John Brown’s Bodies

Left to right: Chris Andrews, John Reeves, Dave Morris, Clive Barrow and James Shanley

Clive Barrow – lead vocals

James Shanley – lead guitar

John Reeves – rhythm guitar

Chris Andrews – bass

David Morris – drums

A Hammersmith-based R&B band formed around February/March 1965 who featured future All Night Workers’ singer Clive Barrow. John Reeves had previously played with The Impacts with singer Dave Terry (aka Elmer Gantry).

The five piece were regulars at the Goldhawk Social Club and also played twice at the Hammersmith Palais.

The band was profiled in the Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush Gazette and Post on 10 February 1966.

Photo: Melody Maker, 1965 gig

They also played at the Cellar Club in Kingston upon Thames, the Bromley Court Hotel, the London Cavern in Shepherd’s Bush/Notting Hill, the Blue Triangle in Ealing, the Starlite Ballroom in Greenford, the El Partido in Lewisham and the Mechanical Orange in Chelsea.

Andrews remembers one show at the Mechanical Orange, a crypt under a church, where there was a big fight and the vicar was hit over the head with a statue of the Madonna.

John Brown’s Bodies also opened for Jimmy James & The Vagabonds several times, including one appearance at Eel Pie Island.

The musicians changed name to The Clive Barrow Group in 1967/1968. Barrow left in early 1969 to join The All Night Workers.

Thanks Chris Andrews for the photo and memories

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.

 

 

24 thoughts on “John Brown’s Bodies”

  1. Brilliant find! My dad is John Reeves!!! Unfortunately he passed away in 2011 but I love this and will show his grandsons!!!

  2. Thank you Chris. I really enjoyed our time together in… JBB’s . I remember an occasion when all the equipment was transported to the, Mechanical Orange, on the back of, Dave Morris’s milk float. Clive Clyde Barrow.

    1. Clyde
      What about the time we played the Discoteque in Wardour Street and everyone took all the equipment up on the tube and carried through the streets.

      1. David/Clyde I’d love to hear more stories and see some pictures. I have some JBB pics that I can share with you both!

        1. Hi Louisa. It’s Clyde from JBBs. I’m living in Spain now but when I next come back to England I would love to meet you and talk about the wonderful time I spent with the band. It was my first group and
          i / we were naive teen-agers.Your dad was far more experienced and was the best thing that happened to JBBs . It would be great if you were able send any photos. Clyde

      2. Hi Dave Do you remember me John Reeves Wife well girlfriend then I remember the times me and your then girlfriend I think you got married spent together following you all around everywhere you played Fun times Would love to here how your life has been

    2. Hi Clive This is Sheila reeves here I was sent this. How lovely to see these old comments and pictures Hope you are well

    3. Is the singing voice in ‘‘out of my mind‘‘ you? I’m 20 years old and from Germany, I literally cried when I found this song because it’s so beautiful…

  3. Few gigs to add

    18 April 1966 – Bromel Club, Bromley, London (Melody Maker)

    19 May 1966 – Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley, London (Melody Maker) Or The Boardwalkers

    26 May 1966 – Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley, London (Melody Maker)

    21 January 1967 – TA Centre, Andover, Hampshire (Andover Advertiser) Billed as John Brown (possible it is them)

  4. According to the Kent & Sussex Courier, the band played at the Club La-Bamba in Tunbridge Wells on 23 April 1966, opening for The System Soul Band (Ivan St Clair’s group)

  5. I am sure James Shanley used to join in our football Kickabouts over at Stamford Brook Common on the Bath Rd circa 1962. Where did he live back in those days I wonder?

    1. Hello Clive it’s Bas here do you remember me with Jill?Bet you must do.Such happy memories of going to see JBB at all the places.Hope this finds you Well and still singing xx

    2. Hi Clyde or Clive as I knew you I remember the days of following tgroup around with John They were fun times John and I used to talk about it often It would be lovely to here about what ou have been doing all these years

  6. Oh my such such lovely memories of going to see JBB.They were terrific.I looked after your wallets and watches after a gig for you to carry on to Wardour Street!!!
    Hope you all well
    Love Bas

  7. Hi Clive

    This is a blast from the past!!! Not sure if this will reach you. Jeanette has just been over from the States and we were wondering what you were up to. I’m still in London. Last time I saw you were singing on the cruise ships and a driving instructor. Im divorced again after spending 40 years in the music biz happily retired and an artist. Hope you are well. I’ve been in Barnes a lot recently so thought of you.

  8. Great to catch up with the JBBs again after so many years. Sorry to hear of the demise of John who was a brilliant and versatile musician but more importantly was a fantastic person. Who am I? I ‘ m Dave Cunningham who along with my best school mate (Holland Park) and fellow Irishman, formed JBBin 1963/64 as the then ‘Dear stalkers’
    Jim was the only one to wear a Dearstalker on stage Ray Tappin was our oriiginal rythym guitar but was replaced in 64/65 by John when the Group really moved forward on the London scene. Happy days. Unfortunately due to personal reasons I had to leave the group that Jim and I formed in 1963 and which made a real impact on the London club scene in 1965 onwards. Love to hear from you all.
    ,
    .

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