Category Archives: England

Categories: England, London

Blaises, 121 Queen’s Gate, Kensington

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Blaises was located in the basement of the Imperial Hotel at 121 Queen’s Gate in Kensington, west London, SW7 (now demolished) and was a magnet for musicians, agents, managers and writers.

Jim Carter-Fea, who later managed the Speakeasy and Revolution, was involved with the club.

The Byrds played here on their debut UK tour in 1965 and many top acts of the day performed on the stage in the mid-late 1960s, most notably Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Yes, to name just a few.

Blaises wasn’t consistently advertised in the music papers throughout the 1960s so it’s been difficult to find gigs.

The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).

Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at Blaises during 1965-1966:

James Nairn (aka James Royal) says that his groups James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set played at Blaises; the former during 1965-1966 and the latter from 1966-1968.

Drummer/singer Tony Richard says that his band The Fetish Crowd performed at the club during the 1965-1966 period.  

1965

6 August 1965 (Thursday) – The Byrds (Record Mirror)

 

3 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

London Life magazine’s 30 October to 5 November 1965 issue notes that there is a live group changing weekly.

1966

London Life magazine notes in its 8-14 January 1966 issue that there is a different live group every night at the club. This is the same for every issue until the final London Life magazine issue is published on 31 December 1966.

4 February 1966 (Friday) – John Lee Hooker (Melody Maker)

 

24 March 1966 (Thursday) – Wilson Pickett (backed by The Statesiders) (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

6 April 1966 (Wednesday) – Martha & The Vandellas (Melody Maker)

 

10 May 1966 (Tuesday) – John Lee Hooker (Record Mirror)

Julian Covey & The Machine were probably Hooker’s backing band as they provided support for the blues legends on a tour this month.

Keyboardist Stan Marut, who left just before the tour, says his place was taken by Dave Greenslade, who then joined Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds.

 

30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

3 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Creation (Fabulous 208 and London Life magazine)

22 August 1966 (Monday) – The Artwoods (needs confirmation)

 

8 September 1966 (Thursday) – The In Crowd (they became Tomorrow in early 1967) (Fabulous 208 and Marmalade Skies website).

9 September 1966 (Friday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

23 September 1966 (Friday) – The Knack (London Life magazine)

Paul Gurvitz went on to The Gun while Graham Clay joined The New York Public Library (see below). Brian Parrish went on to Badger.

27 September 1966 (Tuesday) – She Trinity (Fabulous 208 and London Life magazine)

29 September 1966 (Thursday) – The Brian Auger & The Trinity (Melody Maker)

This is the date that Jimi Hendrix sat in with The Brian Auger Trinity.

According to the Hendrix website  (and Vic Briggs and Kathy Etchingham’s recollections), The Brian Auger Trinity had played at the Scotch of St James the previous night where the waiter told Trinity guitarist Vic Briggs about an amazing black guitarist who had sat in with The VIPs the night before (27 September). 

Chas Chandler and Hendrix walked in shortly afterwards and were introduced to the band who were playing a warm-up gig without singer Julie Driscoll. Brian Auger let Hendrix jam with the group and, impressed, invited the American guitarist to sit in at Blaises the following night.

On 29 September, Chandler and Hendrix arrived at Blaises after drinking at the Kilt Club where they met French singer Johnny Halliday. Auger introduced Hendrix to the crowd for a jam after the interval.

London Life has Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers for this date but it is possible that this was actually Friday, 30 September after a show at the California Ballroom in Dunstable.

 

3 October 1966 (Monday) – Robert Parker (Melody Maker)

4 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The Artwoods (Fabulous 208)

Future Deep Purple keyboard player Jon Lord was a member of The Artwoods.

5 October 1966 (Wednesday) – Robert Parker and Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)

11 October 1966 (Tuesday) – Garnet Mimms (Fabulous 208)

12 October 1966 (Wednesday) – Ike & Tina Turner (London Life magazine)

29 October 1966 (Saturday) – The Hush (London Life magazine)

Keith Fairhurst, singer with The Chosen Few, says the band played this venue about six times after moving down from Manchester and changing their name to The Hush. They also frequented the club on other occasions and he was there on 29 September when Jimi Hendrix sat in with The Brian Auger Trinity (see above).

Fairhurst adds that Blaises was only a small club and was an exclusive venue, which meant that normal club goers that frequented many of the other London clubs would not have attended; it was too expensive and licensed. Management insisted that they set up by 9pm and they never started before 9.30pm.

8 November 1966 (Tuesday) – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (Melody Maker)

9 November 1966 (Wednesday) – Jerry Lee Lewis (Melody Maker)

17 November 1966 (Thursday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Tatler)

21 November 1966 (Monday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)

22 November 1966 (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Tatler)

30 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Young Rascals (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

Melody Maker also has The Brian Auger Trinity on 30 November (see advert above). The two bands probably used the same equipment.

Guitarist Vic Briggs, who had moved on to join Eric Burdon’s New Animals by this point, says that all of the “in-clubs” were so small that you had to get your gear in before people arrived and wait until they left to move out. Also, they could not afford to pay more than one band per night.  There may have been exceptions but that was the general rule.

1 December 1966 (Thursday) – The In Crowd (became Tomorrow) (London Life magazine) Nick Simper’s website has Bobby Hebb playing from 11.30pm

8 December 1966 (Thursday) – The In Crowd (became Tomorrow) (London Life magazine)

13 December 1966 (Tuesday) – The Farinas (became Family) (Record Mirror)

14 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Little Richard (John Warburg’s research)

20 December 1966 (Tuesday) – The Artwoods (needs confirmation)

21 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)

23 December 1966 (Friday) – The Iveys (became Badfinger) (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

30 December 1966 (Friday) – Deep Feeling (Melody Maker)

Deep Feeling featured future members of Traffic, Family and Spooky Tooth

1967

Jim Cregan, guitarist with Blossom Toes, says his band played at the club during 1967.

Chris Hunt, drummer with The Good Time Losers, says that his group performed at Blaises during 1967.

Mick Ketley, keyboard player with Bognor Regis version of The Motivation which became The Penny Peep Show in September 1967, says that his group played at Blaises which would have been after May 1967.

Pete Cole, bass player with The Trend, says that he played the venue. The most likely time frame is after September 1967 and may have been when the group backed visiting US soul acts.

Jim Carter-Fae, who managed the club, took over the management of Hull band, The Majority and the group played this venue during 1967.

 

7 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Knack (Melody Maker)

Paul Gurvitz went on to The Gun while Graham Clay joined The New York Public Library (see below). Brian Parrish went on to Badger.

13 January 1967 (Friday) – The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Melody Maker)

17 January 1967 (Tuesday) – Family (Melody Maker)

18 January 1967 (Wednesday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208 – needs confirmation)

Still from the film The Sorcerers showing a band playing live (in January 1967 or earlier). Poster on the wall lists Inez & Charlie Foxx. Thanks to Christopher Matheson for providing

25 January 1967 (Wednesday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (Poster on wall in film the Sorcerers)

26 January 1967 (Thursday) – Jimmy McGriff (Disc & Music Echo)

According to Flashback magazine, Keith West and Steve Howe’s band The In Crowd were residents at Blaises around late January/early February and soon changed name to Tomorrow.

 

8 February 1967 (Wednesday) – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set (Disc & Music Echo)

The Q-Set will link up with Ronnie Jones after its tour with Maxine Brown.

Disc & Music Echo’s 11 February issue notes that Ike & Tina Turner had played at the club recently.

14 February 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Fabulous 208)

According to Melody Maker in April 1967, Herbie Goins had a regular Tuesday night residency at Blaises so there may be more Tuesday dates between this one and the one below that they played. Future Bob Marley guitarist Junior Marvin was the keyboard player with the band at this time when he used the stage name Junior Kerr.

23 February 1967 (Thursday) – Chuck Berry (backed by The Canadians) (Melody Maker)

The Canadians’ keyboard player was future record producer and music executive David Foster.

28 February 1967 (Tuesday) – Pink Floyd and The Majority (Melody Maker)

If both bands indeed played on this evening, it would have been one of the rare occasions when more than one group played.

 

7 March 1967 (Tuesday) – Keith (Disc & Music Echo and Melody Maker)

18 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Hush (Melody Maker)

Singer Keith Fairhurst says that on one occasion when The Hush played Blaises on a Saturday night, a Canadian television crew filmed them but he’s never seen the footage.

Still from the film The Sorcerers. Thanks to Christopher Matheson for supplying. Judging by the gig poster on the wall, this performance was January 1967 or earlier.

Fairhurst adds that the inside of Blaises appears in the 1967 film The Sorcerers.

 

17 April 1967 (Monday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

19 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Bo Diddley (backed by The Canadians) (Melody Maker)

David Foster was the keyboard player in The Canadians (see above).

 

1 May 1967 (Monday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

9 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers with The Satin Dolls (Melody Maker)

Future Bob Marley guitarist Junior Marvin was the group’s keyboard player at this time (see above).

11 May 1967 (Thursday) – The Coloured Raisins and Jack Hammer & His Hammer Jammers (Melody Maker)

Future Sweet producer Phil Wainman was the drummer with The Hammer Jammers. If both bands played, this would have been one of the rare occasions when two groups performed. 

16 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers and The Web (Melody Maker)

If both bands played, this would have been one of the rare occasions when two groups performed. 

23 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Melody Maker)

30 May 1967 (Tuesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

Record Mirror says Herbie Goins’ band has a Tuesday residency so may have shared the bill. They may also have continued to play more Tuesday nights as they appear again below on 12 September.

 

5 June 1967 (Monday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

8 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Turtles (Disc & Music Echo, Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

14 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Cliffons (needs source)

20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie, Honey Darling and Earl Green (Melody Maker)

25 June 1967 (Sunday) – Jose Feliciano (Melody Maker)

 

6 July 1967 (Thursday) – Jefferson Airplane (cancelled) (needs source)

7 July 1967 (Friday) – Denny Laine’s Electric String Band (Disc & Music Echo and Fabulous 208)

14 July 1967 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Fabulous 208)

25 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Amen Corner (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

 

1 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Donnie Elbert (Melody Maker)

16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Ten Years After (Fabulous 208)

18 August 1967 (Friday) – Granny’s Intentions (needs source)

26 August 1967 (Saturday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)

 

6 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)

12 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Melody Maker)

14 September 1967 (Thursday) – Big Maybelle & The Majority (Melody Maker)

20 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)

26 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Ten Years After (Fabulous 208)

 

4 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)

5 October 1967 (Thursday) – Vanilla Fudge (Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo has this gig down for 8 October, not 5 October.

18 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)

19 October 1967 (Thursday) – Freddie King (Melody Maker)

23 October 1967 (Monday) – Vanilla Fudge (Disc & Music Echo)

24 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

2 November 1967 (Thursday) – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

3 November 1967 (Friday) – Deuce Coup (Melody Maker)

4 November 1967 (Saturday) – The Mike Stuart Span (Melody Maker)

6 November 1967 (Monday) – The Majority (Melody Maker)

7 November 1967 (Tuesday) – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

8 November 1967 (Wednesday) – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

9 November 1967 (Thursday) – Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation (Melody Maker)

10 November 1967 (Friday) – The Maze (Melody Maker)

11 November 1967 (Saturday) – Dr K’s Blues Band (Melody Maker)

14 November 1967 (Tuesday) – The Downliners Sect (Melody Maker)

25 November 1967 (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

28 November 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas and Chris Clark (Melody Maker)

 

1 December 1967 (Friday) – Gladys Knight & The Pips (Melody Maker)

12 December 1967 (Tuesday) – The Vibrations (Melody Maker)

14 December 1967 (Thursday) – Eddie Floyd (Melody Maker)

31 December 1967 (Sunday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

1968

Guitarist Paul Brett says that he played this venue during 1968, which would have been with Tintern Abbey.

4 January 1968 (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

17 January 1968 (Wednesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

20 January 1968 (Tuesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

9 February 1968 (Friday) – Taste (Rory Gallagher’s Fandom site: https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/Rory_Gallagher)

 

30 March 1968 (Saturday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)

 

3 April 1968 (Wednesday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

5 April 1968 (Friday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)

24 April 1968 (Wednesday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

Melody Maker’s 4 May issue notes that a fire gutted the Speakeasy on Saturday night (27 April), causing £20,000 worth of damage. Roy Flynn, co-owner, said that the club couldn’t reopen for about three months (it ended up being mid-December) and that gigs would be transferred to Blaises and billed as ‘Speakeasy at Blaises’. These are noted below.

Ike & Tina Turner were billed to play on Sunday, 28 April and Bill Haley & The Comets on 30 April. These may have been cancelled or transferred to Blaises. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any further details.

1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Bobby Goldsboro (Melody Maker)

This was billed to take place at the Speakeasy and may have been transferred to Blaises or alternatively cancelled.

5 May 1968 (Sunday) – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band (Melody Maker)

Captain Beefheart was originally billed for the Speakeasy so most likely it was transferred to Blaises as the dates match.

8 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

13 May 1968 (Monday) – The Byrds (Melody Maker)

This was originally billed for the Speakeasy so most likely it was transferred to Blaises.

23 May 1968 (Thursday) – Spooky Tooth (Marmalade Skies website)

29 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

9 June 1968 (Sunday) – Fairport Convention (Melody Maker)

12 June 1968 (Wednesday) – Reparta & The Delrons (New Musical Express)

15 June 1968 (Saturday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

16 June 1968 (Sunday) – PP Arnold (Melody Maker)

This was billed as ‘Speakeasy at Blaises’.

23 June 1968 (Sunday) – Reparta & The Delrons (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

30 June 1968 (Sunday) – Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation (Melody Maker)

The Retaliation gig is another ‘Speakeasy at Blaises’ gig

 

3 July 1968 (Wednesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

14 July 1968 (Sunday) – Tim Rose (see comments section below regarding this gig)

18 July 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

This was originally booked for the Speakeasy so if it wasn’t cancelled, it was most likely moved to Blaises.

20 July 1968 (Saturday) – The Sweet (the Sweet website: https://sweet.thesweetweb.com/gigs-1968-1981/)

23 July 1968 – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

Paul Griggs notes in his diary that Jimi Hendrix and Eric Burdon were in attendance that night. This was a 1 am show so probably early hours of 24 July.

28 July 1968 (Sunday) – Terry Reid & The Fantasy (Melody Maker)

 

17 August 1968 (Saturday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker)

20 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

21 August 1968 (Wednesday) – Free (Alessandro Borri research – see comments section below)

27 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Greg Russo’s research)

 

6 September 1968 (Friday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

8 September 1968 (Sunday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website: www.eastofedentheband.co.uk/GIGS.html)

The website says that Jefferson Airplane sat in with the band at the show.

15 September 1968 (Sunday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

According to Melody Maker and New Musical Express, Sly & The Family Stone were billed to play Blaises on 15 September. Apparently, they didn’t show and Roy Flynn asked The Nice’s manager Tony Stratton-Smith for help and he recommended Yes.

16 September 1968 (Monday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

This performance is unconfirmed and also missing from this site:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Yes_concert_tours_(1960s%E2%80%9370s)

18 September 1968 (Wednesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

25 September 1968 (Wednesday) – Glass Menagerie (Fabulous 208 and Time Out)

 

13 October 1968 (Sunday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

15 October 1968 (Tuesday) – Blue Cheer (Bruno Ceriotti’s research and New Musical Express)

19 October 1968 (Saturday) – Mint Tulip (Melody Maker)

22 October 1968 (Tuesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

23 October 1968 (Wednesday) – July (Time Out)

30 October 1968 (Wednesday) – Yes with Dream Police (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

 

5 November 1968 (Tuesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

11 November 1968 (Monday) – Blonde on Blonde (Time Out)

17 November 1968 (Sunday) – The Show Stoppers (New Musical Express)

24 November 1968 (Sunday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

Yes’ gig on 24 November is unconfirmed

26 November 1968 (Tuesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

1 December 1968 (Sunday) – Bandwagon (New Musical Express)

7 December 1968 – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

Yes’ 7 December gig is not listed on the Yes tours wiki site above.

15 December 1968 (Sunday) – The Flame (the South African band plays one week) (Melody Maker)

16 December 1968 (Monday) – The Flame and Mint Tulip (Melody Maker)

17 December 1968 (Tuesday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

18 December 1968 (Wednesday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

19 December 1968 (Thursday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

20 December 1968 (Friday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

21 December 1968 (Saturday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

22 December 1968 (Sunday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

26 December 1968 (Thursday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

1969

23 January 1969 (Thursday) – Yes (Time Out)

24 January 1969 (Friday) – The N’ Betweens (the band became Slade) (Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

25 January 1969 (Saturday) – Clouds (Time Out)

 

20 February 1969 (Thursday) – Majority Sun (Hounslow Post)

23 February 1969 (Sunday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)

24 February 1969 (Monday) – Pendulum (Hounslow Post)

25 February 1969 (Tuesday) – Cymbaline (Hounslow Post)

26 February 1969 (Wednesday) – The New York Public Library (Hounslow Post)

 

2 March 1969 (Sunday) – Affinity (Kensington Post)

4 March 1969 (Tuesday) – Sarolta (Kensington Post)

5 March 1969 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Kensington Post)

9 March 1969 (Sunday) – Terry Reid (Melody Maker)

11 March 1969 (Tuesday) – The Committee (Melody Maker)

12 March 1969 (Wednesday) – The Web (Marylebone Mercury)

16 March 1969 (Sunday) – The Pretty Things (Hounslow Post)

17 March 1969 (Monday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post)

In an interview with Stefan Granados for Shindig magazine, guitarist Pete Mizen says that The Majority were playing here when they were approached to move to France and record with the Pink Elephant label.

18 March 1969 (Tuesday) – The New York Public Library (Hounslow Post)

19 March 1969 (Wednesday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Hounslow Post)

23 March 1969 (Sunday) – Marv Johnson (Hounslow Post)

24 March 1969 (Monday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)

25 March 1969 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Hounslow Post)

28 March 1969 (Friday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post)

29 March 1969 (Saturday) – Trifle (Hounslow Post)

30 March 1969 (Sunday) – Joynt (Kensington Post)

31 March 1969 (Monday) – The Flames (Hounslow Post)

 

4 April 1969 (Friday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)

6 April 1969 (Sunday) – Explosive (Watson T Browne?) (Hounslow Post)

7 April 1969 (Monday) – Circus (Hounslow Post)

9 April 1969 (Wednesday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

10 April 1969 (Thursday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

12 April 1969 (Saturday) – Black Velvet (Hounslow Post)

13 April 1969 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Hounslow Post)

14 April 1969 (Monday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post)

18 April 1969 (Friday) – Springfield Park (Hounslow Post)

19 April 1969 (Saturday) – Pure Gold (Hounslow Post)

20 April 1969 (Sunday) – The Flames (Hounslow Post)

21 April 1969 (Monday) – Jerome Arnold (Hounslow Post)

22 April 1969 (Tuesday) – The Web (Hounslow Post)

26 April 1969 (Saturday) – Village (Time Out)

28 April 1969 (Monday) – Village (Time Out)

4 May 1969 (Sunday) – King Crimson (Hounslow Post)

5 May 1969 (Monday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)

6 May 1969 (Tuesday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Hounslow Post)

8 May 1969 (Thursday) – The Committee (Melody Maker)

9 May 1969 (Friday) – The Shades (Melody Maker)

10 May 1969 (Sunday) – Bob & Earl (Marylebone Mercury)

11 May 1969 (Sunday) – Black Velvet (Marylebone Mercury)

19 May 1969 (Monday) – Jerome Arnold (Time Out)

20 May 1969 (Tuesday) – The Majority (Time Out)

21 May 1969 (Wednesday) – The Milwaukee Coasters (Time Out)

22 May 1969 (Thursday) – The Committee (Melody Maker)

24 May 1969 (Saturday) – Belle Sebastian (Hounslow Post)

25 May 1969 (Sunday) – The Gods (Hounslow Post and Time Out)

26 May 1969 (Monday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post and Time Out)

27 May 1969 (Tuesday) – The Web (Hounslow Post)

28 May 1969 (Wednesday) – Affinity (Time Out)

Photo: Don Powell’s site

1 June 1969 (Sunday) – Sarolta (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

2 June 1969 (Monday) – Methuselah (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

3 June 1969 (Tuesday) – Ambrose Slade (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

4 June 1969 (Wednesday) – The Majority (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

5 June 1969 (Thursday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Although advertised, Jo Jo Gunne didn’t appear as they were part through a three-month residency at the House of Lords club in the Bahamas.

