Besides Greenford’s more famous Starlite Ballroom, the town’s Byron Hotel was also a popular venue for up and coming bands throughout the 1960s. I have started to compile a list of groups that were advertised playing there and would welcome any additions/corrections.
1964
I have only a few advertised listings for 1964 and would welcome any additions. The Club New Yorker operated on Thursdays and the Beach Club on Sundays
9 February – The Midnites (Dave Brogden’s diary)
9 April – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
12 April – The Tornados and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
16 April – The Heartbeats (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
19 April – The Brookmen and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
23 April – The Corona with Chris & The Bluebeats (Club New Yorker) (Greenford Post)
26 April – Group One and Betty & The Fireflys (Beach Club) (Greenford Post)
30 April – Russ & The Sabres (Club New Yorker) (Greenford Post)
3 May – The Forerunners and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
7 May – Chris & The Bluebeats and Guitars Incorporated (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
10 May – The Pacifics and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
14 May – The Partisans and Group One (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post) Harrow Weekly Post has The Heartbeats instead of The Partisans
17 May – The Sarinos and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
21 May – The Partisans (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 May – The Clansmen and Group One (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 May – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post) The Ruislip & Northwood Gazette has The Heartbeats on this date
31 May – The Unknowns and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
7 June – The Challengers and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
11 June – The Formula (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
14 June – The Chats and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post) Looks like The Bluebeats replaced The Chats
18 June – The Heartbeats Ltd (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
21 June – The Hearz Corp and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
25 June – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
28 June – The Cerinos and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
2 July – The Sabres (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post) Looks like The Unknowns replaced The Sabres
5 July – The Renegades and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
9 July – Russ & The Sabres and The David Clark Group (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
12 July – Cops & Robbers and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
16 July – The Heartbeats Ltd (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
19 July – The Fournotes and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
23 July – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
26 July – The Spectres and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
30 July – The Challengers (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
13 August – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
16 August – The Southbeats and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
20 August – The Playboys (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
23 August – The Bo Brummels and Group One (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post) Looks like The Fourtunes replaced Bo Brummels, according to Uxbridge Post
27 August – The Heartbeats (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
30 August – The Premiers and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
3 September – Russ & The Sabres (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
6 September – The Icenis and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
13 September – Group One and The Mike Dee Combo (Beach Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
17 September – The Challengers (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
20 September – Group One and Beat Generation (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
24 September – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
27 September – Group One and The Sycons (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1 October – The Playboys and Gravediggers (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
4 October – Group One and The Sparans (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
8 October – 5’s Company (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
11 October – Group One and The Crescendos (Beat Club) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 October – The Heartbeats and Crossfires (Election night special) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 October – Group One and Avantis (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
22 October – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 November – Group One and Some Other Guys (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
5 November – Diane & The Londoners and The Road Runners (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
8 November – Group One and The Berrys (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
12 November – 5’s Company and The Limets (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
15 November – Group One and The Sycons (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
19 November – The Heartbeats Ltd and The Metros (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
22 November – Group One and Sounds 5 (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
26 November – The Orbits and The Beatvendors (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
6 December – The Sidewalks (John Warburg research)
13 December – Group One and The Notes (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
17 December – The Orbits and The Shanes (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
20 December – Group One and The Shackles (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
26 December – The Heartbeats and The Niteowls (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Observer & Gazette) Ruislip & Northwood Gazette has The Side Kicks instead of Niteowls
27 December – Group One and Mink Creeds (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1965
I have only a few advertised listings for 1965 and would welcome any additions
Judging by the original posters that Ken Samuels has very kindly provided below, the Club New Yorker operated on Thursdays and the Beach Club on Sundays
1 January – Four Sounds and Shades of Night (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
7 January – The Challengers and King Tadpole (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 January – Group One and The Electrons (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 January – The Heartbeats and The Invokers (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Harrow Weekly Post)
24 January – Group One (resident band) and Brothers Grimm (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 January – The Orbits and Units (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
4 February – The Heartbeats Ltd and The Southerns (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
7 February – Group One (resident band) and The Beat Vendors (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
11 February – Bros Grimm and The Devil Riders (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
14 February – The Invokers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
18 February – Four Jacks & Joker and The Electrons (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster/Harrow Weekly Post)
21 February – Group One (resident band) and The Allies (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster/Harrow Weekly Post)
25 February – The Orbits and Nemo & The Unknowns (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
28 February – Group One (resident band) and The Phantom Creed (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster/Harrow Weekly Post)
7 March – Group One (resident band) and Dezebows (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 March – Brothers Grimm and The Turnkeys (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 March – Group One (resident band) and The Fairlaines (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 March – Group One (resident band) and The E-Types (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 March – The Heartbeats and The Reasons (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
4 April – Group One (resident band) and The Quantrells (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 April – Brothers Grimm and Peeple (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 April – Group One (resident band) and The Chosen Few (Beach Club) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 April – Group One (resident band) and The Modes (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
22 April – Great Expectations and Miston-Tuac (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 April – Group One (resident band) and Swamp River Group (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
29 April – The Heartbeats and Beat Syndicate (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
2 May – Group One (resident band) and The Sneakers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
6 May – 5’s Company and The Gweex (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post/Ken Samuels’ poster)
9 May – Group One (resident band) and Down South (Harrow Weekly Post/Ken Samuels’ poster)
13 May – The Fairlanes and The Altones (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
16 May – Group One (resident band) and The Prowlers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
20 May – Rhythm 4 and The Crowd (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
23 May – Group One (resident band) and The Richochets (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
27 May – The Orbits and Senate 4 (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
30 May – Group One (resident band) and The Kynde (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
3 June – The Shannons and The Proudwalkers (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
6 June – Group One (resident band) and The Shades of Blue (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
10 June – The Beatwaves and Flight One (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
13 June – Group One (resident band) and The Town Criers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
17 June – The Orbits and The Nitewalkers (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
20 June – Group One (resident band) and Tyme Flys (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
24 June – Rhythm 4 and Bruce Lloyd Hi-Fi’s (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
27 June – Group One (resident band) and Unit 5 (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
1 July – Flight One and The Railroaders (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
4 July – Group One (resident band) and The Set (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
8 July – 5’s Company and The Moonbeats (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
11 July – Group One (resident band) and The Apex (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
15 July – The Rhythm 4 and The Viking Lords (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post/Ken Samuels’ poster)
18 July – Group One (resident band) and Combo 2000 (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
22 July – The Do Do’s (direct from Paris) and The Atlantic Blues (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
25 July – Group One (resident band) and The Middle Sounds (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
29 July – Bros Grimm and The Billtones (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
1 August – Group One (resident band) and Men Tuesday (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
5 August – The Sceptres and The Contours (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Expressions instead of The Sceptres
8 August – Group One (resident band) and The Wembeats (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
12 August – 5’s Company and The Peasants (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
15 August – Group One (resident band) and The Square Roots (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
19 August – Flight One and Y-The-L (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
22 August – Group One (resident band) and The Deils (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
26 August – Rhythm 4 and Pieces of Four (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
29 August – Group One (resident band) and The Branded (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
2 September – The Insects and The Blue Prints (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
5 September – Group One (resident band) and The Missing Links (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
9 September – The Expressions and Remnant Furds (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
