The Clay Pigeon in Eastcote was a notable rock music venue in northwest London during the 1960s.
During 1963, the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers, which became Manfred Mann, held a residency there for several months.
Throughout the 1960s, many important British bands played this venue, including several groups from the west London area, such as Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Ian Gillan was lead singer in the first half of 1965), The Birds (with Ron Wood on guitar), The Soul Messengers (featuring future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell) and Episode Six (Ian Gillan and fellow future Deep Purple cohort Roger Glover were members).
The Sweet also played here regularly during their early years with original guitarist Frank Torpey and his successor Mick Stewart.
I have started to compile a gig list below and would welcome any additions in the comments box below as well as any memories. If anyone has any memorabilia and/or photos of bands playing at this venue, I would be happy to include them with a credit.
1960
27 June (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 played this venue regularly.
23 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 October (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 November (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 November (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1961
8 February (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 April (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1962
24 February (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Singer Jean Hayles joined The Statesmen in late April 1963 and they became “The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles” for a few months before gigging as Jean & The Statesmen until May 1964.
27 May (Sunday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Frankie Reid & The Casuals’ line up at this time featured future Animals bass player Danny McCulloch and future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.
25 June (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
2 July (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
22 August (Wednesday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Mitch Mitchell had moved on by now and Terry Mabey had taken over drums.
1963
17 January (Thursday) – The Limelights (Melody Maker)
The advert notes that this was the club’s grand opening
24 January (Thursday) – The Limelights (Melody Maker)
31 January (Thursday) – The Scepters (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 February (Thursday) – The Dauphine Street Six (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
Judging by this gig and the ones below, it looks like jazz bands took over Thursday evenings for a while.
28 February (Thursday) – The Colne Valley Six (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 March (Thursday) – Douggie Richford’s Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
14 March (Thursday) – Sonny Morris Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 March (Thursday) – Sonny Morris Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 March (Thursday) – Back O’Town Syncopaters (Melody Maker)
4 April (Thursday) – New Orleans Jazz Band (Melody Maker)
18 April (Thursday) – Charlie Gall’s Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
The group that became Manfred Mann assumed the Thursday residency, starting with this gig on 2 May.
9 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
16 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
23 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
30 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
6 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
13 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands
20 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands
27 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands
4 July (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says The Fantastic Sounds
11 July (Thursday) – Two bands (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 August (Thursday) – Mike Forde & The Fortunes (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Melody Maker) Drummer Lindsey Bex joined The Tridents.
8 August (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
5 September (Thursday) – Graham Bond All-Stars (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
6 September (Friday) – Rikki Rand & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
12 September (Thursday) – The Graham Bond All Stars (Melody Maker/Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 November (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
1964
3 February (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
5 February (Wednesday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary) Jeff Beck didn’t join The Tridents until early September.
6 February (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 February (Thursday) – The Tridents (Lindsey Bex’s diary)
17 February (Monday) – The Sensational Soundsmen (Uxbridge Post)
The advert notes that the band plays every Monday so assuming they also performed on 24 February and beyond
20 February (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums)
22 February (Saturday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
The Limelights morphed into The Legends (see below)
24 February (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
1 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
2 March (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
9 March (Monday) – The Tridents with The Soundsmen (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary/Harrow Weekly Post)
14 March (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
15 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
16 March (Monday) – The Tridents with The Soundsmen (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary/Harrow Weekly Post)
21 March (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
30 March (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post) Easter Monday
2 April (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 April (Wednesday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
25 April (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
30 April (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 May (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
14 May (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
After this gig, they became Jean & The Statesides.
16 May (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
18 May (Monday) – The Soundsmen, The Downbeat Combo and Mystine (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 May (Thursday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell played with The Soul Messengers during 1964 before joining The Riot Squad.