6 June 1969 (Friday) – Blonde on Blonde (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms the Blonde on Blonde gig.

7 June 1969 (Saturday) – Exception (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Time Out has Black Velvet billed for 7 June. Hounslow Post confirms Exception.

8 June 1969 (Sunday) – Root and Jenny Jackson (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

9 June 1969 (Monday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

10 June 1969 (Tuesday) – The Flames (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

11 June 1969 (Wednesday) – East of Eden (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Time out confirms this gig as does the East of Eden website: www.eastofedentheband.co.uk/GIGS.html

12 June 1969 (Thursday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

13 June 1969 (Friday) – Black Velvet (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

15 June 1969 (Sunday) – Ferris Wheel (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post and Time Out confirm this gig.

16 June 1969 (Monday) – Soul Committee (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

17 June 1969 (Tuesday) – Springfield Park (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

18 June 1969 (Wednesday) – Village (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

19 June 1969 (Thursday) – Samson (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

20 June 1969 (Friday) – The Majority (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

21 June 1969 (Saturday) – Heaven (John Warburg’s research)

22 June 1969 (Sunday) – Ski Boo (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

23 June 1969 (Monday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

24 June 1969 (Tuesday) – Brainbox (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

25 June 1969 (Wednesday) – The Majority (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

 

26 June 1969 (Thursday) – The Web (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

27 June 1969 (Friday) – Procession (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig. Future Manfred Mann’s Earth Band guitarist Mick Rogers was a member of Procession.

29 June 1969 (Sunday) – The Flames (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Hounslow Post confirms this gig.

30 June 1969 (Monday) – Clouds (Blaises gig poster at Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/)

Time out lists Ambrose Slade for 30 June.

 

1 July 1969 (Tuesday) – The Majority (Marmalade Skies website)

2 July 1969 (Wednesday) – Babylon (Marmalade Skies website)

3 July 1969 (Thursday) – Eddie Thornton Quartet (Hounslow Post)

4 July 1969 (Friday) – The New York Public Library (Hounslow Post)

5 July 1969 (Saturday) – The Fire (Marmalade Skies website)

6 July 1969 (Sunday) – The Flames (Hounslow Post)

7 July 1969 (Monday) – The Entire Sioux Nation (Marmalade Skies website)

8 July 1969 (Tuesday) – Arcadium (Marmalade Skies website)

10 July 1969 (Thursday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Hounslow Post)

Although advertised, Jo Jo Gunne may not have appeared as they returned from a three-month residency at the House of Lords club in the Bahamas in early-to-mid July.

11 July 1969 (Friday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Hounslow Post)

12 July 1969 (Saturday) – The Majority (Marmalade Skies website)

13 July 1969 (Sunday) – Arrival (Hounslow Post)

John Warburg’s research has Audience for 13 July.

14 July 1969 (Monday) – The New York Public Library (Marmalade Skies website)

15 July 1969 (Tuesday) – Samson (Marmalade Skies website)

17 July 1969 (Thursday) – The Flames (Marylebone Mercury)

18 July 1969 (Friday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Marmalade Skies website)

Confirmed by Marylebone Mercury.

20 July 1969 (Sunday) – Jimmy Ruffin with Sweet Blindness (Marylebone Mercury)

21 July 1969 (Monday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website: www.eastofedentheband.co.uk/GIGS.html)

22 July 1969 (Tuesday) – Circus (Marmalade Skies website)

25 July 1969 (Friday) – The Majority (Marmalade Skies website)

26 July 1969 (Saturday) – Velvet Opera (Marmalade Skies website)

28 July 1969 (Monday) – Shy Limbs (Marmalade Skies website)

29 July 1969 (Tuesday) – Black Velvet (Time Out)

30 July 1969 (Wednesday) – The Nite People (Melody Maker)

 

1 August 1969 (Friday) – Skin Alley (John Warburg’s research)

5 August 1969 (Tuesday) – Ashton, Gardner and Dyke (needs source)

10 August 1969 (Sunday) – Eire Apparent (Melody Maker)

This may be another Sunday so needs confirmation.

11 August 1969 (Monday) – Audience (John Warburg’s research)

12 August 1969 (Tuesday) – Cuby & The Blizzards (Melody Maker)

This may be another Tuesday so needs confirmation.

15 August 1969 (Thursday) – Demon Fuzz (Kensington Post)

16 August 1969 (Saturday) – Cressida (Kensington Post)

17 August 1969 (Sunday) – Paul Williams Set (Kensington Post)

18 August 1969 (Monday) – Circus (Time Out)

21 August 1969 (Thursday) – Windmill (Marylebone Mercury)

22 August 1969 (Friday) – Freedom (Marylebone Mercury)

24 August 1969 (Sunday) – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

25 August 1969 (Monday) – Procession (Marylebone Mercury) Unlikely they played this

28 August 1969 (Thursday) – Springfield Park (Marylebone Mercury)

31 August 1969 (Sunday) – Black Velvet (Time Out)

 

4 September 1969 (Thursday) – Rainbow People (Kensington Post/Marylebone Mercury)

5 September 1969 (Friday) – Rich Grimes & Babylon (Kensington Post)

6 September 1969 (Saturday) – TBC (Marylebone Mercury)

7 September 1969 (Sunday) – Ferris Wheel (Kensington Post)

12 September 1969 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Marylebone Mercury)

13 September 1969 (Saturday) – The Shades (Marylebone Mercury)

14 September 1969 (Sunday) – Ray King Soul Band (Marylebone Mercury)

15 September 1969 (Monday) – Fire (Marylebone Mercury)

18 September 1969 (Thursday) – Skin Alley (Kensington Post)

19 September 1969 (Friday) – Audience (Kensington Post)

20 September 1969 (Saturday) – Fortes Mentum (Kensington Post)

21 September 1969 (Sunday) – The Web (Kensington Post)

25 September 1969 (Thursday) – Black Velvet (Marylebone Mercury)

26 September 1969 (Friday) – Front Line Band (Marylebone Mercury)

28 September 1969 (Sunday) – Prince Buster (Marylebone Mercury)

 

2 October 1969 (Thursday) – Ruby James (Kensington Post)

3 October 1969 (Friday) – David (Kensington Post)

4 October 1969 (Saturday) – Raw Material (Kensington Post)

5 October 1969 (Sunday) – Bulldog Breed (Kensington Post)

10 October 1969 (Friday) – Hawkwind (Melody Maker)

Time Out has Skin Alley on 10 October. 

11 October 1969 (Saturday) – Brain Child (Marylebone Mercury)

12 October 1969 (Sunday) – Lee Dorsey (Time Out)

13 October 1969 (Monday) – Ashton, Gardner and Dyke (Time Out)

14 October 1969 (Tuesday) – Audience (Time Out)

16 October 1969 (Thursday) – Village (Time Out)

17 October 1969 (Friday) – Merlin Q (Hounslow Post)

18 October 1969 (Saturday) – Tekneek (Hounslow Post)

19 October 1969 (Sunday) – Jacky Edwards and The Rainbow People (Hounslow Post)

21 October 1969 (Tuesday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

24 October 1969 (Friday) – Bulldog Breed (Hounslow Post)

25 October 1969 (Saturday) – Shy Limbs (Hounslow Post)

26 October 1969 (Sunday) – Arrival (Hounslow Post)

31 October 1969 (Friday) – The Elastic Band (Marylebone Mercury)

 

2 November 1969 (Sunday) – Marv Johnson (Melody Maker)

7 November 1969 (Friday) – Big Movement (Kensington Post)

8 November 1969 (Saturday) – Man (Kensington Post)

9 November 1969 (Sunday) – Black Apple (Kensington Post)

13 November 1969 (Thursday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

23 November 1969 (Sunday) – John Kramer (Time Out)

24 November 1969 (Monday) – Raw Material (Time Out)

26 November 1969 (Wednesday) – Lucas & The Soul Band (Time Out)

27 November 1969 (Friday) – Fire (Time Out)

 

4 December 1969 (Thursday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

5 December 1969 (Friday) – Raw Material (Time Out)

7 December 1969 (Sunday) – The Box Tops (Time Out)

According to Bruno Ceriotti The Box Tops tour was cancelled.

8 December 1969 (Monday) – Quatermass (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)

11 December 1969 (Thursday) – Tim Mycroft (Time Out)

12 December 1969 (Friday) – Bulldog Breed (Marylebone Mercury)

13 December 1969 (Saturday) – Brainchild (Marylebone Mercury)

14 December 1969 (Sunday) – Black Apple (Marylebone Mercury)

15 December 1969 (Monday) – The Committee (Marylebone Mercury)

16 December 1969 (Tuesday) – Mud (Marylebone Mercury)

17 December 1969 (Wednesday) – Magic Horse (Marylebone Mercury)

18 December 1969 (Thursday) – The Shades (Time Out)

19 December 1969 (Friday) – The Web (Time Out)

20 December 1969 (Saturday) – Fire (Kensington Post)

22 December 1969 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Time Out)

23 December 1969 (Tuesday) – Lucas & The Soul Band (Time Out)

24 December 1969 (Wednesday) – Imagination (Kensington Post)

27 December 1969 (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Time Out)

28 December 1969 (Sunday) – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

29 December 1969 (Monday) – The Committee (Time Out)

30 December 1969 (Tuesday) – Hawkwind (Melody Maker)

Time Out has Skin Alley on 30 December.

31 December 1969 (Wednesday) – Bulldog Breed (Time Out)

1970

Guitarist and violinist Mike Piggott says that he played at Blaises with Gass during 1969-1970.

1 January 1970 (Thursday) – For Ever More (Marylebone Mercury)

2 January 1970 (Friday) – Noir (Marylebone Mercury)

3 January 1970 (Saturday) – Brain Child (Marylebone Mercury)

4 January 1970 (Sunday) – Roy Young (Marylebone Mercury)

5 January 1970 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Marylebone Mercury)

6 January 1970 (Tuesday) – Black Apple (Marylebone Mercury)

7 January 1970 (Wednesday) – The Committee (Marylebone Mercury)

8 January 1970 (Thursday) – Gentle Strength (Kensington Post)

9 January 1970 (Friday) – Fire (Kensington Post)

10 January 1970 (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Kensington Post)

11 January 1970 (Sunday) – The Wild Angels (Kensington Post)

12 January 1970 (Monday) – The Shy Limbs (Kensington Post)

13 January 1970 (Tuesday) – Lucas & The Soul Sounds (Melody Maker)

14 January 1970 (Wednesday) – Cressida (Kensington Post)

15 January 1970 (Thursday) – The Web (Time Out)

16 January 1970 (Friday) – Springfield Park (Kensington Post)

17 January 1970 (Saturday) – Shades (Kensington Post)

18 January 1970 (Sunday) – Noir (Kensington Post)

19 January 1970 (Monday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

20 January 1970 (Tuesday) – Napoleon (Kensington Post)

21 January 1970 (Wednesday) – Stone the Crows (Kensington Post)

22 January 1970 (Thursday) – Committee (Marylebone Mercury)

23 January 1970 (Friday) – David (Marylebone Mercury)

25 January 1970 (Sunday) – Tim Mycroft (Marylebone Mercury)

26 January 1970 (Monday) – Hawkwind (Time Out)

27 January 1970 (Tuesday) – Animal Farm (Marylebone Mercury)

28 January 1970 (Wednesday) – Windmill (Marylebone Mercury)

29 January 1970 (Thursday) – Raw Material (Marylebone Mercury)

30 January 1970 (Friday) – Shades (Marylebone Mercury)

31 January 1970 (Saturday) – TBC (Marylebone Mercury)

 

1 February 1970 (Sunday) – Edwin Starr (Marylebone Mercury)

2 February 1970 (Monday) – Warm Dust (Marylebone Mercury)

3 February 1970 (Tuesday) – Shy Limbs (Marylebone Mercury)

4 February 1970 (Wednesday) – Mud (Marylebone Mercury)

5 February 1970 (Thursday) – Windmill (Marylebone Mercury)

6 February 1970 (Friday) – Cressida (Marylebone Mercury)

7 February 1970 (Saturday) – Forevermore (Marylebone Mercury)

8 February 1970 (Sunday) – Focus (Marylebone Mercury)

9 February 1970 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Marylebone Mercury)

10 February 1970 (Tuesday) – Skin Alley (Marylebone Mercury)

11 February 1970 (Wednesday) – Black Apple (Marylebone Mercury)

19 February 1970 (Thursday) – Majority (Kensington Post)

20 February 1970 (Friday) – Fire (Kensington Post)

22 February 1970 (Sunday) – This Year’s Girl (Kensington Post)

23 February 1970 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Kensington Post)

24 February 1970 (Tuesday) – Black Apple (Kensington Post)

25 February 1970 (Wednesday) – The Majority (Kensington Post)

26 February 1970 (Thursday) – Genesis (Melody Maker and Time Out)

 

5 March 1970 (Thursday) – David (Kensington Post)

6 March 1970 (Friday) – Business (Kensington Post)

7 March 1970 (Saturday) – Cochise (Kensington Post)

8 March 1970 (Sunday) – Sam Gopal (Kensington Post)

9 March 1970 (Monday) – Pacific Drift (Kensington Post)

10 March 1970 (Tuesday) – Raw Material (Kensington Post)

11 March 1970 (Wednesday) – The Majority (Kensington Post)

12 March 1970 (Thursday) – Genesis (Kensington Post)

13 March 1970 (Friday) – Fire (Kensington Post)

14 March 1970 (Saturday) – Gorman Ghast (Kensington Post)

15 March 1970 (Sunday) – Jackie Edwards (Kensington Post)

16 March 1970 (Monday) – New Arrivals (Kensington Post)

17 March 1970 (Tuesday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Kensington Post)

19 March 1970 (Thursday) – Rainbow People (Kensington Post)

20 March 1970 (Friday) – Cardboard Orchestra (Kensington Post)

21 March 1970 (Saturday) – Mud (Kensington Post)

22 March 1970 (Sunday) – Wild Angels (Kensington Post)

24 March 1970 (Tuesday) – Lucas & The Soul Sound (Kensington Post)

25 March 1970 (Wednesday) – Cressida (Kensington Post)

 

12 May 1970 (Tuesday) – Gin House (Time Out)

25 June 1970 (Thursday) – Mirrors (Melody Maker)

 

8 August 1970 (Saturday) – Cressida (Time Out)

10 August 1970 (Monday) – David (Time Out)

12 August 1970 (Wednesday) – Pure Wings (Time Out)

13 August 1970 (Thursday) – Osibisa (Time Out)

14 August 1970 (Friday) – Flare (Time Out)

15 August 1970 (Saturday) – Satisfaction (Time Out)

16 August 1970 (Sunday) – Raw Material (Time Out)

17 August 1970 (Monday) – Camelot (Time Out)

21 August 1970 (Friday) – Crazy Mabel (Time Out)

24 August 1970 (Monday) – Anno Domini (Time Out)

26 August 1970 (Wednesday) – Mirrors (Time Out)

29 August 1970 (Saturday) – Crazy Mabel (Time Out)

 

20 September 1970 (Sunday) – Mirrors (Time Out)

29 November 1970 (Sunday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

 

Categories: England, London

The Bag O’ Nails, Kingly Street, Soho, central London

8 Comments

The Bag O’ Nails was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find confirmed gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions/corrections plus any posters of advertised gigs and photos of bands who appeared there (all credited accordingly).

1966

Opened in 1965, co-owners John Gunnell and Laurie Leslie launched the Bag O’ Nails as an upmarket, members-only, late night club during November 1966. Tony Knight’s Chessmen played on the opening night.

Colin Richardson, who joined the Rik Gunnell Agency in September 1966 and remained until December 1967, says his main job was to book Rik Gunnell Agency bands and in terms of the Bag O’ Nails, his role was probably to fill the ‘open’ dates with lesser known bands while the ‘name’ artists were booked by John or his brother Rik.

Colin says that, like the Cromwellian, Sibylla’s and the Speakeasy, the Bag O’ Nails had an extended licence to serve alcohol which required that food had to be made available to customers.

Like these other exclusive late night clubs, the Bag O’ Nails differed from rock venues like the Marquee and 100 Club in that punters generally didn’t go to see the band playing; the music was almost incidental. It was more a place to ‘hang out’ and to mix with media and music biz people and maybe spy the occasional rock star or celeb.

Colin states that when he took over bookings at the Bag O’  Nails, he usually put on a different band every night, though occasionally there could be runs of two or more nights. As noted above, the idea was to give the lesser known bands exposure to the influential audiences that frequented the club.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede’s manager Ken Baxter (who is no longer with us) kept a note of bookings and Douglas’ group had a residency at the club from 21 November to 4 December 1966. During this time, Jimi Hendrix sat in with the band once (possibly 25 November but see comments section at the very end).

The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its showcase gig on 25 November and many music celebrities attended the event, including Terry Reid, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and members of The Rolling Stones.

Drummer Tony Richard remembers that his band The Fetish Crowd played at the Bag O’ Nails (either in late 1966 or early 1967).

Keyboard player Tony O’Malley says that his band Malcolm Magaron & The Blueshealers played at the club during late 1966 and early 1967 before the backing musicians left Magaron to work with American singer Ronnie Jones and were billed as The Q-Set.

Steve Ellis’ website notes that the original Love Affair played at the Bag O’ Nails (either in late 1966 or early 1967).

21 November (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

22 November (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

23 November (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

24 November (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

25 November (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

Melody Maker reports that The Jimi Hendrix Experience played on 25 November, which would have been a showcase gig. It’s possible that he stayed on to sit in with Carl Douglas’ band later that evening (Colin Richardson’s website) 

26 November (Saturday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

27 November (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

28 November (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

29 November (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

30 November (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

The Stage’s 1 December issue reports that Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede have a ten-day stand but don’t say when it started. 

1 December (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

2 December (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

3 December (Saturday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

4 December (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

19 December (Monday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

Julian Covey & The Machine had a residency here which, judging by the January gig below, appeared to be on a Monday evening.

26 December (Monday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

According to Stage magazine, Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays, Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Brian Auger Trinity played over the Christmas period.

