The Speakeasy, 48 Margaret Street, London

November 26, 2014 Nick Warburton 25 Comments

Speakeasy Holiday Card — front of a holiday card from the Speakeasy

The Speakeasy club, located at 48 Margaret Street in London, was a notable music venue that opened in December 1966.

During its heyday, the club was frequented by record industry and artist agency executives who in turn brought in many bands, hoping to land a record deal.

Many notable British bands played at the club during the 1960s, including The Move, The Soft Machine, Traffic, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Pink Floyd. I’ve started a list below but would welcome any additions and any memories of the venue.

Jim Carter-Fea who managed Blaises (and later the Revolution) was also behind the Speakeasy.

1966

15 December (Thursday) – The Move (Melody Maker)

The Move opened the club.

27 December (Tuesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

29 December (Thursday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Disc & Music Echo)

1967

According to Disc & Music Echo, Roy Flynn and Mike Carey operated the club from early 1967. Apparently, the club was officially opened on 4 January.

Sometime in 1967, New Zealand/US band The New Nadir played at the club and Jimi Hendrix sat in. The band’s bass player was the late Gary Thain who went on to The Keef Hartley Band.

18 January (Wednesday) – Family (Melody Maker)

19 January (Thursday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that The New Vaudeville Band attended the Speakeasy’s club party during the week starting 6 February.

14 February (Tuesday) – The Valentine’s Day Massacre party (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Roger Daltry from The Who, Jimi Hendrix and The Pretty Things attended this party.

22 February (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

This appears to be The Soft Machine’s debut Wednesday residency at the Speakeasy.

1 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Jimi Hendrix’s manager Chas Chandler introduced them and Duane Eddy attended the show.

7 March (Tuesday) – Keith (Disc & Music Echo)

8 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

9 March (Thursday) – Dudley Moore (Disc & Music Echo)

According to Disc & Music, Dudley Moore played every Thursday and Sunday from this date.

12 March (Sunday) – Dudley Moore and The Move (Disc & Music Echo)

14 March (Tuesday) – The Byrds (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Scott Walker attended the band’s show.

15 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

16 March (Thursday) – Jimi Hendrix Experience (Jimi Hendrix website)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 25 March issue, the new Track label had its launch party at the Speakeasy this week with guests including Michael Caine, Terence Stamp, Bobby Moore, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix and The Who. The website link suggests it was 16 March.

19 March (Sunday) – Dudley Moore (Disc & Music Echo)

21 March (Tuesday) – The Byrds (Byrds website)

22 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

29 March (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

The Stax-Volt Revue had its after show party at the Speakeasy at the conclusion of its European tour in April.

Disc & Music Echo’s 8 April issue reported that Mia Farrow attended the club around about this time.

5 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

12 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

18 April (Tuesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

This website reports that Jimi Hendrix reportedly jammed with Ben E King and Georgie Fame on 18 April.

19 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

22 April (Saturday) – The Soul Sisters backed by The Trend (Newham & Stratford Express)

26 April (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

30 April (Sunday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo/Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Auger’s band played every Monday so perhaps this is 1 May.

2 May (Tuesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

3 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

4 May (Thursday) – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie and Honey Darling (Melody Maker)

8 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Zoot Money, Georgie Fame and Jimi Hendrix attended this show.

9 May (Tuesday) – Garnet Mimms (probably backed by The Senate) (Melody Maker)

10 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

12 May (Friday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that John Lennon and Paul McCartney from The Beatles, Brian Jones, Eric Burdon, The Bee Gees and The Jimi Hendrix Experience attended Amen Corner’s show. Hendrix also sat in with the band.

15 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

17 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

Melody Maker also lists Prince Buster & The Bees for 17 May.

22 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

24 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

Melody Maker lists The Web on 24 May.

Procol Harum also played on this date. Disc & Music Echo’s 3 June issue reported that all four Beatles, Georgie Fame, Chris Farlowe, Cat Stevens, Eric Burdon, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry attended The Procol Harum gig. This website has more information.

29 May (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

31 May (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Soft Machine website)

4 June (Sunday) – The Turtles (Disc & Music Echo)

The music magazine reported that Jimi Hendrix, Denny Laine, Brian Jones, Peter Asher and Terence Stamp were among those in the audience.

5 June (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation.

8 June (Thursday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Jimi Hendrix, Denny Laine and Eric Burdon were in the audience.

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 10 June issue, Eric Burdon told stories and Brian Auger had a “happening” sometime this week.

The same issue reported that guests at the club had included The Beach Boys, The Turtles, Mary Wells, Ben E King, The Byrds and the Stax-Volt tour.

12 June (Monday) – Brian Auger & The Trinity (Disc & Music Echo)

Auger’s band gig is likely but needs confirmation. Disc & Music Echo’s 10 June issue did report that they played Mondays.

14 June (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Disc & Music Echo)

This date needs confirmation but the magazine’s 17 June issue reported that Marmalade played here and John Lennon and Paul McCartney attended. The Scottish band also played at the Speakeasy on 12 July.

28 June (Wednesday) – The Soft Machine (Fabulous 208)

12 July (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Disc & Music Echo)

The music magazine reported its 15 July issue that John Lennon, Graham Nash, Spencer Davis, Mike Nesmith, Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, Gary Leeds, Eric Clapton, Georgie Fame, Keith Moon and Roger Daltry were among the guests. It’s possible, however, that this event took place on the previous Wednesday, 5 July.

20 July (Thursday) – Amen Corner (Fabulous 208)

26 July (Wednesday) – The Eyes of Blue (Marmalade Skies website)

This was the band’s club debut.

According to Martyn Hanson’s book on The Nice, PP Arnold & The Nice played at the Speakeasy during August 1967.

3 August (Thursday) – Sharon Tandy & Les Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

10 August (Thursday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Disc & Music Echo)

17 August (Thursday) – Cream (Melody Maker and Eric Clapton website)

Fabulous 208 lists Ten Years After on 17 August. However, this is missing from this Alvin Lee website)

19 August (Saturday) – Granny’s Intentions (Marmalade Skies website)

21 August (Monday) – Pink Floyd (cancelled) (Marmalade Skies website)

26 August (Saturday) – Dantalion’s Chariot (Marmalade Skies website)

27 August (Sunday) – Fairport Convention (Marmalade Skies website)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 9 September issue, Alan Price, Mitch Mitchell, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Keith West were among the guests at Fairport Convention’s show.

31 August (Thursday) – Dantalion’s Chariot (Marmalade Skies website)

Feltham band, Barney J Barnes & The Intro played at the Speakeasy once during September or October 1967, according to sax player Peter Davies.

19 September (Tuesday) – Pink Floyd (Marmalade Skies website)

27 September (Wednesday) – Ten Years After (Fabulous 208)

1 October (Sunday) – The Incredible String Band (Marmalade Skies website)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 14 October issue, Scott McKenzie and The Mamas & The Papas went to the Speakeasy on the Friday to celebrate Mama Cass’s clearance at West London of theft charges. Most likely it was 6 October to see Eric Burdon & The Animals play but needs confirmation.

