Located at 266a Fulham Road, in southwest London, the Café des Artistes apparently opened its doors around 1960.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richard and Brian Jones briefly lived close by in an apartment in Edith Grove, Chelsea during 1962 but it’s not clear when this small basement club first began putting on live music.
It’s more than likely that the Café des Artistes only featured up and coming local bands.
Also, its close proximity to the Pontiac Club in Putney means it might also have featured some of the same groups.
The dearth of information on this little known club isn’t helped by the fact that none of the local newspapers, as far as I am aware, advertised shows. I would welcome any further information from readers.
Image provided by George Parnell
Status Quo front man Francis Rossi confirms in his book that The Spectres (who morphed into Status Quo) had a Monday night residency here while they were still at school and also played the El Partido in Lewisham. I’ve found gigs for them performing at the latter in October 1965, so it could well be the same time period.
Sax player Dave Brogden who worked with West London R&B band, Wainwright’s Gentlemen, provided the following dates from his diary. Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan was briefly a member during this period and also drummer Mick Tucker, who went on to join The Sweet, also worked with this band while Brogden played sax for them.
1964
24 March – The Five Embers (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)
28 March – Millie & The Five Embers (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)
1965
9 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals
16 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals
23 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals, who left after a gig on 26 April
30 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
7 May – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) Mick Tucker joined on drums around this time
28 May – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
4 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
11 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
18 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
25 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
3 July – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
9 July – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
6 August – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
10 August – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s diary)
13 August – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
24 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
I have been unable to find any gigs for 1966, 1967 and 1968 but I presume it still put on live shows. I have only found a couple of gigs for 1969 below and would welcome any additional information
An article in the Westminster & Pimlico News, dated 25 August 1967, says the group Jon are residents at the club around this time
1968
27 June – Toast (Melody Maker)
3 July – Toast (Melody Maker)
11 July – Toast (Melody Maker)
31 October – Toast (Melody Maker)
1969
6 February – Toast (Melody Maker)
5 June – Black Velvet (Time Out)
An article in the Western Daily Press and Times and Mirror, dated 26 June 1969, says Bath group, The Mirror are residents at the club around this time
The Top Hat in Littlehampton, West Sussex was a popular live venue during the early-to-mid 1960s. The venue wasn’t advertised regularly in the local press so I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any further details of groups that performed there.
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
According to the Littlehampton Gazette, the Top Hat featured bands every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout 1964 but rarely advertised the names of the artists.
The following are the only gigs I’ve been able to find:
25 March 1964 – The Beat Merchants (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
26 March 1964 – Dave Storm, Jeff Spence & The Tremors (Thursday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
28 March 1964 – The Beat Merchants and The Tremors (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
30 March 1964 – The Sabres (Bank Holiday Monday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
14 May 1964 – Beat Merchants (Thursday) (Littlehampton Gazette) Advert says St Mary’s Youth Club
24 December 1964 – Dave Storme & The Tremors and Gary Grant & The G-Men (Thursday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
26 December 1964 – The Beat Merchants and Gary Grant & The G-Men (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
27 December 1964 – The Dave West Show (Sunday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
28 December 1964 – The Dave West Show and The Fleur De Lys (Monday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
31 December 1964 – Dave Storme & The Tremors and Force Four (Thursday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
The same applied for 1965. The Littlehampton Gazette started to advertise acts on 4 June 1965.
