At St Bernadettes school in Hillingdon. Steve Priest is far left
Malcolm Sargeant – lead vocals
Richard Herring – lead guitar
Steve Priest – bass
Gez Lee – rhythm guitar (replaced by Raymond Thompson on keyboards)
Eddie Richards – drums
Malcolm Sargeant very kindly provided the following information and photos about the group, which included future Sweet member, Steve Priest.
Joe Meek promo photoAt the Martin Baker club in Denham, Buckinghamshire
I started singing with the school band at Mellow Lane, Hayes, west London and when I left I joined The Countdowns around 1962/63. I was always known as “Sadge”.
Their singer Bernard Powell was leaving. I auditioned at Eddie Richards’ (the leader of the band) house in Hayes and got the job. I joined Eddie who played drums, Richard Herring on lead guitar, Steve Priest on base and Gez Lee on rhythm (later replaced by Raymond Thompson on keyboards) who all sang backing vocals. Raymond Thompson was with us until the group disbanded around mid-1966.
Steve went on to join The Army and later Sweet with Brian Connolly (Mac) and Eddie went with First Class and then later Edison Lighthouse.
Gez Lee had left to continue his studies and Richard went on to work with many different bands (including reuniting with Priest in The Army) and the last I heard he was still gigging.
Ray Thompson emigrated to Canada with his parents and had a brilliant career in writing and broadcasting. He now lives in New Zealand and owns the Tirohana vineyards. His autobiography is called Keeping The Dream Alive.
I joined The Carltones (made up of members of the RAF central band) on the dinner and dance circuit; this fitted in with my career at British Gas.
The Countdowns played all the local venues, including cinemas, Burton’s club in Uxbridge, Botwell and Wistowe House run by the Fripps in Hayes, the A Train, various community centres, the Attic club in Hounslow, the Martin Baker Club in Denham, Buckinghamshire, and St. Bernadettes in Long Lane, Hillingdon where one of the promo photographs was taken.
Our band was friendly rivals of The Javelins (Ian “Jez” Gillan’s group) and Paul & The Alpines on the local circuit. We supported Steve Marriott’s band, The Pretty Things, The Rolling Stones, Wayne Fontana, The Outlaws (Ritchie Blackmore) and many more.
A gig under the temporary name of Malcolm James & The Callars
Richard and Eddie’s dads used to transport us and our gear all over the place: Margate Dreamland was a regular gig, The Kursaal in Southend too as well as a venue in Clacton and Crayford Town Hall in Kent among others.
I don’t recall where the temporary change of band name to Malcolm James & The Callers came from, maybe when we were recording with Joe Meek?
1965 gig from Sussex Express
We got picked up by Phil Jay (ex-pirate DJ and local management agent in Hounslow). He got us the opportunity to record several covers with the legendary Joe Meek at his studio in Holloway Road. One of which recently made it onto a CD of undiscovered recordings found in the “tea chests” that Joe had stored in a lock up garage.
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.
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)
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
8 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
9 July – The Crystals
10 July – The Moody Blues
Photo: Melody Maker
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)
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
21 October – Sonny Childe & The TNT
22 October – Two groups
23 October – Edwin Starr (possibly backed by The Guests)
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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
Photo: Melody Maker
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)
Photo: 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)
Photo: 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)
Photo: 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
Photo: Harrow Weekly Post
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
Photo: Keith Jellows. Clockwise from 12 O’clock: Duncan Wilkes, Rik Jones, Dave Horn, Keith Jellows, Keith Kendall, John Bartovski and Geoff
A west London band formed in mid-1966 and not to be confused with David O’List’s short-lived group of the same name who morphed into The Attack, The Soul System were originally called Four Point Five.
Formed by friends at Mellow Lane School in Hayes, the original formation comprised:
Geoff ? – lead vocals
Keith Kendall – lead guitar
John Bartovski – bass/harmony vocals
Rik Jones – organ/harmony vocals (after Bartovski departed)
Dave Horn – tenor sax
Duncan Wilkes – trumpet
Keith Jellows – drums
Kendall had started out with another Mellow Lane School group, Brian & The Fantoms but had left in 1964 to join The First Impressions (aka The Legends). In late 1965/early 1966, he departed to join Four Point Five.
Four Point Five (and later The Soul System) gigged extensively but never released any recordings.
As Four Point Five:
9 August 1967 – Drayton Hall, West Drayton, west London (Uxbridge and West Drayton Chronicle)
The Hillingdon Mirror ran an article and photo in its 15 August 1967 issue, page 2 (see above)
30 August 1967 – Hayes Town Hall, Hayes, west London (Uxbridge and West Drayton Chronicle)
The Hillingdon Mirror ran a photo of the band playing at the Town Hall Park in its 5 September 1967, page 7 (see above)
14 October 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with Georgie Fame and The Army (website: www.california-ballroom.info/gigs/)
Changing name to The Soul System around late 1967/early 1968, former All Night Workers’ baritone sax player Johnny Baker joined the formation in January/February 1969.