6 October (Friday) – Eric Burdon & The Animals (Marmalade Skies website)

10 October (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

12 October (Thursday) – The Pretty Things (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

18 October (Wednesday) – The Moody Blues (Melody Maker – needs confirmation)

19 October (Thursday) – Vanilla Fudge (Fabulous 208)

Drummer Keith Guster of The Fleur De Lys confirms this gig happened as he attended and noted it in his diary.

21 October (Saturday) – Vanilla Fudge (Disc & Music Echo)

26 October (Thursday) – The Jeff Beck Group (Marmalade Skies website)

28 November (Tuesday) – Potential jam session (Electric Prunes website)

As this website notes, the band reportedly were in attendance when a jam took place – see The Electric Prunes website for more information.

According to Disc & Music Echo, sometime in the week starting 11 December, The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation played and Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix and Alan Price attended the show.

Spooky Tooth may also have played their debut show at the Speakeasy this month but this needs confirmation.

6 December (Wednesday) – The Foundations (Disc & Music Echo)

The music magazine reported that The Spencer Davis Group, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Manfred Mann and Mick Wilsher from The New Vaudeville Band were among the guests at the after party following The Foundations’ gig.

10 December (Sunday) – The Moody Blues (Disc & Music Echo)

14 December (Thursday) – Fairport Convention (Disc & Music Echo)

The magazine reported that Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix attended The Fairport Convention show.

18 December (Monday) – Traffic (Marmalade Skies website)

21 December (Thursday) – Pink Floyd (Disc & Music Echo)

28 December (Thursday) – The Electric Prunes (Disc & Music Echo)

29 December (Friday) – Tintern Abbey (Marmalade Skies website/Melody Maker)

1968

5 January (Friday) – Jethro Tull (Greg Russo’s research)

6 January (Saturday) – Circus (Stormsville Shakers’ website)

16 January (Tuesday) – Procol Harum (New Musical Express)

27 January (Saturday) – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band (New Musical Express)

This was probably either 26 or 28 January instead as Keith Guster confirms that his band The Fleur De Lys played this evening. His diary also notes that Jimi Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell joined the band for a 45 minute jam onstage.

4 February (Sunday) – Jimmy McGriff (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

5 February (Monday) – Jethro Tull (Greg Russo’s gig diary)

10 February (Saturday) – Taste (Rory Gallagher website)

Melody Maker reported that Dr K’s (Blues Band) played around the week starting 19 February.

19 February (Monday) – Robert Plant & The Band of Joy (Marmalade Skies website)

21 February (Wednesday) – The Attack (Marmalade Skies website)

22 February (Thursday) – Monopoly (Marmalade Skies website)

24 February (Saturday) – Legay (Marmalade Skies website)

25 February (Sunday) – Tim Rose and Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation (Melody Maker)

Keith Guster’s gig diary confirms that Tim Rose played on this date. The Fleur De Lys’ drummer attended the gig with DJ Johnny Walker.

26 February (Monday) – The Eyes of Blue (Melody Maker)

This might have been Saturday, 24 February instead so needs confirmation.

28 February (Wednesday) – The Penny Peeps (Marmalade Skies website)

29 February (Thursday) – Sharon Tandy & The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

Keith Guster confirms that The Fleur De Lys did two 15-minute sets. They then backed singer Sharon Tandy for 30 minutes; singer Donnie Elbert for 30 minutes and then both singers for 20 minutes.

10 March (Sunday) – Traffic (Marmalade Skies website)

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

21 March (Thursday) – Gospel Garden (Marmalade Skies website)

30 March (Saturday) – Tim Buckley (Revelation – Elektra Records’ newsletter)

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

2 April (Tuesday) – Reparta & The Delrons (Melody Maker)

7 April (Sunday) – Spooky Tooth (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

Keith Guster confirms that he went to see the band at the Speakeasy on this date.

8 April (Monday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)

9 April (Tuesday) – Circus (Stormsville Shakers’ website)

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

25 April (Thursday) – Ike & Tina Turner (New Musical Express)

26 April (Friday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

On Saturday, 27 April, a fire broke out and gutted the Speakeasy, according to Melody Maker’s 4 May issue. The fire caused £20,000 worth of damage. Roy Flynn, the club’s co-owner, said that the Speakeasy could not be re-opened for about three months and gigs would be transferred to Blaises and promoted as “Speakeasy at Blaises”.

28 April (Sunday) – Ike & Tina Turner (Melody Maker)

The above gig was either cancelled or moved to Blaises.

30 April (Tuesday) – Bill Haley & The Comets (Melody Maker)

The above gig was either cancelled or moved to Blaises.

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

The above gig was either cancelled or moved to Blaises.

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

The above gig, if it happened, would have taken place at Blaises.

12 May (Sunday) – The Byrds (needs source)

The above gig, if it happened, would have taken place at Blaises – see that entry for more information (link through to this).

16 June (Sunday) – PP Arnold (with TNT) (Melody Maker)

This gig took place at Blaises and was billed as “Speakeasy at Blaises”.

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

This gig took place at Blaises and was billed as “Speakeasy at Blaises”.

Melody Maker’s 29 June issue (page 3) noted that the Speakeasy would reopen in September (but this was not the case).

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

See the Blaises entry for more information on this.

New Musical Express reported that Roy Flynn planned to reopen the Speakeasy on 13 December 1968.

13 December (Friday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

The above gig looks like the reopening of the club after seven months’ closure.

According to the East of Eden website, the band played at the Speakeasy in December with Taj Mahal. Mahal took part in The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus on 11 December, so it’s quite possible if the club reopened on 13 December that Mahal and East of Eden played the following day (Saturday, 14 December) but this needs confirmation.

24 December (Tuesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

31 December (Tuesday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

1969

Melody Maker noted at the end of January that the club had been closed for eight months and only reopened that month but it was in December 1968.

The music magazine also reported that The Nice had played here in late December or early January.

10 January (Friday) – Kaleidoscope (Marmalade Skies website)

13 January (Monday) – Clouds (Time Out)

14 January (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Time Out)

15 January (Wednesday) – Juniors Eyes (Time Out)

16 January (Thursday) – Gary Farr & Mighty Baby (Time Out)

18 January (Saturday) – Freedom (Time Out)

20 January (Monday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

22 January (Wednesday) – Edgar Broughton Blues Band (Time Out)

23 January (Thursday) – Van Der Graaf Generator (Time Out)

Time Out and Fabulous 208 both list Eclection on 23 January, so perhaps there were two bands that evening.

25 January (Saturday) – Village (Time Out)

28 January (Tuesday) – Harmony Grass and Eclection (Fabulous 208)

30 January (Thursday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

31 January (Friday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

1 February (Saturday) – Edgar Broughton Band (Melody Maker)

3 February (Monday) – Caravan (Melody Maker)

4 February (Tuesday) – Idle Race (Melody Maker)

Time Out lists Spooky Tooth on 4 February so perhaps both bands played.

