Tag Archives: The Who

Categories: England

Blue Moon, Cheltenham gigs July 1965-May 1967

December 31, 2022 Nick Warburton 2 Comments

The entry below should be credited to David Jackson, Chris Stanbury, Mike Williams and Richard Goddard who own the copyright on the following.

The story of the Blue Moon Club, Cheltenham began lunchtime on the 25th December 1964 as the then twenty-year-old John Norman and his elder brother Eddie were eating their Christmas Day lunch in the Headstone Hotel in West London. For some time under the guidance of Eddie the pair had been running regular live music events in and around Middlesex, including The Fender Club, Kenton; The Memorial Hall, Harrow Weald; The Railway Hotel, North Harrow; The New Georgian Club, Cowley and the original Blue Moon Club in Hayes. In what would soon turned out to be a stroke of good luck for all concerned like-minded jazz musician and local music promotions rival Bill Reid was also in the restaurant that Christmas Day and overhearing Eddie and John’s conversation he made his way to their table saying to the brothers that he had often had similar thoughts of expansion.

Bill was well known to John and Eddie for his jazz-orientated promotions with fellow jazz enthusiast and business partner Jack Fallon. At the South Harrow Jazz Club, they would book such names as Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Bill said he would be interested in their new venture suggesting they join forces and follow up the advertisement with a trip out ‘West’ to check out the premises in Cheltenham’s High Street.

The club opened on the 17th July 1965 and closed its doors finally on 17th May 1967 and was probably one of best of a small band of regional Mod clubs outside of London

The Action appeared nine times, followed by Gary Farr & The T-Bones who appeared eight times lead the way for visiting bands from outside the local area; local group The Alan Walker Band, managed by the club owners appeared nine times. The club will be well remembered for appearances of Jimi Hendrix and Cream

The artists and performance dates were sourced via original club members and club management flyers along with advertisements placed in The Gloucestershire Echo and The Citizen newspapers held at the local Archive Offices in Cheltenham and Gloucester, John Norman Stephen Reid, son of the late co-owner Bill Reid and fellow Blue Moon book researchers David Jackson, Chris Stanbury, Mike Williams and myself Richard Goddard.

1965

17 July 1965 – The Bo Street Runners (Grand opening night)

18 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

21 July 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

22 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

23 July 1965 – Ups ‘N’ Downs

24 July 1965 – Ray Martin Combo (aka Ray Martin Group)

25 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

28 July 1965 – The Chessmen featuring Tony Knight

29 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

30 July 1965 – Alan Walker’s Roadhogs (says first appearance at the Blue Moon)

31 July 1965 – The London Crowd (says from the West’s End’s Marquee and Flamingo)

1 August 1965 – Dave Whittling (top London folk singer) plus discotheque

4 August 1965 – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

5 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

6 August 1965 – Sons of Fred

7 August 1965 – The Artwoods (says that sensational recording group from RSG)

8 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

11 August 1965 – The Who (says Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere!!!)

13 August 1965 – Mickey Finn & The Blue Men

14 August 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs

15 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

18 August 1965 – The Ram Jam Band featuring Geno Washington

19 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

20 August 1965 – The Strats (says the newest sound to follow “Them” from Ireland

21 August 1965 – The Bo Street Runners (says by fantastic demand –the return of)

22 August 1965 – Discotheque

25 August 1965 – Steam Packet featuring Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Rod Stewart & Julie Driscoll

26 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

27 August 1965 – The Tyrants (says top group from the West)

28 August 1965 – The Shevelles

29 August 1965 – Discotheque

30 August 1965 – Discotheque

31 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque & dance auditions

1 September 1965 –T-Bones (says great London sound of the)

2 September 1965 – Discotheque

3 September 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs (says fantastic demand, the return of)

4 September 1965 – Davy Jones & The Lower Third (says by request)

5 September 1965 – Discotheque

8 September 1965 – The Graham Bond Organisation

9 September 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

10 September 1965 – The London Crowd (says from the West End those sensational)

11 September 1965 – The “0-0” Soul Show featuring Alex Harvey & Jimmy Cliff

12 September 1965 – Discotheque

15 September 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (says by fantastic demand)

16 September 1965 – Discotheque

17 September 1965 – Ram Jam Band featuring Geno Washington (says by fantastic demand the return of)

18 September 1965 – Boz & The Boz People (says sensational new sound)

19 September 1965 – Discotheque (says best record selection anywhere!)

22 September 1965 – Lou Johnson plus Sonny & The Cool School (says direct from the States)

23 September 1965 – Discotheque

24 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Nightimers (says from London’s West End)

25 September 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (says by fantastic demand the return of)

26 September 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

27 September 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (says reckoned the absolute tops. Don’t dare miss this!)

30 September 1965 – Discotheque

1 October 1965 – Discotheque

2 October 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says sensational London group)

3 October 1965 – Discotheque

6 October 1965 – The Shevelles (says the fabulous and unique sound of)

7 October 1965 – Discotheque

8 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

9 October 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs (says fantastic demand, the return of)

10 October 1965 – Discotheque

13 October 1965 – The Mike Cotton Sound (says sensational must be heard)

14 October 1965 – Discotheque

15 October 1965 – Discotheque

16 October 1965 – The Chessmen (says fantastic demand, the return of London’s top group)

17 October 1965 – Discotheque

20 October 1965 – Steam Packet featuring Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Rod Stewart & Julie Driscoll

21 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

22 October 1965 – Discotheque

23 October 1965 – The Silence (says from London’s Flamingo & West End)

24 October 1965 – Discotheque

27 October 1965 – The Small Faces (says “Whatcha Gonna Do About It”) plus The Advocates

28 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

29 October 1965 – Discotheque

30 October 1965 – The Hellions (says west country’s top recording stars the sensational)

31 October 1965 – Discotheque

3 November 1965 – Zoot Money (says by fantastic demand the return of)

4 November 1965 – Discotheque

5 November 1965 – Discotheque

6 November 1965 – Blues Hounds (says Spencer Davis is raving about the sensational)

7 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

10 November 1965 – The Graham Bond Organisation (says by fantastic demand)

11 November 1965 – Discotheque

12 November 1965 – Discotheque

13 November 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says by fantastic demand the return of)

14 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

17 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (Alan Price advertised but did not play)

20 November 1965 – The Alan Bown Set (says Gent’s please note, Ties to be worn (Saturdays only)

21 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

24 November 1965 – Advertised -From USA – ‘In the Midnight Hour” Wilson Pickett, did not appear.

26 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

27 November 1965 – The Action (says TV’s Disc-A-Go-Go tonight choosing 100 dancers for next Wednesday’s show.

28 November 1965 – Discotheque

2 December 1965 – Hedgehoppers Anonymous + The Alan Walker Group

3 December 1965 – Discotheque (Featuring Dave Bennett as your DJ)

4 December 1965 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll and Rod ‘The Mod’ Stewart

5 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

9 December 1965 – The Spencer Davis Group plus The Hellions

10 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says only 14 more days)

11 December 1965 – The Downliners Sect (says, Sensational Recording and R & B Group …The Exciting)

12 December 1965 – Discotheque (Extra shilling charged on admission to go towards Children’s Party)

16 December 1965 – The Action (says, By overwhelming demand, the return of the…)

17 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says, Only 7 more days)

18 December 1965 – The Hellions plus The Advocates

19 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says, Getting Warmer)

23 December 1965 – Discotheque (says, Pre warm up for tomorrow)

24 December 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christmas Party)

26 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group plus The Advocates (says Boxing Day Bonanza)

27 December 1965 – Discotheque

30 December 1965 – Discotheque

31 December 1965 – John Lee and The Groundhogs (New Years Eve Party)

1966

1 January 1965 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, Start the New Year at the Moon)

2 January 1965 – Discotheque (says, Back to normal!! Whew, what a week!!!)

6 January 1965 – The Birds (says, Sensational London Group)

7 January 1965 – Discotheque (DJ Dave Bennett, in the cage)

8 January 1965 – The Shakedown Sounds (says, Birmingham and London top group, by demand the)

9 January 1965 – Discotheque

12 January 1966 – Fontella Bass plus Quiet Five (says, one sensational night only! “Rescue Me” From the USA)

13 January 1966 – The Alan Walker Group

14 January 1966 – Discotheque (DJ Dave Bennett)

15 January 1966 – The Fairies (says, sensational London Group – R S G -Thank Your Lucky Stars)

16 January 1966 – The Advocates

20 January 1966 – The Pretty Things (says, You may hate them, you may love them)

21 January 1966 – Discotheque

22 January 1966 – The Action (says, the group you’ve all been waiting for)

23 January 1966 – Discotheque

27 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey plus The Advocates (says, The Sensational ” Ride Your Pony” Man)

28 January 1966 – Discotheque

29 January 1966 – James Royal and The Hawks (says, the up and coming London group)

30 January 1966 – Discotheque

3 February 1966 – Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds (says, the one and only)

4 February 1966 – Discotheque

5 February 1966 – The Carnaby (says, the street and band the whole country is talking about)

6 February 1966 – Discotheque

10 February 1966 – Doris Troy (says, “What Gonna Do About It” “Heartaches”)

11 February 1966 – Discotheque

12 February 1966 – Jimmy Brown Sound (says, the only Band that could back Ben. E. King on his last tour)

13 February 1966 – Discotheque

17 February 1966 – Zoot Money and his Big Roll Band (says, The Showman himself)

18 February 1966 – Discotheque

19 February 1966 – The Alan Bown Set

20 February 1966 – Discotheque

24 February 1966 – John Lee’s Groundhogs (says, Moon’s most favourite group)

25 February 1966 – Discotheque

26 February 1966 – The Advocates

27 February 1966 – Discotheque

3 March 1966 – Jimmy Cliffs Dynamic All Soul Show, Pete Hodges New Generation featuring Ayesha.

4 March 1966 – Discotheque

5 March 1966 – The Statesides (says, top London group with a big line-up)

6 March 1966 – Discotheque

7 March 1966 – The Advocates (Yardbirds advertised, did not play)

10 March 1966 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, and Brian Auger Trinity.

11 March 1966 – Discotheque

12 March 1966 – Mickey Finn (says, by overwhelming demand – the sensational)

13 March 1966 – Discotheque

16 March 1966 – Discotheque

17 March 1966 – The Birds (says, by request, the return of the dynamic)

18 March 1966 – Discotheque

19 March 1966 – John Lee’s Groundhogs

20 March 1966 – Discotheque

23 March 1966 – Discotheque

25 March 1966 – Discotheque

26 March 1966 – The Rosco Brown Combo (says, big London line-up… from London’s Marquee)

27 March 1966 – Discotheque

30 March 1966 – Discotheque (says, your first drink on the house)

1 April 1966 – Discotheque

2 April 1966 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, and Brian Auger Trinity

3 April 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.

6 April 1966 – Discotheque

8 April 1966 – Discotheque

9 April 1966 – The Action (says, Sensational London Group)

10 April 1966 – Discotheque

11 April 1966 – The Alan Walker Group (says, After a long absence — from London’s Marquee & Flamingo)

13 April 1966 – Discotheque

15 April 1966 – Discotheque

16 April 1966 – The Crowd

17 April 1966 – Discotheque

20 April 1966 – Discotheque

22 April 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)

23 April 1966 – The Alan Bown Set (says, by demand, the sensational.)

24 April 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

27 April 1966 – Discotheque

29 April 1966 – Discotheque

30 April 1966 – Gary Farr and the T-Bones (says, sensational London Group)

1 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.

4 May 1966 – Discotheque

6 May 1966 – Discotheque

7 May 1966 – The Action (says, by overwhelming demand)

8 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.

11 May 1966 – Discotheque

13 May 1966 – Discotheque

14 May 1 966 – The Good Goods (formerly known as The Advocates)

15 May 1966 – Discotheque

18 May 1966 – Discotheque

20 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

21 May 1966 – The Shotgun Express: – Rod Stewart, Beryl Marsden, Peter B’s Looners, (great new steam packet)

22 May 1966 – Discotheque

25 May 1966 – Discotheque

27 May 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)

28 May 1966 – The Deep Feeling (formerly The Hellions)

30 May 1966 – The Buzz

1 June 1966 – Discotheque

2 June 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says, back by popular demand)

3 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

4 June 1966 – The Jimmy Brown Sound

5 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

8 June 1966 – Discotheque

10 June 1966 – Discotheque

11 June 1966 – The Shevelles (says, from London’s Flamingo, the exciting)

12 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

15 June 1966 – Earl Richmond (says, Radio London’s DJ)

17 June 1966 – Discotheque

18 June 1966 – The Falling Leaves (says, Oxfords top group)

19 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

22 June 1966 – Discotheque

24 June 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)

25 June 1966 – Jimmy James and The Vagabonds (says, by absolutely overwhelming demand)

26 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

29 June 1966 – Discotheque

1 July 1966 – Discotheque

2 July 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says, don’t miss this)

3 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

6 July 1966 – Discotheque

8 July 1966 – Discotheque

9 July 1966 – David Bowie and The Buzz

10 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

13 July 1966 – Discotheque

15 July 1966 – Discotheque

16 July 1966 – The Alan Bown Set plus The Bo Street Runners (says, first birthday party night)

17 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

20 July 1966 – Discotheque

22 July 1966 – Discotheque

23 July 1966 – The Good Goods

24 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

27 July 1966 – Discotheque

29 July 1966 – Discotheque

30 July 1966 – James Royal and The Hawks (afternoon opening for staff and members to watch World Cup)

3 August 1966 – Discotheque

5 August 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

6 August 1966 – The Action

7 August 1966 – Discotheque

10 August 1966 – Discotheque

12 August 1966 – Discotheque

13 August 1966 – Cream (says, don’t dare miss this)

14 August 1966 – Discotheque

15 August 1966 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, back again by demand)

17 August 1966 – Discotheque

19 August 1966 – Discotheque

20 August 1966 – Keith Powell and Billie Davis plus top band.

21 August 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

24 August 1966 – Discotheque

26 August 1966 – Discotheque

27 August 1966 – Gary Farr and The T- Bones (says, back again by demand, the fantastic sound of)

28 August 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

31 August 1966 – Discotheque

2 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

3 September 1966 – The Koobas (say’s, Latest Recording “Sweet Music)

4 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

7 September 1966 – Discotheque

9 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

10 September 1966 – The Graham Bond Organisation

11 September 1966 – Discotheque

14 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

16 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

17 September 1966 –The Shevelles

18 September 1966 – Discotheque

21 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

23 September 1966 – DJ Frankie & Rocky

24 September 1966 – The Action (says, don’t be late for this one, free admission with advert)

25 September 1966 – Discotheque

28 September 1966 – Discotheque

30 September 1966 – DJ Frankie & Rocky

1 October 1966 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones

2 October 1966 – Discotheque

5 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

7 October 1966 – Discotheque

8 October 1966 – Dace Anthony’s Mood (says, from London’s Marquee. the big sound of) This is Dave Anthony’s Moods

9 October 1966 – Discotheque

12 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

13 October 1966 – Discotheque

15 October 1966 – The Falling Leaves (says, knockout group, currently playing at Tiles

16 October 1966 – Discotheque

19 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

21 October 1966 – Discotheque

22 October 1966 – Alvin Robinson (‘Something You Got” “Searching “ and Down Home Girl”)

23 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

26 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

28 October 1966 – Discotheque

29 October 1966 – Ray King Soul Band featuring James Royal (says, from Tiles the big sound of)

30 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

2 November 1966 – Discotheque

4 November 1966 – Discotheque

5 November 1966 – The Artwoods (says, the awaited return of London’s)

6 November 1966 – Discotheque

9 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 November 1966 – Discotheque

12 November 1966 – Nepenthe and the Subterraneans (says, from America, the way-out sounds of)

13 November 1966 – Discotheque

18 November 1966 – Lee Dorsey plus supporting show (support band the Good Goods)

19 November 1966 – Cream (says, England’s top group)

20 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

26 November 1966 – Discotheque

27 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

29 November 1966 – The Alan Bown Set (says, the sensational)

1 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

2 December 1966 – Discotheque

3 December 1966 – The Koobas

4 December 1966 – Discotheque

7 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

9 December 1966 – Discotheque

10 December 1966 – Zoot Money and his Big Roll (says, that Raving Looner)

11 December 1966 – Discotheque

14 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

16 December 1966 – Discotheque

17 December 1966 – The Move (says, the Psychedelic Phenomena)

18 December 1966 – Surprise band

21 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

23 December 1966 –Surprise Band

24 December 1966 – Gary Farr and the T-Bones (Christmas Eve Party)

26 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

28 December 1966 – Discotheque

30 December 1966 – Discotheque (says, warm up for tomorrows rave)

31 December 1966 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology

1967

1 January 1967 – Discotheque (says, phew its all over, back to normal, back to work tomorrow)

5 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

6 January 1967 – Discotheque (says, the weekend starts here)

7 January 1967 – Brian Auger Trinity Ft Julie Discoll

8 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

13 January 1967 – Discotheque

14 January 1967 – The Alan Bown (says, the awaited return of London’s)

15 January 1967 – The Good Goods

18 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

20 January 1967 – Discotheque

21 January 1967 – The Frame (from Birmingham, recorded “Doctor” “ I can’t go on” RCA Records)

22 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

23 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

27 January 1967 – Discotheque & Go Go Competition

28 January 1967 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, after Christmas Eves fantastic rave)

29 January 1967 – Discotheque

1 February 1967 – Discotheque

3 February 1967 – Discotheque (says, phew its all over, back to normal, back to work tomorrow)

4 February 1967 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology

5 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky and the Moon Go Go Girls