12 September – Group One (resident band) and The Plainsmen (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
16 September – Flight One and The Tellers (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
19 September – The Hubbubs and Cyclons (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster) Harrow Observer & Gazette has Group One instead of The Hubbubs
23 September – 5’s Company and The Moonbeats (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
26 September – Group One (resident band) and The Characters (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
30 September – Rhythm 4 and The Section (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
3 October – Group One and The Byrd Herd (Middlesex Chronicle)
7 October – The Missing Links and The End Group (Middlesex Chronicle)
10 October – Group One and The Aboves (Middlesex Chronicle)
14 October – Great Expectations and Shades of Blue (Middlesex Chronicle)
17 October – Group One and Flamingos (Middlesex Chronicle)
21 October – Rhythm 4 and The Henchmen (Middlesex Chronicle) Greg Peck says that the group became The Motion soon after
24 October – Group One and The Clan (Middlesex Chronicle)
28 October – 5’s Company and The Shanes (Middlesex Chronicle)
31 October – Group One and The Legends (Middlesex Chronicle)
7 November – Group One and Corals (Middlesex Chronicle)
11 November – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Keystones (Middlesex Chronicle)
14 November – Group One and Confederates (Middlesex Chronicle)
18 November – The Sons of Fred and The Legends (Middlesex Chronicle)
19 November – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
21 November – Group One and The Arts Group (Middlesex Chronicle)
25 November – 5’s Company and Blue in Blues (Middlesex Chronicle)
5 December – Group One and William & The Conquerors (Middlesex Chronicle)
9 December – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Harmonies (Middlesex Chronicle)
12 December – Group One and The Sovereigns (Middlesex Chronicle)
16 December – 5’s Company and The Kards (Middlesex Chronicle)
19 December – Group One and New Jump Band (Middlesex Chronicle)
23 December – The Nite Hawks and No Names (Middlesex Chronicle)
26 December – Group One and Vampires (Middlesex Chronicle)
30 December – The Keystones and No Names (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1966
There are some gaps and would welcome any additions. Judging by the dates below, gigs appear to have taken place on Thursdays and Sundays
2 January – Group One and Witnesses (Middlesex Chronicle)
6 January – Y-The-L and Things Like Us (Middlesex Chronicle) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Maniacs plus folk blues
9 January – Group One and The Waik (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 January – The Maniacs and ‘folk blues’ (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 January – Group One and The Impact (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Hayes Gazette)
20 January – Rhythm 4 and The Doubles (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 January – Group One and The Embers (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 January – The New Jump Band and Diversion (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 February – Group One and The Lincolns (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 February – The 10 Maniacs and The Nameless Ones (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 February – Group One and The Midbeats (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 February – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Mode (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Middlesex Chronicle)
20 February – Group One and Foundations (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette) This isn’t the more famous Foundations
24 February – The Tributes and The T-Set (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 March – New Group One and George Bean & The Runners (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Hayes Gazette)
10 March – The Penny Blacks and Y-The-L (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Hayes Gazette)
13 March – Group One with Patsy and The Soundtracks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 March – 5’s Company and The Rest (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 March – Group One and The Discords (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 March – The Tributes and The Michigan Set (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 March – The Group One with Patsy and The Blue Shades (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
31 March – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Legends (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 April – Group One and The Hi-Jacks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 April – The Penny Blacks and The Unamed (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 April – The In-Betweens (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 May – Group One and After 8 Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 May – The Beatwares and The Tramps (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 May – Group One and The City Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 May – The Penny Blacks and The Night Shift (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 May – Group One and The Trades (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 May – 2×2 and Legal Matter (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 June – Group One and Someone Else (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 June – 5’s a Company (Five’s Company?) and The Skor (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 June – Group One with Barbara Ann and Imminent (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 June – The Keys and Den Oyzee (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 July – Group One with Barbara Ann & The Insects (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Weekly Post)
7 July – The Zombies and The Boots (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette) Not sure if this is Rod Argent’s Zombies
10 July – Group One and Miston-Tuac (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
14 July – The Zombies and Someone Else (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer) Not sure if this is Rod Argent’s Zombies
17 July – Group One and The Meteors (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 July – Insect and The Debtors (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 July – The Sultans and ‘Blues folk’ (Harrow Observer)
31 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 August – Group One and The Blackouts (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 August – 2×2 and The Unconcerned (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 August – Group One and The Mellows (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 August – Insect Conventions (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 August – Group One and Track One (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 August – 5’s Company and The Unconcerned (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 September – Group One and Blue Fringe (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
22 September – The Fortunes and Pam’s Goodies (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 October – Group One and Gravey Train (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 October – Group One and Alsops Fables (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 November – Group One and The PM Squares (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 November – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The 10 Boots (Middlesex Chronicle)
13 November – Group One and Take Five (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 November – Locomotion and The Priory Monks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 December – Group one and The Rave (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 December – The Flashbacks and The Sunsets (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 December – The Cage (Harrow Weekly Post)
15 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 December – Bobby King & The Sabres (Friday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 December – Group One and Gravey Train (Monday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1967
I have significant gaps in 1967 and would welcome any additions. Again, it looks like bands played on Thursdays and Sundays
1 January – Group One and Outer Limit (Harrow Weekly Post)
5 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 January – Group One and The Modern Blue Six (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 January – Bryans Kick and Phase Six (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 January – Group One and Cage Rage (probably Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 February – Group One (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 February – The Way Out, The Hub Bub Sound and Jeep Rongle (Saturday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 February – Group One, The Cage and Magog 5 (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 February – The Accent (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 February – The Penny Blacks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 February – 2×2 and The Falcons (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 March – 2×2 and Torque (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 March – The Keys and Safari (Monday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
30 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 April – The Flashbak’ks and The Corsairs (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette) The Harrow Observer lists The Corvettes
13 April – The Shameless and The Teaks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
16 April – The Penny Blacks and Captain Rudley Group (Harrow Observer)
20 April – The Keys and The Situation (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
23 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
Geoff Chinnery, manager of The Dave Martin Group, confirms from his diary that the band auditioned at the venue on 27 April
29 April – The Keys and Locomotion (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 May – The Midnights (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
15 May – The Motive (Harrow Observer)
18 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
Geoff Chinnery, manager of The Dave Martin Group, confirms from his diary that the band was one of the two groups that performed on 4 June
8 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 June – The Keys and The Code (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 June – The Shameless and The Set (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 July – The Shameless and Tales of Justice (Saturday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
20 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 July – Karl G & The Arrows and Cameron’s Impact (Saturday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
27 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 August – The Arrows (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
10 August – The Motive (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
13 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 August – Karl G Arrows (Monday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
31 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 November – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer/Thames Valley Times)
12 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 November (Friday) Washington DCs and The Motives (Thames Valley Times)
30 November – The Gods and The Motives (Harrow Observer/Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Thames Valley Times) Locomotion replaced The Motives
3 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 December – The Hummingbirds (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
24 December – The Arrows (Harrow Observer)
26 December – The Motive (Tuesday) (Harrow Observer)
31 December – The Nett (Harrow Observer)
1968
I have a lot of gaps in 1968 and would welcome any additions
17 March – Lemon Tree Men and Locomotion (Thames Valley Times)
19 April – The Firestones (Thames Valley Times)
26 July – Pinkerton’s Colours (Thames Valley Times)
11 August – Marmalade (Thames Valley Times)
25 August – Amboy Dukes (Thames Valley Times)
15 September – The Foundations (Thames Valley Times)
29 September – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
13 October – The Mojos (Thames Valley Times)
24 October – Plastic Penny (Thames Valley Times)
3 November – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Thames Valley Times)
17 November – Plastic Penny (Thames Valley Times)
1 December – The Nite Riders (Harrow Observer)
8 December – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Harrow Observer)
15 December – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Harrow Observer)
22 December – Jon James & The Swamp (Harrow Observer)
24 December – Karl G Arrows (Tuesday) (Harrow Observer)
29 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Harrow Observer)
Together with St Mary’s Hall, also in Putney, the Pontiac Club was a popular venue in southwest London in the early-mid 1960s.
Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds were resident band there at one point as were The Action, formerly The Boys and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
The club was located at 200 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, near the main railway station.
I have started a gig list below and would welcome any additions as well as memories in the comments below. If you have any memorabilia, including posters for the club, I would be happy to include them with a credit.
1963
28 December 1963 (Saturday) – Manfred Mann and Mark Leeman Five (Greg Russo’s research)
1965
Initially billed as the New Pontiac Club
27 May 1965 (Thursday) – Donovan with full supporting groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
28 May 1965 (Friday) – Alex Harvey Soul Band with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
29 May 1965 (Saturday) – The Peddlers with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
30 May 1965 (Sunday) – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
2 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Alexis Korner with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
4 June 1965 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants, The Billy Woods Combo and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
6 June 1965 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Outsiders with support (Melody Maker)
9 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Muleskinners with support (Melody Maker)
Future Small Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan played with The Muleskinners.
11 June 1965 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (New Musical Express)
16 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters and The Blues Messengers (Melody Maker)
18 June 1965 (Friday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
19 June 1965 (Saturday) – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band (Melody Maker)
20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Hollies and Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)
25 June 1965 (Friday) – The Boston Dexters and Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men (Melody Maker)
26 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Mark Leeman Five (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
27 June 1965 (Sunday) – Phil Ryan & The Crescents (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays may also have been on the bill for this date
30 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Artwoods and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
2 July 1965 (Friday) – The Mark Leeman Five and Platform 6 (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
3 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Comanches and The Primitives (Melody Maker)
4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (Melody Maker)
7 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
9 July 1965 (Friday) – The Beat Merchants and The Comanches (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
10 July 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
11 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters and The Fetish Crowd (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
14 July 1965 (Wednesday) – Manfred Mann and The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
16 July 1965 (Friday) – The Checkmates and The Thoughts (New Musical Express)
17 July 1965 (Saturday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express)
18 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
21 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Classmates and Group Survival (Melody Maker)
23 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The Five Proud Walkers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
24 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Peter Fenton & The Tasty Mob (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
The Action were recently billed as The Boys.
25 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Thoughts (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
28 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Who and surf band in support (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) (see comments section below) This could have been The Summer Set
30 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The RBQ (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
31 July 1965 (Saturday) – John Lee’s Groundhogs (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
1 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
4 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers started a regular (two month) Wednesday night residency on this date.
6 August 1965 (Friday) – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Fetish Crowd (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
7 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Soul Survival (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
Later this same evening The Byrds played at the Pontiac Club. According to author Don Hughes, The Dae-b-Four were the support band.
8 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
11 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
13 August 1965 (Friday) – Guy Hamilton & The Senators (Melody Maker)
14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Primitives and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
15 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
18 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
20 August 1965 (Friday) – The Fenmen (New Musical Express)
21 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Sonny Childe & The Cool School (New Musical Express)
22 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Truth (New Musical Express)
25 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express)
According to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book Strange Brew, this was the last gig by The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton who left and was replaced by a succession of fill-in guitarists before returning in November.
27 August 1965 (Friday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
28 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
29 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Ingoes (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
The Ingoes morphed into Blossom Toes.
1 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Weider, who has previously played with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates among others, covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
3 September 1965 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (New Musical Express)
4 September 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (New Musical Express)
The VIPs band morphed into Spooky Tooth.
5 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
The Action had a regular Sunday residency at this venue for a while. Some sources also note that The Objects played in support on this date.
8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Slaughter from Chris Barber’s band covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
10 September 1965 (Friday) – The Crowd (Melody Maker)
11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Melody Maker)
12 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
18 September 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
19 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
22 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
This is the band’s final show at the Pontiac and Hjort notes that Peter Green approached Mayall at this venue to ask if he could take over from Krivit as permanent guitarist.
24 September 1965 (Friday) – Tony Colton’s Big Boss Band (Melody Maker)
25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants (Melody Maker)
26 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)
2 October 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (Melody Maker)
3 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
9 October 1965 (Saturday) – Five Proud Walkers (Info from John Treais)
10 October 1965 (Sunday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)
15 October 1965 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)
Them was Van Morrison’s Belfast band. Around this time, former members began gigged in a rival Them.
16 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Arthur Brown Union (Info from John Treais)
17 October 1965 (Sunday) – Gary Farr & T-Bones (Melody Maker)
20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – T-Bone Walker and The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)
22 October 1965 (Friday) – Dean Ford & The Gaylords (Melody Maker)
This band morphed into Marmalade.
23 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Vectors (Melody Maker)
24 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
30 October 1964 (Saturday) – Victor Brox (Info from John Treais)
31 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
6 November 1965 (Saturday) – J C & The Machine (aka Julian Covey) (Melody Maker)
After John McVie was sacked from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers on 3 October, he found work with Julian Covey’s band until he returned to Mayall in early January 1966.
7 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
9 November 1965 (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (Melody Maker)
17 December 1965 (Friday) – The Carnaby (Melody Maker)
18 December 1965 (Saturday) – The High Society (Melody Maker)
This group had recently been The Arthur Brown Union but when Arthur left earlier this month, singer Dave Terry (aka Elmer Gantry) took over. They soon became The Union.
19 December 1965 (Sunday) – The Crowd with Peter Fenton (Melody Maker)
24 December 1965 (Friday) – The Army (Melody Maker)
Emerging out of Hampton R&B band, The Others, this group soon changed name to Sands.
26 December 1965 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
27 December 1965 (Monday) – The Mickey Finn (Melody Maker)
1966
17 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Loose Ends and support (Melody Maker)
19 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Checkers and support (Melody Maker)
20 March 1966 (Sunday) – The In Crowd (Melody Maker)
The In Crowd morphed into Tomorrow in early 1967.
23 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
24 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Mickey Finns (Melody Maker)
26 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Basic 5 (Melody Maker)
27 March 1966 (Sunday) – The Shevells (Melody Maker)
5 May 1966 (Thursday) – The Carl Douglas Set (poster from Ken Baxter)
7 May 1966 (Saturday) – Dracken Lewis 5 (most likely Deakin Lewis) and Front Line (poster from Ken Baxter)
28 May 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)
4 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Drag Set (Melody Maker)
18 June 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)
Opened on 2 June 1964, the Attic Club in Hounslow was an important music venue in west London.
Located at 1a High Street, the club subsequently became the Zambesi Club and then the Ricky Tick.