4 June 1965 – The Deltas (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
5 June 1965 – Chapter Four and Sons of Man (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
7 June 1965 – The Giants (Monday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
Judging by the dates below, it looks like Wednesdays were given up to national acts
23 June 1965 – The Applejacks (Wednesday) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Gazette)
7 July 1965 – The Mojos (Wednesday) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Gazette)
14 July 1965 – The Four Pennies (Wednesday) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
21 July 1965 – The Ivy League (Wednesday) (Chichester & Southern Post/Littlehampton Gazette) Van Morrison’s band Them replaced The Ivy League
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
28 July 1965 – The Measles (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
4 August 1965 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Wednesday) (Beat Instrumental/Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
11 August 1965 – The In Crowd (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
18 August 1965 – Tommy Quickly & The Remo Four (Wednesday) (Beat Instrumental/Littlehampton Gazette)
25 August 1965 – The Fourmost (Wednesday) (Beat Instrumental/Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
1 September 1965 – The Nashville Teens (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
8 September 1965 – Billie Davis & Platform 6 with The Beat Merchants (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
15 September 1965 – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
22 September 1965 – The Merseybeats (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
29 September 1965 – Goldie & The Gingerbreads (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
6 October 1965 – The Applejacks (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
13 October 1965 – Mike Berry (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
15 October 1965 – The Deltas (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
16 October 1965 – The Just Five (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
20 October 1965 – Silkie (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
27 October 1965 – The Cherokees (Wednesday) (Worthing Gazette)
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
3 November 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
5 November 1965 – The Force Four (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
6 November 1965 – The Just Five and Chapter Four (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
There’s a gap until the following dates
Photo: Littlehampton Gazette
24 December 1965 – Danny Boyd & The Profile and The Force Four (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
26 December 1965 – Danny Boyd & The Profile and Dave & The Diamonds (Sunday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
29 December 1965 – The Profile (Wednesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
31 December 1965 – The Deltas and The Defiants (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
5 January 1966 – The Profile (Wednesday) (Worthing Gazette)
7 January 1966 – The Noblemen (Friday) (Worthing Gazette) Says just back from Italy
8 January 1966 – Dave & The Diamonds and The Defiants (Saturday) (Worthing Gazette)
The Littlehampton Gazette advertises that bands played every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the rest of 1966 but does not name the artists until the very end of the year. This is all there was:
23 December 1966 – The Four Inches (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
24 December 1966 – The Omega Plus and 4 Bidden (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
26 December 1966 – The St Louis Checks and The Inspiration (Monday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
27 December 1966 – The Laymen (Tuesday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
30 December 1966 – The Fleur De Lys (Friday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
31 December 1966 – The Omega Plus and The Total (Saturday) (Littlehampton Gazette)
1967 gigsGig for 21 April 1967
26 April 1968 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Friday) (Brighton Evening Argus)
2 June 1968 – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Sunday) (Brighton Evening Argus)
A little known club in southeast London, the Starlite Club re-opened on Saturday, 14 March 1964 with a performance by headline act Linda Doll & The City Sounds, supported by Twickenham R&B band Colin Shane & The Shannons.
There were also shows on the Sunday, with The Soundsmen, and Monday, with Brian Knight Blues By Six.
It is not clear how long the venue was open. I have listed below what I have found so far:
14 March 1964 – Linda Doll & The City Sounds and Colin Shane & The Shannons (Clapham Advertiser)
15 March 1964 – The Soundsmen (Clapham Advertiser)
16 March 1964 – Brian Knight’s Blues by Six (Clapham Advertiser)
20 March 1964 – Satel (Clapham Advertiser)
21 March 1964 – The Moontrekkers (Clapham Advertiser)
22 March 1964 – The Soundsmen (Clapham Advertiser)
23 March 1964 – The West-Minster 5 (Clapham Advertiser)
27 March 1964 – The Exiles (Clapham Advertiser)
28 March 1964 – The Cheaters (Clapham Advertiser)
29 March 1964 – The Stormbreakers (Clapham Advertiser)
30 March 1964 – The Pretty Things (Clapham Advertiser)
3 April 1964 – The Beat Syndicate (Clapham Advertiser)
4 April 1964 – The City Sounds (Clapham Advertiser)
5 April 1964 – Ray Dell & The Deacons (Clapham Advertiser)
6 April 1964 – The West-Minster 5 (Clapham Advertiser)
10 April 1964 – The Long Short and Tall (Clapham Advertiser)
11 April 1964 – The Adventures (Clapham Advertiser)
12 April 1964 – Roy Speed & The Trackmen (Clapham Advertiser)
17 April 1964 – Little Linda & The Panthers (Clapham Advertiser)
18 April 1964 – The Beat Syndicate (Clapham Advertiser)
19 April 1964 – The Soundsmen (Clapham Advertiser)
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any more information about this venue.
A popular rock venue in Southeast London, the Mistrale club began life as the Beckenham Ballroom. Located at 2-4 high street at Beckenham Junction, the Mistrale opened its doors in April 1968 with Manfred Mann performing on the first night, supported by The Grenades, a Caribbean group.
The club continued to operate into the Seventies and below is the start of a list of artists that appeared during the late 1960s. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add missing artists, no matter how significant, as well as memories of particular shows.