8 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

10 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 February 1967 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience

12 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

15 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

17 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (Says, the weekend starts here)

18 February 1967 – The Action (says, back again by demand. The fantastic sound of)

19 February 1967 – Discotheque

22 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

24 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (says, the weekend starts here)

25 February 1967 – Alan Bown (says, by demand, the return)

26 February 1967 – Discotheque

1 March 1967 – Geno Washington (says, one night only, on stage in person)

3 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

4 March 1967 – Sack’O’Woe

5 March 1967 – Discotheque and Go Go competition)

8 March 1967 – Lee Dorsey (says, by fantastic demand, the return of)

10 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 March 1967 – The Chessmen (says, London’s sensational)

12 March 1967 – Miss Go Go final discotheque.

15 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

17 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (Says, the weekend starts here)

18 March 1967 – Brian Auger Trinity Ft Julie Discoll

19 March 1967 – Discotheque

22 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

24 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

25 March 1967 – The Action (says, by fantastic demand)

26 March 1967 – Discotheque

27 March 1967 – Easter Egg Rave Discotheque

29 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

31 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (says, the weekend starts here)

1 April 1967 – P.P.Arnold and The Mike Cotton Sound Ft Lucas (says, April fools rave)

2 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

5 April 1967 – Discotheque

7 April 1967 – Discotheque

8 April 1967 – John L Watson and The Webb (says, Americas….)

9 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

12 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

14 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

15 April 1967 – The Chessmen Ft Owen Gray (says, by fantastic demand – return of)

16 April 1967 – Top DJ’s (DJ’s from other clubs owned the Moon owners)

19 April 1967 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

21 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Mad Jim (Jim Donovan, from the1600 club in Hereford)

22 April 1967 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology

23 April 1967 – Top DJ’s

26 April 1967 – The Drifters (believed to be The Invitations)

28 April 1967 –Top DJ’s

29 April 1967 – The Soul Sisters (says, from America … The Dynamic Exciting.)

30 April 1967 – Discotheque

3 May 1967 – Discotheque

5 May 1967 – Discotheque

6 May 1967 – Cliff Bennett (an unannounced appearance)

7 May 1967 – Top DJ’s (Mad Jim, Tony Lott & Frankie used over the final club dates)

10 May 1967 – Discotheque

12 May 1967 – Discotheque

10 May 1967 – Discotheque

13 May 1967 – The Dual (the last band to play at the club)

14 May 1967 – The last Sunday discotheque at the Moon

17 May 1967 – Blue Moon Closed.

Categories: England

Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent

November 3, 2021 Nick Warburton 10 Comments

Run by Harold and Doris Toft and located at 35-39 Grace Hill in Folkestone, Kent, Toft’s was a major music venue on the English south coast during the 1960s.

I’ve started to list gigs below and would welcome any additions and memories in the comments section below.

7 May 1966 (Saturday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

14 May 1966 (Saturday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

21 May 1966 (Saturday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

27 May 1966 (Friday) – The Playboys (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

28 May 1966 (Saturday) – Tony Knight’s Chessmen (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

29 May 1966 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

30 May 1966 (Monday) – The Playboys (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

4 June 1966 (Saturday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

5 June 1966 (Sunday) – The Gass (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

11 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Alan Price Set (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

12 June 1966 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

18 June 1966 (Saturday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

19 June 1966 (Sunday) – Ralph Denyer’s Rockhouse Band (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

25 June 1966 (Saturday) – Sounds Incorporated (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

26 June 1966 (Sunday) – The Amboy Dukes (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

2 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Nashville Teens (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

3 July 1966 (Sunday) – Roy C with The League of Gentlemen (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

9 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Shotgun Express (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

10 July 1966 (Sunday) – Rufus Thomas & Bluesology (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

16 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

17 July 1966 (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

22 July 1966 (Friday) – The Thornton Group and The End (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) The End may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead

23 July 1966 (Saturday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

24 July 1966 (Sunday) – The In Crowd (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

27 July 1966 (Wednesday) – The Thornton Group and The End (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) The End may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead

29 July 1966 (Friday) – The Thornton Group and The End (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) The End may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead

30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Shevelles (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

31 July 1966 (Sunday) – Alexis Korner (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

3 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Thornton Group and The End (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

5 August 1966 (Friday) – The Thornton Group and The End (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) The End may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead

6 August 1966 (Saturday) – The Gass (Melody Maker)

7 August 1966 (Sunday) – The Gass (Melody Maker)

10 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Thornton Group and The End (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) The End may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead

13 August 1966 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

14 August 1966 (Sunday) – The Senate (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

20 August 1966 (Saturday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

21 August 1966 (Sunday) – The Gass (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

27 August 1966 (Saturday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

28 August 1966 (Sunday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

29 August 1966 (Monday) – The Scots of St James (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

3 September 1966 (Saturday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

4 September 1966 (Sunday) – The Ying Tongs (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

10 September 1966 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

11 September 1966 (Sunday) – The Vibrations (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) The Vibrations were most likely backed by The Noblemen

16 September 1966 (Friday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

17 September 1966 (Saturday) – The Peeps (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

18 September 1966 (Sunday) – The Peeps (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

23 September 1966 (Friday) – The Vibrations and The Noblemen (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

24 September 1966 (Saturday) – Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

25 September 1966 (Sunday) – John McCoy’s Crawdaddies (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

30 September 1966 (Friday) – The Summercumlauds (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

1 October 1966 (Saturday) – The Ying Tongs (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

2 October 1966 (Sunday) – The Tonicks (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

8 October 1966 (Saturday) – The HT (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

9 October 1966 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Fabulous 208)

15 October 1966 (Saturday) – Lee Dorsey (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) Looks like he was replaced by Guy Darrell Syndicate

16 October 1966 (Sunday) – The Scots of St James (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

21 October 1966 (Friday) – Live group (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

22 October 1966 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

23 October 1966 (Sunday) – The Scots of St James (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

25 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The Scots of St James (Melody Maker) This needs confirmation

28 October 1966 (Friday) – Live group (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

29 October 1966 (Saturday) – The Gass (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

30 October 1966 (Sunday) – The Scots of St James (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

4 November 1966 (Friday) – The Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

5 November 1966 (Saturday) – T D Backus and The Powehouse (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

6 November 1966 (Sunday) – The Scots of St James (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

11 November 1966 (Friday) – The Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

12 November 1966 (Saturday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

13 November 1966 (Sunday) – The Meantimers (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

18 November 1966 (Friday) – The Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

19 November 1966 (Saturday) – The HT (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

20 November 1966 (Sunday) – The Original Dyaks (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

25 November 1966 (Friday) – The Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

26 November 1966 (Saturday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

27 November 1966 (Sunday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

2 December 1966 (Friday) – The Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

3 December 1966 (Saturday) – The Nite People (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

4 December 1966 (Sunday) – The Luther Morgan Relationship (Melody Maker) The Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald has The Derek Savage Foundation instead

10 December 1966 (Saturday) – The Meddy Evils (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

11 December 1966 (Sunday) – Guy Darrell & The Gnomes of Zurich (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

16 December 1966 (Friday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

17 December 1966 (Saturday) – Little Richard, The Quotations and The Kingpins (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

18 December 1966 (Sunday) – The Peeps (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

23 December 1966 (Friday) – The Mixed Feelings and The Spectre Quin Team (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

24 December 1966 (Saturday) – The Fleur De Lys and The Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

26 December 1966 (Monday) – The Heart and Souls and The Kingpins (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

31 December 1966 (Saturday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas and he Mixed Feelings (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)

7 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Original Dyaks (Melody Maker)

8 January 1967 (Sunday) – The See-Saw Soul Set (Melody Maker)

14 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Meantimers (Melody Maker)

15 January 1967 (Sunday) – The Fenmen (Melody Maker)

22 January 1967 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Melody Maker)

28 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Who (Melody Maker)

4 February 1967 (Saturday) – Manfred Mann (Melody Maker)

11 February 1967 (Saturday) – Maxine Brown (possibly with The Q-Set) (Melody Maker) Melody Maker also has The Gass

18 February 1967 (Saturday) – Cream (Melody Maker)

19 February 1967 (Sunday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

25 February 1967 (Saturday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

4 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Power House (Melody Maker)

11 March 1967 (Saturday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

12 March 1967 (Sunday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

18 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

24 March 1967 (Friday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

25 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Gass and The Web with J L Watson (Melody Maker)

26 March 1967 (Sunday) – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

27 March 1967 (Monday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

31 March 1967 (Friday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

1 April 1967 (Saturday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Melody Maker) The British Music Archive site lists The Wilde Flowers on this date

2 April 1967 (Sunday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

7 April 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

8 April 1967 (Saturday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

9 April 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

14 April 1967 (Friday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

15 April 1967 (Saturday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

16 April 1967 (Sunday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

21 April 1967 (Friday) – Danny & The Belmonts (Melody Maker)

22 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Mike Cotton Sound (Melody Maker)

23 April 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

28 April 1967 (Friday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

29 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Squaredeals Show (Melody Maker)

30 April 1967 (Sunday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

6 May 1967 (Saturday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Melody Maker)

12 May 1967 (Friday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

13 May 1967 (Saturday) – Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)

14 May 1967 (Sunday) – The Wilde Flowers (British Music Archive website)

19 May 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

20 May 1967 (Saturday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (John Culley’s diary/Melody Maker)

26 May 1967 (Friday) – The Wilde Flowers (Melody Maker)

27 May 1967 (Saturday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

28 May 1967 (Sunday) – The Gass (Fabulous 208/Melody Maker)

29 May 1967 (Monday) – Take Five (Melody Maker)

2 June 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

3 June 1967 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

4 June 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

9 June 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

10 June 1967 (Saturday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)

11 June 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

17 June 1967 (Saturday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Fabulous 208/Melody Maker)

23 June 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

24 June 1967 (Saturday) – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)

25 June 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

30 June 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

1 July 1967 (Saturday) – John Lee Hooker with The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Melody Maker)

2 July 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

5 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

7 July 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

8 July 1967 (Saturday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)

9 July 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

12 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

14 July 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

15 July 1967 (Saturday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker) This show was recorded for a live LP

16 July 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

19 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

21 July 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

22 July 1967 (Saturday) – The Gass (Melody Maker)

23 July 1967 (Sunday) – Georgie Fame (Melody Maker)

26 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

28 July 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

29 July 1967 (Saturday) – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling (Melody Maker)

30 July 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

2 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

4 August 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

5 August 1967 (Saturday) – The Skatalites (Melody Maker)

6 August 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

8 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

9 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

12 August 1967 (Saturday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

13 August 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

15 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

17 August 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

18 August 1967 (Saturday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)

19 August 1967 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

20 August 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

22 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

23 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

26 August 1967 (Saturday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

27 August 1967 (Sunday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker) Replaced by The Jeff Beck Group. Please see comment from Mick Morris below

1 September 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

2 September 1967 (Saturday) – The Gass (Fabulous 208/Melody Maker)

3 September 1967 (Sunday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

6 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

8 September 1967 (Friday) – The Scots of St James (Melody Maker)

9 September 1967 (Saturday) – The Skatalites (Melody Maker)

10 September 1967 (Sunday) – The Scots of St James (Melody Maker)

13 September 1967 (Wednesday) – The Scots of St James (Melody Maker)

15 September 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

16 September 1967 (Saturday) – The Bag O’ Nails (Melody Maker)

17 September 1967 (Sunday) – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

20 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

22 September 1967 (Friday) – Scots of St James (Melody Maker)

23 September 1967 (Saturday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208/Melody Maker)

24 September 1967 (Sunday) – Scots of St James (Melody Maker)

29 September 1967 (Friday) – Resident band (Melody Maker)

30 September 1967 (Saturday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208/Melody Maker)

1 October 1967 (Sunday) – Dr Marigold’s Prescription (Melody Maker)

7 October 1967 (Saturday) – The Squaredeals (Melody Maker)

8 October 1967 (Sunday) – The Geranium Pond (Melody Maker)

14 October 1967 (Saturday) – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

21 October 1967 (Saturday) – Savoy Brown Blues Band (Melody Maker)

22 October 1967 (Sunday) – The Amboy Dukes, JR Walker & The All Stars and The Wages of Sin (Melody Maker)

Melody Maker stopped advertising the venue at this point

4 May 1968 (Saturday) – Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

14 September 1968 (Saturday) – Ten Years After (http://www.dover-kent.com/Tofts-Folkestone.html)

26 October 1968 (Saturday) – The Mike Stuart Span (Fabulous 208)

2 November 1968 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

9 August 1969 (Saturday) – Ambrose Slade (http://www.dover-kent.com/Tofts-Folkestone.html)

15 November 1969 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

24 December 1969 (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

28 March 1970 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

Categories: England, London

The Cast

May 9, 2021 Nick Warburton 1 Comment

Photo: Terry Gore. The band outside the Greenford Hotel

Ian Stalker (lead vocals)

John Gater (lead guitar)

Terry Gore (bass/vocals)

Terry Toothill (keyboards/vocals)

John Warwick (drums)

After The Trekkers split up in early 1965, Terry Gore, Terry Toothill and John Warwick stuck together and formed The Cast.

Photo: Harrow Weekly Post. Photo may be subject to copyright

According to the Harrow Weekly Post, the group played at Acre Hall in Northwood, Middlesex on 9 April 1965.

The Evening Tribune lists the band playing at the Co-op Ballroom, Hinckley, Leicestershire on 1 October 1965.

Photo: Evening Tribune. Photo may be subject to copyright

The band signed with the Bob Druce Agency and played in the circuit of clubs that the agency ran, most notably the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill and the Goldhawk Social Club in Shepherd’s Bush where on one occasion, the band opened for The Who on 3 December 1965. The Cast also played here on 31 December 1965.

Photo: Melody Maker. Photo may be subject to copyright

During 1967, the band changed name to Tangerine Peel.

Many thanks to Terry Gore for providing the information. If you can add to this, please leave a comment below

South East London Mercury, September 1966. Photo may be subject to copyright

Categories: England, West Sussex

The Shoreline Club, Bognor Regis, West Sussex

April 17, 2021 Nick Warburton 4 Comments

Photo: Melody Maker

This notable rock music venue on England’s south coast was run by Eric St John-Foti who later handed it over to the owners of the Marquee Club in London in late 1966.

Mike Read has written extensively about the Shoreline and the bands that played there in his excellent book “The South Coast Beat Scene during the 1960s”, which I would thoroughly recommend readers get a copy of. This excellent website also provides a wealth of information on the venue.

Initially, when the club opened in the Caribbean Hotel during the Easter holiday in 1965, it looks like gigs took place every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Mondays were added soon after.

In its few months, the club mainly catered for local bands but by late 1965 more nationally recognised groups began appearing at the club.

I have started to put an entry together but would welcome any additions/corrections in the comments section below.