5 February (Wednesday) – Van Der Graaf Generator (Melody Maker and Time Out)

6 February (Thursday) – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

7 February (Friday) – Eire Apparent (Melody Maker and Time Out)

8 February (Saturday) – Jody Grind (Melody Maker and Time Out)

10 February (Monday) – Clouds (Melody Maker and Time Out)

11 February (Tuesday) – Taste (Melody Maker and Time Out)

12 February (Wednesday) – The Gods (Melody Maker)

13 February (Thursday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker and Time Out)

14 February (Friday) – The Eyes of Blue (Melody Maker and Time Out)

15 February (Saturday) – Love and Poetry (Melody Maker)

17 February (Monday) – Village (Melody Maker and Time Out)

18 February (Tuesday) – Colosseum (Melody Maker and Time Out)

19 February (Wednesday) – McKenna Mendelson Mainline (Melody Maker)

20 February (Thursday) – The Nice (Melody Maker and Time Out)

21 February (Friday) – Pendulum (Melody Maker)

22 February (Saturday) – Sleepy (Melody Maker and Time Out)

24 February (Monday) – The Gods (Melody Maker and Time Out)

25 February (Tuesday) – Mason, Capaldi, Wood & Frog (Melody Maker and Time Out)

26 February (Wednesday) – Dr K’s Blues Band (Melody Maker and Time Out)

27 February (Thursday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

28 February (Friday) – Jody Grind (Melody Maker and Time Out)

17 March (Monday) – Eire Apparent (Time Out)

18 March (Tuesday) – Dr K’s Blues Band (Time Out)

19 March (Wednesday) – Blonde on Blonde (Time Out)

20 March (Thursday) – Deep Purple (Melody Maker and Time Out)

24 March (Monday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

26 March (Wednesday) – Village (Time Out)

27 March (Thursday) – East of Eden (Time Out)

28 March (Friday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Time Out)

31 March (Monday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

4 April (Friday) – Yes (Peter Banks’ website)

8 April (Tuesday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

9 April (Wednesday) – King Crimson (Time Out)

10 April (Thursday) – The Eyes of Blue (Time Out)

12 April (Saturday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

14 April (Monday) – Turnstyle (Time Out)

16 April (Wednesday) – Village (Time Out)

19 April (Saturday) – Smile (Time Out)

Smile featured future Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

22 April (Tuesday) – Clouds (Time Out)

23 April (Wednesday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

25 April (Friday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

28 April (Monday) – Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath website)

29 April (Tuesday) – Keef Hartley (Melody Maker and Time Out)

30 April (Wednesday) – Hard Meat (Time Out)

Canadian guitarist Stan Endersby says that Mapleoak (Pete Quaife’s post-Kinks band) played the Speakeasy in May 1969.

Melody Maker reported that Audience played before 8 May. It also noted that Steppenwolf and The Misunderstood jammed at the club before 22 May.

14 May (Wednesday) – Lowell Fulsom (Melody Maker)

19 May (Monday) – Blonde on Blonde (Time Out)

20 May (Tuesday) – Eclection (needs source)

21 May (Wednesday) – Howlin’ Wolf with The John Dummer Blues Band (Melody Maker)

22 May (Thursday) – The Idle Race (Time Out)

27 May (Tuesday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker and Time Out)

28 May (Wednesday) – Sam Gopal (Melody Maker and Time Out)

29 May (Thursday) – Spooky Tooth (Time Out)

30 May (Friday) – King Crimson (Time Out)

2 June (Monday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

3 June (Tuesday) – Samson (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

4 June (Wednesday) – Glass Menagerie (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

John Warburg says that Freddie King played on 4 June

5 June (Thursday) – Renaissance (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

6 June (Friday) – Velvet Opera (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

7 June (Saturday) – Audience (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

9 June (Monday) – Blonde on Blonde (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

10 June (Tuesday) – East of Eden (Time Out and East of Eden website)

11 June (Wednesday) – Three Dog Night (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

12 June (Thursday) – Jackie Lomax (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

13 June (Friday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

14 June (Saturday) – The Majority (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

16 June (Monday) – Steamhammer (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

17 June (Tuesday) – Bodast (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

18 June (Wednesday) – Audience (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

19 June (Thursday) – Buddy Guy & His Band (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

20 June (Friday) – Gracious (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

21 June (Saturday) – Sk’Boo (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

23 June (Monday) – Brainbox (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

24 June (Tuesday) – Poet & His One Man Band (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

Time out lists Brainbox for 23 June.

25 June (Thursday) – Bodast (Time out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

26 June (Thursday) – The Wallace Collection (Time Out and Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

27 June (Friday) – Arcadium (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

28 June (Saturday) – Andromeda (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

30 June (Monday) – Audience (Speakeasy June listing at Don Powell’s website)

1 July (Tuesday) – Locomotive (Marmalade Skies website)

2 July (Wednesday) – Entire Sioux Nation (Marmalade Skies website)

3 July (Thursday) – Mighty Baby (Marmalade Skies website)

4 July (Friday) – Ambrose Slade (Marmalade Skies website)

5 July (Saturday) – Sam Apple Pie (Melody Maker)

8 July (Tuesday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website)

9 July – Arcadium (Marmalade Skies website)

10 July (Thursday) – Deep Purple (Melody Maker)

11 July (Friday) – Gypsy (Marmalade Skies website)

12 July (Saturday) – High Tide (Marmalade Skies website)

14 July (Monday) – Audience (Marmalade Skies website)

15 July (Tuesday) – Clouds (Marmalade Skies website)

16 July (Wednesday) – Glass Menagerie (Marmalade Skies website)

17 July (Thursday) – Principal Edwards Magic Theatre (Marmalade Skies website)

20 July (Sunday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Marmalade Skies website)

21 July – Shiva Jones and Quintessence (Time Out)

22 July – Jody Grind (Time Out)

23 July – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

24 July – Liverpool Scene (Time Out)

25 July – Gin (Marmalade Skies website)

26 July – The Majority (Marmalade Skies website)

28 July – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

29 July – The Eyes of Blue (Marmalade Skies website)

30 July – Procession (Marmalade Skies website)

31 July – White Trash (Marmalade Skies website)

4 August (Monday) – Hard Meat (John Warburg research)

5 August (Tuesday) – King Crimson (Marmalade Skies website)

6 August (Wednesday) – Bakerloo (John Warburg research)

12 August (Tuesday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website)

13 August (Wednesday) – Arcadium (John Warburg research)

14 August (Thursday) – Renaissance (Melody Maker)

16 August (Saturday) – Sam Apple Pie (Melody Maker and Time Out)

18 August (Monday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)

19 August (Tuesday) – Blossom Toes (Melody Maker and Time Out)

22 August (Friday) – Battered Ornaments (Time Out)

23 August (Saturday) – Audience (John Warburg research)

25 August (Monday) – Steve Miller’s Delivery (Time Out)

27 August (Wednesday) – East of Eden (East of Eden website)

Melody Maker lists The Wallace Collection on 27 August.