1968
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
17 April – Manfred Mann and The Grenades (Poster)
18 April – Reparta & The Delrons with Don Moss (Melody Maker)
19 April – Dantalion’s Chariot starring Zoot Money and The Mr Mo’s Messengers (Melody Maker)
20 April – The Pyramids (Melody Maker)
24 April – Alan Price Set (Melody Maker) and The Grenades (Poster)
26 April – Mr Mo’s Messengers (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
27 April – The Shiralee (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
28 April – The Ethiopians (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Photo: Coulson & Purley Advertiser
1 May – Ike & Tina Turner Show and The Grenades (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
3 May – Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and The Evolution (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
4 May – Mr Hip Soul Band (Poster/Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
8 May – Marmalade and Mr Mo’s Messengers (Poster/Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
9 May – Shiralee (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
10 May – Terry Lightfoot Jazzmen (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
11 May – The Pyramids and The Go Go Show (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser/Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
12 May – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
15 May – Mr Hip Soul Band (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
16 May – The Firestones (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
17 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Purple Dream (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser/New Musical Express)
One poster lists Cliff Bennett & His Band instead of Chris Farlowe
18 May – Alan Elsdon Jazz Band (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
19 May – Bob Miller & The Millermen (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
20 May – Bill Haley & His Comets and The Shiralee (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
22 May – Mr Mo’s Messengers (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
23 May – The Shiralee (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
24 May – James and Bobby Purify and The Grenades (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
25 May – The Mojos and Sweet Rain (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
26 May – Kenny Ball Jazz Band (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
29 May – Dave Turner Four (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
30 May – Edwin Starr and The Evolution (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
31 May – Chicken Shack and The Grenades (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
1 June – Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival Show (featuring Tommy Bishop) and Mr Mo’s Messengers (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
2 June – The Pyramids (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
5 June – Jethro Tull and The Epics (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
6 June – The Firestones (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
7 June – The Coloured Raisins and The Light Brigade (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
8 June – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers and The Shiralee (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
9 June – Honeybus and The Pussyfoot (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
12 June – Donamite and The Duce’s (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
13 June – The Shiralee (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
14 June – Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation and The Light Brigade (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
15 June – Oscar Toney Junior and The Firestones (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
16 June – The Pyramids (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
19 June – Donamite (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
20 June – The Firestones (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
21 June – Spencer’s Washboard King and The Greatest Show on Earth (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
22 June – The Lamb Brothers Show and The Shiralee (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
23 June – Noel & The Firebirds (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
27 June – The Shiralee (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
28 June – The Gass with George Paul Jefferson (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
29 June – The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band with The Evolution (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
30 June – The Freddy Mack Show (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
4 July – Cliff Bennett and Mr Mo’s Messengers (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
5 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and Maddening Crowd (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
6 July – The Episode, The Firestones and The Duces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
7 July – The Skatallites (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
10 July – The Duces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
11 July – The Shiralee (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
12 July – The Evolution (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
13 July – Root & Jenny Jackson with Electric Sun (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
14 July – The Pyramids (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
17 July – The Duces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
18 July – Mr Mo’s Messengers (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
19 July – Patti La Belle & The Bluebells and Purple Dream (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
20 July – Tim Rose, Point Blank and The Duces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
21 July – July and The Skatellites (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
30 August 1968 – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
New Musical Express lists Ben E King for 30 August.