1965

Photo: Littlehampton Post

17 April (Saturday) – Act 4 with Johnny Devlin and Dave Storme & The Tremors (Littlehampton Post)

18 April (Sunday) – The Road Runners and “The Fabulous” Mo-Henry (Littlehampton Post)

19 April (Monday) – Formula V and Force Four (Littlehampton Post)

21 April (Wednesday) – The Southbeats with support (Littlehampton Post)

Photo: Littlehampton Post

23 April (Friday) – The “Sensational” Southbeats and The Blue Chords (from Portsmouth) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

24 April (Saturday) – The Southbeats and The Vigilantes (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

25 April (Sunday) – The Southbeats and The Hunters (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

30 April (Friday) – The Milestones and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

1 May (Saturday) – The Talismen and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

2 May (Sunday) – The Untamed (from Brighton) and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

5 May (Wednesday) – The Southbeats and The Road Runners (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) This may have been the first Wednesday booking

Photo: Littlehampton Post

7 May (Friday) – The Triffiks and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

8 May (Saturday) – The “Great” Untamed and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

9 May (Sunday) – Mo Henry and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

12 May (Wednesday) – Johnny Devlin with Act 4 and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

14 May (Friday) – The Soundwave Vibrations (from Worthing) and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

Photo: Littlehampton Post

15 May (Saturday) – Dave Storme & The Tremors and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

16 May (Sunday) – The Coastliners with Danielle (from Southampton) and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

19 May (Wednesday) – Force Four (from Portsmouth) and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

Photo: Littlehampton Post

21 May (Friday) – The Jaguars and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) The Deltas replaced The Southbeats

22 May (Saturday) – 4 Hits and a Miss (from Bournemouth) and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) Looks like The Coastliners featuring Danielle and Dawn and The Soundwave Vibrations replaced 4 Hits and a Miss

23 May (Sunday) – Mo Henry and The Untamed (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

26 May (Wednesday) – The Crow and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

28 May (Friday) – The Untamed and The Deltas (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

29 May (Saturday) – Dave Storme & The Tremors, The Southbeats and The Soundwave Vibrations (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) Blues by Five replaced The Southbeats

30 May (Sunday) – Plain and Fancy and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

Photo: Littlehampton Post

2 June (Wednesday) – The Milestones (from Midhurst) with supporting group (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

4 June (Friday) – The Cellarbrations and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

5 June (Saturday) – The Diamonds, The Southbeats and The Sound Vibrations (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) The Nightmares replaced The Sound Vibrations and The Warren J Show was added later along with The Cyan

6 June (Sunday) – The Web with Sandy Crawford and Act 4 with Johnny Devlin (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) The Web was formerly known as The Flames. A poster in Mike Read’s book has The Southbeats instead of Act 4 with Johnny Devlin

7 June (Monday) – The Untamed, The Soundbeats and The Sound Vibrations (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) A poster in Mike Read’s book also has The Zabres

9 June (Wednesday) – The Tremors with Dave Storme and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) A club poster in Mike Read’s book lists The Southbeats instead of The Tremors

11 June (Friday) – The Warren J Show, The Diamonds and Dave & The Sounds (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

12 June (Saturday) – Force 4, The Southbeats and The Sound Vibrations (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

Photo: Littlehampton Post

13 June (Sunday) – Act 4 with Johnny Devlin and The Southbeats (Poster)

16 June (Wednesday) – Johnny Tempest & The Nomads with resident group (Poster)

18 June (Friday) – The Untamed and The Just Men (from Bournemouth) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

19 June (Saturday) – The Cosmic Sounds, The Southbeats, The Fenmen (not the London band) and The House-of-Blues (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) The Littlehampton Post also has The Fab

20 June (Sunday) – The Trackmarks and The Southbeats (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

The Littlehampton Post notes there is no dance on Wednesday, 23 June

25 June (Friday) – The Untamed, The Southbeats and The Just Men (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

26 June (Saturday) – The Alan Bown Set, The Untamed, The Southbeats and The Midnight Blues (from Bognor Regis) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) The Littlehampton Post also lists the “reformed” John Barry Seven

27 June (Sunday) – The St Louis Checks (debut at Shoreline) supported by resident group (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

30 June (Wednesday) – The Web (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

2 July (Friday) – John Brown’s Body (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) This was Keith Emerson’s Brighton group not the Hammersmith one led by Clive Barrow

3 July (Saturday) – West Side (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post) A poster in Mike Read’s book (see above) also lists The Klassiks, The Southbeats and The Midnight Blues

4 July (Sunday) – Simon & The Surreys and resident group (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Post)

7 July (Wednesday) – The Untamed supported by The Ends (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

9 July (Friday) – The Cosmic Sounds (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

10 July (Saturday) – 4 Group Nite (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

11 July (Sunday) – The Dark Ages (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

27 August (Friday) – The Equals and The Bow Bells (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

28 August (Saturday) – The Klassiks, Heads & Tails and The Midnight Blues (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

29 August (Sunday) – The Strats and The Mob (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

30 August (Monday) – The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Bolts and The Midnight Blues (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

According to Mike Read’s excellent book The South Coast Beat Scene during the 1960s, September (this is more likely November) 1965 saw appearances from Billie Davis, Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers, Wayne Gibson and The Dynamic Sounds and The Mojos. Local bands that played this month included The Mike Stuart Span, The Web and Beau Brummell & The Noblemen.

24 September (Friday) – The Spectres (Poster) This is most likely the band that became Status Quo

25 September (Saturday) – The Inevitables and The Southbeats (Poster)

26 September (Sunday) – The Untamed (Poster)

29 September (Wednesday) – The Untamed (Poster)

15 October (Friday) – The Rebels (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

16 October (Saturday) – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and Five More (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

17 October (Sunday) – The Cosmic Sounds with Lynda Crane (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

24 October (Sunday) – The Web (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s) The Cherokees played in the evening

1 November (Monday) – The Mojos (Littlehampton Post)

8 November (Monday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Littlehampton Post)

12 November (Friday) – The Talismen (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

13 November (Saturday) – DJ Blues Band and Five More (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

14 November (Sunday) – The Buckinghams (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

15 November (Monday) – Heinz (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

8 December (Wednesday) – Dave & The Diamonds (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer) Every Wednesday

10 December (Friday) – The Just Men (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

11 December (Saturday) – The Changing Times and Five More (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

12 December (Sunday) – Plain & Fancy (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

13 December (Monday) – Wayne Gibson & The Dynamic Sounds (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer)

15 December (Wednesday) – Dave & The Diamonds (advert in local newspaper, possibly the Bognor Regis Observer) Every Wednesday

Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene during the 1960s notes that The DJ Blues Band and Henry played on 31 December, bringing in the New Year.

1966

Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene during the 1960s adds that The Profile, The Alex Laine Group and Henry played on 1 January 1966.

3 January (Monday) – Them (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

8 January (Saturday) – Beau Brummell & The Noblemen (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

9 January (Sunday) – The Klimaks (afternoon) (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

10 January (Monday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

12 January (Wednesday) – Dave & The Diamonds (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

15 January (Saturday) – The Brothers Scarlett with Gary & Lee (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

16 January (Sunday) – The Untamed (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s) The Klimaks play in the afternoon

17 January (Monday) – The Applejacks (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

19 January (Wednesday) – Dave & The Diamonds (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

22 January (Saturday) – All Nite Rave with five groups (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

23 January (Sunday) – The Cosmic Sounds (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s) The Klimaks play in the afternoon

24 January (Monday) – The Cardinals (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

26 January (Wednesday) – Dave & The Diamonds (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

29 January (Saturday) – The Alex Laine Group (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

30 January (Sunday) – Ray Flacke & His Muckabouts (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s) The Klimaks play in the afternoon

31 January (Monday) – The Mojos (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

7 March (Monday) – Tony Jackson & The Vibrations (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

21 March (Monday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

9 April (Saturday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers, The Mob and The Klimaks (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

10 April (Sunday) – The Untamed and The Clayton Squares (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

11 April (Monday) – The Jimmy Brown Sound and Jimmy Winston’s Reflections (poster in Mike Read’s book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s)

18 May (Wednesday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror: https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/66/Record-Mirror-1966-04-23.PDF) Record Mirror’s 23 April issue, page 12 says that the group starts a Wednesday residency at the Shoreline today but doesn’t say for how long. They are also booked for 11 Sunday concerts in the summer. Bass player Geoff Jones confirms the residency.

25 May (Wednesday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) Band has Wednesday residency

1 June (Wednesday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) Band has Wednesday residency but this needs confirmation as do other June dates

5 June (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

12 June (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

19 June (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

22 June (Wednesday) – David Bowie & The Buzz (David Bowie fan site)

26 June (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

3 July (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

10 July (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

17 July (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

18 July (Monday) – The Action and Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

24 July (Sunday) – The Clayton Squares (Record Mirror) See above

31 July (Sunday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research)

27 August (Saturday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)

21 September (Wednesday) – Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Fabulous 208)

28 September (Wednesday) – Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Fabulous 208)

As Mike Read notes in his book, in the autumn of 1966, Eric St John-Foti, who ran the Shoreline, signed the club over to the owners of the Marquee, Harold and Barbara Pendleton

29 October (Saturday) – The Action, Long John Baldry, Bluesology and David Bowie & The Buzz (Melody Maker) This was the grand opening of the Marquee at the Shoreline

Photo: Melody Maker

2 November (Wednesday) – Sands (Fabulous 208)

5 November (Saturday) – Sands, Duffy Power’s Nucleus and The Ultimate (Flyer in The Action book In The Lap of the Mods)

Photo: Melody Maker

12 November (Saturday) – The VIPs, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and The Herd (Fabulous 208, Melody Maker and flyer in The Action book In the Lap of the Mods)

Photo: Melody Maker

19 November (Saturday) – The James Royal Set and The Ultimate (Melody Maker) The flyer in The Action book In the Lap of the Mods notes Embers West, Jimmy James & The Vagabonds and The Ultimate

26 November (Saturday) – The Artwoods and The Race (Melody Maker) The flyer in The Action book In the Lap of the Mods notes The Artwoods, Sands and The Herd

The flyer in The Action book In The Lap of the Mods lists the following artists for Saturday shows in December: Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The Action, The Alan Bown Set and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.

1967

25 March (Saturday) – Pink Floyd and The Shame (45 Worlds website)

26 March (Sunday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (45 Worlds website)

27 March (Monday) – The Soul Society (45 Worlds website)

After returning from Italy in April 1967, Motivation rehearses new singer Denny Alexander, who knows the club from playing with The Clayton Squares.

22 April (Saturday) – The Move (Disc & Music Echo)

28 April (Friday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (flyer at: www.radiolondon.co.uk/caroline/scrap60/p4scrap60.html)

29 April (Saturday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (flyer at: www.radiolondon.co.uk/caroline/scrap60/p4scrap60.html)

6 May (Saturday) – The In Crowd and The Errol Bruce Show (flyer at: www.radiolondon.co.uk/caroline/scrap60/p4scrap60.html) Dave Allen’s research has Herbie Goins & The Night-timers on this date instead of The Errol Bruce Show

13 May (Saturday) – The Who (flyer at: www.radiolondon.co.uk/caroline/scrap60/p4scrap60.html)

20 May (Saturday) – Prince Buster & The All-Stars (Fabulous 208)

28 May (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208)

17 June (Saturday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker) Melody Maker reports that Jimmy James collapses from exhaustion and the next gig in Derby is cancelled

15 July (Saturday) – The Move (Fabulous 208)

During August as Motivation changes to The Penny Peep Show, the group uses the Shoreline to rehearse their new stage act and material.

3 December (Sunday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

Categories: Italy

The Piper Club, Rome, Italy

April 11, 2021 Nick Warburton 5 Comments

The Piper Club in Via Tagliamento, Rome was arguably Italy’s most famous rock music venue during the Sixties, with headlining acts like The Who (26 February 1967), The Spencer Davis Group (24-25 January 1968), The Small Faces (6-7 March 1968), Pink Floyd (18-19 April 1968) and The Byrds (2 May 1968) performing on its stage.

However, for all its significance in rock music history, there is surprisingly very little detail about the club on the internet and very little in-depth information about the many fascinating groups that performed on its stage between the years 1965-1969. The club grew in popularity in the Seventies and is still going strong today!

Drawing on a large number of sources, I’ve tried to provide a bit more of a timeline below for the Sixties period, but would welcome any information in the comments section at the end from musicians who played or attended the club during those golden years. This is very much a work in progress.

Giancarlo J Flores, an Italian graphic artist, designer and illustrator, has put together a superb webpage on the Piper Club, which provides a wealth of information and is definitely worth exploring. He also notes that during the Sixties, top British acts like The Merseybeats and Procol Harum also played at the club.

According to Flores, the Piper Club was opened by owners Albergio Crocetta (a lawyer) and entrepreneur Giancarlo Bornigia on 17 February 1965.

Bass player Bryan Stevens, who played the Piper Club twice, the first time in October 1965 with Beau Brummell & The Noblemen and the second time in March/April 1967 with Motivation, remembers that the club was an abandoned cinema that had been converted into a high-vaulted, large auditorium. He recalls that the two stages were set high up at one end and the under-floor lit dance floor was surrounded by tables with a full width bar at the other end.

This excellent CD lists some of the bands that played at the Piper Club. This website also has some great material on the club.

Giancarlo J Flores notes that the first two house bands were British expats The Rokes (formerly The Shel Carson Combo) and Italian outfit Equipe 84.

The Rokes’ leader Norman Shapiro had previously worked with Rob Storme & The Whispers before playing with Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps. Shapiro says that The Rokes opened the club and played the entire month but never performed at the Piper Club again.

If you can get hold of it, there’s a great article on The Rokes by Francesco Ficco in Misty Lane magazine (issue 19) from 1989.

The Rokes (February 1965)

Norman David “Shel” Shapiro (guitar/vocals); Johnny Carlton (guitar/vocals); Bobby Posner (bass/vocals); and Mike Shepstone (drums/vocals)

Equipe 84 (February 1965)

Romano Morandi (guitar/vocals); Victor Sogliani (bass); Franco Ceccarelli (rhythm guitar); and Alfio Cantarella (drums)

Drummer John Kerrison who later played with future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan in Episode Six, wrote about his band, The [Rocking] Eccentrics, who played at the Piper Club in June 1965, in his book It Ain’t Rock & Roll. They were the first English band to play after The Rokes and the first who weren’t based in Italy.

Kerrison notes that the Ealing group’s agency The Ashley Sinclair Enterprises Ltd had arranged for The Eccentrics to participate in a competition at the Ad Lib Club in Leicester Square with about 20 bands competing for the prize – a month-long residency at the Piper Club. The Eccentrics won and The Bad Boys from nearby Northholt came second (see this excellent website).

The Eccentrics at the Piper Club. Photo may be subject to copyright

The drummer adds that while The Eccentrics were playing at the Piper Club, the other group sharing the month-long residency was Italian group Equipe Ottanta Quattro (aka Equipe 84). They would become regulars at the venue.

Kerrison also recalls that another Italian group, IL TIGRE played while they were there plus a South African outfit who played for only a few nights.

The drummer says that The Bad Boys took over from The Eccentrics at the Piper Club after they had finished in July.

Kerrison adds in his book that as The Eccentrics were about to finish their contract at the Piper Club in late June, they were offered a gig at the sister Piper Club in Viareggio in northern Italy. However, the club’s owner turned them down and the drummer returned to England. Singer Mick Liddell also departed and formed Gli Atomi, who also became regulars at the Piper Club.

Maggs and Robinson also headed back to England but soon returned to Italy with former Second Thoughts and Tomcats drummer Speedy Keen (later famous in Thunderclap Newman) and toured Italy over the next few months with singer Romano Morandi from Equipe 84 as “Romano & The Eccentrics”. Morandi was replaced by Maurizio Vandelli.

The Eccentrics (June 1965)

Mick Liddell (lead vocals); Peter Maggs (lead guitar); Bruce Watts (rhythm guitar); Roy Robinson (bass); and John Kerrison (drums)

Equipe 84 (June 1965)

Romano Morandi (guitar/vocals); Victor Sogliani (bass); Franco Ceccarelli (rhythm guitar); and Alfio Cantarella (drums)

As noted earlier when The Eccentrics finished at the Piper Club, The Bad Boys, featuring future Quiet Five and White Plains drummer Roger “Tex” Marsh took their place. The group would remain in Italy but Marsh would return to England in late 1965.

The Bad Boys (July 1965)

Wally Scott (guitar/vocals); Ron Hanson (guitar); Tom Jordan (bass); and Roger “Tex” Marsh (drums)

On 1 October 1965, South African singer Beau Brummell and his backing band, The Noblemen from Bognor Regis, West Sussex started a month-long residency at the Piper Club.

Bass player Bryan Stevens remembers that the band arrived in two open coaches with Beau, Miss Italy, Giancarlo Bornigia and one of the Noblemen in one coach and the remaining Noblemen in the other coach.

The entire group wore its stage gear, including scarlet lined capes. He remembers that a lot of press and TV cameras were there to capture the event and that there were invited celebrities from Cincinatti Film Studios.

One of the band’s sax players, Keith Gemmell, later went on to play with Audience and Sammy.

Beau Brummell & The Noblemen (October 1965)

Beau Brummell (lead vocals); Chuck Fryers (lead guitar/vocals); Mick Ketley (keyboards/vocals); Bryan Stevens (bass); Keith Gemmell (saxophone); Jem Field (saxophone); and Bernie Smith (drums)

The Noblemen at the Piper Club. Thanks to Bryan Stevens and Mick Ketley for the photo

On 25 November 1965, Italian singer Rita Pavone played at the club backed by The Talismen who, according to this website were from Portsmouth (although other sources say Cheltenham).

Rita Pavone & The Talismen (25 November 1965)

Rita Pavone (lead vocals); Steve Outwaite (guitar/vocals); George Rainsford (guitar/harmonica/vocals); Clive Devine (bass/vocals); and Trevor Cook (drums)

Chris Hunt from Dave & The Diamonds at the Piper Club. Thanks to Chris for the photo

Formed in Bognor Regis, Dave & The Diamonds travelled to Italy in spring 1966 according to drummer Chris Hunt and played at the Piper Club during April. You can read more about this interesting group in Mike Read’s excellent book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s

Dave & The Diamonds (April 1966)

Dave Hooper (lead vocals); Ray Flacke (lead guitar); Ron Fudge (bass); Peter Green (sax); Mick Brookes (sax); and Chris Hunt (drums)

Dave & The Diamonds. Thanks to Chris Hunt for the photo

Giancarlo J Flores notes on his superb website that the Piper Club was featured in British publication Town and Country magazine in June 1966.