28 August (Thursday) – Atomic Rooster (Marmalade Skies website)

29 August (Friday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)

2 September (Tuesday) – Titus Groan (Marmalade Skies website)

11 September (Thursday) – Iron Butterfly (Melody Maker and Time Out)

15 September (Monday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

16 September (Tuesday) – Gun (Time Out)

17 September (Wednesday) – Poet & The One Man Band (Time Out)

18 September (Thursday) – Timebox (Time Out)

19 September (Friday) – Village (Time Out)

22 September (Monday) – Juniors Eyes (Time Out)

23 September (Tuesday) – Eclection (Time Out)

24 September (Wednesday) – The Edgar Broughton Band (Time Out)

25 September (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker and Time Out)

26 September (Friday) – Gypsy (Time Out)

27 September (Saturday) – Audience (Time Out)

29 September (Monday) – The Graham Bond Initiation and Stone The Crows (Time Out)

30 September (Tuesday) – Mighty Baby (Time Out)

7 October (Tuesday) – Mott The Hoople (Marmalade Skies website)

8 October (Wednesday) – The Graham Bond Initiation (Melody Maker)

13 October (Monday) – Freedom (Time Out)

14 October (Tuesday) – Zoot Money(Time Out)

16 October (Thursday) – Juicy Lucy (Time Out)

21 October (Tuesday) – Quintessance (Time Out)

22 October (Wednesday) – Writing on the Wall (Time Out)

23 October – Juicy Lucy (Marmalade Skies website)

Time Out lists Sam Gopal on 23 October.

24 October (Friday) – Arcadium (Time Out)

25 October (Saturday) – Cressida (Time Out)

27 October (Monday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

28 October (Tuesday) – Delaney & Bonnie (Time Out)

29 October (Wednesday) – East of Eden (Time Out)

30 October (Thursday) – Jimmy McGriff (Time Out)

31 October (Friday) – Stone The Crows (Time Out)

6 November (Thursday) – Howlin’ Wolf and Junco Partners (Melody Maker)

12 November (Wednesday) – Mott The Hoople (Time Out)

13 November (Thursday) – Freddie King (John Warburg research)

17 November (Monday) – The Battered Ornaments (Time Out)

20 November (Thursday) – Gene Vincent & The Wild Angels (Time Out)

22 November (Saturday) – Freedom (Time Out)

24 November (Monday) – Titus Groan (Time Out)

25 November (Tuesday) – Glass Menagerie (Time Out)

26 November (Wednesday) – Hardin & York (Time Out)

27 November (Thursday) – Pete Brown & Piblokto (Time Out)

28 November (Friday) – Stone The Crows (Time Out)

Speakeasy Calendar December 1969. Thanks to Helene for providing this

1 December (Monday) – Trees (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

2 December (Tuesday) – Daddy Longlegs (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

3 December (Wednesday) – Quatermass (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

4 December (Thursday) – The Graham Bond International (aka Initiation) (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

5 December (Friday) – The Mooche (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

6 December (Saturday) – Heavy Water (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

8 December (Monday) – Creepy John Thomas (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

9 December (Tuesday) – The Wild Angels (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

10 December (Wednesday) – Rory Young (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

This is probably Roy Young (ex-Rebel Rouser).

11 December (Thursday) – Eire Apparent (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

12 December (Friday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

13 December (Saturday) – Napoleon (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

Napoleon is probably Bob Azzam’s band who changed name after moving to Sweden from Switzerland.

15 December (Monday) – Eclipse (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

16 December (Tuesday) – Murray Head (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

17 December (Wednesday) – Cressida (Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

18 December (Thursday) – Mott The Hoople (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

19 December (Friday) – Skin Alley (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

20 December (Saturday) – Man (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

22 December (Monday) – Business (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

23 December (Tuesday) – Grail (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

24 December (Wednesday) – Noir (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

26 December (Friday) – Sam Gopal (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

27 December (Saturday) – Good Earth (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

The Good Earth were led by future Mungo Jerry front man Ray Dorset.

29 December (Monday) – Delivery (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

30 December (Tuesday) – East of Eden (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

31 December (Wednesday) – Juicy Lucy (Time Out and Speakeasy calendar for December from Helene)

1970

8 January (Thursday) – David Bowie (Marmalade Skies website)

9 January (Friday) – Jody Grind (Time Out)

16 January (Friday) – Cochise (Time Out)

26 January (Monday) – The Groundhogs (Time Out)

27 January (Tuesday) – The Wild Angels (Time Out)

28 January (Wednesday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

Marmalade Skies website has Badfinger on 28 January.

29 January (Thursday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)

30 January (Friday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Time Out)

31 January (Saturday) – Imagination (Time Out)

9 February (Monday) – Heavy Jelly (Time Out)

12 February (Thursday) – Cressida (Time Out)

16 February (Monday) – Trees (Time Out)

17 February (Tuesday) – Man (Time Out)

18 February (Wednesday) – Hawkwind (Time Out)

19 February (Thursday) – Love (Melody Maker and Time Out)

20 February (Friday) – Badfinger (Marmalade Skies website)

23 February (Monday) – Grail (Time Out)

24 February (Tuesday) – Love (Melody Maker)

25 February (Wednesday) – Cochise (Time Out)

26 February (Thursday) – Matthews Southern Comfort (Time Out)

10 March (Tuesday) – Juicy Lucy (Time Out)

14 March (Saturday) – Free Little Rock (Time Out)

21 March (Saturday) – Alexander Patton (Time Out)

23 March (Monday) – Wishbone Ash (Melody Maker and Time Out)

24 March (Tuesday) – Graham Bond (Time Out)

25 March (Wednesday) – Silas (Time Out)

26 March (Thursday) – Sam Apple Pie (Time Out)

27 March (Friday) – One (Time Out)

28 March (Saturday) – Fire (Time Out)

30 March (Monday) – Pacific Drift (Time Out)

31 March (Tuesday) – May Blitz (Time Out)

6 April (Monday) – Cochise (Time Out)

Marmalade Skies website has Hawkwind on 6 April.

11 April (Saturday) – White Lighting (Melody Maker)

20 April (Monday) – Cochise (Time Out)

23 April (Thursday) – Flaming Youth (Marmalade Skies website)

Flaming Youth featured future Genesis drummer Phil Collins.