5 September – Ben E King (New Musical Express)
19 September – Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels (New Musical Express)
25 September – Black Sabbath (Poster)
4 October – Felice Taylor (backed by The Reaction) (New Musical Express) and Serendipity (Poster)
5 October – Grand Union and The Maddening Crowd (Poster)
6 October – The Sundae Times (Poster)
11 October – PP Arnold and The Evolution (Poster)
12 October – Julian Kirsch and Sweet Rain (Poster)
13 October – The Interstate Road Show (Poster)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
18 October – Tyrannosaurus Rex, The Pretty Things and Julian Kirsch (Coulson & Purley Advertiser)
19 October – Herbie & The Royalists and The Evolution (Poster)
20 October – The Skatellites (Poster)
25 October – Amboy Dukes and Kaleidoscope (Poster)
26 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers and Sweet Rain (Poster)
27 October – The Pyramids (Poster)
I have no listings until end of November
29 November – Kaleidoscope and The Mojos (Poster)
6 December – The Herd and Electric Sun (South East London Mercury)
20 December – The Isley Brothers backed by Art Regis (ex-Jimmy James & The Vagabonds?) and The Brass Cannon (New Musical Express) The Isley Brothers UK tour was cancelled last minute
24 December – Johnny & The Rivals (South East London Mercury)
27 December – The Maddening Crowd (South East London Mercury)
28 December – Electric Sun (South East London Mercury)
29 December – Gun Hill (South East London Mercury)
31 December – Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and Information (South East London Mercury)
1969
I have significant gaps in this year and would welcome additions
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
10 January – The Greatest Show on Earth and The Pyramids (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
15 January – Alan Elsdon (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
16 January – The Count Lee Sound (South East London Mercury)
18 January – Evolution (South East London Mercury)
22 January – Bob Wallis & The Storyville Jazzmen (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
9 February – Moby Grape (South East London Mercury)
9 March – Ben E King and The Classics (Melody Maker)
26 March – Kaleidoscope (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
4 April – Desmond Dekker & The Aces and The Evolution (Melody Maker)
30 May – Nice (Melody Maker)
25 June – Ohio Express (Melody Maker)
18 July – Idle Race (Time Out)
Photo: South East London Mercury
6 September – Justin Tyme (South East London Mercury)
20 September – Listen (South East London Mercury)
1970
This is just a start for 1970 but welcome additions
The Artwoods and John’s Children, December 1966. Photo: Caterham Weekly Post
Originally called the Chuck Wagon and located in a corrugated iron hut at 22a Bridge Street in Leatherhead, Surrey, this notable music venue was renamed the Bluesette Club around March 1966. John’s Children, the group that once included Marc Bolan, owned the club at one point and performed regularly, initially under the name The Silence.
I’ve started to compile a list of gigs, which are taken from the Caterham Weekly Press unless otherwise noted. There are significant gaps in the listings, so I’d welcome any additions, corrections and memories, including when the venue operated as the Chuck Wagon. Judging by the listings below, shows took place on Fridays and Sundays unless otherwise noted.
1966
25 February 1966 – Tony Jackson & The Vibrations (Boyfriend magazine)
1 April 1966 – Too Many Kooks (Poster from John Treais)
3 April 1966 – Sons of Fred (Poster from John Treais)
8 April 1966 – Paddy, Klaus & Gibson (Poster from John Treais)
10 April 1966 – The Ends (aka The End) (Poster from John Treais)
15 April 1966 – The A-Jaes (Poster from John Treais)
17 April 1966 – The (Five) Proud Walkers (Poster from John Treais)
Photo: John Treais
22 April 1966 – Eddie’s Crowd (Poster from John Treais)
24 April 1966 – The Paramounts (Poster from John Treais)
29 April 1966 – The Silence (Poster from John Treais)
Bookings for May included The Herd, Tony Rivers & The Castaways, Gary Farr & The T-Bones and The Fenmen (see above)
29 May 1966 – Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Poster from John Treais)
3 June 1966 – The Silence (Poster from John Treais)
5 June 1966 – The Herd (Poster from John Treais)
10 June 1966 – The Five Proud Walkers (Contract from Colin Forster)
Thanks to Colin Forster
12 June 1966 – The Rockhouse Band (Poster from John Treais)
17 June 1966 – Paddy, Klaus & Gibson (Poster from John Treais)
19 June 1966 – Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Poster from John Treais)
24 June 1966 – Eddie’s Crowd (Poster from John Treais)
26 June 1966 – Sons of Fred (Poster from John Treais)
3 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton
8 July – Eddie’s Crowd (formerly The Five Aces)
10 July – The Silence
15 July – The Hounds
17 July – The Fadin’ Colours
22 July – The Fadin’ Colours
24 July – The Silence (just back from Nice, France)
29 July – The Worrying Kind
31 July – The Tea-Set
There is no listing for 5 and 7 August
12 August – Heinz & The Wildboys
14 August – The Five Proud Walkers (also confirmed by the Crawley Advertiser)
There is no listing for 19 August and after this but at some point around this time, the club closed and only re-opened in November
20 November – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (paper says club has reopened)
No listing for 25 November
27 November – John’s Children (ex-The Silence)
Photo: Caterham Weekly Post
2 December – The Mojos
4 December – The Iveys
9 December – The Tea-Set
11 December – The Fading Colours
16 December – The Fourmost
19 December – The Bunch
23 December – The Artwoods
