Welcome to another posting of a series of gig listings for 1960s bands. None of these lists is exhaustive and my idea is to add to them in the comments section below over time. They are here for future researchers to draw on and, where possible, I have added the sources used, whether they are newspapers or websites. I have also added a few interesting bits of information and will add images in time.
I’d like to encourage band members to get in touch to share memories, or for anyone to send corrections/clarifications to my email: Warchive@aol.com
Equally important, if you attended any of the gigs below or played in the support band, please do leave your memories below in the comments section for future historians to use. If you know of any missing gigs, please add them too, if possible, with the sources.
Formed in Reading, Berkshire in early 1965 as a semi-professional group with the following line up:
Dave Kislingberry aka Kislingbury (vocals and trumpet)
Mick Lambden (trumpet and vocals)
Trevor Lock (lead guitar)
Dave Elam (bass)
Mick Jerome (drums)
1965
Soon after its formation, The Amboy Dukes settled on the following line-up, which drew on musicians from the Reading music scene with the exception of Rod Lee, who came from Leicester:
Dave Kislingberry aka Kislingbury (vocals and trumpet)
Trevor Lock (lead guitar)
Art Claridge (bass)
Rod Lee (trumpet)
Ken McColm (tenor sax)
George Hall (baritone sax and flute)
Mick Jerome (drums)
The band signs with the Rik Gunnell Agency on Geno Washington’s recommendation.
16 September 1965 – New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Hampshire with The Moggies (Aldershot News)
23 October 1965 – Orchid Ballroom, Oxford with The Cameos (Oxford Mail)
19 November 1965 – Fiesta Hall, Andover, Hampshire (Andover Advertiser)
27 November 1965 – Newmarket Memorial Hall, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire with The Soundtrekkers (Cambridge News)
4 December 1965 – Co-op Rainbow Suite, Birmingham with The Cellarmen (Birmingham Evening Mail)
9 December 1965 – New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Hampshire with The Bystanders (Aldershot News)
17 December 1965 – Hook Social Centre, Walderslade, Kent with The Plus Four (Chatham, Rochester & Gillingham News)
18 December 1965 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
1966
1 January 1966 – Public Hall, Heacham, Norfolk with The Nightbeats and The Singing Postman (Lynn News)
2 January 1966 – Cromer Olympia, Cromer, Norfolk with Circuit 5 (North Norfolk News)
29 January 1966 – The Dolphin, Marine Court, St Leonards, East Sussex with All Things Bright (Roger Bistow’s research at Dizzy Tiger Music website/Hastings and St Leonards Observer)
5 February 1966 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with The Overlanders and The Tribe (website: www.california-ballroom.info/gigs/)
9 February 1966 – Marconi Club, Chelmsford, Essex (Richard Fisk recollections)
19 February 1966 – Starlight Ballroom, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire with The Fortunes, The Candy Dates and The Hawks (Lincolnshire Standard)
25 March 1966 – Carousel Club, 1 Camp Road, Farnborough, Hampshire with The Cherokees (Aldershot News)
9 April 1966 – Unknown Norfolk venue with The James Royal Set (Eastern Evening News)
15 April 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London with Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
17 April 1966 – Carousel Club, 1 Camp Road, Farnborough, Hampshire (Aldershot News/Camberley News)
23 April 1966 – Flamingo Ballroom, Redruth, Cornwall and The Poets (West Briton & The Royal Cornwall Gazette)
30 April 1966 – Gala Ballroom, Norwich with The Tribe (Eastern Evening News)
1 May 1966 – Hive Club, Guildford, Surrey (Surrey Advertiser)
21 May 1966 – Chelmsford Corn Exchange, Chelmsford, Essex with Screaming Lord Sutch (Essex Chronicle)
4 June 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)
16 June 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
26 June 1966 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)
2 July 1966 – Starlight Ballroom, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire with Roy C, Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The League of Gentlemen and The Ferryboys (Lincolnshire Standard)
8 July 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)
16 July 1966 – New Spot, Gosport, Hants (Portsmouth News)
23 July 1966 – Latin Quarter, Cellar Club, Leicester with Bluesology (Leicester Mercury)
30 July 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London with The Objects (Melody Maker)
6-7 August 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
13 August 1966 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)
14 August 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
19 August 1966 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
21 August 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
27 August 1966 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham (website: https://dungeonmods.wordpress.com/)
28 August 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
3 September 1966 – New Spot, Gosport, Hampshire (Portsmouth News)
10 September 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