29 April (Wednesday) – Man (Time Out)

19 May (Tuesday) – Wishbone Ash (Time Out)

21 May (Thursday) – Gypsy (Time Out)

25 May (Monday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)

26 May (Tuesday) – Elton John (Time Out)

27 May (Wednesday) – Man (Time Out)

9 June (Tuesday) – Raven (Time Out)

10 June (Wednesday) – Wishbone Ash (Time Out)

16 June (Tuesday) – Cochise (Time Out)

25 June (Thursday) – Flaming Youth (Marmalade Skies website)

30 June (Tuesday) – Wishbone Ash (Melody Maker and Time Out)

2 July (Thursday) – Gentle Giant (Marmalade Skies website)

11 July (Saturday) – Supertramp (Time Out)

21 July (Tuesday) – Wishbone Ash (Time Out)

28 July (Tuesday) – Elton John (Time Out)

29 July (Wednesday) – Affinity (Marmalade Skies website)

30 July (Thursday) – Formerly Fat Sam (Time Out)

1 August (Saturday) – Crazy Mabel (Marmalade Skies website)

3 August (Monday) – Armada (Marmalade Skies website)

5 August (Wednesday) – Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe (Time Out)

6 August (Thursday) – Noir (Marmalade Skies website)

7 August (Friday) – Quiver (Marmalade Skies website)

8 August (Saturday) – Catapilla (Marmalade Skies website)

12 August (Wednesday) – Derek &The Dominoes (Time Out)

13 August (Thursday) – Head, Hands & Feet (Marmalade Skies website)

14 August (Friday) – Swegas (Marmalade Skies website)

18 August (Tuesday) – Cochise (Marmalade Skies website)

19 August (Wednesday) – Anno Domini (Marmalade Skies website)

20 August (Thursday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Marmalade Skies website)

21 August (Friday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

22 August (Saturday) – The Dog That Bit People (Marmalade Skies website)

24 August (Monday) – Uriah Heap (Time Out)

25 August (Tuesday) – Bronco (Time Out)

26 August (Wednesday) – Terry Reid (Marmalade Skies website)

27 August (Thursday) – Steamhammer (Marmalade Skies website)

29 August (Saturday) – Aardvark (Marmalade Skies website)

31 August (Monday) – The World (Neil Innes’ band) (Time Out)

1 September (Tuesday) – Opal Butterfly (Marmalade Skies website)

2 September (Wednesday) – Bronco (Marmalade Skies website)

5 September (Saturday) – High Broom (Marmalade Skies website)

8 September (Tuesday) – Cressida (Melody Maker)

9 September (Wednesday) – Lindisfarne (Marmalade Skies website)

10 September (Thursday) – Gun (Marmalade Skies website)

11 September (Friday) – Aquila (Marmalade Skies website)

12 September (Saturday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

14 September (Monday) – Granny’s New Intentions (Marmalade Skies website)

16 September (Wednesday) – Satisfaction (Marmalade Skies website)

17 September (Thursday) – The Nashville Teens (Marmalade Skies website)

18 September (Friday) – Dog That Big People (Marmalade Skies website)

19 September (Saturday) – Skin Alley (Marmalade Skies website)

21 September (Monday) – Warm Dust (Marmalade Skies website)

23 September (Wednesday) – Head, Hands & Feet (Marmalade Skies website)

24 September (Thursday) – Dada (Marmalade Skies website)

25 September (Friday) – Quiver (Time Out)

26 September (Saturday) – Arcadium (Marmalade Skies website)

28 September (Monday) – Gypsy (Time Out)

29 September (Tuesday) – Formerly Fat Harry (Marmalade Skies website)

30 September (Wednesday) – Everyone (Marmalade Skies website)

7 October (Wednesday) – Jack Bruce (Marmalade Skies website)

28 October (Wednesday) – Wishbone Ash (Marmalade Skies website)

4 December (Friday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

12 December (Saturday) – Gentle Giant (Marmalade Skies website)

Thank you to Helene for the Speakeasy calendar and holiday card.

Categories: Crescent-City Sound Studios (Greensboro), Danville, Virginia

The American Band: Beware of Falling Dreams

November 25, 2014 Jack Garrett 4 Comments

The American Band 1969 — The Commercial Appeal, Danville news clip photo, 1969, from left: Larry Abbott, Truxton Fulton and Walter Dalton
Photo by Mike Mitchell

The American Band was an original music group formed in 1968. It had a short and sweet life with only one memorable gig and one demo album. This was the first original material by Truxton Fulton, the composer/musician who currently works under the pseudonym Karl Mahlmann. The focus of this article is the composer’s juvenilia, the band and the music they created while in high school almost 50 years ago.

In 1969, three teenagers who attended school together in Danville, Virginia came together to create an unusual album of original material that isn’t easy to categorize. It isn’t hard rock and is not quite psychedelic, but it was certainly different from anything playing on the radio that summer.

But The American Band’s story begins earlier, with two friends teaming up in 1968 to perform and produce original music. The band was an informal regrouping of friends who had played together on and off in different bands. The group started as a duo with Fulton on keyboards and vocals and Larry Abbott on drums. After a while they coalesced into a band with the addition of Walter Dalton on guitar. Before it was over, the American Band had become a quartet with the addition of vocalist Jeff Fiske.

The American Band GWHS Larry Abbott, Truxton Fulton and Walter Dalton — 1969 George Washington High School yearbook photos, from left: Larry Abbott, Truxton Fulton and Walter Dalton

The George Washington High School variety show was a yearly tradition and helped launch several groups, including the as yet unnamed American Band, which first performed at the 1968-69 assembly. Fulton and Abbott played three original songs: “The Milkman’s Wife,” “Beware of Falling Dreams” and “Look for Your Utopia in Your Backyard.” The first two would be recorded the following summer in Greensboro, after the band added a guitarist and decided upon a name.

Bassist Alan Rowe says the show was in March of 1969. He remembers the date distinctly because his band had been scheduled to perform but had to withdraw at the last minute after several members were involved in a serious car accident. Rowe recalls that the event was held in the school’s gymnasium and was a “true variety show,” including comedy routines, skits and an assortment of musical styles including a jazz set with saxophonist Allen Rippe; a soul band fronted by Rickie Fox; Pete Viccellio on piano; a drum solo performed by Lynn Finch; and a power rock trio that included guitarist Mark Aldridge, Rick Crane on bass, and future American Band guitarist Walter Dalton on drums.

But Rowe says he was most impressed by Fulton and Abbott. Not only did they play original material, but Rowe says the music and performance were exceptional and “really good.” Rowe recalls that “their music was so different from anything else that was being done. They were very accomplished and had a built-in uniqueness… just two people and they were doing their own thing and doing it well.”

The band, as a duo, also played a talent show sponsored by the Danville Rotary Club. Fulton recalls that “We had a fun time backstage while everyone was prepping. Larry and I pretended we were doing a dance routine and we just couldn’t get our steps right. We didn’t win. I think we went over the time limit. On the other hand, we may have just weirded everyone out; we were very counterculture.”

Truxton Fulton of The American Band at the Hammond

Fulton was already a veteran of the local band scene in Southside Virginia, having played in several groups, including the Stones Unturned, Radio Super Ice Cream Parlor and the Satisfactions Band and Show, a Farmville-based horn group that performed extensively and recorded two 45s for the Stag label in Greensboro, N.C. By his senior year in High School, Fulton was ready to concentrate on his own material. He explains that “from the beginning it was a little different in that it was a band for original music. We were never a cover band.” While the group performed “a couple of cover songs” live, Fulton says their purpose was to record his songs.

After graduating in 1969, Fulton took a summer job at wallboard maker U.S. Gypsum, saving $500 to finance a session in Greensboro. The group — now a trio with the addition of guitarist Walter Dalton — began rehearsing original material that would be recorded during a marathon session in mid-July.

Walter Dalton photo — Walter Dalton and his Rickenbacker guitar, ca. 1969.

Two years earlier, Dalton had worked with Fulton and Abbott in Radio Super Ice Cream Parlor, a cover band that featured a light show and included guitarist Bob Tamson and bassist Rick Crane. The short-lived group performed in the GW High School cafeteria, either for graduation or a homecoming dance. And while the band specialized in lesser known numbers like “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,” Tamson and Dalton both concede that this may not have been a wise choice for the football crowd.

Dalton remained a fan of Fulton’s “amazing” talent on the organ, and says “he could really whip it out on a (Hammond) B3.” So, “when Trucky asked me if I’d be interested in working with him (on) this original material he wanted to record… I was more than willing to do it.” The band rehearsed over the summer “to the point where it went pretty smoothly” by the time the three traveled to Greensboro.