1967

Singer James Royal says that his band The James Royal Set played at the Bag O’ Nails. This would have been 1967 and/or 1968.

Drummer Chris Hunt notes that his group The Good Time Losers played at the venue in 1967. The most likely period would have been February/March.

Drummer Dino Coccia says that he played with a Jamaican band called The Healers who worked at the Bag O’ Nails regularly throughout 1967 until June 1968 when they left for Beirut, Lebanon for a residency there.

The Healers. Photo: Dino Coccia

1 January (Sunday) – The Peddlers (Glenn Martin’s recollections, needs confirmation)

Drummer Glenn Martin says that when his group Hedgehoppers Anonymous split in early-mid January, he worked with singer Kenny Bernard at the Bag O’ Nails, taking over from The Peddlers, who had a residency here (most likely on Sundays). Bernard’s group played its first show at the Bag O’ Nails on Martin’s birthday (Sunday, 22 January). However, The Peddlers decided to continue their residency and returned the following week and Bernard’s group split with Martin reforming Hedgehoppers Anonymous.

2 January (Monday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (Fabulous 208)

8 January (Sunday) – The Peddlers (needs confirmation – see 1 January)

9 January (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

10 January (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

11 January (Wednesday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Fabulous 208)

15 January (Sunday) – The Peddlers (needs confirmation – see 1 January)

22 January (Sunday) – Kenny Bernard (Glenn Martin’s recollections – see 1 January)

29 January (Sunday) – The Peddlers (needs confirmation – see 1 January)

 

1 February (Wednesday) – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set (Fabulous 208 and Disc & Music Echo)

2 February (Thursday) – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set (Fabulous 208)

The Q-Set linked up with American singer Ronnie Jones in mid-March 1967 after he split with The Blue Jays and they played regularly at the Bag O’ Nails (see later).

7 February (Tuesday) – The Shotgun Express (Fabulous 208)

Phil Sawyer, the band’s lead guitarist, will join The Spencer Davis Group in April 1967.

8 February (Wednesday) – The Shotgun Express (Fabulous 208)

9 February (Thursday) – The Shotgun Express (Fabulous 208)

10 February (Friday) – The Shotgun Express (Fabulous 208)

According to Disc & Music Echo, the music magazine held its party at the Bag O’ Nails either on Sunday, 12 February or Sunday, 19 February and PJ Proby, Pete Townshend from The Who and Eric Clapton from Cream attended.

22 February (Wednesday) – Maxine Daniels (Fabulous 208)

25 February (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

Birmingham band, The Way of Life, featuring future Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham played at the Bag O’ Nails around late February 1967.

 

1 March (Wednesday) – The Real McCoy (Fabulous 208)

2 March (Thursday) – The Real McCoy (Fabulous 208)

3 March (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

4 March (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

5 March (Sunday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

6 March (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

7 March (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

8 March (Wednesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

9 March (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

10 March (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

11 March (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

12 March (Sunday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

Colin Richardson, who booked some of the artists that performed at the Bag O’ Nails, remembers Otis Redding dropping in on 22 March (website: https://colinrichardson of any significance, bujazz.typepad.com/blog/2020/07/otis-reddinggentle-giant.html)

 

17 April (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

18 April (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

Disc & Music Echo’s 6 May issue reports that Georgie Fame, The Drifters, Zoot Money and Carl Douglas joined Ronnie Jones (& The Q-Set) for a jam session in the week starting 24 April. Tom Jones and Paul McCartney attended.

27 April (Thursday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Fabulous 208 and Disc & Music Echo)

 

According to the Berkhamsted Gazette & Tring District News, Errol Daniel & JJ Sound played at the Bag O’ Nails in early May 1967.

4 May (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

8 May (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 27 May issue, Ronnie Jones (& The Q-Set) played at the Bag O’ Nails in the week starting 15 May and Sandie Shaw, Chris Andrews and The Moody Blues were among the guests.

The same issue (27 May) notes that Georgie Fame, Dick Gregory, Mary Wells and Maxine Brown were recent bookings at the Bag O’ Nails.

15 May (Monday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Beatles Bible book)

Disc & Music Echo lists Georgie Fame at the venue on 15 May.

30 May (Tuesday) – Diane Ferraz & The Checkmates (Fabulous 208)

31 May (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

 

1 June (Thursday) – Diane Ferraz & The Checkmates (Fabulous 208)

3 June (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

4 June (Sunday) – Diane Ferraz & The Checkmates (Fabulous 208)

5 June (Monday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

6 June (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

7 June (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Fabulous 208 says that The Shevelles played on 7 June.

8 June (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

11 June (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

12 June (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

13 June (Tuesday) – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Fabulous 208)

14 June (Wednesday) – Diane Ferraz & The New Checkmates (Fabulous 208)

15 June (Thursday) – Diane Ferraz & The New Checkmates (Fabulous 208)

Melody Maker says that The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas played on 15 June.

16 June (Friday) – Felders Orioles (Fabulous 208)

Drummer John Halsey will join Timebox in August 1967

17 June (Saturday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

18 June (Sunday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

19 June (Monday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

20 June (Tuesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

21 June (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

22 June (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

23 June (Friday) – Amen Corner (Fabulous 208)

30 June (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

 

1 July (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

5 July (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

6 July (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

9 July (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

11 July (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

17 July (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

18 July (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

20 July (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

23 July (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

24 July (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

31 July (Monday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Disc & Music Echo)

 

1 August (Tuesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

This group were formerly called Diane Ferraz & The (New) Checkmates. Colin Richardson, who booked some of the artists that appeared at the Bag O’ Nails, says that he suggested Ferris Wheel as a loose pun on Diane’s surname after they had told him they wanted to change their current name as they felt it sounded dated.

6 August (Sunday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

According to the Reading Evening Post, 12 August, Kenny Bernard (possibly fronting Cats Pyjamas) plays around this time. 

13 August (Sunday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

22 August (Tuesday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

28 August (Monday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

31 August (Thursday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

 

2 September (Saturday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)

Chicken Shack featured future Fleetwood Mac singer/pianist Christine Perfect (aka McVie).

3 September (Sunday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)

8 September (Friday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)

9 September (Saturday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)

11 September (Monday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

14 September (Thursday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Fabulous 208)

Future Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor was with the band at this point.

18 September (Monday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

19 September (Tuesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Fabulous 208)

20 September (Wednesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Fabulous 208)

21 September (Thursday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Fabulous 208)

22 September (Friday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Fabulous 208)

23 September (Saturday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Fabulous 208)

24 September (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Fabulous 208)

25 September (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

Fabulous 208 has Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames on 25 September.

 

6 October (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

12 October (Thursday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)

16 October (Monday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

17 October (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

21 October (Saturday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

22 October (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

24 October (Tuesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

30 October (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

 

2 November (Thursday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

6 November (Monday) – Ben E King (Disc & Music Echo)

16 November (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

19 November (Sunday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

22 November (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

28 November – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

Fabulous 208 has Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band on 28 November. John Warburg says JJ Jackson performed on this date.

30 November (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

 

6 December (Wednesday) – Long John Baldry (and Bluesology) (Disc & Music Echo)

Pianist Reg Dwight (aka Elton John) was most likely still with Bluesology at this point.

8 December (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

16 December (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

Colin Richardson, who worked at for the Gunnell Agency booking artists, says he came up with the Cats Pyjamas name. Most of the band had previously worked as The Loose Ends but when their two singers Alan Marshall and Bob Saker left during the summer and the musicians were linked with new singer Kenny Bernard, they decided they wanted a new name.

23 December (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

27 December (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

29 December (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

30 December (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

1968

Guitarist Paul Brett says that he played at the Bag O’ Nails, which would have been with Tintern Abbey and/or later bands.

Sax player Geoff Glover says that The All Night Workers played at the Bag O’ Nails regularly, which would have been between 1968-1971.

2 January (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

4 January (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

9 January (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

10 January (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

11 January (Thursday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

12 January (Friday) – Garnet Mimms (needs confirmation)

Some acts this month mirrored the bookings at the Cromwellian.

15 January (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

17 January (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

18 January (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

19 January (Friday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

21 January (Sunday) – Jimmy McGriff (Melody Maker)

23 January (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

24 January (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

29 January (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

Fabulous 208 lists Edwin Starr for 29 January.

 

1 February (Thursday) – John L Watson & The Web (needs confirmation)

Some acts this month mirrored the bookings at the Cromwellian.

5 February (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

9 February (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

10 February (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

19 February (Monday) – Robert Parker (New Musical Express)

20 February (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

 

According to Melbourne music magazine, Go-Set, Australian band The Groop played the Bag O’ Nails between early March and mid-April.

2 March (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

7 March (Thursday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

11 March (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

12 March (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

Melody Maker reports that Fleetwood Mac, Zoot Money and Cliff Bennett were due to play at the Bag O’ Nails around this time.

20 March (Wednesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

25 March (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

26 March (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

27 March (Wednesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

 

9 April (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

14 April (Sunday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

15 April (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

22 April (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Melody Maker)

 

9 May (Thursday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

10 May (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

13 May (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

20 May (Monday) – Edwin Starr & The State Express (Melody Maker)

21 May (Tuesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

22 May (Wednesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

It is possible that JJ Jackson may also have played on 22 May.

30 May (Thursday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

31 May (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

 

4 July (Thursday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

6 July (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

26 July (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

28 July (Sunday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

2 August (Friday) – The Penny Peep Show (needs confirmation that it happened but advertised)

The Penny Peep Show’s guitarist Martin Barre joined Jethro Tull in December 1968.

8 August (Thursday) – Happy Magazine (Fabulous 208)

11 August (Sunday) – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

12 August (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

18 August (Sunday) – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

20 August (Tuesday) – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

25 August (Sunday) – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

30 August (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

31 August (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

 

2 September (Monday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

According to the Stroud News, Gass played at the Bag O’ Nails just before 14 September.

20 September (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

21 September (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

25 September (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

29 September (Sunday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

 

2 October (Wednesday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Fabulous 208)

3 October (Thursday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208 and Time Out)

4 October (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas and Selofane (Colin Pullen’s gig diary, Fabulous 208 and Time Out)

5 October (Saturday) – Cats Pyjamas and Selofane (Colin Pullen’s gig diary, Fabulous 208 and Time Out)

6 October (Sunday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

9 October (Wednesday) – Cliff Bennett (Fabulous 208)

16 October (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

20 October (Sunday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

24 October (Thursday) – Cliff Bennett and Circus (Melody Maker and website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

25 October (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Colin Pullen’s gig diary)

27 October (Sunday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

4 November (Monday) – Toast (Melody Maker)

 

10 December (Tuesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

17 December (Tuesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

1969

Guitarist and violinist Mike Piggott says that Gass played at the Bag O’ Nails during 1969-1970.

Topper Clay from The New York Public Library notes that his group played this venue.

7 January (Tuesday) – Cliff Bennet (Fabulous 208)

8 January (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

15 January (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

20 January (Monday) – Junior Walker & The All Stars (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

22 January (Wednesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

28 January (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

4 February (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

10 February (Monday) – Toast (Melody Maker)

21 February (Friday) – My Dear Watson and Ben E King (Melody Maker)

New Musical Express reports that Ben E King was backed by The Chris Shakespeare Globe Show for the February UK tour.

22 February (Saturday) – My Dear Watson (Melody Maker)

 

6 March (Thursday) – Freddy King (Melody Maker)

7 March (Friday) – My Dear Watson (Fabulous 208)

8 March (Saturday) – My Dear Watson (Fabulous 208)

13 March (Thursday) – Toast (Melody Maker)

14 March (Friday) – My Dear Watson (Fabulous 208)

 

7 April (Monday) – Girl Talk (Melody Maker)

 

5 May (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

14 May (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

2 July (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

9 July (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

17 July (Thursday) – Jimmy Ruffin with Sweet Blindness (Time Out)

 

10 August (Sunday) – James & Bobby Purify (Time Out)

15 August (Friday) – Glass Menagerie (Time Out)

18 August (Monday) – Cliff Bennett (Time Out)

19 August (Tuesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Time Out)

20 August (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

Guitarist Terry Edmunds, who played with Ferris Wheel and had previously worked with Tony Knight’s Chessmen when they opened the Bag O’ Nails in late 1966, says that it was quite a period with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Tom Jones, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney attending. He also recalls American singers like Diana Ross and Wilson Pickett getting on stage with Ferris Wheel. Edmunds adds that La Valbonne across the street from the Bag O’ Nails was a place to popular nightspot.

25 August (Monday) – Cliff Bennett (Time Out)

26 August (Tuesday) – The Amboy Dukes (Time Out)

27 August (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

 

22 September (Monday) – Prince Buster (Time Out)

Melody Maker lists The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas on 22 September.

 

28 October (Tuesday) – Howlin Wolf and Junco Partners (Melody Maker)

 

19 November (Wednesday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (John Warburg research)

20 November (Thursday) – Bo Diddley (Melody Maker)

 

1 December (Monday) – The Ronnetts (John Warburg research)

8 December (Monday) – The Upsetters (John Warburg research)

18 December (Thursday) – Black Apple (Time Out)

19 December (Friday) – Lucas & The Soul Band (Time Out)

21 December (Sunday) – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

24 December (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

26 December (Friday) – The Rebel Rousers (Time Out)

27 December (Saturday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

30 December (Tuesday) – The Pavement (Time Out)

31 December (Wednesday) – The Web (Time Out)

1970

Guitarist Keith Kendall confirmed that The All Night Workers played at the Bag O’ Nails this year when he was a member.

1 January (Thursday) – The Rebel Rousers (Time Out)

5 January (Monday) – The Perishers (Time Out)

7 January (Wednesday) – Timebox (Time Out)

26 January (Monday) – Lucas & The Soul Sounds (Melody Maker)

5 March (Thursday) – Slade (Don Powell’s website: http://www.donpowellofficial.com/dons-gigs-1963—1970.html)

 

24 October (Saturday) – Calum Bryce (Ted Hare gig diary)

Ted Hare’s diary doesn’t list the artist’s name on his books but drummer Geoff Coxon confirmed that this was for Calum Bryce. This is true of the other listings below.

 

6 November (Friday) – Calum Bryce (Ted Hare gig diary)

7 November (Saturday) – Calum Bryce (Ted Hare gig diary)

1971

14 January (Thursday) – Calum Bryce (Ted Hare gig diary)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

Categories: England, London

Sibylla’s, 9 Swallow Street, Mayfair

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Sibylla’s nightclub was situated at 9 Swallow Street in Mayfair, W1 and was opened on 23 June 1966 after a pre-opening celebration party the night before.

Beatle George Harrison was one of the investors in the nightclub, which featured up and coming bands like Family, Amen Corner and Robert Plant & The Band of Joy.

Sibylla’s was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).

Mickey Finn circa July 1966. Photo: London Life magazine

1966

London Life magazine ran an in-depth article on Sibylla’s in its 30 July to 5 August issue (pages 26-30). At the time, The Mickey Finn were photographed playing at the club.

Future Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour’s Cambridge band Jokers Wild were another group to perform at the club shortly after it opened. South coast band The Bunch also played the venue (possible in late 1966 and/or during 1967).

London Life magazine’s 6-12 August 1966 issue (and subsequent issues until the magazine closed that December) notes that there is a live group performing every night.

22 August 1966 (Monday) – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

23 August 1966 (Tuesday) – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

24 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

25 August 1966 (Thursday) – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

26 August 1966 (Friday) – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

According to the South East London Mercury, The Coffee Set played at Sibylla’s before 16 September and The Rolling Stones were in the audience.

20 September 1966 (Tuesday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

24 September 1966 (Saturday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

26 September 1966 (Monday) – The Artwoods (needs confirmation)

 

11 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

12 October 1966 (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

13 October 1966 (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

25 October 1966 (Tuesday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)

26 October 1966 (Wednesday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)

27 October 1966 (Thursday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)

27 December 1966 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

28 December 1966 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

31 December 1966 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Disc & Music Echo)

Photo: London Life magazine

1967

7 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles and Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Fabulous 208)

8 February 1967 (Wednesday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Fabulous 208)

13 February 1967 (Monday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

 

23 March 1967 (Thursday) – Family (website: https://www.familybandstand.com/)

31 March 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

 

5 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

18 April 1967 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

19 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Bo Diddley (backed by The Canadians) (Melody Maker)

The Canadians’ keyboard player is David Foster.

25 April 1967 (Tuesday) – The Soul Sisters (backed by The Trend) (Newham & Stratford Express)

26 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

27 April 1967 (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

 

12 May 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

13 May 1967 (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

18 May 1967 (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

20 May 1967 (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

 

7 July 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

10 July 1967 (Monday) – Family (website: https://www.familybandstand.com/)

11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

13 July 1967 (Thursday) – Sam & Bill (backed most likely by Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement) (Disc & Music Echo)

18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

26 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Family (website: https://www.familybandstand.com/)

 

3 August 1967 (Thursday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

8 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

25 August 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

29 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

30 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

 

21 September 1967 (Thursday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

 

6 October 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

11 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

13 October 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

20 October 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

21 October 1967 (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

25 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

26 October 1967 (Thursday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

27 October 1967 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

 

1 November 1967 (Wednesday) – Family (website: https://www.familybandstand.com/)

23 November 1967 (Thursday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

 

15 December 1967 (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

19 December 1967 (Tuesday) – Robert Plant & The Band of Joy (Fabulous 208)

30 December 1967 (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

1968

9 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig list)

11 January 1968 (Thursday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

12 January 1968 (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

17 January 1968 (Wednesday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

25 January 1968 (Thursday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

26 January 1968 (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

 

2 February 1968 (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

7 February 1968 (Wednesday) – James and Bobby Purify (New Musical Express)

15 February 1968 (Thursday) – Barclay James Harvest (Barclay James Harvest website)

23 February 1968 (Friday) – Cats Pyjamas (Rik Gunnell agency bookings – thanks to Colin Pullen for sharing)

 

1 March 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

 

6 April 1968 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

Malcolm Penn’s diary also has Moon’s Train on 6 April.

23 April 1968 (Tuesday) – JJ Jackson (Melody Maker)

 

6 May 1968 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

14 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

22 May 1968 (Wednesday) – James and Bobby Purify (Melody Maker)

 

7 June 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

19 June 1968 (Wednesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

26 June 1968 (Wednesday) – Omega Red Star (Melody Maker)

Omega Red Star were a Hungarian band on tour in the UK.

 

2 July 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

10 July 1968 (Wednesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

12 July 1968 (Friday) – Patti La Belle & Her Bluebells (Melody Maker)

18 July 1968 (Thursday) – Patti La Belle & Her Bluebells (Melody Maker)

26 July 1968 (Friday) – Reparta & The Delrons (Fabulous 208)

30 July 1968 (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker)

Tim Rose’s show on 30 July was cancelled.

 

6 August 1968 (Tuesday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

7 August 1968 (Wednesday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

8 August 1968 (Thursday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

9 August 1968 (Friday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

Bob Hodges, keyboard player with Tuesday’s Children, has his band listed for 9 August in his diary so perhaps both groups played on that night?

10 August 1968 (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

22 August 1968 (Thursday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

23 August 1968 (Friday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

4 September 1968 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Fabulous 208)

7 September 1968 (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

According to Malcolm Penn, this was Moon’s Train’s final gig.