All of the gigs below are from the Kingston & Malden Borough News (unless otherwise noted). There are some omissions and some acts that were advertised may have been changed at the last minute.
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any missing dates, correct any entries and provide any memories of the club in the comments below.
2 June – The Swinging Blue Jeans (this was the opening night)
3 June – The Vandells Blues
4 June – The Tempests
5 June – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Middlesex Chronicle initially has The Skyways in support and then a week later it advertises Frankie Roy & The Soundcasters)
6 June – The Sheffields
7 June – The Smokey Beats
9 June – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated and The Vandells Blues (Middlesex Chronicle)
10 June – Eddie King & The Chequers (Middlesex Chronicle)
11 June – The Copains (Middlesex Chronicle)
12 June – The Dennisons and The Stereos
13 June – Alex Harvey Soul Band and Miston Tuac
14 June – The Beatvendors
16 June – The Pretty Things and Them (not Van Morrison’s band but a local group that became Themselves)
17 June – The Mods and Gene & The Cossacks (Record Mirror)
18 June – The Nitebeats
19 June – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders and The Tempests
20 June – The Cheynes, The Kingbees and The Roosters (this is most likely the version led by brothers Pete and Ron Jeffries and not Ben Palmer’s Roosters who had featured Eric Clapton and Tom McGuinness between January and August 1963).
21 June – The Arrows
23 June – The Fairies and Miston Tuac
24 June – The Beatvendors and The Sinphires
25 June – The Yardbirds and The Snowballs
26 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Gene & The Cossacks (possibly replaced by The Travellers)
27 June – The Vandells Blues, The Habbits and The Clique
Record Mirror has The King Bees rather than The Clique
28 June – The Stereos
29 June – Rory Blackwell & The Monsters, The Senators and Group Four (Record Mirror notes that the club is now open on Mondays)
30 June – Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men and Them (aka Themselves)
1 July – Diane & The Londoners, Ray Del & The (Rocking) Deacons and The Spirits
2 July – The Sideliners
3 July – The Merseybeats and The Arrows (replaced by The Kossacks and The Bow Seekers)
4 July – Blues by Six and Miston Tuac
5 July – Gene & The Cossacks
6 July – Rory Blackwell & The Monsters and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Ian Gillan didn’t join until November 1964)
7 July – Charlie & Inez Foxx, The Spencer Davis Group and Group ’65’ (Them aka Themselves)
8 July – The Snowballs and The Beat Syndicate
9 July – Roy & The Vampires
10 July – Erky Grant & The Tonnettes, The Tempests and The Second Thoughts
11 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Copains
12 July – The Beatvenders (aka The Beatvendors)
13 July – Rory Blackwell & His Monsters, The Tridents (Jeff Beck didn’t join until early September 1964) and The Springbeats
14 July – Alex Harvey Soul Band and Miston Tuac
15 July – Eddie King & The Chequers
16 July – The Klook
17 July – The Chants, The Harlems and Just Memphis
18 July – The Sheffields and Them (aka Themselves)
19 July – Wayne Dean & The Telestars
20 July – Rory Blackwell & His Monsters
21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, Long John Baldry and Blues x 6 (Blues by Six?)
22 July – The Mojos and The Soundcasters
Middlesex Chronicle has The Fanatics instead of The Soundcasters
23 July – The Ravers
24 July – The Animals and Steve Marriott’s Moments
25 July – Alexis Korner Blues Incorporated and Miston Tuac
26 July – Special All Star Show with PJ Proby with The Diamonds with Rory Blackwell & His Monsters, Frankie Roy & The Soundcasters, The Sonics, The Roosters and The Condors
27 July – Rory Blackwell & The Monsters with supporting groups
28 July – The Cheynes
29 July – The Skyways
30 July – The Seytons
31 July – Mal Ryder & The Spirits with Steve Marriott’s Moments
1 August – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Ray Clevelands
2 August – The Clique
4 August – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated and Miston Tuac
5 August – Gene & The Cossacks and The Phantom Raiders
6 August – The Cardinals
7 August – Dave Curtiss & His Tremors and The Fanatics
8 August – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and The Clique
9 August – Steve Marriot’s Moments
10 August – group plays according to Middlesex Chronicle but the name isn’t listed
11 August – Steve Marriot’s Moments
12 August – Eddie King & The Chequers
13 August – The CC Riders
14 August – The Stormsville Shakers and The Ray Clevelands
15 August – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames with Them (aka Themselves)
16 August – The Cops & Robbers
18 August – Steve Marriot’s Moments
19 August – The Pitmen
21 August – Manfred Mann and Gene & The Cossacks
22 August – The Graham Bond Organisation with supporting groups
23 August – Jerry James & The Bandits (Middlesex Chronicle)
25 August – Them (aka Themselves) (Middlesex Chronicle)
26 August – The Hysters (Middlesex Chronicle)
28 August – Grant Tracy & The Sunsets and The Sways
Record Mirror has Jerry James & The Bandits rather than The Sways while the Middlesex Chronicle has Brian & The Knights
29 August – Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men and The RBQ
30 August – The Ray Clevelands
1 September – Steve Marriott’s Moments
2 September – Tony Knight & The Livewires
4 September – The Beatmen and The Fanatics (the latter may have been replaced by The Soundcasters)
5 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Them (aka Themselves) Beat Monthly lists The Downliners Sect on this date
6 September – Brian & The Knights
8 September – Them (aka Themselves)
9 September – The De Kuyper Sect
11 September – The Classmates and Gene & The Cossacks
12 September – The Spencer Davis Group and The Pitmen
13 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Middlesex Chronicle)
15 September – Steve Marriott’s Moments
16 September – The Eiffels (Middlesex Chronicle)
18 September – Annette & The keymen and The Cheetahs (Record Mirror)
19 September – The Soul Agents (Rod Stewart didn’t join until December 1964)
Record Mirror has Jerry James & The Bandits as The Soul Agents’ support band
20 September – Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s diary)
Record Mirror has Les Fauves on this date (they probably remained as support band)
21 September – missing entry
22 September – missing entry
23 September – missing entry
24 September – missing entry
25 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen and Ken Gordon & The Downsiders
26 September – The Downliners Sect and The Clique
27 September – The Swinging Grades
Record Mirror and the Middlesex Chronicle have The Cobwebs rather than The Swinging Grades
29 September – The Sonics
Record Mirror has DJ Rona Lee Jay on 29 September
Missing many entries for October
2 October – Keith Powell & The Valets and The Soundcasters (Record Mirror)
3 October – The Ray Clevelands and The Certs (Record Mirror)
4 October – The Blues Profits (Record Mirror)
6 October – DJ Rona Lee Jay and The Rumbles Blues Band (Record Mirror)
9 October – Annette & The Keymen and Jeff Elroy & The Boys Blue (Record Mirror)
10 October – The Soul Agents with supporting group
11 October – The Kentones (Record Mirror)
13 October – DJ Rona Lee Jay (Record Mirror)
16 October – Jon Best & The Challenges and The Nesters (Record Mirror)
17 October – Just Memphis and The Rumbles Blues Band (Record Mirror)
18 October – The Kingpins (Record Mirror)
20 October – DJ Chuck Benell (Record Mirror)
31 October – Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s diary)
Top clipping and photos courtesy of Gray Newell. The rest are from the Kingston & Malden Borough News and Middlesex Chronicle.