24 December – John’s Children (switch from Sunday to Saturday)
30 December – Fading Colours
1967
1 January – Graham Bond Organisation (back to Sundays)
6 January – The Iveys
8 January – Winston’s Fumbs
13 January – Mike Stuart Span
15 January – The Bunch
20 January – The Fading Colours
22 January – The Fleur De Lys
27 January – The Creation
29 January – John’s Children
Photo: Caterham Weekly Post
3 February – Richard Henry & The Timebox
5 February – The Bunch
10 February – The Iveys
12 February – The Fenmen
17 February – Winston’s Fumbs
19 February – Savoy Brown
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
24 February – Cat Stevens
26 February – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
3 March – The (Five) Proud Walkers
5 March – Derek Savage Foundation
10 March – John’s Children with The A-Jaes
12 March – Graham Bond Organisation
17 March – Worrying Kind
19 March – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
24 March – One In A Million
26 March – Mike Stuart Span
31 March – Heart and Souls
2 April – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
7 April – Rosco Brown Combo
9 April – The Night People (aka The Nite People)
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
14 April – The Tribe
16 April – The Fleur De Lys
21 April – Derek Savage Foundation
23 April – Ray King Soul Band
26 April – John’s Children (Wednesday)
28 April – The Click
30 April – The Bunch
3 May – John’s Children (Wednesday)
No more listings in the paper but the club continued as gigs below confirm
18 June – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ research)
10 September – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ research)
17 December – The Iveys and John’s Children (Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ research)
This little known music venue, situated on the Middlesex bank of the River Thames, a few miles west of Hampton Court Palace, put on some fascinating shows from the early to late 1960s. Judging by the few gigs I’ve managed to find below, the club operated from at least early 1965 to mid-1968, possibly longer. The hotel was demolished in 1971.
Alan Wherry, who played with The Richard Henry Sensation (later Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band) remembers that his group started out playing this venue in the summer of 1966, and continued on and off until October. The band’s guitarist David O’List then left and soon after formed The Attack.
Wherry describes the Crawdaddy’s Casino Ballroom Hotel as a fabulous place: “It had been built by Fred Karno, a famous West End impresario. It looked like a Mississippi riverboat and it bankrupted Mr Karno. The guy who booked us there paid us poorly. His bouncers, a team of seriously hard men, got double what we got and it was his idea to call us the Zig Zag Band. He wanted us to wear white suits with a big black zig zag on them, which he would supply. He wanted us to swing our saxes and do fancy dance steps a la Hank Marvin and The Shadows.”
The most notable acts that I’ve found who played the venue were Chris Farlowe, The Shotgun Express (with Rod Stewart, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Bardens; Peter Green had left before their September 1966 gig) and Pink Floyd.
Melody Maker occasionally listed groups in its gig section but I would love to hear from anyone who can add shows and memories of the venue below.
GIG LISTING:
12 February 1965 – Mike Dee & The Prophets with Roger and Caroline (annual press ball) (Don Martin’s gig diary)
30 July 1966 – Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
13 August 1966 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
10 September 1966 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
24 September 1966 – The Shotgun Express (Melody Maker)
25 September 1966 – Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band (Melody Maker)
16 October 1966 – Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band (Melody Maker)
26 March 1967 – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
7 April 1967 – The Maroons (Melody Maker)
8 April 1967 – The System Soul Band with Ivan St Clair (Melody Maker)
9 April 1967 – The Flies (Melody Maker)
15 April 1967 – The Leaders featuring Norma Fay and introducing Delroy Williams (Melody Maker)
System Soul Band featuring Mike Piggott on lead guitar (right). Photo: Mike Piggott
16 April 1967 – The System Soul Band with Ivan St Clair (Melody Maker)
2 December 1967 – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
9 December 1967 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
16 December 1967 – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
16 March 1968 – Pink Floyd (Melody Maker)
Interesting guitarist David Gilmour later bought the Astoria on Taggs Island and converted it into a floating studio
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968, parts of 1969 and also 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
1969
2 January – The Explosive Watson T Browne
4 January – Spirit of John Morgan
Photo: Melody Maker
5 January – Rick ‘N’ Beckers
7 January – Jo Jo Gunne
No listing in Melody Maker for several weeks
23 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker also has The Skatalites)
25 January – Arcadium
26 January – Jason Crest
28 January – Toast
30 January – Explosive Watson T Browne
1 February – Bunkers Brain
2 February – Trifle
4 February – Love and Poetry
6 February – The Skatalites
8 February – Rainbow Ffolly
9 February – Bunkers Brain
11 February – My Dear Watson
13 February – The Flames
15 February – Giant
16 February – Rainbow Ffolly
18 February – Toast
20 February – Red Beans and Rice
22 February – Jason Cord (Bob Hodges’ diary has Tuesday’s Children playing on this date)
Freddie Mack gig, 28 July 1968. Photo: Melody Maker
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
