The Four on Clark Records

The 4 Photo
The 4, from left: George Parks, Greg McCarley, Larry Rains and Paul Crider

Here’s an obscure one that isn’t in Teen Beat Mayhem, though it certainly deserves to be. I didn’t know anything about the group, called simply, The Four, but then I found their photo in Ron Hall’s The Memphis Garage Rock Yearbook, 1960-1975.The Four Clark 45 Now Is the Time

The band were:

George Parks – guitar
Greg McCarley – guitar
Paul Crider – bass
Larry Rains – drums

“Now Is the Time” is a good mid-tempo song with harmonies and Beatles-type changes. It was written by George Parks.

“Lonely Surfer Boy” is an original by Paul Crider and Greg McCarley. As comments state below, the group came from Brownsville, Tennessee, about 60 miles northeast of Memphis.

SoN 15101/15102 indicates it was mastered by Sound of Nashville, while the ZTSB 99962-A / 99963-A in the deadwax indicates it was pressed at the Columbia Records plant in Nashville. I’m not sure the date on this one but early 1965 seems about right.The Four Clark 45 Lonely Surfer Boy

Both songs were published by Lonzo & Oscar Music, BMI and produced by Jack Logan, who was A&R director of Nugget Records of Goodlettsville, Tennessee which also seemed to own the Clark label.

In late 2013 two acetates surfaced of a group called “The 4” from Sam Phillips Recording of Memphis, “69” / “I Gotta Go” and “When Ever Your Down” (sic) / “Midnight Hour”.

“69” opens with one of the most intense screams ever committed to vinyl, and it is now on the shortlist for Back From the Grave vol 9! it was backed with an uptempo pop number “I Gotta Go”. It’s such a different sound that I thought it must be a different group, but both songs were written by George Parks. I haven’t heard “When Ever Your Down” yet, but it was written by Greg McCarley.The 4 Sam Philips Studios Acetate "69"

The Memphis Garage Rock Yearbook notes The Four “cut three singles, all in Nashville in the late ’60’s. After they broke up, Greg McCarley released two singles on the local Klondike label as ‘Beau Sybin.’ George Parks had a release on Epic that he cut in New York and was also a staff writer at Stax.”

A late ’60s release by the Four on the Nashville North label is likely by another group. “Good Thing Going” (B. Carlton, H. Adams, D. Johnson) / “Cy’s Been Drinking Cider” was produced by Vern Terry and Len Shafitz, out of Massillon, Ohio, just west of Canton. Teen Beat Mayhem lists that band as from Elyria, Ohio. They cut a later 45 on Epic as the Sunny Four “Why Not (Be My Baby) / “Goodie Goodie Ice Cream Man”.

The Clark label had two other garage releases that I know of. On Clark CR-235 is the Ebb TIdes “Little Women” (by Donald Kyre, Michael Wheeler, Michael Whited, and Waldron), which sounds something like the Beatles “You Can’t Do That”. The Ebb Tides came from Columbus, Ohio. Their Clark 45 may have come about as part of a deal to do a summer tour of the Ohio Valley area. The flip is “What I Say”, by Gene McKay & the Ebb Tides. McKay was another singer on the tour and though the Ebb Tides backed him on the cover of Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say”, they did not otherwise work together.

The Ebb Tides had a second 45, the spooky novelty “Seance” (Benny Van, M. Wheeler) b/w a mystical spoken vocal, “Spirits Ride the Wind” (Benny Van) that I really like. This 45 was produced by Rudy Varju on Jar 106 from early 1967. Benny Van of the Ebb Tides became J.D. Blackfoot.

The other is the Jades “You Have to Walk” / “Island of Love”, both written by Paul Helms and released on Clark CR-262 from May of ’67. That group was from Herrin, Illinois, a small city southeast of St. Louis and almost 200 miles northwest of Nashville, but the publishing is also Lonzo & Oscar, and the label states that it was produced and distributed by Nugget Sound Studios, Goodlettsville.Jades Clark 45 You Have to Walk

Other songs on the Clark label seem to be country, such as CR-266, Charlie Haggard’s “Throw Me Out the Door”.

Lonzo & Oscar were Johnny and Rollin Sullivan, whose family had started the Nugget Record company in Tampa, Florida in 1959, but Lonzo & Oscar Music Publishing had a Nashville base from the start. They bought or built Nugget Sound Studios in Goodlettsville, just north of Nashville. Most releases they recorded are on the Nugget label, and most are country.

History of the Nugget label from 45-sleeves.com. Thank you to Buckeye Beat for the info on the Ebb Tides 45.

Calcutta-16

Calcutta-16 HMV NE 1003 Ballad of the Purple InnAs far as I can tell, Calcutta-16 only released this one 45, but what a record it is. Ed Nadorozny has the record and provided the music and scans here. When I heard Calcutta-16’s “Ballad of the Purple Inn” I asked Ed if I could cover it on Garage Hangover and he kindly said yesCalcutta-16 HMV 45 Ballad of the Purple Inn  

I love everything about the song: Brinnand’s insolent delivery of the lyrics, the full bass line, the excellent sounds they get out of the guitars and echo, the drumming, all of it.

The flip “One Eyed Woman” has a great break halfway through with a pounding snare drum that just gets louder, war whoops, and a solo the segues so nicely back into the song. The bassist and the sound of the group in general remind me somewhat of the Great Society.

The band were:

John Brinnand – lead vocals (spelled John Brinand on the labels)
Peter Yeti – lead guitar
Romit Bhattaharya – rhythm guitar
Devdan Sen – bass guitar
Nondon Bagchi – drums

Devdan Sen and John Brinand “wrote the lyrics and composed and arranged the music” according to the notes on the back cover.Calcutta-16 HMV 45 One Eyed Woman

Dubby Bhagat of the Junior Statesmen produced the record and wrote the notes, and J.P. Sen engineered it. The record was released on His Master’s Voice NE. 1003 in 1969.

Dubby’s notes on the back also thank the band’s manager Jimmy Chaudhuri and “Colonel Bose of the ‘Living Sound’ Studio and his daughters Rita and Mita, who first recorded the group. Jack Dantes who christened the group. Sumit Bhattacharya and Rangam Mitra who gave time and equipment aplenty. The Surayas for their quiet but wholehearted support. Mr. Rafiq and Mr. A.C. Sen of H.M.V., who gave the boys this chance. Desmond Doig of the Junior Statesmen who encouraged the project. And Ananda Mitter and Jonathan Mason without who the group would never have got to Dum Dum for the recording!”

Next up from Ed will be a couple tracks from a very rare early EP by the Savages, better known for their Black Scorpio LP.

Calcutta-16 HMV NE 1003 Ballad of the Purple Inn

Tomorrow’s Love

Tomorrow's Love Photo

From Hamilton, New Zealand, Tomorrow’s Love is known now for an excellent version of Love’s “7 And 7 Is” on their only 45. Guitarist Ron Jenkins contacted me and told me about the group and sent the scans of the record seen here. He also sent me a transfer of “What Shall I Do”, which the band learned from the Artwoods, though the original version was the very fine “I’ve Got The Blues (What Shall I Do)” written and sung by Marvin Jenkins and released on Palormar 2208. I am one of the few to have heard Tomorrow’s Love version in almost 50 years!

I formed Tomorrow’s Love a long time ago. Max Fletcher was the bass player from Timaru. I arranged for Kevin [Toneycliffe] and Max to come to Hamilton and join a group with me and an organ player [Derek Allan].Tomorrow's Love Allied International 45 7 And 7 Is

New Zealand was a strange country back in the sixties with import and currency regulations. Foreign exchange was what we thought impossible to get other than in 50P British Postal notes available one per person a day. So on Friday nights we used to get into my car and rush around as many post offices as we could running into a post office and buying a 50P postal note each. We used these Postal Notes to buy packages of records that we thought would not be available here in New Zealand from a British Record Shop. We chose these via a Britsh music publication Melody Maker, and one record we chose was Love’s version of “7 And 7 Is”.

I recall another record we got was The Sparrow, “Tomorrows Ship”, so we just used Tomorrow’s Love as our name.

When we first heard “7 And 7 Is” we thought it was unique and bound to create interest. Of course we never ever anticipated the New Zeland Broadcasting Corporation banning the record and that is what really killed it. We had the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation’s #1 disk jockey running our dances and we know we would have got a fair go with airplay BUT he played it once and was jumped upon and that’s when we found out it was banned. It never entered our minds that the lyrics were drug related.

I believe there were two pressings with “7 And 7 Is” being the A side in the first pressing and then they made “What Shall I Do” the A side on the second pressing. I should have bought more than one copy. I do not think any of us got a cent in royalties. I have a first pressing which I was told there were 500 (but I had no way of verifying that). If correct it indicates the record sold over 500 copies.