The following month John Bartovski left and future Strawbs’ bass player Chas Cronk briefly covered the bass slot until the summer.
Rick Eagles, who’d worked with Keith Kendall in the First Impressions and The Legends during 1964-1965, and had subsequently worked with Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Good Earth, assumed the bass position until the end of the year.
Just before Eagles’ arrival, however, Dave Horn departed to focus on his ‘A’ Levels. The group line-up remained steady until late 1969 when Baker re-joined The All Night Workers. He subsequently suggested Keith Kendall on lead guitar (who had briefly returned to Brian & The Fantoms in the interim).
Keith Jellows later played with The New Mud and also The Sweet.
Gigs at The Soul System (see comments section for more)
25 January 1969 – Club LaBamba, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (Kent & Sussex Courier)
28 January 1969 – Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks with Rod Welling and guest group (Bucks Free Press)
Thanks to Keith Kendall, Dave Horn, Keith Jellows and Rick Eagles for information about the band. We’d love to hear from anyone who can add more information.
Orange Rainbow, lock, Uxbridge, west London, 1969. Left to right: Martin Hayles, Robin Lawrence, Geoff Foster, Rodney Barrett, Martin Bryan, Alan Ray, Dave Goodman and Terry May
Alan Ray – lead vocals
Kenny Surmon – lead guitar (replaced by Geoff Foster)
Terry May – keyboards
Dave Goodman – bass
Martin Hayles – trumpet
Robin Lawrence – tenor sax
Rodney Barrett – trombone
Tony Hampton – drums (replaced by Martin Bryan)
+
George Russell – alto sax (played on and off 1969-1970)
John Barter – tenor and baritone sax (played on and off 1969-1970)
Orange Rainbow at the Railway Hotel (Iron Bridge), Southall, west London
Orange Rainbow were a west London soul band that had worked as The Bluesville Soul Band, changing name around late March 1969.
Little is known about the group and Garage Hangover would welcome any additional information.
According to tributes to the late Dave Goodman, who went on to become sound engineer for the Sex Pistols, Orange Rainbow began as seven-piece group.
Frinton Bassett Blues in Feltham in 1967. Photo from Scot and Patricia Whetton
Goodman had started out with The Frinton Bassett Blues band, who were profiled in the 22 September 1967 edition (page 2) of the Middlesex Chronicle, Hounslow Edition.
The article lists the band’s seven-piece line up as Steve Crawford (lead vocals); Alan Cook (lead guitar); Dave Goodman (bass); Denis Smithers (drums); Pete Watson (alto sax); Ray Johnson (tenor sax) and an unnamed keyboard player.
Singer Alan Ray at the Railway Hotel
According to the newspaper, The Frinton Bassett Blues Band had been formed around the spring of 1966 and added the sax players in the summer of 1967, prompting the slight name change to New Frinton Bassett Blues Band.
Goodman and Martin Hayles (who had joined later) subsequently worked with The Bluesville Soul Band, which formed the nucleus of Orange Rainbow.
Article on The Bluesville Show Band, Kingston and Malden Borough News, 12 July 1968
Alan Ray had started out with The Keyes (sometimes spelt Keys), who also included guitarist Geoff Foster and keyboard player Terry May.
However, around December 1967, Geoff Foster left to play with west Londoners The Casuals (Frankie Reid’s former group) and Terry May joined The James Royal Set and then The Huckle Buck Band.
New Frinton Bassett Group February 1968
Alan Ray put together The Bluesville Soul Band with lead guitarist Kenny Surmon; sax player Robin Lawrence; trumpet player Martin Hayles; bass player Dave Goodman; and drummer Tony Hampton. Terry May joined in July 1968. Rodney Barrett joined soon after.
Alan Ray and Kenny Surmon (plus Geoff Foster who was playing in The Army after Steve Priest left to join The Sweet) all auditioned for Tangerine Peel around this time but turned the offer to join down.
The Kingston & Malden Borough News, which profiled the band in its 12 July 1968 issue, lists the following gigs:
20 July 1968 – Excel Bowl, Tolworth, southwest London
3 August 1968 – Apple Tree Club, Kingston Hotel, Kingston Upon Thames, southwest London
17 August 1968 – Apple Tree Land, Staines, Middlesex with Way In and Souvenir Badge Factory (Staines & Egham News)
27 September 1968 – Apple Tree Club, Kingston Hotel, Kingston Upon Thames, southwest London
21 December 1968 – Excel Bowl, Tolworth, southwest London
Around March 1969, Geoff Foster took over from Kenny Surmon and Martin Bryan replaced Tony Hampton. Later this month they became Orange Rainbow.
According to Goodman’s webpages, Orange Rainbow toured the UK extensively and even worked on the continent. They also backed Ben E King, The Drifters, Nicky Thomas, The Flirtations and The Fantastics (from mid-1970 onwards after Pip Williams’ band, The House of Orange). Orange Rainbow also supported The Four Seasons and The Jackson Five on UK tours.
