The Golden Cabaleers are one of the more obscure bands on the IGL label. They released their 45 “Come Back to Me” / “All Alone” on IGL 123 in August of 1966. Teen Beat Mayhem lists the band’s location as Holstein, Iowa, 50 miles east of Sioux City, and about an hour and a half drive south of the IGL studio in Milford.
James Goettsch wrote and sang both songs on the single. He attended high school first in nearby Cushing, IA, then graduated from Eastwood Community School in Correctionville, IA in 1967. His first band was the Roadrunners with his brother Gerald Goettsch, T.J. McGuire and Lane Volkert. According to James’ obituary, the band changed their name to The Golden Cavaliers, which makes more sense than Cabaleers. James Goettsch became a physician. He passed away on June 30, 2005.
“All Alone” is very underrated – it received only a 2 in TBM. Check it out below and judge for yourself. It’s a low-key ballad with steady picking and fine vocals. “Come Back to Me” is more upbeat. No indication on the label as to which is the top side. I realize now my copy of the 45 is signed by both brothers on the labels.
Top Ten Club, Hamburg, photo courtesy of K&K Hamburg
Apart from the Star Club, the Top Ten Club on the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli was arguably the most important rock music venue in Hamburg during the 1960s.
Opened in 1960 by Peter Eckhorn and operated by Iain Hines, the Top Ten Club was where The Beatles played and also backed singer Tony Sheridan in the group’s first recording sessions during early-mid 1961.
Throughout the 1960s, the Top Ten Club played host to a huge number of British bands, some of which featured future stars such as Elton John, Ritchie Blackmore (later in Deep Purple) and Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder (later in The Moody Blues).
Initially, there was only one band each month but from the mid-1960s onwards, there would be several groups sharing the bill each month. Singer Isabella Bond was a regular fixture and saxophone player Ricky Barnes helped run the club during the mid-late 1960s.
I have started to compile a list of bands that played at the Top Ten Club during this period but would welcome any additions and corrections in the comments below.
October 1960:
The Beatles: John Lennon (rhythm guitar/lead vocals), Paul McCartney (rhythm guitar/lead vocals); George Harrison (lead guitar/lead vocals), Stuart Sutcliffe (bass/lead vocals) and Pete Best (drums).
1961?:
The Jets: Iain Hines (keyboards), Colin Meander (lead guitar), Tony Sheridan (rhythm guitar), Rick Hardy (guitar), Peter Wharton (bass) and others.
27 March-2 July 1961:
The Beatles: John Lennon (rhythm guitar/lead vocals), Paul McCartney (rhythm guitar/lead vocals); George Harrison (lead guitar/lead vocals), Stuart Sutcliffe (bass/lead vocals) and Pete Best (drums).
1 November 1961-January 1962:
Wayne Gibson & The Dynamic Sounds: Wayne Gibson (lead vocals), Mick Todman (lead guitar), Ray Rogers (bass), Pete Gillies (rhythm guitar) and Larry Cole (drums).
March 1963:
The Blackjacks: Pat Harris (lead vocals), Don Callard (lead guitar), Robbie Williams (rhythm guitar/vocals), Bob Wilkinson (bass) and Pete James (drums).
August 1964:
The Mastersounds: Mal Jefferson (lead vocals/bass), Adrian Lord (lead vocals), Tony Cockayne (lead guitar), Gerry Stewart (tenor sax), Mike Price (drums) and others.
February 1965:
The Krew, Paddy, Klaus & Gibson, London Beats (plus Isabelle Bond and Beryl Marsden)
The Krew: Robert Fielden-Nicholls (lead guitar), Howie Casey (tenor saxophone), John Bradley (bass) and Eddie Sparrow (drums).
Paddy, Klaus and Gibson: Paddy Chambers (lead guitar), Klaus Voorman (bass) and Gibson Kemp (drums).
The London Beats: Frank Bennett (rhythm guitar/lead vocals), Mick Tucker (lead guitar/lead vocals), Sam Coaffee (bass) and Jim Smith (drums)
??? 1965:
Next of Kin: Frankie Allan (lead vocals), Dai Johns (lead guitar), Mike Ashman (rhythm guitar), Robert Evans (bass) and Alan Snell (drums).
March 1966:
Frank Sheen Sound: Frank Sheen (lead vocals), T J Huggett (keyboards), John Cushen (bass), John Herridge (drums) and Jeff Condon (trumpet) plus others.
March 1966:
Bluesology and Linda Laine & The Sinners
Bluesology: Stewart Brown (lead guitar/lead vocals), Reg Dwight (aka Elton John) (keyboards/lead vocals), Rex Bishop (bass) and Mick Inkpen (drums).
Linda Laine & The Sinners: Linda Laine aka Veronica Lake (lead vocals), Del Hidden (lead guitar), Peter Bellotte (rhythm guitar), Russ Maxwell (bass) and Len Crawley (drums).
April 1967:
The Copycats: John Stewart (lead guitar), Iain Lyon (rhythm guitar/vocals), Billy Cameron (bass/vocals) and Rob Lawson (drums/vocals).