I actually hated the fuzz box on “7 and 7 Is” but after listening to some other versions in later years I have grown to like our version. To be honest going by memory, I do not think it went over live, I mean “Ha Ha Said the Clown” was probably more acceptable!

The guitar was double tracked on “What Shall I Do”. I never knew that there was an original prior to the Artwoods. Looking back I wish we had tried to change the arrangements instead of just a copy of the originals.Tomorrow's Love Allied International 45 What Shall I Do

I recall Keith Ashton (a disk jockey in Hamilton who ran the dances) refusing to call the Saturday dance off like we wanted as the Starlight Ballroom had the Avengers or some Wellington band that had a record at the top of the charts playing there. He said he would get a second band from Rotorua (who incidently never turned up). Anyway we played and by 10 o’clock the Old Folks Hall was packed and friends of the group were telling us that nobody was at the Starlight! I understand they pulled the pin about 11pm. The Old Folks Hall had amazing acoustics, no matter how the band was performing it always sounded good.

One of our last gigs was in Auckland at Hauraki Radio’s nightspot. We never went down well until we played The Creations “Making Time” which we had hoped to record. We played it last because the guitar riff was played using a violin bow and because of the resin my guitar had to be properly cleaned up. It went down well and I can recall a comment from one of the people there that they had never heard an “outside” group being clapped as we were! Of course it could have been because it was our last number? but maybe not as they never knew it was …

When we broke up the drummer/vocalist (Kevin) of Tomorrows Love joined a group The Chapta. He was the vocalist for them on “Say a Prayer” which reached #1 on the NZ hit parade. I got a shock a few years ago to find that Kevin had died in Australia of a heart attack.

I think Max and myself realised that Tomorrow’s Love had done its dash at about the same time. I was trying to arrange gigs, etc and it simply wore me down, plus it was my car and my money that was keeping things going. Looking back it was stupidity, we never got the money from our dances, I think $60 was topline split between four. It never covered costs. Since the group broke up I have had no contact with any of them.

Ron Jenkins

The Salesian High School Rock ‘n Roll Show LPs

Salesian High School Rock n Roll Show Volume 2Bishop Mora Salesian High is a Catholic school at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and South Soto Street in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. In 1964, the school’s band director W.A. Taggart began producing concerts at East Los Angeles City College, where the auditorium would hold over 2,500 attendees, and at least three of these were recorded and released through Century Custom Recording Service in 1964 and ’65..

The Salesian High School Rock ‘n Roll Show LPs are little known outside of collectors of Los Angeles r&b and rock’n’roll. I’ve seen three volumes, one each from concerts on April 19, 1964,  October 18, 1964 and May 16, 1965 at the auditorium of East Los Angeles City College (ELACC) in Monterey Park. I’ve read there is a fourth volume, but haven’t seen it yet. I only own Volume 2, so if anyone has the music from Volume 3 please get in contact with me.

Volume 1 (Century Custom 19070, recorded April 19, 1964):

Bobbie and the Esquires – “You’ll Lose A Good Thing”
John Gamboa Sextet – “Down at The Chicken Shack”, “Moody’s Mood For Love”
Sal Padilla and the Leggeriors – “Night Train”
Thee Midnighters – “Chinese Checkers”, “For Your Love”
The Vesuvians – “The Fugitive,” “Hand Clapping”
Blue Satins – “Summertime”, “Love Lights”, “My First Love”
The Salesian Mustang Swing Band – “Theme For Rock ‘n Roll”

Salesian High School Rock n Roll Show Volume 2 side 1Volume 2 (Century Custom 20069, recorded October 18, 1964):

Art and the Nite Liters – “Tuff Talk”
The Velvetones – “Tenderly”
Ronnie and the Casuals – “20.75”
The Rhythm Playboys – “This Is My Prayer”, “One Degree North”
Thee Midniters with Li’l Willie G. vocalist – “And I Love Her”, “So Far Away”, “I Need Someone”, “Darling Forever”, “Sad Girl”
The Blue Satins – “Help Yourself”, “Oh-Pu-Pi-Do” (featuring The Sisters Trio), “The Bounce”

Notes by George L. Pineda.

Volume 3 (Century Custom 21995, recorded May 16, 1965):

The Goofy Six Plus One – “I Need Someone”
The Relations – “I Do Love You”
The Invaders – “Sad Girl”, “Darling Forever”
The Etalons – “Out Of Sight”
The Little Heartbreakers – “Cradle Rock”
The Enchanters – “Try Me”
The Parley Brothers – “Uncle Sam’s Men”
The Emeralds – “Wooly Bully”
The Precisions – “I Been Trying”
The Counts – “Girl of My Dreams”
Clarence Playa – “I Wake Up Crying”
The Velvetones – “Gloria”
The Progressions – “Twine Time”
Li’l Ray – “Oooh Baby Baby”
The Ambertones – “Ebb Tide”

Produced by W.A. Taggart, directed by Gilbert Pineda, photography by R. Ruiz.

Salesian Rock 'n Roll Show Vol. 4 Century Custom LP Side 1Volume 4 (Century Custom 22972, recorded Oct. 10, 1965 at East Los Angeles City College)

Thee Vandells – “Get Down With It”
The Entertainers – “Double 00 Soul”
The Fabulons – “I’ll Go Crazy”
The Four J’s – “My Girl Sloppy”
The Executives – “High Heel Sneakers”
The Relations – “Heat Wave”
The Impalas (Thee Impalas) – “Treat Her Right”
The V.I.P.’s – “Davids Mood”
Frankie Valens – “Gee Whiz”
The Emeralds – “So Far Away”
The Enchanters – “Midnight Hour”
The Enchantments – “Try Me”
The Etalons – “Ask Me Why”
The Noblemen – “To Be Loved”
The Ambertones – “I Need Someone/My Prayer”
The Four By Fours – “Roll Over Beethoven”

The first volume is less than half an hour long, consisting mostly of r&b covers, instrumentals and ballads. It includes Thee Midniters first recordings, a cover of Booker T & the MGs “Chinese Checkers” and “For Your Love” (a ballad, not the Yardbirds song). Larry Rendon and Romeo Prado of Thee Midniters were students of Bill Taggart.

Dominic Priore gives a concise early history of the group in the liner notes to the Norton Records compilation In Thee Midnite Hour!:

“Ex-Gentiles Little Willie G and Larry Rendon had first clicked with Benny Ceballos as Benny & the Midniters. This early lineup was know for wearing Lone Ranger style masks, which they would throw into the audience, driving the girls wild. The usual band lineup swaps (including a period with two lead singers, Little Willie G and Little Ray Jimenez) resulted in the solid recording band Thee Midniters, Willie, together with George Dominguez (lead guitar), Roy Marquez (rhythm guitar), Ronny Figueroa (organ), Larry Rendon (tenor sax), and trombone blaster Romeo Prado formed the core of the group with the drummer George Salazar and bass player Benny Lopez being succeeded by Danny La Mont and Jimmy Espinoza, respectively, Jimmy coming to the group via the Vesuvians and the Crowns, led by local legend Johnny Gamboa. Romeo too had entered the Midniters fold via the Crowns.”

Another notable performance is the Blue Satins, who do a rockin’ extended version of “Turn on Your Love Light”. The Blue Satins included Mike Gomez (vocals), Louie Lopez (vocals), Pete Ventura, Raul Suarez (lead guitar), Frank Estrella, Frank Mezquita (bass guitar), Bobby Loya (trumpet), Charles Lueras (sax), Robert Perez (sax), John Betancourt (drums). They had one 45 single, “You Don’t Know Me” / “My Wife Can’t Cook on Scarlet 501. More info on the Blue Satins is at the excellent site, You Found That Eastside Sound.

You can hear the album in its entirety at East LA Revue Radio, where Steven Chavez writes “the concert admission price was $1.25 and only $1 if you were a high school student with a valid school ID. I was one of the 2,000 in attendance that Sunday afternoon. It was initially sold at the high school book store for a hefty $3.25. This is the first concert record produced by ‘The Prof’ Bill Taggart’s team at the Boyle Heights parochial school for boys. Another person that was instrumental in the production and recording of this event is Tony Garcia.”

The October 18, 1964 concert is especially interesting to me because part of it was released as Thee Midniters’ first single, “Land of a Thousand Dances” (parts 1 & 2) on Chattahoochee 666. The rest of their performance from that concert is on “Rock ‘n Roll Show Volume 2”, including a version of the Beatles “And I Love Her” and Hank Jacobs’ “So Far Away” along with a few ballads.