5 June (Friday) – The Soundsmen and Mystine (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 June (Thursday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
19 June (Friday) – The Soundsmen, The Preachers and The Mystic (Uxbridge Post) Harrow Weekly Post says Mystine rather than The Mystic
25 June (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 July (Friday) – Lee Paris & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
3 August (Monday) – Lee Paris & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 August (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 August (Tuesday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
17 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners and The Peeple (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 October (Thursday) – The Preachers and Senate Four (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 October (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners with The Paul Taylor Group (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 October (Thursday) – The RBQ and Kenny & The Shanes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 October (Thursday) – The Light and The Beethovens (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1965
7 January (Thursday) – The Vibratons (Melody Maker)
14 January (Thursday) – The Modern Blues Six (Melody Maker)
21 January (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary and Melody Maker)
Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan joined this west London band in early November 1964 and remained band until late April.
28 January (Thursday) – Mystic and The Colorados (Melody Maker)
4 February (Thursday) – The Fenmen (Melody Maker)
11 February (Thursday) – The Wackers (Melody Maker)
18 February (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
25 February (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
4 March (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
11 March (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens (Melody Maker)
18 March (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette says The Matadors
25 March (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens (Melody Maker)
1 April (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
8 April (Thursday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
15 April (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
29 April (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker) Ian Gillan had left Wainwright’s Gentlemen after a gig on 26 April and joined Episode Six.
13 May (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
27 May (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
2 June (Wednesday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
By now, future Sweet drummer Mick Tucker had joined Wainwright’s Gentlemen.
3 June (Thursday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Melody Maker)
10 June (Thursday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
17 June (Thursday) – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)
24 June (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
8 July (Thursday) – Felders Orioles (Melody Maker)
Drummer John Halsey went on to Timebox in August 1967.
22 July (Thursday) – The Turnkeys (Melody Maker)
29 July (Thursday) – The Flamingos (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Blue Ravens
12 August (Thursday) – The Reasons (Melody Maker)
19 August (Thursday) – The Sultans (Melody Maker)
26 August (Thursday) – The Flamingos (Melody Maker)
2 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette) Future Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood was with The Bo Street Runners at this point.
9 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)
16 September (Thursday) – The Modern Blues Six (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Alan Price Set but this may relate to next week
22 September (Wednesday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
By this point, future Sweet singer Brian Connolly had joined the band. Sax player Dave Brogden was working with The Statesides by this point but helped out with this gig.
23 September (Thursday) – The Alan Price Set (Melody Maker)
30 September (Thursday) – The Olympics (Melody Maker)
7 October (Thursday) – Episode Six (Melody Maker)
Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan joined Episode Six in May 1965 after leaving Wainwright’s Gentlemen in late April.
14 October (Thursday) – The MI4 (Melody Maker)
This band became The Maze and featured original Deep Purple singer Rod Evans and drummer Ian Paice.
28 November (Sunday) – The Legends (Hayes Gazette)
12 December (Sunday) – The Legends (Hayes Gazette)
1966
Missing all of 1966 apart from this lone gig, so would welcome any additions to this year.
28 January (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Dave Brogden (sax), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums).
1967
8 February (Wednesday) – The Beachcombers (Ealing Weekly Post)
15 April (Saturday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
16 April (Sunday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
10 June (Saturday) – Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)
7 July (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)
21 July (Friday) – Episode Six (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 July (Friday) – The Moody Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)
Rupert’s People were also advertised originally but considering the gig on 11 August, they probably didn’t appear.
4 August (Friday) – The Syrian Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 August (Sunday) – Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)
11 August (Friday) – Rupert’s People (Harrow Weekly Post)
Disc & Music Echo reports that this was Rupert’s People’s debut gig.
17 August (Thursday) – Unit 4 Plus 2 (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August (Friday) – Robert Hirst & The Big Taste (Harrow Weekly Post)
1 September (Friday) – Episode Six (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 September (Friday) – The Syrian Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)
The Original Drifters were booked originally for this date.
