Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, London 1969-1970 gigs

March 31, 2020 Nick Warburton 2 Comments

August 1969 listing. Photo: Melody Maker

Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.

It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.

Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968, parts of 1969 and also 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.

It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.

Source: Melody Maker unless otherwise noted

1969

2 January – The Explosive Watson T Browne

4 January – Spirit of John Morgan

5 January – Rick ‘N’ Beckers

7 January – Jo Jo Gunne

No listing in Melody Maker for several weeks

23 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker also has The Skatalites)

25 January – Arcadium

26 January – Jason Crest

28 January – Toast

30 January – Explosive Watson T Browne

1 February – Bunkers Brain

2 February – Trifle

4 February – Love and Poetry

6 February – The Skatalites

8 February – Rainbow Ffolly

9 February – Bunkers Brain

11 February – My Dear Watson

13 February – The Flames

15 February – Giant

16 February – Rainbow Ffolly

18 February – Toast

20 February – Red Beans and Rice

22 February – Jason Cord (Bob Hodges’ diary has Tuesday’s Children playing on this date)

23 February – Bunkers Brain

25 February – Rainbow Ffolly

27 February – Mouse and Cat Symphony

1 March – Cross Cut and Saw

2 March – Man

4 March – Bunkers Brain

6 March – Mouse & Cat Symphony

8 March – Fortes Mentum

9 March – Jason Cord

11 March – East of Eden

13 March – Red Beans and Rice

15 March – Smokey Blues

16 March – Bunkers Brain

18 March – Man

20 March – Mint Tulip

22 March – Bunkers Brain

23 March – Selofane

25 March – Mr Mo’s Messengers

27 March – Eire Apparent

29 March – Bunkers Brain

30 March – East of Eden

1 April – Joynt

3 April – The Explosive Watson T Browne

5 April – Mr Mo’s Messengers

6 April – Black Velvet

8 April – Bunkers Brain

10 April – Cool Combination

12 April – Smokey Blues

13 April – Jerome Arnold Band

15 April – Paradox

17 April – Cool Combination

19 April – Gingerman

20 April – Bunkers Brain

22 April – Silence

24 April – Cool Combination

26 April – Exception

27 April – Jerome Arnold Band

29 April – Exception

1 May – Explosive Watson T Browne

3 May – Joint

4 May – Bunkers Brain

6 May – Apple

8 May – Mouse and Cat Symphony

10 May – Gingerman

11 May – Spirit of John Morgan

13 May – Jerome Arnold Band

15 May – Milwaukee Coasters

17 May – Gracious

18 May – Bunkers Brain

20 May – East of Eden

22 May – Jerome Arnold Band

24 May – Pegasus

25 May – Trapeze

27 May – Gingerman

29 May – Bunkers Brain

31 May – Smile (Brian May’s pre-Queen band)

1 June – The Frontline Band

3 June – The Playground

5 June – The Shades

7 June – Sugar

8 June – Ambrose Slade

10 June – My Dear Watson

12 June – Mouse and Cat Symphony

14 June – Bunkers Brain

15 June – East of Eden

17 June – Ambrose Slade

19 June – Joint

21 June – Shades

22 June – East of Eden (this gig is missing from this list: www.eastofedentheband.co.uk/GIGS.html)

23 June – Freddie Mac Extravaganza (direct from Germany)

24 June – Sugar

26 June – Robbie Ray

28 June – Joint

29 June – East of Eden

1 July – Black Velvet

3 July – Portrait

According to this website, East of Eden played on 3 July: www.eastofedentheband.co.uk/GIGS.html