20 September 1968 (Friday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

21 September 1968 (Saturday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

Future Cressida guitarist Peter Jennings remembers playing at the club with White Rabbit (after Linda Lewis had left), which would have been September or October.

4 October 1968 (Friday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

Jack Russell, bass player with Scrugg, has his band also booked for 4 October so perhaps both bands played?

9 October 1968 (Wednesday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

14 October 1968 (Monday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208 and Time Out)

19 October 1968 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

28 October 1968 (Monday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

Bob Hodges also has his band Tuesday’s Children booked for 28 October so perhaps both bands played on this night?

29 October 1968 (Tuesday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

30 October 1968 (Wednesday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

31 October 1968 (Thursday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

1 November 1968 (Friday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research at: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

2 November 1968 (Saturday) – The Marble Arch Movement (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

4 November 1968 (Monday) – Scrugg (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

5 November 1968 (Tuesday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

This was the (original) UK version of Jo Jo Gunne, formed in Feltham in 1965.

6 November 1968 (Wednesday) – Charlie & Inez Foxx (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

7 November 1968 (Thursday) – Chris Shakespere Show (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

8 November 1968 (Friday) – Angel Pavement (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

9 November 1968 (Saturday) – Angel Pavement (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

11 November 1968 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

12 November 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

13 November 1968 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

14 November 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

15 November 1968 (Friday) – Garnet Mimms (backed by Village Green) (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

16 November 1968 (Saturday) – Ferris Wheel (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

18 November 1968 (Monday) – The Perishers (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

19 November 1968 (Tuesday) – The Perishers (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

20 November 1968 (Wednesday) – The Perishers (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

New Musical Express lists The Show Stoppers on 20 November.

21 November 1968 (Thursday) – The Ronnettes (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

22 November 1968 (Friday) – The Perishers (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

23 November 1968 (Saturday) – High Tension (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

25 November 1968 (Monday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

26 November 1968 (Tuesday) – Hansen and Karlson (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

This was a Dutch duo.

27 November 1968 (Wednesday) – The Chiffons (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

28 November 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

29 November 1968 (Friday) – Granny’s Intentions (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

30 November 1968 (Saturday) – Granny’s Intentions (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

 

5 December 1968 (Thursday) – JJ Jackson (Sibylla’s gig poster for November 1968)

10 December 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

11 December 1968 (Wednesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

12 December 1968 (Thursday) – Bandwagon (New Musical Express)

1969

 Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott says Gass played here during 1969-1970.

 23 January 1969 (Thursday) – Junior Walker & The All Stars (New Musical Express)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

Categories: England, London

The Speakeasy, 48 Margaret Street, London

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Speakeasy Holiday Card
front of a holiday card from the Speakeasy

Speakeasy Club, London

The Speakeasy club, located at 48 Margaret Street in London, was a notable music venue that opened in December 1966.

During its heyday, the club was frequented by record industry and artist agency executives who in turn brought in many bands, hoping to land a record deal.

Many notable British bands played at the club during the 1960s, including The Move, The Soft Machine, Traffic, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Pink Floyd. I’ve started a list below but would welcome any additions and any memories of the venue.

Jim Carter-Fea who managed Blaises (and later the Revolution) was also behind the Speakeasy.

1966

15 December (Thursday) – The Move (Melody Maker)

The Move opened the club.

27 December (Tuesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

29 December (Thursday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Disc & Music Echo)

1967

According to Disc & Music Echo, Roy Flynn and Mike Carey operated the club from early 1967. Apparently, the club was officially opened on 4 January.

Sometime in 1967, New Zealand/US band The New Nadir played at the club and Jimi Hendrix sat in. The band’s bass player was the late Gary Thain who went on to The Keef Hartley Band. 

18 January (Wednesday) – Family (Melody Maker)

19 January (Thursday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)

 

Disc & Music Echo reported that The New Vaudeville Band attended the Speakeasy’s club party during the week starting 6 February.

14 February (Tuesday) – The Valentine’s Day Massacre party (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Roger Daltry from The Who, Jimi Hendrix and The Pretty Things attended this party.

22 February (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

This appears to be The Soft Machine’s debut Wednesday residency at the Speakeasy.

 

1 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Jimi Hendrix’s manager Chas Chandler introduced them and Duane Eddy attended the show.

7 March (Tuesday) – Keith (Disc & Music Echo)

8 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

9 March (Thursday) – Dudley Moore (Disc & Music Echo)

According to Disc & Music, Dudley Moore played every Thursday and Sunday from this date.

12 March (Sunday) – Dudley Moore and The Move (Disc & Music Echo)

14 March (Tuesday) – The Byrds (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Scott Walker attended the band’s show.

15 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

16 March (Thursday) – Jimi Hendrix Experience (Jimi Hendrix website)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 25 March issue, the new Track label had its launch party at the Speakeasy this week with guests including Michael Caine, Terence Stamp, Bobby Moore, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix and The Who. The website link suggests it was 16 March.

19 March (Sunday) – Dudley Moore (Disc & Music Echo)

21 March (Tuesday) – The Byrds (Byrds website)

22 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

29 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

 

The Stax-Volt Revue had its after show party at the Speakeasy at the conclusion of its European tour in April.

Disc & Music Echo’s 8 April issue reported that Mia Farrow attended the club around about this time.

5 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

12 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

18 April (Tuesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

This website reports that Jimi Hendrix reportedly jammed with Ben E King and Georgie Fame on 18 April.

19 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

22 April (Saturday) – The Soul Sisters backed by The Trend (Newham & Stratford Express)

26 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

30 April (Sunday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo/Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Auger’s band played every Monday so perhaps this is 1 May.

 

2 May (Tuesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

3 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

4 May (Thursday) – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie and Honey Darling (Melody Maker)

8 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Zoot Money, Georgie Fame and Jimi Hendrix attended this show.

9 May (Tuesday) – Garnet Mimms (probably backed by The Senate) (Melody Maker)

10 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

12 May (Friday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that John Lennon and Paul McCartney from The Beatles, Brian Jones, Eric Burdon, The Bee Gees and The Jimi Hendrix Experience attended Amen Corner’s show. Hendrix also sat in with the band.

15 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

17 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

Melody Maker also lists Prince Buster & The Bees for 17 May.

22 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

24 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

Melody Maker lists The Web on 24 May.

Procol Harum also played on this date. Disc & Music Echo’s 3 June issue reported that all four Beatles, Georgie Fame, Chris Farlowe, Cat Stevens, Eric Burdon, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry attended The Procol Harum gig. This website has more information.

29 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

31 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

 

4 June (Sunday) – The Turtles (Disc & Music Echo)

The music magazine reported that Jimi Hendrix, Denny Laine, Brian Jones, Peter Asher and Terence Stamp were among those in the audience.

5 June (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

8 June (Thursday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Jimi Hendrix, Denny Laine and Eric Burdon were in the audience.

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 10 June issue, Eric Burdon told stories and Brian Auger had a “happening” sometime this week.

The same issue reported that guests at the club had included The Beach Boys, The Turtles, Mary Wells, Ben E King, The Byrds and the Stax-Volt tour.

12 June (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation. Disc & Music Echo’s 10 June issue did report that they played Mondays.

14 June (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Disc & Music Echo)

This date needs confirmation but the magazine’s 17 June issue reported that Marmalade played here and John Lennon and Paul McCartney attended. The Scottish band also played at the Speakeasy on 12 July.

28 June (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Fabulous 208)

 

12 July (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Disc & Music Echo)

The music magazine reported its 15 July issue that John Lennon, Graham Nash, Spencer Davis, Mike Nesmith, Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, Gary Leeds, Eric Clapton, Georgie Fame, Keith Moon and Roger Daltry were among the guests. It’s possible, however, that this event took place on the previous Wednesday, 5 July.

20 July (Thursday) – Amen Corner (Fabulous 208)

26 July (Wednesday) – The Eyes of Blue (Marmalade Skies website)

This was the band’s club debut.

 

According to Martyn Hanson’s book on The Nice, PP Arnold & The Nice played at the Speakeasy during August 1967.

3 August (Thursday) – Sharon Tandy & Les Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

10 August (Thursday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Disc & Music Echo)

17 August (Thursday) – Cream (Melody Maker and Eric Clapton website)

Fabulous 208 lists Ten Years After on 17 August. However, this is missing from this Alvin Lee website) 

19 August (Saturday) – Granny’s Intentions (Marmalade Skies website)

21 August (Monday) – Pink Floyd (cancelled) (Marmalade Skies website)

26 August (Saturday) – Dantalion’s Chariot (Marmalade Skies website)

27 August (Sunday) – Fairport Convention (Marmalade Skies website)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 9 September issue, Alan Price, Mitch Mitchell, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Keith West were among the guests at Fairport Convention’s show.

31 August (Thursday) – Dantalion’s Chariot (Marmalade Skies website)

 

Feltham band, Barney J Barnes & The Intro played at the Speakeasy once during September or October 1967, according to sax player Peter Davies.

19 September (Tuesday) – Pink Floyd (Marmalade Skies website)

27 September (Wednesday) – Ten Years After (Fabulous 208)

 

1 October (Sunday) – The Incredible String Band (Marmalade Skies website)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 14 October issue, Scott McKenzie and The Mamas & The Papas went to the Speakeasy on the Friday to celebrate Mama Cass’s clearance at West London of theft charges. Most likely it was 6 October to see Eric Burdon & The Animals play but needs confirmation.

6 October (Friday) – Eric Burdon & The Animals (Marmalade Skies website)

10 October (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

12 October (Thursday) – The Pretty Things (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

18 October (Wednesday) – The Moody Blues (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

19 October (Thursday) – Vanilla Fudge (Fabulous 208)

Drummer Keith Guster of The Fleur De Lys confirms this gig happened as he attended and noted it in his diary.

21 October (Saturday) – Vanilla Fudge (Disc & Music Echo)

26 October (Thursday) – The Jeff Beck Group (Marmalade Skies website)

 

28 November (Tuesday) – Potential jam session (Electric Prunes website)

As this website notes, the band reportedly were in attendance when a jam took place – see The Electric Prunes website for more information. 

 

According to Disc & Music Echo, sometime in the week starting 11 December, The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation played and Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix and Alan Price attended the show.

Spooky Tooth may also have played their debut show at the Speakeasy this month but this needs confirmation.

6 December (Wednesday) – The Foundations (Disc & Music Echo)

The music magazine reported that The Spencer Davis Group, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Manfred Mann and Mick Wilsher from The New Vaudeville Band were among the guests at the after party following The Foundations’ gig.

10 December (Sunday) – The Moody Blues (Disc & Music Echo)

14 December (Thursday) – Fairport Convention (Disc & Music Echo)

The magazine reported that Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix attended The Fairport Convention show.

18 December (Monday) – Traffic (Marmalade Skies website)

21 December (Thursday) – Pink Floyd (Disc & Music Echo)

28 December (Thursday) – The Electric Prunes (Disc & Music Echo) 

29 December (Friday) – Tintern Abbey (Marmalade Skies website/Melody Maker)

1968

5 January (Friday) – Jethro Tull (Greg Russo’s research)

6 January (Saturday) – Circus (Stormsville Shakers’ website)

16 January (Tuesday) – Procol Harum (New Musical Express)

27 January (Saturday) – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band (New Musical Express)

This was probably either 26 or 28 January instead as Keith Guster confirms that his band The Fleur De Lys played this evening. His diary also notes that Jimi Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell joined the band for a 45 minute jam onstage.

 

4 February (Sunday) – Jimmy McGriff (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

5 February (Monday) – Jethro Tull (Greg Russo’s gig diary)

10 February (Saturday) – Taste (Rory Gallagher website)

Melody Maker reported that Dr K’s (Blues Band) played around the week starting 19 February.

19 February (Monday) – Robert Plant & The Band of Joy (Marmalade Skies website)

21 February (Wednesday) – The Attack (Marmalade Skies website)

22 February (Thursday) – Monopoly (Marmalade Skies website)

24 February (Saturday) – Legay (Marmalade Skies website)

25 February (Sunday) – Tim Rose and Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation (Melody Maker)

Keith Guster’s gig diary confirms that Tim Rose played on this date. The Fleur De Lys’ drummer attended the gig with DJ Johnny Walker.

26 February (Monday) – The Eyes of Blue (Melody Maker)

This might have been Saturday, 24 February instead so needs confirmation.

28 February (Wednesday) – The Penny Peeps (Marmalade Skies website)

29 February (Thursday) – Sharon Tandy & The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

Keith Guster confirms that The Fleur De Lys did two 15-minute sets. They then backed singer Sharon Tandy for 30 minutes; singer Donnie Elbert for 30 minutes and then both singers for 20 minutes.

 

10 March (Sunday) – Traffic (Marmalade Skies website)

16 March (Saturday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)

21 March (Thursday) – Gospel Garden (Marmalade Skies website)

30 March (Saturday) – Tim Buckley (Revelation – Elektra Records’ newsletter)

According to Melbourne music magazine, Go-Set, Australian band The Groop played the Speakeasy between early March and mid-April.

2 April (Tuesday) – Reparta & The Delrons (Melody Maker)

7 April (Sunday) – Spooky Tooth (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

Keith Guster confirms that he went to see the band at the Speakeasy on this date.

8 April (Monday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)

9 April (Tuesday) – Circus (Stormsville Shakers’ website)

19 April (Friday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)

25 April (Thursday) – Ike & Tina Turner (New Musical Express)

26 April (Friday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

On Saturday, 27 April, a fire broke out and gutted the Speakeasy, according to Melody Maker’s 4 May issue. The fire caused £20,000 worth of damage. Roy Flynn, the club’s co-owner, said that the Speakeasy could not be re-opened for about three months and gigs would be transferred to Blaises and promoted as “Speakeasy at Blaises”.

28 April (Sunday) – Ike & Tina Turner (Melody Maker)

The above gig was either cancelled or moved to Blaises.

30 April (Tuesday) – Bill Haley & The Comets (Melody Maker)

The above gig was either cancelled or moved to Blaises.

 

1 May (Wednesday) – Bobby Goldsboro (Melody Maker)

The above gig was either cancelled or moved to Blaises.

5 May (Sunday) – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band (Melody Maker)

The above gig, if it happened, would have taken place at Blaises.

12 May (Sunday) – The Byrds (needs source)

The above gig, if it happened, would have taken place at Blaises – see that entry for more information (link through to this).

 

16 June (Sunday) – PP Arnold (with TNT) (Melody Maker)

This gig took place at Blaises and was billed as “Speakeasy at Blaises”.

30 June (Sunday) – The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation (Melody Maker)

This gig took place at Blaises and was billed as “Speakeasy at Blaises”.

Melody Maker’s 29 June issue (page 3) noted that the Speakeasy would reopen in September (but this was not the case).

 

18 July (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

See the Blaises entry for more information on this.

 

New Musical Express reported that Roy Flynn planned to reopen the Speakeasy on 13 December 1968.

13 December (Friday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

The above gig looks like the reopening of the club after seven months’ closure.

According to the East of Eden website, the band played at the Speakeasy in December with Taj Mahal. Mahal took part in The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus on 11 December, so it’s quite possible if the club reopened on 13 December that Mahal and East of Eden played the following day (Saturday, 14 December) but this needs confirmation.

24 December (Tuesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

31 December (Tuesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

1969

Melody Maker noted at the end of January that the club had been closed for eight months and only reopened that month but it was in December 1968.

The music magazine also reported that The Nice had played here in late December or early January.

10 January (Friday) – Kaleidoscope (Marmalade Skies website)

13 January (Monday) – Clouds (Time Out)

14 January (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Time Out)

15 January (Wednesday) – Juniors Eyes (Time Out)

16 January (Thursday) – Gary Farr & Mighty Baby (Time Out)

18 January (Saturday) – Freedom (Time Out)

20 January (Monday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

22 January (Wednesday) – Edgar Broughton Blues Band (Time Out)

23 January (Thursday) – Van Der Graaf Generator (Time Out)

Time Out and Fabulous 208 both list Eclection on 23 January, so perhaps there were two bands that evening.

25 January (Saturday) – Village (Time Out)

28 January (Tuesday) – Harmony Grass and Eclection (Fabulous 208)

30 January (Thursday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

31 January (Friday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

1 February (Saturday) – Edgar Broughton Band (Melody Maker)

3 February (Monday) – Caravan (Melody Maker)

4 February (Tuesday) – Idle Race (Melody Maker)

Time Out lists Spooky Tooth on 4 February so perhaps both bands played.

5 February (Wednesday) – Van Der Graaf Generator (Melody Maker and Time Out)

6 February (Thursday) – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

7 February (Friday) – Eire Apparent (Melody Maker and Time Out)

8 February (Saturday) – Jody Grind (Melody Maker and Time Out)

10 February (Monday) – Clouds (Melody Maker and Time Out)

11 February (Tuesday) – Taste (Melody Maker and Time Out)

12 February (Wednesday) – The Gods (Melody Maker)

13 February (Thursday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker and Time Out)

14 February (Friday) – The Eyes of Blue (Melody Maker and Time Out)

15 February (Saturday) – Love and Poetry (Melody Maker)

17 February (Monday) – Village (Melody Maker and Time Out)

18 February (Tuesday) – Colosseum (Melody Maker and Time Out)

19 February (Wednesday) – McKenna Mendelson Mainline (Melody Maker)

20 February (Thursday) – The Nice (Melody Maker and Time Out)

21 February (Friday) – Pendulum (Melody Maker)

22 February (Saturday) – Sleepy (Melody Maker and Time Out)

24 February (Monday) – The Gods (Melody Maker and Time Out)

25 February (Tuesday) – Mason, Capaldi, Wood & Frog (Melody Maker and Time Out)

26 February (Wednesday) – Dr K’s Blues Band (Melody Maker and Time Out)

27 February (Thursday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

28 February (Friday) – Jody Grind (Melody Maker and Time Out)

 

17 March (Monday) – Eire Apparent (Time Out)

18 March (Tuesday) – Dr K’s Blues Band (Time Out)

19 March (Wednesday) – Blonde on Blonde (Time Out)

20 March (Thursday) – Deep Purple (Melody Maker and Time Out)

24 March (Monday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

26 March (Wednesday) – Village (Time Out)

27 March (Thursday) – East of Eden (Time Out)

28 March (Friday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Time Out)

31 March (Monday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

 

4 April (Friday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

8 April (Tuesday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

9 April (Wednesday) – King Crimson (Time Out)

10 April (Thursday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

12 April (Saturday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

14 April (Monday) – Turnstyle (Time Out)

16 April (Wednesday) – Village (Time Out)

19 April (Saturday) – Smile (Time Out)

Smile featured future Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

22 April (Tuesday) – Clouds (Time Out)

23 April (Wednesday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

25 April (Friday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

28 April (Monday) – Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath website)

29 April (Tuesday) – Keef Hartley (Melody Maker and Time Out)

30 April (Wednesday) – Hard Meat (Time Out)

 

Canadian guitarist Stan Endersby says that Mapleoak (Pete Quaife’s post-Kinks band) played the Speakeasy in May 1969.

Melody Maker reported that Audience played before 8 May. It also noted that Steppenwolf and The Misunderstood jammed at the club before 22 May.