Left to right: Rodney Barrett, Martin Hayles and Robin Lawrence
From mid-July to early August 1969, the band was booked to perform at the Ye Ye Club in Rimini, Italy for three weeks. Geoff Foster also remembers the musicians playing at Sloopy’s Disco in Manchester, the Place in Hanley, Staffordshire and the Pavilion Ballroom in Gillingham, Kent.
Orange Rainbow played Sunday lunchtimes at the Railway Hotel in Southall, west London and were also regulars at Samantha’s in central London.
Geoff Foster’s former band mates in the Army, George Russell and John Barter worked with the band on and off throughout 1969-1970 but never officially joined as permanent members. All three left during 1970.
Orange Rainbow continued into the early Seventies during which time the group underwent many personnel changes (see comments below). Dave Rose took over from Terry May on keyboards and Graham Board replaced Martin Bryan on drums. Eventually, the group morphed into Polecat.
Left to right: Martin Bryan, Dave Goodman and Geoff Foster
Selected gigs
5 April 1969 – Hay Makers Hoedown, Lake Farm, Blechingley, Surrey (Surrey Mirror and County Post)
18 April 1969 – Addlestone Community Centre, Addlestone, Surrey (Woking Herald)
26 April 1969 – Kingston College of Technology, Kingston Upon Thames, southwest London with Episode Six and The Giant (Melody Maker)
10 May 1969 – Pavilion Ballroom, Gillingham, Kent
8 June 1969 – Woodhall Community Centre, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
28 June 1969 – Railway Hotel, Southall, west London
28 July 1969 – Ye Ye Scandinavian Club, Rimini, Italy with Root and Jenny Jackson (Poster)
6 August 1969 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire with Sunnyside (Evening Sentinel)
7-8 August 1969 – Samantha’s, Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
11 August 1969 – Samantha’s, Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
14 August 1969 – Samantha’s, Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
17 August 1969 – Le Metro, Birmingham (Birmingham Evening Mail)
26 August 1969 – Samantha’s, Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
29 August 1969 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands (Walsall Observer & South Staffordshire Chronicle)
31 August 1969 – Samantha’s, Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
10 September 1969 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire with The All-Round (Evening Sentinel)
An article in the Horncastle Target, dated 26 September 1969, page 2, says the band are due to play in Denmark in November. It also says that they have played the Scotch of St James.
15 November 1969 – Walton Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey (Woking Herald)
16 January 1970 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
Photo: John Kirk’s book
1 February 1970 – Broken Wheel, Retford, Nottinghamshire (Retford Times/John Kirk’s book “Another Saturday Night”)
5 February 1970 – Acorn Club, RAF Oakington, Cambridgeshire with The Stack (Cambridge Evening News)
14 February 1970 – Barn Dance Hall, Penzance, Cornwall (West Briton and Royal Cornwall Gazette)
21 March 1970 – Rebecca’s, Birmingham with James King (Birmingham Evening Mail)
2 April 1970 – Rebecca’s, Birmingham with Rare Bird (Birmingham Evening Mail)
6 May 1970 – Mackadown, Birmingham with Toyshop (Birmingham Evening Mail)
An article in the Horncastle Target, dated 8 May 1970, page 2, says the band has played gigs in Wigan, Birmingham and Wolverhampton and have just been booked to back US vocal group, The Invatations (formerly The Original Drifters).
The line up is listed as:
Alan Ray – lead vocals
Peter Wrigley – lead guitar
David Rose – keyboards/vocals
Dave Goodman – bass
Martin Hughes – trumpet/vocals
Robin Lawrence – tenor sax
Rodney Barrett – trombone
Graham Broad – drums
28 June 1970 – Up the Junction, Crewe, Cheshire (Chester Chronicle)
1 August 1970 – Starlight Room, Gliderdrome Boston, Lincolnshire with Nicky Thomas (Lincolnshire Echo)
8 August 1970 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury) They play next four Saturdays
15 August 1970 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)
22 August 1970 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)
29 August 1970 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)
20 September 1970 – Blue Orchid, Nottingham (Guardian Journal)
December 1970 – Broken Wheel, Retford, Nottinghamshire with The Fantastics (Retford Times/John Kirk’s book “Another Saturday Night”)
Photo: John Kirk’s book
7 February 1971 – Theatre Royal, Nottingham with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Fantastics and Mike Felix (Nottingham Evening Post)
19 February 1971 – Odeon Birmingham, Birmingham with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Fantastics and Mike Felix (Birmingham Evening Mail)
20 February 1971 – Odeon Hammersmith, Hammersmith, west London with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Fantastics and Mike Felix (Marylebone & Paddington Mercury)
16 May 1971 – Wallsend Rising Sun Welfare Club, Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
20 May 1971 – Skyline Ballroom, Hull with The Fantastics and The Incredible Station (Hull Daily Mail)
24 July 1971 – Whitchurch Civic Centre, Whitchurch, Cheshire with The Fantastics (Chester Chronicle)
11 December 1971 – Drill Hall, Lincoln, Lincolnshire with The Fantastics (Lincolnshire Echo)
1 January 1972 – Birtley Rex Social Club, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
An article in the Horncastle Target, dated 23 June 1972, page 22, lists the band playing at the London Palladium with The Four Seasons and The Fantastics
16 July 1972 – White Horse Inn, Cranswick, Hull with The Fantastics (Hull Daily Mail)
I would like to thank Geoff Foster for helping with the story and supplying the excellent photos.