5 July – Milton’s Fingers

6 July – The Frontline Band

8 July – Procession

10 July – Surprise

12 July – Black Velvet

13 July – Spirit of John Morgan

15 July – Imagination

17 July – Demon Fuzz

19 July – Audience

20 July – Almanac

22 July – Milton’s Fingers

24 July – Demon Fuzz

26 July – Almanac

27 July – Circus

28 July – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

29 July – Explosives (Watson T Browne’s band?)

31 July – Demon Fuzz

2 August – Imagination

3 August – East of Eden

5 August – Milton’s Fingers

7 August – Black Velvet

9 August – Fire

10 August – Procession (Unlikely they played this)

12 August – Curiosity

14 August – Black Velvet

16 August – Stray

17 August – East of Eden

19 August – Grail

21 August – Sweet Blindness

23 August – Surprise

24 August – Procession (Unlikely they played this)

25 August – Freddie Mac Extravaganza

26 August – Milton’s Fingers

28 August – Sweet Blindness

30 August – The Frontline Band

31 August – East of Eden

1 September – Surprise

Missing entries

11 September – Ruby James & The Sound Trekkers

13 September – Milton’s Fingers

14 September – New Look Soul Band

16 September – Heaven

18 September – Group 1850

20 September – Surprise

21 September – Almanac

23 September – The Frontline Band

25 September – Ruby James & The Sound Trekkers

27 September – Surprise

28 September – Glass Menagerie

29 September – Coloured Raisins

30 September – Splinter

2 October – Demon Fuzz

4 October – The Majority

5 October – Merlin Q

7 October – The Playground

9 October – Infinity

11 October – Ravingreen

12 October – Raw Material

14 October – The Majority

16 October – Heaven

18 October – Merlin Q

19 October – The Frontline Band

20 October – The Interstate Road Show

21 October – Almanac

23 October – Balloons

25 October – Infinity

26 October – Pink Checks

28 October – Ray King Soul Band

Missing entries for several weeks

27 November – The Interstate Road Show

29 November – Mouse & The Traps (US group)

30 November – Black Velvet

1 December – The Pioneers

Missing entries for a few weeks

17 December – The Upsetters

18 December – Ray King Soul Band

20 December – The Mickey Finn

24 December – Opal Butterfly

25 December – Mouse and The Traps

26 December – Cardboard Orchestra

27 December – Gaslight

28 December – Mouse and The Traps

31 December – Black Velvet

1970

Missing a large part of the year. These are the only listings I have

11 January – The Committee

17 January – Pity

18 January – Ray King Soul Band

19 January – The Committee

25 January – Lucas & The Soul Sounds

11 February – Tony Morgan & The Sensations

12 February – Cardboard Orchestra (every Thursday but not sure for how long)

19 February – Cardboard Orchestra

29 July – Tony Morgan (direct from German tour)

Categories: England, London

Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, London 1968 gigs

March 31, 2020 Nick Warburton 1 Comment

Freddie Mack gig, 28 July 1968. Photo: Melody Maker

Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.

Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.

Source: Melody Maker unless otherwise noted

1968

1 January – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

2 January – Granny’s Attic

4 January – Wilson’s Transaction

7 January – Freak-Down-Lucifer

9 January – Garnet Mimms (either backed by The Senate or Clockwork Orange)

11 January – Warren Davis Monday Band

13 January – The Castaways (probably Tony Rivers’ band)

14 January – Freak-Down-Lucifer

16 January – Garnet Mimms (either backed by The Senate or Clockwork Orange)

18 January – Watson T Browne (& The Explosion)

20 January – Love Machine

21 January – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

22 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

23 January – Locomotion

27 January – Purple Pipe Line

28 January – The Gold

30 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound with Lamb Bros & Co)

1 February – Warren Davis Monday Band

4 February – Glenroy Oakely & The Oracles

6 February – Locomotion

8 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)

11 February – Glenroy Oakley & The Oracles

13 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)

15 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)

18 February – Locomotion

20 February – The Diplomats

22 February – Margitte Bardot

23 February – The Chanters

25 February – Mr Mo’s Messengers

27 February – The Original Drifters

29 February – Watson T Browne & The Explosion

3 March – Sonnie Burke

5 March – The Original Drifters

7 March – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

10 March – The Ice Show

12 March – The Marvels

14 March – The Shiralee

16 March – Philosopher’s Stone

17 March – The Chanters

19 March – The Fabulous Impressions

Thanks to Jerry Booth for the images. He was handed these flyers when he attended the club in mid-March 1968

Thanks to Jerry Booth for this image too!

21 March – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

23 March – The Art Movement

24 March – The Gold

26 March – The Fabulous Impressions

28 March – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

31 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

2 April – The Fabulous Platters & Group (with The Trend backing?)

4 April – Mr Mo’s Messengers

6 April – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s Roy Tempest contract)

7 April – The Bunch

9 April – The Original Drifters

11 April – Glenn Oakely & The Oracles

14 April – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

16 April – Fantastic Little Anthony & The Imperials

18 April – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

21 April – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

23 April – Garnet Mimms (most likely with The Village Green backing)

25 April – Fantastic Little Anthony & The Imperials

28 April – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

30 April – The Fabulous Ronettes

2 May – The Fabulous Platters (with The Trend backing?)

5 May – Sonnie Burke

7 May – Duane Eddy

9 May – The Chanters

12 May – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

16 May – The De-Tours with Gene Latter

19 May – Sonnie Burke

21 May – The Diplomats

23 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

26 May – The Breakthru

28 May – The Crickets

30 May – The Coasters

2 June – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

3 June – Warren Davis Monday Band

4 June – The Coasters

Melody Maker stopped providing full listings for the club until December but I’ve found individual shows in New Musical Express, which suggests the club still put on shows during this period

20 June – Ruby & The Romantics (New Musical Express)

30 June – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound and Keef Hartley (New Musical Express has The Crystals)

6 July – The Crystals (New Musical Express)

28 July – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

5 August – The Crystals (New Musical Express)

11 August – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)

25 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

8 September – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)

25 September – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (cancelled)

6 October – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (postponed until 13 October)

Paul Griggs’ diary notes that The Cortinas played on 6 October so it looks like they replaced Freddie Mack.