22 September (Friday) – James & Bobby Purify with The New York Public Library (Harrow Weekly Post)
29 September (Friday) – Studio Six (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 October (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 October (Friday) – Whistling Jack Smith and The Quiet Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 October (Tuesday) – The Original Drifters (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 October (Tuesday) – The Symbols (Harrow Weekly Post)
31 October (Tuesday) – The Isley Brothers (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 November (Tuesday) – The Fabulous Temptations with The House of Orange (this is The Fantastics) (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 November (Saturday) – The Army (Melody Maker)
Future Sweet bass player Steve Priest was a member of The Army.
28 November (Tuesday) – The Electric Prunes (Fabulous 208)
The visiting Californian band was on a short UK tour and surprisingly played this small venue.
23 December (Saturday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Frank Torpey’s gig diary)
Three of the original Sweet members (Brian Connolly, Mick Tucker and Frank Torpey) were part of Wainwright’s Gentlemen at this point.
1968
1 June (Saturday) – Baron Richthofen’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 August (Friday) – The Group Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
11 August (Sunday) – Smokey Orange (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
16 August (Friday) – Advance Rate (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
18 August (Sunday) – The Beatstalkes (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
23 August (Friday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August (Sunday) – The Sweetshop (aka The Sweet) (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
30 August (Friday) – Late Night Love (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
1 September (Sunday) – Freddie Fingers Lee (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
13 September (Friday) – The House of Lords (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
15 September (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
18 September (Wednesday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
21 September (Saturday) – The Cast (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
22 September (Sunday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
25 September (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
28 September (Saturday) – The Market (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
29 September (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
2 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
5 October (Saturday) – The Fresh Windows and The Outside Toilet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
6 October (Sunday) – Marmalade and Coconut Ice (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
9 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
12 October (Saturday) – Two top groups (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 October (Sunday) – Timebox (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
16 October (Wednesday) – Merlin Q (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
19 October (Saturday) – The Tracts (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
20 October (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
Episode Six were replaced by The Tremeloes plus support band.
23 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 October (Saturday) – The Bobcats (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
27 October (Sunday) – The New Formula with support (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
30 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
2 November (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
3 November (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways and Acceleration (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
6 November (Wednesday) – Pop group (Harrow Weekly Post)
9 November (Saturday) – The Colours (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
10 November (Sunday) – Little John & The Shadrocks (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
13 November (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
16 November (Saturday) – Top groups (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 November (Sunday) – Vanity Fair (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
20 November (Wednesday) – The Forbidden Fruit (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
24 November (Sunday) – The Paradox (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
27 November (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
30 November (Saturday) – Andy Cannon Quartet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
1 December (Sunday) – The Tremeloes and Coconut Ice (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
4 December (Wednesday) – The Tremeloes (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
7 December (Saturday) – The Craven Brothers and Cabaret Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
8 December (Sunday) – Marmalade (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
14 December (Saturday) – The Four Sounds (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
15 December (Sunday) – Locomotive (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
18 December (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
22 December (Sunday) – The Dream Police (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
29 December (Sunday) – The Tremeloes (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
Harrow Weekly Post reports that New Formula replaced The Tremeloes
1969
19 January (Sunday) – The Youngblood (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 January (Sunday) – The Formula (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
2 February (Sunday) – Danny Diaz & The Checkmates (from Hong Kong) (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
2 March (Sunday) – Harmony Grass (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
9 March (Sunday) – Justin Marhyr (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
16 March (Sunday) – Red Beans & Rice (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
23 March (Sunday) – Joyce Bond Revue (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
30 March (Sunday) – John L Watson & The Web (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 April (Saturday) – The Cats (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
4 May (Sunday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
11 May (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
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.
Played the Clay Pigeon several times as singer with Ritchie Blackmore’s first group The Dominators, in 1959/60. All appearances were as supporting band. The main featured band on just about every occasion were the Johnnie-Rebs…..( ? ) They were a pretty good outfit but I have never heard much about them. Can anyone throw a light ?