The Blue Moon in Hayes was an important music venue in west London.
Bob Danks recalls Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers playing at the Blue Moon in Hayes regularly in the early 1960s (see comments section). He also thinks Ritchie Blackmore played his first show with Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages at the Blue Moon after leaving Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers.
I have started to collate a comprehensive gig list and would welcome any additions and memories of the club in the comments below.
1963
27 January 1963 (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Weekly Post)
3 February 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 April 1963 (Sunday) – Julie Grant & The Citizens (Harrow Weekly Post)
9 June 1963 (Sunday) – Sounds Inc with Bruce Welsh & The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
16 June 1963 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Innocents (Harrow Weekly Post)
23 June 1963 (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Weekly Post)
30 June 1963 (Sunday) – Wee Willy Harris and High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
7 July 1963 (Sunday) – The Big Three with The Riversiders (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 July 1963 (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 July 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 July 1963 (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes and The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
4 August 1963 (Sunday) – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 September 1963 (Sunday) – Rikki Rand & The Soundsmen and Bruce Lloyd & The Hi-Fi’s (Harrow Weekly Post)
15 September 1963 (Friday) – Malcolm Clark & The Cresters (Harrow Weekly Post) Needs confirmation
22 September 1963 (Sunday) – The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Robb Charles Combo (Harrow Weekly Post)
29 September 1963 (Sunday) – Malcolm Clark & The Cresters (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 October 1963 (Sunday) – The Undertakers and The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 October 1963 (Sunday) – The Federals (Beat Monthly)
20 October 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 November 1963 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 November 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
1964
5 January 1964 (Sunday) – Manfred Mann (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
12 January 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
19 January 1964 (Sunday) – The Contrasts (Beat Monthly)
2 February 1964 (Sunday) – Manfred Mann (Greg Russo’s research)
5 April 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
19 April 1964 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Impacts (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
26 April 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
3 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
10 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Paramounts (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
24 May 1964 (Sunday) – Alex Harvey Soul Band (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
27 May 1964 (Wednesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
31 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
10 June 1964 (Wednesday) – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book The Yardbirds: the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page)
26 July 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
16 August 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)
7 September 1964 (Monday) – The Birds (needs source but most likely Harrow Weekly Post)
20 December 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental/Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1965
3 January 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Nightimers (Ruislip and Northwood Gazette)
10 January 1965 (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Ruislip and Northwood Gazette)
17 January 1965 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 January 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
Roger Dean is the lead guitarist with The Bluesbreakers at this stage.
31 January 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Greenford Weekly Post)
7 February 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 February 1965 (Sunday) – The Chessmen (Greenford Weekly Post)
21 February 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers and The Brian Auger Trinity (Harrow Weekly Post)
7 March 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
4 April 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 April 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
Eric Clapton had joined earlier this month replacing Roger Dean.
18 April 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 April 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
2 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)
9 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group and (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds with Count Prince Miller (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
16 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post)
23 May 1965 (Sunday) – Long John Baldry (Harrow Weekly Post)
30 May 1965 (Sunday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
7 June 1965 (Monday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s Strange Brew book)
20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Who (Harrow Weekly Post)
27 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 July 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post) This gig is missing from Christopher Hjort’s book below so may not have happened. Also advert above suggests Georgie Fame instead
25 July 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
1 August 1965 (Sunday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
22 August 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)
Southall Community Centre in Southall in west London was a significant music venue in the early to mid 1960s.
During the early 1960s, many of the American rock ‘n’ roll legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent played at Southall Community Centre on their UK tours. This may well have been because visiting US artists would have passed through or near to Southall after arriving at London Airport on their way to central London.
The venue was also important for west London bands and is particularly significant because future Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore played there often, especially with Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers. It was while he was gigging with this band at Southall Community Centre that he was spotted by Screaming Lord Sutch, who invited him to join his backing band, The Savages. An invitation he duly accepted.
The Johnny Rebs were the resident band at Southall Community Centre in the early 1960s.
Terry O’Connor also remembers Duggie Dee & The Strangers played here and backed Screaming Lord Sutch when The Savages weren’t available. He also remembers Peter Nelson & The Travelers appeared a few times.
Malcolm Lenny says that his band Tony Holland & The Packabeats were regulars at the venue during the early-mid 1960s (see comments section at the very end).
I have made a start on a list of artists that played here and dates. I would welcome any additions and also any memories of the venue in the comments section below. If anyone has any memorabilia or photos of bands playing here, I would be happy to include them with the images credited accordingly.
1960
14 February (Sunday) – 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.
21 August (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 September (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 September (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 November (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 December (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1961
Drummer Bob Danks recalls playing at Southall Community Centre with Ritchie Blackmore’s first band, The Dominators in early 1961.
8 January (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 January (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
19 February (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Brian Mansell has Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers playing an audition on 19 February 1961. This was before Ritchie Blackmore joined on lead guitar, replacing Brian Sell.
According to sax player Dave Brogden who later joined The Statesmen after they had changed name to The Statesides, Southall Community Centre auditioned groups before the main bands came on to see the punter’s reactions. Usually, they would play a 30-minute set from when the doors opened.
5 March (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 June (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Ritchie Blackmore had joined Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers on lead guitar by now, taking over from Brian Sell.
2 July (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
16 July (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 July (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 September (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
1 October (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
10 December (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1962
1 April (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Brian Mansell went on to join Frankie Reid & The Casuals after The Jaywalkers split.
6 May (Sunday) – Gene Vincent with Sounds Incorporated (Tony Tacon’s recollections)
Tony Tacon remembers attending the gig with his friends Nick Simper (who later joined the original Deep Purple) and Keith Roach, who later played drums in Tacon’s band Ian Gillan & The Javelins.
19 August (Sunday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Future Animals’ bass player Danny McCulloch was with the band at this point. Drummer Terry Mabey had already taken over from his predecessor Mitch Mitchell.
