Casey Jones and The Engineers

Casey Jones and The Engineers

In October 1963, Eric Clapton signed on with Merseybeat band, Casey Jones and The Engineers. A pop outfit, group members wore matching uniforms and confederate caps. Eric played seven gigs over several weeks on the Northern Beat and Cabaret Circuit. The first show was at the Civic Hall in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Performances followed at The Oasis and the Belle Vue Amusement Park, both in Manchester. At the Civic Hall and The Oasis gigs, The Engineers were also required to back cabaret singer Polly Perkins. Later on, Eric said the band helped him get his chops together.

The lineup of Casey Jones and The Engineers during Eric’s tenure was:

Brian Casser (vocals)
Eric Clapton (guitar)
Dave McCumisky (bass)
Tom McGuinness (guitar)
Ray Stock (drums)

Brian Casser began using the stage name “Casey Jones” with this band. Casser led the first notable beat group in Liverpool, Cass & The Cassanovas. Following the band’s demise, he formed Casey Jones & the Engineers and later, as leader of Casey Jones & the Governors, became successful in Germany in the mid-1960s achieving six top 40 singles.