Thee Midniters were supposed to be backing Cannibal & the Headhunters who were known locally for their version of Chris Kenner’s “Land Of A Thousand Dances.” But with Cannibal & the Headhunters stuck in Fresno with bad weather, Thee Midniters had the starring spot and did their own version of the song. Richie Unterberger recounts the story in more depth in “Urban Spacemen and Wayfaring Strangers”.Thee Midniters Chattahoochee 45 Land of 1,000 Dances

The obvious appeal of their performance somehow led concert producer W.A. Taggart to let the group bring the recording to Ruth Contes of Chattahoochee Records in Hollywood, who quickly released it in the month following the concert. In fact, it seems Thee Midniters released their version within weeks of Cannibal & the Headhunters cutting their own, recorded live at the Rhythm Room. In an interview, Headhunters member Richard “Scar” Lopez said their Rampart single was released in May, 1964 but this date is too early, as it wouldn’t have taken nine months to start showing up on local charts. Thee Midniters’s single turns up in radio station playlists beginning in December of ’64, then goes head to head in competition with Cannibal & the Headhunters’ single beginning in mid-January of ’65. The Headhunters’ Rampart single has a Monarch pressing # of 54957, indicating a November, 1964 mastering and pressing date. I would guess Cannibal & the Headhunters saw Thee Midniters were about to make a hit out of their signature song and rushed their own version out.Salesian High School Rock n Roll Show Volume 2 side 2

No one seems to dispute the legend that Headhunter lead vocalist Frankie Garcia came up with the “Na, Na Na Na Na…” hook spontaneously during a performance when he forgot a verse, though Thee Midniters include the Na Na Na Na hook in their version at the concert. In any case, Cannibal & the Headhunters won out in the national charts and the song is now associated with them, while Thee Midniters went on to record many great singles.

Other highlights on Volume 2 are the Blue Satins again who do a great trio of “Help Yourself”, “Oh-Pu-Pi-Do” (featuring The Sisters Trio) & “The Bounce”. Ronnie & the Casuals get only one song, the fine “20-75”; they had many releases on Donna and Mustang as Ronnie & the Pomona Casuals, including a version of “Land of a Thousand Dances” on their LP Everybody Jerk. The Rhythm Playboys had been Frankie Garcia’s group before joining Cannibal & the Headhunters. Their instrumental “One Degree North” is one of the best cuts on the LP.

Salesian High School Rock n Roll Show Volume 2 back coverVolume 1 and 2 have similar front covers, with band photos on the back, while Volume 3 has band and audience photos on both front and back covers (unfortunately without identifying which band is which).Salesian High School Rock n Roll Show Vol 3

Volume 3 has an expanded lineup with all new acts except the Velvetones, each receiving one song on the album with the exception of the Invaders. Many Eastside legends show up on this LP, including the Invaders (likely Mickey Aversa & the Invaders), the Heartbreakers (brothers Benny & Joe Rodriguez, with several singles on Donna, Brent and Linda labels), The Counts aka Thee Counts: Johnny Joe Ramos, bass; Bobby Gurrola, guitar; Bobby Rodriguez, trumpet; Don Viray, guitar; Charlie Montijo, lead singer; Albert Barron, sax; Ronnie Wheat, drums; Arnold Serafin, keyboards; and Joe Vasquez, sax; with a great single on Highland, “Someday I’m Gonna Get You” / “So Far Away”), and the Ambertones, who I’ve covered on this site. Clarence Playa was in the Progressions, who are probably backing Li’l Ray on “Oooh Baby Baby” on the Volume 3 LP, as they were his backing for a single on Donna as Little Ray, “I Who Have Nothing” / “I Been Trying”.

Salesian continued producing shows for decades, but no others were released to my knowledge. If anyone has scans of the cover or music from the reputed Volume 4 release, please contact me!

Thank you to Van Bryan for the track list and label scans of the very rare Volume 4.
Salesian Rock 'n Roll Show Vol. 4 Century Custom LP Side 2

Burton’s, Uxbridge, London

Burton’s in Uxbridge was an important music venue in West London throughout the 1960s.

I have started to compile a list below and would welcome any additions, particularly where there are gaps. Also, artists didn’t always appear despite being advertised so it would be great to hear from anyone who has any corrections.

Judging by the entries, bands played every Saturday with occasional gigs on other nights of the week.

1961

8 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

The band was billed as The Rebel Rousers for early gigs in 1961

15 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

22 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

 

12 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

26 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

 

9 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

23 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

30 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

11 November – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

 

2 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post – this was a Sunday)

31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post –this was a Sunday)

1962

24 March – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

1963

25 May – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds confirmation

 

8 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds confirmation

22 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds confirmation

 

13 July – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds confirmation

 

10 August – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly/Harrow Weekly Post)

 

7 September – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)

 

19 October – The Federals (Beat Monthly)

 

14 December – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)

1964

11 January – The Federals (Beat Monthly)

1965

30 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

9 February – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)

 

23 March – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book, The Yardbirds – the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page)

 

6 April – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)

 

8 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

29 June – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

 

6 July – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)

31 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

28 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

14 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Record Mirror)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Boyfriend magazine)

31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Boyfriend magazine)

1966

15 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Record Mirror)

18 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror – this was a Tuesday)

 

15 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)

 

12 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Record Mirror)

19 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Beat Instrumental)

 

8-9 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

7 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

10 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

14 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Record Mirror)

 

11 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)

 

2 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

9 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

12 July – The Birds (Fabulous 208 – this was a Tuesday)

30 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208)

 

6 August – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208)

I have Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band also playing on 6 August

20 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

26 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday)

27 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

30 August – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

 

17 September – The Alan Bown Set (Fabulous 208)

 

1 October – The Fenmen (Fabulous 208)

22 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

 

26 November – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

 

20 December – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208 – this was a Tuesday)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Army (Fabulous 208 and Tony Tacon’s memories)

Fabulous 208 also has The Amboy Dukes on 24 December

31 December – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

1967

7 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

 

3 March – The Alan Bown Set (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday so wondering if it was 4 March)

11 March – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

14 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

17 March – Marmalade (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday)

18 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)

21 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

24 March – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday, so wondering if was 25 March)

 

22 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

 

12 May – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie and Honey Darling (Melody Maker – this was a Friday so wondering if it was 13 May)

20 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

 

3 June – Jeff Beck Group (Melody Maker)

9 June – The Gnomes of Zurich and Guy Darrell (Melody Maker – this is a Friday)

Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ gigs website (Badfinger) has The Iveys and Guy Darrell on the same date as The Gnomes of Zurich

10 June – Marmalade (Melody Maker)

16 June – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker – this is a Friday)

17 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)

24 June – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)

 

1 July – The Freddie Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

 

5 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

12 August – The Washington DCs (Melody Maker)

19 August – The Freddie Mack Show (Melody Maker)

26 August – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

 

2 September – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

9 September – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

16 September – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208, Melody Maker and Hillingdon Mirror)

23 September – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)

30 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208/Hillingdon Mirror)

7 October – Marmalade (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

14 October – The Gass (Melody Maker)

21 October – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

28 October – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

 

4 November – The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (Melody Maker)

11 November – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)

18 November – The Shell Shock Show (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

25 November – The Cat Show (Melody Maker)

2 December – The Alan Price Set and The Army (Melody Maker)

9 December – The Ebony Keys (Melody Maker)

16 December – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker)

23 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

30 December – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker)

31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

It is possible that Steve Priest’s group The Army may have supported Cliff Bennett on new year’s eve but it needs confirmation

1968

All the entries for this year are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.

6 January – The Shell Shock Show with Owen Grey

13 January – Marmalade

20 January – The Amboy Dukes

27 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set

 

3 February – Cat Soul Band with US Flat Top

10 February – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

17 February – The Jimmy James Show

24 February – The Freddie Mack Show

 

2 March – Joe E Young & The Toniks

9 March – The Joyce Bond Revue

16 March – The Coloured Raisins

23 March – The Amboy Dukes

30 March – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

 

6 April – The Skatalites

12 April – The Amboy Dukes (this was a Friday)

13 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

20 April – The Alan Bown

27 April – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

 

4 May – The Shell Shock Show

11 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

18 May – The Joyce Bond Revue

25 May – The Amboy Dukes

 

1 June – The Skatalites

8 June – The Coloured Raisins

15 June – The Amboy Dukes

22 June – The Joyce Bond Revue

29 June – The Counts

 

6 July – The Skatalites

13 July – The Coloured Raisins

20 July – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

27 July – Cliff Bennett & His Band

 

3 August – The Amboy Dukes

10 August – The Coloured Raisins

17 August – The Joyce Bond Revue

24 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

31 August – The Counts

 

7 September – The Coloured Raisins

14 September – Simon K & The Meantimers

21 September – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

28 September – Root and Jenny Jackson

 