14 May (Wednesday) – Lowell Fulsom (Melody Maker)

19 May (Monday) – Blonde on Blonde (Time Out)

20 May (Tuesday) – Eclection (needs source)

21 May (Wednesday) – Howlin’ Wolf with The John Dummer Blues Band (Melody Maker)

22 May (Thursday) – The Idle Race (Time Out)

27 May (Tuesday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker and Time Out)

28 May (Wednesday) – Sam Gopal (Melody Maker and Time Out)

29 May (Thursday) – Spooky Tooth (Time Out)

30 May (Friday) – King Crimson (Time Out)

 

2 June (Monday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

3 June (Tuesday) – Samson (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

4 June (Wednesday) – Glass Menagerie (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

John Warburg says that Freddie King played on 4 June

5 June (Thursday) – Renaissance (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

6 June (Friday) – Velvet Opera (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

7 June (Saturday) – Audience (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

9 June (Monday) – Blonde on Blonde (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

10 June (Tuesday) – East of Eden (Time Out and East of Eden website)

11 June (Wednesday) – Three Dog Night (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

12 June (Thursday) – Jackie Lomax (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

13 June (Friday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

14 June (Saturday) – The Majority (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

16 June (Monday) – Steamhammer (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

17 June (Tuesday) – Bodast (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

18 June (Wednesday) – Audience (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

19 June (Thursday) – Buddy Guy & His Band (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

20 June (Friday) – Gracious (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

21 June (Saturday) – Sk’Boo (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

23 June (Monday) – Brainbox (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

24 June (Tuesday) – Poet & His One Man Band (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

Time out lists Brainbox for 23 June.

25 June (Thursday) – Bodast (Time out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

26 June (Thursday) – The Wallace Collection (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

27 June (Friday) – Arcadium (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

28 June (Saturday) – Andromeda (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

30 June (Monday) – Audience (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

 

1 July (Tuesday) – Locomotive (Marmalade Skies website)

2 July (Wednesday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Marmalade Skies website)

3 July (Thursday) – Mighty Baby (Marmalade Skies website)

4 July (Friday) – Ambrose Slade (Marmalade Skies website)

5 July (Saturday) – Sam Apple Pie (Melody Maker)

8 July (Tuesday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website)

9 July – Arcadium (Marmalade Skies website)

10 July (Thursday) – Deep Purple (Melody Maker)

11 July (Friday) – Gypsy (Marmalade Skies website)

12 July (Saturday) – High Tide (Marmalade Skies website)

14 July (Monday) – Audience (Marmalade Skies website)

15 July (Tuesday) – Clouds (Marmalade Skies website)

16 July (Wednesday) – Glass Menagerie (Marmalade Skies website)

17 July (Thursday) – Principal Edwards Magic Theatre (Marmalade Skies website)

20 July (Sunday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Marmalade Skies website)

21 July – Shiva Jones and Quintessence (Time Out)

22 July – Jody Grind (Time Out)

23 July – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

24 July – Liverpool Scene (Time Out)

25 July – Gin (Marmalade Skies website)

26 July – The Majority (Marmalade Skies website)

28 July – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

29 July – The Eyes of Blue (Marmalade Skies website)

30 July – Procession (Marmalade Skies website)

31 July – White Trash (Marmalade Skies website)

 

4 August (Monday) – Hard Meat (John Warburg research)

5 August (Tuesday) – King Crimson (Marmalade Skies website)

6 August (Wednesday) – Bakerloo (John Warburg research)

12 August (Tuesday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website)

13 August (Wednesday) – Arcadium (John Warburg research)

14 August (Thursday) – Renaissance (Melody Maker)

16 August (Saturday) – Sam Apple Pie (Melody Maker and Time Out)

18 August (Monday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

19 August (Tuesday) – Blossom Toes (Melody Maker and Time Out)

22 August (Friday) – Battered Ornaments (Time Out)

23 August (Saturday) – Audience (John Warburg research)

25 August (Monday) – Steve Miller’s Delivery (Time Out)

27 August (Wednesday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website)

Melody Maker lists The Wallace Collection on 27 August.

28 August (Thursday) – Atomic Rooster (Marmalade Skies website)

29 August (Friday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

 

2 September (Tuesday) – Titus Groan (Marmalade Skies website)

11 September (Thursday) – Iron Butterfly (Melody Maker and Time Out)

15 September (Monday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

16 September (Tuesday) – Gun (Time Out)

17 September (Wednesday) – Poet & The One Man Band (Time Out)

18 September (Thursday) – Timebox (Time Out)

19 September (Friday) – Village (Time Out)

22 September (Monday) – Juniors Eyes (Time Out)

23 September (Tuesday) – Eclection (Time Out)

24 September (Wednesday) – The Edgar Broughton Band (Time Out)

25 September (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker and Time Out)

26 September (Friday) – Gypsy (Time Out)

27 September (Saturday) – Audience (Time Out)

29 September (Monday) – The Graham Bond Initiation and Stone The Crows (Time Out)

30 September (Tuesday) – Mighty Baby (Time Out)

 

7 October (Tuesday) – Mott The Hoople (Marmalade Skies website)

8 October (Wednesday) – The Graham Bond Initiation (Melody Maker)

13 October (Monday) – Freedom (Time Out)

14 October (Tuesday) – Zoot Money(Time Out)

16 October (Thursday) – Juicy Lucy (Time Out)

21 October (Tuesday) – Quintessance (Time Out)

22 October (Wednesday) – Writing on the Wall (Time Out)

23 October – Juicy Lucy (Marmalade Skies website)

Time Out lists Sam Gopal on 23 October.

24 October (Friday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

25 October (Saturday) – Cressida (Time Out)

27 October (Monday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

28 October (Tuesday) – Delaney & Bonnie (Time Out)

29 October (Wednesday) – East of Eden (Time Out)

30 October (Thursday) – Jimmy McGriff (Time Out)

31 October (Friday) – Stone The Crows (Time Out)

 

6 November (Thursday) – Howlin’ Wolf and Junco Partners (Melody Maker)

12 November (Wednesday) – Mott The Hoople (Time Out)

13 November (Thursday) – Freddie King (John Warburg research)

17 November (Monday) – The Battered Ornaments (Time Out)

20 November (Thursday) – Gene Vincent & The Wild Angels (Time Out)

22 November (Saturday) – Freedom (Time Out)

24 November (Monday) – Titus Groan (Time Out)

25 November (Tuesday) – Glass Menagerie (Time Out)

26 November (Wednesday) – Hardin & York (Time Out)

27 November (Thursday) – Pete Brown & Piblokto (Time Out)

28 November (Friday) – Stone The Crows (Time Out)

Speakeasy Calendar December 1969
Speakeasy Calendar December 1969. Thanks to Helene for providing this

1 December (Monday) – Trees (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

2 December (Tuesday) – Daddy Longlegs (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

3 December (Wednesday) – Quatermass (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

4 December (Thursday) – The Graham Bond International (aka Initiation) (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

5 December (Friday) – The Mooche (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

6 December (Saturday) – Heavy Water (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

8 December (Monday) – Creepy John Thomas (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

9 December (Tuesday) – The Wild Angels (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

10 December (Wednesday) – Rory Young (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

This is probably Roy Young (ex-Rebel Rouser).

11 December (Thursday) – Eire Apparent (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

12 December (Friday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

13 December (Saturday) – Napoleon (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

Napoleon is probably Bob Azzam’s band who changed name after moving to Sweden from Switzerland.

15 December (Monday) – Eclipse (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

16 December (Tuesday) – Murray Head (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

17 December (Wednesday) – Cressida (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

18 December (Thursday) – Mott The Hoople (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

19 December (Friday) – Skin Alley (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

20 December (Saturday) – Man (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

22 December (Monday) – Business (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

23 December (Tuesday) – Grail (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

24 December (Wednesday) – Noir (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

26 December (Friday) – Sam Gopal (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

27 December (Saturday) – Good Earth (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

The Good Earth were led by future Mungo Jerry front man Ray Dorset.

29 December (Monday) – Delivery (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

30 December (Tuesday) – East of Eden (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

31 December (Wednesday) – Juicy Lucy (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

1970

8 January (Thursday) – David Bowie (Marmalade Skies website)

9 January (Friday) – Jody Grind (Time Out)

16 January (Friday) – Cochise (Time Out)

26 January (Monday) – The Groundhogs (Time Out)

27 January (Tuesday) – The Wild Angels (Time Out)

28 January (Wednesday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

Marmalade Skies website has Badfinger on 28 January.

29 January (Thursday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

30 January (Friday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Time Out)

31 January (Saturday) – Imagination (Time Out)

 

9 February (Monday) – Heavy Jelly (Time Out)

12 February (Thursday) – Cressida (Time Out)

16 February (Monday) – Trees (Time Out)

17 February (Tuesday) – Man (Time Out)

18 February (Wednesday) – Hawkwind (Time Out)

19 February (Thursday) – Love (Melody Maker and Time Out)

20 February (Friday) – Badfinger (Marmalade Skies website)

23 February (Monday) – Grail (Time Out)

24 February (Tuesday) – Love (Melody Maker)

25 February (Wednesday) – Cochise (Time Out)

26 February (Thursday) – Matthews Southern Comfort (Time Out)

 

10 March (Tuesday) – Juicy Lucy (Time Out)

14 March (Saturday) – Free Little Rock (Time Out)

21 March (Saturday) – Alexander Patton (Time Out)

23 March (Monday) – Wishbone Ash (Melody Maker and Time Out)

24 March (Tuesday) – Graham Bond (Time Out)

25 March (Wednesday) – Silas (Time Out)

26 March (Thursday) – Sam Apple Pie (Time Out)

27 March (Friday) – One (Time Out)

28 March (Saturday) – Fire (Time Out)

30 March (Monday) – Pacific Drift (Time Out)

31 March (Tuesday) – May Blitz (Time Out)

6 April (Monday) – Cochise (Time Out)

Marmalade Skies website has Hawkwind on 6 April.

11 April (Saturday) – White Lighting (Melody Maker)

20 April (Monday) – Cochise (Time Out)

23 April (Thursday) – Flaming Youth (Marmalade Skies website)

Flaming Youth featured future Genesis drummer Phil Collins.

29 April (Wednesday) – Man (Time Out)

 

19 May (Tuesday) – Wishbone Ash (Time Out)

21 May (Thursday) – Gypsy (Time Out)

25 May (Monday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

26 May (Tuesday) – Elton John (Time Out)

27 May (Wednesday) – Man (Time Out)

 

9 June (Tuesday) – Raven (Time Out)

10 June (Wednesday) – Wishbone Ash (Time Out)

16 June (Tuesday) – Cochise (Time Out)

25 June (Thursday) – Flaming Youth (Marmalade Skies website)

30 June (Tuesday) – Wishbone Ash (Melody Maker and Time Out)

 

2 July (Thursday) – Gentle Giant (Marmalade Skies website)

11 July (Saturday) – Supertramp (Time Out)

21 July (Tuesday) – Wishbone Ash (Time Out)

28 July (Tuesday) – Elton John (Time Out)

29 July (Wednesday) – Affinity (Marmalade Skies website)

30 July (Thursday) – Formerly Fat Sam (Time Out)

 

1 August (Saturday) – Crazy Mabel (Marmalade Skies website)

3 August (Monday) – Armada (Marmalade Skies website)

5 August (Wednesday) – Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe (Time Out)

6 August (Thursday) – Noir (Marmalade Skies website)

7 August (Friday) – Quiver (Marmalade Skies website)

8 August (Saturday) – Catapilla (Marmalade Skies website)

12 August (Wednesday) – Derek &The Dominoes (Time Out)

13 August (Thursday) – Head, Hands & Feet (Marmalade Skies website)

14 August (Friday) – Swegas (Marmalade Skies website)

18 August (Tuesday) – Cochise (Marmalade Skies website)

19 August (Wednesday) – Anno Domini (Marmalade Skies website)

20 August (Thursday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Marmalade Skies website)

21 August (Friday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

22 August (Saturday) – The Dog That Bit People (Marmalade Skies website)

24 August (Monday) – Uriah Heap (Time Out)

25 August (Tuesday) – Bronco (Time Out)

26 August (Wednesday) – Terry Reid (Marmalade Skies website)

27 August (Thursday) – Steamhammer (Marmalade Skies website)

29 August (Saturday) – Aardvark (Marmalade Skies website)

31 August (Monday) – The World (Neil Innes’ band) (Time Out)

 

1 September (Tuesday) – Opal Butterfly (Marmalade Skies website)

2 September (Wednesday) – Bronco (Marmalade Skies website)

5 September (Saturday) – High Broom (Marmalade Skies website)

8 September (Tuesday) – Cressida (Melody Maker)

9 September (Wednesday) – Lindisfarne (Marmalade Skies website)

10 September (Thursday) – Gun (Marmalade Skies website)

11 September (Friday) – Aquila (Marmalade Skies website)

12 September (Saturday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

14 September (Monday) – Granny’s New Intentions (Marmalade Skies website)

16 September (Wednesday) – Satisfaction (Marmalade Skies website)

17 September (Thursday) – The Nashville Teens (Marmalade Skies website)

18 September (Friday) – Dog That Big People (Marmalade Skies website)

19 September (Saturday) – Skin Alley (Marmalade Skies website)

21 September (Monday) – Warm Dust (Marmalade Skies website)

23 September (Wednesday) – Head, Hands & Feet (Marmalade Skies website)

24 September (Thursday) – Dada (Marmalade Skies website)

25 September (Friday) – Quiver (Time Out)

26 September (Saturday) – Arcadium (Marmalade Skies website)

28 September (Monday) – Gypsy (Time Out)

29 September (Tuesday) – Formerly Fat Harry (Marmalade Skies website)

30 September (Wednesday) – Everyone (Marmalade Skies website)

 

 

7 October (Wednesday) – Jack Bruce (Marmalade Skies website)

28 October (Wednesday) – Wishbone Ash (Marmalade Skies website)

 

4 December (Friday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

12 December (Saturday) – Gentle Giant (Marmalade Skies website)

Thank you to Helene for the Speakeasy calendar and holiday card.

Speakeasy Holiday Card Inside

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

Categories: England, London

Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London

87 Comments

The Black Prince Hotel in Bexley, southeast London was a popular live music venue during the 1960s. I’ve started to compile a list of artists that performed there and would welcome any additions and corrections as well as any memories of the pub. This is an incomplete listing

1964

12 April – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

17 May – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

31 May – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)

 

21 June – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

5 July – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)

 

23 August – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

 

12 September – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

18 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

29 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

6 December – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

1965

All of the listings below for 1965 are from Melody Maker unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.

I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.

Peter Hicks, who was a member of The Down & Outs, has a newspaper clipping of his band in the scrapbook section of his website which notes that the band opened for The Animals, The Mark Leeman Five and The Moody Blues at this venue (most likely 1965).

3 January – The Graham Bond Organisation

10 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

17 January – Tony Knight’s Chessmen

24 January – The Downliners Sect

31 January – The Spencer Davis Group

 

7 February – The Moody Blues

14 February – The Animals

21 February – The Graham Bond Organisation with The Epitaph Soul Band (confirmed by article in Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

28 February – Buddy Guy with Rod Stewart and The Soul Agents (with Rod Stewart)

 

7 March – The Mark Leeman Five

14 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

21 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

28 March – The Downliners Sect

 

4 April – The Moody Blues

The Just Blues appeared on one occasion when The Moody Blues played here (see John Farrier’s comment below)

Photo: Jeff Brook-Smith’s family

11 April – Long John Baldry

18 April – Alex Harvey Soul Band

25 April – The Graham Bond Organisation

 

2 May – The Five Dimensions and The Loose Ends

9 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

16 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds

23 May – Memphis Slim and Alex Harvey Soul Band

30 May – The Mark Leeman Five

 

6 June – Jack Dupree with The Mike Cotton Sound

13 June – The Graham Bond Organisation

20 June – The Artwoods

19 June – Jazz & Blues Festival with Dutch Swing College, Solomon Burke, Zoot Money, Unit 4 Plus 2, The Spencer Davis Group, The Downliners Sect, Alan Elsdon Jazzband, Brian Green New-O-Stompers, Epitaph Soul Band and The Loose Ends (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12
Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12

27 June – The Five Dimensions

 

4 July – Long John Baldry and Rod Stewart

11 July – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

18 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

25 July – The Spencer Davis Group and The Epitaphs Soul Band

The Epitaphs Soul Band featured Mick Fletcher on keyboards who went on to The New Generation (briefly Jimmy Cliff’s backing band), The Hamilton Movement (1966-1967) and The Amboy Dukes (1969-1970).

Earlier in their career, guitarist Del Grace was a member. He went on to The Big Wheel before joining Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede.

Andy Clark also played sax with them in late 1965 before switching to organ and joining The Big Wheel in spring 1966. He later played with The Fenmen (aka Kindness), Sam Gopal, VAMP and Clark-Hutchinson among others.

 

1 August – (Gary Farr &) The T-Bones

8 August – Alex Harvey Soul Band

15 August – The Graham Bond Organisation

22 August – The Blond Bombshell (from the US)

29 August – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

 

5 September – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

12 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

19 September – Steampacket

26 September – The Graham Bond Organisation

 

3 October – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds

10 October – Alex Harvey Soul Band

17 October – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

24 October – The Spencer Davis Group

31 October – T-Bone Walker

 

7 November – Steampacket

14 November – The Graham Bond Organisation

21 November – The Shevelles

28 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

 

5 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

12 December – missing

19 December – missing

26 December – missing

1966

All of the listings below for 1966 are from South East London Mercury unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.

I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.

2 January – missing

9 January – The Alan Price Set (Beat Instrumental)

16 January – missing

23 January – missing

30 January – The Spencer Davis Group

 

6 February – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band

13 February – The Graham Bond Organisation

The Big Wheel Soul Band opened for Graham Bond’s group at some point

20 February – missing

27 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

 

6 March – The Action

13 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

20 March – Melody Maker notes “Great blues singer from the US” (could this be John Lee Hooker?)

27 March – Steampacket

 

3 April – missing

10 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

17 April – Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band

24 April – The Moody Blues

 

1 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

8 May – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

15 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

22 May – missing

29 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

 

5 June – The Downliners Sect

12 June – Steampacket

19 June – The Shotgun Express

26 June – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror)

 

3 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and Eric Silk’s Stompers

10 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

17 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

24 July – The Alan Price Set (Fabulous 208 and Record Mirror)

30 July – The Graham Bond Organisation

 

7 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

14 August – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

21 August – The Shotgun Express

28 August – missing

 

4 September – The Moody Blues

11 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

18 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

25 September – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

 

2 October – The Shevelles

9 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

16 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

23 October – The Mike Cotton Sound

30 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

 

6 November – missing

13 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

20 November – The Downliners Sect

27 November – Guy Darrell

 

4 December – missing

11 December – Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

18 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

Fabulous 208 has Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band on 18 December

24 December – Mike Cotton Sound with support

1967

Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz.

I have listed the sources next to the entries. There are indications from some of the dates below that rock gigs occasionally happened on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well.

