Jason Norris placed an ad in the paper 30 years ago looking for "Beetles enthusiasts" to start a band.
Despite the misspelled Beatles name, the ad caught the attention of Dave Cornwell and Michael Welch.
"My first conversation with Jay was promising and our first meeting between the three of us went very well. We had a lot in common," recalls Cornwell. "Michael brought Nick Honerkamp to the group and our original drummer, Dave Olson, and we became The Pool."
United by a love of early British Invasion bands from the mid-1960s, they chose a name that was a play on Liverpool. Although the guys in The Pool originally considered becoming a Beatles-only cover band, they chose to cover as many groups as their talent permitted.
If you go
› What: The Pool 30th Anniversary Concert› Where: Songbirds North, 41 Station St.› When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4› Admission: $15› For more information: 423-531-2478
"We cover groups from the '60s like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Cream, Moody Blues; '70s bands like Pink Floyd, Queen, Jethro Tull and some '80s music from Billy Idol, Dire Straits and Tears for Fears," Cornwell lists. "We also cover American artists that were influenced by British rock like Tom Petty, Cheap Trick and The Byrds."
Thirty years later, the band's popularity hasn't diminished. To thank fans for their support, The Pool is playing a 30th anniversary show Friday, Oct. 4, at Songbirds.
"We appreciate Mike Dougher (Songbirds' entertainment coordinator). He has been a very good friend to this band since the days of the Sandbar Restaurant (where The Boathouse restaurant is now). We have so many people who have followed us around for many years, and we would like to say a big thank-you to them for their support. We wouldn't still be doing this if not for them."
Over three decades there has naturally been personnel turnover - four drummers from Olson, John Wilson and Matt Turnure to current drummer Monte Coulter III - as well as Tom Lifsey, Anthony Henderson and Monte Coulter IV sitting in on gigs.
Fans may have caught The Pool covering The Who and Santana at the Songbirds party celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in August. They've played stages all over Chattanooga from Riverbend Festival to Sugar's Ribs as well as shows in cities from Salt Lake City to St. Louis.
Cornwell says there are some surprises for Friday's show that he can't reveal. But the musician could say the concert will include sets of songs from across the band's history.
"Some tunes we haven't played in more than 25 years! It should be a night to remember."
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.