13 October – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (marks the group’s third anniversary)

22 October – Dee Dee Warwick (New Musical Express)

24 October – Interstate Road Show

31 October – Dee Dee Warwick (New Musical Express)

10 November – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)

12 November – The Impressions (aka The Topics) backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)

14 November – The Impressions (aka The Topics) backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)

21 November – Garnet Mimms backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)

24 November – J J Jackson (Melody Maker advert says Sunday, 24 December but November is correct)

28 November – Garnet Mimms backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)

3 December – The Chiffons

5 December – The Bandwagon

8 December – Interstate Road Show

12 December – The Track

14 December – South Sea Bubble

15 December – Toast

17 December – Sea Jam Blues

19 December – Bunkers Brain

21 December – Jalopy Ride

22 December – Cherry Smash

24 December – Rainbow Ffolly and The Riot Squad

26 December – The Nite Walkers (The All Night Workers?)

28 December – Spring

29 December – Octopus (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

31 December – Jay Lane

Categories: England, London

Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, London 1967 gigs

March 30, 2020 Nick Warburton Leave a comment

Whisky listing March 1967. Photo: Melody Maker

Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.

Source: Melody Maker unless otherwise noted

During 1967, New Zealand band Me & The Others featuring future Keef Hartley Band and Uriah Heep bass player Gary Thain auditioned at the club.

1967

1 January – The Soul Set

3 January – Jimmy Cliff (with The Shakedown Sound?)

10 January – The Canadians (with David Foster on keyboards)

11 January – The Soul Sisters

12 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

17 January – The Bunch

19 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

22 January – Warren Davis Monday Band

24 January – Cool Combination

26 January – Cool Combination

29 January – Warren Davis Monday Band

31 January – The Soul Set

5 February – Warren Davis Monday Band

7 February – Edwin Starr

12 February – Warren Davis Monday Band

14 February – The Bunch

21 February – The Night Train

23 February – The Bunch

28 February – The Bunch

2 March – Edwin Starr

5 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

9 March – Duane Eddy

12 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

14 March – The Night Train

16 March – Lee Dorsey

19 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

21 March – The Bunch

23 March – The Original Drifters

24 March – The Trap

26 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

27 March – The Flashbakks

28 March – The Bunch

30 March – The Hunky Chunk Band

4 April – The Night Train

9 April – The Soul Set

11 April – The Bunch

12 April – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry

13 April – The Trap

16 April – The Soul Set

17 April – The Dave Martin Group (audition)

The Dave Martin Group’s manager Geoff Chinnery confirms the audition date above

18 April – The Bunch

20 April – The Flashbakks

23 April – The Soul Set

25 April – The Bunch

27 April – Warren Davis Monday Band

30 April – The Shell (Shock Show)

2 May – Lunar 2

4 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

7 May – The Shell Shock Show

9 May – Garnet Mimms (most likely backed by The Senate)

11 May – The Bunch

14 May – The Ultimate

16 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

17 May – Jack Hammer & His Hammer Jammers

18 May – The Bunch

21 May – The Ultimate

23 May – Clyde McPhatter

25 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

28 May – The Ultimate

30 May – The Iveys

31 May – Jose Feliciano

1 June – The Bunch

4 June – The Ultimate

6 June – The Trap

8 June – Edwin Starr

11 June – The Pussyfoot

13 June – Craig King & The Midnight Train

14 June – The Skatalites

15 June – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)

18 June – The Pussyfoot

19 June – The Shell Shock Show

20 June – The Impact Blues

22 June – Sonny Smiles & The Original Sonny Smiles Band

25 June – The Pussyfoot

27 June – The Impact Blues

28 June – Sugar Simone & The Programme

29 June – The Toys

2 July – The Pussyfoot

4 July – Craig King & The Midnight Train

6 July – The Iveys

7 or 8 July – The All Night Walkers (aka The All Night Workers) (needs confirmation)

9 July – The Bunch

11 July – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)

13 July – The Shell Shock Show

14 July – The Maroons

16 July – The Bunch

18 July – Neat Change

20 July – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback

23 July – Warren Davis Monday Band

25 July – Mr Mo’s Messengers

27 July – The Skatalites

30 July – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

1 August – The Syrian Blues

3 August – Garnett Mimms (either backed by The Senate or The Clockwork Orange)

5 August – Katch 22

6 August – Warren Davis Monday Band

8 August – Wages of Sin

10 August – The Iveys

13 August – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

14 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

15 August – Wages of Sin

17 August – Mr Mo’s Messengers

20 August – The Trend

22 August – The Choice

24 August – The Clockwork Orange

This version of The Clockwork Orange is either the group that became The Doves later in the year or The Sovereigns (see 1966 entry) who backed The Fantastics from August 1967 (usually billed as The House of Orange) and also did two tours with Garnet Mimms