July/August 1967 (THIS IS MORE LIKELY TO BE MARCH 1968):
Bluesology and The Manchester Playboys
Bluesology: Alan Walker (lead vocals), Stewart Brown (lead guitar/vocals), Reg Dwight (aka Elton John) (keyboards/lead vocals), Caleb Quaye (guitar), Marc Charig (cornet), Fred Gandy (bass) and Pete Gavin (drums) (not sure this is the correct formation)
Manchester’s Playboys: Kerry Burke (lead vocals), Stuart Fahey (lead guitar/Trumpet), Graham Sclater (keyboards), Alan Watkinson (bass), Malcolm Tagg-Randall (saxophone) and Peter Simensky (drums).
Circa September 1967:
The Berkley Squares: Barry Wade (lead vocals), Ray Martinez (lead guitar/vocals), Dave Eldredge (keyboards/vocals), Leigh Catterall (bass/vocals) and Terry Abbs (drums).
December 1967:
Floribunda Rose: John Kongos (rhythm guitar/lead vocals), Chris Demetriou (keyboards/vocals), Pete Clifford (lead guitar/vocals), Jack Russell (bass/vocals) and Nick Dokter (drums).
March 1968:
Scrugg (possibly billed as Floribunda Rose)
Scrugg (two weeks from 1 March): John Kongos (lead guitar/lead vocals), Chris Demetriou (keyboards/vocals), Jack Russell (bass/vocals) and Henry Spinetti (drums).
The Manchester Playboys: Kerry Burke (lead vocals), Stuart Fahey (lead guitar/Trumpet), Graham Sclater (keyboards), Alan Watkinson (bass), Malcolm Tagg-Randall (saxophone) and Peter Simensky (drums).
Thanks to the following for contributing to the timeline: Mick Tucker, Jim Smith, Frank Bennett, Graham Sclater, Jack Russell, Nick Dokter, Len Crawley
A notable rock music venue in the South of France, the Voom Voom Club in St. Tropez was frequented regularly by French actress Brigitte Bardot and her husband, the late Gunter Sachs.
During the mid-late 1960s, many notable British bands performed at the Voom Voom, including Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede, Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound, The Soft Machine, The New Formula, Mickey Finn & The Blue Men and The Ray King Soul Band.
I have started to compile a list of bands that played at the Voom Voom Club but would welcome any additions and corrections in the comments below.
March 1967 (Melody Maker lists 16 days in St. Tropez but may not be Voom Voom):
The Herd: Peter Frampton (lead vocals/lead guitar), Gary Taylor (bass), Alan Bown (keyboards/lead vocals) and Andrew Steele (drums)
May 1967:
Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede: Carl Douglas (lead vocals), Del Grace (lead guitar), Mike Manners (keyboards), Tony Charman (bass), Mel Wayne (sax), Verdi Stewart (trumpet) and Del Coverley (drums)
New Formula: Mike Harper (lead vocals), Martin Fallon (lead guitar), Bruce Carey (bass), Ricky Dodd (vocals/saxophone) and Tommy Guthrie (drums)
July 1967:
Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound: Jimmy Cliff (lead vocals), Kevin Gammond (lead guitar), Terry (Verden) Allen (keyboards/vocals), John Best (bass) and Sean Jenkins (drums)
August 1967:
Ray King Soul Band: Ray King (lead vocals), Roger Dean (lead guitar), Terry Leeman (keyboards), Paul Slade (bass), Jim Lang (tenor saxophone), Ken Horton (baritone saxophone) and Malcolm Jenkins (drums)
August 1967:
Mickey Finn & The Blue Men: Alan Mark (lead vocals), Micky Waller (lead guitar), Rod Clark (bass/lead vocals), John Cooke (keyboards) and Richard Brand (drums)
Circa August/September 1967:
The Soft Machine: Daevid Allen (lead guitar/lead vocals), Kevin Ayers (bass/lead vocals), Mike Ratledge (keyboards/vocals) and Robert Wyatt (drums/lead vocals)
Ray King and Malcolm Aldridge (see below). Photo: Malcolm Aldridge
21 May-11 June 1968:
Ray King Soul Band: Ray King (lead vocals), Paul Price (lead guitar), Malcolm Aldridge (Hammond organ), Frank Farrell (bass), Tim Whelan (sax) and Malcolm Jenkins (drums).
Big Wheel, Switzerland, late 1966, left to right: Paul Stroud, Del Coverley (front), Andy Clark (wearing glasses), Mick Holland and Ron Bryer (aka Ron Spence)
Paul Stroud – lead vocals
Del Grace – lead guitar (replaced by Ron Bryer)
Mike Manners – organ (replaced by Andy Clark)
Barry Nicholls – bass (replaced by Mick Holland)
Del Coverley – drums
Formed in southeast London in late 1965, the original line-up included former Epitaphs Soul Band guitarist Del Grace, who joined forces with longstanding lead singer Paul Stroud, bass player Barry Nicholls and organist Mike Manners after meeting at Music Land in Bexley Heath, a shop owned by Tom Jennings, founder of Jennings Musical Instruments Ltd.
Before the turn of the year, former Scimitars sticks man Del Coverley replaced the original drummer, Rick Dyett.
Photo: Del Grace. Left to right: Del Coverley, Barry Nicholls, Paul Stroud, Del Grace and Mike Manners, 1966
Big Wheel gigged incessantly around the London area and played regularly at the Black Prince Hotel in Bexley, working with notable acts like John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Graham Bond Organisation. In February 1966, the musicians played at Berlin Jazz Festival (see below).