5 October – The Joyce Bond Revue

12 October – The Counts

19 October – The Coloured Raisins

26 October – Little John & The Shadrocks

2 November – The Sharrons

9 November – The Amboy Dukes

16 November – The Alan Bown

23 November – The Counts and The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

30 November – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

7 December – The Skatalites (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

14 December – The Spectrum (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

21 December – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

24 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post – this was a Tuesday)

28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

31 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post – this was a Tuesday)

1969

4 January – Marmalade (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker has The Coloured Raisins on 4 January and considering Marmalade also played on 18 January, it’s possible Melody Maker is correct

11 January – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

18 January – Marmalade (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

25 January – Little John & The Shadrocks (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker has Jimmy James & The Vagabonds on 25 January

 

1 February – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

8 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

15 February – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

22 February – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

1 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

8 March – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

15 March – US Flat Top and the Cat Road Show (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

22 March – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker has Desmond Dekker on 22 March as well

29 March – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

5 April – Timebox (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

12 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

19 April – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

26 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

3 May – Springfield Park (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker appears to stop advertising Burton’s after this date

10 May – US Flat Top and The Cat Road Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

17 May – The Joyce Bond Revue (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

24 May – Chris Shakespeare & The Globe Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

31 May – The Amboy Dukes (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

7 June – Simon K & The Meantimers (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

14 June – The Coloured Raisins (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

I am missing entries for the rest of the year and would welcome any additions

1970

31 October – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

I am missing entries for 1970 and would welcome any additions

 

Many thanks to Rolf Hannet for providing gigs from Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

Botwell House, Hayes, west London

Frankie Reid & The Casuals at Botwell House
Frankie Reid & The Casuals at Botwell House, 1964. Thank you to Frankie Reid for use of the photo.

Botwell House played host to many of the leading British bands during the early to mid 1960s. I would be grateful for any additions to the list below. Gigs were sourced from the Harrow Weekly Post and the Hayes Gazette. Thanks also to Brian Mansell and Andy Neill

4 August 1962 – Frankie Reid & The Casuals

 

1 September 1962 – Frankie Reid & The Casuals

18 January 1963 – The Checkmates (Says at the Peppermint Stick) Advert in the Harrow Weekly Post says that future Fridays feature The Amusing Flintstones, The Viscounts and Jimmy Crawford and The Ravens

19 February 1963 – The Spotnicks (Says at the Peppermint Stick)

 

3 June 1963 – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes

 

5 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones

 

19 February 1964 – The Spotnicks (Says at the Peppermint Stick)

Photo: Ruislip & Northwood Gazette

18 May 1964 – Open Air Beat Festival with The Searchers, Eden Kane & The Downbeats, The Migil Five, The Animals, Chris Sandford & The Coronets, The Undertakers, The Interns, Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages, The Gamblers, Julie Grant, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Daniel Boone & The Emeralds, The Sorrows, The Hawks, Adam Faith and Dusty Springfield (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)

 

3 June 1964 – Pop Festival with Del Shannon, Eden Kane, Kenny Lynch, Shane Fenton, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Robb Storme & The Whispers, Jimmy Crawford & The Ravens, Tony Holland & The Pack-A-Beats, Vince Taylor & The Playboys, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Rey Anton & The ‘M’ Squad, Jackie Lynton & The Teenbeats, Freddie & The Dreamers, Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas, Cherry Roland and Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Says at the Peppermint Stick)

Photo: Ruislip & Northwood Gazette

19 February 1965 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Hogsnort Rupert

Photo: Ruislip & Northwood Gazette

19 March 1965 – Them

 

19 April 1965 – The Who

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

Nurses Club, the Jolly Gardeners, Isleworth, west London

Jo Jo Gunne
Jo Jo Gunne who played in late 1965

Not far from Twickenham’s more famous Eel Pie Island, the Nurses Club, based in the Jolly Gardeners pub in Isleworth, was a popular music venue with local bands.

I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any further dates or memories below.

18 February 1964 – Two groups

3 March 1964 – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated

17 March 1964 – Two groups (possibly one was The Tridents, see comments below)

 

1 April 1964 – Two groups

5 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five

12 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five

19 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five

26 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five

2 June 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five

9 June 1964 – Two groups

16 June 1964 – Two groups

23 June 1964 – The Bo Street Runners

30 June 1964 – The Mark Leeman Five and Frankie Reid & The Casuals

14 July 1964 – The Bo Street Runners and The Others

28 July 1964 – The Mark Leeman Five and Ray Martin & The Corvettes

4 August 1964 – The Bluebottles

11 August 1964 – The Senators

18 August 1964 – The Habits

25 August 1964 – The Tramps and The Miston-Tuac

 

1 September 1964 – Group isn’t listed

8 September 1964 – The Second Thoughts

29 September 1964 – The Birds and The Wailbones with Flat-top

6 October 1964 – The Bo Street Runners and The Celts

13 October 1964 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Preacher Brown & The Witnesses

 

3 November 1964 – The Peeple

10 November 1964 – The Roosters and The Coveners

17 November 1964 – Lester Square & The GTs

24 November 1964 – PM2 and Sheiks of R&B

 

1 December 1964 – The Modern Blues Six and The Little People

5 January 1965 – The Modern Blues Six

12 January 1965 – The Second Thoughts

19 January 1965 – The Runaways (ex-Bo Street Runners)

26 January 1965 – The Modern Blues Six

 

2 February 1965 – Johnny Smith & Co and Raving Flat-top & The Big Boss Men

9 February 1965 – Beaux Oddlot

16 February 1965 – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated

 

2 March 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Impalas

9 March 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Just Blues

16 March 1965 – Brothers Grimm and The Turnkeys

30 March 1965 – The Mark Leeman Five and The Tribe

 

13 April 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Peeple

20 April 1965 – The Tramps and The Muscrats (Peter Green was guitarist for a while)

27 April 1965 – The Mark Leeman Five and Group Survival

4 May 1965 – The Blue Ravens and Jeff Elray & The Boys Blue

11 May 1965 – The Diaks and The Eyes

18 May 1965 – The Dillingers and The Crowd

 

1 June 1965 – The Modern Blues Six and The Senate Four

8 June 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Ones

 

13 July 1965 – The Crowd with The Blues Etc

20 July 1965 – The Blue Ravens (Harrow Observer & Gazette) (Needs confirmation) Says Tuesdays

27 July 1965 – The Blue Ravens

3 August 1965 – D J Blues Band with The Minor Birds

10 August 1965 – The Senate Four

17 August 1965 – The Characters

24 August 1965 – The Dae-b-Four

31 August 1965 – The Kiko Six

 

7 September 1965 – Brothers Grimm

14 September 1965 – The Bo Street Runners and The Blue Ravens

21 September 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Shondells

28 September 1965 – The Modern Blues Six and The Ikon

5 October 1965 – Jo Jo Gunne with The Road Agents

12 October 1965 – Norman & The Conquers and Blues Etc

26 October 1965 – Blues Folk with The Ferinos

2 November 1965 – The Nature Boys

18 January 1966 – The Miston-Tuac with The In-Tacks

25 January 1966 – The Flamingos with The Uncertain

1 February 1966 – The Sultans with The Debtors

The above gigs are from the Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette, Melody Maker and the Middlesex Chronicle (Hounslow Edition)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

The White Hart, Southall, west London

Beside Southall Community Centre, another popular venue in the west London suburb was the White Hart.

According to Terry O’Connor, The Chris Barber Band and Johnny Dankworth played the White Hart regularly during the 1950s. He also remembers Acker Bilk played here regularly.

O’Connor also remembers that Pat Cresswell & The Crestas were regulars at the White Hart.

The Statesmen, who later changed name to The Statesides and Jean & The Statesides had a regular residency at the White Hart in the early 1960s (see below). Future Animals’ guitarist Vic Briggs was briefly a member in 1962.

The Who played the venue quite a few times and Jimmy Royal & The Hawks were also regulars. Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers who featured Ritchie Blackmore on guitar also played here.

Frankie Reid & The Casuals (with future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell and Danny McCulloch, who was later in The Animals) also played frequently.

During 1964, future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan’s band The Javelins performed at the club quite a few times.

Later in the 1960s, future Queen guitarist Brian May’s band 1984 played at the White Hart.

The gigs below are incomplete so I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any further dates in the comments section.

1960

12 September (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

This west London band morphed out of The Rocking Versatiles (formed September 1957) and included long-standing member Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), who remained with the group throughout its various incarnations (and name changes) until finally splitting on 1 July 1966. The band had regular residencies at this club as the huge number of bookings below show.

At this point, The Statesmen comprised Ray Heath (vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bob Kendall (rhythm guitar), Terry Crook (bass/piano) and Dave Evans (drums). 

17 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

19 September (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 September (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

3 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

7 November (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 November (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 November (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 November (Tuesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 December (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 December (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

The Statesmen’s singer Ray Heath left on 28 December. 