27 August – The Choice

28 August – Warren Davis Monday Band

29 August – Wages of Sin

31 August – The Skatalites

3 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

5 September – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) (backed by Clockwork Orange – see above)

7 September – Wages of Sin

10 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

12 September – Sean Buckley Set

14 September – Katch 22 and Wages of Sin

17 September – Warren Davis Monday Band

19 September – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)

21 September – Reg James Explosion

24 September – John (this is Jon)

26 September – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or Clockwork Orange backing him)

28 September – Katch 22

1 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers

3 October – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or The Clockwork Orange backing him)

5 October – Cats Pyjamas

8 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers

10 October – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback

12 October – The Soul Sisters with The Trend

15 October – Mr Hip

17 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)

19 October – Duane Eddy

22 October – The Quotations

23 October – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

24 October – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)

26 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)

28 October – Alison’s Dump

29 October – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

31 October – The Isley Brothers

2 November – Stacey’s Circle

5 November – Scots of St James

7 November – The Shiralee

9 November – Geranium Pond

11 November – Alison’s Dump

12 November – The Doves

14 November – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics)

16 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)

19 November – The Unsuited Medium

21 November – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

23 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)

26 November – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

28 November – The Last Tic Band

30 November – James Brown Junior

3 December – Mr Hip

5 December – The Velours

7 December – Tuesday’s Children

10 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

12 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)

14 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

17 December – Eddie Lewison Combo

19 December – Mr Mo’s Messengers

21 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)

23 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

24 December – The Shiralee

25 December – Alison’s Dump

26 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

28 December – Alison’s Dump

30 December – The Trend

31 December – Virgin’s Sleep

Categories: England, London

Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, London 1966 gigs

March 30, 2020 Nick Warburton 16 Comments

Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.

It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. This is supported by a club passport (see below), kindly provided by Harvey Jordan.

However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.

Source: Melody Maker unless otherwise noted

1966

According to the sleeve notes of RPM’s Timebox CD (and other band sources), the original Timebox, which may have been billed as Take Five at the time, landed a regular Wednesday night residency at this club when they first came to London thanks to manager Laurie Jay who worked at the George Cooper Agency. This would have been around January-March 1966.

18 January – The Key (needs source for confirmation)

17 February – Inez and Charlie Foxx with The League of Gentlemen

Melody Maker notes that Chris Lamb & The Universals play Wednesdays, which would have included 9 and 16 March

17 March – Irma Thomas (backed by The Sons of Adam)

4 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

7 April – Don Covay

12 April – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages

14 April – Dee Dee Warwick

21 April – Lee Dorsey

24 April – The Blue Aces

This is Junior Kerr’s (aka Junior Marvin, future Wailers’ guitarist) band, who had played in Dakar from 4-16 April, according to Melody Maker advert

3 May – Lee Dorsey (Disc & Music Echo)

5 May – The Dixie Cups

9 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)

12 May – Sugar Pie De Santo

17 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)

19 May – The Original Drifters

26 May – Ben E King

9 June – Roy C

16 June – Stevie Wonder

20 June – Billy Stewart (with Bluesology?)

27 June – Irma Thomas

7 July – Noma Tanega (Disc & Music Echo has 5 July unless both days?)

14-15 July – The Orlons

18 July – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry

22 July – Rufus Thomas

25 July – Solomon Burke

3 August – Solomon Burke

9 August – Jimmy Cliff (not sure who is the backing band as singer split with The New Generation, who went on to link up with Gary Hamilton as Hamilton Movement, the previous month)