The article entitled “Where to Howl in Rome” by Ted Burke lists the following bands who would have played between February 1965 and May 1966: The Rokes, The Eccentrics, The Echoes, The Bushmen, The Missiles, The Primitives, The Honey-combs, The Meteors, The Bad Boys and The African Beavers.

This superb website suggests that Thane Russal & The Three played at the Piper Club around June/July 1966. They played at the other sister Piper clubs during this period.

Thane Russal & The Three (circa June/July 1966)

Thane Russal (lead vocals); Martin Fisher (lead guitar); Mick Brill (bass); Allan Collins (Hammond organ); and Peter Huish (drums)

According to this brilliant site, Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages toured Italy in July 1966, performing on the Piper Club circuit (Rome, Milan and Viareggio). They took part in the opening night of the Viareggio Piper Club on 17 July 1966 with Patty Bravo and The Patrick Samson Set. The group were playing the Rome Piper Club when England won the World Cup on 30 July 1966.

Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (July 1966)

Dave “Screaming Lord” Sutch (lead vocals); George Smelly (lead guitar); Ronnie Harwood (bass); Pete Philipps (drums); Pete Newman aka Mundy (saxophone); and Pete Green (saxophone)

According to this superb website on The Primitives, the band played at the Piper Club in Viareggio during the summer of 1966 before moving on the Rome club and later became regulars. They backed some headlining British acts in the late Sixties.

Mal Ryder & The Primitives (circa August/September 1966)

Paul “Mal” Bradley Couling (lead vocals); Dave Sumner (lead guitar); Jeffrey Robert “Jay” Farthing (bass); and David “Pique” Withers (drums)

According to Mike Read’s superb book The South Coast Beat Scene of the 1960s, Bognor Regis band The Warren J Five played at the Piper Club after working at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg in late 1966, performing alongside Tony Sheridan.

Chuck Fryers convinced the group to take the Piper Club gig having previously played there in October 1965 with Beau Brummell & The Noblemen.

The Warren J Five (circa December 1966/January 1967)

John Read (lead vocals); Chuck Fryers (lead guitar); Geoff Prior (bass); Colin Madeley (trumpet); and Terry Slade (drums)

Motivation’s bass player Bryan Stevens and keyboard player Mick Ketley had already played at the Piper Club in October 1965 with Beau Brummell & The Noblemen.

Sax player Chris Rodger wrote letters back to his future wife and says the band left England on Wednesday, 8 March. After driving for 60 hours, they arrived in Rome on Saturday, 11 March. The group checked into a flat in Via Tevere and went on stage that evening after a quick sound check.

Singer Jimmy Marsh recalls Ray Charles’ dancers came in when they were performing and danced to their music. He also recalls some of The Rolling Stones’ entourage being in the club while Motivation played. The Stones did play in Rome on 6 April.

Marsh damaged his vocal chords and left the group to return to England before the residency finished. On 14 April, the group (with Ketley handling lead vocals) headed for Livorno to play its Piper Club for three weekends, returning to Rome on 1 May.

Guitarist Martin Barre, who went on to fame with Jethro Tull, remembers Motivation visiting the Piper Club in Viareggio and saw Dave Anthony’s Moods while in Livorno.

Back in Rome, Motivation played at the Cabala Club from 2-14 May before returning home on 19 May.

Motivation (11 March-13 April 1967)

Jimmy Marsh (lead vocals); Martin Barre (lead guitar); Mick Ketley (keyboards/vocals); Bryan Stevens (bass); Chris Rodger (sax); and Malcolm Tomlinson (drums)

Apparently, Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers played in Italy (between June and August 1967) but it’s not clear what the dates are (and whether they played the Piper Club) and who the musicians were at the time that backed Herbie Goins.

However, longstanding sax player Mick Eve, bass player Dave Price and conga player Speedy Acquaye would have been there. It also seems likely that backing singers and dancers Cassie & Candy (aka The Satin Dolls) were too. The most likely remaining members on this tour are Junior Kerr (keyboards); Alan Rickell (lead guitar); and Terry Stannard (drums).

Apart from the specific gig dates listed below for 1968, I have virtually nothing for this year.

Friendship. Photo: Julia Ferarri and David Lowe

Scottish band Friendship played the Piper Club sometime in 1968/1969. according to this excellent website.

Friendship (1968/1969)

Dave Waugh (lead vocals); Billy Hastings (lead guitar); Frank Ferrari (keyboards); Charlie Dye (bass); and Hamish Millar (drums)

This superb site on Sopworth Camel notes that the band debuted at the Piper Club in spring 1969. All of the musicians had previously played in bands that worked at the Piper Club; Ligertwood had been with Scottish soul legends The Senate; Sumner with The Primitives and Fisher and Huish with Thane Russal.

Sopworth Camel (spring 1969)

Alex Ligertwood (vocals); Dave Sumner (lead guitar); Martin Fisher (bass); and Pete Huish (drums).

Nevil Cameron & The Groove, 1969. Thanks to Allen Gaz Gaskell for the photo

According to Alan Reeves excellent book, Sex, Booze and Blues, The Clinic played at the Piper Club after moving to Rome from Japan.

The Clinic (circa June 1969)

Alan Reeves (keyboards/vocals); Phil Trainer (bass/vocals); and Derek Wilson (drums) replaced by Freddie Smith

In the summer of 1969, Herbie Goins moved his band to Italy after playing a tour here.

Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (circa July 1969)

Herbie Goins (lead vocals); Kelvin Bullen (lead guitar); Hugh Bullen (bass); Mick Eve (saxophone); Eddie Thornton (trumpet); Speedy Acquaye (congas).

Below I’ve started to put together some specific concert dates but would welcome more from readers:

17 February 1965 – The Rokes and Equipe 84 (opening night)

25 November 1965 – Rita Pavone backed by The Talismen (website source: http://ritapavoneinterview.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-piper-in-rome-1965.html)

26 February 1967 – The Who (improvised a concert at the venue but didn’t play)(website source: https://www.roma2pass.it/piper-club/)

18 April 1967 – Dave Anthony’s Moods (research by Luca Mathmos)

24-25 January 1968 – The Spencer Davis Group, Mal Ryder & The Primitives, The Senate, The Noise, Boom 67, Le Orme and The Four Kents (website source: http://www.beatsessanta.it/Primitives.htm)

Photo may be subject to copyright. Thanks to Luca Mathmos for sharing

6-7 March 1968 – The Small Faces with Mal Ryder & The Primitives, Boom 67, Calipop, The Noise, Nevil Cameron and Wess & The Airedales (website source: http://www.beatsessanta.it/Primitives.htm)

18-19 April 1968 – Pink Floyd with Thane Russal, Mike Liodell’s Creation, The Noise, Studio 6, Boom 67 and Fholks (website source: http://www.beatsessanta.it/Thane%20Russal.htm)

2 May 1968 – The Byrds (concert poster)

10-11 May 1968 – Dave Anthony’s Moods with Maurizio Arcieri (research by Luca Mathmos)

Categories: London

Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, west London gigs 1964-1965

June 29, 2020 Nick Warburton 4 Comments

Located on Allendale Road in Greenford (sometimes billed as Sudbury or Wembley) in northwest London, the Starlite Ballroom was a significant music venue in the UK during the early-to-late 1960s. Peter Griffin booked artists for the venue, together with the Starlight Ballroom in Crawley, West Sussex.

I have started to list gigs for the years 1964-1965 but these are incomplete and I would welcome any additions and corrections. I’d also welcome any photos and concert adverts, which will be credited accordingly.

1964

25 September (Friday) – The Paramounts and Alexis Korner’s Blues Inc (Harrow Observer & Gazette) Grand opening

26 September (Saturday) – Sounds Incorporated (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

3 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides with The Rustics (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 October (Saturday) – The Merseybeats and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 October (Sunday) – The Mojos (Beat Instrumental) Needs confirmation

7 November (Saturday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

14 November (Saturday) – Tommy Quickly & The Remo Four and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 November (Wednesday) – The Applejacks (Beat Instrumental) Needs confirmation

27 November (Friday) – The Mojos (Beat Instrumental)

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

29 November (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens (Beat Instrumental) Needs confirmation

12 December (Saturday) – Linda Laine & The Sinners and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 December (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1965

17 January (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides and Cergano & The Cavaliers (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

30 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides and JJ & The Challengers (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

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

14 February (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides with Unit 5 (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

13 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides and JJ & The Challengers (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

20 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides and James Tamyln (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

21 March (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

2 April (Friday) – The Barron Knights and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

10 April (Saturday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 April (Friday) – Mike Sheridan & The Nightriders and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 April (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides and The Beachcombers (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 April (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

14 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides and Sonny Childe & The Elders (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

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

22 May (Saturday) – The All-Nite Workers and The Hysters (Don Martin’s diary)

28 May (Friday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

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

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

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

11 June (Friday) – Peter & Gordon and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

19 June (Saturday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

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

Singer Jean Hayles left before this gig and they gigged as The Statesides. The band’s line-up comprised Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Dave Brogden (sax), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums)

27 June (Sunday) – The Who and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

4 July (Sunday) – The Yardbirds (Beat Instrumental)

18 July (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens (Beat Instrumental)

24 July (Saturday) – Heinz and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 July (Sunday) – The Moody Blues (Beat Instrumental)

31 July (Saturday) – The Pentad and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

8 August (Sunday) – The Birds and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

15 August (Sunday) – Simon Scott & The All-Nite Workers and The Statesides (Dave Brodgen’s gig diary/Don Martin’s diary)

20 August (Friday) – The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

27 August (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

10 September (Friday) – The Birds and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

12 September (Sunday) – The Pretty Things and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) Beat Instrumental lists The Walker Brothers on this date

26 September (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

1 October (Friday) – The Hollies (Beat Instrumental)

15 October (Friday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Beat Instrumental)

17 October (Sunday) – The Sorrows (Record Mirror)

24 October (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

30 October (Saturday) – The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

31 October (Sunday) – The Kinks and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary) Beat Instrumental lists The Downliners Sec to this date

6 November (Saturday) – The Bo Street Runners and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

7 November (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

20 November (Saturday) – Hedgehoppers Anonymous and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

28 November (Sunday) – Rob Storme & The Whispers and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

3 December (Friday) – The Animals (Beat Instrumental)

10 December (Friday) – Ketty Lester and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

12 December (Saturday) – Rob Storme & The Whispers and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Dave Brodgen’s gig diary)

31 December (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Beat Instrumental)

Many thanks to Rolf Hannet for helping with some Beat Instrumental gigs

Categories: England, Greenford, London

Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, west London gigs 1966-1968

April 13, 2020 Nick Warburton 19 Comments

Melody Maker advertised this venue weekly during 1966 and 1967. This doesn’t mean, however, that the advertised artists definitely appeared. It’s quite possible that some acts may have been replaced at the last minute. All of the listings below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise stated. Judging by the listings below, gigs took place on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

1966

Missing some listings from January to late May

1 January – The Fenmen and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

7 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

16 January – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

21 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

22 January – The Drifters (Record Mirror)

23 January – The Alan Bown Set and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s diary)

5 February – Stevie Wonder (backed by The Sidewinders?) with The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

13 February – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

18 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

27 February – The Moody Blues and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary) Beat Instrumental lists The Who for this date as well

11 March – The Small Faces (Record Mirror)

23 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)

25 March – Wilson Pickett and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

1 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Record Mirror)

22 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

26 April – The Mindbenders (Beat Instrumental)

29 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

6 May – Lee Dorsey and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s diary)

15 May – The Small Faces (Record Mirror)

27 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

28 May – The Soul Agents

29 May – The Fenmen and The Symbols

Missing listings for 3, 4 and 5 June

5 June – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Jean & The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s diary)

10 June – The Quiet Five and The Mark Four

11 June – The Ram Jam (most likely Geno Washington’s band) and The James Royal Set

12 June – The Yardbirds

Dave Brogden’s diary confirms that The Statesides supported The Yardbirds on this date

17 June – Roy C

Dave Brogden’s diary confirms that The Statesides supported Roy C on this date

18 June – The Spencer Davis Group

19 June – The James Royal Set and The Soul Agents

24 June – Radio London Night with bands

25 June – The Emeralds and The James Royal Set

26 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

1 July – The Quiet Five and The Trendsetters Ltd

2 July – Radio London Night

3 July – Gary Farr & The T-Bones

8 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

9 July – The Crystals

10 July – The Moody Blues

15 July – The Who and Roscoe Brown Combo

16 July – Episode Six and The Legend

17 July – The Troggs, The Wild Things and The Jimmy Brown Sound

22 July – Rufus Thomas

23 July – (Gary Farr &) The T-Bones

24 July – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The En-Devers Ltd

29 July – Tony Rivers & The Castaways and The Summer Set

30 July – The Riot Squad

31 July – Joyce Bond and The Jimmy Brown Sound

5 August – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band

6 August – Episode Six

7 August – Solomon Burke

12 August – The Move

Missing listing for 13 August

14 August – Jimmy Brown Sound

19 August – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and The Tea Set

20 August – The Midnights

21 August – The Action and The Mode

26 August – The Magic Lanterns and The Knack

Missing listing for 27 August

28 August – The Pretty Things and Sands

2 September – The Spencer Davis Group

3 September – Episode Six

4 September – The Birds (with support)

9 September – The Jimmy Brown Sound and The Satellites (soon to become The Army)

10 September – Julian Covey & The Machine

11 September – Long John Baldry & Steampacket

16 September – The Symbols and The Quiet Five

17 September – Two groups

18 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

23 September – The Trendsetters and Winston G

24 September – Two groups

25 September – Los Bravos

30 September – Robert Parker and The James Royal Set

1 October – Two groups

2 October – Rick ‘N’ Beckers

7 October – The Cryin Shames

8 October – Two groups

9 October – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band

14 October – Lee Dorsey

15 October – Two groups

16 October – Batman & Robin

21 October – Sonny Childe & The TNT

22 October – Two groups

23 October – Edwin Starr (possibly backed by The Guests)

28 October – The Birds

29 October – Two groups

30 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

4 November – The Dixie Cups

5 November – Two groups

6 November – The Creation

11 November – The Coasters (probably backed by The Noblemen) and The Mode

12 November – Two groups

13 November – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band

18 November – Wishful Thinking

19 November – Two groups

20 November – Ben E King and Winston G

25 November – The Mindbenders

26 November – Two groups

27 November – The Birds

2 December – The All Night Workers and Sands

3 December – Two groups

4 December – Cream and The Essex Five

9 December – Gass and The Fleur De Lys

10 December – Two groups

11 December – The Drifters and The Bystanders

16 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

17 December – Two groups

18 December – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

23 December – Eric Burdon & The Animals and The Night Train

24 December – Gass and The Penny Blacks

30 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede and The Barry Lee Show

31 December – The Birds and The James Royal Set

1967

1 January – Rick ‘N’ Beckers and The Majority

6 January- (Sonny Childe &) The TNT and The Syn

No listing for 7 January

8 January – The Move and The Roscoe Brown Combo

13 January – The Small Faces

No listing for 14 January

15 January – The Soul Sisters and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

20 January – The Coloured Raisins and The Herd

No listing for 21 January

22 January – Long John Baldry (& Bluesology)

27 January – Inez & Charlie Foxx and (Joe E Young &) The Tonicks

No listing for 28 January

29 January – The Symbols and The Dyaks

3 February – Winston G

No listing for 4 February

5 February – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band

10 February – Edwin Starr (possibly backed by The Cool Combination)

No listing for 11 February

12 February – The Who

17 February – The Fenmen

No listing for 18 February

19 February – Cream

24 February – Lemon Line

No listing for 25 February

26 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

3 March – Cliff Bennet & The Rebel Rousers

No listing for 4 March

5 March – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band and The Shell (Shock Show)

10 March – The Coloured Raisins and King Ossie Show

No listing for 11 March

12 March – The Gods

17 March – The Easybeats

No listing for 18 March

19 March – Rick ‘N’ Beckers

24 March – Human Instinct and Joe E Young & The Tonicks

No listing for 25 March

26 March – The New Mojos and The Gods

31 March – Ronnie Jones (& The Q-Set?)

No listing for 1 April

2 April – Ben E King

7 April – Rick ‘N’ Beckers

No listing for 8 April

9 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

14 April – The Creation and The Syn

No listing for 15 April

16 April – Long John Baldry Show (aka Bluesology)

21 April – Pink Floyd

No listing for 22 April

23 April – Mary Wells and The Gods

28 April – PP Arnold (backed by The Nice?) and The Syn

No listing for 29 April

30 April – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and Shinn

5 May – Rick ‘N’ Beckers

No listing for 6 May

7 May – Jeff Beck Group and Sean Buckley

12 May – The Shell Shock Show and The Syn

No listing for 13 May

14 May – Normie Rowe & The Playboys

19 May – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band

No listing for 20 May

21 May – The Troggs and The State Express (they later backed Edwin Starr)

26 May – The Shell Shock Show and The Syn

No listing for 27 May

28 May – Alan Price Set

2 June – Edwin Starr (probably backed by The Senate)

No listing for 3 June

4 June – The Warm Sounds and The Birds and The Bees

9 June – Mike Quinn Rave

No listing for 10 June

11 June – Cream and The Triads

16 June – The Shell Shock Show

No listing for 17 June

18 June – The Drifters

23 June – The Move and The Gods

No listing for 24 June

25 June – The Chiffons and Midnight Train

No listing for 30 June or 1 July

2 July – The Toys

Ron Lewingdon says Steve Priest’s pre-Sweet group, The Army were also on this bill. He remembers appearing at the venue with The Toys