17 September 1966 – King Mojo, Sheffield with Shotgun Express and Roll Movement (The Star)
18 September 1966 – Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
23 September 1966 – Mr McCoys, Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
23 September 1966 – King Mojo, Sheffield with Vibrations and London’s Ravers (The Star)
30 September 1966 – All Nighter Club, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
8 October 1966 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham with Plus Four (Nottingham Evening Post)
8 October 1966 – Union Rowing Club, Trent Bridge, Nottingham with The Nite People (Nottingham Evening Post)
15 October 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
16 October 1966 – Birdcage, Eastney, Hampshire (Dave Allen research)
22 October 1966 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald/Melody Maker)
23 October 1966 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
27 October 1966 – Adam & Eve, Southampton, Hampshire (Southern Evening Echo)
30 October 1966 – Union Rowing Club, Trent Bridge, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
4 November 1966 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
6 November 1966 – Boulevard, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire with The Liberty Takers (Yorkshire Evening Post)
12 November 1966 – All Nighter Club, Soho, central London with Jerry Lee Lewis and Gass (Melody Maker)
17 November 1966 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
18 November 1966 – Market Hall, St Albans, Hertfordshire (Welwyn Advertiser)
19 November 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
20 November 1966 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
24 November 1966 – Public Hall, Harpenden, Herts with Discotick (Welwyn Advertiser)
25 November 1966 – Birdcage, Eastney, Hampshire with Little Richard and Johnny B Great & The Quotations (Dave Allen research)
3 December 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Five Proud Walkers (Melody Maker)
14 December 1966 – Adam and Eve, Southampton, Hampshire (Southern Evening Echo)
16 December 1966 – White Bicycle, Maple Ballroom, Northampton (Northampton Chronicle)
22 December 1966 – Thorngate Ballroom, Gosport, Hampshire (Portsmouth News)
23 December 1966 – Boulevard, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire with supporting group (Yorkshire Evening Post)
23 December 1966 – Crystal Ballroom, Castleford, West Yorkshire with support (Wakefield Express/Yorkshire Evening Post)
24 December 1966 – King Mojo, Sheffield (The Star)
24 December 1966 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Fabulous 208)
30 December 1966 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
31 December 1966 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Fabulous 208)
By the end of 1966, Reading musician Pete Howard had taken over from Art Claridge. Also, George Hall had also departed during 1966, leaving the group as a six piece. The band signed to Polydor Records in late 1966.
1967
2 January 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
13 January 1967 – Tiger’s Head, Downham, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
14 January 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Jon (Melody Maker)
15 January 1967 – Bluesville, Manor House, north London with others (Melody Maker)
19 January 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
21 January 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham (website: https://dungeonmods.wordpress.com/)
28 January 1967 – The Riley-Smith, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire with The Mods (Tadcaster News)
29 January 1967 – Gyro Club, Troutbeck Hotel, Ilkley, West Yorkshire (Yorkshire Evening Post)
30 January 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
5 February 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
10 February 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (website: www.california-ballroom.info/gigs/)
11 February 1967 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear with The Gas Board (website: http://www.readysteadygone.co.uk/club-agogo-newcastle-2/)
12 February 1967 – King Mojo, Sheffield, South Yorkshire with The Move (The Star)
17 February 1967 – Mr McCoys, Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
The Amboy Dukes’ debut 45 “Turn Back to Me”, which features George Hall guesting on flute, backed by “I Never Complain About You”, is released on 17 February 1967.
The two tracks are recorded at Advision Studios in New Bond Street with producer Jeff Cooper and engineer Eddie Kramer.
Not long after the debut single’s release, the band records a follow up, “All I Need” c/w “Doing the Best I Can”. The two tracks are also recorded at Advision Studios with Eddie Kramer and new producer Terry Kennedy. Keyboard player Ian Green guests on the recordings.
21 February 1967 – Bluesville, St Thomas’ Hall, Brentwood, Essex (Essex Chronicle)
23 February 1967 – Manhole, Redhill, Surrey (Crawley Advertiser)
26 February 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
During March 1967, former Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band member Buddy Beadle joins on baritone sax.
