The Silkie: You've Got To Hide Your Love Away

During the height of the British Invasion and Bealtlemania, it didn’t hurt to have a little bit of support from the Fab Four. Just ask Peter and Gordon, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, The Fourmost, Cilla Black, and The Silkie. All were managed by Brian Epstein’s NEMS Enterprises and all recorded Lennon and McCartney compositions.

Having formed in 1964 at Hull University, The Silkie included Mike Ramsden (guitar and vocals), Sylvia Tatler (vocals), Kevin Cunningham (bass), and Ivor Aylesbury (guitar and vocals). After being signed to NEMS Enterprises, The Silkie recorded “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” in August 1965 with some help from three of the Fab Four. The song, characterized by Paul McCartney as John Lennon doing Dylan, was offered to The Silkie.

Having just been released as part of The Beatles’ “Help” soundtrack, this folk oriented tune was a perfect vehicle for The Silkie to launch to their professional career. John Lennon produced the single, Paul McCartney played guitar, and George Harrison provided the percussion. While it only charted at #28 in the UK, it peaked at #10 in the US. It was their only top 40 hit.

Live Version