No listing for 7 or 8 July

9 July – The Jeff Beck Group

14 July – The All Night Workers

No listing for 15 July

16 July – The Long John Baldry Show (aka Bluesology)

21 July – The All Night Workers

No listing for 22 July

23 July – The Action and The Syn

28 July – Modes Mode

No listing for 29 July

30 July – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and The Human Instinct

4 August – The All Night Workers

No listing for 5 August

6 August – The Bee Gees and The Pussyfoot

11 August – Modes Mode

No listing for 12 August

13 August – The Small Faces

Henry Turtle says that his group The Doves played with The Small Faces at this venue several times. This seems the most likely date for one of the shows but needs confirmation

18 August – The Syn

No listing for 19 August

20 August – The Jeff Beck Group

25 August – The New Jump Band

No listing for 26 August

27 August – The Human Instinct and The Triads

1 September – The Pussyfoot

No listing for 2 September

3 September – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

8 September – The Shell Shock Show

No listing for 9 September

10 September – James & Bobby Purify and The James Royal Set

15 September – The Unsuited Medium

No listing for 16 September

17 September – The Original Drifters (backed by The Trend)

22 September – The Wranglers

23 September (first Saturday listing for the year) – The Breakthru

24 September – The Tiles Big Band

29 September – The New York Public Library

30 September – The Breakthru

1 October – The Alan Bown Set and The Calgary Stampede

No listing for 6 October

No listing for 7 October

8 October – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

13 October – Amen Corner

No listing for 14 October

15 October – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback

20 October – The Human Instinct

21 October – Warren Davis (was he on his own or with The Monday Band?)

22 October – The Ebony Keys and The All Night Workers (possibly the new version of this band)

27 October – Mr Hip Soul Band

28 October – The Wranglers

29 October – Geno Washington & Ram Jam Band and The All Night Workers

3 November – Pesky Gee

4 November – The Taylor Upton Big Jump Band

5 November – Ben E King and Dr Marigold’s Prescription

10 November – Horatio Soul & The Square Deals

11 November – The Triads

12 November – Marmalade and Legay

17 November – Katch 22

18 November – Willie Walker & The Scene

19 November – The Skatalites and The Open Mind

24 November – The Minor Portion Roll Band

25 November – Keith Skues and The Shock Treatment

26 November – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds and The Living Daylights

1 December – J J Bendol & The SOS

2 December – Katch 22

3 December – Geranium Pond and Modes Mode

8 December – Hydro Bronx B Band

No listing for 9 December

10 December – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound

No more listings for the year, so would welcome any additions

1968

Melody Maker didn’t appear to advertise the venue during 1968, so I’ve listed references next to the entries I have found. It looks like they were Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but the listings are not complete and I would welcome any additions

Missing lists from January-April 1968

19 April – Colin Berry (Harrow Weekly Post)

21 April – Ike & Tina Turner Show (Harrow Weekly Post/New Musical Express)

26 April – Colin Berry (Harrow Weekly Post)

27 April – The Lace (Harrow Weekly Post)

28 April – Garnet Mimms and The Lace (Harrow Weekly Post) Mimms may have cancelled

3 May – Colin Berry (Harrow Weekly Post)

4 May – Pandemonium (Harrow Weekly Post)

No listing on 5 May

No listing on 10 May

11 May – The Cruudas (Harrow Weekly Post)

12 May – The Honeybus (Harrow Weekly Post)

No listing on 17 May

18 May – Rainbow Ffolly (Harrow Weekly Post)

19 May – Marmalade and Rainbow Ffolly (Harrow Weekly Post)

No listing on 24 May

25 May – Jo Jo Gunne (Harrow Weekly Post)

26 May – Edwin Starr (backed by The State Express) (and with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

31 May – The New Flamingos (Harrow Weekly Post)

1 June – The Greatest Show on Earth (Harrow Weekly Post)

2 June – Duane Eddy and The All Night Workers (Harrow Weekly Post)

Henry Turtle says his band The Doves played with Duane Eddy at this venue. The All Night Workers definitely played too

7 June – The Midnights (Harrow Weekly Post)

8 June – The All Night Workers (Harrow Weekly Post)

9 June – The Fantastics (backed by The House of Orange) (Harrow Weekly Post)

14 June – The Exits (Harrow Weekly Post)

15 June – Orange Seaweed (Harrow Weekly Post)

16 June – Whisky Mac (with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

21 June – The Apricots (Harrow Weekly Post)

22 June – Size Five (Harrow Weekly Post)

23 June – The New Breed (with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

28 June – The Apricots (Harrow Weekly Post)

29 June – The Group (with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

30 June – The Apricots (with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

5 July – The Midnites (Harrow Weekly Post)

6 July – The New Breed (Harrow Weekly Post)

7 July – The Midnites (with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

No listing for 12 July

13 July – The Midnites (with support) (Harrow Weekly Post)

14 July – The Neuz (Harrow Weekly Post)

No listing for 19 July

20 July – The Neuz (Harrow Weekly Post)

21 July – The Unison (Harrow Weekly Post)

No listing for 26, 27 and 28 July

No listing for 2 August

3 August – The Unison (Harrow Weekly Post)

4 August – The Unison (Harrow Weekly Post)

I don’t have any more listings for August and only odd ones for September and October so would welcome any additions

22 September – The New Breed (Harrow Weekly Post)

29 September – The All Night Workers (Harrow Weekly Post)

5 October – The James Morton Sound (Harrow Weekly Post)

6 October – The Race (Harrow Weekly Post)

9 October – Colin Berry (Wednesday) (Harrow Weekly Post)

12 October – The James Morton Sound (Harrow Weekly Post)

2 November – The James Morton Sound (Harrow Weekly Post)

3 November – The Midnites with Dynamic Maxine (Harrow Weekly Post)

8 November – Colin Berry (Harrow Weekly Post)

9 November – The James Morton Sound (Harrow Weekly Post)

10 November – The Midnites with Dynamic Maxine (Harrow Weekly Post)

15 November – The Midnites with Dynamic Maxine (Harrow Weekly Post)

16 November – The James Morton Sound (Harrow Weekly Post)

There is no listing for 17 November

22 November – Colin Berry and The Midnites (Harrow Weekly Post)

23 November – The James Morton Sound (Harrow Weekly Post)

There is no listing for 24 November

I have no more listings for November and a gap in early December

11 December – The All Night Workers (Wednesday) (Harrow Weekly Post) Says Sudbury, but the address is the same – Allendale Road

I have no more listings for December so would welcome any additions

Categories: England, West Sussex

The Starlight Ballroom, Crawley

March 29, 2020 Nick Warburton 10 Comments

The Who with Jo Jo Gunne, 11 February 1968 (Surrey Mirror)

Located on the high street, the Starlight Ballroom in Crawley, West Sussex was a significant music venue in the UK during the 1960s. Peter Griffin booked artists for the venue, together with the Starlite Ballroom in Greenford, London.

I have started to compile a list of artists that were advertised at the venue between 1966 and 1968 and would welcome any additions/corrections. I have noted down the sources.

It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in local papers or on posters so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’ve tried to note them down where they are confirmed.

1965

29 October 1965 – The Animals (Record Mirror)

4 November 1965 – Unit 4 Plus 2 (Record Mirror and Beat Instrumental)

2 December 1965 – The Small Faces (Record Mirror and Beat Instrumental)

9 December 1965 – Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas (Beat Instrumental)

1966

6 January 1966 – The Hollies (Beat Instrumental)

13 January 1966 – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Beat Instrumental)

27 January 1966 – The Swinging Blue Jeans (Record Mirror)

3 February 1966 – The Moody Blues (Beat Instrumental)

10 February 1966 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

18 March 1966 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

21 April – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Fleur De Lys (Caterham Weekly Press) Beat Instrumental had The Small Faces on this date

5 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, The Gobbledegooks and The Cadalacks (Caterham Weekly Press)

15 May – The Manchester Playboys (Caterham Weekly Press)

19 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds (Caterham Weekly Press)

26 May – The Action and The Powerhouse Six (Caterham Weekly Press)

1 December – The Bunch of Fives (Mid Sussex Times)

1967

12 March – The 1^st Lites (Surrey Mirror)

26 March – The Iveys (Surrey Mirror)

31 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Crawley Advertiser)

2 April – Zoot Money and His Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

23 April – Pink Floyd and The Doves (poster)

5 May – Shell Shock Show and The Gods (Crawley Advertiser/Surrey Mirror)

7 May – Alan Bown Set (Crawley Advertiser/Surrey Mirror)

19 May – Lunar II and The Honey Band (Crawley Advertiser)

21 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Prince Buster & The Bees (Crawley Advertiser)

26 May – Alan Bown Set (Surrey Mirror)

28 May – The Shell Shock Show (Surrey Mirror)

4 June – Ray King Soul Band and The Gods (Crawley Advertiser)

11 June – Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and Craig King & The Midnight Train (Crawley Advertiser)

18 June – John Lee Hooker and The Hip Hooray Band (Crawley Advertiser)

25 June – Alan Price Set with support groups (Crawley Advertiser)

2 July – The Outer Limits and support group (Crawley Advertiser)

29 July – The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)

30 July – Sam and Bill with Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and The Gas Company (Surrey Mirror)

5 August – The Cornermen (Surrey Mirror)

6 August – Winston’s Fumbs and Geranium Pond (Surrey Mirror)

13 August – Cats Pyjamas and Geranium Pond (Surrey Mirror)

16 September – Aubrey Denny & The Cornermen and The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)

17 September – The Tiles Big Band and Gentle Madness (Surrey Mirror)

23 September – The Exits and The Visitors (Surrey Mirror)

24 September – The Small Faces and Modes Mode (Surrey Mirror)

30 September – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

1 October – The Move and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

7 October – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

8 October – Dantalion’s Chariot and The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)

14 October – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

15 October – The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

Henry Turtle, singer/songwriter and guitarist with The Doves, says Jo Jo Gunne didn’t turn up and The Doves were parachuted in at the last minute. A poster confirms The Doves with Jimi Hendrix for this date without Jo Jo Gunne listed.

21 October – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

22 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)

28 October – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

29 October – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend) (Surrey Mirror)

4 November – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

5 November – Long John Baldry (with Bluesology) and The Deadly Nightshade (Surrey Mirror)

11 November – Fascination (afternoon). The Exits and The Mover (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

12 November – Jo Jo Gunne and Modes Mode (Surrey Mirror)

18 November – Fascination (afternoon). The Exits and The Mover (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

19 November – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The All Night Workers (Surrey Mirror)

25 November – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

26 November – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Surrey Mirror) and The Army (Melody Maker)

2 December – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

3 December – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) and The Army (Surrey Mirror)

9 December – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

10 December – The Foundations (Surrey Mirror)

Jo Jo Gunne may have been on the bill with The Foundations but needs confirmation

16 December – The Kindred (afternoon) and The Exits (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

17 December – The Vibrations (Surrey Mirror)

23 December – The All Night Workers and The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

24 December – Jo Jo Gunne and The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

30 December – The Exits and The Tony Strudwick Orchestra (Surrey Mirror)

31 December – Jo Jo Gunne and Precisely This (Surrey Mirror)

1968

6 January – Dave’s Dimensions (afternoon) and The Exits (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

7 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)

13 January – Jason Crest (Surrey Mirror)

14 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with support band (Surrey Mirror)

20 January – The Taste (afternoon) and BBC’s Stuart Henry and The Army (Surrey Mirror)

21 January – The Human Instinct and The Summits (Surrey Mirror)

27 January – BBC’s Stuart Henry and The Age with Rice Milton (Surrey Mirror)

28 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces and The Inspiration (Surrey Mirror)

3 February – Purple Dream and The Taste (Surrey Mirror)

4 February – Edwin Starr (Surrey Mirror/New Musical Express) and Gin House Blues (Surrey Mirror)

10 February – Jo Jo Gunne and The Doves (Surrey Mirror)

11 February – The Who and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

17 February – The Mike Stuart Span and The Memphis Gents (Surrey Mirror)

18 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Surrey Mirror)

Henry Turtle says that The Doves opened for Jimmy James & The Vagabonds at this venue. It might have been on this occasion or another time.

24 February – Damson Flies (afternoon) and Misty Romance and Exploding Orange (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

25 February – The Human Instinct and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

2 March – Size Five and The Race (Surrey Mirror)

3 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)

9 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and Jo Jo Gunne and Modes Mode (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

10 March – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

16 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and Zoot Money (aka Dantalion’s Chariot) (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

17 March – The Small Faces and Kristan Young & The Reflections (Surrey Mirror)

23 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and DJ Pete Drummond and The All Night Workers (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

24 March – The Skatalites and The Extreme Sound (Surrey Mirror)

30 March – Sulphate of Ammania (afternoon) and Tony Strudwick & His Band (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

31 March – The Original Drifters and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

Drummer Paul Maher of Jo Jo Gunne says he covered for the drummer in the backing band for The Original Drifters as he was ill.

6 April – The Fascinations (afternoon) and Miss Gatwick 1968 competition and Tony Strudwick & His Band (evening) with Colin Berry and Size Five in the upstairs lounge (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

7 April – Modes Mode and Ffolley & The Rainbow (aka Rainbow Ffolley) (Surrey Mirror)

13 April – The New Breed (Surrey Mirror)

14 April – Peter London’s Rock and Roll Band and The New Breed (Surrey Mirror)

27 April – JJ Jackson (Evening Argus)

1 June – The Equals and The Motion (Surrey Mirror)

23 June – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Titch (New Musical Express)

FINAL NOTE:

Henry Turtle says that The Doves also opened for the following artists at this venue but I haven’t been able to find listings: Amen Corner, The Small Faces and Wishful Thinking

Categories: Country, England, London

Hamilton and The Hamilton Movement

December 10, 2015 Nick Warburton 18 Comments

Hamilton and The Hamilton Movement, 1965. Back row, left to right: Chris Palmer, Gary Laub and Peter Vernon-Kell. Front: Fedon Tilberis

In August 1965, an obscure R&B outfit named Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement signalled its arrival on the London scene with an impressive rendition of The Velvelettes’ Motown classic “Really Saying Something” (later a sizeable UK hit for Bananarama) and then seemingly vanished off the face of the earth.

Then, almost two years later, a band calling itself Hamilton & The Movement descended on the airwaves with the infectious soul-rocker, “I’m Not the Marrying Kind”, a Bill Wyman penned and produced number, infused with punchy horn lines, funky drums and some groovy Hammond organ fills. Could this really be the same band and, if so, why such a long radio silence?

The answer to that question is both a yes and a no. While both outfits were fronted by a singer called Gary Hamilton, they were in fact two entirely different groups, albeit each with fascinating histories. To understand how these two bands became entwined, it’s important to go back to the early Sixties and the man who kick-started ‘the movement’, so to speak – Gary Hamilton.

The son of an English mother and American father, Gary Hamilton was in fact a certain Gary Laub, who grew up in London’s Marble Arch and St John’s Wood areas.

In 1962, Laub formed his first (unnamed) group with a school friend and lead guitarist named Graham who lived opposite Lords cricket ground. Soon after, they were joined by bass player Chris Palmer, rhythm guitarist Ian Hunt and (finally) drummer Fedon Tilberis, who all attended Haverstock School.

“How Chris and Ian met Gary I don’t know,” says Tilberis. “I joined a little later but Graham was still in the band and left soon after. We enlisted a replacement lead guitarist named Mike Allen and emerged as a five-piece named The Moondogs. The name was [Gary’s father] Mr Laub’s idea before we auditioned at the famous Two Is coffee bar.”

Fast forward to spring 1965 and Laub, Palmer and Tilberis had to reshuffle the pack when Allen and Hunt moved on. Through a friend of Tilberis, they were introduced to two older guitarists – Costas and Bernie – and started gigging as Cell Block 5.

“Costas was an ex-pro who had played US bases in Germany; he was a men’s tailor by trade. Bernie was from Rochdale. They were then in their late Twenties,” remembers Tilberis.

“We practised in the cellar of a scrap shop in south London that they knew. They did a three-nighter with us in a Greek Street cellar club called Les Cousins that I hustled but Bernie, not feeling very happy, left on the last night after the gig. Costas stayed on for a London suburb gig. They were only with us for about seven or eight weeks.”