1968
1 January – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
2 January – Granny’s Attic
4 January – Wilson’s Transaction
7 January – Freak-Down-Lucifer
9 January – Garnet Mimms (either backed by The Senate or Clockwork Orange)
11 January – Warren Davis Monday Band
13 January – The Castaways (probably Tony Rivers’ band)
14 January – Freak-Down-Lucifer
16 January – Garnet Mimms (either backed by The Senate or Clockwork Orange)
18 January – Watson T Browne (& The Explosion)
20 January – Love Machine
21 January – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
22 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
23 January – Locomotion
27 January – Purple Pipe Line
28 January – The Gold
30 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound with Lamb Bros & Co)
Photo: Melody Maker
1 February – Warren Davis Monday Band
4 February – Glenroy Oakely & The Oracles
6 February – Locomotion
8 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)
11 February – Glenroy Oakley & The Oracles
13 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)
15 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)
18 February – Locomotion
20 February – The Diplomats
22 February – Margitte Bardot
23 February – The Chanters
25 February – Mr Mo’s Messengers
27 February – The Original Drifters
29 February – Watson T Browne & The Explosion
3 March – Sonnie Burke
5 March – The Original Drifters
7 March – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
10 March – The Ice Show
12 March – The Marvels
14 March – The Shiralee
16 March – Philosopher’s Stone
17 March – The Chanters
19 March – The Fabulous Impressions
Thanks to Jerry Booth for the images. He was handed these flyers when he attended the club in mid-March 1968Thanks to Jerry Booth for this image too!
21 March – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
23 March – The Art Movement
24 March – The Gold
26 March – The Fabulous Impressions
28 March – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
31 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
Photo: Melody Maker
2 April – The Fabulous Platters & Group (with The Trend backing?)
4 April – Mr Mo’s Messengers
6 April – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s Roy Tempest contract)
7 April – The Bunch
9 April – The Original Drifters
11 April – Glenn Oakely & The Oracles
14 April – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
16 April – Fantastic Little Anthony & The Imperials
18 April – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
21 April – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
23 April – Garnet Mimms (most likely with The Village Green backing)
25 April – Fantastic Little Anthony & The Imperials
28 April – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
30 April – The Fabulous Ronettes
2 May – The Fabulous Platters (with The Trend backing?)
5 May – Sonnie Burke
7 May – Duane Eddy
9 May – The Chanters
12 May – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
16 May – The De-Tours with Gene Latter
19 May – Sonnie Burke
21 May – The Diplomats
Photo: Melody Maker
23 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
26 May – The Breakthru
28 May – The Crickets
30 May – The Coasters
2 June – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
3 June – Warren Davis Monday Band
4 June – The Coasters
Melody Maker stopped providing full listings for the club until December but I’ve found individual shows in New Musical Express, which suggests the club still put on shows during this period
Photo: Melody Maker
20 June – Ruby & The Romantics (New Musical Express)
30 June – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound and Keef Hartley (New Musical Express has The Crystals)
Photo: Melody Maker
6 July – The Crystals (New Musical Express)
28 July – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
5 August – The Crystals (New Musical Express)
11 August – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)
25 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
8 September – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)
25 September – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (cancelled)
6 October – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (postponed until 13 October)
Paul Griggs’ diary notes that The Cortinas played on 6 October so it looks like they replaced Freddie Mack.
13 October – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (marks the group’s third anniversary)
Photo: Melody Maker
22 October – Dee Dee Warwick (New Musical Express)
24 October – Interstate Road Show
31 October – Dee Dee Warwick (New Musical Express)
10 November – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)
12 November – The Impressions (aka The Topics) backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
14 November – The Impressions (aka The Topics) backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
21 November – Garnet Mimms backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
24 November – J J Jackson (Melody Maker advert says Sunday, 24 December but November is correct)
28 November – Garnet Mimms backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
3 December – The Chiffons
5 December – The Bandwagon
8 December – Interstate Road Show
12 December – The Track
14 December – South Sea Bubble
15 December – Toast
17 December – Sea Jam Blues
19 December – Bunkers Brain
21 December – Jalopy Ride
22 December – Cherry Smash
24 December – Rainbow Ffolly and The Riot Squad
26 December – The Nite Walkers (The All Night Workers?)
28 December – Spring
29 December – Octopus (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
During 1967, New Zealand band Me & The Others featuring future Keef Hartley Band and Uriah Heep bass player Gary Thain auditioned at the club.
