According to Don Craine of The Downliners Sect fame (who played there as the original Downliners in 1962 and as The Downliners Sect in 1963), the Boathouse at Kew was run by the Jones brothers and was considered to be one of the best southwest/west London gigs, along with Hounslow Baths, the Capital R Feltham, and Southall Community Centre.
Craine adds that the club had two stages. He remembers that at one gig, The Mark Leeman Five played on the other stage when The Downliners Sect were there.
Kew Boathouse 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).
1961
11 February 1961 (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 March 1961 (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 December 1961 (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1962
11 June 1962 (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
1963
Rhythm guitarist Keith Gardiner says that his band Jeff Curtis & The Flames played at Kew Boathouse in 1963 on a bill headed by Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers.
John Plumer, who played with The John Dee Combo, says that they played regularly at the club on Friday nights when he was doing his ‘A’ levels.
As well as Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, he also remembers Pat Cresswell & The Crescents playing here whose guitarist was future Hot Chocolate member Harvey Hinsley.
Malcolm Lenny says that Tony Holland & The Packabeats played here in the early days.
30 November 1963 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
1964
14 February 1964 (Friday) – The Tridents (Lindsay Bex’s gig diary)
18 April 1964 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Jeff Beck didn’t join on lead guitar until early September 1964.
10 October 1964 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Jeff Beck was the band’s lead guitarist now.
1966
25 August 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)
1967
There are lots of gaps in this year and I would welcome any additions, clarifications and corrections.
According to Gray Newell, The Locomotion played at the venue during 1967-1968.
24 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
31 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
9 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
20 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
22 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
23 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
1 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
7 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
9 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
22 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
23 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
3 April 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
4 April 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
5 April 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 April 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 May 1967 (Monday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
9 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
10 May 1967 (Wednesday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
11 May 1967 (Thursday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
Guitarist Paul Gardner got in touch (see comments below). This power trio, based on The Who, morphed out of The Select and would later changed name to Rainbow Reflection. Later, Gardner and drummer Terry Sullivan formed Dry Ice. Gardner later recorded with Pluto while Sullivan joined Renaissance.
19 May 1967 (Friday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 May 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
30 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
31 May 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
1 June 1967 (Thursday) – Marshal Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
5 June 1967 (Monday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
6 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
7 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
8 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
12 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
19 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
22 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
26 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
3 July 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
4 July 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
5 July 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 July 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
10 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
12 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
13 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
17 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
19 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
20 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
24 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
25 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
26 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
27 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
14 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
15 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
17 August 1967 (Thursday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
21 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
22 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
23 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
24 August 1967 (Thursday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
28 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
29 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
30 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
31 August 1967 (Thursday)– Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
4 September 1967 (Monday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
5 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
6 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
18 September 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
19 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
20 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
Future Genesis drummer John Mayhew played with Milton’s Fingers in 1968-1969.
25 September 1967 (Monday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
26 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
27 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
28 September 1967 (Thursday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
2 October 1967 (Monday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
3 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
4 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
5 October 1967 (Thursday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
9 October 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
10 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
11 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
12 October 1967 (Thursday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
16 October 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
17 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
18 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
24 November 1967 (Friday) – The Washington DCs (Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Gazette)
27 November 1967 (Monday) – The Washington DCs and The Motives (Thames Valley Times and Hounslow Edition of Middlesex Chronicle)
4 December 1967 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
5 December 1967 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 December 1967 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
7 December 1967 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 December 1967 (Friday) – The Hummingbirds (Thames Valley Times and Hounslow Edition of Middlesex Chronicle)
31 December 1967 (Sunday) – The Arrows (Thames Valley Times)
1968
The Thames Valley Times reports that the club puts on gigs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Considering that some groups had residencies from Monday-Thursday, it looks like there may have been live music every night of the week. There are lots of gaps for 1968. I would welcome any additions, clarifications and corrections.