16 August – Jimmy Cliff

23 August – Jimmy Cliff

25 August – The Ikettes (with PP Arnold?)

28 August – The Soul Set (says they play every Sunday)

4 September – The Soul Set

6 September – The Peeps

8 September – The Carnaby

11 September – The Soul Set

15 September – The Vibrations

18 September – The Soul Set (needs confirmation)

22 September – The Bunch

27 September – The Majority

29 September – The Gas Company

4 October – The Mad Lads

6 October – The Five Chants

10 October – The Mad Lads (Disc & Music Echo)

11 October – The Washington DCs

13 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

18 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

20 October – The Spellbinders

24 October – Alvin Robinson

25 October – The Bunch

31 October – Alvin Robinson

1 November – The Bunch

3 November – Lee Dorsey

8 November – The Dixie Cups

10 November – The Dave Davani Four

11 November – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe (Disc & Music Echo has 14 November)

15 November – The Original Coasters

17 November – Joe E Young & The Tonicks

20 November – The Boardwalkers (became Warren Davis Monday Band shortly afterwards)

21 November – The Washington DCs

22 November – The Peeps

24 November – The Original Coasters

28 November – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe

29 November – Malcolm Magaron & The Bluehealers

1 December – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe

5 December – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

6 December – The Mike Cotton Sound

13 December – The Bunch

15 December – The Orlons

20 December – The Iveys

22 December – The Bunch

24 December – The Sovereigns

25 December – The Flashbakks

26 December – Little People

27 December – The Images

31 December – The Sovereigns

Categories: England, West Sussex

The Starlight Ballroom, Crawley

March 29, 2020 Nick Warburton 13 Comments

The Who with Jo Jo Gunne, 11 February 1968 (Surrey Mirror)

Located on the high street, the Starlight Ballroom in Crawley, West Sussex was a significant music venue in the UK during the 1960s. Peter Griffin booked artists for the venue, together with the Starlite Ballroom in Greenford, London.

I have started to compile a list of artists that were advertised at the venue between 1966 and 1968 and would welcome any additions/corrections. I have noted down the sources.

It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in local papers or on posters so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’ve tried to note them down where they are confirmed.

1965

29 October 1965 – The Animals (Record Mirror)

4 November 1965 – Unit 4 Plus 2 (Record Mirror and Beat Instrumental)

2 December 1965 – The Small Faces (Record Mirror and Beat Instrumental)

9 December 1965 – Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas (Beat Instrumental)

1966

6 January 1966 – The Hollies (Beat Instrumental)

13 January 1966 – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Beat Instrumental)

27 January 1966 – The Swinging Blue Jeans (Record Mirror)

3 February 1966 – The Moody Blues (Beat Instrumental)

10 February 1966 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

18 March 1966 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

21 April – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Fleur De Lys (Caterham Weekly Press) Beat Instrumental had The Small Faces on this date

5 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, The Gobbledegooks and The Cadalacks (Caterham Weekly Press)

15 May – The Manchester Playboys (Caterham Weekly Press)

19 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds (Caterham Weekly Press)

26 May – The Action and The Powerhouse Six (Caterham Weekly Press)

1 December – The Bunch of Fives (Mid Sussex Times)

1967

12 March – The 1^st Lites (Surrey Mirror)

26 March – The Iveys (Surrey Mirror)

31 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Crawley Advertiser)

2 April – Zoot Money and His Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

23 April – Pink Floyd and The Doves (poster)

5 May – Shell Shock Show and The Gods (Crawley Advertiser/Surrey Mirror)

7 May – Alan Bown Set (Crawley Advertiser/Surrey Mirror)

19 May – Lunar II and The Honey Band (Crawley Advertiser)

21 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Prince Buster & The Bees (Crawley Advertiser)

26 May – Alan Bown Set (Surrey Mirror)

28 May – The Shell Shock Show (Surrey Mirror)

4 June – Ray King Soul Band and The Gods (Crawley Advertiser)

11 June – Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and Craig King & The Midnight Train (Crawley Advertiser)

18 June – John Lee Hooker and The Hip Hooray Band (Crawley Advertiser)

25 June – Alan Price Set with support groups (Crawley Advertiser)

2 July – The Outer Limits and support group (Crawley Advertiser)

29 July – The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)

30 July – Sam and Bill with Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and The Gas Company (Surrey Mirror)

5 August – The Cornermen (Surrey Mirror)

6 August – Winston’s Fumbs and Geranium Pond (Surrey Mirror)

13 August – Cats Pyjamas and Geranium Pond (Surrey Mirror)

16 September – Aubrey Denny & The Cornermen and The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)

17 September – The Tiles Big Band and Gentle Madness (Surrey Mirror)

23 September – The Exits and The Visitors (Surrey Mirror)

24 September – The Small Faces and Modes Mode (Surrey Mirror)

30 September – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

1 October – The Move and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

7 October – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

8 October – Dantalion’s Chariot and The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)

14 October – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

15 October – The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

Henry Turtle, singer/songwriter and guitarist with The Doves, says Jo Jo Gunne didn’t turn up and The Doves were parachuted in at the last minute. A poster confirms The Doves with Jimi Hendrix for this date without Jo Jo Gunne listed.