1961

2 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Keyboard player and sax player Bill Stemp joined in time for the above gig and, like Jeff Sturgeon, remained with the band until its demise in July 1966.

 

6 February (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 February (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 February (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

6 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 March (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

3 April (Monday) (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 April (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 April (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 April (Thursday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 May (Saturday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

Ritchie Blackmore had joined Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers on lead guitar by now.

15 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Jeff Sturgeon notes that Paul Clarke from James Royal & The Hawks played lead guitar on 29 May gig.

 

5 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

The 12 June was rhythm guitarist Bob Kendall’s final gig with The Statesmen.

19 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

10 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

7 August (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 August (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 August (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

From 18 October to 1 December, numerous (and notable drummers) covered for Dave Evans, who left at the end of the year: Micky Waller, Eddie Thorpe, Terry Sealy and Carlo Little.

The Statesmen’s bass player Norman Merchant left on 22 December followed six days later by drummer Dave Evans. Steve Frankel took Evans’ place behind the kit.

Future Animals’ guitarist Vic Briggs, whose first significant band was The Cruisers Rock Combo (formed mid-late 1960), says his next group (after a brief stint with The Echoes), Mike Allen & The Sidekicks played regularly at the White Hart after forming around October 1961.

1962

New bass player Mick Tobias joined on 30 January.

23 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Vic Briggs joined on rhythm guitar and debuted on 2 March at the White Hart. Briggs had recently been playing with another White Hart regular, Mike Allen & The Sidekicks. The band had split when singer Mike Ledger and drummer Mick Underwood joined The Crescents.

 

2 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Mick Tobias left The Statesmen on 25 March.

30 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Mick Tobias’ replacement Mick Wilkinson joined on 4 April. Wilkinson had played in Mike Allen & The Sidekicks with Vic Briggs.

6 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Vic Briggs left The Statesmen on 18 April. His replacement was David Hinds. Briggs next joined Peter Nelson & The Travelers and then in September 1962 worked with The Shel Carson Combo, turning fully pro. He left this band in May 1963.

Shortly after Briggs left, Derek Bridges took over vocal duties. Bridges had previously worked with Briggs in The Cruisers Rock Combo.

 

4 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 May (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Frankie Reid & The Casuals’ line up at this time features future Animals bass player Danny McCulloch and future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.

 

1 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 June (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

15 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Jeff notes that Micky King (aka Borer) from James Royal & The Hawks played lead guitar on 22 June in his place.

23 June (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

2 July (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

6 July (Friday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 July (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 July (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 July (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

3 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 August (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 August (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 August (Friday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Terry Mabey had replaced Mitch Mitchell in The Casuals by now. Mitchell will deputise in The Statesmen in October 1962.

25 August (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Recent additions Mick Wilkinson (bass) and David Hinds (rhythm guitar) and drummer Steve Frankel all departed on 16 September.

Mick Wilkinson recalls that David Hinds tried to put together a new band that he believes included Mitch Mitchell. Wilkinson was briefly involved but left to work with several other bands, including an Ealing group called The MI5.

21 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 September (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

New bass player Mick Bloomfield and rhythm guitarist Dave Hovington debuted on 28 September. Both will remain with the group until its demise in July 1966 and both had previously been members of The  Cruisers Rock Combo with Vic Briggs and Derek Bridges.

28 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

New drummer Ian Walker debuted on 6 October and will remain with the band until its demise in July 1966. Walker is another former member of The Cruisers Rock Combo.

12 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell subbed for Ian Walker on 12-13 October gigs.

19 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

2 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 December (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1963

Dave Wigginton, bass player with Jeff Curtis & The Flames, remembers the band played at the White Hart a couple of times, most likely in 1963.

4 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

5 January (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell subbed for Ian Walker on 11 January gig.

18 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

After former Outlaws drummer Mick Underwood has filled in Ian Walker who has gone into hospital for one gig, Terry Sealy stepped in for 1 February gig.

2 February (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Carlo Little from Screaming Lord Sutch’s band deputised on drums for 2 February gig.

8 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 February (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

2 March (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 March (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 March (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

6 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

19 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Jean Hayles joined the band at this point after Derek Bridges left on 28 April and they worked as The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles until 15 June.

Former member Mick Wilkinson remembers seeing Derek Bridges singing with The Fleerekkers after he left The Statesmen. 

 

3 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 May (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 May (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 June (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 June (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 June (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 June (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

The band is now called Jean & The Statesmen.

22 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

6 July (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

19 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Ian Walker went on holiday and Mitch Mitchell filled in for two gigs, including 19 July before Charlie Chapman from James Royal & The Hawks covered for 20 July.

26 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

2 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

3 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

6 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 September (Monday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

4 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

6 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 December (Tuesday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 December (Tuesday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1964

3 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

4 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 January (Monday) – Art Wood Combo (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)

17 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 February (Saturday) – The Javelins and Jean & The Statesmen (Tony Tacon’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan was the singer with The Javelins. He left in November to join Wainwright’s Gentlemen.

21 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

7 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

3 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

4 April (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 April (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Carlo Little subbed for Ian Walker on drums on 18 April gig.

24 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

2 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

9 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

16 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

The band had changed name to Jean & The Statesides on 15 May.

22 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

6 June (Saturday) – The Who and Jean & The Statesides (Andy Neill’s research and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 June (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)

18 June (Thursday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

19 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 June (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)

25 June (Thursday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

27 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 June (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)

 

3 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

4 July (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

6 July (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)

17 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 July (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

6 August (Thursday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

7 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

4 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

5 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 September (Friday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

26 September (Saturday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

 

2 October (Friday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

3 October (Saturday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks (and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

10 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

6 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

4 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

5 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 December (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Pete Ross, guitarist with The Flexmen, says that his group played at the White Hart quite a bit between mid-1964 and early 1965 (see photo at the very end).

Jean & The Statesides 1965. Left to right: Bill Stemp, Ian Walker, Dave Brogden, Jean Hayles, Jeff Sturgeon, Mick Bloomfield and Dave Hovington. Photo from Jeff Sturgeon.

1965

1 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

2 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

19 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 March (Friday) – Mike Dee & The Prophets (Don Martin’s gig diary)

 

9 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

8 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

29 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

This gig was held at International Aeradio instead of the Southall venue.

 

4 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Jean left the band on 26 June and the musicians carried on as The Statesides with rhythm guitarist Dave Hovington singing lead. Former Wainwright’s Gentlemen and Ian Gillan & The Dragsters’ sax player Dave Brogden started playing with the band from 17 June but joined as a full-time member in mid-July.

The Statesmen, March 1966. Photo: Stan Thomas and Jeff Sturgeon

23 July (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

7 August (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

12 November (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Singer Pat Richards covered for Dave Hovington for the 12 November.

19 November (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 November (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

4 December (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 December (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 December (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1966

8 January (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 January (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 February (Friday) – The Chain Gang (Middlesex Chronicle)

26 February (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

The Statesides on tour with Wilson Pickett, March 1966. Photo: Stan Thomas and Jeff Sturgeon

23 September (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

30 September (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

 

7 October (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

 

16 December (Friday) – The Ray Martin Group (Harrow Observer)

17 December (Saturday) – The Flamingos (Harrow Observer)

24 December (Saturday) – Jeep Rongle (Harrow Observer)

1967

20 January (Friday) – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

21 January (Saturday) – The Lost Legends (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

27 January (Friday) – Torque (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

28 January (Saturday) – Jeep Rongle and Kenny Bishop (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

 

4 February (Saturday) – Torque, The Smoke Bombs and Kenny Bishop (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

17 February (Friday) – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

18 February (Saturday) – The Lost Legends and Ray Peterson (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

25 February (Saturday) – Gene & The Cossacks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

28 February (Tuesday) – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

 

3 March (Friday) – Torque (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

4 March (Saturday) – The Outer Limits (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

10 March (Friday) – Albert Square (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

11 March (Saturday) – The Outer Limits (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

17 March (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

18 March (Saturday – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

 

2 April (Sunday) – The Hot Peppers (from France) (Melody Maker)

7 April (Friday) – Albert Square (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

8 April (Saturday) – Night Train (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

14 April (Friday) – Chances Are (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)

 

13 May (Saturday) – Albert Square (Melody Maker)

20 May (Saturday) – Albert Square (Melody Maker)

 

14 July (Friday) – Themselves (Hounslow Post)

This group soon morphed into Virgin Sleep

15 July (Saturday) – 1984 (Hounslow Post)

Future Queen guitarist Brian May was a member of 1984

17 July (Monday) – Locomotion (Hounslow Post)

1968

6 September (Friday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

Massive thank you to Jeff Sturgeon and Dave Brogden for sharing gigs. Also huge thanks to Vic Briggs for adding some further details.