Ray Brown who played with The Kool until December 1967 and then formed Champagne remembers both groups appearing on the same bill during 1968.
According to the Crawdaddy Blues Band website, the band Sudden Change played at Kew Boathouse during 1967-1968.
1 January 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
3 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
4 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 February 1968 (Friday) – The Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Poster from Gray Newell)
3 February 1968 (Saturday) – Sudden Change (Poster from Gray Newell)
4 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
9 February 1968 (Friday) – The New Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Hounslow Post) Poster has Evolution on this date
10 February 1968 (Saturday) – The King Cossaks (Poster from Gray Newell)
11 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
The Hounslow Post says that the group Fire played recently.
12 February 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 February 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 February 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 February 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 February 1968 (Friday) – The Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Poster from Gray Newell)
17 February 1968 (Saturday) – The Bluesville Band (Poster from Gray Newell)
18 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
23 February 1968 (Friday) – Katch 22 and The Arrows (Thames Valley Times)
24 February 1968 (Saturday) – Locomotion (Poster from Gray Newell)
25 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
15 March 1968 (Friday) – Time & Motion (Thames Valley Times)
25 March 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 March 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 March 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 March 1968 (Friday) – The Astronauts (Thames Valley Times)
12 April 1968 (Friday) – Carnival Special (Thames Valley Times)
14 April 1968 (Sunday) – Bob Wallis (Thames Valley Times)
Thames Valley Times notes that jazz started this Sunday
21 April 1968 (Sunday) – Alan Elsdon (Thames Valley Times)
28 April 1968 (Sunday) – Terry Lightfoot (Thames Valley Times)
29 April 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 May 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 June 1968 (Friday) – One group plays (Thames Valley Times)
22 June 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)
24 June 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
25 June 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
26 June 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 June 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 June 1968 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
12 July 1968 (Friday) – Episode Six (Thames Valley Times)
19 July 1968 (Friday) – Appearance (Thames Valley Times)
21 July 1968 (Sunday) – The Equals (Thames Valley Times)
26 July 1968 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
29 July 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 July 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
31 July 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
1 August 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 August 1968 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Thames Valley Times, Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
25 August 1968 (Friday) – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)
13 September 1968 (Friday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)
14 September 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)
15 September 1968 (Sunday) – The Foundations ((Thames Valley Times)
22 September 1968 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & His Band (Thames Valley Times)
27 September 1968 (Friday) – The Skatalites (Thames Valley Times)
28 September 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)
29 September 1968 (Sunday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
2 October 1968 (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)
8 October 1968 (Tuesday) – The Pretty Things (Time Out)
11 October 1968 (Friday) – The Move (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)
20 October 1968 (Sunday) – Fleetwood Mac (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
25 October 1968 (Friday) – Pink Floyd (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)
8 November 1968 (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Thames Valley Times)
22 November 1968 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
13 December 1968 (Friday) – Trifle (Thames Valley Times)
27 December 1968 (Friday) – The Jon James Swamp (Thames Valley Times)
1969
Martin Samuel, the drummer with Heatwave, says that the band’s debut performance was a four-night stand at Kew Boathouse in 1969 for which they were paid a total of £40.
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.
Melody Maker says that Jack’s Union played here from 8-11 May 1967
Hi Nick , great gig……….don`t remember these dates specifically but we played here a lot in this era. regards , Paul…………Guitar , Jack`sUnion.
No worries. Who were the band members? Did you do any recordings?
Hi Paul.
Am looking for a family member who was part of a band or he help out with a band that played at the boat house in 1967. His name was( Jamie)James stuart Cook.) I don’t know what the band was called.
Thanks Mimi.
I used to go there at weekend, but before your dates, very early 60’s, was a great place at weekends, I remember they had a blind piano player there, who used to sing, must be lots of people who remember him…also there was a fairground next to the bridge,,,,,,,Just saying…..