Yes, The Johnny Rebs were resident group at The Southall Community Center for ages, we used to go there to see them , we were in awe, they had two brilliant sax players, Charlie Spelling & Willie Garnet (now both deceased) unfortunately they didn’t have a decent lead singer so did many instrumentals, mostly Duane Eddy covers’ with ‘Whip Taylor ‘ on electric bass. They were light years ahead of Sounds Incorporated but never go the breaks.
Also played at Brunel University
Nick was there in 1963 on a Wednesday night if I remember when Kennedy was shot and as we left the club we got clobbered by the Yanks from South Harrow air base. Fond memories of the Clay Pigeon. Loved the Clay Pigeon used to go there 3 to 4 times a week in the early 60s
The Sweet played at the venue:
25 August 1968
23 May 1969
Thank you I am glad somebody remembers that.
Steve
Any one with any musical knowledge would never forget Sweet as a top band mate. The B sides and LPs speak for themselves.
All the best Ray
I went Steve
Who are you z? Know Clay well
(I know this reply is many years later) but I’ve had this discussion with mates about ‘The Sweet’ playing the Clay Pigeon. I was sure I had seen you guys but thought you were introduced on stage as ‘The Sweet Shop’. Could this be right? (I was 17, rode a Suzuki 100cc, as I thought scooters were dodgy in the wet. But dressed more like a Mod!)
Yes they drank there too lol
The lead singer was always in BoBos disco and the Footlights in the week wearing his leather trousers, never saw him with anyone .
Bono s and Footlights disco both by the Airport in the 1970s
Hi Nick, I used to sell papers outside Clay Pigeon on Sat nights ….. Desmond Decker def played there couldn’t tell you when but I think it was 1966 Cheers Great site
Hi Robin.
I used to sell papers outside the Clay pidgeon too on Saturday Nights 1964-65, used to get them off a bloke who brought them there in a car. Listened to some top music too back in the day. I used to live in Manor Gardens back then. Living in Australia now.
Thinking back again, I used to deliver papers too to houses around the Clay Pidgeon and I was doing that in 1963 too. I can remember people were very generous at Christmas time, and happy to provide me with a Christmas box for doing it throughout the years.
Nick was there in 1963 on a Wednesday night if I remember when Kennedy was shot and as we left the club we got clobbered by the Yanks from South Harrow air base. Fond memories of the Clay Pigeon.
Didn’t a band called Robin Hog and ? used to play there on Sunday nights?
I think they were called ‘Hog, Snort & Rupert’. They used to do an out of tune version of ‘Only Make Believe’ by ‘Conway Twitty’
I am surprised The Sweet wasn’t mentioned at this pub as one of our first gigs was there.
Was sweet called Wainwright’s gentlemen before they became famous?
Three of the original members of Sweet were in Wainwright’s Gentlemen
Still listen to sweet when I’m driving, they are played loads on radio 2, but I do remember seeing them a few times at the clay mostly on a Wed night, not unless I’m mistaken!!!!!
Were the Ingrams the managers then she was a gorgeous lady I think part Italian
Yes. She was. She still is a wonderful lady. A greatly loved family friend. Mrs Ingram ,
I remeber episode 6. Sheila Carter was the singer who married Tom Marshall later to become Playgound, then on to Harmony Grass and then on to Capability Brown. All fantastic Vocals, should have taken o FourSeasons. Yes agreed great site and sooo many memories.
Wainwright’s Gentlemen with Ian Gillan, who sang with the band from early November 1964 to late April 1965, also played on 1 April 1965, according to Dave Brogden’s excellent diary
When I played in The Beachcombers we used to play on the same night as Wainwrights Gentlemen at the Kodak theatre in Wealdstone. Great times!!!
Hi John, our little band “The Invokers” (don’t say it!) were so grateful that you let us use your amps at Lascelles School when we supported you. It was one of our first gigs (1962/3?) and Keith was still with you.
Played a couple of times at the Clay Pigeon and I think we supported you again at Kodak.
I was a barmaid in the clay pidgeon hotel in 1966 I was22years old then …I am from Glasgow and I was called Betty Anyone remember me .