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

The Flexmen at the White Hart, circa late 1964, below. Photo: Pete Ross

Wimbledon Palais, Wimbledon, southwest London

Wimbledon Palais was a significant music venue in Southwest London. I’d be grateful for any additions and corrections to the list below as there are many gaps in the listings:

1960

20 March (Sunday) (audition) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

8 May (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 May (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

10 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

23 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

23 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1961

29 January (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

5 February (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

1 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1962

8 April (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

29 June (Friday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

 

1 July (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

11 October (Thursday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1963

9 August (Friday) – Sounds Incorporated (Beat Monthly)

23 August  (Friday) – The Searchers (Beat Monthly)

31 August (Saturday) – Gene Vincent (Streatham News)

 

6 September (Friday) – Gerry & The Pacemakers (Beat Monthly)

 

22 November (Friday) – Freddie & The Dreamers (Beat Monthly)

24 November (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesmen (audition) (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

15 December (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1964

3 January (Friday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Beat Monthly)

17 January (Friday) – Gene Vincent & The Shouts with The Demons and The Chantones (Streatham News)

Photo: Terry Stamp

24 January (Friday) – The Rolling Stones (Beat Monthly)

 

8 February (Saturday) – The Swinging Blue Jeans (Beat Monthly)

9 February (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 February (Saturday) – Freddie & The Dreamers (Beat Monthly)

 

3 April (Friday) – The Rolling Stones (Beat Monthly)

10 April (Friday) – Manfred Mann (Streatham News and Beat Monthly)

24 April (Friday) – The Swinging Blue Jeans (Beat Monthly)

 

8 May (Friday) – Little Richard with The Flintstones (Streatham News)

15 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

According to Jeff Sturgeon, this was the first gig under the new name, a slight change from Jean & The Statesmen.

26 May (Tuesday) – Little Richard (with The Flintstones?) (Streatham News)

29 May (Friday) – The Kinks, The Demons and The Chantons (Streatham News)

 

5 June (Friday) – The Paramounts, The Demons and The Chantons (Streatham News)

14 June (Sunday) – The Yardbirds and The Grebbels (Streatham News)

19 June (Friday) – The Crickets with supporting groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

20 June (Saturday) – Patrick Dane & The Quiet Five (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

21 June (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 June (Friday) – Millie & The Five Embers (Kingston & Malden Borough News and Streatham News)

27 June (Saturday) – Patrick Dane & The Quiet Five (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

 

3 July (Friday) – The Animals, The Demons and The Trojans (Kingston & Malden Borough News and Streatham News)

4 July (Saturday) – Three beat groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

10 July (Friday) – Manfred Mann and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

11 July (Saturday) – Buddy Britten & The Regents and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 July (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

17 July (Friday) – Four groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

18 July (Saturday) – The Searchers and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

Kingston & Malden Borough News notes The Searchers, The Original Topics and Cats Whiskers on 18 July 1964

24 July (Friday) – The Migil Five and two groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

25 July (Saturday) – Three beat groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

The UK’s featured in Boyfriend magazine, 5 September 1964

31 July (Friday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

 

1 August (Saturday) – The Hunters, The Midnites and The Demons (Dave Brogden’s diary/Kingston & Malden Borough News)

7 August (Friday) – Lulu & Luvvers, The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

8 August (Saturday) – The Hunters, The Demons and The Echolettes (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

14 August (Friday) – The Rolling Stones, The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

15 August (Saturday) – The Hunters, The Demons and The Thyrds (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

21 August (Friday) – Helen Shapiro & The Trebletones, The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

22 August (Saturday) – The Hunters, The Demons and The Four Aces (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

28 August (Friday) – The Mojos, The Demons and The UKs (Kingston and Malden Borough News and Streatham News)

29 August (Saturday) – The Hunters, The Demons and Scene IV (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

 

4 September (Friday) – The Applejacks (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

18 September (Friday) – The Pretty Things with Mike Rabin & The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

25 September (Friday) – The Barron Knights, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

26 September (Saturday) – Mike Rabin & The Demons, The Detours (The Who?) and Scene IV (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

 

2 October (Friday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

3 October (Saturday) – Three groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

9 October (Friday) – Herman’s Hermits, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

10 October (Saturday) – Three groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

16 October (Friday) – Bern Elliott & The Klan, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

17 October (Saturday) – Dave Ede & The Rabin Band and Mike Rabin & The Demons (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

23 October (Friday) – The Four Pennies, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The UKs (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

24 October (Saturday) – Dave Ede & The Rabin Band and Mike Rabin & The Demons (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

30 October (Friday) – The Bo Street Runners (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

31 October (Saturday) – David Ede & The Rabin Band and Mike Rabin & The Demons (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

 

1 November (Sunday) – All Britain Beat Contest (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

6 November (Friday) – The Naturals, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The Echolettes (Kingston & Malden Borough News)

13 November (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Beat Instrumental)

20 November (Friday) – The Hollies, Mark Rabin & The Demons and Scene V (Streatham News)

 

4 December (Friday) – Jerry Lee Lewis, The Plebs, Mike Rabin & The Demons and The Hideways (Streatham News)

11 December (Friday) – Gene Vincent and The Londoners (Streatham News)

1965

26 February (Friday) – The Nashville Teens (Beat Instrumental)

 

12 March (Friday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

19 March (Friday) – The Yardbirds (Streatham News)

 

30 April (Friday) – The Ivy League (Beat Instrumental)

 

3 May (Monday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s diary)

14 May (Friday) – Them (Streatham News)

 

27 June (Sunday) – Pink Floyd (Streatham News)

 

2 July (Friday) – The Yardbirds (Streatham News and Beat Instrumental)

 

6 August (Friday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Monthly)

 

15 October (Friday) – The Four Pennies (Boyfriend magazine)

22 October (Friday) – Them (Streatham News)

 

26 November (Friday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research and Beat Instrumental)

 

3 December (Friday) – The Kinks (West Norwood and Dulwich News)

10 December (Friday) – The Hollies (West Norwood and Dulwich News)

17 December (Friday) – The McCoys (West Norwood and Dulwich News)

24 December (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 December (Friday) – The Checkmates (West Norwood and Dulwich News)

1966

1 January (Saturday) – The Small Faces (West Norwood and Dulwich News)

7 January (Friday) – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

8 January (Saturday) – The Motivation (Melody Maker)

This was the original Norbury, south London version of the group

14 January (Friday) – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

21 January (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

22 January (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

28 January (Friday) – Unit Four Plus 2 (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

4 February (Friday) – Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

11 February (Friday) – The Who, Hamilton & The Movement and The Mike Rabin Group (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

18 February (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

21 February (Monday) – The Pretty Things (Streatham News)

25 February (Friday) – The Sorrows (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

4 March (Friday) – Wayne Fontana & The Opposition (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

5 March (Saturday) – The Animals (Streatham News)

6 March (Sunday) – The Kinks (Streatham News)

11 March (Friday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

18 March (Friday) – The Mindbenders (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

20 March (Sunday) – The Riot Squad (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

25 March (Friday) – The St Louis Union (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

26 March (Saturday) – Episode Six (Melody Maker)

 

1 April (Friday) – The Overlanders (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

8 April (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

22 April (Friday) – The Yardbirds (Streatham News)

29 April (Friday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

6 May (Friday) – The Small Faces (Streatham News)

11 May (Wednesday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

13 May (Friday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

20 May (Friday) – The Alan Price Set (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

27 May (Friday) – Hedgehoppers Anonymous (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

3 June (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

10 June (Friday) – Paul & Barry Ryan (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

17 June (Friday) – The Four Pennies (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

1 July (Friday) – The Creation (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury and Fabulous 208)

22 July (Friday) – Unit Four Plus Two (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

12 August (Friday) – Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

19 August (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Streatham News and Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

26 August (Friday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

2 September (Friday) – Crispian St Peters (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

11 September (Sunday) – The Syrians (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

18 September (Sunday) – The Syrians (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

15 October (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

28 October (Friday) – The Merseys (Streatham News and Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

5 November (Saturday) – Peter & Gordon (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

12 November (Saturday) – The Small Faces, Paul Anka and The Fourmost (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

28 November (Monday) – The Kinks (Streatham News)

10 December (Saturday) – The Merseys and Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

 

16 December (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Mitcham News & Mercury)

23 December (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

30 December (Friday) – The Nashville Teens (Balham and Tooting News and Mercury)

Neil Christian & The Crusaders replaced them.