21 October – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

22 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)

28 October – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

29 October – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend) (Surrey Mirror)

4 November – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

5 November – Long John Baldry (with Bluesology) and The Deadly Nightshade (Surrey Mirror)

11 November – Fascination (afternoon). The Exits and The Mover (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

12 November – Jo Jo Gunne and Modes Mode (Surrey Mirror)

18 November – Fascination (afternoon). The Exits and The Mover (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

19 November – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The All Night Workers (Surrey Mirror)

25 November – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

26 November – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Surrey Mirror) and The Army (Melody Maker)

2 December – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

3 December – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) and The Army (Surrey Mirror)

9 December – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)

10 December – The Foundations (Surrey Mirror)

Jo Jo Gunne may have been on the bill with The Foundations but needs confirmation

16 December – The Kindred (afternoon) and The Exits (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

17 December – The Vibrations (Surrey Mirror)

23 December – The All Night Workers and The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

24 December – Jo Jo Gunne and The Exits (Surrey Mirror)

30 December – The Exits and The Tony Strudwick Orchestra (Surrey Mirror)

31 December – Jo Jo Gunne and Precisely This (Surrey Mirror)

1968

6 January – Dave’s Dimensions (afternoon) and The Exits (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

7 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)

13 January – Jason Crest (Surrey Mirror)

14 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with support band (Surrey Mirror)

20 January – The Taste (afternoon) and BBC’s Stuart Henry and The Army (Surrey Mirror)

21 January – The Human Instinct and The Summits (Surrey Mirror)

27 January – BBC’s Stuart Henry and The Age with Rice Milton (Surrey Mirror)

28 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces and The Inspiration (Surrey Mirror)

3 February – Purple Dream and The Taste (Surrey Mirror)

4 February – Edwin Starr (Surrey Mirror/New Musical Express) and Gin House Blues (Surrey Mirror)

10 February – Jo Jo Gunne and The Doves (Surrey Mirror)

11 February – The Who and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

17 February – The Mike Stuart Span and The Memphis Gents (Surrey Mirror)

18 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Surrey Mirror)

Henry Turtle says that The Doves opened for Jimmy James & The Vagabonds at this venue. It might have been on this occasion or another time.

24 February – Damson Flies (afternoon) and Misty Romance and Exploding Orange (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

25 February – The Human Instinct and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

2 March – Size Five and The Race (Surrey Mirror)

3 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)

9 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and Jo Jo Gunne and Modes Mode (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

10 March – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

16 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and Zoot Money (aka Dantalion’s Chariot) (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

17 March – The Small Faces and Kristan Young & The Reflections (Surrey Mirror)

23 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and DJ Pete Drummond and The All Night Workers (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

24 March – The Skatalites and The Extreme Sound (Surrey Mirror)

30 March – Sulphate of Ammania (afternoon) and Tony Strudwick & His Band (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

31 March – The Original Drifters and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)

Drummer Paul Maher of Jo Jo Gunne says he covered for the drummer in the backing band for The Original Drifters as he was ill.

6 April – The Fascinations (afternoon) and Miss Gatwick 1968 competition and Tony Strudwick & His Band (evening) with Colin Berry and Size Five in the upstairs lounge (evening) (Surrey Mirror)

7 April – Modes Mode and Ffolley & The Rainbow (aka Rainbow Ffolley) (Surrey Mirror)

13 April – The New Breed (Surrey Mirror)

14 April – Peter London’s Rock and Roll Band and The New Breed (Surrey Mirror)

27 April – JJ Jackson (Evening Argus)

1 June – The Equals and The Motion (Surrey Mirror)

23 June – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Titch (New Musical Express)

FINAL NOTE:

Henry Turtle says that The Doves also opened for the following artists at this venue but I haven’t been able to find listings: Amen Corner, The Small Faces and Wishful Thinking

Categories: England, London

Mr Mo’s Messengers

March 26, 2020 Nick Warburton 27 Comments

There is absolutely no information on this group and its personnel on the internet beyond the release of this lone UK single in February 1967.

The group played regularly at the Whisky A Go Go in Wardour Street in Soho, central London between 1967 and 1969. It also played at the Mistrale in Beckenham, south London a fair bit too among other venues.

Photo from John Wilders. Left to right: John Wilders, Ken Gray, Mo Umansky, unknown guitarist, unknown drummer, John Eldred and (front) Mick Timlett

There are rumours that Mr Mo’s Messengers evolved into Sketto Rich & Sonority (see entry on this site) but this seems very unlikely (as both bands were gigging simultaneously in the late 1960s).

However, there is a slight possibility that the musicians in the latter formation also used the name Mr Mo’s Messengers briefly, as both groups came from the southeast London/Kent borderlands.

If anyone can provide further information on the group’s history and its personnel, we’d be interested to hear from you (see comments section for what has been submitted so far).