I remeet you didn’t you have a friend who worked with you? I was 18 then!
Yes I did have a friend with me called Babs, She was from Glasgow too, We both came to London together. Now we are in our 70s but still remember the Clay Pigeon and all the lovely people we met. Happy memories, Loved it Thanks for your reply x, Betty.
The marmalades a Glasgow band played at the clay pigeon in 1965 I was a barmaid at the time. Betty
Yes my friend Babs was with me from Glasgow she had blonde hair I had black hair So many happy memories of the clay pigeon thanks for your reply
I render you well! have often of you! You was really beautiful! Had a bit of a crush lol! I still have an autograph photo of marmalade!
Thank you for those nice comments, I think I remember you. Did you have a brother who came into the clay pidgeon, What have you done with your life since then a lot I guess. Betty
I do myself and a mate used to go to the Clay Pigeon at least 3to 4 times a week
Dave Sutch who set the loony party was a regular during the week.
regular from mid sixties with mates
Cliff Bennett ran Sunday nights at one time. Obviously the Rebel Rousers
played. Think he might have been the one to get Georgie Fame there (remembered clearly cos friend Big H was bouncer that night) and Womack & Womack ( very short stint , did not see)
Hog Snort and Rupert playes most Saturdays during the 70’s and could be heard practising there in the week. Great band with Rod on guitar with his black burns split sound, Jeff on bass and Pete on drums. Memorable nights.
Thanks Dave, yeah great times. Jeff lives in Pinner and I live in the United States. Pete sadly died a couple of years ago. Thanks to Nick we were able to speak on the phone before he died. I return to the UK every few years and still see Eileen Ingram who is now 83. Wonderful lady. My regards to everyone. Rod Wharton. (HogsnortRupert)
I used to follow the group at the “clay” as I lived on Field End Road at the time. I worked part time at the Windmill in Ruislip Manor and Peter was the contract cleaner there. My brother in law was Terry Vegas (remember him) and was the only guy you let gig with you. Happy days, live in Northampton now but talk about the old days often.
Many thanks for some great times
Sandie Wright
Windmill has gone now! Now it’s a block of flats! And sadly the Clay Pigeon has disappeared – now it’s a boring generic curry house.
Sadly, these areas have gone right down hill!
hi there I am from Glasgow , but was a barmaid in the clay pidgeon in the sixties Eileen was my boss there. Is she still with us . She had a beautiful daughter Jacqueline, wonder how she is doing. Happy memories. Betty.
I worked at the Clay as a barmaid, Eileen was my boss Jacqueline was her lovely daughter,how are they. Betty
They are both very well.
I worked as a barmaid in the clay pigeon. I remember my boss Eileen lovely person. Often wonder how her daughter Jackie is.I am from Glasgow
I thought it was Sunday nights, which always seemed an odd night. They used to play Only Make Believe by Conway Twitty (a really out of tune version). The Nomads also used to meet there.
screaming lord sutch played there crazy, brilliant pub sadly missed. The locals were a unique crowd, full of characters you couldnt make them up. Does anyone remember the sunday night(i think) George Daktari and the wonderful “singalonga Flo and her pink chiffon scarfe”?
We used to go listen to hog snort and Rupert all the time till we had our children the clay pigeon will be sadly missed.I didn’t even no it was gone till I went to pick my granddaughter up from school
Remember Hog, Snort and Rupert and their rendition of ‘Only Make Believe’ The Nomads used to be there
If I can think back that far Manfred Mann used to play there .
Loved the pigeon Wed, Fri, and Saturday nights were good nights.
The Clay! What a great dancing venue! The drum solo’s were amazing, and gave us a chance to have a drink and get our breath back. Also loved to pop over to Kenton/ Wembley to dance to Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.
Clay Pigeon sadly gone – now it’s a bland curry house. A lot of the old pubs in that area have gone – Eastcote Arms in South Harrow or Windmill in Ruislip Manor. Area isn’t what it was.