Around April 1966, Mike Manners dropped out and Andy Clark from The Epitaph Soul Band took his place.
Photo: Del Grace. Left to right: Del Coverley, Andy Clark, Del Grace, Barry Nicholls and Paul Stroud, circa April 1966.
On 6 June, the new formation left England to tour Germany and Switzerland. On the band’s return, both Del Grace and Barry Nicholls both departed.
Photo: Del Grace. Left to right: Mike Manners, Mick Holland, Barry Nicholls, Del Coverley (car roof), Paul Stroud and Del Grace, spring 1966
Del Grace joined The Carl Douglas Set in July 1966, which morphed into Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede. Barry ‘Baz’ Nicholls, years later, joined heavy metal band, More, with whom he continues to gig.
With further gigs lined up in Switzerland, Andy Clark recommended former Carl Douglas Set guitarist Ron Bryer (aka Ron Spence), who’d previously worked with The Loose Ends and bass player Mick Holland from The Epitaph Soul Band.
The new configuration developed quite a following in Switzerland, playing at the Tanzrad in Basel before moving on to Zurich. Big Wheel even issued a hopelessly rare (Swiss-only) mod single, Andy Clark’s “Don’t Give Up That Easy” c/w “You’re Only Hurting Yourself”, released on the Eurex label in February 1967.
However, in early November 1966, Del Coverley left to join Del Grace and original Big Wheel organist Mike Manners in Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede.
It’s likely that the remaining Big Wheel members stayed in Switzerland until at least spring 1967 whereupon all of the musicians except Ron Bryer returned to the UK.
Bryer joined Berry Window & The Movements before forming Brainticket in 1968. The band cut a lone album “Cottonwoodhill” in 1971. Bryer later returned to the UK and briefly worked with One (led by his old Loose Ends singer Alan Marshall) but died of a drug overdose around 1973.
Back in the UK, Andy Clark reunited with Del Coverley in The Fenmen (aka Kindness). This proved to be short-lived and after working with Sam Gopal’s Dream and Vamp, he formed Dogs Blues (with Coverley) and then Clark-Hutchinson, which brought Coverley in for its 1970 and 1971 albums, “Retribution” and “Gestalt”. In the interim, Coverley had played with Fat Daughter during 1969.
Original member, Mike Manners would record two singles with Johnny Young in 1967 after leaving Carl Douglas in July 1967. Del Grace, meanwhile, would record solo material for United Artists and Liberty before moving to Spain and cutting solo CDs.
Many thanks to Del Coverley, Del Grace and Mike Manners for helping to piece this story together. Thanks also to Rolf at Feathered Apple Records in Switzerland for the use of the Eurex single scans
The Vynes, from left: Randy Schum, Gary Baldwin, Mark Groenke, John Guill, and Dave Dieter (holding Mark’s Rickenbacker) Since I posted about the Dynamics on Athon, I will add the Vynes, who have an excellent harmony 45 on the label. The Vynes came from Naperville, Illinois, the same Chicago suburb where Conrad Haidu owned Athon Records.
The top side was “I Might Be Free” written by John Guill. My favorite of the two is the B-side, “More Each Day”, written by Gary Baldwin. The single was released as Athon Records 103 in February 1967.
The band consisted of:
Randy Schum – vocals John Guill – Telecaster guitar Mark Groenke – Rickenbacker 12-string guitar Gary Baldwin – bass, lead vocals Dave Dieter – drums
Victor Wells joined on lead vocals after Gary Baldwin left the band.
Gary Baldwin recalled the band recorded the single at Balkan Studios in Berwyn, Illinois.
Larry Schum managed the band.
Beyond the Beat Generation had a photo and full interview with two members of the band.
As of 2023, Mark Groenke and Dave Dieter have passed away.
The Dynamics came up with a catchy dance B-side in “Clap Your Hands”. I can find very little info on the band.
The 45 was released as Athon 106 and has a RCA-Victor custom code A4KM-3283/4 indicating an early 1971 pressing, later than I expected from the sound of “Clap Your Hands”.
The original A-side, the ballad “Roses and Thunder” was written by Conrad Haidu and Emme Mulis and published by Athon in 1961. Haidu was Athon’s owner, according to Gary Baldwin of the Vynes.
Donald H. Reese wrote “Clap Your Hands”, also for Athon Music Co. BMI (I believe the spelling of Anthon on the label is a typo). Don & The Dynamics, led by Donald Reese were from Lansford, Pennsylvania.
Carl J. Wychulis produced this single. There was a Pennsylvania polka musician by that name, otherwise I can’t find any info on this producer.
Athon was located in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago, but the publishing seems to have relocated to the small town of Carney, Michigan, north of Green Bay.
