THERE ARE NO WORDS

It was the late 50s, and the lead singer was not yet the alpha species. Instead, as a generation pressed its ear against the speaker of a rickety family radio, or dropped the needle on a prized import 45, many were held spellbound by the seminal first wave of instrumental groups. From the A-list to the esoteric, these are the turn-of-the-decade outfits who mobilised the British Invaders, without saying a word.

BOOKER T. & THE M.G.’S

As the Stax label’s house band, the Memphis collective would soon cement their hallowed status amongst British. But in 1962, the Hammond-powered lope of their deathless held future gods like Pete Townshend and Jeff Beck in thrall. “Steve Cropper, he just does a jab in and it’s so cool,” recalled Beck. “They’re the kings, just wonderful players…”