Does anybody remember the Jazz Club at the Clay Pigeon on, I think, a Thursday night in the early sixties? Entrance fee 3/6d (17½p). Big names there, always a good night out.
Wifey and I met in The Clay Pidgeon 24th June 1967 at 22.22. We will celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2019.
I was vocalist in a band called the Blue Stars which had a Monday night residency at the Clay Pidgeon in the early 60s. The other band members included my brother on drums who still plays, Chris Clements on lead guitar, Brian Wilson (not of Beach Boys fame) on rythm guitar and Dave Cameron on base who later went on to join the Bow Street Runners, winner of a popular TV Talent Contest in the 60s. Sadly, I lost touch with the band members when we split to go our separate ways. So if you”re still out there and happen to check out the Clay Pidgeon website I’d love to hear from you.
Remember going to the Clay pigeon to see The Spencer Davis group, could not get anywhere near the door so sat outside and listened
I rewired the Clay Pigeon in 1973 found several guitar picks under the stage one had DG inscribed on it I often wondered who it belonged to.I remember the landlord was very friendly insisted giving us lunch every day.Also have a pint glass with Clay Pigeon Hotel Eastcote.
I remember being at The Clay the night it shut down for live gigs for a while.
A bit hazy after so many years, but I think it was when Episode Six played on 1st Sep 1967. It was the night that the Eastcote Gang had a rumble with the Harrow Mob. Inside the venue glasses were smashed, chairs thrown and tables overturned. Girls had their legs cut from the melee. Everyone was trying to get on to the stage to avoid the fighting. The band started playing ‘All You Need Is Love’ but it didn’t help much. Outside, the Off Licence window was shattered – supposedly by a shotgun.
Remember the Clay (Ingram’s pub) when Hog Snort and Rupert played Sunday nights. Pete the drummer had a famous brother who played with many of the big bands. Remember their version of ‘Only Make Believe’ by Conway Twitty. Pete didn’t bother much with rehearsals as felt he was too good for them, and he was.
Also, the Nomads used to meet there, for their ‘meetings’ with the skin heads from Willesden
I remember that group. The Clay was one of our regular places in the mid 70’s.
Hi all, my Nan worked here as a barmaid in the early 60’s. Does anyone remember her – her name was Betty. Her Mum, my Great-Nan also worked there at the same time, as the cloakroom attendant – her name Liz..
Hi there, I was a barmaid also in 1965 I am from Glasgow , don’t remember your mum maybe she worked there after I left, I was there for a year, It was a great time I loved it.
We played at the clay pigeon many times in the early 60,s under name of the ’Soundsmen’, I was the bass player. Our rhythm guitarist Trevor Williams went on to join the art rock band ‘The Audience’, plus the ‘Nashville Teens’ as a Bass player when he turned professional. he was ( and still is) a very talented musician.
Great times.
My father – Fred Wyeld – managed the clay pigeon in the early 60’s. He was involved when they started allowing rock and roll bands. He has dementia now and has told me many stories. You may have met him.
Remember Mr Ingram, his wife and son
Is anybody still out there…?
I wasn’t around back in that day, but I have hazy memories of going to a pub that I know was called the Clay Pigeon, and possibly the same one, but in the early ’80s. Was it still a rock venue then? Usually it had DJs holding the fort rather than live music. Happy, but hazy days?
When I was 18 I lived in Cardinal rd so it was my local, Mick Tucker married the girl that lived in cardinal Rd the surname Brown rings a bell. After they married they lived near the clay pigeon and were often seen in the lounge on a Sunday lunch. The band that played on a Sunday night were very good. I remember the owner taking his money up to Eastcote high street bank he put the money bag in his Doberman mouth and headed off.
Tithe Farm , South Harrow was my local in the 1960 s
I remember when Roy James, great train robber showed up in his Etype.
Hi,
Mick married Pauline Brown in the church up the road and had his wedding reception at The Clay. Many photos online of it.