Hi Nick
For your records, I remember also seeing the Cream (I think they were calling themselves that band name then) perform at the Boathouse in 1968 but do not remember the actual date when they played there. Another time I saw Rick Mayal on more than one occasion in 1968. I went to this venue fairly often at this time. On every occasion there were very few people attending the gigs – leading me to believe the sessions were not advertised very well and/or the bands used this venue for practice sessions. It seems amazing that famous bands were so accessible then. It is a shame that so many music venues no longer exist and that pub licences were introduced, so bands stopped playing in pubs because of extra costs the landlords had to pay – all that talent, skill and enjoyment missed on a night out.
On the night Pink Floyd played there…October 68 …l was told by a couple of mates that there was seven people in the audience…the group and the ‘roadies’ outnumbered the audience…Regards,…Len Bradey.
I remember being there that night and there was a few more people than that, not many though. Nick Mason hit me on the head with a drumstick.
Syd Childs.
Does anyone remember seeing Slade playing this venue? I also saw Frankie Miller. But this would have been back in 1970s
I am really interested in Music in West London in the 1960’s and 1970’s I grew up in Kew but was unfortunately too young to enjoy the Boathouse (but was a regular visitor to the fair next door) I saw most of my live music at The Hammersmith Odeon and The Red Cow in Hammersmith and The Nashville in Kesington. Can anyone help/confirm if Slade did actually play The Boathouse? and when I was very young I was told Jimi Hendrix played there but I’m not sure if this was just a local legend or the truth? Thanks!
After posting my last comment I have done a bit of searching on the Net and come across these dates for The Boathouse including answering my own question about Slade!
29.12.1971 – Slade
05.01.1972 – Status Quo
09.02.1972 – Slade
26.03.1972 – Status Quo
19.10.1972 – The Pink Fairies
I really wish I had been just a year older I would have gone to see Slade and Quo (I saw Quo many times at Hammersmith up until 1975 and again when they reformed ‘The Frantic Four’ a few years ago)
Hi Paul,
Saw both Slade and Status Quo, even went to the both of the Quo concerts,
At the time they were mainly playing their “Dog of Two Heads” album. Released November ’71 I think..
Great memories of the boathouse..
Bill
23 August 1972 – The Albion Country Band
http://tela.sugarmegs.org/_asxtela/asxcards/AlbionCountryBand1972-08-23KudosBoathouseLondonUK.html
I was there!
Good Morning.
I am trying to locate a manager of one of the bands that played at the boat house in 1967. He is a family member that we have lost contact with his name is James Stuart Cook. He was known as Jamie. I don’t know the name of the band he was associated with.
My dad was a partner in this in the 50s and early 60s I think it was called westmoore and partners heard all sorts of stories,fighting with the local market boys the owner getting the hump with screaming lord sutch for dancing on the piano, I heard from an uncle at dads funeral that they had had the Beatles booked just as they were getting famous and they had told them to do one because they wanted 80 instead of the original 30 pounds ,I never heard this from dad so it could be an urban myth
When we were kids our garage loft had a huge pile of posters and rolls of 6/- admission tickets that we played with all I have now is one poster for the galtimore club and one roll of tickets
I was a member of Milton’s Fingers who played the Biathouse a lot in the second half of the 60’s . I remember two fans called Sue and Jenny and the main man, king of the mods was a guy called Pete, great times,
Milton Mclachlan
Wasn’t John Mayhew from Genesis your drummer?
Can you tell us a bit more about your band Milton? I think you did a demo too?
Interesting catching up on the history. Back in the 1950’s the Boathouse, along with the Master Robert on the Great West Road and a pub (the name slips my memory) on Twickenham Road, opposite Redlees Park area, were regular venues for Saturday night “hops” with a group of former school buddies. Fond pre- R&R dance band memories.
I was a regular at Eel Pie on a Sunday evening you had to pay ‘tuppence’ to an old lady who sat under a make shift cover and collect as a fee to use the bridge.