3 March 1967 – Boulevard, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
3 March 1967 – Crystal Ballroom, Castleford, North Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
4 March 1967 – College of Technology, Leeds, West Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
5 March 1967 – King Mojo, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (The Star)
11 March 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Fabulous 208)
12 March 1967 – Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent (Fabulous 208)
13 March 1967 – Majestic Ballroom, Reading, Berkshire (Fabulous 208)
16 March 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
17 March 1967 – Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London (Fabulous 208)
18 March 1967 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Melody Maker)
19 March 1967 – Klue J Klub, Saracen’s Head Hotel, Chelmsford, Essex (Essex Chronicle)
20 March 1967 – Baths Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk (Fabulous 208)
24 March 1967 – Birdcage, Eastney, Hampshire (Dave Allen research)
26 March 1967 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Melody Maker)
28 March 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
31 March 1967 – Maberne Club, Sleaford, Lincolnshire (Fabulous 208)
8 April 1967 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
9 April 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
12 April 1967 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London with Chaos Blues Band (website: http://eelpieislandmusic.com/eel-pie-island-roll-call) May have been The Checkmates instead
13 April 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
14 April 1967 – Dancing Slipper, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
18 April 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
19 April 1967 – Hull College of Commerce Students’ Union, Skyline Ballroom, Hull, Humberside with Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, Tony Rivers & The Castaways, The Locomotion and The Jamm (Hull Daily Mail)
21 April 1967 – York Assembly Rooms, York, North Yorkshire (Tadcaster News)
22 April 1967 – The Riley-Smith, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire (Tadcaster News)
23 April 1967 – The Coffee House, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire (Tadcaster News)
23 April 1967 – Klue J Klub, Sarcens Head Hotel, Chelmsford, Essex (Essex Chronicle) More likely to be 24 April
25 April 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
28 April 1967 – Candlelight Club, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
29 April 1967 – Clouds, Derby (Derby Evening Telegraph)
30 April 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire (Fabulous 208)
1 May 1967 – Watford Round Table, Top Rank Suite, Watford, Herts with Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Harrow Observer)
4 May 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
6 May 1967 – Ricky Tick, Hounslow, west London (Melody Maker)
6 May 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (Melody Maker)
7 May 1967 – Sunday Club, Addlestone, Surrey (Woking Herald)
12 May 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with The Don Brewer Band (website: www.california-ballroom.info/gigs/)
13 May 1967 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
14 May 1967 – King Mojo, Sheffield (The Star)
16 May 1967 – Fishmonger’s Arms, Wood Green, London (Fabulous 208)
18 May 1967 – Winning Post, Doncaster, South Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
19 May 1967 – Crystal Ballroom, Castleford, North Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
20 May 1967 – Boulevard, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
21 May 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with Phil Ryan & The Scorpions (Crewe Chronicle)
26 May 1967 – May Ball, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Gloucestershire with The Alan Price Set, Johnny Patrick and Brenda Scott, The Sky Blue Show Band and Bill Nile’s Good Time Band (Poster from Stevie Barr)
27 May 1967 – Ricky Tick, Windsor, Berkshire (Fabulous 208)
28 May 1967 – Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent (Fabulous 208)
31 May 1967 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, London (Fabulous 208)
3 June 1967 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Melody Maker)
5 June 1967 – Queen’s Ballroom, Wolverhampton, West Midlands (Express & Star)
6 June 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
9 June 1967 – Bluesville, Manor House, London (Fabulous 208)
11 June 1967 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London (Poster)
12 June 1967 – Manor House Ballroom, Ipswich, Suffolk (Fabulous 208)
16 June 1967 – Clouds, Derby (Derby Evening Telegraph)
17 June 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, London (Melody Maker) Billed as The Amboy Dukes Band
18-20 June 1967 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, London (Fabulous 208)
22 June 1967 – Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield with The Drifters, Alan Bown, Ronnie Jones & The Q Set and The Pitiful (The Star)
23 June 1967 – Stoke Hotel, Guildford, Surrey (Surrey Advertiser/West Surrey Advertiser)
25 June 1967 – Sunday Club, Addlestone, Surrey (Woking Herald) Replaced The Shevelles
27 June 1967 – Fishmonger’s Arms, Wood Green, London (Fabulous 208)
29 June 1967 – Club A Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Fabulous 208)
2 July 1967 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
The Amboy Dukes’ second 45, “All I Need” is released on 4 July.
During July, the seven-piece group (with Buddy Beadle onboard) records its next single at Polydor’s studios near Oxford Street. Produced by Terry Kennedy, the tracks are two ska numbers that feature in the band’s live set. Taking part of the title from a Reading suburb where one of the band members came from, the tracks are named “Highlife in Whitley Wood Parts 1 and 2”.
Not long after the recording, Steve Gregory tenor sax player with The Alan Price Set takes over from Ken McColm.
8 July 1967 – The New All-Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, E1, London (Melody Maker)
18 July 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, London with Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
20 July 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
22 July 1967 – Clouds, Derby (Derby Evening Telegraph)
There is a great article and picture of the band in Record Mirror, 22 July 1967, page 10
23 July 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
29 July 1967 – Witchdoctor, Catford, southeast London with Robb Storme Group (South East London Mercury)
By the start of August 1967, the band comprises:
Dave Kislingberry aka Kislingbury (vocals)
Trevor Lock (guitar)
Pete Howard (bass)
Rod Lee (trumpet)
Steve Gregory (tenor sax and flute)
Buddy Beadle (baritone and alto sax)
Mick Jerome (drums)
18 August 1967 – Gaiety Ballroom, Grimsby, Humberside with Roger Bloom’s Hammer (Grimsby Evening Telegraph)
19 August 1967 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Melody Maker)
20 August 1967 – Central R&B Club, Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent (Chatham, Rochester & Gillingham News)
22 August 1967 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
24 August 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
26 August 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, west London (Melody Maker)
26 August 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Peddlers and The Mynor Birds (Melody Maker)
30 August 1967 – Big Beat Cruise, Solent, South Parade Pier, Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head with Inspiration (Portsmouth News)
2 September 1967 – Witchdoctor, Catford, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
3 September 1967 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (Poster)
8 September 1967 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)
The Amboy Dukes’ next single, “Highlife in Whitley Wood Parts 1 and 2” is released on 9 September.