1 January – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

8 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

15 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

22 January – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)

29 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

 

5 February – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

12 February – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

19 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

26 February – Long John Baldry with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

 

5 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

12 March – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

14 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

19 March – Cliff Bennett’s Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

26 March – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

 

2 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

9 April – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

16 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

23 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

25 April – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

30 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

 

7 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Melody Maker)

14 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)

21 May – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

28 May – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

30 May – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

 

4 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary) South East London Mercury has The Coloured Raisins

11 June – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary)

18 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

25 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

2 July – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 July – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 July – Mike Cotton with Lucas (Phil Mackie’s diary)

30 July – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

6 August – Long John Baldry Show (aka Bluesology) (Phil Mackie’s diary)

13 August – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

20 August – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

27 August – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

3 September – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 September – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 September – Freddie Mack Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

1 October – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

8 October – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

15 October – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)

22 October – Ben E King (Phil Mackie’s diary)

29 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

4 November – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

7 November – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

12 November – Dantalion’s Chariot (Phil Mackie’s diary)

19 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

26 November – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

3 December – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 December – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 December – Peter’s Green Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 December – The Shevelles and Terry Lightfoot Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

31 December – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Alan Elsdon’s Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

1968

Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz. I have listed the sources next to the entries.

7 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

14 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)

21 January – The Freddie Mack Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

28 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

4 February – The Cliff Bennett Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)

11 February – The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

18 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

25 February – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

3 March – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 March – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 March – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 March – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

31 March – The Impressions (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

7 April – The Jeff Beck Group featuring Rod Stewart (Phil Mackie’s diary)

14 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

15 April – The Piccadilly Six (Swiss band) (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)

21 April – The Showstoppers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

28 April – The Cliff Bennett Band

 

5 May – Spooky Tooth (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 May – The Counts (Melody Maker – this was a Thursday)

12 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

19 May – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 May – The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

26 May – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

30 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

 

2 June – Lucas with The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 June – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 June – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers with The Satin Dolls (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 June – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

30 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

 

7 July – Diane Ferraz & The Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

14 July – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker)

21 July – Tony Gregory & The Counts (Melody Maker)

28 July – Traffic (Melody Maker)

 

4 August – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

11 August – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

18 August – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

25 August – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

 

1 September – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

8 September – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)

15 September – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

22 September – Timebox (Melody Maker)

29 September – The Drifters (Melody Maker)

 

6 October – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

12 October – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker – this is a Saturday)

20 October – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

27 October – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

 

3 November – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

10 November – Inez and Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)

17 November – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)

24 November – Ferris Wheel and Nepenthe (Melody Maker)

 

1 December – Garnet Mimms with Village Green (Melody Maker)

2 December – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)

8 December – Bandwagon (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

10 December – Simon K & The Meantimers and Olaf Grumps Kneed (Melody Maker/South East London Mercury – this was a Tuesday)

15 December – Timebox (Melody Maker)

22 December – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

28 December – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

1969

Judging by the gigs below, rock bands continued to play on Sundays with occasional gigs on other days of the week.

5 January – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)

12 January – Root and Jenny Jackson (Melody Maker)

19 January – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

26 January – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

 

2 February – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

South East London Mercury has The Nice not Spooky Tooth

Photo: South East London Mercury

9 February – Happy Magazine (Melody Maker)

16 February – The Fantastics (Fabulous 208) 

Melody Maker has Timebox for the 16 February gig as does South East London Mercury

23 February – Freddie King and Steamhammer (Melody Maker)

Martin Coller got in touch and noted that The Nice were billed to play on 23 February according to Martyn Hanson’s book “Hang on To  Dream: The Story of The Nice”.

2 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

9 March – Interstate Road Show (Melody Maker)

16 March – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

23 March – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

30 March – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

2 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker – this was a Wednesday)

6 April – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

13 April – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

20 April – Timebox (Melody Maker)

27 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

 

4 May – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

11 May – Toast (Melody Maker)

18 May – Howlin’ Wolf (Melody Maker)

25 May – The Riot Squad (Melody Maker)

 

1 June – No listing in Melody Maker

8 June – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

15 June – John Lee Hooker with The John Dummer Blues Band (Melody Maker)

22 June – Consortium (Melody Maker)

29 June – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

6 July – Timebox (Melody Maker)

13 July – The Platters (Melody Maker)

20 July – The Joyce Bond Show (Melody Maker)

27 July – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

 

3 August – The Brian Auger Trinity (Time Out)

10 August – Trapeze (Melody Maker)

17 August – The Globe Show (Melody Maker)

24 August – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

31 August – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

7 September – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

14 September – The Cliff Bennett Show (Melody Maker)

21 September – Linda Lewis and Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

28 September – The Dave Amboy Big Band (Melody Maker)

 

5 October – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker)

12 October – Zoot Money (Melody Maker)

19 October – The Greatest Show on Earth  (Melody Maker)

25 October – The Brian Auger Trinity (Melody Maker)

 

2 November – Marv Johnson (Melody Maker)

9 November – Timebox  (Melody Maker)

16 November – Freddie King  (Melody Maker)

23 November – No entry in Melody Maker

30 November – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

 

7 December – The Dave Amboy Band (aka The Amboy Dukes) (Melody Maker and Keith Guster’s diary)

According to Keith Guster, this was the reformed version featuring Keith Guster and Tago Byers from The Fleur De Lys and former Hamilton Movement keyboard player Mick Fletcher.

14 December – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

16 December – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

21 December – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker)

1970

8 February – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

 

27 September – Black Widow and Amazing Grace (Poster from Roy Saxby)

Photo: Roy Saxby

4 October – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)

11 October – Caravan (Poster from Roy Saxby)

18 October – Chicken Shack (Poster from Roy Saxby)

25 October – The Greatest Show on Earth (Poster from Roy Saxby)

 

1 November – Blodwyn Pig (Poster from Roy Saxby)

Photo: Roy Saxby

6 December – The Faces featuring Rod Stewart with Daniels Band (Poster from Roy Saxby)

13 December – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)

20 December – Toe Fat with Albuquerque-Riccoti (Poster from Roy Saxby)

24 December – The Greatest Show on Earth with Tony Simon’s Progressive Show (Poster from Roy Saxby)

27 December – Argent (Poster from Roy Saxby)

31 December – Patto (Poster from Roy Saxby)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

Categories: England, London

The Scotch of St James, 13A Masons Yard, Mayfair

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Listing for October-November 1967. See below

The Scotch of St James, situated at 13A Masons Yard, Mayfair, London was a notable music venue in the 1960s and a popular hang out for rock musicians, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Jimi Hendrix also made his first UK appearance at the Scotch in September 1966.

Scotch of St James, 31 December 2023

The Scotch of St James was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find confirmed gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue/posters of advertised gigs/photos of bands who appeared there (all credited accordingly).

This exclusive Mayfair establishment was primarily a late night members club with gambling but did put on live music occasionally (see The Stormsville Shakers gigs immediately below). It was officially opened as a late night club offering regular live music from 14 July 1965.

1965

Drummer Tony Richard says that his band The Fetish Crowd played at the Scotch of St James, which would have been the 1965-1966 period.

Singer James Nairn (aka James Royal) notes that his bands James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set both performed at the club.

 

7 May (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

Phillip Goodhand-Tait kept diaries from 1961 onward and notes that his band The Stormsville Shakers were paid to play the Scotch on the above date. They arrived at 7.30pm and finished at 2am on the Saturday morning after playing three spots of 35 minutes. They were re-booked at the Scotch for the two dates below.

14 May (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

15 May (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

 

According to London Life magazine’s 9-15 October issue, The Marionettes were the resident band during this week. They were also listed for 16-22 October, 23-29 October and 30 October-5 November.

22 October (Friday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

 

 

The Krew (who backed Beryl Marsden and Steve Aldo) played at the Scotch of St James around the middle-to-end of the first week of November, according to keyboardist Alan Reeves’ book. The Krew featured sax player Howie Casey who later did sessions for Paul McCartney & Wings.

9 November (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (backed either by The Links or The Maroons) with The Krew (Alan Reeves’s book Sex, Booze & Blues)

Bruno Ceriotti says that Wilson Pickett’s guitarist Jimmy Owen was joined by three members of The Animals.

 

3 December/4 December (Friday/Saturday) – The Krew (an advert in the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette has the band playing at Kirklevington Country Club on Sunday, 5 December and says the band came direct from the Scotch Club)

8 December (Wednesday) – Major Lance (Record Mirror)

21 December (Tuesday) – Joe Tex (Melody Maker)

Record Mirror lists the Joe Tex gig as 16 December.

1966

Sometime during January 1966, The Krew backed US soul singer Fontella Bass for one night, according to Alan Reeves’s book Sex, Booze & Blues.

5 January (Wednesday) – Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

Bluesology’s keyboard player was Reg Dwight, who became famous as Elton John.

11 January (Tuesday) – The Exciters (Record Mirror)

 

3 February (Thursday) – Stevie Wonder (probably backed by The Sidewinders) (Melody Maker)

According to an advert in the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette for a show at the Kirklevington Country Club on 13 February, it says The Gass were residents at the Scotch of St James around this time.

According to the South East London Mercury, The Loose Ends began playing at the Scotch of St James three times a week for three months in the week starting 21 February (see clipping above).

The Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser lists a gig for The Manchester Playboys at the Club Creole in Wilmslow, Cheshire on 25 February 1966 and says the band are direct from the Scotch of St James.

 

17 March (Thursday) – Irma Thomas with The Sons of Adam (website: https://dungeonmods.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/life-of-a-local-band/)

30 March (Wednesday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary)

Melody Maker and Record Mirror both report that Martha & The Vandellas played at the Scotch of St James on 30 March.

 

1 April (Friday) – Episode Six (audition) (Brian Long’s research)

 

According to London Life magazine from 14-20 May, the three resident bands for this week were The VIPs, Gass and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)

20 May (Friday) – Ben E King (London Life magazine)

According to London Life magazine for the week 28 May to 3 June, the three resident bands for this week were The VIPs, Gass and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)

The same magazine notes that the three resident bands for the week 11-17 June were The VIPs, The Loose Ends and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)

26 June (Sunday) – The Loose Ends (Fabulous 208)

This may be July not June so needs confirmation. However, The Loose Ends played in Stockton-on-Tees on Saturday, 25 June according to the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette and the advert notes they came from the Scotch of St James so it’s possible they played the week leading up to 25 June.

 

7 July (Thursday) – Norma Tanega (Record Mirror)

26 July (Tuesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

29 July (Friday) – Joe Tex (London Life magazine)

According to London Life magazine, The Loose Ends, together with The VIPs and The Paramounts were the three resident bands playing at the Scotch of St James during the week 30 July to 5 August.

 

10 August (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

Guster says that Alan Price invited him to join his band at this gig.

The Westminster & Pimlico News’ 12 August 1966 issue notes that Gass played the club 6-7 nights a week around this time.

 

11 September (Sunday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

18 September (Sunday) – The Vibrations (needs source and confirmation but probably Melody Maker)

22 September (Thursday) – Jimi Hendrix solo (needs source and confirmation)

Apparently on the evening he’d arrived in the UK, Jimi Hendrix played a couple of songs as a solo act at the club.

23 September (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

24 September (Saturday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

26 September (Monday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

Jimi Hendrix sat in with The VIPs on 26 September – see Terry Ellis comment in the comments section below.

27 September (Tuesday) – The VIPs (needs confirmation)

28 September (Wednesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

Guitarist Vic Briggs says that Chas Chandler and Jimi Hendrix came into the Scotch of St James and sat in with the band. Brian Auger invited the American guitarist to sit in with the band at Blaises the following night, 29 September.

30 September (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

The Derby Evening Telegraph’s 1 October 1966 issue notes that Pepper’s Machine played the club recently.

3 October (Monday) – The Raylettes (London Life magazine)

7 October (Friday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)

Robin Trower had left The Paramounts in late June/early July and formed The Jamm, so Martin Shaw (no relation to the actor) was on lead guitar.

8 October (Saturday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)

13 October (Thursday) – The Trend (London Life magazine)

14 October (Friday) – The Trend (London Life magazine)

15 October (Saturday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

17 October (Monday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

18 October (Tuesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

19 October (Wednesday) – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jams with Cream (needs source and confirmation)

It has been noted that The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jammed with Cream at the Scotch of St James on 19 October (the alternative location was the Cromwellian). However, according to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book on the British blues boom, “Strange Brew”, Cream were playing at the Blue Moon in Cheltenham on this day.

 

According to London Life magazine, Tony & The Defenders played at the Scotch of St James during the week 22-28 October.

24 October (Monday) – Edwin Starr (possibly backed by The Guests) (London Life magazine)

25 October (Tuesday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (band’s debut as private showcase at the venue) (Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scotch_of_St._James)

29 October (Saturday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)

This was one of the band’s final gigs before splitting in November 1966. Gary Brooker formed Procol Harum the following spring.

31 October (Monday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (London Life magazine)

 

1 November (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (London Life magazine)

2 November (Wednesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

3 November (Thursday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

4 November (Friday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

5 November (Saturday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

11 November (Friday) – Ben E King (London Life magazine)

18 November (Friday) – The Impressions (London Life magazine)

The Impressions featured future soul star Curtis Mayfield.

According to Disc & Music Echo on 26 November, Deep Feeling made their debut at the Scotch of St James around the week starting 21 November. Chris Curtis, Giorgio Gomelsky, Robert Stigwood, Speedy Acquaye and Beryl Marsden were among the guests.

 

According to Melody Maker, Bobby Darin sat in with Deep Feeling around early-to-mid December and played the drums.

London Life magazine reports that The Checkmates played at the Scotch of St James during the week 3-9 December.

The Manchester Independent notes that Manchester band The Powerhouse played at the venue during December.

7 December (Wednesday) – The Vibrations (London Life magazine)

8 December (Thursday) – The Young Rascals (Disc & Music Echo)

The magazine reports that Paul McCartney, Chas Chandler, Eric Burdon, Keith Moon, Brian Epstein and Bill Wyman are among the guests.

13 December (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

14 December (Wednesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

15 December (Thursday) – Bobby Hebb (Record Mirror)

The magazine says that Bobby Hebb came on at 1am. This is confirmed by London Life magazine, which notes the 14 December so it looks like Hebb came on stage after The Brian Auger Trinity had finished. Future Deep Purple bass player Nick Simper was in his backing band.

19 December (Monday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

20 December (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

21 December (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

22 December (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

23 December (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

24 December (Saturday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (London Life magazine)

28 December (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

29 December (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

31 December (Saturday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Disc & Music Echo and London Life magazine)

1967

Guitarist Doug Ayers says that The All Night Workers played at the Scotch of St James (most likely in early 1967).

Jim Cregan, guitarist with Blossom Toes, remembers playing at the club and The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were there on the same night to catch his band performing.

Drummer Chris Hunt says The Good Time Losers played the club in the first half of 1967.

Tony Glyde remembers playing at the Scotch of St James with Simon K & The Meantimers in 1967-1968.

2 February (Thursday) – Edwin Starr (Evening Standard)

The Loose Ends were playing at the venue in late March/early April when the Stax-Volt show tour came in. This is where Otis Redding picked up singers Alan Marshall and Bob Saker and took them back to the US to record tracks at Fame Studios during June.

23 April (Sunday) – The Wages of Sin (Melody Maker)

28 April (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

 

Drummer Phil Wainman, who went on to produce The Sweet, remembers playing the club in May 1967 with Jack Hammer & The Hammer Jammers.

Keyboard player Mick Ketley says The Motivation/Penny Peeps played at the Scotch of St James on two occasions which would have been from May 1967 onwards.

7 May (Sunday) – The Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

 

The Loose Ends were performing at the Scotch of St James in early June 1967 when former Ram Jam guitarist Pete Gage brought singer Kenny Bernard into see the musicians. This led to the formation of Cats Pyjamas with some of the group members.

16 June (Friday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

 

The Manchester Playboys performed at the Scotch of St James and July seems the most likely period as they were in London gigging. Also Peter Simensky, who had joined the band recently, was a member at the time and he recalls singer Billie Davis working at the Scotch at the time.

Frank Torpey, who was lead guitarist with London band, The Tribe (and would go on to become the original lead guitarist in The Sweet), says that when the group was playing regular Saturday nights at the Marquee in Wardour Street between July-September, the Marquee’s owner John Gee would get a call from the Scotch of St James asking what band was on and would they like to double up? He says The Tribe always said yes as it was a great top up. Torpey adds that they never had another band on with them. He thinks they may have played at the Scotch maybe three or four times.

It sounds like The Tribe may have played the Scotch in the early hours of the Sunday morning after finishing up at the Marquee but this would need confirmation.

This insight is interesting as it might mean other groups that played the Marquee went on and played the Scotch of St James after finishing up.

1 July (Saturday) – The Tribe (Tony Bacon’s book, London Live)

The Tribe (which changed name to The Dream in late August 1967) played at the Marquee every Saturday from 1 July to 30 September according to Tony Bacon’s excellent book on the London music scene and its Marquee listings, so it’s impossible to know what Saturday evenings/early Sunday mornings The Tribe went on to play at the Scotch of St James afterwards. It’s also quite possible that the other band sharing the billing at the Marquee with The Tribe may have been asked as well (see Torpey’s recollections above).

7 July (Friday) – Vince Edwards (Fabulous 208)

8 July (Saturday) – The Manchester Playboys (Graham Sclater’s diary)

 

1 August (Tuesday) – The Manchester Playboys (Graham Sclater’s diary)

Timebox played at the Scotch of St James during August 1967. They had a Tuesday night gig at the Marquee so possibly played afterwards. Former Felders Orioles drummer John Halsey advertised in Melody Maker for a new band on Thursday, 17 August and auditioned with Timebox shortly afterwards at the Scotch.

29 August (Tuesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

 

According to the poster below for the Gloucester YMCA, The Official Receivers played at the Scotch of St James around October 1967.

Photo: Richard Goddard

30 October (Monday) – The Dave Davani Five (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

31 October (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website and Disc & Music Echo)

1 November (Wednesday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website – see above)

2 November (Thursday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

3 November (Friday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

4 November (Saturday) – Mud (Melody Maker)

6 November (Monday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

7 November (Tuesday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

8 November (Wednesday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

9 November (Thursday) – Ben E King (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

10 November (Friday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

11 November (Saturday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

13 November (Monday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

14 November (Tuesday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

15 November (Wednesday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

16 November (Thursday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

17 November (Friday) – Mud (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

18 November (Saturday) – Mud (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

20 November (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

21 November (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

22 November (Wednesday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

23 November (Thursday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

24 November (Friday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

25 November (Saturday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

27 November (Monday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

28 November (Tuesday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

29 November (Wednesday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

30 November (Thursday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

 

30 December (Saturday) – Kaleidoscope (Melody Maker)

1968

Iain Pitwell, Brian Mansell and Geoff Glover confirm that The All Night Workers played at the Scotch of St James regularly during the 1968-1969 period.

Mo Umansky says his band Mr Mo’s Messengers played at the venue, most likely in 1968.

26 January (Friday) – The Magic Roundabout (audition) (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)

 

3 February (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

6 February (Tuesday) – James & Bobby Purify (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

8 February (Thursday) – Edwin Starr (New Musical Express)

According to Melody Maker, Rupert’s People played at the Scotch of St James around the week starting 19 February.

27 February (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker)

According to Melbourne music magazine, Go-Set, Australian band The Groop played the Scotch of St James between early March and mid-April.