The American Band Crescent-City Sound Studios Demo — Crescent-City Sound Studios demo, recorded in Greensboro, N.C. on 7/15/69

Fulton, Abbott and Dalton made the trek to Crescent City Sound Studios on July 15, 1969. Crescent City was founded by Walt Copeland, who managed the studio and doubled as chief engineer. Fulton says it seemed like a logical choice. He was familiar with the studio, having recorded there earlier with the Satisfactions.

The sessions were done in a single afternoon. The original master tapes are lost, but Dalton kept his copy of the mono acetate, which includes eight original songs written and sung by Fulton. The album is an eclectic mix of styles, incorporating rock, jazz, soul and classical music, with heavy fuzz guitar and Fulton’s Hammond organ.

The threesome provided the instrumental backing, save for a session violinist who contributed to one track. While the band provided sheet music, Fulton remembers that the violinist “never did get his part right.” At one point, Dalton stood in front of him, waving his arm on each beat. In retrospect, Fulton wishes he had erased the part because the violinist was playing out of tune.

Most of the songs were performed live-to-tape in a single take, with very little overdubbing. Fulton did overdub piano parts and his vocals. In addition to organ, he also played a Fender Rhodes bass piano, ala the Doors. The band had rehearsed the arrangements and Dalton remembers that “there were some songs that Trucky planned to do some overdubs for vocals as well as maybe other parts; I think there was one that he played a recorder on.”  Dalton was excited because it was his “first and only real experience in a full fledged recording studio.” He recalls that the sessions were “pretty much straight in” and that he was only required to do overdubs on a couple of songs “and then it reached the point where we were done, meaning me and Larry, and we just left. I remember we left Trucky down there with the recording engineer.”

His only hesitation came when Fulton brought a Vox wah-wah pedal to the studio and asked that Dalton use it on some of the songs, most notably on the coda of “Beware of Falling Dreams.” While the band may have rehearsed with it once or twice, Dalton admits it was “kind of a new toy, so I had to fool around with it a little bit, but it went pretty well.”

There were no studio jitters. The band was well rehearsed and Dalton says he was comfortable with the arrangements. He knew what he “needed to do (and) just tried to go in and concentrate and do it.” And with the studio charging “a fairly hefty rate per hour,” there was an incentive to do it right the first time.

While the album holds up well, Fulton insists the sessions were “ill-conceived, in the sense that we tried to do too much in too short a time.” While the recordings are raw and include mistakes, he remembers the sessions as fun and “a good learning experience.” The three entered the studio with a plan to use the recordings to promote the band, “either to record companies or to get some good gigs, which we did with the Steel Mill job up in Richmond.”

The trip to Greensboro was highlighted in a story — “Band to Make Album” — that appeared in the Commercial Appeal, a weekly Danville newspaper known for its liberal stance on politics.

Describing their music at the time, Fulton said their style was unique, adding: “It’s partly classical rock, but mostly rock. Kids won’t be able to dance to some of it. But I don’t think that means it isn’t good. I mean you couldn’t dance to Beethoven, and he was good.”

For the newspaper photo shoot, the band posed in Truxton’s bedroom in front of a borrowed American flag. Fulton asked the photographer whether he thought his beard would show up in the picture. Not missing a beat, the photog replied: “Oh, in about two years.” Fulton also remembers that his father was none too pleased when the band picture appeared and his son had a cigarette dangling from his lips.

A few seconds of video of the band was also filmed around this time by Gary Gaddy, a friend from high school. The silent film is in color and was shot on a Super 8 camera. It provides a glimpse of the band rehearsing “Beware of Falling Dreams” in Fulton’s home. The camera pans from Fulton’s hands at the keyboards to a shot of a sweaty Abbott pounding the drums. There are a few frames of Dalton in sunglasses playing his Rickenbacker guitar before the film runs out.

The American Band only performed once, but it was a memorable gig. Fulton was a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall of 1969 when he approached concert organizers about playing at the Free U, which Fulton describes as “a short-lived hippie thing,” offering classes with no tuition. The venue was later known as the String Factory. The American Band opened for Bruce Springsteen and his group Steel Mill, which had just changed its name from Child so as not to be confused with another group by the same name that recorded for Roulette Records.

Fulton secured the band a supporting spot on the bill, largely on the strength of the acetate. He played their demo for the manager of the Free U, Russ Clem, who listened to several songs without saying a word. After taking it all in, he looked up and remarked: “It’s so refreshing to hear some really good original music”. Clem agreed to add the American Band to the show. While Fulton had never heard of Steel Mill or Springsteen, the group played regularly in Richmond and Fulton says they “were regional stars and had a good following there.”

The Richmond psyche group Morning Disaster may have also performed that day, but Fulton says the American Band was a last-minute addition and did not make the concert poster. The bands performed in an upstairs room and the attendees sat on the floor.

Kondors Photo 1966 — The Kondors, ca. 1966. L-R: Bobby Lewis, Burt Sparks, Darryl Hawkins, Jeff Fiske, Wayne Womble.

Jeff Fiske, whose family lived behind the Fultons on Confederate Avenue, had joined the American Band by this point and handled some of the lead vocals. Fiske was older than the other band members and fronted several local groups, including the Kondors, Manchesters and City Council when lead singer Charles Hairston was unavailable.

Fiske was drafted right out of high school and served in Vietnam in 1967-68, so he was anxious to get back into the band business. He said he was impressed by the musicianship of the American Band, noting the trio was “amazingly tight considering they hadn’t played together very long.”

His audition involved singing “A Whiter Shade of Pale” to Fulton’s accompaniment on organ. Fiske doesn’t recall how it came about and says he could have heard the band jamming or he may have been recommended by Mrs. Poindexter, another neighbor who was a big fan of the Kondors.

The band’s one-off performance at the Free U caught Dalton by surprise. He was still in high school and recalls finding out “with fairly short notice that Trucky had gotten us this gig in Richmond where he was going to school.”

Steel Mill American Band Poster — Nov. 20, 1969 poster promoting a Steel Mill concert in Richmond, VA. The American Band was a late addition and was not on the poster.

Dalton, Abbott and Fiske drove up to Richmond and were unloading their equipment for the sound check when Dalton was informed that he didn’t need to bring his amp, just his guitar. “So I show up with just my guitar wondering what kind of amp am I going to be playing through, but there was this nice guy who was telling me, ‘Here’s my amp, you can use it,’ and showing me a couple of tips on how we set up and everything. I only found out recently that the guy was Bruce Springsteen, which is really a big surprise for me because nobody ever gave me a clue that’s who we were playing with.”

The band opened the Richmond concert with “Beware of Falling Dreams.” Before the next number, Fulton turned to the audience and asked them to be kind because it was the group’s first performance. To his surprise, the comment was greeted with a round of applause. According to Fulton, their set was “very well received in spite of the fact that Steel Mill was much more of a mature act than we were.”

Fiske recalls that the place “was packed with all the audience sitting on the floor.” The crowd was “laid back, but appreciative of the band’s music.” The stage had a short walkway that extended into the audience and Fiske’s mike stand was placed on the extension. He said it “was very cool (to be) surrounded by those folks singing for them, and I thought the band sounded great that night.” While most of the attendees were waiting for the main attraction, he recalls that the American Band still “received a great response from most of them.”  Fiske was wearing his Vietnam boonie on stage that night, in the midst of demonstrations against the war. At some point he realized his apparent faux pas, but if anyone objected there were no complaints.