1967

6 January (Friday) – The Nashville Teens (Fabulous 208)

 

4 February (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children and The Attack (Fabulous 208)

10 February (Friday) – The Troggs (Streatham News)

 

24 March (Friday) – Cat Stevens (Fabulous 208)

 

7 July (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

8 July (Saturday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

14 July (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

15 July (Saturday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

 

21 October (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne and Tony Rivers & The Castaways (needs source but possibly Streatham News)

Huge thanks to Rolf Hannet for sharing his copies of Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

 

 

Silver Blades, Streatham, southwest London

Photo: Brian Wellsman

Silver Blades was a notable venue in Streatham, southwest London where many of the top UK bands played during the 1960s.

1963

I have only a few entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.

1 January – The Stormsville Shakers (Stormsville Shakers’ website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

 

2-3 August – Jeff Curtis & The Flames (Streatham News)

1964

I have only a few entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.

Photo: Michael Pierce

10-11 January – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

15 January – The Mystic Voodoos (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

29 January – Ray Dell & The (Rocking) Deacons (Clapham Observer)

 

20 March – The Soul Messengers (Streatham News)

Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell played with The Soul Messengers before joining The Riot Squad in December.

 

8 April – The Hi-Grades (Streatham News)

Future Sweet producer Phil Wainman played drums with The Hi-Grades.

 

22-23 May – The Henchmen (Streatham News)

27 May – Geoff Curtis & The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) (Streatham News and Clapham Observer)

 

5-6 June – Cyrano & The Bergeracs (Streatham News)

Photo: Michael Pierce

14-15 August – The Reapers (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

Photo: Michael Pierce

17 August – The Barron Knights and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

21-22 August – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

 

4-5 September – Cyrano & The Bergeracs (Streatham News)

Photo: Michael Pierce

7 September – The Kinks and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Keith Preston’s recollections)

11-12 September – Mark Four (Streatham News)

16 September – The Muleskinners (Streatham News)

 

2-3 October – Four & One (Clapham Advertiser)

5 October – The Pretty Things and The Bo Street Runners (Record Mirror)

7 October – The Bad Boys (Clapham Advertiser)

9-10 October – The Fabulous Barbies (Clapham Advertiser)

14 October – The Forerunners (Clapham Advertiser)

16 October – The Stormsville Shakers (Stormsville Shakers’ website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

21 October – The Exiles (Clapham Advertiser)

23 October – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

24 October – The Blue Saints (Clapham Advertiser)

28 October – The Heebie Jeebies (Clapham Advertiser)

30 October – The Scorpions (Clapham Advertiser)

 

4 November – Satellite One (Clapham Advertiser)

Photo: Michael Pierce

9 November – The Mojos and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Streatham News, Clapham News and Michael Pierce’s clippings)

13-14 November – The Mad Hatters (Clapham Advertiser)

18 November – The Condors (Clapham Advertiser)

20-21 November – The Peddlers (Clapham Advertiser)

25 November – The Objects (Clapham Advertiser)

27-28 November – The Others (Streatham News and Clapham News)

 

2 December – Danny & The Torinos (Clapham Advertiser)

4-5 December – The Fabulous Solitairs (Clapham Advertiser)

9 December – John L Watson & The Hummelfugs (Clapham Advertiser)

11-12 December – The Magic Moments (Clapham Advertiser)

16 December – The Nature’s Boys (Clapham Advertiser)

18 December – Johnny Wells & The Voodoos (Clapham Advertiser)

19 December – Kris Ryan & The Questions (Clapham Advertiser)

24 December – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Clapham Advertiser)

26 December – The Mark Four (Streatham News)

1965

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

1-2 January – The League of Gentlemen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

6 January – The Drovers (Streatham News)

8-9 January – The Juniors (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

13 January – The Solitairs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15-16 January – The Roosters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

18 January – The Fourmost and Julie Grant (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

20 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

22-23 January – The Sassenachs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

27 January – missing entry

29-30 January – Hamilton & His Blues Messengers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

3 February – The Types (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

5-6 February – Clouds (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

10 February – The Soundtrekkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

12-13 February – The Skorpions (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

17 February – The Four Zodiacs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

19-20 February – Christian’s Crusaders (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

24 February – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26-27 February – The Puppets (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

1 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

3 March – The Forerunners (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

5 March – G L Watson & The Hummelfugs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

6 March – The Silver Dollars (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

10 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

12-13 March – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

17 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

19-20 March – The Primitives (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

24 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26-27 March – The Rockin’ Eccentrics (Streatham News)

29 March – The Ivy League (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

31 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

Photo: Michael Pierce

2-3 April – The Downtown Seekers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

7 April – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

9-10 April – The Essex Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

14 April – Herman’s Hermits (Streatham News and Melody Maker)

16 April – missing entry

17 April – The Solitaires (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

21 April – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

23-24 April – Keith Conway & The Aristokats (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

28 April – The Vikings (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

30 April – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

1 May – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

3 May – Manfred Mann (Greg Russo’s Manfred Mann research)

5 May – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

Streatham News lists The Moody Blues on 5 May

7-8 May – Jeff Curtis & The Flames (Streatham News and Ray Brown’s diary)

12 May – The Soundtrekkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

14-15 May – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

19 May – The Rockin’ Chairs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

21-22 May – Plain & Fancy, The Five & Fancy, Five To One (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26 May – Warren & The Walkers (this is probably Warren Davis & The Board Walkers) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

28-29 May – The Fairlanes with Linda Lou (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

2 June – Danny & The Torinos (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

4-5 June – The Woodlanders (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

9 June – missing entry

11-12 June – The Conchords (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

The Conchords featured Ray Dorset who later found fame with Mungo Jerry.

14 June – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

16 June – missing entry

18-19 June – The Buckinghams (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

23 June – missing entry

Jaymes Venda & The Vulcans on the venue’s stage, 1965. Thanks to Alf Fripp for providing the image. Left to right: Colin Delaney, John Ford, Alf Fripp, Keith Preston and Jaymes Venda (real name Michael Pierce).

25-26 June – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

30 June – missing entry

 

2-3 July – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

7 July – missing entry

9-10 July – Fernando & The Hideaways (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

14 July – missing entry

16-17 July – The Mirage (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

21 July – missing entry

23-24 July – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

28 July – missing entry

30-31 July – The Sovereigns (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

4 August – missing entry

6-7 August – missing entry

11 August – missing entry

13-14 August – The Druids (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

18 August – missing entry

20 August – The Big Bossmen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

The Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser has Dave Berry & The Cruisers on 20 August

21 August – The Big Bossmen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

25 August – missing entry

27-28 August – The Boston Crabs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

1 September – missing entry

3-4 September – The Thee (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

8 September – missing entry

10 September – The Cops ‘N’ Robbers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

11 September – The Hysterics (replaced The Cops ‘N’ Robbers) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15 September – missing entry

17-18 September – Johnny Gustavson (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

20 September – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

22 September – missing entry

24-25 September – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

29 September – missing entry

 

1-2 October – The Board Walkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

6 October – missing entry

8-9 October – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

11 October – The Fortunes (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

13 October – missing entry

15 October – Giorgio & Marco’s Men (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

16 October – missing entry

20 October – missing entry

22 October – Jaymes & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

23 October – missing entry

27 October – missing entry

29-30 October – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

3 November – missing entry

5-6 November – The Hideaways (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

10 November – missing entry

12-13 November – Country folk (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15 November – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

17 November – missing entry

19 November – Platform Six (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

20 November – The Summer Set (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

24 November – missing entry

26-27 November – missing entry

 

1 December – missing entry

3-4 December – David Bowie & The Lower Third (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

8 December – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ diary)

10-11 December – missing entry

13 December – Hedgehoppers Anonymous (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15 December – missing entry

17 December – The Powerhouse Six (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

18 December – The Insect (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

22 December – missing entry

24 December – James Venda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26 December – James Venda & The Vulcans (Sunday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

29 December – missing entry

31 December – The Checkmates (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

1966

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

1 January – missing entry

5 January – missing entry

7-8 January – The Roosters (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

12 January – The Plain & Fancy (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

14-15 January – missing entry

Photo: Dave Harwood

17 January – The Kinks (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Melody Maker)

Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Kinks on 17 January – see comments section below

19 January – missing entry

21-22 January – The Just Five (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

The Balham and Tooting News & Mercury lists The Bipeds on 21-22 January

26 January – The Plain & Fancy (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

Photo: Dave Harwood. The Blades promotional photo (taken in the foyer of Streatham Silver Blades in late January 1966) with reference to East Anglian Scene in February suggesting the groups that appeared that month were from East Anglia.