11 September 1967 – Clouds, Derby (Derby Evening Telegraph)
16 September 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
21 September 1967 – Flying Fox Club, RAF Cottesmore, Rutland with The Shivelles, The Wages of Sin and Pesky-Gee (Grantham Journal)
22 September 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham (website: https://dungeonmods.wordpress.com/)
23 September 1967 – Clockwork Orange, Chester, Cheshire with The Swinging Machine (Crewe Chronicle)
24 September 1967 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
30 September 1967 – Black Prince, Bexley, southeast London (Fabulous 208)
3 October 1967 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
8 October 1967 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (Fabulous 208)
14 October 1967 – Starlight Room, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire with The Tages, The Soul Sisters and Clockwork Orange (Lincolnshire Standard)
17 October 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
19 October 1967 – Civic Hall, Guildford, Surrey with Modes Mode (Surrey Advertiser)
20 October 1967 – Witchdoctor, Catford, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
21 October 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
22 October 1967 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent with Jr Walker & The All Stars and The Wages of Sin (Melody Maker)
30 October 1967 – Foseco Sports & Social Club, Tamworth, Staffordshire (Tamworth Herald)
The band’s manager John Gunnell brings John Fred’s “Judy In Disguise” from the States for the band to record. The track is recorded in a small studio in Denmark Street with guest harmonica player Moxy. Terry Kennedy once again produces the session which also produces the flip side, “Who’s Foolin’ Who”.
The recordings also feature former Georgie Fame trumpet player Eddie Thornton.
3 November 1967 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
6 November 1967 – Bluesville 67 Club, St Matthew’s Baths, Ipswich, Suffolk (Ipswich Star)
13 November 1967 – King Mojo, City Hall Ballroom, Sheffield, South Yorkshire with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (The Star)
23 November 1967 – Twang Discotheque, Amersham, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
24 November 1967 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)
25 November 1967 – Twisted Wheel Club, Manchester with Ben E King and The Senate (Lancashire Evening Post)
26 November 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
2 December 1967 – Dreamland, Margate, Kent with The Gates of Eden (East Kent Times & Mail)
3 December 1967 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (Poster)
4 December 1967 – The Parlour, Oasis Club, North End, Portsmouth, Hampshire (Portsmouth News)
4 December 1967 – King Mojo, City Hall Ballroom, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (The Star)
5 December 1967 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
7 December 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Pride & Joy Buzz Band (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
8 December 1967 – Burton Constable Hall, Hull, Humberside with Ferris Wheel, Joe E Young & The Toniks, Roger Bloom’s Hammer, Gospel Garden and The Mandrakes (Scarborough Evening News)
The band’s cover of John Fred & The Playboy Band’s “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” is released on 8 December.
14 December 1967 – Constantine Students Union Astoria Ballroom, Middlesbrough with The Soul Merchants and Mr Poobah’s Chicago Line (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
16 December 1967 – The New All-Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, east London (Melody Maker)
17 December 1967 – The Hub, Barnsley, West Yorkshire (Barnsley Chronicle & South Yorkshire News)
19 December 1967 – Clifton Hall, Rotherham, South Yorkshire with The Pitful Souls (South Yorkshire and Rotherham Advertiser)
20 December 1967 – St James’ Spectacular, Chesterfield, Derbyshire with The Richard Jackson Blues Band (Derbyshire Times)
21 December 1967 – Thorngate Ballroom, Gosport, Hampshire (Portsmouth News)
23 December 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
26 December 1967 – Bluesville ’67 Club, St Mathew’s Baths, Ipswich, Suffolk (Ipswich Star)
28 December 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Tuesday’s Children (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
29 December 1967 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
30 December 1967 – Tinned Chicken, Crystal Bowl, Castleford, North Yorkshire with Travellers Express and Richard G Simpson (Yorkshire Evening Post)
31 December 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire, Nantwich, Cheshire with Phil Ryan & The Scorpions and Archie Allen (Crewe Chronicle)
1968
During January, longstanding drummer Mick Jerome leaves. Eddie Spevok takes his place behind the kit.
The new formation records a cover of “Simon Says” backed by “The Marquis” with Donnie Elbert in the producer’s chair.
