Let ‘Em Come, a quite reasonable, rollicking sort of number, is credited to Peter van Dort and might be a cover version, but I haven’t been able to discover anything more about the writer or the song.
The standout on this single for me, however, is definitely the A side, I’ve Been A Fool, written by Dicky Tan, who was for some time the Silver Strings lead guitarist. The song has a shuffling Louie Louie/Farmer John type of rhythm punctuated by a couple of excellent guitar breaks, presumably executed by Dicky himself. I haven’t been able to find out much more about the Silver Strings, but judging from the cover photo this is the same line-up as appeared on Shirley Nair’s EPs. Mike and Herb, who appear to be brothers, are in the centre of the photo.
Dear Mike Van Dort,
This is Joseph Pereira of Singapore writing to you. Great to hear that there is a Silver Strings Show in Singapore in November. For sure I will be attending. I will tell my friends about it.
Who else will be appearing ?
Regards.
Joseph.C.Pereira
I am Mike of Mike & Herb and the Silver Strings. We were pleasantly surprised to feature on your site of garage bands.
Just to fill you in, Herb and I are brothers and migrated to Australia in 1968 and have been here ever since, however, we are having a reunion with the Silver Strings on November 7 and 8 in Singapore, performing at the Vivo Ampitheatre. We are all looking forward to the 40 year reunion and hopefully it will be a blast. The show will be a tribute to the ’60’s music.
Our eldest brother, Peter van Dort (also living in Australia) wrote “Let ‘Em Come”, whilst I wrote the lyrics of “I’ve been a fool” with Dickie Tan, our lead guitarist.
Herb and I first started in 1964 as “The Beatles of Malaysia”, having toured Singapore, the whole of Malaysia (including performing for the Sultan of Perak at his palace) Borneo and Brunei. The tour lasted eight months and drawing large crowds. On returning to Singapore, we teamed up with the Silver Strings.
Hi Joseph
Nice hearing from you and glad to know you’re attending the show.
By the way, has there been any mention of the show in the Straits Times?
We will be in Singapore on 28 October and you can always contact Audie for more details.
I can be contacted via: mljs@optusnet.com.au
Regards
Mike
hi im jayden the son of herbie!!! i wish music was still the same these days
I have just seen the sad news that Mike van Dort has passed away in Melbourne aged 77 years.
RIP Mike
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/10/rip-mike-van-dort-beatles-of-malaysia.html
Steve