Photo/Graphic by Richard Anonsen Jr.
The rest of the current lineup includes Paul Byron , Chuck Essick , Danny Kristensen and Rod Robert . All also contribute vocals. The title refers to the Mersey River in northwest England and the commuter/vacationer boats that travel between the cities of Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Seacombe. It came from the band’s musical film of the same name.
The soul-based tune was a particular favorite of Barry Gibb’s, and was reportedly written with Otis Redding in mind to sing as a cover version . But the band wasn’t too precious about it. On a 1990s Howard Stern TV special, they reworked it as “To Lose Your Penis,” performing it as a commentary on the strange penile mutilation case of Lorena and John Bobbitt . The Bee Gees were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
But by that time, the band has already broken up due to internal tensions, lack of widespread success , and diverging musical interests.