The December 15, 1962 issue of Billboard wrote “Athon Music Company, Naperville, Ill., publishers have started Athon Records. Conrad Haidu heads the operation. The Stardust Green Trio made the first single.”
incomplete Athon discography: (help with this would be appreciated)
Athon 100: Stardust Green Trio – “The Game Of Hearts” / “I’m Lonesome” (December 1962) Athon 101: ? Athon 102: ? Athon 103: The Vynes – “I Might Be Free” (John Guill) / “More Each Day” (Gary Baldwin) (U4KM-2848) February 1967 Athon 104: ? Athon 105: The Dynamics – “I’m Lonesome, So Lonesome” / “Run Away Little Girl” (A4KM-2800/1) 1971 Athon 106: The Dynamics – “Roses and Thunder” / “Clap Your Hands” (1971) Athon 107: Beowulf – “Please Don’t Tell a Lie” (Alice Messerschmidt) / “River, Run Away” (Mulis, Haidu) (1971) Athon 108: Beowulf – “I’ll Walk Down the Aisle (at the Wedding)” (Haidu and Mulis) / “Loves’ Beggar” Athon 109: Monte DeGrave – “She Still Cares” / “Kiss In The Park” Athon 110: Pink Panthers – “Livin’ Is Lovin'” / “Annie Had a Baby” (Rich Klitz – James Kerley – Floyd Kerley)
Athon # unkn – Jesse L.Cody – “Who’s That Girl” / “I Need Your Loving” – acetate recorded at Sound Studios Inc in Chicago and may have been issued on Athon – I need confirmation of this.
Thank you to Philip Powell and Max Waller for help with this discography.
The only info I could find on Goodly Rubenson was an article from September 6, 1968 that mentioned they would be playing the second dance at the Hillsdale Teen Club on 77 N. Broad St. in Hillsdale, Michigan the next day. I suppose they were local to the south-central area of Michigan around Hillsdale.
This 45 comes from the same month as that show, released on a Rite Press, Stonehenge 22889/22900. It is a low-fidelity recording, but has a lot of appeal, especially the top side, “Inside Outside”. That song and the flip “Crystal Love” were both written by Gaulin, no publishing info listed. Ray Lantz produced the 45.
Can’t find any info on the Infernos other than their location of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Their only 45 came out on the Pride label in April, 1967. The best side is a band original, “Road of Life”, a loose rocker with a dry 12-string guitar sound, great vocal shouts, harmonica, and even what sounds to be a Hammond organ.
The flip is “Your Love for Mine”, written by Chuck Douglas, a ballad with enough attitude to make it interesting. Both sides Oklahoma Pub. BMI. Jay Reed produced the single.
Pride Records started out at 4232 E. Young Pl. in Tulsa, Oklahoma then relocated to 2032 E. 49th St. No. in Tulsa. The label started in country but released some interesting garage and even psychedelic songs in 1966 and 1967.
Pride discography (probably incomplete, I’d appreciate any assistance)
45s (in chronological order):
Billy Parker – “It Takes a Lot of Money” / “Sing Me a Sad Song” (1965, red label, produced by David Ingles, SK4M-0871, 660P-0871)
Bobby McBride – “Roll On Blues” / Curtis Long – “Koosey Coo” (1965, blue label, produced by Billy Parker and Jean Corby, SK4M-3615/6, 660P-3615)
Bobby McBride – “Chantilly Lace #2” (vocal by Don Ramey) / “Cryin’ Heart” (vocal by Bobby McBride) (1965, Pride Inc. logo, SK4M-5811/12, 660P-5811)
Benny Ketchum – “That Ain’t No Stuff” / “Sad Sad World” (1966, Pride Inc. logo, produced by Billy Parker and Carl Rivers for Blue Crest Music BMI, T4KM-2322/3, 660P-2322)
The Rompers – “Slippin’ And Sliding” (vocal By Charlie And Don) / “Don’t You Ever Get Tired” (vocal by Bob Winningham) (1966, Pride Inc. logo, T4KM-2483/4, 660P-2483)
Tommy Florence – “My Baby’s Gone” / “Love Me Tender” (1966, Pride Inc. logo, T4KM-5240, 660P-5239)
The Cinders – “Hey Pretty Girl” (vocal by Dennis Parrott) / “Wind Up” (Tommy Hudson) (1966, Pride Inc. logo, T4KM-5200/1, 660P-5200)
The Cinders “Trouble Making Guy” (Dennis Parrott for Billy Parker Music) / “Hard Hard Life” (1966, Pride Inc. logo, TK4M-7459, 660P-7459) (The Cinders were Dennis Parrott, Wayne Reed, Tommy Hudson, Frank Schaeffer and Keats Tyler.)
The Infernos – “Road of Life” / “Your Love for Mine” (Chuck Douglas) (April 1967, simpler blue logo, U4KM-4623, 673P-4623)
Jerry Boggs – “Freedom” / “I’ve Never Wanted Anyone But You” (1967, 673P-4995)
Jerry Boggs – “Love Came Back” / “My Eyes Could Only See” (1967, U4KM-8141, 673P-8131)
Group Love Corp. – “Love Corporation” (Phil Henry) / “Should I” (1967, U4KM-8450, 673P-8450)
LP: Billy Parker – If I Make It Through The Night, Pride 1001 PLP (1965, 660P-0874)
Most Pride releases from late ’65 and 1966 have a Pride Inc. logo on a light blue background. Pride used their account number 660P as a prefix for their early releases (changing with the Infernos to prefix 673P), then picked up the four digits from the RCA custom pressing #. Following this system can give an mistaken chronology of releases as it leaves off the year indicator on the RCA pressing code. More accurate is to follow the RCA custom press code (such as SK4M-3615 or T4KM-5200).