7 October (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates and Terry Franks & The Avalons (Johnny Kidd website)
1963
6 January (Sunday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
13 January (Sunday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
20 January (Sunday) – Barrie James Show (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
27 January (Sunday) – Barrie James Show and Vince Eager (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 February (Sunday) – Rolf Harris & The Diggeroos (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 February (Sunday) – Rolf Harris & The Diggeroos and Shane Fenton & The Fentones (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 February (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 March (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Terry Young, Tony Holland & The Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 March (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 March (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
31 March (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 April (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
14 April (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 April (Sunday) – Roly Daniels and The Flintstones (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 April (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
5 May (Sunday) – The Avalons and The Spirits (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 May (Sunday) – Tony Holland & The Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
19 May (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Beat Monthly/Harrow Observer & Gazette)
26 May (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 June (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 June (Sunday) – Gene Vincent (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
16 June (Sunday) – The Golli-Golli Boys (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
23 June (Sunday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
30 June (Sunday) – The Clearways and Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 July (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 July (Sunday) – The Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 July (Sunday) – The Packabeats, Linda Laine & The Sinners and The Consuls (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 July (Sunday) – The Dreamers and Johnny Milton & The Condors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
4 August (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
11 August (Sunday) – The Cherokees (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 August (Sunday) – The Cherokees (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 September (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
8 September (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Johnny Leyton on 8 September
15 September (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 September (Sunday) – Rockin’ Henri (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 September (Sunday) – The Tornados (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
6 October (Sunday) – The Big Three (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
13 October (Sunday) – Buddy Britten & The Regents (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
20 October (Sunday) – Ray Pilgrim Show (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
27 October (Sunday) – Tommy Bruce & The Bruisers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 November (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)
10 November (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 November (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 November (Sunday) – Johnny Milton & The Condors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 December (Sunday) – Johnny Milton & The Condors and Jimmy Crawford (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
8 December (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 December (Sunday) – Sounds Incorporated (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 December (Sunday) – The Clearways and The Shades (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 December (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Linda Laine & The Sinners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1964
5 January (Sunday) – Johnny Milton & The Condors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 January (Sunday) – The Midnites (audition) (Dave Brogden’s diary)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Shayne Fenton & The Fentones on 12 January so Brogden’s band would have auditioned earlier in the day
19 January (Sunday) – The Merseybeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
26 January (Sunday) – Sounds Incorporated (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 February (Sunday) – Brigitte Bond & The Contrasts (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 February (Sunday) – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Beat Monthly)
16 February (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
23 February (Sunday) – Tony Meehan Combo (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 February (Friday) – The Fortytwo Big Band led by Tommy Watt (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 March (Sunday) – The Clearways and The original Checkmates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
8 March (Sunday) – Grant Tracey & The Sunsets (Beat Monthly)
15 March (Sunday) – Gene Vincent (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 March (Sunday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Beat Monthly)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Pat Wayne & The Beachcombers on 22 March
28 March (Saturday) – Gene Vincent (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers on 28 March
5 April (Sunday) – The Rattles (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
Bass player Dave Wigginton says that Jeff Curtis & The Flames supported the German band at this venue and this seems the most plausible date.
12 April (Sunday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
26 April (Sunday) – Erkey Grant (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 May (Sunday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Beat Monthly)
10 May (Sunday) – Tommy Quickly & The Remo Four (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 May (Sunday) – The Hollies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
This may refer to next week’s gig (see next entry)
23 May (Sunday) – The Hollies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
30 May (Sunday) – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 June (Sunday) – Tony Sheveton & The Shevalls (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
14 June (Sunday) – Kingsize Taylor & The Dominos (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 June (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 June (Sunday) – Diane & The Londoners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
5 July (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 July (Sunday) – Robbie Hood & His Merrymen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
19 July (Sunday) – The Pretty Things (Beat Monthly)
26 July (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 August (Sunday) – The Fairies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 August (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides and The Druids (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
This is The Statesmen, who had changed name to Jean & The Statesides in May 1964. 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)
16 August (Sunday) – Erkey Grant (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
23 August (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
30 August (Sunday) – The Livewires (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
6 September (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
13 September (Sunday) – The Zombies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
20 September (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
27 September (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides with The Naturals (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Dave Brogden’s band The Crossfires auditioned this evening before both bands played. The Crossfires played a 30-minute set after the doors opened but didn’t land any work at the Southall Community Centre after auditioning.
4 October (Sunday) – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
11 October (Sunday) – The Roulettes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 October (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
25 October (Sunday) – The Merseybeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 November (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides with The Druids (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 November (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 November (Sunday) – The Hollies (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
22 November (Sunday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 November (Sunday) – The Mojos (Beat Instrumental)
6 December (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Jean & The Statesides (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 December (Sunday) – Tommy Quickly (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
20 December (Sunday) – Sounds Incorporated (Beat Instrumental)
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’ diaryand 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)
The Toby Jug in Tolworth, Surrey, not far from Kingston Upon Thames in southwest London, was a really important rock music venue in the late 1960s and played host to pretty much all of the top draws of the day, including Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, Joe Cocker & The Grease Band, Traffic and Led Zeppelin.
Having been a jazz venue, Toby Jug (which briefly operated as a club for R&B in early 1964) opened in early March 1968 as a rock club.
Music researcher Alan Clayson’s book on The Yardbirds (a group from the local area), lists two gigs from 1964:
20 January 1964 – The Yardbirds 27 January 1964 – The Yardbirds
It looks like from the advert below that the venue was changed due to popular demand.
The following gigs are sourced from listings in the Kingston & Malden Borough News. Mick Capewell’s Marmalade Skies was also a great resource.
I would welcome any additions in the comments below and also any memories of artists that played there.
13 March 1968 – Fleetwood Mac 20 March 1968 – Aynsley Dunbar’s Retaliation 27 March 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers 10 April 1968 – Champion Jack Dupree and Black Cat Bones 17 April 1968 – Fleetwood Mac and Chicken Shack 8 May 1968 – Aynsley Dunbar’s Retaliation 15 May 1968 – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band 22 May 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers 5 June 1968 – Savoy Brown 12 June 1968 – Jethro Tull 19 June 1968 – Chicken Shack 26 June 1968 – Keef Hartley (or was this 24 June?) 3 July 1968 – Taste 10 July 1968 – Family 17 July 1968 – Jethro Tull 24 July 1968 – Chicken Shack 31 July 1968 – John Dummer Blues Band 7 August 1968 – Ten Years After 14 August 1968 – Taste 21 August 1968 – Jethro Tull 28 August 1968 – Savoy Brown 4 September 1968 – Traffic 11 September 1968 – Fleetwood Mac 18 September 1968 – Ten Years After (or was this Taste?) 3 October 1968 – The Nice 9 October 1968 – Jethro Tull 16 October 1968 – Jethro Tull 23 October 1968 – Colosseum 10 November 1968 – Timebox 13 November 1968 – Fleetwood Mac 17 November 1968 – Joe Cocker & The Grease Band 20 November 1968 – Blossom Toes 4 December 1968 – Taste 11 December 1968 – Bobby Parker and Chicken Shack 15 December 1968 – Bandwagon 18 December 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers 22 December 1968 – The Drifters
Eel Pie Island in Twickenham, Middlesex has often been described as the birthplace of British rhythm and blues. Alongside the Ealing Club (where The Rolling Stones came together) and the Crawdaddy in Richmond, Surrey (where The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds both held down residencies), the hotel on Eel Pie Island featured a virtual who’s who of soon-to-be famous British artists.
However, unlike the two above venues, Eel Pie Island bridged the gap between the early 1960s R&B scene and the late 1960s British psychedelic/heavy rock period.
From 1962-1967, The Rolling Stones (who held a residency there from April-September 1963), The Downliners Sect, David Bowie (with The Mannish Boys), Jon Lord (with The Artwoods), Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck (with The Tridents), The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Pink Floyd and many others graced the stage.
The hotel closed briefly in the summer of 1967 but reopened the following summer. During late 1968-early 1969, top groups like The Who, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, The Moody Blues and Joe Cocker & The Grease Band performed there. During 1969, the venue changed name and became Colonel Barefoot’s Rock Garden.
Below is a list of gigs that I have started to compile. I would welcome any additions in the comments box below and any memories people have of this historically important venue.