Acetate from 1968/1969. Thanks to Lewis Anderson

I have found the following gigs for the group:

1 July 1967 – Iron Curtain Club, Small Heath, West Midlands (Birmingham Evening Mail)

25 July 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

17 August 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

1 October 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

8 October 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

19 December 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

27 January 1968 – Penthouse, Colchester, Essex (Essex County Standard) Billed as Mr Mo’s

25 February 1968 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

4 April 1968 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

19 April 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Dantalion’s Chariot (Melody Maker)

26 April 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

8 May 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Marmalade (Poster)

22 May 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

1 June 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with The Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival Show (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

4 July 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Cliff Bennett (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

18 July 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Cliff Bennett (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

24 August 1968 – Stage Door, Oxford (Oxford Mail)

31 August 1968 – Supreme Ballroom, Ramsgate, Kent with Fire (East Kent Times & Mail)

26 October 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Sweet Rain (Poster)

30 November 1968 – St Albans City Hall, St Albans, Herts (Welwyn & Hatfield Advertiser)

17 January 1969 – Hatchetts Playground, Piccadilly, central London (Jonathan Marks’ Hatchetts monthly gig listing)

18 January 1969 – Fellowship Inn, Bellingham, south London (Melody Maker)

25 March 1969 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

5 April 1969 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

15 May 1969 – Pilgrim Cellar, Haywards Heath, West Sussex with Double Sounds (Mid Sussex Times)

1-2 August 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Poster)

15-16 August 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Poster)

29-30 August 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Poster)

Categories: Arlington Heights, Illinois, Mount Prospect, Sizzle

The Shandells “Caroline” and “Mary, Mary”

March 11, 2020 Chris Bishop Leave a comment

Shandells IL photo — The Shandells, from left: Sean Ryan, Joe Stanley, Tom Nyquist, and Tom Blomquist

The Shandells came from Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights, Illinois, adjacent suburbs about 20 miles northwest of Chicago. The Shandells cut one treasured record, “Caroline” / “Mary, Mary” on Sizzle SS-5130 in August, 1965. The label reads “That Fabulous Four Sean, 2 Toms, Joe”. Members were:

Joe Stanley – lead guitar
Sean Ryan – bass
Tom Nyquist – guitar
Tom Blomquist – drums

Crypt Records included “Caroline” and “Mary, Mary” on Back from the Grave volumes 3 and 6, respectively.

A feature in the Chicago Tribune on August 5, 1965 includes three photos of the group in the studio (which goes unnamed, unfortunately), and even quotes a verse of “Caroline” a little different to what was on the record:

The last time I saw her she said to me
She’d be mine if I wanted her t’ be
I said ah-Hey! Hey! Hey!
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
YA-A-A-OWWW!

The band downplay rock music in the article, presenting a wholesome image.

An article from Arlington Heights Herald notes how they would regularly fill the Knights of Columbus Hall. It goes on to say that Sean Ryan was leader of the group and primary writer of their original songs, and that he was an Irish citizen. He was a senior at Prospect High School.

Joe Stanley also wrote for the group, was a sophomore at St. Viator High and “has a B average.”

Tom Blomquist was class president at Arlington High School, wrote “Caroline”, and also averaged Bs in school.

Tom Nyquist is “lead rhythm guitarist” and a sophomore at Prospect High School.

When they cut their single, the group were 15 years old, except for Sean who was 17.

Thank you to Mikael for alerting me to the photo of the group, and to Mike Markesich for pointing out the articles.

Categories: England, London

Rasputin, 70 New Bond Street, London

March 10, 2020 Nick Warburton 6 Comments

This little known rock club was opened around late June/early July 1967, according to Disc & Music Echo, which noted in its 1 July issue (page 2) that the venue had opened recently. Ginger Baker from Cream and Mike Wilsher from The New Vaudeville Band appeared at the club reception.

One of the earliest dates I have is 14 July 1967 when Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede, The Ford Foundation and The Survivors appeared late in the evening (see poster).

I would welcome any additional information about the club, which was located at 70 New Bond Street, including details of acts that played over the years.

I have found the following and included the sources:

1968

23 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

24 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

25 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

26 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

27 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

30 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

31 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

1 February – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Melody Maker)

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

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

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

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

19 March – Cliff Bennett (Melody Maker)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 May – J J Jackson (Melody Maker)

12 May – Edwin Starr (Melody Maker)

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

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

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

7 July – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ diary)

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

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

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

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

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

6 August – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

7 August – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

8 August – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

9 August – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

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

According to The Stroud News, Gass played Rasputin not long before 14 September

6 September – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

7 September – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

8 September – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

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

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

17 September – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

18 September – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

19 September – Selofane (Fabulous 208)

24 September – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

9 October – Ferris Wheel (Time Out/Fabulous 208)

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

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

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

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

1969

20 February – My Dear Watson (Melody Maker)

21 March – Black Velvet (Time Out)

1 April – Girl Talk (Melody Maker)

29 April – Milwaukee Coasters (Fabulous 208)

12 May – The Shades (Melody Maker)

29 August – Glass Menagerie (Time Out)

11 September – Sonority (Jack Drew’s diary)

12 September – Sonority (Jack Drew’s diary)

30 October – Ferris Wheel (Time Out)

Categories: Arkansas, E&M, Little Rock

Paul Allen “Cash for Your Trash”

March 7, 2020 Chris Bishop 3 Comments

Here’s a great rocker from Paul Allen. According to his daughter, Paul Allen was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Little Rock. He later moved to Malvern, Arkansas.