It was Niel Kay’s Heavy Metal Soundhouse in the 80’s.
I was bass player with a band that played many times during 1965/6 at the Clay Pigeon. until we got proper jobs in December 1966. Can’t remember any specific dates . We were called the Allies. Sadly have long since lost touch with Pete Boyce (lead guitar) and Dave Clark (Vocals) Not “the” Dave Clark obviously. Great days
Still playing now for the 1960’s & Rockabilly revival gigs
Re the ‘Allies’ , I seem to remember we might play on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at the Clay Pigeon? Is that right? Thanks for the flyer showing us at the Byron in 1965. Another great venue in the area. We played a lot at the Seagull in Lady Margaret road. Yet another big old pub with a glorious function room filled with people dancing. We knew the Seagull well as we used to practice there every week in their hall. These big function rooms have all gone. When I play in a pub now we are crammed in the main bar with no dancing room. There were a large number of such large pubs in the area. It was a whole different culture to that of central London. We did not realise how good it was at the time. We had no money though. It all went on HP from Marshall’s music shop in Ealing and the payments on a brand new Ford Thames Mini bus. Pete
I saw Trifle (George Bean’s band ) play at the Clay on January 12th 1969. I believe Paddy Murphy was the promoter
Haha I had Hogg Snort Rupert up for copying the kiwi bands name who’d made several records in NZ . I was a kiwi working at the Clay P and I had them on about not being original enough to think of their own name , 2 members of the sweet were regulars at the pub then.
Live Music every Sunday
Mr Ingram had doberman who would take the takings to bank , he also didn’t like letting me up the stairs to my room
Met my future husband at the Clay so has warm memories, yes were still together but in NZ enjoying the good life.
Can’t remember what year but certain I saw Desmomd Decker, also another local band The Waik around the same year as the Sweet.
Further to Peter White post re “Allies” – playing at the Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, Middlesex.
The Allies were formed by Paul Clark (Drums) and Alan Marshall (bass) playing “Wipe Out” for months on end in Pauls garden shed – poor Neighbours in 1963.
They were joined by Ken Beale (lead guitar) and Pauls brother David (vocals).
It was not until 1964 when Peter Boyce (Lead guitar) replaced ken Beale that they started to progress playing in west Londons dance hall pubs. Notably The Seagull, Byron, Oldfield, Greenford. American air force bases in Ickenham and High Wycombe. Sports venues in West London and Night clubs in Shepherds Bush and Nottinghill and other venues from as far north as Nottingham and as far south as Cornwal. With the new addition of Peter Boyce playing Lead guitar in the fashion of Mick Greens Rock and Blues style, they started to progress musically.
They started playing at the Clay pigeon in the late summer of 1965. On the 11th September The Allies played a charity gig on the Multiple Sclerosis float in the Southall Carnival, Late afternoon went on and played a charity gig for a Disabled Childrens party being hosted by and at the clay Pidgeon. Being a clean cut and suit wearing group the children miss took us for the Beatles needless to say we and the children had a great time playing for a lot longer that expected. The publican on buying us a drink after asked if we wanted anything, reply – yes please – to play on a Sunday at the Clay Pigeon, his reply was – after seeing the smile on those kids faces, you can play a Sunday spot once every month. Very few live group and dancing venues were open on a Sunday so it was THE place to go Sunday nights in that part of west London. In Autumn of 1965 we played at the 2i’s Coffee bar in Soho and was approached to turn professional and go to Germany for 2 years.
I had 9 months left to go on a 6 year print apprenticeship, this caused a certain amount of animosity so I played my last gig at the Seagull on (I think) 18th December 1965. Leaving Peter White to join after Christmas.
Regrets -yes – Selling my Gibson EBO bass Guitar, mahogany, short neck with Humbucker pick up, Probably the best rock bass guitar. The Guitar that John Lennon wanted Paul McCartney to buy.
I would like to give thanks to Peter Boyce for assisting me to be the Bass guitarist I was then.
Where are they all now?