Orange Rainbow, mid 1970s. Back, left to right: Bob Gorman, Graham Broad (drummer from Feltham), Robin Lawrence (sax from Hanworth) Dave Goodman (bass from Feltham), Derek ? Front, left to right: Martin Hayles, Mel Day and Paul Sheath. Photo from Mel Day.
The Feltham R&B Club was a notable venue for up and coming West London bands. From a historical perspective, perhaps the most noted outfit to play there was 1984, which featured future Queen guitarist Brian May.
I would welcome any history on this venue and also any additional information on bands that played there.
10 September 1966 – The Trendbender Band with Barney J Barnes
15 October 1966 – The Trendbender Band with Barney J Barnes
15 July 1967 – The Sugar Band
22 July 1967 – 1984
Gigs from Hounslow, Brentford and Chiswick Post and the Middlesex Chronicle
Burton’s in Uxbridge was an important music venue in West London throughout the 1960s.
I have started to compile a list below and would welcome any additions, particularly where there are gaps. Also, artists didn’t always appear despite being advertised so it would be great to hear from anyone who has any corrections.
Judging by the entries, bands played every Saturday with occasional gigs on other nights of the week.
1961
8 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
The band was billed as The Rebel Rousers for early gigs in 1961
15 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
22 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
12 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
26 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
9 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
23 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
30 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
11 November – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
2 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post – this was a Sunday)
31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post –this was a Sunday)
1962
24 March – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)
1963
25 May – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation
8 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation
22 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation
13 July – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation
10 August – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly/Harrow Weekly Post)
7 September – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)
19 October – The Federals (Beat Monthly)
14 December – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)
1964
11 January – The Federals (Beat Monthly)
1965
30 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
9 February – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)
23 March – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book, The Yardbirds – the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page)
6 April – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)
8 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
29 June – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
6 July – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)
31 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
28 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
14 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Record Mirror)
24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Boyfriend magazine)
31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Boyfriend magazine)
1966
15 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Record Mirror)
18 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror – this was a Tuesday)
15 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)
12 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Record Mirror)
19 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Beat Instrumental)
8-9 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
7 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
10 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)
14 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Record Mirror)
11 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)
2 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)
9 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)
12 July – The Birds (Fabulous 208 – this was a Tuesday)
30 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208)
6 August – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208)
I have Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band also playing on 6 August
20 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)
26 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday)
27 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)
30 August – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)
17 September – The Alan Bown Set (Fabulous 208)
1 October – The Fenmen (Fabulous 208)
22 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)
26 November – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)
20 December – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208 – this was a Tuesday)
24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Army (Fabulous 208 and Tony Tacon’s memories)
Fabulous 208 also has The Amboy Dukes on 24 December
31 December – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)
1967
7 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)
3 March – The Alan Bown Set (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday so wondering if it was 4 March)
11 March – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)
14 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)
17 March – Marmalade (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday)
18 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)
21 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)
24 March – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday, so wondering if was 25 March)
22 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)
12 May – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie and Honey Darling (Melody Maker – this was a Friday so wondering if it was 13 May)
20 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)
3 June – Jeff Beck Group (Melody Maker)
9 June – The Gnomes of Zurich and Guy Darrell (Melody Maker – this is a Friday)
Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ gigs website (Badfinger) has The Iveys and Guy Darrell on the same date as The Gnomes of Zurich
10 June – Marmalade (Melody Maker)
16 June – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker – this is a Friday)
17 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
24 June – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)
1 July – The Freddie Mack Sound (Melody Maker)
5 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)
12 August – The Washington DCs (Melody Maker)
19 August – The Freddie Mack Show (Melody Maker)
26 August – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)
2 September – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)
9 September – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)
16 September – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208, Melody Maker and Hillingdon Mirror)
23 September – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)
30 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208/Hillingdon Mirror)
7 October – Marmalade (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)
14 October – The Gass (Melody Maker)
21 October – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)
28 October – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)
4 November – The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (Melody Maker)
11 November – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)
18 November – The Shell Shock Show (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)
25 November – The Cat Show (Melody Maker)
2 December – The Alan Price Set and The Army (Melody Maker)
9 December – The Ebony Keys (Melody Maker)
16 December – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker)
23 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)
24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)
30 December – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker)
31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
It is possible that Steve Priest’s group The Army may have supported Cliff Bennett on new year’s eve but it needs confirmation
1968
All the entries for this year are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.