Fulton played Steel Mill’s Hammond B3 at the concert and was impressed with the keyboard player and Springsteen, who watched the American Band in the wings and cheered them on. Steel Mill already had quite a following in the Richmond area and Fulton remembers them performing “The War is Over” and “Sweet Melinda,” along with a cover of the Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

While Steel Mill played September 19 and 20, 1969 in The Center at Richmond’s Free University, Fulton says the American Band only performed one night. Photographs were made of the concert but have been lost to time.

Alice Cooper Matrix Titfield String Factory Richmond 1970 — Poster for Alice Cooper, the Matrix and Titfield at the String Factory in Richmond on Sept. 27, 1970.

This was to be the American Band’s first — and last — performance. The group parted ways shortly thereafter. Fulton insists there was no animosity about the break-up and says the logistics of keeping a Danville-based group together were just too difficult with the leader a full-time student at VCU and the other members attending high school three hours away. Dalton concurs and says the distance separating the band made it impossible to continue, adding that “we just kind of understood that this probably was gonna be it.”

1969-70 was a year of musical growth for Fulton, who became well-integrated with the Richmond music scene. His band Matrix opened for Jethro Tull that November, playing a set of Fulton’s compositions, including the 20-minute suite, “Miscarriage.” Reviewers described Matrix as “a strangely original group” whose music was as good “as any band heard on record or off.” Some of Fulton’s cohorts from that year are still involved in projects with him today under the band name Play Innocent.

As for the other American Band members, Walter Dalton moved to the Norfolk area, where he lives today. Larry Abbott remained in Danville. Sadly, he died in 2010. Jeff Fiske continues to live and work in Danville.

Article by Jack Garrett

Categories: Cameo, Columbus, Jamie, Ohio

The Dantes

November 19, 2014 Chris Bishop 4 Comments

I found mint copies of the first two 45s by the Dantes in company sleeves, and they were so cool I had to put scans of them up on the site with something about this quintessential mid-60s band.

Barry Hayden – lead vocals
Dave Workman – lead guitar
Lynn Wehr – rhythm guitar
Carter Holliday – bass
Joe Hinton – drums

The Dantes formed about 1964 in Columbus, Ohio suburb of Worthington. Though they drew inspiration from the Rolling Stones and covered Stones songs live and on their records, their first single displays an original and catchy style. “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” begins with quick finger picking more like something from the Byrds until the opening vocals come blasting out at the listener. The rhythm section chugs along with a sound peculiar to styrene discs.

Although it made #1 on Columbus station WCOL, the single didn’t break out nationally. Song writing credits are to Harvey-Wehr for Doraflo Music BMI, arranged by lead guitarist Dave Workman.

The flip “80-96” starts out like the Yardbirds’ “I Ain’t Done Wrong” then settles into a bluesy instrumental. According to Buckeye Beat the band wanted to call this song “8-69” but Jamie insisted it was too suggestive a title. Writing credits are to Dantes-Weber. Released in March 1966 on Jamie 1314, both sides are listed as “A Sire Production for B.J.R. Productions”.

According to an article in the Mansfield News-Journal, their manager was DJ Johnny Garber, while a later article from January 1968 discusses Garber and Chuck Swisher co-managing the group.

In late September, 1966 the Dantes released their second 45, this time on the Cameo label, a cover of the Stones “Under My Thumb” with a good version of “Can I Get a Witness” (which the Stones also did) on Cameo 431, the labels reading “a Richards Production”.

An article in the Newark Advocate from May 9, 1968 mentions Dave Workman had left the band and formed Dave Workman’s Blues Group with other Columbus musicians. Dave’s leaving may have led to a softening of the band’s sound, evident on their last 45 in October 1968. Featuring horns and a pop sound, the A-side was a cover of another Stones song, “Connection” backed with the band original “Satisfied”. Walt Masky produced the record, coordinated by Jerry Sharell; it was released on the Main Line label.

The band lasted until about January 1969, at which point they changed their name to Moonstone. The Circleville Herald has an ad for one Moonstone gig in January with the Fifth Order and the Young Generation, and another in April ’69 with the Tree and the Fifth Order. After this Moonstone and the Dantes seem to disappear.

Any photos or info on the band would be appreciated.

Categories: England, London

Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London

November 19, 2014 Nick Warburton 87 Comments

The Black Prince Hotel in Bexley, southeast London was a popular live music venue during the 1960s. I’ve started to compile a list of artists that performed there and would welcome any additions and corrections as well as any memories of the pub. This is an incomplete listing

1964

12 April – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

17 May – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

31 May – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)

21 June – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

5 July – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)

23 August – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

12 September – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

18 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

29 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

6 December – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

1965

All of the listings below for 1965 are from Melody Maker unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.

I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.

Peter Hicks, who was a member of The Down & Outs, has a newspaper clipping of his band in the scrapbook section of his website which notes that the band opened for The Animals, The Mark Leeman Five and The Moody Blues at this venue (most likely 1965).

3 January – The Graham Bond Organisation

10 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

17 January – Tony Knight’s Chessmen

24 January – The Downliners Sect

31 January – The Spencer Davis Group

7 February – The Moody Blues

14 February – The Animals

21 February – The Graham Bond Organisation with The Epitaph Soul Band (confirmed by article in Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

28 February – Buddy Guy with Rod Stewart and The Soul Agents (with Rod Stewart)

7 March – The Mark Leeman Five

14 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

21 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

28 March – The Downliners Sect

4 April – The Moody Blues

The Just Blues appeared on one occasion when The Moody Blues played here (see John Farrier’s comment below)

11 April – Long John Baldry

18 April – Alex Harvey Soul Band

25 April – The Graham Bond Organisation

2 May – The Five Dimensions and The Loose Ends

9 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

16 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds

23 May – Memphis Slim and Alex Harvey Soul Band

30 May – The Mark Leeman Five

6 June – Jack Dupree with The Mike Cotton Sound

13 June – The Graham Bond Organisation

20 June – The Artwoods

19 June – Jazz & Blues Festival with Dutch Swing College, Solomon Burke, Zoot Money, Unit 4 Plus 2, The Spencer Davis Group, The Downliners Sect, Alan Elsdon Jazzband, Brian Green New-O-Stompers, Epitaph Soul Band and The Loose Ends (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12

27 June – The Five Dimensions

4 July – Long John Baldry and Rod Stewart

11 July – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

18 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

25 July – The Spencer Davis Group and The Epitaphs Soul Band

The Epitaphs Soul Band featured Mick Fletcher on keyboards who went on to The New Generation (briefly Jimmy Cliff’s backing band), The Hamilton Movement (1966-1967) and The Amboy Dukes (1969-1970).

Earlier in their career, guitarist Del Grace was a member. He went on to The Big Wheel before joining Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede.

Andy Clark also played sax with them in late 1965 before switching to organ and joining The Big Wheel in spring 1966. He later played with The Fenmen (aka Kindness), Sam Gopal, VAMP and Clark-Hutchinson among others.