The Christian Brothers 45 on Sidewinder has excellent instrumental backing by a heavy group with two guitarists (plus overdubbed fills), bass and drums. The vocals on “Feeling Bad” are nasal and muddied to the point of making the lyrics nearly indecipherable.
The flip “The Last Hour” starts with a solo singer who sounds almost folky, and the lyrics are clear even when sung in unison. About 55 seconds in the song comes to life as the lead guitar blasts in and the tempo picks up.
I thought there might be some religious aspects to these songs due to the group name, the titles and the unusual vocals, but there’s nothing explicit that I can make out in the lyrics. Besides, there’s a serpent on the label.
I don’t have any info on the band. Both songs were written by D. Edison and J. Carter for King Midas BMI. The record was produced by J. Branton and arranged by F. Lange, released in March 1968 on Sidewinder Records LL-003.
I don’t know of any other releases on Sidewinder. The label’s location was 739 W. Gladstone, Azusa, CA. Azusa is on the east side of Los Angeles, near Glendora.
Update, February 2018:
A recent record show in Albany, NY turned up an Alco Research test pressing of the Christian Brothers doing “If I Knew” / “Playing Songs Our Way”. The sound is so different from the Sidewinder release that I didn’t think it was the same band until I saw that Jack Carter is listed on one label and made the connection. The Delta number of 81081 suggests a pressing date about the end of 1970, over two years after “Feeling Bad”. I hear some similarity in the vocals and drum sound; take a listen to a minute excerpt of “Playing Songs Our Way”.
As yet I can’t trace either of these songs to a released single, unusual for a test pressing. Thank you to John for the clip and photos of the Alco release.
February 1965 ad courtesy of Peter Cornwell of Phaethon’s Brethren
The Bromel Club was initially a jazz venue that was located in the Bromley Court Hotel on Bromley Hill in south east London. During the 1960s, it hosted most of the top British bands of the day, including Cream, Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
I’ve started to compile a gig list and would welcome any additions and corrections as well as memories of the venue. These are advertised gigs so it’s quite possible that artists may have changed at the last minute.
If you played in one of the group, it would be great if you could provide some history of your band too in the comments below.
Also, if you have any old posters you can share, I would love to hear from you and will ensure you are credited.
1964
I don’t have many gigs listed for this year and earlier and would welcome any contributions.
Judging by the gigs below, rock artists performed on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jazz artists played on Tuesdays (my list is incomplete).
The gigs are all from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.