28-29 January – The Blades (Dave Harwood’s memories)

 

2 February – missing entry

4-5 February – The High Set (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

According to Dave Harwood’s photo above, The High Set were most likely from East Anglia

6 February – Young at Heart (Sunday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

9 February – missing entry

Photo: Dave Harwood of The Blades showing Peter & The Spectres lined-up for 11-12 February 1966 (see Dave’s comments below)

11-12 February – Peter & The Spectres (Dave Harwood photo above)

According to Dave Harwood’s group photo above, Peter & The Spectres were most likely from East Anglia

14 February – The Overlanders (Melody Maker)

Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Overlanders for 14 February – see comments section below

16 February – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

I am missing many gigs over the following months and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible. This is what I do have:

14 March – Tom Jones & The Squires (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

28 March – Johnny Howard Band Show (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

 

6 April – Search for Sound (Four bands) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

18 April – The Small Faces (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

29-30 April – Some Other Guys (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)

2 May – The Alan Price Set (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Alan Price Set on 2 May – see comments section below

 

3-4 June – The Second City Sound (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

10 June – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

11 June – The Soundtrekkers (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

18 June – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

24-25 June – The New State Jazz Band (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

 

30 July – Search for Sound contest – winners were The Planet Set. Others included The Embers, The Low Limit and Sister Jill & The Bretheren and The Motivation (the original Norbury, south London version) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

 

4 August – The Monopoly (Thursday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

6 August – The Soul Survivors (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)

11 August – The Associates (Thursday) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)

12 August – The Waikiki Beach Boys (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

13 August – The Associates (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

26 August – The Second City Sound (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

12 September – The Troggs (Fabulous 208 and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

16-17 September – Steve Brett & The Mavericks (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

Lewisham Borough News lists Steve Brett & The Mavericks for 15 and 17 September (Thursday and Saturday rather than Friday and Saturday)

21 September – The Tea Set (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and Lewisham Borough News)

23-24 September – Giorgio & Marco’s Men (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

Lewisham Borough News lists Giorgio & Marco’s Men for 22 and 24 September (Thursday and Saturday rather than Friday and Saturday)

30 September – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ diary)

1 October – The Ways and Means (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

5 October – The Little People (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

13 October – The Boys Blue (Thursday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

21 October – Napoleon XIV (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

 

2 December – The Bossmen (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

17 December – Five Steps Beyond (Paul Quinton’s gig diary and websitehttp://five-steps-beyond.simplesite.com/)

19 December – The Spencer Davis Group (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

31 December – The Escorts (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

1967

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided, where possible.

12 January – The Night Revels and The Second City Sounds (Thursday night) (Clapham Advertiser)

13 January – Timebox with Richard Henry (Clapham Advertiser)

14 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Clapham Advertiser)

20 January – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)

21 January – The End (Clapham Advertiser)

27-28 January – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)

 

3-4 February – The Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)

11-12 February – The Images (Clapham Advertiser)

13 February – Wayne Fontana (Monday night) (Clapham Advertiser)

17 February – The Second City Sound (Clapham Advertiser)

18 February – The New Jump Band (Clapham Advertiser)

24-25 February – The Mud (Clapham Advertiser)

 

4 March – The Fireballs (Clapham Advertiser)

11 March – The London area final of the National Search for Sound contest with four groups: The Mud and others, including Solomon’s Mines and The Next Collection (Allan Devon’s recollections and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

17 March – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)

18 March – The Next Move (Clapham Advertiser)

24-25 March – The Pebbles (Clapham Advertiser)

31 March – The Second City Sound (Clapham Advertiser)

 

1 April – National Group Final of the Search for Sound (eight finalists from over 1,000 entries with £1,500 prize money) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

7 April – The Jet Set (Clapham Advertiser)

8 April – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Clapham Advertiser)

14-15 April – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)

21 April – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)

22 April – The City Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)

29 April – The Images (Clapham Advertiser)

8 May – The Move (Monday night) (Fabulous 208 and Croydon Advertiser)

12 May – The Fire of London (Croydon Advertiser) who replaced The Ways and Means (Clapham Advertiser)

13 May – The Count 4 (Croydon Advertiser and Clapham Advertiser)

19 May – Edwick Rumbold (Clapham Advertiser)

20 May – The City Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)

26 May – The Mud (Croydon Advertiser)

There is a possibility that The Next Collection also played on 26 May

27 May – The Next Generation (Clapham Advertiser)

29 May – The Herd (Monday night) (Fabulous 208)

 

5 June – The Dixielanders (Monday night) (Clapham Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

9 June – The Fireballs (Clapham Advertiser)

10 June – The Hububs (Clapham Advertiser)

12 June – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Fabulous 208)

16 June – The End (Clapham Advertiser)

17 June – John Collier Night (Clapham Advertiser)

23-24 June – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)

30 June – The Pitiful (Clapham Advertiser)

The Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser lists The Formula 4 for 30 June

 

10 July – The Original Drifters (Monday night) (Croydon Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

24 July – The Herd (Monday night) (Fabulous 208, Croydon Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

 

7 August – The Tremeloes (Monday night) (Croydon Advertiser)

13 August – The Konrads (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

26 August – The Ironsides (Croydon Advertiser)

28 August – The Human Instinct (Croydon Advertiser)

4 September – The Move (Croydon Advertiser)

The Beckenham & Penge Advertiser has The Herd on 4 September 

15 September – Camino Real (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

16 September – The Uglies (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

2 October – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

DJ Brian Wellsman says The Small Faces did not appear despite being advertised – see comments below

6 October – The Dove(s) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

7 October – Jon (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

13 October – Keith Golden & The News Boys (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

14 October – The Calgary Stampede (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

20 October – Warren Davis Monday Band (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

23 October – The Move (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

DJ Brian Wellsman says The Move were booked after The Small Faces didn’t turn up on 2 October – see comments below

28 October – Mud (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

3-4 November – Derek Savage Foundation (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

6 November – Cream (Monday night) (Fabulous 208 and Clapham Advertiser)

10 November – The Krisis (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

11 November – The Next Collection (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

17 November – The New Jump Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

18 November – Cameron’s Impact (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

24 November – The Herd (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

Beckenham & Penge Advertiser has Dr Marigold’s Prescription on 24 November

25 November – The Konrads (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

1 December – The Mint Tulip (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

2 December – The Purple Dream (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

4 December – The Foundations (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

24 December – The Herd (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

1968

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.

1 January – The Bobcats (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

5-6 January – Mr Hip Soul Band (Clapham News)

12-13 January – Pandamonium (Clapham News)

 

2-3 February – Geranium Pond (Clapham News)

Keyboardist Steve Webber said that Geranium Pond played here a few times but Silver Blades was where the band played its final gig. They were just beginning to build a fan following when they disbanded.

9-10 February – Dr Marigold’s Prescription (Clapham News)

26 February – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Clapham News)

 

1-2 March – Skye Wine (Clapham News)

8-9 March – Jackson’s Overdrive (Clapham News)

18 March – Whistling Jack Smith (Monday night) (Clapham News)

22 March – Sunset Harp (Clapham News)

 

 

8 April – The Move (Monday night) (Clapham News)

22 April – The Small Faces (Clapham News)

29 April – Manfred Mann (Clapham News)

 

20 May – Bill Haley & The Comets (Clapham News and Melody Maker)

 

21 June – Miston Tuac (Clapham News)

22 June – Fire (Clapham News)

 

6 July – The Dove(s) (Clapham News)

12-13 July – The Code (Clapham News)

22 July – The Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)

26-27 July – British Mad (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

2 August – Raw Material (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

3 August – Jackson’s Playground (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

16 August – Toast (Clapham News)

17 August – Eight Miles High (Clapham News)

26 August – The Mindbenders (Monday night) (Clapham News)

 

6-7 September – Tangerine Jam (Clapham News)

9 September – The Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)

23 September – The Equals (Monday night) (Clapham News and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

 

4-5 October – Renaissance Fair (Clapham News)

11 October – Mint Tulip (Clapham News)

12 October – Tekneek (Clapham News)

21 October – Amen Corner (Monday night) (Clapham News, Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser and NME)

25 October – Toast (Clapham News)

11 November – Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)

15-16 November – Avlon (Clapham News)

22-23 November – Killing Floor (Clapham News)

2 December – The Love Affair (Monday night) (Clapham News)

1969

I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible

2 February – Forever Changes (Barry Sinfield recollections)

3 February – The Move (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

21 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

25 April 1969 – Bell Sebastian (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

26 April 1969 – Candy Bus (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

5 May – Amen Corner (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

4 July 1969 – The Pentagon (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

5 July 1969 – The Karl-G-Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

11 July 1969 – The Raw Material (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

18 July 1969 – The Fire (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

19 July 1969 – The Zoo (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

31 August 1969 – Bill Haley & The Comets (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser) Vanity Fayre replaced Bill Haley

 

5 September 1969 – Sir Percy Quintet (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

6 September 1969 – Pussy Foot Train (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

12 September 1969 – See Saw (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

13 September 1969 – Diary (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

11 October 1969 – The Arrival (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

24 October 1969 – Heatwave (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

25 October 1969 – John Graham Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

26 October 1969 – Memphis (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

10 November 1969 – Desmond Dekker & The Aces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

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