1967
1 January – The Soul Set
3 January – Jimmy Cliff (with The Shakedown Sound?)
10 January – The Canadians (with David Foster on keyboards)
Photo: Melody Maker
11 January – The Soul Sisters
12 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
17 January – The Bunch
19 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
Photo: Melody Maker
22 January – Warren Davis Monday Band
24 January – Cool Combination
26 January – Cool Combination
29 January – Warren Davis Monday Band
31 January – The Soul Set
5 February – Warren Davis Monday Band
7 February – Edwin Starr
12 February – Warren Davis Monday Band
14 February – The Bunch
21 February – The Night Train
23 February – The Bunch
28 February – The Bunch
2 March – Edwin Starr
5 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
9 March – Duane Eddy
12 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
14 March – The Night Train
16 March – Lee Dorsey
19 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
21 March – The Bunch
23 March – The Original Drifters
24 March – The Trap
26 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
27 March – The Flashbakks
28 March – The Bunch
30 March – The Hunky Chunk Band
4 April – The Night Train
9 April – The Soul Set
11 April – The Bunch
12 April – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
13 April – The Trap
16 April – The Soul Set
17 April – The Dave Martin Group (audition)
The Dave Martin Group’s manager Geoff Chinnery confirms the audition date above
18 April – The Bunch
20 April – The Flashbakks
23 April – The Soul Set
25 April – The Bunch
27 April – Warren Davis Monday Band
30 April – The Shell (Shock Show)
Photo: Melody Maker
2 May – Lunar 2
4 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
7 May – The Shell Shock Show
9 May – Garnet Mimms (most likely backed by The Senate)
11 May – The Bunch
14 May – The Ultimate
16 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
Photo: Melody Maker
17 May – Jack Hammer & His Hammer Jammers
18 May – The Bunch
21 May – The Ultimate
23 May – Clyde McPhatter
25 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
Photo: Melody Maker
28 May – The Ultimate
30 May – The Iveys
31 May – Jose Feliciano
1 June – The Bunch
Photo: Melody Maker
4 June – The Ultimate
6 June – The Trap
8 June – Edwin Starr
11 June – The Pussyfoot
13 June – Craig King & The Midnight Train
14 June – The Skatalites
15 June – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)
18 June – The Pussyfoot
19 June – The Shell Shock Show
20 June – The Impact Blues
22 June – Sonny Smiles & The Original Sonny Smiles Band
25 June – The Pussyfoot
27 June – The Impact Blues
28 June – Sugar Simone & The Programme
29 June – The Toys
2 July – The Pussyfoot
4 July – Craig King & The Midnight Train
6 July – The Iveys
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
7 or 8 July – The All Night Walkers (aka The All Night Workers) (needs confirmation)
9 July – The Bunch
11 July – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)
13 July – The Shell Shock Show
14 July – The Maroons
16 July – The Bunch
18 July – Neat Change
20 July – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback
Photo: Melody Maker
23 July – Warren Davis Monday Band
25 July – Mr Mo’s Messengers
27 July – The Skatalites
30 July – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
1 August – The Syrian Blues
3 August – Garnett Mimms (either backed by The Senate or The Clockwork Orange)
5 August – Katch 22
6 August – Warren Davis Monday Band
8 August – Wages of Sin
10 August – The Iveys
Photo: Melody Maker
13 August – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
14 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
15 August – Wages of Sin
17 August – Mr Mo’s Messengers
20 August – The Trend
22 August – The Choice
24 August – The Clockwork Orange
This version of The Clockwork Orange is either the group that became The Doves later in the year or The Sovereigns (see 1966 entry) who backed The Fantastics from August 1967 (usually billed as The House of Orange) and also did two tours with Garnet Mimms
27 August – The Choice
28 August – Warren Davis Monday Band
29 August – Wages of Sin
31 August – The Skatalites
3 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
5 September – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) (backed by Clockwork Orange – see above)
7 September – Wages of Sin
10 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
12 September – Sean Buckley Set
14 September – Katch 22 and Wages of Sin
Photo: Melody Maker
17 September – Warren Davis Monday Band
19 September – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)
21 September – Reg James Explosion
Photo: Melody Maker
24 September – John (this is Jon)
26 September – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or Clockwork Orange backing him)
28 September – Katch 22
Photo: Melody Maker
1 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers
3 October – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or The Clockwork Orange backing him)