8 March (Friday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

23 March (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

 

4 April (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

 

1 May (Wednesday) – Ike & Tina Turner and Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

2 May (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

9 May (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

16 May (Thursday) – Edwin Starr & The State Express (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

20 May (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

 

5 June (Tuesday) – The Coasters (New Musical Express)

17 June (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

18 June (Tuesday) – Ruby & The Romantics (New Musical Express)

30 June (Sunday) – The Crystals (New Musical Express)

 

16 July (Tuesday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

20 July (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

3 August (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

5 August (Monday) – The Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

6 August (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

Rose’s gig was cancelled. 

13 August (Tuesday) – Elmer Gantry (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

19 August (Monday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

21 August (Wednesday) – The Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

22 August (Thursday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

26 August (Monday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

 

7 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

10 September (Tuesday) – Ben E King (New Musical Express)

14 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

27 September (Friday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

28 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

 

16 October (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

The New Musical Express lists Brook Benton for the 16 October.

 

12 November (Tuesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

18 November (Monday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

28 November (Thursday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)

 

12 December (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

17 December (Tuesday) – Bandwagon (New Musical Express)

18 December (Wednesday) – The Barrier (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

1969

Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott confirms that Gass played the Scotch of St James during the 1969-1970 period.

21 January (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

31 January (Friday) – The N’ Betweens (later became Slade) (Don Powell’s website)

 

24 February (Monday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker)

New Musical Express reports that Ben E King is backed by Chris Shakespeare Globe Show for his UK tour in February 1969.

 

10 March (Monday) – The Tymes (Melody Maker)

29 March (Saturday) – Ben E King (Time Out)

 

14 April (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Fabulous 208)

21 April (Monday) – Turnstyle and Steamhammer (Fabulous 208)

 

19 May (Monday) – Bob & Earl (John Warburg research)

 

16 June (Monday) – Yes (Peter Banks website: http://www.peterbanks.net/archive/bands/yes/)

24 June (Tuesday) – Girl Talk (Melody Maker)

 

21 July (Monday) – Jimmy Ruffin with Sweet Blindness (New Musical Express)

 

25 August (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Time Out)

 

1 September (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

4 September (Thursday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)

8 September (Monday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)

9 September (Tuesday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)

11 September (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

1970

28 January (Wednesday) – Lucas & The Soul Sounds (Melody Maker)

 

28 October (Wednesday) – Tear Gas (Melody Maker)

29 October (Thursday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

 

5 November (Thursday) – Legend (Melody Maker)

6 November (Friday) – Charge (Melody Maker)

7 November (Saturday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

8 November (Sunday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)

9 November (Monday) – Calum Bryce (Melody Maker)

Ted Hare’s gig diary for bands he managed, including Calum Bryce, have this group listed at the Scotch of St James on 10 November not the 9 November so possible there is a mistake here.

10 November (Tuesday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)

12 November (Thursday) – Fairfield Parlour (Melody Maker)

13 November (Friday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

14 November (Saturday) – Renea (Melody Maker)

16 November (Monday) – UFO (Melody Maker)

17 November (Tuesday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)

18 November (Wednesday) – Bubastis (Melody Maker)

19 November (Thursday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

20 November (Friday) – Mataya (Melody Maker)

23 November (Monday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

24 November (Tuesday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)

25 November (Wednesday) – Aquila (Melody Maker)

26 November (Thursday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)

27 November (Friday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

30 November (Monday) – Nick Twilley (Melody Maker)

 

1 December (Tuesday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)

2 December (Wednesday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

1971

15 April (Thursday) – Octopus (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

 

6 May (Thursday) – Octopus (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

Categories: England, London

El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London

15 Comments
The Spectres, February 1964. Photo: South East London Mercury

The El Partido in Lewisham, southeast London was located at 8-10 Lee High Road and was a popular spot for young Jamaicans and local mods.

There is a gig for The Spectres (who later morphed into Status Quo) who played here on 10 February 1964 and every Monday (see very top) which reveals that the club had originally operated under different management and closed sometime during 1964. It looks like the club re-opened on 12 December with The Beasts playing that evening.

The excellent Transpontine website notes that King Ossie Sound played at the club regularly. Other guests included Jamaicans Jimmy Cliff and The Duke Reid Sound.

Local R&B outfit, The Loose Ends, who cut two singles for Decca, were also house band at some point in late 1965.

I have started a gig list and would welcome any additions plus any memories of the venue, which was closed down in April 1967.

12 December 1964 – The Beasts

19 December 1964 – The Loose Ends

26 December 1964 – The Beavers

27 March 1965 – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and Mankinde

28 March 1965 – Duke Lee

31 March 1965 – The Hubbubs

 

1 April 1965 – Group Survival

2 April 1965 – The King Bees

3 April 1965 – The Loose Ends

Photo: Melody Maker

4 September 1965 – The Eyes

Photo: Melody Maker

9 September 1965 – The Duke Lee Sound System

10 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (upstairs)

10 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

11 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first session)

11 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (downstairs, first session)

11 September 1965 – Lou Johnson, Sonny Childe, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)

16 September 1965 – The Mixed Feelings (upstairs)

16 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

17 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee

18 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first and second session)

18 September 1965 – The Artwoods (downstairs, first session)

18 September 1965 – The Artwoods and The Loose Ends (downstairs, second session)

South East London Mercury has The Loose Ends with Lou Johnson on the above date

22 September 1965 – The Changing Times (upstairs)

22 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

Photo: Melody Maker

23 September 1965 – The Plain Facts (upstairs)

23 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

24 September 1965 – Memphis Chucks (upstairs)

24 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell (upstairs, first session)

25 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs, first session)

25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)

26 September 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

29 September 1965 – The Minor Birds (upstairs)

The Minor Birds morphed into Mr Mo’s Messengers in 1967

29 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

Photo: Melody Maker

30 September 1965 – The Sons of Fred and Duke Lee

 

1 October 1965 – Duke Lee

2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, The Spectres and Duke Lee (first session)

2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, Loose Ends, The Spectres and Duke Lee (second session)

The Spectres later morphed into Status Quo

3 October 1965 – Duke Lee

6 October 1965 – Kiko 6 and Duke Lee

7-8 October 1965 – Duke Lee

9 October 1965 – Dave Anthony’s Moods, Next of Kin and Duke Lee (first session)

Photo: Melody Maker

9 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, Dave Anthony’s Moods, Duke Lee and Next of Kin (second session)

10 October 1965 – Duke Lee

13 October 1965 – Creeper’s Blues and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

14 October 1965 – Diddley Daddies and Duke Lee

16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers and Duke Lee (first session)

16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers, Duke Lee and The Minor Birds (second session)

17 October 1965 – Bo Diddley and Duke Lee

20 October 1965 – Long, Short and Tall, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends

Photo: Melody Maker

21 October 1965 – Under-mined and Duke Lee Sounds

22 October 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (first session)

23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Minor Birds and Duke Lee (second session)

24 October 1965 – Duke Lee

27 October 1965 – John Brown’s Bodies and Duke Lee

This version of John Brown’s Bodies were from Hammersmith and weren’t the same Brighton group that had Keith Emerson

28 October 1965 – Next of Kin and Duke Lee

29 October 1965 – Marshall Scott Etc and Duke Lee

30 October 1965 – The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee Sounds (first session)

Photo: Melody Maker

30 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

31 October 1965 – Duke Lee

 

3 November 1965 – Blues Roots, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends

Photo: Melody Maker

4 November 1965 – Deacon Louis GP and Duke Lee

5 November 1965 – Duke Lee

6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres and Duke Lee (first session)

6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

7 November 1965 – Duke Lee

10 November 1965 – The Nature’s Boys and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

11 November 1965 – Lawlors Legs and Duke Lee

12 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

Photo: Melody Maker

13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee (first session)

13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

14 November 1965 – Duke Lee

17 November 1965 – The Links, The Fetish Crowd and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

18 November 1965 – Sounds Anonymous and Duke Lee

19 November 1965 – Duke Lee

20 November 1965 – Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (first session)

20 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (second session)

21 November 1965 – Duke Lee

24 November 1965 – The New Jump Band and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

25 November 1965 – Two Squared and Duke Lee

26 November 1965 – Duke Lee

27 November 1965 – The Panics and Duke Lee (first session)

27 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Panics and Duke Lee (second session)

28 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

 

1 December 1965 – Group Survival and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

17 December 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

18 December 1965 – The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (first session)

18 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (second session)

19 December 1965 – Major Lance (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee

22 December 1965 – The Templars, The Cardinals and Duke Lee

24 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, Duke Lee and The Frank Sheen Sound

Photo: Melody Maker

25-26 December 1965 – Duke Lee

31 December 1965 – Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

22 January 1966 – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and Duke Lee

23 January 1966 – The Exciters and Duke Lee

26 January 1966 – The Just Blues, The Wild Set and Duke Lee

28 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey and Duke Lee

29 January 1966 – Deakin Lewis and Duke Lee

30 January 1966 – The Drifters

Photo: Melody Maker

11 February 1966 – Doris Troy (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee

12 February 1966 – The Panicks and Duke Lee

13 February 1966 – Duke Lee

16 February 1966 – Duke Lee and various groups

18 February 1966 – Inez and Charlie Foxx

Photo: Melody Maker

25 March 1966 – Wilson Pickett with King Ossie Sounds (Wilson Pickett didn’t show)

Photo: South East London Mercury

26 March 1966 – Time Box, The Raisins and King Ossie Sounds

1 April 1966 – Don Covay and King Ossie Sounds

8 April 1966 – Jimmy Cliff (backed by New Generation?) with The Raisons, King Ossie Sound and Duke Reid

9 April 1966 – The New Jump Band with The King Ossie Sound

10 April 1966 – Don Covey with The King Ossie Sound

11 April 1966 – Owen Gray and Jackie Edwards with The Raisons and King Ossie Sound

 

22 May 1966 – The Charmers (with Carl Douglas)

 

11 June 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Charmers

18 June 1966 – The Partizans

 

4 August 1966 – Jimmy Cliff

 

2 September 1966 – The James Royal Set

24 September 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

 

1 October 1966 – Timebox

 

15 November 1966 – The Iveys

 

6 January 1967 – Duke Lee

7 January 1967 – The Soul Trinity

13 January 1967 – Duke Lee

14 January 1967 – The Mellow Notes

20 January 1967 – Duke Lee

21 January 1967 – Ossie Layne & The Red Hot Band

4 March 1967 – Alan Marsh(all) & The Loose Ends

Sources: 

Southeast London Mercury, Marmalade Skies website, Melody Maker and poster

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

Categories: England, London

Glenlyn Ballroom, Forest Hill, southeast London

17 Comments

Located at 15 Perry Vale, the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill, Southeast London was a popular venue for Mods in the early-to-mid 1960s.

The Who were regulars in the 1963-1964 period when they were known as The Detours and The High Numbers. Bobby King & The Sabres were also a resident band at the club throughout the mid-1960s.

I’ve started a list of artists that were advertised and would welcome any additions/corrections as well as any memories of the venue. I would also welcome any posters/band photos and will credit them accordingly.

1961

17 November 1961 – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1963

13 September 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

 

4 October 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

11 October 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

 

2 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 November 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

16 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Thanks to Clive Chase for sending the photo

6 December 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

Poster suggests Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers played on 6 December

7 December 1963 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Federals (Clive Chase’s gig diary/poster/Beat Monthly)

Poster suggests only The Federals played on this date

20 December 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

Poster suggests The Flintstones played on 20 December

21 December 1963 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1964

3 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

Pete Carter says The Rolling Stones played on 3 January 1964 – see comments section below

17 January 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

18 January 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bern Elliott & The Fenmen (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

John Warburg says The Hollies also performed on 24 January

31 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

 

1 February 1964 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Tin Pan Alley Ball) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 February 1964 – The Detours (or now called The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

17 February 1964 – The Searchers (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

21 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bridget Bond & The Hysterics (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

6 March 1964 – The Paramounts with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 March 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

21 March 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

27 March 1964 – Graham Bond Organisation with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

3 April 1964 – The Who (this month they change name to The High Numbers) (Andy Neill’s research)

4 April 1964 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

10 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

13 April 1964 – Cilla Black with Sounds Incorporated and The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

This was before Jeff Beck joined The Tridents on lead guitar

17 April 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Redcaps (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

24 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

27 April 1964 – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

Jeff Beck didn’t join on lead guitar until early September. 

 

2 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

8 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

15 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

16 May 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

25 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

29 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The High Numbers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

1 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

6 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

15 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

19 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Shorty & Them (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

26 June 1964 – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 June 1964 – The High Numbers (revert back to The Who in November) (Andy Neill’s research)

 

10 July 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 July 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

31 July 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Geno Washington (most likely with Les Blues) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 August 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 August 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 August 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

4 September 1964 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 September 1964 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 September 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 October 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary) Beat Instrumental suggests that The Undertakers may have played here on this date but needs confirmation

3 October 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 October 1964 – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

Jeff Beck was lead guitarist with The Tridents by this point

16 October 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 October 1964 – The Yardbirds (Beat Instrumental) 
Needs confirmation

30 October 1964 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

6 November 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

I have The Graham Bond Organisation for 6 November but this may have been a different date

20 November 1964 ­– Bobby King & The Sabres with The Federals (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 November 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 November 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

4 December 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Bobby King & The Sabres. Photo: Clive Chase

1965

8 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

12 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

6 March 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 March 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 March 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 April 1965 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 April 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

16 April 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Wranglers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 April 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

7 May 1965 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 May 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 May 1965 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 May 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 May 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

5 June 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 June 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

3 July 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 July 1965 – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

23 July 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Symbols (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

13 August 1965 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

14 August 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 August 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Majority (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 August 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

3 September 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 September 1965 – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

24 September 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Sounds Incorporated (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

8 October 1965 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 October 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bern Elliott (& The Klansmen?) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 October 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 October 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Robb Storme & The Whispers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 October 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

5 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Loose Ends (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

10 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The VIPs (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

17 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 November 1965 – The Downliners Sect with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 November 1965 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

1 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Jimmy Brown (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Clique (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

17 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1966

1 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 January 1966 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 January 1966 – The Birds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 January 1966 – The Who with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 January 1966 – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

26 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 January 1966 – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research and South East London Mercury)

29 January 1966 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Brian Long’s research and South East London Mercury confirm Episode Six also played on 5 February

9 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 February 1966 – The Shevelles with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 February 1966 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and Melody Maker)

 

2 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 March 1966 – James Royal & The Hawks with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and South East London Mercury)

5 March 1966 – The Nite People (South East London Mercury and Barry Curtis’ gig diary)

9 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 March 1966 ­– Robb Storme & The Whispers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 March 1966 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

1 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 April 1966 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and South East London Mercury)

16 April 1966 – The Symbols (South East London Mercury)

20 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 April 1966 – The Birds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

1 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 May 1966 – Persuasion with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 May 1966 – The Quiet Five with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

25 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

South East London Mercury and Melody Maker confirm that The Action also played on 27 May

28 May 1966 – The Loose Ends (Melody Maker)

29 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

1 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 June 1966 – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

22 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

25 June 1966 – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

29 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 July 1966 – Dave Antony’s Moods with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and Fabulous 208)

13 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 July 1966 – The Loose Ends (Fabulous 208)

 

5 August 1966 – The Fenmen (South East London Mercury)

6 August 1966 – The Creed with Graham Bell & The Trend (South East London Mercury)

10 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Photo from Richard Goddard

12 August 1966 – Alan Bown Set (poster from Richard Goddard)

13 August 1966 – The Good Goods (poster from Richard Goddard)

17 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 August 1966 – The Beachcombers (South East London Mercury)

31 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 September 1966 – The Coloured Raisins (South East London Mercury)

3 September 1966 – The Cast (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely with The Klooks in support

7 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 September 1966 – The Soul Sounds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 September 1966 – Dave Antony’s Moods (South East London Mercury)

21 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 September 1966 – The Creation with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 September 1966 – The Paramounts (South East London Mercury)

The Paramounts split up not long after this gig

 

1 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 October 1966 – The Tribe with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 October 1966 – The Beachcombers (South East London Mercury)

12 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 October 1966 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

15 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 October 1966 – The Soul Sounds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 October 1966 – Five’s Company (South East London Mercury)

26 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 October 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

29 October 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

The Klooks at Glenlyn Ballroom. Photo: Pete Carter

2 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 November 1966 – The Showtimers (South East London Mercury)

9 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 November 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

16 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (South East London Mercury)

The above gig isn’t in Clive’s diary

19 November 1966 – The Beachcombers (South East London Mercury)

23 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

25 November 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

30 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Poster from Pete Carter

7 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 December 1966 – The Ways & Means and The Klooks (Pete Carter’s poster)

10 December 1966 – Mr Hip & The Soul Band and The Klooks (Pete Carter’s poster)

14 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 December 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

17 December 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

21 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 December 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

24 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Klooks (Clive Chase’s gig diary/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

28 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 December 1966 – The Information and The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

31 December 1966 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208) Pete Carter’s gig diary has The Showtimers and The Klooks on this date

1967

4 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

7 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

11 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

14 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

18 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

21 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

25 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

28 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

 

1 February 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

4 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

8 February 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

10 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

11 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

15 February 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

17 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

18 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

24 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

25 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

 

3 March 1967 – The Iveys with The Klooks (Tom Brennan’s research/Pete Carter’s gig list)

10 March 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede with The Klooks (Ken Baxter’s diary/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

17 March 1967 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

18 March 1967 – The Escorts with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

24 March 1967 – The Summer Set with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

25 March 1967 – The Cossacks with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

31 March 1967 – Jimmy Frog & The Bean Machine with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

 

1 April 1967 – The Iveys with The Klooks (Tom Brennan’s research/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

7 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

8 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

14 April 1967 – The Iveys with The Klooks (Tom Brennan’s research/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

15 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

22 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

29 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

Pete Carter says The Klooks played seven more Saturdays. However, when they turned up on 24 June, they were unable to play and the club closed.

Huge thanks to Rolf Hannett for sharing Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental dates

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

 

Categories: England, London

Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London

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Photo: Kent Messenger, 20 March 1964, page 4

Chislehurst Caves in the south eastern suburbs of London is a 22 miles long series of tunnels. During the 1960s, the caves were used as a music venue and many notable artists played there, including David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, to name a few.

I have started to compile a list of artists that played and would welcome any additions. Also, I would welcome any memories of the caves from that period.