There were so many groups in the 1966-67 period the ones I remember starting to get a large mod following were Herbie Goins and the Night Timers as well as the Ram Jam Band. I cannot put dates to the gigs We travelled from Acton which was easy . In the bar it was the first place I saw bottles of beer [Newcastle Brown] being sold/drunk without a glass which is popular now.
Georgi Goraminski? was a regular he was involved in managing several groups of that era.
Heatwave, the original band by that name ca. ’69, played 4 nights at The Boathouse, when still a 4-piece, for £40.00 (total).
http://www.heatwave.n.nu
I am the brother of Ian Pearce, who was drummer and pianist in the BELAIRS
they were one of the resident bands at the boathouse kew. Always on the list of bands with them and top of the bill was cliff Bennett and the rebelrousers.
Johnny kidd and the pirates amongst many others who started there
Dies anybody have any past history
Hi Nick,
Gray Newell has told me you are looking for memories of the Boathouse. Well, we [The Locomotion] played there pretty regularly through 1967 and 1968. I can’t recall what nights of the week it was, but for us it was one of the gigs we played for AFO [Arthur Forrest Organisation]. Arthur was a local promoter and we played several of his venues including The Prince of Wales Kingsbury, The Woodstock in North Cheam and The Greenford Hotel. Arthur and his door staff all wore dinner jackets and bow ties, and we weren’t allowed to wear jeans on stage and he got got a tad moody if one of us didn’t have a tie. Our drummer Terry Gibbs certainly never wore a tie and after a while none of us bothered. Arthur used to sport a rather obvious toupee with an unfeasibly majestic quiff at the front.
The Boathouse was a decent sized room with good accoustics as I recall, and the stage had a sort of picket fence around the sides with a backdrop of album covers/sleeves stuck on the back wall. Arthur was a miserly payer and as a 4 piece we got £10 between us for his gigs. None of us in the band could drive so we had a roadie to give a few bob to as well.
Sadly my memory of these venues is influenced by the young ladies in the audience, and I think the Boathouse did ok on the score. However, The Woodstock was top of that list for me. Oooh la la.
I do recall one “incident” at the Boathouse. We used to play a version of the old Sam Cooke number Shake in our set. We had no brass or keys in the band so we did it [or tried to] as perhaps The Small Faces, The Action or The Creation might have tackled such a soul track. There was a cocky young chap in a tonic suit right at the front who bent my ear somewhat after we finished the number. He seemed incensed we hadn’t played it like his hero Otis Redding. “That’s not how to play the big ‘O’s song” he complained. “It’s not the big ‘O’s song” I ventured. “The song belongs to the mighty Sam Cooke.” I tended to be diplomatic on gigs not only to avoid getting duffed up. The thought that my precious Telecaster might get damaged in a fracas filled me with horror. Happy days…..
Afternoon….. well this make an interesting read…. miserly…. that’s my father in law you are talking about. I am married to Wayne who used to help get the room ready when he was smaller. Arthur (Percy to us) was in deed very much as you described him and was always strict on the dress code. Wayne and I have continued with Clubs since 1975 and are currently in lockdown. It was nice to read someones memories
I used to help out at the boat house Kew in the early 60s when cliff Bennett and the rebel rousers would play on one stage for the first half of the evening then a short break of records.
Then Jonny dep and the crescent would kick of the second half with Harvey later lead with hot chocolate and Jeff beck who we all no went on to make it big in the states.
This was on a Friday night run but the Jones boys paddy and Mickey.
The hall was supposed to hold 300 buy I do know it was so popular that as many as1000 crammed in there and the floor used to bounce a bit.
It got a bit wild some nights and a few fights broke out.this went on and because of noise an noise it finally was closed down and also knock down.
.
I have a memory of seeing TRex at the Boathouse…would’ve been 1968 on…
Could I be right ?