13 January 1968 – Tin Hat, Kettering, Northamptonshire with Surrealist Adventure (Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph)
15 January 1968 – Crawdaddy, Reading, Berkshire (Reading Evening Post) Cancelled
20 January 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
22 January 1968 – The Parlour, Portsmouth, Hampshire (Portsmouth News)
26 January 1968 – Bluesville, Manor House, north London (Melody Maker)
27 January 1968 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with Floribunda Rose or The Excitement (East Kent Times)
28 January 1968 – Savoy Ballroom, Southsea, Hampshire with The Human Instinct (Portsmouth News)
29 January 1968 – Bluesville ’68 Club, St Matthew’s Baths Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk (Ipswich Evening Star)
2 February 1968 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
3 February 1968 – Brave New World, Eastney, Hampshire (website: http://michaelcooper.org.uk/C/birdcage.htm)
9 February 1968 – Shades, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Sheffield Star)
11 February 1968 – Central R&B Club, Central Hotel, Gillingham (Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham Post)
15 February 1968 – St Joseph’s Disco, Swindon, Wiltshire with Life (Swindon Advertiser)
17 February 1968 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear with Junco Partners (http://www.readysteadygone.co.uk/club-agogo-newcastle-2/)
18 February 1968 – Carlton Club, Erdington, West Midlands with Cats Pyjamas (Birmingham Evening Mail)
19 February 1968 – Barnsley Civic Hall, Barnsley, West Yorkshire with Lou Prinze & The Bedrocks and Jacksons Union (Barnsley Chronicle & South Yorkshire News)
20 February 1968 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
24 February 1968 – Witchdoctor, Catford, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
26 February 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire (Warrington Guardian)
29 February 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
4 March 1968 – Bluesville ’68 Club, St Matthew’s Baths, Ipswich, Suffolk (Ipswich Evening Star)
9 March 1968 – Victoria Ballroom, Chesterfield, Derbyshire (Derbyshire Times)
10 March 1968 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London (Poster)
The band’s cover of “Simon Says” is released on 15 March. Immediately afterwards Eddie Thornton leaves to join Herbie Goins & The Nightimers.
23 March 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, London (Melody Maker)
24 March 1968 – Corn Exchange, Maidstone, Kent (Maidstone Gazette)
25 March 1968 – Park Hall Hotel, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands with The ‘N’ Betweens and Barmy Barry Show (Express & Star)
30 March 1968 – London College of Printing, Elephant & Castle with Timebox and The Grenades (Melody Maker)
31 March 1968 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with The Jaytree Organisation (Crewe Chronicle)
1 April 1968 – King Mojo, City Hall Ballroom, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Sheffield Star)
6 April 1968 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
12 April 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, London (Melody Maker)
13 April 1968 – Savoy, Catford, London (Melody Maker)
16 April 1968 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
18 April 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
20 April 1968 – New Broken Wheel, Retford, Nottinghamshire (Melody Maker)
22 April 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire (Warrington Guardian)
27 April 1968 – Co-op, Chesham, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
28 April 1968 – Downbeat Club, The Swan, Maldon, Essex (Essex Chronicle)
1 May 1968 – Summerhill House Hotel, Kingswinford, West Midlands (Express & Star) Opening night
6 May 1968 – Bluesville ’68 Club, St Matthew’s Baths Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk (Ipswich Evening Star)
12 May 1968 – Clouds, Derby, Derbyshire (Derby Evening Telegraph)
16 May 1968 – James Finegan Hall, Eston, Middlesbrough with The Tramline and The Chelfont Line (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
17 May 1968 – Billingham Synthonia Senior Club, Billingham with The Chelfont Line (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
25 May 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
26 May 1968 – Central R&B Club, Central Hotel, Gillingham (Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham Post)
1 June 1968 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with Candy Choir (East Kent Times & Mail)
3 June 1968 – Queen’s Hall, Leeds, West Yorkshire with The Herd, Bill Haley, Alan Bown, Edwin Starr, Fantastics, Gospel Garden, Clockwork Orange and others (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette/NME)
6 June 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
9 June 1968 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening)
11 June 1968 – The Stage Door, Oxford (Oxford Mail)
15 June 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
16 June 1968 – Surrey Rooms, Kennington Oval, south London (Fabulous 208)
20 June 1968 – James Finegan Hall, Eston, Middlesbrough with The Chelfont Line (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
During July, the band records its next single, “He Came to See Me Yesterday” c/w “Easy Going Me”.
2 August 1968 – Hemel Hempstead Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, Herts with The Epics (Berkhamsted Gazette/Welwyn & Hatfield Advertiser)
3 August 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
6 August 1968 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
11 August 1968 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
Buddy Beadle leaves around about now to rejoin Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band.
15 August 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
16 August 1968 – Ship Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey (Woking Herald)
20 August 1968 – Concorde, Southampton, Hampshire (Southern Echo)
23 August 1968 – Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth, Dorset with The Gass and The Fusion (Bournemouth Evening Echo)
24 August 1968 – New King’s Hall, Herne Bay, Kent with Virgin Sleep (Melody Maker)
25 August 1968 – Byron, Greenford, London (Thames Valley Times)
30 August 1968 – Plaza, Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear with The Skyliners (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
31 August 1968 – Tees Pop ’68, Recreation Ground, Eston, Teesside with Traffic, Ben E King, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, Alan Bown, Family, Joe Cocker & The Grease Band, The Tramline, Rivers Invitation and Chelfont Line (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
2 September 1968 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
12 September 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
14 September 1968 – Savoy, Catford, south east London (South East London Mercury)
15 September 1967 – G Ranch, Maidstone, Kent (Fabulous 208)
16 September 1968 – Bluesville, Manor House, Ipswich, Suffolk (Ipswich Evening Star)
The band’s single, “He Came to See Me Yesterday” is released on 20 September. By the time the single is issued, Steve Gregory has left to rejoin Beadle in Geno Washington’s band.