Photo: Kent Messenger, 20 March 1964, page 4

14 March 1964 – The Lonely Ones, The Corvettes, The Maniacs, The Outcasts, The Rockabeats and Band Seven (Kent Messenger)

Gig in Melody Maker, 30 March 1963

14 May 1965 (Friday) – The Epitaph Souls, The Forerunners, Danny & The Torinos, The Two Squared, The Great Expectations, Hamilton King’s Blues Messengers and Brian Something and The What’s Its (Melody Maker)

11 February 1966 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect (South East London Mercury) (opened the caves as a music venue)

25 February 1966 (Friday) – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)

 

4 March 1966 (Friday) – David Bowie & The Buzz (South East London Mercury)

11 March 1966 (Friday) – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

18 March 1966 (Friday) – Deacon Lewis (South East London Mercury)

 

8 April 1966 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (South East London Mercury and Melody Maker)

29 April 1966 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)

 

6 May 1966 (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Melody Maker)

20 May 1966 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

 

1 July 1966 (Friday) – The Yardbirds (Record Mirror)

15 July 1966 (Friday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)

29 July 1966 (Friday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)

 

5 August 1966 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)

 

28 October 1966 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

 

16 December 1966 (Friday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)

30 December 1966 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker and Disc & Music Echo)

 

6 January 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

27 January 1967 (Friday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (needs source but probably Melody Maker)

 

17 February 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

 

17 March 1967 (Friday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

 

14 April 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

 

19 May 1967 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

 

7 July 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

 

11 August 1967 (Friday) – The Nervous System (Melody Maker)

 

6 October 1967 (Friday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Kathy Doughty’s memories – see comments below)

14 October 1967 (Saturday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Fabulous 208)

 

10 November 1967 (Friday) – The Foundations (Melody Maker)

 

8 December 1967 (Friday) –Pink Floyd (possibly Melody Maker but might be South East London Mercury)

 

9 February 1968 (Friday) – The Herd (South East London Mercury)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

Categories: England, London

The Cromwellian, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington

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Located at 3 Cromwell Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, SW7, the Cromwellian Club was a notable London rock venue that was opened in late 1964 by entrepreneur Tony Mitchell and part owned and managed by Bob Archer, who later established the Pantiles club in Bagshot, Surrey. The club’s opening was reported in The Stage in its 8 October 1964 issue.

Brian Auger who played here with The Trinity claims that the Cromwellian is where Jimi Hendrix first jammed with his band after arriving in London in late September 1966, although others point to the Scotch of St James.

At its height in 1966-1967, it also hosted numerous jam sessions, featuring the likes of Chris Farlowe, Georgie Fame, Long John Baldry, Eric Burdon and Eric Clapton among others.

Like other exclusive clubs like Blaises and the Scotch of St James, the entrance fee was expensive and therefore catered less for music fans and more for the celebrities of the day and wealthy clientele.

The Cromwellian was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).

1965

Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at the Cromwellian during 1965-1966:

Singer Jim Nairn (aka James Royal) says that James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set played there throughout this period.

Tony Richard who drummed and sang with The Fetish Crowd says that his group performed there during 1965-1966.

Singer Alan Chamberlain says that The Just Four, which became The Guests, played at the venue in 1965-1966.

Guitarist/singer Stuart Cowell says he was working with Ralph Denyer’s Rockhouse Band when they performed at the Cromwellian in late 1965 before he left to join Gass.

Ray Lovegrove, who DJ’d at the venue, remembers seeing Stevie Wonder and also The Groundhogs at the club during 1965 when he was there. However, the Stevie Wonder gig could have been 26 January 1966 (see below).

The following list for 1965 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

Photo: Melody Maker

1 April 1965 (Thursday) – The Drifters (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker, 10 April 1965

5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Soul Sisters (Melody Maker)

8 June 1965 (Tuesday) – Donnie Elbert (Melody Maker)

15 June 1965 (Tuesday) – Solomon Burke (Melody Maker)

23 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Doris Troy (Melody Maker)

Photo; Melody Maker

13 July 1965 (Tuesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

23 July 1965 (Friday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)

 

6 August 1965 (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

30 August 1965 (Monday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Martyn Hanson’s Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice book)

According to Hanson’s book, this was keyboard player Terry Goldberg’s final gig with Mark Leeman’s band.

 

8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

16 September 1965 (Thursday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

23 September 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

Guitarist Tim Large says that Dave Anthony’s Moods had a regular Wednesday night gig at the Cromwellian but most of the 1965 gigs below are Thursdays.

25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

 

1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

7 October 1965 (Thursday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

London Life magazine for the week 9-15 October, and for subsequent issues running to December 1966 when it closed, notes that several groups played each week.

20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

28 October 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

Photo: West Surrey Advertiser

Boz & The Boz People played at the Cromwellian sometime before 4 November, according to the West Surrey Advertiser (see pic)

 

4 November 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

11 November 1965 (Thursday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

 

2 December 1965 (Thursday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Record Mirror)

9 December 1965 (Thursday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

10 December 1965 (Friday) – The Beatstalkers (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

13 December 1965 (Monday) – The Beatstalkers (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

14 December 1965 (Tuesday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary – thanks to John Warburg for sharing)

15 December 1965 (Wednesday) – Major Lance (Record Mirror)

16 December 1965 (Thursday) – Bluesology (Melody Maker)

Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) was Bluesology’s keyboard player.

Photo: Record Mirror

20 December 1965 (Monday) – Joe Tex (Record Mirror)

1966

Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at the Cromwellian during 1966:

Keyboard player Stan Marut, who worked with Julian Covey & The Machine from late 1965-mid-1966 says the group had a regular Saturday night residency at the club in early 1966 (and also possibly late 1965 when John McVie was briefly a member when Jack Bruce filled his spot in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers). He remembers Sands were playing at the venue around the same time.

According to Chris Groom’s excellent book “Rockin’ and Around Croydon”, Croydon group The Kingpins played at the Cromwellian in early 1966.

Singer Alan Chamberlain says that The Guests played at the venue during 1966 (possibly with The Shevelles).

Jim Nairn (aka James Royal) says The James Royal Set played at the club this year.

Guitarist Frank Torpey, who later became an original member of The Sweet, confirms his group The Tribe played at the Cromwellian (most likely this year and possibly also 1967).

Guitarist Jim Cregan says that Blossom Toes performed at the venue (but this might have been 1967).

Ray Brown, who played bass with Jeff Curtis & The Flames from mid-1965 to late 1967 when they became The Kool, says that the band played at the Cromwellian a few times, most likely in 1966 (but also possibly early 1967).

Drummer Rocky Browne confirms that The Summer Set had a weekly residence at the Cromwellian during 1966.

Drummer Tony Richard says The Fetish Crowd played at the club during 1966.

The following list for 1966 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

 

4 January 1966 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 January 1966 (Tuesday) – Pattie La Belle & The Bluebells with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) was Bluesology’s keyboard player.

13 January 1966 (Thursday) – The Exciters (Record Mirror)

Record Mirror originally billed this show for 19 January.

15 January 1966 (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

19 January 1966 (Wednesday) – Lee Dorsey (Record Mirror)

Record Mirror also listed this for 31 January so this may not have happened. Dorsey was most likely backed by The Krew featuring sax player Howie Casey. I also have The Sidewinders, so probably shared. They were back the following Wednesday to back Stevie Wonder.

26 January 1966 (Wednesday) – Stevie Wonder (Record Mirror)

Stevie Wonder was backed by The Sidewinders (confirmed by drummer Malcolm Penn).

31 January 1966 (Monday) – Lee Dorsey (Record Mirror and Rave Magazine)

Lee Dorsey was most certainly backed by The Krew.

 

5 February 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

This was 2-6am on the Sunday morning after a show at the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill on the Saturday night. Chase says The Searchers came in and watched them.

9 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Doris Troy (Record Mirror)

16 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Steampacket (website: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html)

Record Mirror lists Rufus Thomas for 16 February. Steampacket did perform at the Cromwellian and it’s possible that Rufus Thomas shared the billing. Rod Stewart co-fronted Steampacket with Long John Baldry and Julie Driscoll.

19 February 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Record Mirror and Rave Magazine)

25 February 1966 (Friday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary – thanks to John Warburg for sharing)

 

2 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Solomon Burke (Record Mirror)

3 March 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

Future Deep Purple members Ian Gillan and Roger Glover were members.

5 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

10 March 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

12 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

19 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

Cromwellian, London, March 1966. Photo: Melody Maker

26 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (Melody Maker)

 

1 April 1966 (Friday) – The Sidewinders (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary)

 

5 May 1966 (Thursday) – Betty Everett (Record Mirror)

Christopher Hjort’s excellent book “Strange Brew: Eric Clapton & The British Blues Boom 1965-1970” notes that Eric Clapton attended the Cromwellian on 9 May after a gig at the Star Hotel in Croydon with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.

The 9 May marks the inception of SLAGS (Society of Looning Alcoholic Guitarists) whose members include Jeff Beck, Stevie Winwood, Vic Briggs, Pete Townshend, Steve Marriott, Andy Somers, Alan Roskams and Dave Wendels. The members will meet regularly at the Cromwellian.

 

In early June Melody Maker prints a “Guide to Good Raving” which lists the “in” clubs of the London scene. The Cromwellian is featured and the magazine notes that Gary Farr & The T-Bones, The Mark Leeman Five, Dave Anthony’s Moods, The Shevelles, Sands and The Peter B’s (actually The Shotgun Express) have recently played at the venue (performing until 2am).

10 June 1966 (Friday) – Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Five Proud Walkers who play at the Beachcomber Club on 18 June came from the Cromwellian.

According to the Southern Evening Echo (Southampton), The Move, who play the Adam & Eve in Southampton on 12 July, came from the Cromwellian (see above)

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Cromwellians who play at the Beachcomber Club on 23 July came from the Cromwellian.

Photo: London Life magazine

27 July 1966 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

 

The Eyes of Blue, who have won Melody Maker’s National Beat Contest, celebrate with a party at the club on 7 August. Eric Clapton, Alan Price, Chris Farlowe and others attend.

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Coletrane Union, who play at the Britannia Rowing Club on 13 August came from the Cromwellian

According to this Moody Blues site, John Lodge’s band The Question were regulars at the Cromwellian during August/September 1966 before he took up the bass slot in The Moody Blues in October.

31 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

20 September 1966 (Tuesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Melody Maker)

Guitarist Tim Large says that Dave Anthony’s Moods had a regular Wednesday night gig at the Cromwellian but the gigs in September are Tuesday nights.

21 September 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

27 September 1966 (Tuesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Melody Maker)

30 September 1966 (Friday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Jimi Hendrix website)

According to this site, Brian Auger was playing at the Cromwellian on a Friday night and had invited Jimi Hendrix to sit in with his band at this venue earlier in the week. Auger insists that this was the first place that Hendrix jammed with his band.

However, Auger did play at Blaises on Thursday, 29 September and Hendrix did sit in on that occasion, having arrived in the UK on Thursday, 22 September. According to Vic Briggs (and other sources), Hendrix also turned up and jammed with the band at the Scotch of St James on Wednesday, 28 September. 

 

8 October 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

It has been noted that The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jammed with Cream at the Cromwellian on 19 October (the alternative location was the Scotch of St James). However, according to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book on the British blues boom, “Strange Brew”, Cream are playing at the Blue Moon in Cheltenham this evening.

22 October 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Photo: London Life magazine

16 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

18 November 1966 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 26 November issue, Eric Burdon, Chas Chandler and Bill Wyman attended the club on this date.

30 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

According to Bruno Ceriotti, Bluesology (featuring Reg Dwight aka Elton John) played at the Cromwellian regularly during December 1966, which is where Long John Baldry saw them and took them on as his new backing group.

 

7 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

14 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

According to Disc & Music Echo, The Magic Lanterns visited the club the week starting 19 December but it is not clear whether they performed or just attended.

24 December 1966 (Saturday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

1967

According to Disc & Music Echo, Ray Hunter and Paul Lincoln, who had previously run The Two I’s Coffee Bar in Soho, co-ran the Cromwellian this year.

Rob Tolchard says his band Sands played the Cromwellian in January where they were spotted by Brian Epstein who hired them for his Saville Theatre show on 5 February. 

Bass player Bruce Usherwood says The Warren Davis Monday Band performed at the venue several times between December 1966 and February 1967 just before they signed with Columbia Records.

The Warren Davis Monday Band’s guitarist Rob Walker concurs and notes that one of the gigs was when the band was called The Boardwalkers.

Disc & Music Echo, 14 January 1967 issue, talks about Georgie Fame’s fiancé Carmen’s 21st birthday fancy dress party, which was held at the venue on 8 January. The guests include Jane Asher, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Georgie Fame.

The following list for 1967 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

17 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

28 January 1967 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Del Shannon, Johnny Rivers, Edwin Starr and Dave Davies of The Kinks were guests at the club during the week starting 30 January. 

According to Martyn Hanson’s excellent book Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice, Lee Jackson was part of the house band at the Cromwellian, The House of Usher during February and March 1967.

2 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

6 February 1967 (Monday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)

9 February 1967 (Thursday) – Long John Baldry & Bluesology (Fabulous 208)

11 February 1967 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Bobby King & The Sabres perform from 2am to 6am after playing at the Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London on the Saturday night, so this would probably be the early hours of the Sunday, 12 February.

20 February 1967 (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

23 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

25 February 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

The Good Time Losers had a residency at the club around about now, according to Melody Maker. Disc & Music Echo reported that they were managed by the club. Pretty certain it was a Saturday but needs confirmation.

 

4 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

11 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

18 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

25 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

 

3 April 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

8 April 1967 (Saturday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Disc & Music Echo)

12 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo report that Tom Jones attended. This may have been 5 April so needs confirmation

14 April 1967 (Friday) – Motivation with The James Garnet Soul and Roll Band (Swindon Advertiser) (cancelled)

Motivation (featuring future Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre) are advertised to play the venue. Keyboard player Mick Ketley says they did play the Cromwellian. However, sax player Chris Rodger confirms they were in Italy until mid-May before returning home so this didn’t happen.

16 April 1967 (Sunday) – Disc and Music Echo says that The Bee Gees hold a reception at the club today

18 April 1967 (Tuesday) – Bo Diddley with The Canadians (Melody Maker)

The Canadians feature future producer and music executive David Foster on keyboards.

Disc & Music Echo’s 22 April issue says that US actress Jayne Mansfield attended the Cromwellian the previous Tuesday but the date might have been 11 April instead.

Drummer Phil Wainman, who later produced The Sweet and was playing with Jack Hammer & The Hammer Jammers in May 1967, says Jack Hammer played at the club, which would have most likely been this month.

1 May 1967 (Monday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Melody Maker, Fabulous 208 and Disc & Music Echo)

4 May 1967 (Thursday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)

8 May 1967 (Monday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Record Mirror)

Photo: Melody Maker

15 May 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

17 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

22 May 1967 (Monday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

24 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

26 May 1967 (Friday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

27 May 1967 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

31 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

 

11 June 1967 (Sunday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Irish band Granny’s Intentions played around July 1967

4 July 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Vince Edwards (Fabulous 208)

13 July 1967 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

29 July 1967 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

31 July 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

9 August 1967 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 16 September issue, Long John Baldry keeps fit by running up the club’s stairs. Does this imply that he performed here with Bluesology during September?

1968

Guitarist/singer Paul Brett says that he played this venue during 1968, which was probably with Tintern Abbey but could have been with Elmer Gantry and/or Fire.

Drummer Paul Maher says that Jo Jo Gunne performed at the venue (possibly this year and/or 1969).

The following list for 1968 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions.

Judging by the dates below in January and February, it looks like jazz bands played on Mondays.

4 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Mike Eastman notes in his diary that his band Katch 22 played on 4 January.

8 January 1968 (Monday) – Bill Nile’s Delta Jazzmen (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

10 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Web featuring John L Watson (Melody Maker)

11 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

12 January 1968 (Friday) – Garnet Mimms (Melody Maker)

15 January 1968 (Monday) – The Red Onion Jazz Band (Melody Maker)

17 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

18 January 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

19 January 1968 (Friday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

22 January 1968 (Monday) – Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen (Melody Maker)

23 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

24 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

25 January 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Melody Maker and Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

26 January 1968 (Friday) – Jigsaw (Melody Maker)

29 January 1968 (Monday) – Spencer’s Washboard Kings (Melody Maker)

30 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound and Lucas (Melody Maker)

31 January 1968 (Wednesday) – Wee Willie Harris and The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

 

1 February 1968 (Thursday) – The Web featuring John L Watson (Melody Maker)

Mike Eastman notes in his diary that his band Katch 22 played on 1 February.

2 February 1968 (Friday) – Clyde McPhatter and The Trend (Melody Maker)

5 February 1968 (Monday) – Alex Welsh & His Jazz Band (Melody Maker)

6 February 1968 (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

8 February 1968 (Thursday) – Taste (Rory Gallagher’s Fandom site: https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/Rory_Gallagher)

14 February 1968 (Wednesday) – The Tremeloes (Fabulous 208)

15 February 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

26 February 1968 (Monday) – Jethro Tull (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

4 March 1968 (Monday) – Fleetwood Mac (Melody Maker)

5 March 1968 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound and Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 March 1968 (Monday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Melody Maker)

18 March 1968 (Monday) – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

25 March 1968 (Monday) – Champion Jack Dupree (Melody Maker)

26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Melody Maker)

 

22 April 1968 (Monday) – The Showstoppers (Melody Maker)

25 April 1968 (Thursday) – Nepenthe and Jigsaw (Melody Maker)

26 April 1968 (Friday) – My Dear Watson (Melody Maker)

29 April 1968 (Monday) – Duster Bennett (Melody Maker)

30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – O’Hara’s Playboys (Melody Maker)

2 May 1968 (Thursday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

3 May 1968 (Friday) – Duane Eddy with The Quotations (Melody Maker)

6 May 1968 (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

7 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Jeff Beck Group (Melody Maker)

8 May 1968 (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

9 May 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

10 May 1968 (Friday) – Hopscotch (Melody Maker)

11 May 1968 (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Melody Maker)

13 May 1968 (Monday) – The Fantastics (with The House of Orange) (Melody Maker)

14 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Embers (Melody Maker)

15 May 1968 (Wednesday) – O’ Hara’s Playboys (Melody Maker)

16 May 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

17 May 1968 (Friday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

18 May 1968 (Saturday) – Brass Tacks (Melody Maker)

20 May 1968 (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

21 May 1968 (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

22 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

27 May 1968 (Monday) – Duane Eddy (Melody Maker)

 

3 June 1968 (Monday) – Bill Haley & The Comets (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

14 June 1968 (Friday) – Ruby & The Romantics (Melody Maker)

18 June 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

27 June 1968 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

8 July 1968 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

20 July 1968 (Saturday) – The Mooche (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

2 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

3 August 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

8 August 1968 (Thursday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

9 August 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

10 August 1968 (Saturday) – The Pathfinders (Melody Maker)

12 August 1968 (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

15 August 1968 (Thursday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

16 August 1968 (Friday) – Scrugg (Melody Maker and Jack Russell’s gig diary)

17 August 1968 (Saturday) – Alexander Bell & The Flies (Melody Maker)

20 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

22 August 1968 (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

23 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

24 August 1968 (Saturday) – Scrugg (Melody Maker and Jack Russell’s gig diary)

27 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

28 August 1968 (Wednesday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

30 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

31 August 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

6 September 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

Photo: Melody Maker

7 September 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

14 September 1968 (Saturday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

16 September 1968 (Monday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

17 September 1968 (Tuesday) – Little John & The Shaddocks (Melody Maker)

18 September 1968 (Wednesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

19 September 1968 (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Melody Maker and Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

21 September 1968 (Saturday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

 

19 October 1968 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

 

16 November 1968 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

21 November 1968 (Thursday) – The Nite People (Melody Maker)

 

5 December 1968 (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

19 December 1968 (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

1969

Sax player Geoff Glover says his band The All Night Workers played at the Cromwellian when Clyde Barrow took over lead vocals from Iain Pitwell, which would have been from early 1969.

Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott says that his band Gass played here during 1969/1970.

The following list for 1969 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

20 January 1969 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

 

8 February 1969 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

 

1 March 1969 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

 

3 November 1969 (Monday) – Sky (Melody Maker)

10 November 1969 (Monday) – She Trinity (Melody Maker)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.