6 January – The Shell Shock Show with Owen Grey
13 January – Marmalade
20 January – The Amboy Dukes
27 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set
3 February – Cat Soul Band with US Flat Top
10 February – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
17 February – The Jimmy James Show
24 February – The Freddie Mack Show
2 March – Joe E Young & The Toniks
9 March – The Joyce Bond Revue
16 March – The Coloured Raisins
23 March – The Amboy Dukes
30 March – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog
6 April – The Skatalites
12 April – The Amboy Dukes (this was a Friday)
13 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
20 April – The Alan Bown
27 April – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog
4 May – The Shell Shock Show
11 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
18 May – The Joyce Bond Revue
25 May – The Amboy Dukes
1 June – The Skatalites
8 June – The Coloured Raisins
15 June – The Amboy Dukes
22 June – The Joyce Bond Revue
29 June – The Counts
6 July – The Skatalites
13 July – The Coloured Raisins
20 July – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog
27 July – Cliff Bennett & His Band
3 August – The Amboy Dukes
10 August – The Coloured Raisins
17 August – The Joyce Bond Revue
24 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
31 August – The Counts
7 September – The Coloured Raisins
14 September – Simon K & The Meantimers
21 September – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog
28 September – Root and Jenny Jackson
5 October – The Joyce Bond Revue
12 October – The Counts
19 October – The Coloured Raisins
26 October – Little John & The Shadrocks
2 November – The Sharrons
9 November – The Amboy Dukes
16 November – The Alan Bown
23 November – The Counts and The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
30 November – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
7 December – The Skatalites (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
14 December – The Spectrum (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
21 December – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
24 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post – this was a Tuesday)
28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
31 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post – this was a Tuesday)
1969
4 January – Marmalade (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
Melody Maker has The Coloured Raisins on 4 January and considering Marmalade also played on 18 January, it’s possible Melody Maker is correct
11 January – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)
18 January – Marmalade (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
25 January – Little John & The Shadrocks (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
Melody Maker has Jimmy James & The Vagabonds on 25 January
1 February – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
8 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
15 February – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
22 February – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
1 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
8 March – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
15 March – US Flat Top and the Cat Road Show (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
22 March – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker andUxbridge Weekly Post)
Melody Maker has Desmond Dekker on 22 March as well
29 March – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
5 April – Timebox (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
12 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
19 April – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
3 May – Springfield Park (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)
Melody Maker appears to stop advertising Burton’s after this date
10 May – US Flat Top and The Cat Road Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
17 May – The Joyce Bond Revue (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
24 May – Chris Shakespeare & The Globe Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
31 May – The Amboy Dukes (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
7 June – Simon K & The Meantimers (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
14 June – The Coloured Raisins (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
I am missing entries for the rest of the year and would welcome any additions
1970
31 October – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
I am missing entries for 1970 and would welcome any additions
Many thanks to Rolf Hannet for providing gigs from Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental
Frankie Reid & The Casuals at Botwell House, 1964. Thank you to Frankie Reid for use of the photo.
Botwell House played host to many of the leading British bands during the early to mid 1960s. I would be grateful for any additions to the list below. Gigs were sourced from the Harrow Weekly Post and the Hayes Gazette. Thanks also to Brian Mansell and Andy Neill
4 August 1962 – Frankie Reid & The Casuals
1 September 1962 – Frankie Reid & The Casuals
18 January 1963 – The Checkmates (Says at the Peppermint Stick) Advert in the Harrow Weekly Post says that future Fridays feature The Amusing Flintstones, The Viscounts and Jimmy Crawford and The Ravens
19 February 1963 – The Spotnicks (Says at the Peppermint Stick)
3 June 1963 – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes
5 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones
19 February 1964 – The Spotnicks (Says at the Peppermint Stick)
Photo: Ruislip & Northwood Gazette
18 May 1964 – Open Air Beat Festival with The Searchers, Eden Kane & The Downbeats, The Migil Five, The Animals, Chris Sandford & The Coronets, The Undertakers, The Interns, Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages, The Gamblers, Julie Grant, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Daniel Boone & The Emeralds, The Sorrows, The Hawks, Adam Faith and Dusty Springfield (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
3 June 1964 – Pop Festival with Del Shannon, Eden Kane, Kenny Lynch, Shane Fenton, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Robb Storme & The Whispers, Jimmy Crawford & The Ravens, Tony Holland & The Pack-A-Beats, Vince Taylor & The Playboys, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Rey Anton & The ‘M’ Squad, Jackie Lynton & The Teenbeats, Freddie & The Dreamers, Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas, Cherry Roland and Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Says at the Peppermint Stick)
Photo: Ruislip & Northwood Gazette
19 February 1965 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Hogsnort Rupert
Not far from Twickenham’s more famous Eel Pie Island, the Nurses Club, based in the Jolly Gardeners pub in Isleworth, was a popular music venue with local bands.
I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any further dates or memories below.