24 April 1963 – The Rolling Stones 1 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones 8 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones 15 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones 22 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones 29 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones 5 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones 12 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones 19 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones 26 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones 3 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones 10 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones 12 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones 14 July 1963 – The Yardbirds and Cyril Davies All Stars (unconfirmed) 17 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones 24 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones 31 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones 7 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones 14 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones 21 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones 28 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones 4 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones 11 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones 21 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones 28 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones 8 December 1963 – Manfred Mann
25 May 1964 – The Manish Boys 18 June 1964 – Manfred Mann 21 June 1964 – The Manish Boys 26 July 1964 – The Manish Boys 19 August 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys 2 September 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys 7 October 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys 23 October 1964 – The Second Thoughts 8 November 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys 21 November 1964 – Dave Hunt’s R&B Band featuring Hamilton King
30 October 1965 – The Who (unconfirmed) 15 December 1965 – The Stormville Shakers 26 December 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
20 March 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers 23 March 1966 – Graham Bond Organisation 29 May 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers 8 July 1966 – The Stormville Shakers 24 August 1966 – Cream 18 September 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers 21 September 1966 – Dave Anthony’s Moods and The Stormville Shakers (check) 27 November 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (cancelled)
1 March 1967 – Pink Floyd 26 March 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede 29 March 1967 – Pink Floyd 18 June 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede 23 June 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede 28 June 1967 – Pink Floyd 5 July 1967 – Pink Floyd 26 July 1967 – Family
31 July 1968 – Spooky Tooth and Spice 7 August 1968 – Blossom Toes and Spice 14 August 1968 – Skip Bifferty and Juniors Eyes 21 August 1968 – The Crazy World of Arthur Brown 24 August 1968 – David Booth 25 August 1968 – Gethsemane 28 August 1968 – The Nice and East of Eden 4 September 1968 – The Action 11 September 1968 – The Moody Blues 14 September 1968 – Gracious 18 September 1968 – Family and The Downliners Sect 25 September 1968 – Eclection and Village 28 September 1968 – Gracious 2 October 1968 – Joe Cocker & The Grease Band and Terry Reid 5 October 1968 – Gracious 6 October 1968 – John Thomas Blues Band 9 October 1968 – Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera and Freedom 16 October 1968 – Colosseum and July 23 October 1968 – Alan Bown, Gethsemane, Proteus and David Booth 30 October 1968 – The Who and East of Eden 6 November 1968 – Crazy World of Arthur Brown 13 November 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
23 January 1969 – Eire Apparent 24 January 1969 – Van Der Graaf Generator 7 February 1969 – The Pretty Things and Ian Whitcombe with Turnstyle
14 February 1969 – Roy Harper, Juniors Eyes and Edgar Broughton
Most of the late 1960s gigs were sourced from Melody Maker and Mick Capewell’s Marmalade Skies. Other useful sources were Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette, Richmond & Twickenham Times and Time Out. Thanks also to Andy Neill, Ken Baxter, Alan Clayson and Greg Russo
Opened by brothers Rik and John Gunnell in mid-February 1966, the Ram Jam Club (named after Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band) was situated on the Brixton High Road.
The famous venue hosted most of the top UK acts of the 1960s as well as visiting US blues and soul artists. I have started to compile a gig list and would welcome any additions in the comment below.
1966
17 February – The Animals (open the club)
19 February – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
24 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
25 February – The Gass
26 February – The Shevelles
27 February – The Gass
3 March – The Spencer Davis Group and Paul Fenton & The Crowd
4 March – The Graham Bond Organisation
5 March – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Loose Ends
6 March – The Gass
10 March – The Who and The Train
11 March – The Gass
12 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Peter B’s
13 March – The Gass
18 March – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
24 March – The Peter B’s and Wilson Pickett
31 March – The Peter B’s, Don Covay and The League of Gentlemen
1 April – Screaming Jay Hawkins
2 April – The Peter B’s, Arthur Alexander, The Jimmy Brown Sound, The Shevelles
7 April – Martha & The Vandellas and The Gass
8 April – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
9 April – The Peter B’s and Gary Farr & The T-Bones
14 April – The Vibrations and The Peter B’s
15 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and The Amboy Dukes
16 April – The Gass and The Peter B’s
17 April – The Gass
21 April – Lee Dorsey and The Peter B’s and The League of Gentlemen
22 April – Freddie Mack’s This and That Show
23 April – Jimmy Witherspoon and The Shevells
24 April – The Gass
29 April – The Action
30 April – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
5 May – Patti La Belle & Her Belles (with Bluesology?)
7 May – The Shotgun Express and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
12 May – The Drifters and The Chessmen
13 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
21 May – The Shotgun Express
26 May – Ben E King and The Chessmen
27 May – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
28 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Stormsville Shakers
2 June – The Steampacket
3 June – The Gass
4 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Amboy Dukes
9 June – The Yardbirds (cancelled)
10 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
18 June – The Shotgun Express
24 June – The Moody Blues
25 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
30 June – The Graham Bond Organisation
1 July – The Five Proud Walkers
2 July – The Yardbirds and Tawny Reed Heatwave
3 July – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
7 July – The Alan Price Set
8 July – The Shevells
9 July – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
10 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
14 July – The Amboy Dukes
15 July – Dave Anthony’s Moods
16 July – The Shevells
17 July – Solomon Burke
21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
22 July – The Stormsville Shakers
23 July – The Nightimers with Herbie Goins
24 July – The Gass
28 July – The Graham Bond Organisation
30 July – The Amboy Dukes and The Objects
4 August – Solomon Burke
5 August – O’Hara’s Playboys and The Eyes of Blue
6 August – The Gass and Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
7 August – The Rick ‘N’ Breckers
9 August – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
11 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
12 August – The Gass
13 August – Dave Anthony’s Moods and Rik ‘N’ Beckers
14 August – The Amboy Dukes
18 August – The Alan Price Set
19 August – Mark Barry
20 August – The Shotgun Express
21 August – The Amboy Dukes
25 August – The Blues Healers (with Malcolm Magaron)
26 August – Mark Barry and Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
27 August – Cream
28 August – The Amboy Dukes
29 August – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
1 September – The Spencer Davis Group
2 September – Mark Barry
3 September – The VIPs
4 September – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
8 September – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
9 September – The Carl Douglas Set
10 September – The Amboy Dukes
11 September – The Blues Healers (with Malcolm Magaron)
15 September – The Loose Ends
16 September – The Five Proud Walkers
17 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
18 September – Otis Redding
22 September – The Eyes of Blue
23 September – The Shevelles
24 September – The Gass
25 September – The Gass
29 September – The Knack
30 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
1 October – The Shevelles
2 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
6 October – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
7 October – The Shevelles
8 October – The Playboys (not clear if this is The Manchester Playboys)
9 October – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
13 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
14 October – The Knack
15 October – The Amboy Dukes
16 October – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Poster above lists Garnet Mimms)
20 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
21 October – Diane Ferraz & Nicky Scott and Simons Triangle
22 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
23 October – Ike & Tina Turner Revue (with Ike – Ettes, Bobby John, Jimmy Thomas, Kings of Rhythm Orchestra)
27 October – The Drifters
28 October – The Shevelles
29 October – The Shogun Express
30 October – The Gass
3 November – Cream
4 November – The Shevelles and The Anzacs