Coining a new name, The Reaction, Tilberis hit the jackpot when he stumbled across Rayrik Studio owners Rick Minas and Bruce Rea, who offered up their Chalk Farm studio as a practice room. In return, the outfit would play free on any demo recording sessions when required.

“As it turned out, this was a great deal for us as we never had to record anything there other than our audition to clinch the agreement and practised for free,” continues the drummer.

Abetted by guitar legend Mick Green, The Reaction duly auditioned and Minas was bowled over by the performance.

“Chris and I had auditioned Mick at Chris’ place in Kilburn shortly before the Rayrik audition and we were both very impressed,” remembers Tilberis.

“Although Mick didn’t commit himself, he was interested in doing the Rayrik session, maybe hoping for some recording session gigs. I can’t remember what the number was that we recorded or if Gary was even there, but do remember listening to the backing take after and Mick’s comment. He said that it was a good clean recording and that you could build on it. Rick and Bruce agreed.”

Peter Vernon-Kell (front) with The Macabre outside the Ealing Club. Photo: Peter Vernon-Kell

However, when Mick Green opted to return to The Dakotas, with whom he had been playing with after leaving Johnny Kidd & The Pirates the previous year, Peter Vernon-Kell, a member of Goldhawk Social Club and Ealing Club regulars, The Macabre assumed guitar duties. Incidentally, Vernon-Kell had also been a brief member of The Detours, a forerunner of The Who.

“Both Mick Green and Peter Vernon-Kell came to us via a [Melody Maker] ad in that order. We did see other guitarists but finally settled for Peter after Mick moved on to greener pastures [excuse the pun],” explains Tilberis.

“Peter shared our new musical orientation and attitude, and as far as we were concerned, he fitted the bill. I then arranged our first practice at Rayrik.”

Prior to Vernon-Kell’s addition to the group’s ranks, Minas and Rea had introduced impresario Robert Stigwood, and the Australian subsequently offered Gary Laub a recording deal and put the band on his agency books.

Stigwood insisted that “Really Saying Something” should be the ‘A’ side while Rick Minas and his song-writing partner Mike Banwell offered up “I Won’t See You Tonight” for the flipside.

Before cutting both tracks at a demo session at Regent Sound in Denmark Street, Vernon-Kell coined a new name; The Reaction sounding too similar to The Action, The Who’s regular Tuesday night opener at the Marquee.

“He came up with The Hamilton Movement [in honour of Macabre guitarist Ed Hamilton] in the pub before the session [and] we thought it was great,” remembers Tilberis, who adds that Gary Laub, although at first not so keen, adopted ‘Hamilton’ as a stage name.

Having booked Olympic Sound (then situated in Baker Street) for the final recordings (and unbeknownst to the musicians), Stigwood augmented the band with Graham Bond on piano.

“We were aware who Graham was and were pleased to have him on board for the session,” says Tilberis.

According to the drummer, the tracks required only a few takes per playback and for the lead/backing vocals. Released in August 1965, the single entered the Radio Caroline charts at number 65 on 23 October and peaked at number 53 the following week.

However, the musicians soon realised that any talk of ‘band democracy’ was just that. Not only did the single list the outfit as Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement but Stigwood started promoting them as such.

“Only Gary was allowed to perform on Ready Steady Go using our playback, though we were allowed to attend the show,” explains Tilberis.

Interestingly, as future Hamilton Movement member Mel Wayne recalls, Stigwood insisted on the same conditions with another of his charges, The All-Nite Workers, who were backing Indian singer Simon Scott around the same time.

“Simon mimed to our backing track [on Ready Steady Go] while we had to stand on the balcony with the audience,” says the sax player. “It must have been a Stigwood thing.”

Aired on 22 October 1965, Gary Hamilton appeared on the popular British TV show alongside The Animals, The Searchers, Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Rolling Stones, which may have been where the singer linked up with Bill Wyman.

By then, the group had started to pick up consistent live work, kicking off with a memorable gig at Sophia Gardens Pavilion in Cardiff on 30 August with The Who, The Graham Bond Organisation, The Merseybeats and The Easybeats (not the Australian outfit), which had been arranged by the Stigwood/Lambert-Stamp team.

“It looked like a sports hall with an enormous stage at one end. We went up the day before and slept in the van and hung about till early next afternoon to unload our gear,” says Tilberis.

“Townsend was also there early and limbering up in The Who’s dressing room. As our Pete knew him, he went to say ‘allo’ and introduce his new mates… [Townsend] asked Pete if he could borrow his Fender amp for the gig. Pete was more than wary, after all he didn’t want his amp wrecked so Townsend promised to only demolish his Marshall gear.

“Keith Moon and Tony Banks, drummer of The Merseybeats, were looning around and generally getting on everybody’s nerves, especially Entwistle’s as Moon had donned his bass and was running up and down the stage strumming it like a maniac. I thought John was going to thump him.”

More provincial gigs followed, not to mention the obligatory Mod clubs in London, including the El Partido in Lewisham where the outfit played alongside The Duke Lee Sounds on 30 October 1965.

However, in mid-late January 1966, the Stigwood/Lambert & Stamp team secured a spot for the band on a three-day, two shows a day package tour, once again opening for Vernon-Kell’s former band mates, The Who, and also featuring Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages, The Graham Bond Organisation, The Merseybeats and The Fortunes.

“Bob [Stigwood] arranged for us to practise at the Granada TV rehearsal studios at the Oval about a week beforehand,” remembers Tilberis. “He and Lambert came to oversee the rep and offer presentation tips for our opening spot on the show.”

The tour debut duly took place at the Astoria Cinema, Finsbury Park on 4 February and was followed by a gig at the Odeon Cinema, Southend-on-Sea the next day, culminating with a final engagement on 6 February at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool.

The following month, on 11-12 March, the musicians found themselves on the campus of Essex University in Colchester where a number of bands, including the up and coming Pink Floyd were entertaining the students.

Then in April, Stigwood linked up with Chris Blackwell to promote a second package tour headlined by The Who, this time with Hamilton and The Hamilton Movement joining the likes of The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and (most notably) Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System (aka New Generation) (who featured musicians that would form part of the soon-to-be Hamilton Movement).

The four-day tour, with two shows a day, kicked off at the Gaumont Theatre in Southampton on 14 April. After weaving its way on to Fairfield Halls in Croydon, then the Odeon in Watford, the tour wound up at the Regal Theatre in Edmonton.

“Gary’s mum called me on Saturday, 16 April in the afternoon asking if we would do the Watford gig that evening,” says the drummer. “Although we all had other plans I rounded up Pete and Chris and we did that gig.”

Stigwood then proposed a second single and once again engaged Graham Bond on piano. The sessions included a stab at The Who’s “A Legal Matter” as the ‘B’ side, which was cut as an instrumental track. However, the recording of the ‘A’ side did not go well, as Tilberis recalls.

“We weren’t raving about the number. Stigwood arranged a practice room and gave us a single to learn but I can’t remember what it was called. I had a trouble with the drum part on the session.

“Bob was well peeved but let us play one of our tunes that we were working on, but there was no melody line or title at that stage and he didn’t like it. The Olympic session was a blow out and Bob gave us the thumbs down, we were out and the gig flow stopped.”

As Tilberis points out, there was still no signed contract, and the singer was looking out for himself. “Gary’s dad [Harry] being a shrewd businessman and used to dealing with contracts and small print had deleted a hefty portion of the contract!”

Chris Palmer and Fedon Tilberis soon left for Jimmy & The Rackets, a British beat group with hit parade successes in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Joining long-standing frontman, Jimmy Duncombe and guitarist Mike Bell, Tilberis remained with the Swiss-based outfit until spring 1968 while Palmer stayed on for another year.

The pair appeared on a cache of European-only released singles by The Rackets, kicking off with a cover of Eddie Cochran’s “C’mon Everybody” backed by a cover version of George Harrison’s “I Want To Tell You”.

The pair ended up setting up home in Switzerland where, in 1970, The Chris Palmer Band recorded the ultra-rare solo LP Fingertips, featuring originals from all the band members.

Palmer later hit pay day in 1980 when Surface Noise topped the UK dance music chart with a cover of his song, “The Scratch”. Tilberis re-joined The Rackets and played with local bands, including Swiss Sixties specialists, The Countdowns.

Vernon-Kell meanwhile subsequently moved into production. Setting up PVK Records, he managed Peter Green and produced a string of his late 1970s and early 1980s albums. More recently, he’s become an executive producer for films and currently runs Cabana Films Ltd.

But Gary Hamilton wasn’t finished with The Hamilton Movement. In late July/early August 1966, he linked up with Jimmy Cliff’s backing band, The New Generation, renaming them The Movement.

Bass player Ron Thomas, who years later struck fame with The Heavy Metal Kids, thinks the link-up came through The New Generation’s keyboard player Mick Fletcher.

“[Mick] was always going down all the clubs around Wardour Street,” says the bass player. “He was always ducking and diving and I thought he just met him [Gary Hamilton] out there one night.”

“Me and Mickie Fletcher were great mates and frequented The Ship in Wardour Street and drank with Gary there quite a bit,” confirms sax player Mel Wayne.

“We were all a bit frustrated the way things were going with Jimmy Cliff because he didn’t have a soul or pop voice, which was the sort of music Chris Blackwell wanted him to do and engaged us for.”

New Generation members Ron Thomas and Mel Wayne, together with fellow sax player Dave Mahoney, had first come together in West London R&B outfit Mike Dee & The Prophets.

Adding Thomas’s school friend Mick Stewart on guitar in mid-1965, they split from Mike Dee and worked as Anglo-Indian singer Simon Scott’s backing group, The All-Nite Workers. Their lone single together was produced by none other than Robert Stigwood!

By late 1965, former Paramounts drummer Phil Wainman had assumed leadership, and after cutting several singles with Errol Dixon and briefly backing Freddie Mack, Mick Stewart jumped ship to join Johnny Kidd & The ‘New’ Pirates.

Having previously introduced Mick Fletcher from The Epitaph Soul Band, guitarist Tony Sinclair (aka Tony St. Clair) completed the new formation, now gigging as The Sound System.

Through a chance meeting with Chris Blackwell, the sextet supported his roster of artists – Jackie Edwards, Millie, Owen Grey and most notably Jimmy Cliff. Trumpet player John Droy joined just before the Gary Hamilton pairing.

Clockwise from front: Ron Thomas, Mick Fletcher, Gary Laub, Tony Sinclair, Mel Wayne, Dave Mahoney and Phil Wainman

The expanded group began rehearsing at London’s Colony Club where Gary’s father was employed; US film star George Raft worked as its casino director and briefly financed the outfit. Mel Wayne adds that the group also rehearsed at Caesars Palace in Dunstable and Ken Collier’s London club.

When John Droy bailed after a short nationwide tour with The Walker Brothers in mid-August to join The Quotations, The Movement expanded its line-up, bringing in trumpet players – Mike Bailey, Alan Ellis and Patrick Higgs, the latter from Elton John’s group, Bluesology around December. (Ed: One of the unsuccessful musicians to audition was trumpet player Verdi Stewart, who would be instrumental in landing Mel Wayne future work with Carl Douglas.)

“We had a ten-piece band; a five-piece brass section; three trumpets. When I think of it now, we were all on a wage,” recalls Thomas.

That November, Gary Hamilton landed a recording deal with CBS and the musicians entered IBC Studios to work with Rolling Stone Bill Wyman in the producer’s chair.

“That was something that [Gary’s father] Mr Laub put together. He said, ‘We’ve got a song for you’,” remembers Phil Wainman, who adds that the group nailed both sides in a couple of takes.

“He [Bill Wyman] just let us get on with it. The band was so good. We’d rehearsed it prior to the studio and… in three hours I think we were done, recorded and mixed.”

“I’m Not The Marrying Kind” c/w “My Love Belongs To You” was duly released on 10 February 1967 and hit single written all over it.

However, despite having supported The Who at Leeds University on 21 January and then making a notable appearance at the Saville Theatre opening for Chuck Berry and Del Shannon on 19 February, the single’s commercial failure prompted the backers to drastically reduce the group’s bookings.

Phil Wainman was the first to abandon ship for The Overlanders and then Jack Hammer, author of “Great Balls of Fire”.

After co-penning The Yardbirds’ cover “Little Games” and working with The Quotations, Wainman became a top session player and then a successful producer with Sweet and Boomtown Rats, among his credits.

“As a producer I did so much better than as a musician,” says Wainman. “That’s where I did well. I probably sold about 300 million records.”

James Smith, fresh from an audition with The New Pirates, reforming after Johnny Kidd’s death, assumed the drum stool.

“I got a call from Ron Thomas,” remembers the newcomer. “He said Mick Stewart had given him my number and would I be interested in auditioning? I got the gig, though it was a hard act to follow. Phil was one of the best drummers around at the time.”

Smith remembers the band finding plenty of work on the university circuit that spring, including Keele, Nottingham, Leeds and Birmingham.

In the first week of April, Melody Maker reported that the group had whittled down from a 10 piece to a seven piece. Mel Wayne left to join Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede and two other horn players also departed, most likely including Pat Higgs.

On 27 May, Hamilton & The Movement joined Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, The Action, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and The Swinging Blue Jeans to entertain the students at Oxford’s Hertford Balls.

The drummer also says that The Hamilton Movement opened for US soul act Sam and Bill several times (most notably at the Boston Gliderdrome on 15 July) before further changes ensued during August and October 1967.

“The brass section dropped out and this kind of triggered a fairly rapid exodus… There were no gigs for a while so Tony, Mick and Ron found other work,” says the drummer.

While Mick Fletcher failed to reunite with Mel Wayne in Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (the job went to Rod Mayall), he next appears to have played with The Rifle (with guitarist Del Grace from Carl Douglas’ band and singer Malcolm Magaron) and then The Amboy Dukes in late 1969 for a short tour into mid-1970.

Tony Sinclair briefly played with Lace before joining Freddie Mack’s band in early 1968. The soul outfit split from the former boxer in 1969 and worked with Dave Hadfield at his studio on the Old Kent Road, providing backing tracks for various artists on Hadfield’s Revolution label.

Ron Thomas meanwhile got a job with guitarist Pip Williams’s band, The House of Orange, backing US soul act, The Fantastics.

“They were right in the middle of a tour backing Garnet Mimms,” he recalls. “They were a house band working with Roy Tempest. They just phoned me up. Their bass player had got slung out in the middle of the tour and they had a gig that night.”

With ‘The Movement’ on hold, James Smith had also started to explore other avenues and even had an offer on the table when Gary Hamilton convinced him to hang on.

“Gary came up with Mick Stewart and Tony Savva and said he wanted to change the style and format going with a three-piece backing band, so I decided to stay,” says the drummer.

Bass player Tony Savva was best known for his work with A Wild Uncertainty, the group that featured Eddie Hardin, who had replaced Stevie Winwood in The Spencer Davis Group that spring.

Savva is uncertain how the link-up with Hamilton came about but has some photos with A Wild Uncertainty drummer Gordon Barton and lead guitarist Peter Tidmarsh in them, which offers a clue.

“Gary and I were behind the camera,” he explains. “How and why I don’t know but obviously we were backing Gary as vocalist. Maybe Gordon and Peter split and Mick [Stewart] and Jimmy [Smith] came in.”

Mick Stewart, however, can throw more light on this transition period. “I believe that I played with Tony Savva for a little while because of something to do with Don Arden’s son David being a would-be-singer at the time,” says the guitarist.

“The intro to that was in a way due to Johnny Kidd. Over the years, he was in fact booked quite a bit by Don Arden’s agency and after he died, I believe that someone at Arden’s company suggested I play guitar in this back-up band. Tony was already in the line-up. At the end of the day, however, David Arden although he was a really great guy to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band with, he was not really a singer at all.”

Gary Hamilton 25 November 1967 Record Mirror

With the new version finding its feet, Gary Hamilton returned to the studios with session musicians to cut a solo single. Produced by Tony Meehan and penned by Mike D’Abo, “Let the Music Play”, backed by the self-penned “Don’t Ask”, was released by Decca on 12 November 1967 but flopped. A dramatic, big band production, “Let the Music Play” appears on Colour Me Pop, Volume Three and Fading Yellow Volume 9: The Other Side of Life.

During early November 1967, Gary Hamilton expanded the line-up by bringing in organist Terry Goldberg, who had previously played with The Mark Leeman Five and would go onto Tintern Abbey.

The five-piece gigged prolifically over the next four months, even opening for Ike & Tina Turner and others at the Boston Gliderdrome on 20 April 1968. Two days later, the musicians played possibly their final show at the 100 Club on Oxford Street before the inevitable split.

During 1968, Gary Hamilton recorded a one-track acetate “Carry The Can“, which was never released. The tracks were recorded with studio musicians and not the final version of The Hamilton Movement.