25 September 1968 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, London (Fabulous 208)
27 September 1968 – College Hall, Billingham, County Durham (Fabulous 208)
28 September 1968 – Brookfield Hall, Ashford, Kent with Cair Paravel (Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham Evening Post/Kentish Express)
29 September 1968 – Kew Boathouse, Kew, west London (Fabulous 208)
In early October, the band’s line-up comprises:
Dave Kislingberry aka Kislingbury (vocals)
Trevor Lock (guitar)
Pete Howard (bass)
Rod Lee (trumpet)
Eddie Spevok (drums)
5 October 1968 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with The Colour Supplement (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)
10 October 1968 – Concorde, Southampton, Hampshire (Southern Echo)
10 October 1968 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
12 October 1968 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (Melody Maker) Billed as Amboy Dukes Show Band
13 October 1968 – 76 Club, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire (Burton Daily Mail)
16 October 1968 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
20 October 1968 – Clifton Hall, Rotherham, South Yorkshire (South Yorkshire & Rotherham Advertiser)
21 October 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire (Warrington Guardian)
24 October 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
27 October 1968 – Surrey Rooms, Oval, south London (Melody Maker)
1 November 1968 – Cobweb, Hastings, East Sussex (Fabulous 208)
2 November 1968 – Tofts, Folkestone, Kent (Fabulous 208)
3 November 1968 – Central R&B Club, Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent (Chatham, Rochester & Gillingham Evening Post)
4 November 1968 – Civic Hall, Dunstable, Bedfordshire (Fabulous 208)
9 November 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
9 November 1968 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (Melody Maker) Billed as Amboy Dukes Show Band
16 November 1968 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
22 November 1968 – Astoria Club, Cardiff, Wales (Fabulous 208)
23 November 1968 – College of Education, Wolverhampton, West Midlands with Lady Jayne & The Royaltee (Fabulous 208/Express & Star)
28 November 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
29 November 1968 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Bucks (Bucks Free Press)
30 November 1968 – Soul Club, Plaza Ballroom, Newbury, Berkshire with The Soul Bucket (Fabulous 208/Reading Evening Post)
5 December 1968 – City Hall, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Fabulous 208)
6 December 1968 – Durham College, Durham, County Durham (Fabulous 208)
7 December 1968 – Savoy, Catford, southeast London (Fabulous 208)
9 December 1968 – Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Fabulous 208)
10 December 1968 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
11 December 1968 – Hancock Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Fabulous 208)
13 December 1968 – Trenton Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (Fabulous 208)
14 December 1968 – Bromley Tech College, Bromley, Kent (Fabulous 208)
17 December 1968 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
20 December 1968 – Redcar Jazz Club, Redcar, North Yorkshire with Joe Cocker & The Grease Band and The Groove Soul Band (Dennis Weller, Chris Scott Wilson and Graham Lowe’s book/Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
21 December 1968 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with The Epics (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)
22 December 1968 – Central R&B Club, Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent with Delroy Williams Show (Chatham, Rochester & Gillingham Evening Post)
23 December 1968 – St Matthew’s Baths Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk (Fabulous 208)
24 December 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
27 December 1968 – St Mary’s Youth Centre, Stockton-on-Tees (Fabulous 208)
29 December 1968 – Surrey Rooms, Oval, Kennington, south London (Fabulous 208)
30 December 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire (Warrington Guardian)
31 December 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
1969
3 January 1969 – Drill Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands (Fabulous 208)
5 January 1969 – Union Rowing Club, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
7 January 1969 – High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, Bucks (Fabulous 208)
8 January 1969 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
12 January 1969 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Fabulous 208)
13 January 1969 – Bamboo Club, Stockport, Greater Manchester (Fabulous 208)
15 January 1969 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
16 January 1969 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
17 January 1969 – White Lion, Edgware, north London (Fabulous 208)
19 January 1969 – Good Companions Hotel, Slough, Berkshire (Fabulous 208)
20 January 1969 – Civic Hall, Dunstable, Bedfordshire (Fabulous 208)
22 January 1969 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
23 January 1969 – St Matthew’s Hall, Oxford (Fabulous 208)
25 January 1969 – The Factory, Birmingham (Fabulous 208)
26 January 1969 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (Fabulous 208)
27 January 1969 – St Matthew’s Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk (Fabulous 208)
29 January 1969 – Town Hall, Reading, Berkshire (Fabulous 208)
31 January 1969 – White Lion, Edgware, north London (Fabulous 208)
1 February 1969 – Savoy Club, Catford, southeast London (Fabulous 208/South East London Mercury)
5 February 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Fabulous 208)
7 February 1969 – Town Hall, Abergavenny, Wales (Fabulous 208)
9 February 1969 – Railway Hotel, Wealdstone, northwest London (Melody Maker)
16 February 1969 – Crystal Palace Hotel, Crystal Palace, south London (Fabulous 208/South East London Mercury)
22 February 1969 – Hounslow Town Hall, Hounslow, west London (Hounslow Post)
1 March 1969 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
2 March 1969 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (Melody Maker)
6 March 1969 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