6 November – The Gass
8 November – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
10 November – Gary Farr & The T-Bones
12 November – The Amboy Dukes
13 November – Paul Butterfield’s Blues Band and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
17 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
24 November – The Action
25 November – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
26 November – The Shotgun Express
27 November – The Amboy Dukes
29 November – Julian Covey & The Machine
6 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
9 December – The Action
10 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Jimi Hendrix Experience
11 December – Bobby Hebb and Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
13 December – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers Show
23 December – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
24 December – The Blue Healers (with Malcolm Magaron) and Dave Anthony’s Moods
25 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (afternoon and evening)
26 December – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
27 December – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
1967
1 January – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
6 January – The Alan Price Set
7 January – The Eyes of Blue
8 January – Felder’s Orioles
10 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
13 January – The Shotgun Express
14 January – The Amboy Dukes
15 January – The Gass
17 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
20 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
21 January – The Shevelles
22 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
24 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
27 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
28 January – Cream
29 January – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
31 January – The Fireballs
3 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
4 February – Jimi Hendrix Experience and The All Night Workers
5 February – The Amboy Dukes
9 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
11 February – The Shotgun Express
12 February – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set
17 February – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and The All Night Workers
18 February – Georgie Fame
19 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
24 February – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
25 February – The Amboy Dukes and The Main Line
26 February – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
3 March – The Shevelles
4 March – The Fenmen with Felders Orioles
5 March – The Q-Set
10 March – The Real McCoy
11 March – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
12 March – The Gass
17 March – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set
18 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
19 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
24 March – Julian Covey & The Machine
25 March – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
26 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
27 March – The All Night Workers
31 March – The Urchins
1 April – The Artwoods and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
2 April – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set
7 April – The Main Line
8 April – The Eyes of Blue and Rick ‘N’ Beckers
9 April – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers
13 April – Mary Wells & The Playboys
14 April – The Shevelles
15 April – The Pretty Things and The All Night Workers
16 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
21 April – Julian Covey & The Machine
22 April – Felder’s Orioles and The Main Line
23 April – Nina Simone and The Peddlers
28 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
29 April – The Shevelles and The Gass
30 April – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (may not have happened)
4 May – The Len Marshall Show
5 May – The Duke Lee Sound
6 May – Julian Covey & The Machine and The All Night Workers
7 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set
12 May – The Duke Lee Sound
13 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Ferris Wheel
14 May – Prince Buster & The Bees and Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
19 May – The Duke Lee Sound
20 May – The Shevelles and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
21 May – The Gass
27 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Felders Orioles
28 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Hunky Chunk Band
2 June – Nat Cole Show
3 June – Cream and Impact Blues
4 June – Lucas and The Mike Cotton Sound
5 June – The Duke Lee Sound
9 June – Nat Cole Show
10 June – John Lee Hooker, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, The Savoy Blues Band and Mad Movies
11 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
12 June – The Duke Lee Sound
16 June – Nat Cole Show
17 June – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede, The Soul Meeting Band, Duke Lee Sound and Mad Movies
18 June – The Gass
19 June – The Duke Lee Sound
23 June – Nat Cole Show
24 June – Felder’s Orioles, The Chiffons & Rhythm and Blues Inc, Duke Lee Sound and Mad Movies
25 June – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set
26 June – The Duke Lee Sound
1 July – The All Night Workers (evening), then John Lee Hooker, The Savoy Brown Blues Band and The Duke Lee Sound (late night session)
2 July – PP Arnold (& The Nice)
3 July – The Duke Lee Sound
8 July – Ferris Wheel
9 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
15 July – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede with Mad Movies
16 July – Joyce Bond Show
22 July – Georgie Fame
23 July – The Coloured Raisins
29 July – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
30 July – Jackie Edwards
4 August – The Wages of Sin
5 August – O’Hara’ Playboys
6 August – The Gass
12 August – Ferris Wheel
13 August – Rick ‘N’ Beckers
19 August – The Skatalites
20 August – The Shell Shock Show
25 August – The New Jump Band
27 August – The Human Instinct and The Triads
2 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
3 September – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
9 September – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac
10 September – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green
16 September – The Bees
17 September – Ferris Wheel
23 September – The Shevelles
24 September – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound
25 September – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set
28 September – The Soul Vendors starring Roland Alphonso, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Johnnie Moore and Jackie Mitto
30 September – The Amboy Dukes
1 October – Jackie Edwards
5 October – Vanilla Fudge
7 October – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
8 October – The Soul Vendors (starring Roland Alphonso, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe)
14 October – The Skatalites
15 October – Horatio Soul & The Square Deals
19 October – Freddie King
21 October – Joey Young & The Tonics
22 October – The Bees
23 October – Junior Walker & The All Stars
28 October – The Delroy Williams Show
29 October – PP Arnold & The TNT
4 November – Johnson’s Dynamo Set
5 November – Junior Smith
6 November – Ben E King
11 November – The Sound Casters
12 November – The Soul Vendors
19 November – Little John & The Shadrocks
25 November – Eddie Floyd and his American Group, Sounds Incorporated and The Peppermint Men
26 November – Ferris Wheel
2 December – The Official Receivers
3 December – Desmond Dekker & The Aces
9 December – Watson T Brown and The Lastic Band
10 December – Joey Young and The Tonics (Joe Tex was originally advertised)
16 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
17 December – Jackie Edwards
23 December – The Vibrations and The Kingston By-Pass
24 December – The Delroy Williams Show
30 December – The Peppermint Men and The Duke Reid Sound
31 December – The Pyramids
1968
5 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces
6 January – Owen Gray and Youth and Rudy and The Shell Shock Show Band
7 January – PP Arnold & The TNT
13 January – Joyce Bond and The Duke Reid Sound
14 January – John L Watson & The Web
20 January – Jimmy McGriff and Nepenthe
21 January – Dandy
27 January – The Skatalites and Sir Coxon Sound
28 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set
3 February – James and Bobby Purify and The Duke Reid Sound
4 February – Jimmy McGriff
10 February – Robert Parker & The Quotations and The Sir Coxon Sound
11 February – Rupert’s Rik ‘N’ Beckers
17 February – Dandy & The Missions and The Duke Reid Sound
18 February – Nepenthe and The New Nadir
24 February – Little John & The Shadrocks and The Sir Coxon Sound
25 February – Joey Young & The Tonics
2 March – The Coloured Raisins and The Duke Reid Sound
3 March – The Fantastics (& The House of Orange)
9 March – Sir Coxon Sound
10 March – The Dave Davani Four
16 March – Jackie Edwards and The Duke Reid Sound
17 March – Horatio Soul & The Jokers
23 March – The Duke Reid Sound
24 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
30 March – Joyce Bond and The Sir Coxon Sound
31 March – The Chico-Bailey Show and The Night Hawks Band
6 April – The Original Impressions and Joey Young & The Tonics
7 April – The Sonny Burke Show
12 April – The Ethiopians with The Healers
14 April – The Original Drifters
20 April – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers and The Sir Coxon Sound
21 April – Garnet Mimms
27 April – The Fantastics (& The House of Orange) and The Duke Reid Sound
28 April – Sugar Simone & The Programe
5 May – J J Jackson
Melody Maker stopped advertising from this point on
Most of the gigs were sourced from Melody Maker and gig posters. Thanks to Tony Webb for use of the club posters and to Ken Baxter for some Carl Douglas gigs from his contracts. Thanks also to Bruno Ceriotti and Mick Capewell for providing dates.
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