3 January – The Moody Blues
4 January – The South West Five
6 January – Sonny Boy Williamson with Shorty & Them
7 January – Billy Woods Combo
Photo: Melody Maker
10 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
11 January – Their Lordships
13 January – The Stormsville Shakers
14 January – The Billy Woods Combo
Photo: Melody Maker
17 January – The Spencer Davis Group
18 January – Themselves
20 January – The Yardbirds
21 January – The Billy Woods Combo
Photo: Melody Maker
24 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
25 January – The Loose Ends
27 January – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band
28 January – The Copains
31 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
1 February – Phaethon’s Brethren
3 February – Long John Baldy
4 February – The Cheminoes
7 February – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
8 February – The Black Jacks
10 February – Ronnie Jones & The Night-Timers
11 February – The Second Thoughts
14 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
15 February – The Westsiders
17 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
18 February – Blues by Knight
Photo: Melody Maker
21 February – The Animals
22 February – The Britons
24 February – Alexis Korner Blues Incorporated
25 February – The Loose Ends
Photo: Melody Maker
28 February – The Falling Leaves
1 March – The Dissatisfied
3 March – The Spencer Davis Group
4 March – The Cops ‘N’ Robbers
7 March – Manfred Mann
8 March – Brothers Grim
10 March – Davy Jones & The Manish Boys
11 March – The Drovers
14 March – The Mike Cotton Sound
15 March – missing entry
17 March – Champion Jack Dupree with The Sheffields
18 March – missing entry
21 March – Alex Harvey Soul Band
22 March – missing entry
24 March – The Animals
25 March – missing entry
Photo: Melody Maker
28 March – The T-Bones (Gary Farr’s band)
29 March – The Ingoes
31 March – The Who
1 April – The Bumps in the Night
Photo: Melody Maker
4 April – The Pretty Things
5 April – Paul & The Travellers
7 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
8 April – The Tribe
11 April – The Spencer Davis Group
12 April – The Exits
14 April – Long John Baldry
15 April – The Pilgrims
Photo: Melody Maker
18 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
19 April – The Moaners
21 April – The Yardbirds
22 April – Isaiash’s Prophets
25 April – The Nashville Teens
26 April – The Toys
28 April – The Who
29 April – The Impacts
Photo: Melody Maker
2 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
3 May – The Vandals Blues
5 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
6 May – The Five Proud Walkers
9 May –The Moody Blues
10 May – The Lawlers Legs
12 May – John Lee Hooker (was this with The Cops ‘N’ Robbers backing?)
13 May – The Hammond K Four
16 May – The Loose Ends
17 May – The Heart and Souls
19 May – The Spencer Davis Group
Photo: Melody Maker
20 May – The Board Walkers
Photo: South East London Mercury
23 May – Manfred Mann
24 May – The Pineapple Chunks
26 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
27 May – The Bumps in the Night
Photo: Melody Maker
30 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
31 May – The CC Riders
2 June – The Soul Sisters with Brian Auger Trinity
3 June – The Solar Sounds
6 June – Alex Harvey (Soul Band)
7 June – The Peasants
9 June – Long John Baldry
10 June – The Desperados
Photo: Melody Maker
13 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Preachers
14 June – The Five Road Runners
16 June – Graham Bond Organisation
17 June – The Epitaph Soul Band
20 June – The Five Dimensions
21 June – The Trees
23 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
24 June – Modern Blues Six
27 June – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
28 June – The Doons
30 June – The Epitaphs with supporting group
Photo: Melody Maker
1 July – The Board Walkers
4 July – Graham Bond Organisation
5 July – The Planets
7 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
8 July – The CC Riders
11 July – The Artwoods
12 July – The Equals
14 July – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
15 July – The Spurleeweeves
18 July – Inez and Charlie Foxx with (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band
19 July – Red, Whites, Blues (according to Bob Hodges, this band soon changed name to The New Jump Band)
21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
22 July – The Bo Bo Links
Photo: Melody Maker
25 July – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
26 July – The Brethren
28 July – The Spencer Davis Group
29 July – The Ancient Britains
Photo: Melody Maker
1 August – John Lee’s Groundhogs
2 August – The Medieval Sounds
4 August – The Mike Cotton Sound
5 August – The Eyes
8 August – missing entry
9 August – missing entry
11 August – missing entry
12 August – missing entry
15 August – Club is closed
Photo: Melody Maker
16 August – The Five of That
18 August – Steampacket
19 August – The Equals
21 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Preachers (Saturday night)
22 August – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
23 August – The Prophets
25 August – The Graham Bond Organisation
26 August – The Planets
29 August – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
30 August – The Bungle Fins
1 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
2 September – Red, Whites, Blues
Photo: Melody Maker
5 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
6 September – The Worrying Kind
8 September – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
9 September – Red, Whites, Blues (according to Bob Hodges, this band soon changed name to The New Jump Band)
Photo: Melody Maker
12 September – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
13 September – The Creepers
15 September – The Graham Bond Organisation
16 September – Leslie Gantzer
19 September – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band
20 September – The Five Aces
21 September – Alan Elsdon Jazz Band (Tuesday night – does that mean jazz was on Tuesdays?)
22 September – The Spencer Davis Group
23 September – The Byrd-Herd
26 September – The Small Faces
27 September – Steve & The What 4
28 September – Terry Lightfoot (Tuesday night)
29 September – Bo Diddley
30 September – The Image
3 October – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
4 October – The Changing Times
5 October – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night)
6 October – The Alan Price Set
7 October – The Bumps in the Night
Photo: Melody Maker
10 October – The Graham Bond Organisation
11 October – The Five Road Runners
12 October – Alex Welsh (Tuesday night)
13 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
14 October – Planet Six
Photo: Melody Maker
17 October – The Herd
18 October – The Motivation (original version from Norbury, south London)
19 October – Chris Barber (Tuesday night)
20 October – The Graham Bond Organisation
21 October – The Bungle-Finns
24 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
25 October – The Prowlers
26 October – Eric Silk’s Southern Jazzband and Brian Green’s New Orleans Stompers
27 October – Steampacket
28 October – The Sons of Fred
31 October – Ben E King
1 November – The Classics
2 November – The Keith Smith Band (Tuesday night)
3 November – The Spencer Davis Group
4 November – The Changing Times
Photo: Melody Maker
7 November – The Train (aka Moon’s Train), The Preachers – Lew Rich with The Other Two
8 November – Junco’s Jump Band
9 November – Closed this week
10 November – The Alan Price Set
11 November – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
Photo: Melody Maker
14 November – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
15 November – The Squires (this might be Tom Jones’ backing band)
16 November – Alan Elsdon (Tuesday night)
17 November – Wilson Pickett (with backing band)
The Riot Squad may also have played on 17 November but needs confirmation
18 November – Marshall Scott Etc
21 November – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
22 November – The End of Part One
23 November – Monty Sunshine (Tuesday night)
24 November – The Graham Bond Organisation
25 November – The Spectres (evolved into Status Quo)
28 November – The Mike Cotton Sound
29 November – The Minor Birds
30 November – Terry Lightfoot (Tuesday night)
1 December – Steampacket
2 December – The Prowlers
5 December – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
6 December – The Kingbeats
7 December – The Back O’Town Syncopants (Tuesday night)
8 December – Major Lance
9 December – The Squires (Tom Jones’ backing band?)
12 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
13 December – The Shylos
14 December – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night)
15 December – The Spencer Davis Group
Photo: Melody Maker
16 December – The Board Walkers
19 December – The Paramounts
20 December – The Name
21 December – Kenny Ball (Tuesday night)
22 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
23 December – The Alex Lane Group
24 December – The Train (aka Moon’s Train) and The Changing Times (Boyfriend magazine has The Paramounts on this date)
26 December – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
27 December – K N Star & The Ricochets
28 December – Eric Silk (Tuesday night)
29 December – Ronnie Jones (& The Blue Jays)
30 December – The Habits
Clive Chase, bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres notes in his diary that his group played here on 30 December
1966
Judging by the gigs below, rock artists performed on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jazz musicians played on Tuesdays.