11 March 1969 – Bassett Hotel, Southampton, Hampshire (Fabulous 208)
11 April 1969 – Mistrale, Beckenham Junction Station, south London (Melody Maker)
17 April 1969 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
20 April 1969 – Redcar Jazz Club, Redcar, North Yorkshire with The Elastic Band (Dennis Weller, Chris Scott Wilson and Graham Lowe’s book)
21 April 1969 – Orchid Ballroom, Purley, Surrey (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
26 April 1969 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London (Melody Maker)
27 April 1969 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (Melody Maker)
30 April 1969 – Marconi Club, Chelmsford, Essex (Richard Fisk recollections)
9 May 1969 – White Lion, Edgware, north London (Time Out)
17 May 1969 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with The Saffron (Folkestone & Hythe District Herald)
31 May 1969 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, west London (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
21 June 1969 – Fellowship Inn, Eltham, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
28 June 1969 – Fellowship Inn, Eltham, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
30 June 1969 – Orchid Ballroom, Purley, Surrey (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
31 June 1969 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Geoff Williams research: Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek book)
4 July 1969 – Student’s Union, Farnborough Technical College, Farnborough, Hampshire (Aldershot News)
19 August 1969 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Time Out)
26 August 1969 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Time Out)
30 August 1969 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (Time Out)
6 September 1969 – Savoy, Catford, southeast London (Melody Maker/South East London Mercury)
13 September 1969 – Savoy, Catford, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
The original band split up in September 1969 but reformed with new members in October:
Dave Kislingberry aka Kislingbury (vocals)
Max ??? (guitar)
Mick Fletcher (keyboards)
Tago Byers (bass)
Keith Guster (drums)
Keith Guster, who’d until recently been playing with The Fleur De Lys with Tago Byers, notes in his diary that it was Byers that asked him to join the newly reformed band. Byers was from Reading and knew the group’s singer.
Mick Fletcher was from southeast London and had previously worked with The Epitaph Soul Band, Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation and Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement.
Guster’s diary entry for Sunday, 28 September notes that Byers rang him. The drummer, who was living in Bayswater, then travelled from Paddington to a hall in Crown Street, Reading to rehearse material with the five-piece band on 30 September and 1 October before kicking off the dates on 2 October.
The following gigs are all from Keith Guster’s diary:
2 October 1969 – Hatchetts Playground, Mayfair, London
4 October 1969 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with The Candy Choir (Folkestone & Hythe District Herald/Keith Guster’s diary) Billed as The Dave Amboy Big Band
7 October 1969 – Hatchetts Playground, Mayfair, London
10 October 1969 – Leicester Polytechnic, Leicester
12 October 1969 – gig in Gillingham, Kent (possibly Central Hall)
The band auditions Ted, a tenor sax player, in Chiswick, west London on 15 October 1969.
17-18 October 1969 – Domino Club, Bedlington and Showboat, Middlesbrough
24 October 1969 – Top Rank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
25 October 1969 – Leeds Polytechnic, Leeds, West Yorkshire
26 October 1969 – The Swan, Birmingham (the club had doubled booked so they didn’t get paid)
27 October 1969 – The Yeoman, Stafford, Staffordshire
Ted, the sax player, is sacked during at a rehearsal in Reading on 30 October 1969.
31 October 1969 – Youth Centre, Beaconsfield, Bucks
1 November 1969 – Rainbow Suite, Birmingham
2 November 1969 – Surrey Rooms, Kennington Oval, London
8 November 1969 – Graduate Centre, Cambridge
12 November 1969 – Miners Welfare, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire
14 November 1969 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire
15 November 1969 – Tofts, Folkestone, Kent
16 November 1969 – Pope John House, Poplar, east London
21 November 1969 – Penthouse, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
22 November 1969 – The Town House, Wellington, Shropshire
23 November 1969 – Carlton Ballroom, Warrington, Cheshire
The Amboy Dukes recorded two tracks in Pan Studio, Denmark Street, London on 27 November 1969.
29 November 1969 – Newcastle upon Tyne gig cancelled due to snow
30 November 1969 – Swan, Yardley, West Midlands
5 December 1969 – Secondary School, Welling and Avery Hill College, Eltham, London
7 December 1969 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London
12 December 1969 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent
16 December 1969 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London
22 December 1969 – Central Hall, Gillingham, Kent
24 December 1969 – Tofts, Folkestone, Kent
31 December 1969 – Surrey Rooms, Kennington Oval, London
1970
10 January 1970 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent
18 January 1970 – Surrey Rooms, Kennington Oval, south London
7 February 1970 – Canley College, Coventry
8 February 1970 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London
11 February 1970 – Bal Tabarin, Bromley, southeast London
13 February 1970 – Melbourne Village College Hall, Cambridge
15 February 1970 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire
20 February 1970 – Goldsmith College, New Cross, south London
21 February 1970 – Apollo Club, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
7 March 1970 – Queen’s Hall, Wotton, Norfolk
14 March 1970 – Corn Exchange, Bourne, Lincolnshire
28 March 1970 – Tofts, Folkestone, Kent
17 April 1970 – Shades, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
24 April 1970 – Didsbury College, Manchester
26 April 1970 – Birdcage Club, Hoyland, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
7 May 1970 – HMS Pembroke, Chatham, Kent
On 9 May, Tago Byers gave a month’s notice.