18 February 1964 – Two groups
3 March 1964 – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated
17 March 1964 – Two groups (possibly one was The Tridents, see comments below)
1 April 1964 – Two groups
5 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
12 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
19 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
26 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
2 June 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
9 June 1964 – Two groups
16 June 1964 – Two groups
23 June 1964 – The Bo Street Runners
30 June 1964 – The Mark Leeman Five and Frankie Reid & The Casuals
14 July 1964 – The Bo Street Runners and The Others
28 July 1964 – The Mark Leeman Five and Ray Martin & The Corvettes
4 August 1964 – The Bluebottles
11 August 1964 – The Senators
18 August 1964 – The Habits
25 August 1964 – The Tramps and The Miston-Tuac
1 September 1964 – Group isn’t listed
8 September 1964 – The Second Thoughts
29 September 1964 – The Birds and The Wailbones with Flat-top
6 October 1964 – The Bo Street Runners and The Celts
13 October 1964 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Preacher Brown & The Witnesses
3 November 1964 – The Peeple
10 November 1964 – The Roosters and The Coveners
17 November 1964 – Lester Square & The GTs
24 November 1964 – PM2 and Sheiks of R&B
1 December 1964 – The Modern Blues Six and The Little People
5 January 1965 – The Modern Blues Six
12 January 1965 – The Second Thoughts
19 January 1965 – The Runaways (ex-Bo Street Runners)
26 January 1965 – The Modern Blues Six
2 February 1965 – Johnny Smith & Co and Raving Flat-top & The Big Boss Men
9 February 1965 – Beaux Oddlot
16 February 1965 – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated
2 March 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Impalas
9 March 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Just Blues
16 March 1965 – Brothers Grimm and The Turnkeys
30 March 1965 – The Mark Leeman Five and The Tribe
13 April 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Peeple
20 April 1965 – The Tramps and The Muscrats (Peter Green was guitarist for a while)
27 April 1965 – The Mark Leeman Five and Group Survival
4 May 1965 – The Blue Ravens and Jeff Elray & The Boys Blue
11 May 1965 – The Diaks and The Eyes
18 May 1965 – The Dillingers and The Crowd
1 June 1965 – The Modern Blues Six and The Senate Four
8 June 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Ones
13 July 1965 – The Crowd with The Blues Etc
20 July 1965 – The Blue Ravens (Harrow Observer & Gazette) (Needs confirmation) Says Tuesdays
27 July 1965 – The Blue Ravens
3 August 1965 – D J Blues Band with The Minor Birds
10 August 1965 – The Senate Four
17 August 1965 – The Characters
24 August 1965 – The Dae-b-Four
31 August 1965 – The Kiko Six
7 September 1965 – Brothers Grimm
14 September 1965 – The Bo Street Runners and The Blue Ravens
21 September 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Shondells
28 September 1965 – The Modern Blues Six and The Ikon
5 October 1965 – Jo Jo Gunne with The Road Agents
12 October 1965 – Norman & The Conquers and Blues Etc
26 October 1965 – Blues Folk with The Ferinos
2 November 1965 – The Nature Boys
18 January 1966 – The Miston-Tuac with The In-Tacks
25 January 1966 – The Flamingos with The Uncertain
1 February 1966 – The Sultans with The Debtors
The above gigs are from the Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette, Melody Maker and the Middlesex Chronicle (Hounslow Edition)
Beside Southall Community Centre, another popular venue in the west London suburb was the White Hart.
According to Terry O’Connor, The Chris Barber Band and Johnny Dankworth played the White Hart regularly during the 1950s. He also remembers Acker Bilk played here regularly.
O’Connor also remembers that Pat Cresswell & The Crestas were regulars at the White Hart.
The Statesmen, who later changed name to The Statesides and Jean & The Statesides had a regular residency at the White Hart in the early 1960s (see below). Future Animals’ guitarist Vic Briggs was briefly a member in 1962.
The Who played the venue quite a few times and Jimmy Royal & The Hawks were also regulars. Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers who featured Ritchie Blackmore on guitar also played here.
Frankie Reid & The Casuals (with future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell and Danny McCulloch, who was later in The Animals) also played frequently.
During 1964, future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan’s band The Javelins performed at the club quite a few times.
Later in the 1960s, future Queen guitarist Brian May’s band 1984 played at the White Hart.
The gigs below are incomplete so I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any further dates in the comments section.
1960
12 September (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
This west London band morphed out of The Rocking Versatiles (formed September 1957) and included long-standing member Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), who remained with the group throughout its various incarnations (and name changes) until finally splitting on 1 July 1966. The band had regular residencies at this club as the huge number of bookings below show.
At this point, The Statesmen comprised Ray Heath (vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bob Kendall (rhythm guitar), Terry Crook (bass/piano) and Dave Evans (drums).
17 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
19 September (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 September (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 October (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 November (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 November (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 November (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 November (Tuesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 December (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 December (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
The Statesmen’s singer Ray Heath left on 28 December.
1961
2 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 January (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Keyboard player and sax player Bill Stemp joined in time for the above gig and, like Jeff Sturgeon, remained with the band until its demise in July 1966.