Mick Stewart immediately joined James Royal and participated in a prestigious concert tour alongside Johnny Cash, June Carter and Carl Perkins. During 1969-1970, he recorded three singles with Sweet before later moving to the United States in the late 1970s, where he works in Los Angeles and Nashville as a successful record producer and also owns a music publishing company and a recording studio.

Tony Savva meanwhile subsequently worked with Lionel Bart and Samuel Prody among others and currently lives in Cyprus. James Smith, who later recorded with Aquila, played with a revamped Nashville Teens before reuniting with Ron Thomas in The House of Orange.

“[Ron] said The Fantastics were coming back to the UK for a tour and he and Pip Williams were getting a backing band together and looking for a drummer and organist. I’d seen Ron and Pip previously so I didn’t need asking twice.”

As for Gary Hamilton, he joined the London production of Hair before resuming his solo career with a lone single for CBS and gigging briefly with Cozy Powell’s band, Big Bertha. Produced by Bernard Lee, the self-penned “Easy Rider” stalled when it was released on 5 December 1969.

Undeterred, he returned to Polydor for a cover of Ed Welch’s the “Monkey Song”, produced by Peter Knight Jr and arranged by John Fiddy. Released on 20 November 1970, the single flopped and Hamilton moved into movie acting; the eagle-eyed can catch him in the cult horror flick, Tower of Evil.

Thanks to Fedon Tilberis, Peter Vernon-Kell, Chris Palmer, Ron Thomas, Phil Wainman, Mel Wayne, James Smith, Mick Stewart and Tony Savva

To add information and make corrections, email: Warchive@aol.com

A version of this article appears in Ugly Things magazine.

Notable gigs (see comments section for sources):

Gary Hamilton (vocals)

Peter Vernon-Kell (guitar)

Chris Palmer (bass)

Fedon Tilberis (drums)

30 August 1965 – Sophia Gardens Pavilion, Cardiff, Wales with The Who, The Graham Bond Organisation, The Merseybeats and The Easybeats

18 September 1965 – Il Rondo, Leicester

16 October 1965 – Woodhall Community Centre, Welwyn Garden City

30 October 1965 – El Partido, Lewisham, south east London with The Duke Lee Sounds and The Loose Ends

13 November 1965 – Co-Op Hall, Chesham, Bucks

27 November 1965 – Dungeon, Nottingham

4 December 1965 – Gala Ballroom, Norwich, Norfolk with Profile

24 December 1965 – Clacton Town Hall, Clacton, Essex with Unit 4+2 and The Nite-Sect

4 January 1966 – Pavilion Ballroom, Bournemouth, Dorset

1 February 1966 – Carousel Club, Farnborough, Hants

4 February 1966 – Astoria Cinema, Finsbury Park, north London with The Who, The Merseybeats, The Fortunes, The Graham Bond Organisation and Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages

5 February 1966 – Odeon Cinema, Southend-on-Sea, Essex with The Who, The Merseybeats, The Fortunes, The Graham Bond Organisation and Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages

6 February 1966 – Empire Theatre, Liverpool with The Who, The Merseybeats, The Fortunes, The Graham Bond Organisation and Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages

11 February 1966 – Wimbledon Palais, Wimbledon, London with The Who and The Mike Rabin Group

18 February 1966 – Tower Ballroom, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk with Circuit Five

19 February 1966 – Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, Norfolk with The Ultimate

11-12 March 1966 – Essex University, Colchester, Essex with Pink Floyd and others

18 March 1966 – Dancing Slipper, Nottingham with Carl Pagan & The Heathens

19 March 1966 – Gala Ballroom, Norwich, Norfolk with The Spectrum

11 April 1966 – Clacton Town Hall, Clacton, Essex with The Moody Blues and Dave & The Strollers

14 April 1966 – Gaumont Theatre, Southampton, Hants with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System

15 April 1966 – Fairfield Hall, Croydon, south London with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System

16 April 1966 – Odeon, Watford, Herts with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System

17 April 1966 – Regal Theatre, Edmonton, north London with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System

21 May 1966 – New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Hants with The Nuetrons

The original band split around June 1966 and Gary Hamilton put together a new version in late July

Gary Hamilton (vocals)

Tony Sinclair (aka St Clair) (guitar)

Ron Thomas (bass)

Mick Fletcher (keyboards)

Mel Wayne (sax)

Dave Mahoney (sax)

John Droy (trumpet)

Phil Wainman (drums)

11-13 August 1966 – Gaumont Cinema, Bournemouth, Dorset with The Kinks, The Walker Brothers, The Quotations, The Creation, The Wishful Thinking, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch and The Moody Blues

14 August 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Anzacs

John Droy left soon after the tour to join The Quotations

26 August 1966 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire

3 September 1966 – Rhodes Centre, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts with The Mystery Men

18 September 1966 – Cromer Olympia, Cromer, Norfolk with The Barry Lee Show

24 September 1966 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire with Dave Berry & The Cruisers

29 September 1966 – Thorngate Ballroom, Gosport, Hampshire

1 October 1966 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire with The Thoughts

16 October 1966 – Khyber Club, Taunton, Somerset with The Sabres (the band replaced MI5)

Three trumpets players joined around December – Mike Bailey, Alan Ellis and Pat Higgs

21 January 1967 – Leeds University, Leeds, West Yorkshire with The Who

19 February 1967 – Saville Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue, central London with Chuck Berry, The Canadians and Del Shannon

26 February 1967 – Saville Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue, central London with Chuck Berry, The Candians and Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

11 March 1967 – Birdcage, Portsmouth, Hants (cancelled)

Phil Wainman left around now and Jim Smith joined on drums

18 March 1967 – Ewell Technical College, Ewell, Surrey with The Easybeats

Around early April, Mel Wayne and two trumpet players left, most likely including Pat Higgs. The band carried on as a seven-piece with two horn players.

6 May 1967 – Royal Lido Ballroom, Prestatyn, Wales with The Quotations and The Raynes (billed as Hamilton but assuming it is the same band)

27 May 1967 – Hereford Balls, Oxford with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, The Action, The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and The Swinging Blue Jeans

10 June 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Collection and The Gas Company

11 June 1967 – Starlight Ballroom, Crawley, West Sussex with Craig King & The Midnight Train

17 June 1967 – Bal Tabarin, Downham, south east London with supporting groups

2 July 1967 – Cosmo, Carlisle, Cumbria with Four Degrees West

6 July 1967 – Blue Lagoon, Newquay, Cornwall (billed as Hamilton & The Quotations but assuming it is the same band)

The group backed US soul singers Sam & Bill on a UK tour. The pair arrived on 12 July so it’s safe to assume the gigs listed below featured Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement

12 July 1967 – Locarno, Stevenage, Herts with Sam & Bill (most likely debut)

13 July 1967 – Sybilla’s, Swallow Street, Mayfair, central London (billed as Sam & Bill)

15 July 1967 – Starlight Room, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire with Sam & Bill, The Skatalites and The Reasons

16 July 1967 – Speakeasy, central London (billed as Sam & Bill)

21 July 1967 – Big ‘C’, Farnborough, Hants with Sam & Bill

21 July 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (billed as Sam & Bill)

22 July 1967 – New All-Star Club, Liverpool Street, central London (billed as Sam & Bill)

23 July 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham with Sam and Bill

23 July 1967 – Saville Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue, London (billed as Sam & Bill)

28 July 1967 – Skyline Ballroom, Hull with Sam & Bill plus One In A Million and That Feeling

29 July 1967 – Northwich Memorial Hall, Northwich, Cheshire with Sam & Bill and The Trap

30 July 1967 – Starlight Ballroom, Crawley, West Sussex with Sam & Bill and The Gas Company

13 August 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham (says they were Sam and Bill’s backing group)

23 August 1967 – Locarno, Stevenage, Herts

25 August 1967 – Steering Wheel, Weymouth, Dorset

Dave Mahoney and the last trumpet player departed around now

2 September 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, North Yorkshire

Sam & Bill played Floral Hall in Southport on 9 September 1967, but it’s unlikely they were support band this time.

15 September 1967 – Fiesta Hall, Andover, Hampshire

16 September 1967 – El Grotto, Ilford, east London

23 September 1967 – Cesar’s Club, Bedford with The Scotch of St James

30 September 1967 – City Hall, Salisbury, Wiltshire with Jigsaw and Dave Jay

Ron Thomas, Mick Fletcher and Tony Sinclair all left during October and the band was put on hold as Gary Hamilton recruited new players

Gary Hamilton (vocals)

Mick Stewart (guitar)

Tony Savva (bass)

Jim Smith (drums)

21 October 1967 – Maple Ballroom, Northampton

Terry Goldberg joined on keyboards

11 November 1967 – Brackley Town Hall, Brackley, Northamptonshire (possibly Goldberg’s debut)

8 December 1967 – City University, central London with The Soft Machine and Robert Hirst & The Big Taste

6 January 1968 – Lion Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire with Styx and Just Us

3 February 1968 – Sheridan Rooms, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

9 February 1968 – Tiger’s Head, Catford, south east London (billed as Hamilton’s Movements)

25 February 1968 – Barnsley Civic Hall, Barnsley, West Yorkshire with Jay Jones (billed as The Gary Hamilton Movement)

26 February 1968 – Primrose Hill Working Men’s Club, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (billed as The Gary Hamilton Movement)

9 March 1968 – Clouds, Derby (says it’s an eight-piece soul band)

15 April 1968 – Barnsley Civic Hall, Barnsley, West Yorkshire with The Koobas and Detroit Soul Sound

20 April 1968 – Starlight Room, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincs with the Ike & Tina Turner Show, The Ikettes, The Artists and The Train Set

22 April 1968 – 100 Club, Oxford Street, central London (possibly the final gig)

Categories: England, London

Magic Roundabout

August 4, 2015 Nick Warburton 7 Comments

Dave Martin Group, 1966. Left to right: Dave Martin, John Chinnery, Roger Flavell and Albert Woodward. Photo credit: John Chinnery — Dave Martin Group, 1966. Left to right: Dave Martin, John Chinnery, Roger Flavell and Albert Woodward. Photo credit: Roger Flavell

This West London band’s roots can be found in The Dave Martin Group, which was formed around September 1966.

The original formation comprised:

Martin Thomas (aka Dave Martin) – lead vocals

John Chinnery – guitar/vocals

Roger Flavell – bass/vocals

Albert Woodward – drums

The Dave Martin Group was managed by John Chinnery’s older brother Geoff, who’d played with Mike Forde & The Fortunes in the late 1950s and early 1960s and briefly managed The Tridents (with a young Jeff Beck).

Guitarist John Chinnery had started out in a Hillingdon school band with Richard Walker and John Morgan. Albert Woodward, who attended another local school, completed the group.

Woodward introduced Martin Thomas and Roger Flavell and together with John Chinnery, the quartet began rehearsing at Ickenham Hall near Ruislip, Middlesex.

According to John’s brother Geoff Chinnery’s detailed gig list (complete with earnings for each performance), the new outfit’s debut show appears to have taken place on 28 October 1966 (most likely) at the Fisheries in Harefield, Middlesex. The gig list notes that The Dave Martin Group played at the same venue on 11, 18-19 and 26 November and also 3-4, 11 and 17 December.

The following gigs are then listed (during which period Roger Flavell was briefly replaced on bass while he had his tonsils out. John Chinnery suspects it was his school friend John Morgan, who covered Flavell’s absence).

Dave Martin Group gigs:

21 December 1966 – Ickenham Hall, Ickenham, northwest London

23 December 1966 – Warburton Arms, Hackney, north London

24 December 1966 – Harefield Football Club, Harefield, northwest London

30 December 1966 – Warburton Arms, Hackney, north London

31 December 1966 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

6 January 1967 – Warburton Arms, Hackney, north London

7 January 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

14 January 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

21 January 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

24 January 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

28 January 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London (Roger Flavell returns after this show)

29 January 1967 – Hesden Hall, Ruislip, northwest London

31 January 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

4 February 1967 – Warburton Arms, Hackney, north London

5 February 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

8-9 February 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

10 February 1967 – Warburton Arms, Hackney, north London

11 February 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

13-16 February 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

17-18 February 1967 – Warburton Arms, Hackney, north London

19 February 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

20-23 February 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

26 February 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

27 February-2 March 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

4 March 1967 – Hanwell Sports Club, Hanwell, west London

5 March 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

6-9 March 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

12 March 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

13 March 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

Dave Martin Group, 1967. Left to right: Lindsey Bex, Roger Flavell, John Chinnery and Dave Martin. Photo credit: John Chinnery — Dave Martin Group, 1967. Left to right: Lindsay Bex, Roger Flavell, John Chinnery and Dave Martin. Photo credit: Roger Flavell

At this point, Lindsay Bex replaced Albert Woodward on drums, who later became a percussion lecturer.

Older than the others, Lindsay Bex had worked with Geoff Chinnery in Mike Forde & The Fortunes during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In early 1964, Bex joined Chiswick band, The Tridents (who were managed by Geoff Chinnery). He remained with the group until about September 1964 during which time Jeff Beck joined on lead guitar.

In early 1965, Bex went to Germany for three months with The Redcaps and then played with various scratch bands before returning to Germany in 1966 to play American air bases with The Kathy Sampson Set. When Albert Woodward left suddenly, he accepted the call to join.

Dave Martin Group gigs (continued):

14-16 March 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

18 March 1967 – Wedding reception, Teddington, west London

20-23 March 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

24 March 1967 – Blue Coat Boy, Bishopsgate, City of London

25 March 1967 – Wedding reception, Old Kent Road, south London

26 March 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

27-30 March 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

31 March 1967 – All Stars Club, Artillery Passage, Liverpool Street, east London (audition)

2 April 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

3-6 April 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

7 April 1967 – West Dulwich Sports Club, West Dulwich, south London

8 April 1967 – Derwentwater Club, Acton, west London

9 April 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

15 April 1967 – The Pheasant, South Oxhey, Watford

17 April 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Streets, Soho, central London (audition)

22 April 1967 – Saracens Rugby Club, Finchley, north London

23 April 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

27 April 1967 – Byron Hotel, Greenford, west London (audition)

30 April 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

7 May 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

8 May 1967 – St Moritz Club, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (audition)

13 May 1967 – Rank Xerox private party, Denham, Buckinghamshire

14 May 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

19 May 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

20 May 1967 – Rank Xerox, Denham, Buckinghamshire

27 May 1967 – Civic Hall, Guildford, Surrey with Five Proud Walkers

28 May 1967 – the Fisheries, Harefield, northwest London

3 June 1967 – Wedding Reception, Tea Rooms, Kenton, northwest London

4 June 1967 – Byron Hotel, Greenford, west London

8 June 1967 – RAF Northwood

9 June 1967 – Unknown venue, Purfleet, Essex

10 June 1967 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

12-15 June 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

16 June 1967 – ILI Co, Wembley, west London

17 June 1967 – Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

19-23 June 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

23 June 1967 – UKAEA, Harwell, Oxfordshire with Brian Poole & The Unity

24 June 1967 – Wedding reception, Hendon, north London

26-29 June 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

30 June 1967 – Greenway School, Uxbridge, west London

During 1967, the band recorded a couple of demos at a studio in Denham, Buckinghamshire comprising Martin Thomas/Roger Flavell co-writes.

Dave Martin Group gigs (continued):

3-6 July 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

8 July 1967 – Rank Xerox, Denham, Buckinghamshire

20 July 1967 – Pinn Club, RAF Uxbridge, West London

28 July 1967 – Epsom Youth Club, Epsom, Surrey

29 July 1967 – Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

5 August 1967 – Thames Boat Trip, Westminster to Teddington

6 August 1967 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

12 August 1967 – Thing-a-me-jig, Reading, Berkshire

31 August 1967 – Sword & Wheel Club, RAF Northolt, northwest London

At midnight, immediately after finishing the gig at RAF Northolt near Ruislip, the band had to pack up in order to drive down to Dover to catch the ferry to the continent and only just made the boat by the ‘skin of their teeth’. Having just turned professional, The Dave Martin Group changed its name to The Magic Roundabout and headed to Germany and then Switzerland.

Magic Roundabout in Bad Vilbel. Left to right: Roger Flavell, Dave Martin, John Chinnery and roadie Stuart Cook. Photo credit: John Chinnery — Magic Roundabout in Bad Vilbel. Left to right: Roger Flavell, Dave Martin, John Chinnery and roadie Stuart Cook. Photo credit: Roger Flavell

The Magic Roundabout gigs:

1-30 September 1967 – Ritterkelleer (9 performances) and Western Club (11 performances), Bad Vilbel, Frankfurt, West Germany

1-15 October 1967 – Haus Der Music, Wuppertal, West Germany with The Berkeley Squares (15 performances)

Arriving in Zurich, Switzerland, the band now briefly includes organist Dave Eldredge, a musician from Leicester group The Berkeley Squares, who split up after the shows in Wuppertal. Eldredge remains with the group until mid-November.