Kate from Kingston
Has anyone heard of a man named Brian Taylor while in this club (60’s). Possibly security, any info appreciated.
I remember a Monday night Blue Beat and Ska evening at the Boat House. I drove from Norwood Green/Hounslow with a car full of friends. We used to dance off with people from Chiswick, Kew etc. Any links to that period?
First time I ever came across the Rolling Stones, they were having a practice on a Sunday morning at the ‘The Boathouse’ Kew.
No audience, cannot recall any other details.
Performances were later at ‘Eel Pie Island’ and a sports club off the Richmond Road.
There was a lot of music and musicians around West London at that time,
the early sixties…..we did not realise that it was epic!
The Move played at the Boathouse in October 1967. Cant remember the actual date.
Our band Choi$e played at The Boathouse on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for what seemed like months in the late 60`s early 70`s.
We did have a little recording success in the early 70`s but after i`d left in 1972 the band went on to be 50% of Showaddywaddy.
Happy Days
Does anyone know more about the BelAIrs? I know they played at the youth club in the Sutton Buildings in North Kensington. Guitar Ray Tully, Bass Gabby Connolly (short time with the Detours), drums Ray Cleary. looking for other names, photos dates etc as part of North Kensington history project. I went to the Boathouse with them one evening early 60s.
Used to go to the Boathouse early 70’s There was a disco provided by “The Wild Wax Show” think the guy was Stuart. Used to leave there, jump on the bikes, and race up to Chelsea Bridge for a pie and tea.
i remember a late night mid 60s Keith Emerson was playing
piano with someone singing club songs
My dad played there in a short period of time in 1958. On stage every Saturday as
Johnny Romano’s Cha-Cha Band
or
Johnny Romano’s Caribbean Quintet.
Only date I know for sure is October 20, 1958.
i believe it was Viv stan shall singing bawdy tune while Keith Emerson played piano.. how did you remember that my god it was great….
In the early 60’s I saw Johnny Kidd and the Pirates there and was quite disappointed that ‘Shakin all over’ didn’t sound like my e.p version. Also saw Cliff Bennett (who went out with a girl from my class in school) at Southall Community Centre – one of the few places to go on a Sunday, otherwise the flicks in Ealing, where there was a good choice of cinemas, including Northfields and Hanwell.
I think we were born at a good time despite no central heating when we young.
I went there often in the late 60s. I only remember Motown being played and the girls. Particularly Dawn behind the bar who I went out with briefly. O yes I remember Cliff Bennett, I followed him around several venues
I remember hearing the ‘Rolling Stones’ practicing at the Boathouse – Kew,
on a Sunday Morning – no audience. I was still at Isleworth Grammar School, which I left in 1962.
All a bit of a blur, but that I definitely recall.
Later saw them at Eel Pie Island, which was out of bounds, but we went
without parents knowing anyway!
I was there so I don’t remember much about the sixties, but I do remember playing Kew Boathouse with our band The Ice Show (aka Five and a Penny) – it was a refreshingly local gig for a West London band. I seem to remember sharing gigs with Marshall Scott round about 1967/8 and if I recall we played a few Debs “coming out balls” there (toffs slumming it – how times have changed).
I remember seeing Clive Dowling and the Blue Stars. This was around 1962. I worked with Clive at BOAC at Turriff House Brentford.
My dad worked as a barman there in the early 60s as a 19 year old. Apparently, the manager/landlord (Gordon?) asked him to go and see a local band in another venue that he had heard a bit about with a view to booking them. My dad went to the gig and reported back to Gordon that he thought the band were awful. As a result, they were never booked. They were the Rolling Stones!
I worked at the boathouse in early 1964 before I left for Canada. The manager Gordon had 3 trainee bar managers, of which I was one.
It was a Courage house back then with three bars and the second floor ballroom that also was used for larger events. Is it still operating?
I’ve tried googling to no avail.