Stadium on May 3rd 1960. Following a summer season at Butlins Pwllheli they shared top billing at the Kaiserkeller in October 1960. More trips to Hamburg ensued alongside summer seasons at Butlins together with regular gigging on Merseyside but national recognition and a hit record eluded the group. Following the sudden death of the band member Ty O’Brian on 2nd March 1967 Rory and Johnny decided to call it a day.