5 October – Cats Pyjamas
8 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers
10 October – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback
12 October – The Soul Sisters with The Trend
15 October – Mr Hip
17 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)
19 October – Duane Eddy
22 October – The Quotations
23 October – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)
24 October – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)
26 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)
28 October – Alison’s Dump
29 October – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
31 October – The Isley Brothers
2 November – Stacey’s Circle
5 November – Scots of St James
7 November – The Shiralee
9 November – Geranium Pond
11 November – Alison’s Dump
12 November – The Doves
14 November – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics)
16 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)
19 November – The Unsuited Medium
21 November – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
23 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)
26 November – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
28 November – The Last Tic Band
30 November – James Brown Junior
3 December – Mr Hip
5 December – The Velours
7 December – Tuesday’s Children
10 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
12 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)
14 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
17 December – Eddie Lewison Combo
19 December – Mr Mo’s Messengers
21 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)
Photo: Melody Maker
23 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
24 December – The Shiralee
25 December – Alison’s Dump
26 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. This is supported by a club passport (see below), kindly provided by Harvey Jordan.
Photo: Harvey Jordan
However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
1966
According to the sleeve notes of RPM’s Timebox CD (and other band sources), the original Timebox, which may have been billed as Take Five at the time, landed a regular Wednesday night residency at this club when they first came to London thanks to manager Laurie Jay who worked at the George Cooper Agency. This would have been around January-March 1966.
18 January – The Key (needs source for confirmation)
17 February – Inez and Charlie Foxx with The League of Gentlemen
Melody Maker notes that Chris Lamb & The Universals play Wednesdays, which would have included 9 and 16 March
17 March – Irma Thomas (backed by The Excitements)
4 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
7 April – Don Covay
12 April – Screaming Jay Hawkins
14 April – Dee Dee Warwick
21 April – Lee Dorsey
24 April – The Blue Aces
This is Junior Kerr’s (aka Junior Marvin, future Wailers’ guitarist) band, who had played in Dakar from 4-16 April, according to Melody Maker advert
Photo: Melody Maker
3 May – Lee Dorsey (Disc & Music Echo)
5 May – The Dixie Cups
9 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)
12 May – Sugar Pie De Santo
17 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)
19 May – The Original Drifters
26 May – Ben E King
Photo: Melody Maker
9 June – Roy C
16 June – Stevie Wonder
20 June – Billy Stewart (with Bluesology?)
27 June – Irma Thomas
7 July – Noma Tanega (Disc & Music Echo has 5 July unless both days?)
Photo: Melody Maker
14-15 July – The Orlons
18 July – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
22 July – Rufus Thomas
25 July – Solomon Burke
3 August – Solomon Burke
9 August – Jimmy Cliff (not sure who is the backing band as singer split with The New Generation, who went on to link up with Gary Hamilton as Hamilton Movement, the previous month)
16 August – Jimmy Cliff
23 August – Jimmy Cliff
25 August – The Ikettes (with PP Arnold?)
28 August – The Soul Set (says they play every Sunday)
4 September – The Soul Set
6 September – The Peeps
8 September – The Carnaby
11 September – The Soul Set
15 September – The Vibrations
18 September – The Soul Set (needs confirmation)
22 September – The Bunch
27 September – The Majority
29 September – The Gas Company
4 October – The Mad Lads
6 October – The Five Chants
10 October – The Mad Lads (Disc & Music Echo)
11 October – The Washington DCs
13 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
18 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
20 October – The Spellbinders
24 October – Alvin Robinson
25 October – The Bunch
31 October – Alvin Robinson
1 November – The Bunch
3 November – Lee Dorsey
8 November – The Dixie Cups
10 November – The Dave Davani Four
11 November – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe (Disc & Music Echo has 14 November)
15 November – The Original Coasters
17 November – Joe E Young & The Tonicks
20 November – The Boardwalkers (became Warren Davis Monday Band shortly afterwards)
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