16 October-1 November 1967 – ‘Beat Club’, Hotel Hirschen, Zurich, Switzerland (17 performances)

3-6 November 1967 – ‘Taverns Bar’, Ingolstadt, West Germany (4 performances) (the band’s final night is cancelled; a fight had broken out the previous night between US servicemen and German police and the club was wrecked. The club is closed for refurbishment and The Magic Roundabout head home to the UK.)

On the band’s return to the UK, organist John Elliott joined after Eldredge left. Geoff Chinnery had convinced the organist to join The Effect but this proved short-lived. Eldredge subsequently joined Pussyfoot.

Elliott had previously played with Ealing band, Magnus Pike with lead guitarist/singer Jerry Smith, bass player Roger Searle and drummer Tony Haslam. Searle and Haslam will later go on to work with The Who’s road crew.

Magic Roundabout’s new line up comprised:

Martin Thomas (aka Dave Martin) – lead vocals

John Chinnery – lead guitar/vocals

John Elliott – organ/vocals

Roger Flavell – bass/vocals

Lindsay Bex – drums

The Magic Roundabout gigs (continued):

17 November 1967 – Women’s teachers’ training college (location not known)

18 November 1967 – Young Conservative’s Club, Twickenham, west London

25 November 1967 – YMCA, Baldock, Hertfordshire

4-7 December 1967 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

8 December 1967 – Guild Hall, Ilford, east London

9 December 1967 – The Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

15 December 1967 – Gillettes, Great West Road, west London with Fortunes and Episode Six

16 December 1967 – RAF Feltwell

23 December 1967 – Rugby Club, Upton Park, Slough, Berkshire

26 December 1967 – Halfway House, Dunstable, Hertfordshire

31 December 1967 – Sword & Wheel Club, RAF Northolt, northwest London

1-4 January 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

5 January 1968 – Youth Club, West Drayton, west London

6 January 1968 – Baker’s Row Club, Cardiff (Bex’s bass drums falls off the roof rack on the way)

12 January 1968 – USAF Woodbridge, Suffolk

13 January 1968 – Hanwell Community Centre, Hanwell, west London

20 January 1968 – Mildway Tavern, Highbury, north London

24-25 January 1968 – Mildway Tavern, Highbury, north London

26 January 1968 – Scotch of St James, Mayfair, central London

27 January 1968 – Kodak Hall, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

30 January 1968 – BBC Maida Vale (audition)

31 January-1 February 1968 – Mildway Tavern, Highbury, north London

Magic Roundabout, spring 1968. Left to right: Miki Anthony, Lindsey Bex, John Elliott, John Chinnery and Roger Flavell. Photo credit: John Chinnery — Magic Roundabout, spring 1968. Left to right: Miki Anthony, Lindsay Bex, John Elliott, John Chinnery and Roger Flavell. Photo credit: Roger Flavell

2 February 1968 – Northcote Arms, Southall, west London

3 February 1968 – Queen’s Hall, Halstead, Braintree, Essex

10 February 1968 – Thing-a-me-jig, Reading, Berkshire

12-15 February 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

16 February 1968 – Northcote Arms, Southall, west London

17 February 1968 – Rank Xerox, Denham, Buckinghamshire

21 February 1968 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle Upon Tyne

29 February 1968 – Bluebell Inn, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

1 March 1968 – County Ballroom, Carlisle, Cumbria

2 March 1968 – Sheridan Rooms, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

3 March 1968 – Woodhouse WMC, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

8 March 1968 – RAF Club, Tredegar, Wales

9 March 1968 – Howard Winstone Club, Merthyr, Wales

10 March 1968 – Beech Grove, Pengham, Wales

13 March 1968 – Faculty of Technology, Manchester

14 March 1968 – Bluebell Inn, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

15 March 1968 – Northcote Arms, Southall, west London

18 March 1968 – Quaintways, Chester, Cheshire

24 March 1968 – The Pheasant, South Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire

25-27 March 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

29 March 1968 – Brighton Tech College, Brighton, West Sussex

After the above gig, singer Michael Derrick (aka Miki Anthony) took over from Martin Thomas and brought his own manager with him (which would see the band split with Geoff Chinnery).

The Magic Roundabout gigs (continued):

20 April 1968 – Northcote Arms, Southall, west London

21 April 1968 – Warmingham Grange Country Club, Sandbach, Cheshire

26 April 1968 – Kiosk Ballroom, Castleford, West Yorkshire

27 April 1968 – Sheridan Rooms, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

28 April 1968 – The Pavilion, Bournemouth, Dorset

29 April-2 May 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

3 May 1968 – Bluebell Inn, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

4 May 1968 – Morley Town Hall, Morley, West Yorkshire

5 May 1968 – Woodhill, WMC, Normanton, West Yorkshire

11 May 1968 – Bradford University with Jeff Beck Group

17 May 1968 – Board of Trade, Eastcote, northwest London

18 May 1968 – Faculty of Technology, Manchester with Fleetwood Mac

19 May 1968 – Warmingham Grange Country Club, Sandbach, Cheshire

23 May 1968 – Arundel WMC, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

24-25 May 1968 – Raven Club, RAF Waddington

26 May 1968 – Kiosk Ballroom, Castleford, West Yorkshire

30 May 1968 – Kimbleworth Park Social Club, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

31 May 1968 – 270 Discotheque, Barnsley, West Yorkshire

Sometime around this time, the group recorded a cover of The Bee Gees’ “I Am The World”, which is never released.

Magic Roundabout, 1968. Left to right: Roger Flavell, John Elliott, John Chinnery, Miki Anthony and Lindsey Bex. Photo credit: John Chinnery — Magic Roundabout, 1968. Left to right: Roger Flavell, John Elliott, John Chinnery, Miki Anthony and Lindsay Bex. Photo credit: Roger Flavell

The Magic Roundabout gigs (continued):

1 June 1968 – Manchester University

8 June 1968 – The Pavilion, Weymouth, Dorset

14 June 1968 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire

15 June 1968 – Alexander Hall, Halifax, South Yorkshire with Jackson Union

20 June 1968 – Kimbleworth Park Social Club, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

21 June 1968 – Woodhill, WMC, Normanton, West Yorkshire

22 June 1968 – Morley Town Hall, Morley, West Yorkshire

24-27 June 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

28 June 1968 – Shades, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

29 June 1968 – University of Aston, Birmingham

30 June 1968 – Arundel WMC, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

1 July 1968 – Wilbeck Country Club, Hatfield, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire

2 July 1968 – Top Ranke Suite, Southampton, Hants

5 July 1968 – Cossack Club, Sir James Altham School, Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire

6 July 1968 – Bellpunch, Uxbridge, west London

14 July 1968 – Industrial Club, Norwich, Norfolk

18 July 1968 – Cossack Club, Sir James Altham School, Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire

19 July 1968 – Victoria & Bull, Dartford, Kent

20 July 1968 – Bourne School, Ruislip Manor, northwest London

25 July 1968 – Oasis Club, RAF Biggin Hill, Kent

26 July 1968 – Catacombe, Eastbourne, East Sussex

28 July 1968 – A Train, Hayes, west London

29 July-1 August 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London

2 August 1968 – Harrow Inn, Woolwich, south London

3 August 1968 – Thing-a-me-jig, Reading, Berkshire

10 August 1968 – Airman’s Club, USAF, West Ruislip, northwest London

11 August 1968 – Wake Arms, Epping, Essex

16 August 1968 – Kiosk Ballroom, Castleford, West Yorkshire

17 August 1968 – Black Swan, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

18 August 1968 – Manor House, near Skipton, North Yorkshire

20 August 1968 – Almonbury WMC, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

21 August 1968 – Ponderose, Barnsley, West Yorkshire

22 August 1968 – Blue Bell, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

24 August 1968 – Morley Town Hall, Morley, West Yorkshire

30 August 1968 – RAF Whitton, Whitton, west London

Michael Derrick’s manager informed the band that he would take the singer away unless he can assume sole management and the musicians begrudgingly agreed as Geoff Chinnery had been managing them from the outset. Soon afterwards, Lindsay Bex and John Elliott both departed following the RAF Whitton gig, which (ironically) Chinnery believes was the band’s best performance to date.

Two weeks later, it was clear that the group’s career had ground to a halt and the band broke up. While Chinnery briefly abandoned a musical career and returned to work in insurance, Flavell subsequently joined Grand Union, the backing band for US soul act, Johnny Johnson & The Bandwagon in 1969.

In late 1970, Flavell briefly played with Geno Washington before working with Tony Hazzard/Richard Barnes, Judd, Kris Ife and The Tommy Hunt Band. In the early Seventies, Flavell joined Christie and then went on to Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasha Band, The Lonnie Donegan Band and The David Byron Band.

Miki Anthony meanwhile established a highly successful solo career.

John Chinnery and drummer Roger Willis, who have known each other since childhood and are Arsenal FC fans, decided to reform The Magic Roundabout around February 1969 with John Elliott, who has been working in a bank since the band’s break up in September 1968.

The Kool, 1967, featuring Ray Brown (far left). Photo credit: Ray Brown

Ray Brown, who had previously played with Jeff Curtis & The Flames and The Kool agreed to join after his next band, Champagne appeared on the same bill as The Magic Roundabout.

Ray Brown (centre) with Champagne in 1968. Photo credit: Ray Brown

Lead guitarist Ian Hollands, who had previously played with Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Legends answered an advert in the music press and completed the new formation.

The new Magic Roundabout formation now comprised:

Ian Hollands – lead guitar/vocals

John Chinnery – rhythm guitar/vocals

John Elliott – organ/vocals

Ray Brown – bass/vocals

Roger Willis – drums/vocals

The Magic Roundabout gigs (continued):

9 May 1969 – Harefield Youth Club, Harefield, northwest London

17 May 1969 – R&B Club, Feltham, Middlesex

18 May 1969 – Cooks Ferry Inn, Edmonton, north London

23 May 1969 – Lorraine Club, Chingford, east London

31 May 1969 – Wake Arms, Epping, Essex

6 June 1969 – Salvatorian College, Wealdstone, northwest London

7 June 1969 – White Hart, Tottenham, north London

13 June 1969 – Lorraine Club, Chingford, east London

21 June 1969 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

27 June 1969 – Woodford Youth Club, St Barnabos School

28 June 1969 – St Annes School, Hanwell, west London

3 July 1969 – New Penny Disco, Watford, Hertfordshire

4 July 1969 – Pinkwell Youth Centre, Hayes, west London

6 July 1969 – Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, north London

12 July 1969 – Bourne School, Ruislip Manor, northwest London

13 July 1969 – the Cherry Tree, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

18 July 1969 – King’s Head Disco, Harrow, northwest London

19 July 1969 – Wake Arms, Epping, Essex

26 July 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

1 August 1969 – Lorraine Club, Chingford, east London

2 August 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

7 August 1969 – Top Rank Suite, Watford, Hertfordshire

15 August 1969 – El Grotto, Ilford, east London

16 August 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

22 August 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

23 August 1969 – Spa Ballroom, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

24 August 1969 – Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, north London

30 August 1969 – Links Pavilion, Cromer, Norfolk

31 August 1969 – Industrial Club, Norwich, Norfolk

26 September 1969 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

27 September 1969 – New Penny Disco, Watford, Hertfordshire

28 September 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

3 October 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

4 October 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

10 October 1969 – Grange Youth Centre, Hayes, west London

11 October 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

24 October 1969 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

25 October 1969 – Industrial Club, Norwich, Norfolk

1 November 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

2 November 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

7 November 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

8 November 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

9 November 1969 – Hunter’s Club, Horn Hotel, Braintree, Essex

14 November 1969 – Lorraine Club, Chingford, Essex

21 November 1969 – Kettering WMC, Kettering, Northamptonshire

28 November 1969 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

5 December 1969 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

6 December 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

7 December 1969 – Headstone Hotel, North Harrow, northwest London

11 December 1969 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

12 December 1969 – Harefield Youth Club, Harefield, northwest London

13 December 1969 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

19 December 1969 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

Magic Roundabout in 1969. Left to right: Ian Hollands, Ray Brown, John Chinnery and John Elliott. Photo credit: Ray Brown

2 January 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London (Hollands ill)

8 January 1970 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London (Hollands ill)

16 January 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

17 January 1970 – Oldfield Tavern, Greenford, west London

23 January 1970 – El Grotto Disco, Ilford, east London

24 January 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

30 January 1970 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

7 February 1970 – Gillettes, Isleworth, Middlesex

8 February 1970 – Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, north London

12 February 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

13 February 1970 – Cook’s Ferry Inn, Edmonton, north London

14 February 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

20 February 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

22 February 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

24 February 1970 – Civic Hall, St Albans, Hertfordshire

27 February 1970 – Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London

6 March 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

7 March 1970 – Spotlight Club, RAF Brize Norton

12 March 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

14 March 1970 – Civic Hall, St Albans, Hertfordshire

20 March 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

21 March 1970 – Airmen’s Mess, USAF Wethersfield

26 March 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

28 March 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

Ray Brown (left) and Roger Willis on stage with Magic Roundabout. Photo credit: Ray Brown

3 April 1970 – AYA USAF West Ruislip, northwest London

4 April 1970 – Andromeda Club, Colchester, Essex

10 April 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

11 April 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

16 April 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

18 April 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

19 April 1970 – Links, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

24 April 1970 – West Ham College, West Ham, east London

2 May 1970 – Airmen’s Club, USAF Mildenhall

9 May 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

14 May 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

26 May 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

29 May 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

30 May 1970 – NCOs Club, USAF High Wycombe

1 June 1970 – King’s Head, Edmonton, north London (audition)

The band auditioned for the John Edwards Agency (most likely the above date), performing three songs, including a cover of The Moody Blues’ “Ride My See-Saw”.

The Magic Roundabout gigs (continued):

4 June 1970 – Galaxy Club, RAF Northwood, northwest London

6 June 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

13 June 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

18 June 1970 – Oldfield Hotel, Greenford, west London

19 June 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

20 June 1970 – Braintree College, Braintree, Essex

26 June 1970 – Oases Club, RAF Biggin Hill, Kent

1 July 1970 – NCOs Club, USAF High Wycombe

3 July 1970 – Beaconsfield Youth Club

4 July 1970 – Airmen’s Annexe, USAF Upper Hayford

9 July 1970 – Angelique, King’s Road, southwest London

10 July 1970 – King’s Head, Harrow, northwest London

11 July 1970 – North Park, WMC, Kettering, Northamptonshire

15 July 1970 – Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip, northwest London

16 July 1970 – RAF High Wycombe

24 July 1970 – Spotlight Club, RAF Brize Norton

25 July 1970 – Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

31 July 1970 – The Pheasantry, King’s Road, southwest London

PLEASE NOTE: There are some missing gigs from this list. John Chinnery believes that the group played until at least November 1970.

Sometime in 1970, the new line up got the opportunity to record two tracks at Abbey Road, which are never released. One is a cover of a song called “Everything Under The Sun”. The other is an early cover of Neil Diamond’s “Red, Red Wine”.

Around October 1970, John Elliott was invited to sing lead on a backing track – the Findon, Shelley, Hazelwood and Hammond collaboration, “Dark Side of the Moon”. Incidentally, Elton John had earlier cut a version.

Not long after, the rest of the band was brought into the studio and recorded an instrumental track composed by Ian Hollands. For some reason, Ray Brown was not available and former member Roger Flavell, who named the track “Black Boots”, provided bass. However, the song was later credited to producers Ben Findon and Pete Shelley.

Tragically, the band’s career then came to a dramatic halt after returning from a gig in Bedford around late October/early November 1970. Stopping off at Toddington Services on the M1, the band’s roadies went into the service station to get some food and someone broke into the van and stole much of the band’s equipment. Only John Chinnery was insured!

All of the remaining the gigs were cancelled but The Magic Roundabout did play its final gig on 31 December 1970 on borrowed gear because the money (£100) was too good to give up.

In the meantime, Findon and Shelley brought John Elliott back into the studio to add more vocals to “Dark Side of the Moon”.

With the band no longer active and unable to use The Magic Roundabout name, the producers released the single on Decca in May 1971 under The Outer Limits name.

Ian Hollands later played with a group called Mobius. Ray Brown briefly played with a harmony group from Tooting from January-February1971 before joining Easy Virtue and then Crackers.

Roger Willis meanwhile joined Capability Brown in 1972. After several albums, Willis and two other band members joined Christie, which featured original Magic Roundabout bass player Roger Flavell in the group.

Willis later played with a number of groups, including Crazy Kat, before reuniting with Ray Brown in Crackers.

In recent years, John Chinnery, Roger Flavell, John Elliott and Lindsey Bex have held four reunions.

A huge thanks to John Chinnery and Lindsay Bex for providing the gig lists (from Geoff Chinnery) and to Roger Flavell, John Chinnery, Lindsey Bex, John Elliott, Ray Brown and Ian Hollands for helping with the group’s history. Thank you Roger Flavell, Lindsay Bex and Ray Brown for photos.

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. To contact the author, email: Warchive@aol.com or nick_warburton@hotmail.com

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