6 February (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 February (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 February (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 March (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 March (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 April (Monday) (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 April (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 April (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 April (Thursday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 May (Saturday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Ritchie Blackmore had joined Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers on lead guitar by now.
15 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 May (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Jeff Sturgeon notes that Paul Clarke from James Royal & The Hawks played lead guitar on 29 May gig.
5 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
The 12 June was rhythm guitarist Bob Kendall’s final gig with The Statesmen.
19 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 July (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 August (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 August (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 August (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
From 18 October to 1 December, numerous (and notable drummers) covered for Dave Evans, who left at the end of the year: Micky Waller, Eddie Thorpe, Terry Sealy and Carlo Little.
The Statesmen’s bass player Norman Merchant left on 22 December followed six days later by drummer Dave Evans. Steve Frankel took Evans’ place behind the kit.
Future Animals’ guitarist Vic Briggs, whose first significant band was The Cruisers Rock Combo (formed mid-late 1960), says his next group (after a brief stint with The Echoes), Mike Allen & The Sidekicks played regularly at the White Hart after forming around October 1961.
1962
New bass player Mick Tobias joined on 30 January.
23 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Vic Briggs joined on rhythm guitar and debuted on 2 March at the White Hart. Briggs had recently been playing with another White Hart regular, Mike Allen & The Sidekicks. The band had split when singer Mike Ledger and drummer Mick Underwood joined The Crescents.
2 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Mick Tobias left The Statesmen on 25 March.
30 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Mick Tobias’ replacement Mick Wilkinson joined on 4 April. Wilkinson had played in Mike Allen & The Sidekicks with Vic Briggs.
6 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Vic Briggs left The Statesmen on 18 April. His replacement was David Hinds. Briggs next joined Peter Nelson & The Travelers and then in September 1962 worked with The Shel Carson Combo, turning fully pro. He left this band in May 1963.
Shortly after Briggs left, Derek Bridges took over vocal duties. Bridges had previously worked with Briggs in The Cruisers Rock Combo.
4 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 May (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 May (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Frankie Reid & The Casuals’ line up at this time features future Animals bass player Danny McCulloch and future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.
1 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 June (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
15 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Jeff notes that Micky King (aka Borer) from James Royal & The Hawks played lead guitar on 22 June in his place.
23 June (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 June (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 July (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
6 July (Friday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 July (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 July (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 July (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 August (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 August (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 August (Friday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Terry Mabey had replaced Mitch Mitchell in The Casuals by now. Mitchell will deputise in The Statesmen in October 1962.
25 August (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals and The Statesmen (Brian Mansell’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 August (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Recent additions Mick Wilkinson (bass) and David Hinds (rhythm guitar) and drummer Steve Frankel all departed on 16 September.
Mick Wilkinson recalls that David Hinds tried to put together a new band that he believes included Mitch Mitchell. Wilkinson was briefly involved but left to work with several other bands, including an Ealing group called The MI5.
21 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 September (Saturday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
New bass player Mick Bloomfield and rhythm guitarist Dave Hovington debuted on 28 September. Both will remain with the group until its demise in July 1966 and both had previously been members of The Cruisers Rock Combo with Vic Briggs and Derek Bridges.
28 September (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 September (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
New drummer Ian Walker debuted on 6 October and will remain with the band until its demise in July 1966. Walker is another former member of The Cruisers Rock Combo.
12 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell subbed for Ian Walker on 12-13 October gigs.
19 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 October (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 October (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 November (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 December (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 December (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 December (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1963
Dave Wigginton, bass player with Jeff Curtis & The Flames, remembers the band played at the White Hart a couple of times, most likely in 1963.
4 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 January (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell subbed for Ian Walker on 11 January gig.
18 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 January (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
After former Outlaws drummer Mick Underwood has filled in Ian Walker who has gone into hospital for one gig, Terry Sealy stepped in for 1 February gig.
2 February (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Carlo Little from Screaming Lord Sutch’s band deputised on drums for 2 February gig.
8 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 February (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 February (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 March (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 March (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 March (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 March (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
19 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 April (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Jean Hayles joined the band at this point after Derek Bridges left on 28 April and they worked as The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles until 15 June.
Former member Mick Wilkinson remembers seeing Derek Bridges singing with The Fleerekkers after he left The Statesmen.
3 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 May (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 May (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 May (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 June (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 June (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 June (Saturday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 June (Friday) – The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
The band is now called Jean & The Statesmen.
22 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 July (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
19 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Ian Walker went on holiday and Mitch Mitchell filled in for two gigs, including 19 July before Charlie Chapman from James Royal & The Hawks covered for 20 July.
26 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 September (Monday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 December (Tuesday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 December (Tuesday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1964
3 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 January (Monday) – Art Wood Combo (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
17 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 February (Saturday) – The Javelins and Jean & The Statesmen (Tony Tacon’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan was the singer with The Javelins. He left in November to join Wainwright’s Gentlemen.
