This is a list of notable bands and artists from Merseyside, North West England. For over fifty years, the area has had a thriving pop and rock music scene, particularly since The Beatles popularised Merseybeat. 0-9 28 Costumes The 747s: 2006 indie group. A APAtT (a.P.A.t.T.): 2000s progressive pop/experimental rock band A Flock of Seagulls: 1980s new wave/synthpop band Afraid of Mice: 1980s new wave/post-punk band Alexis Blue: 2000s indie pop group Alpha Male Tea Party Alterkicks: 2000s indie rock band led by singer/songwriter Martin Stilwell Amsterdam: Led by singer/songwriter Ian Prowse Anathema: Formerly a death/doom metal band and alternative rock Antimatter Apollo 440: 1990s dance act which had hits with "Ain't Talkin 'bout Dub" and "Stop the Rock" Atomic Kitten: Girl group formed in 1997 by OMD's Andy McCluskey Ian Astbury: Rock musician and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist for the rock band The Cult. Aystar, rapper who recorded a 'Fire in the Booth' for Charlie Sloth. Jacqui Abbott was the female lead singer with the band The Beautiful South after 1994, following the departure of Briana Corrigan. The band were arguably more successful with Abbott on board, releasing several Top 10 singles B Badfinger: Although originally formed in Swansea, two members came from Liverpool. Banners: Michael Joseph Nelson, known under the stage name Banners is a singer-songwriter from Liverpool The Bandits: 2000s blues rock band BB Mak: 1998–2003 pop/rock band, biggest hit "Back Here" was No. 1 on the US Billboard AC chart for seven weeks; sold three million albums worldwide The Beatles: 1960s rock band, widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history Benny Profane: 1985–1990 indie pop band Big in Japan: 1970s punk band that launched the careers of Budgie, Ian Broudie, Bill Drummond, David Balfe, Jayne Casey and Holly Johnson The Big Three: Merseybeat band managed by Brian Epstein Cilla Black: 1960s singer discovered by Brian Epstein, later to become a successful television presenter Black: 1980s singer-songwriter best known for the hit "Wonderful Life" The Black Velvets: 2000s rock band The Boo Radleys: 1980s/90s Britpop/indie rock band, biggest hit "Wake Up Boo!" Peter Beckett is an English musician and songwriter who has written songs for many prominent recording artists, his own bands and solo work, and for several films. He is likely best known as the lead singer and guitarist for 1970s soft rock group Player, which scored a