The gigs are all from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.
2 January – The Train (aka Moon’s Train)
3 January – The Partisans
3 January – Alex Welsh (Tuesday night)
5 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
6 January – Victor Brox Blues Band
9 January – The Mike Cotton Sound
10 January – The Deck Hands
11 January – Terry Lightfoot (Tuesday night)
12 January – Steampacket
13 January – The Minor Birds
16 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
17 January – The Disciples
18 January – Monty Sunshine (Tuesday night)
19 January – Lee Dorsey (with The Krew backing?)
20 January – The Showtimers
23 January – The Alan Price Set
24 January – The Way
25 January – Alan Elsdon (Tuesday night)
26 January – The Mark Leeman Five
27 January – KN Starr & The Ricochets
29 January – David Bowie & The Lower Third (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
30 January – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
31 January – The Breed (South East London Mercury)
1 February – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
2 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
3 February – The Alex Lane Group
6 February – The Untamed (South East London Mercury)
7 February – The Soul System (South East London Mercury)
8 February – The Back O’Town Syncopaters (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
9 February – The Action
South East London Mercury lists Crispian St. Peters for 9 February
10 February – The Board Walkers (South East London Mercury)
13 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Alan Price Set (Beat Instrumental)
14 February – The Name (South East London Mercury)
15 February – Eric Silk & The Southern Jazz Band (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
16 February – The Soul Show (according to Record Mirror this was Elkie Brooks, Keith Powell, The Marionettes and The Excels) (South East London Mercury)
17 February – The Deck Hands (South East London Mercury)
Photo: Melody Maker
20 February – The Loose Ends
21 February – The Mixed Feelings
22 February – Spencer’s Washboard Kings (Tuesday night)
23 February – The Pretty Things
24 February – The Prowlers
27 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
28 February – L Henderson’s Soul Band (South East London Mercury)
1 March – Chris Barber (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
2 March – The Action (South East London Mercury)
3 March – The Subjects (South East London Mercury)
6 March – The VIPs (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Train (aka Moon’s Train for 6 March)
7 March – The In-Action
8 March – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
9 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
10 March – The Alex Lane Group
12 March – Them (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
13 March – The Alan Price Set (South East London Mercury)
14 March – System Four (South East London Mercury)
15 March – Alan Elsdon (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists Monty Sunshine for 15 March
16 March – The Loose Ends
20 March – St Louis Union (South East London Mercury)
21 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
22 March – Kenny Ball (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
23 March – Gary Farr & The T-Bones
24 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Objects for 24 March
26 March – The Kinks (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
27 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (South East London Mercury)
28 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Name for 28 March
29 March – Mike Daniels (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
30 March – The Action (South East London Mercury)
31 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
3 April – The Graham Bond Organisation
4 April – The Keys
5 April – The Back O’Town Syncopants (Tuesday night)
6 April – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
7 April – Earl Henderson Soul Band
10 April – The Shevelles (South East London Mercury)
11 April – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Scuttlebugs for 11 April
12 April – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
13 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
14 April – Rachel’s Revenge (South East London Mercury)
16 April – The Candles (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
17 April – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
18 April – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists John Brown’s Bodies for 18 April
19 April – Brian Green (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
20 April – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds (South East London Mercury)
21 April – Deacon Lewis and The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (South East London Mercury)
24 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
25 April – The Kind (South East London Mercury)
26 April – Monty’s Sunshine (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
27 April – Steampacket (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Paramounts on 27 April
28 April – Rachel’s Revenge (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Board Walkers on 28 April
1 May – The Kinks (South East London Mercury)
2 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
3 May – Eric Silk & His Southern Jazz Band (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
4 May – The Dixie Cups with Alvin Robinson (South East London Mercury)
5 May – The Prowlers (South East London Mercury)
7 May – Earl Henderson’s Soul Band and The Coffee Set (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
8 May – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
9 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
10 May – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
11 May – The T-Bones (Gary Farr’s band) (South East London Mercury)
12 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
14 May – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Saturday night) (Nick Simper’s diary)
15 May – The Shevelles (South East London Mercury)
16 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Kenetis on 16 May
17 May – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
18 May – Steampacket (South East London Mercury)
19 May – The Board Walkers (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists John Brown’s Bodies for 19 May but this could actually refer to the following Thursday, 26 May
22 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (South East London Mercury)
23 May – C-Jam Blues (South East London Mercury)
23 May – The Temperance Seven (South East London Mercury)
24 May – Lucas and The Mike Cotton Sound (South East London Mercury)
26 May – John Brown’s Bodies (South East London Mercury)
29 May – The Bo Street Runners (South East London Mercury)
30 May – Miss Named (South East London Mercury)
31 May – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
1 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
2 June – Five Steps Beyond (South East London Mercury)
5 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
6 June – Dawn & The Rising Sons (South East London Mercury)
7 June – Back O’Town Syncopaters (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
8 June – Roy C (South East London Mercury)
9 June – In-Action (South East London Mercury)
Photo: Melody Maker
12 June – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
13 June – Luther Morgan Relationship (South East London Mercury)
14 June – Charlie Galbraith’s All Stars (South East London Mercury)
15 June – The Moody Blues (South East London Mercury)
16 June – Sammy Samwell’s Record Show (South East London Mercury)
19 June – Steampacket (South East London Mercury)
20 June – The Midnites (South East London Mercury)
21 June – Brian Green’s New Orleans Stompers (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