“Cash for Your Trash” has a great wild sound, and the guitar break is top-notch.

The flip is a recitation, “From Viet Nam With Love”, telling his mother not to worry.

This was recorded in Little Rock, Arkansas, the base for the E&M Recording Company, which had a studio there. E&M put out close to 20 singles, including one by the Light Brigade. Rain Music published much of the original songs out of Little Rock, including songs by the Romans.

I notice there sounds like a jump in the track about 40 seconds into the song. I’ve heard it on both this video and also my copy of the 45, so it may be a flaw in the original tape or mastering.

Paul Allen contacted me in 2023, sending me an account of his career, which I’ll excerpt here and answering my questions about the record.

Paul Allen:
I guess you can say it all started on July 4th, 1957. That was the day I traded my horse, “Rex”, along with my saddle to my cousin for a Buescher True Tone, silver alto saxophone. It was a sax that my grandfather had purchased for my uncle in 1926. I played that wonderful 92 year-old sax until I retired completely in 2018.
My grandfather, who had purchased the sax for my uncle Jim, was a true cowboy from the old west who used to help drive herds of cattle to Dodge City, Kansas. He and my grandmother had lived in Osage County, Oklahoma before moving to Kansas City, Missouri.
1957 was also the year that I met the love of my life, Joyce. I was only sixteen and she was only fifteen but knew after knowing her only a couple of weeks that she was the one I would spend my life with.
I played cornet in the high school band so getting started with the sax was pretty easy. Our school band was very small and only had one saxophone player. It wasn’t long before I was playing sax in the band.
I was contacted by Chuck Brooks who had a band called Chuck Brooks and the Sharpies. He had a record out: “Spinning My Wheels” and “You Make Me Feel Mean” on the Dub label. Chuck asked me if I would be interested in playing for him. I was thrilled and, of course, the answer was yes.
I asked him when he wanted me to start. This was on a Wednesday and he wanted me to start that Friday night. He wanted a tenor sax player. I didn’t have a tenor sax; in fact I had never played one. No problem – I borrowed one from the high school and played my first job that Friday night.
Later, I formed a band of my own, “The Fortunes”. The Fortunes consisted of myself, sax, trumpet and vocals; Tommy Taylor, piano and organ; Kenny Davis, guitar; and Pat Gibson, bass and guitar.
We played all over the region. We played the major places like Little Rock Air Force Base, The Top of the Rock, the Skyway Room and others.
We moved to the Chicago area where I played on the south side until Joyce and I decided we would be better off to move back south. Sometimes, I played seven nights a week for seven and a half hours each night. I always said, “The only way to have a better edge on your horn than playing six nights a week is playing seven nights a week.”
We lived in the Chicago area during the Viet Nam War. To do something in support of our troops, I wrote a recitation called “From Viet Nam With Love”. I needed a “B” side for the record so I used “Cash For Your Trash”. I had written it after taking some songs to publishing companies in Nashville. It was futile and it seemed to me that they were only looking for trite trash.
The Fortunes were not the musicians on the record. Chuck Brooks played bass on the record. I don’t remember who the other musicians were.
Earl Fox, owner of E & M records had a small recording studio in Little Rock. The song was recorded there and Earl wanted to put it on his label.
When we left Chicago, we moved to Nashville, Tennessee and it wasn’t long before I was working with a group. I was playing a regular “house band” job at the Derby Club. We went next door to audition at the Embers Gourmet Room which was one of the finest establishments in Nashville.
I played several tunes for Bob Carney who was the manager at the Embers and they hired me on the spot. They got me into the Nashville Musician’s Union and made me buy clothes to perform in that cost more than the car I drove to work. I soon found myself doing three shows a night with Roy Hamilton, a recording superstar who was Elvis Presley’s idol.
I also held down a daytime job as Chief Programmer at the Mid South Baptist Medical Center in Nashville. Joyce and I had four wonderful and very young daughters. I quit the job in Printer’s Alley and gave up a pretty sure shot at “stardom”. I have never regretted it for one second. I thank God for helping me realize that I already had everything I needed.
For over fifty years, I went to work with my three tools: my Buescher alto, my Selmer Paris tenor and my trumpet. Commercially, the three horns were an advantage. Musically, I would have been better off to have chosen one and concentrated on excelling with it.
Paul Allen 