The history of these songs is marked by a violent dispute involving the band's manager, .
: The band famously performed the track live on board the Radio Caroline pirate ship. Because many listeners thought it was just a radio jingle, the single version missed out on significant sales in Britain. "This Golden Ring" and the Belgian Connection The Fortunes Live In Belgium Caroline - This Golden Ring
The connection between , the pirate radio station Radio Caroline , and their hit songs in Belgium is rooted in the mid-1960s British beat era. The Song "Caroline" and Radio Caroline The history of these songs is marked by
: In 1964, The Fortunes recorded the song "Caroline" . While it wasn't a major commercial hit on the UK charts, it was immediately adopted by the pirate radio station Radio Caroline as its signature theme tune upon its first broadcast on March 28, 1964. "This Golden Ring" and the Belgian Connection The
: The Fortunes have maintained a presence in Belgium through the decades, including headlining the Vostertfeesten Festival in August 2010. Tragic History: The Manager and the Pirate Ships
: While "This Golden Ring" reached No. 15 on the UK charts in early 1966, it and "Caroline" were particularly popular in mainland Europe, specifically selling well in Belgium and the Netherlands.