16 May 1970 – RAF Wyton, near St Ives, Cambridgeshire
23 May 1970 – Corn Exchange, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
30 May 1970 – Civic Hall, St Albans, Herts
5 June 1970 – Exmouth College, Exmouth, Devon
6 June 1970 – Killington Manor, Exeter, Devon
21 June 1970 – Gillingham, Kent gig (cancelled due to World Cup Final)
On 22 June 1970, Keith Guster announced he was leaving and the band split up.
Many thanks to Mick Jerome, Buddy Beadle and Keith Guster for their help.
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.
18 March 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)
15 October 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with Phil Ryan & The Scorpions (Crewe Chronicle)
16 March 1968 – Gaiety Ballroom, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire with The Friction (Rik Gunnell Agency bookings/Cambridgeshire Times)
6 April 1968 – Stax Club, Cirencester, Gloucestershire with The Purple Barrier (Rik Gunnell Agency bookings)
21 April 1968 – Tower Ballroom, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (Rik Gunnell Agency bookings/Yarmouth Mercury)
Production was split between the band’s manager Roger Burrow and Alan Marshall and Bobby Sass, working with sound engineers Robin Cable and Roy Baker. Production supervision meanwhile was handled by Lee Hallyday, who’d recently recorded his brother Johnny’s self-titled LP in France. According to several band members, the sessions at Trident’s studios also featured Alan Marshall’s former band mate from The Loose Ends and Happy Magazine, Peter Kirtley, who provided lead guitar on several cuts.
That may well be, but One’s storming cover of Havens’ “Don’t Listen To Me”, which opens the LP and third track, “Stop Pulling and Pushing Me” are inspired, extended workouts full of inventive playing and powerful instrumental passages. The musicians also do justice to “Cautiously”, an atmospheric reading of the ballad written by Maurey Hayden, singer, stand-up comedian and wife of Lenny Bruce. Alan Marshall and Bobby Sass’s “Near The Bone”, the band’s lone contribution to the song-writing stakes is also noteworthy.
During March-April 1970, the musicians got to meet Stephen Stills, who was in London to record sessions for his first solo LP. It’s not clear who in the band made the initial contact. Marshall says that he used to leave the flat door open and musicians used to wander in. One strong possibility is Roger Burrow, who of course was a friend of Graham Nash’s. Alan Marshall, however, is pretty certain that it was Bobby Sass who ran into Stills.
Interestingly, while One’s revolving door of personnel changes continued at pace, Fontana issued a French-only ‘45, ‘How Much Do You Know” (adapted from Adagio Royal by F de Boivallee), which was credited solely to Alan Marshall backed by One’s ‘Don’t Listen To Me”.
As for One, the group remains something of an obscurity. While the LP has been issued on CD by two different labels, neither appear to be official releases. Given the collectability of the record and the fact that a mint copy will probably fetch you close to £100, perhaps it’s time that the band was given a proper re-issue treatment, complete with detailed liner notes.
Babatunde Tony Ellis – lead guitar
Douglas told me that the rest of The Explosion comprised musicians from Argentina, Colombia, France, Spain and Morocco. I also understand that Ellis, Simmonds and Evans were originally in a band called The Links who were regulars at Count Suckle’s Cue Club in Praed Street, Paddington.
Colin Young – lead vocals
Two of the earliest tracks to be recorded were two Pete Gage songs, co-written with Ebony Keyes (aka Kenrick Pitt), “Lifetime of Lovin’” c/w “Flower In My Hand”. Paired as a single, the tracks were issued on Toast in January 1968 but did not chart. Incidentally, the single also saw a South African release on the Continental label.
Wendell Richardson – guitar/vocals
With The Sundae Times starting to pick up gigs and with further hits potentially in the pipeline, Conrad Isidore left The Toniks around September 1968 to commit to the project full-time. In retrospect, it was a sensible move as singer Colin Young quit The Toniks soon after to join British hit-makers, The Foundations.
The three musicians also collaborated on three other tracks on the LP, “Take Me Back Again”, “Psychedelic Dream” and “Do You Know What Love Is”. Samuel meanwhile penned two tracks, “On The Run” and “Live Today”, which belatedly headed up The Sundae Times’ final single outing (issued on 13 March 1970), and was coupled with Eddy Grant’s “Take Me Higher Baby”.