22 June – The Action (South East London Mercury)
23 June – Sammy Samwell Record Show (South East London Mercury)
Photo: Melody Maker
26 June – The Shotgun Express (South East London Mercury)
27 June – The Bo-Men (South East London Mercury)
28 June – The Eyes (South East London Mercury)
29 June – The Yardbirds (South East London Mercury)
3 July – missing entry
4 July – The Classics (South East London Mercury)
6 July – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Squires (Tom Jones’ band?) for 6 July. Beat Instrumental meanwhile lists Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
7 July – Sammy Samwell Record Show (South East London Mercury)
10 July – The Downliners Sect (South East London Mercury)
11 July – The Outcasts (South East London Mercury)
13 July – The Loose Ends and The Good Things (South East London Mercury)
14 July – Raymond Hayes Record Show (South East London Mercury)
17 July – George Bean & Loopy’s Lot (South East London Mercury)
18 July – The Borough of Bedrock (South East London Mercury)
20 July – The Loose Ends and The Squires (South East London Mercury)
Beat Instrumental lists Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band for 20 July
21 July – missing entry
24 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
25 July – The Kind (South East London Mercury)
27 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
Fabulous 208 lists The Loose Ends on 27 July
28 July – Micket Nut Record Show (South East London Mercury)
31 July – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (South East London Mercury)
1 August – Group and records (South East London Mercury)
3 August – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (South East London Mercury)
4 August – Micket Nut Record Show (South East London Mercury)
7 August – The Tribe (South East London Mercury)
8 August – Lee Hawkins Four (South East London Mercury)
10 August – The VIPs (South East London Mercury)
11 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
12 August – Cream (South East London Mercury)
14 August – The Raisins (South East London Mercury)
Fabulous 208 lists The Downliners Sect for 14 August
15 August – Group and records (South East London Mercury)
17 August – The Alan Price Set (South East London Mercury)
18 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
21 August – The Subjects (South East London Mercury)
22 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
24 August – The Creation (South East London Mercury)
25 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
28 August – Wynder K Frog (South East London Mercury)
29 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
30 August – The Shotgun Express (South East London Mercury)
31 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
4 September – Lee Hawkins Group (South East London Mercury)
5 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
7 September – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (South East London Mercury)
8 September – Records (South East London Mercury)
Missing some entries for the rest of September. This is what I do have:
14 September – The Alan Bown Set and Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
18 September – The Amboy Dukes (South East London Mercury)
19 September – Ray Browns’ record show (South East London Mercury)
21 September – The VIPs (South East London Mercury)
22 September – Records (South East London Mercury)
25 September – The Combine (South East London Mercury)
26 September – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
28 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (South East London Mercury)
2 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
3 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
5 October – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
6 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
9 October – Felders Orioles (South East London Mercury)
10 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
12 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (South East London Mercury)
13 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
16 October – Unit Four Plus 2 (South East London Mercury)
17 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
19 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Bobby & The Crims (South East London Mercury)
20 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
23 October – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
24 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
26 October – The Crying Shames (South East London Mercury)
27 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
30 October – The Searchers (South East London Mercury)
31 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
2 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (South East London Mercury)
3 November – missing entry
5 November – The Tribe (South East London Mercury)
7 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
9 November – missing entry
10 November – missing entry
13 November – The Fortunes (South East London Mercury)
14 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
16 November – The Graham Bond Organisation (South East London Mercury)
17 November – missing entry
20 November – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
21 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
23 November – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
24 November – missing entry
27 November – The Good Thing (South East London Mercury)
28 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
30 November – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
1 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
4 December – Lee Hawkins Group (South East London Mercury)
5 December – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
7 December – The Shotgun Express (South East London Mercury)
8 December – missing entry
11 December – missing entry
12 December – missing entry
14 December – Cream (Christopher’s Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
15 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
18 December – EL Henderson’s Soul Band (South East London Mercury)
19 December – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
21 December – Eric Burdon & The Animals (South East London Mercury)
22 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
24 December – The Outrage and The New Jump Band (South East London Mercury)
26 December – The New Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
28 December – Long John Baldry and Bluesology (South East London Mercury)
29 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
1967
Judging by the gigs below, rock artists performed on Sundays and Wednesdays with gigs on other days occasionally.
I have very few gigs for 1967 so would welcome any additions.
1 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (South East London Mercury)
This site is a work in progress on 1960s garage rock bands. All entries can be updated, corrected and expanded. If you have information on a band featured here, please let me know and I will update the site and credit you accordingly.
I am dedicated to making this site a center for research about '60s music scenes. Please consider donating archival materials such as photos, records, news clippings, scrapbooks or other material from the '60s. Please contact me at rchrisbishop@gmail.com if you can loan or donate original materials
The Golden Cabaleers are one of the more obscure bands on the IGL label. They released their 45 “Come Back to Me” / “All Alone” on IGL 123 in August of 1966. Teen Beat Mayhem lists the band’s location as Holstein, Iowa, 50 miles east of Sioux City, and about an hour and a half drive south of the IGL studio in Milford.
Around April 1966, Mike Manners dropped out and Andy Clark from The Epitaph Soul Band took his place.