21 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 February (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 March (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 April (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 April (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Carlo Little subbed for Ian Walker on drums on 18 April gig.
24 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
The band had changed name to Jean & The Statesides on 15 May.
22 May (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 June (Saturday) – The Who and Jean & The Statesides (Andy Neill’s research and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 June (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)
18 June (Thursday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
19 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 June (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)
25 June (Thursday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
27 June (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 June (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)
3 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 July (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 July (Monday) – The Javelins (Tony Tacon’s gig diary)
17 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 July (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 July (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 August (Thursday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
7 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
28 August (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 August (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 September (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 September (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 September (Friday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
26 September (Saturday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
2 October (Friday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diaryand Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
3 October (Saturday) – Jimmy Royal & The Hawks (and Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
10 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 October (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 October (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
20 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 November (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 November (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 December (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 December (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 December (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Pete Ross, guitarist with The Flexmen, says that his group played at the White Hart quite a bit between mid-1964 and early 1965 (see photo at the very end).
Jean & The Statesides 1965. Left to right: Bill Stemp, Ian Walker, Dave Brogden, Jean Hayles, Jeff Sturgeon, Mick Bloomfield and Dave Hovington. Photo from Jeff Sturgeon.
1965
1 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 January (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 January (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
19 February (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 March (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 March (Friday) – Mike Dee & The Prophets (Don Martin’s gig diary)
9 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 April (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
29 May (Saturday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
This gig was held at International Aeradio instead of the Southall venue.
4 June (Friday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Jean left the band on 26 June and the musicians carried on as The Statesides with rhythm guitarist Dave Hovington singing lead. Former Wainwright’s Gentlemen and Ian Gillan & The Dragsters’ sax player Dave Brogden started playing with the band from 17 June but joined as a full-time member in mid-July.
The Statesmen, March 1966. Photo: Stan Thomas and Jeff Sturgeon
23 July (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
7 August (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 November (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Singer Pat Richards covered for Dave Hovington for the 12 November.
19 November (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 November (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 December (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
17 December (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 December (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1966
8 January (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 January (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 February (Friday) – The Chain Gang (Middlesex Chronicle)
26 February (Saturday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
The Statesides on tour with Wilson Pickett, March 1966. Photo: Stan Thomas and Jeff Sturgeon
23 September (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 September (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 October (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 December (Friday) – The Ray Martin Group (Harrow Observer)
17 December (Saturday) – The Flamingos (Harrow Observer)
24 December (Saturday) – Jeep Rongle (Harrow Observer)
1967
20 January (Friday) – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 January (Saturday) – The Lost Legends (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 January (Friday) – Torque (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 January (Saturday) – Jeep Rongle and Kenny Bishop (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 February (Saturday) – Torque, The Smoke Bombs and Kenny Bishop (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 February (Friday) – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 February (Saturday) – The Lost Legends and Ray Peterson (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 February (Saturday) – Gene & The Cossacks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 February (Tuesday) – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 March (Friday) – Torque (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 March (Saturday) – The Outer Limits (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 March (Friday) – Albert Square (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 March (Saturday) – The Outer Limits (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 March (Friday) – C-Jam Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 March (Saturday – Jeep Rongle (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 April (Sunday) – The Hot Peppers (from France) (Melody Maker)
7 April (Friday) – Albert Square (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 April (Saturday) – Night Train (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 April (Friday) – Chances Are (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 May (Saturday) – Albert Square (Melody Maker)
20 May (Saturday) – Albert Square (Melody Maker)
14 July (Friday) – Themselves (Hounslow Post)
This group soon morphed into Virgin Sleep
15 July (Saturday) – 1984 (Hounslow Post)
Future Queen guitarist Brian May was a member of 1984
17 July (Monday) – Locomotion (Hounslow Post)
1968
6 September (Friday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)
Massive thank you to Jeff Sturgeon and Dave Brogden for sharing gigs. Also huge thanks to Vic Briggs for adding some further details.
This Hounslow, Middlesex-based group was featured in the Hounslow, Brentford & Chiswick Post in the early months of 1968.
Left to right: Eddy Davis (organ), Alan Blackman, Mick Nicholls, Kalvin Starr, Ray Wilson and Del Johnson
The line up was:
Kalvin Starr (real name: Ken Nichols) – vocals, guitar Eddy Davis – organ Ray Wilson – tenor sax Derek Johnson – trumpet Alan Blackman – bass Mick Nichols – drums
I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any more to the band’s history.
This site is a work in progress on 1960s garage rock bands. All entries can be updated, corrected and expanded. If you have information on a band featured here, please let me know and I will update the site and credit you accordingly.
I am dedicated to making this site a center for research about '60s music scenes. Please consider donating archival materials such as photos, records, news clippings, scrapbooks or other material from the '60s. Please contact me at rchrisbishop@gmail.com if you can loan or donate original materials
Geoff Foster’s former band mates in the Army, George Russell and John Barter worked with the band on and off throughout 1969-1970 but never officially joined as permanent members. All three left during 1970.