1 August – (Gary Farr &) The T-Bones

8 August – Alex Harvey Soul Band

15 August – The Graham Bond Organisation

22 August – The Blond Bombshell (from the US)

29 August – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

5 September – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

12 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

19 September – Steampacket

26 September – The Graham Bond Organisation

3 October – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds

10 October – Alex Harvey Soul Band

17 October – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

24 October – The Spencer Davis Group

31 October – T-Bone Walker

7 November – Steampacket

14 November – The Graham Bond Organisation

21 November – The Shevelles

28 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

5 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

12 December – missing

19 December – missing

26 December – missing

1966

All of the listings below for 1966 are from South East London Mercury unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.

I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.

2 January – missing

9 January – The Alan Price Set (Beat Instrumental)

16 January – missing

23 January – missing

30 January – The Spencer Davis Group

6 February – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band

13 February – The Graham Bond Organisation

The Big Wheel Soul Band opened for Graham Bond’s group at some point

20 February – missing

27 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

6 March – The Action

13 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

20 March – Melody Maker notes “Great blues singer from the US” (could this be John Lee Hooker?)

27 March – Steampacket

3 April – missing

10 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

17 April – Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band

24 April – The Moody Blues

1 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

8 May – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

15 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

22 May – missing

29 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

5 June – The Downliners Sect

12 June – Steampacket

19 June – The Shotgun Express

26 June – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror)

3 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and Eric Silk’s Stompers

10 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

17 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

24 July – The Alan Price Set (Fabulous 208 and Record Mirror)

30 July – The Graham Bond Organisation

7 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

14 August – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

21 August – The Shotgun Express

28 August – missing

4 September – The Moody Blues

11 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

18 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

25 September – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

2 October – The Shevelles

9 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

16 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

23 October – The Mike Cotton Sound

30 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

6 November – missing

13 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

20 November – The Downliners Sect

27 November – Guy Darrell

4 December – missing

11 December – Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

18 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

Fabulous 208 has Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band on 18 December

24 December – Mike Cotton Sound with support

1967

Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz.

I have listed the sources next to the entries. There are indications from some of the dates below that rock gigs occasionally happened on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well.

1 January – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

8 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

15 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

22 January – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)

29 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

5 February – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

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

19 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

26 February – Long John Baldry with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

5 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

12 March – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

14 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

19 March – Cliff Bennett’s Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

26 March – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

2 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

9 April – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

16 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

23 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

25 April – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

30 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

7 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Melody Maker)

14 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)

21 May – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

28 May – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

30 May – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

4 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary) South East London Mercury has The Coloured Raisins

11 June – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary)

18 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

25 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

2 July – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 July – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 July – Mike Cotton with Lucas (Phil Mackie’s diary)

30 July – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

6 August – Long John Baldry Show (aka Bluesology) (Phil Mackie’s diary)

13 August – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

20 August – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

27 August – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

3 September – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 September – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 September – Freddie Mack Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)

1 October – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

8 October – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

15 October – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)

22 October – Ben E King (Phil Mackie’s diary)

29 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

4 November – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

7 November – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

12 November – Dantalion’s Chariot (Phil Mackie’s diary)

19 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

26 November – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

3 December – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 December – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 December – Peter’s Green Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 December – The Shevelles and Terry Lightfoot Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

31 December – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Alan Elsdon’s Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

1968

Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz. I have listed the sources next to the entries.

7 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

14 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)

21 January – The Freddie Mack Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

28 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Phil Mackie’s diary)

4 February – The Cliff Bennett Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)

11 February – The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

18 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

25 February – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

3 March – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 March – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 March – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 March – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

31 March – The Impressions (Phil Mackie’s diary)

7 April – The Jeff Beck Group featuring Rod Stewart (Phil Mackie’s diary)

14 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

15 April – The Piccadilly Six (Swiss band) (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)

21 April – The Showstoppers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

28 April – The Cliff Bennett Band

5 May – Spooky Tooth (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 May – The Counts (Melody Maker – this was a Thursday)

12 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

19 May – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 May – The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

26 May – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

30 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

2 June – Lucas with The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 June – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 June – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers with The Satin Dolls (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 June – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

30 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

7 July – Diane Ferraz & The Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

14 July – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker)

21 July – Tony Gregory & The Counts (Melody Maker)

28 July – Traffic (Melody Maker)

4 August – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

11 August – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

18 August – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

25 August – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

1 September – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

8 September – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)

15 September – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

22 September – Timebox (Melody Maker)

29 September – The Drifters (Melody Maker)

6 October – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

12 October – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker – this is a Saturday)

20 October – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

27 October – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

3 November – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

10 November – Inez and Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)

17 November – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)

24 November – Ferris Wheel and Nepenthe (Melody Maker)

1 December – Garnet Mimms with Village Green (Melody Maker)

2 December – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)

8 December – Bandwagon (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

10 December – Simon K & The Meantimers and Olaf Grumps Kneed (Melody Maker/South East London Mercury – this was a Tuesday)

15 December – Timebox (Melody Maker)

22 December – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

28 December – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

1969

Judging by the gigs below, rock bands continued to play on Sundays with occasional gigs on other days of the week.

5 January – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)

12 January – Root and Jenny Jackson (Melody Maker)

19 January – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

26 January – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

2 February – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

South East London Mercury has The Nice not Spooky Tooth

9 February – Happy Magazine (Melody Maker)

16 February – The Fantastics (Fabulous 208)

Melody Maker has Timebox for the 16 February gig as does South East London Mercury

23 February – Freddie King and Steamhammer (Melody Maker)

Martin Coller got in touch and noted that The Nice were billed to play on 23 February according to Martyn Hanson’s book “Hang on To Dream: The Story of The Nice”.

2 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

9 March – Interstate Road Show (Melody Maker)

16 March – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

23 March – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

30 March – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

2 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker – this was a Wednesday)

6 April – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

13 April – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

20 April – Timebox (Melody Maker)

27 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

4 May – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

11 May – Toast (Melody Maker)

18 May – Howlin’ Wolf (Melody Maker)

25 May – The Riot Squad (Melody Maker)

1 June – No listing in Melody Maker

8 June – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

15 June – John Lee Hooker with The John Dummer Blues Band (Melody Maker)

22 June – Consortium (Melody Maker)

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

6 July – Timebox (Melody Maker)

13 July – The Platters (Melody Maker)

20 July – The Joyce Bond Show (Melody Maker)

27 July – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

3 August – The Brian Auger Trinity (Time Out)

10 August – Trapeze (Melody Maker)

17 August – The Globe Show (Melody Maker)

24 August – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

31 August – Timebox (Melody Maker)

7 September – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

14 September – The Cliff Bennett Show (Melody Maker)

21 September – Linda Lewis and Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

28 September – The Dave Amboy Big Band (Melody Maker)

5 October – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker)

12 October – Zoot Money (Melody Maker)

19 October – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

25 October – The Brian Auger Trinity (Melody Maker)

2 November – Marv Johnson (Melody Maker)

9 November – Timebox (Melody Maker)

16 November – Freddie King (Melody Maker)

23 November – No entry in Melody Maker

30 November – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

7 December – The Dave Amboy Band (aka The Amboy Dukes) (Melody Maker and Keith Guster’s diary)

According to Keith Guster, this was the reformed version featuring Keith Guster and Tago Byers from The Fleur De Lys and former Hamilton Movement keyboard player Mick Fletcher.

14 December – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

16 December – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

21 December – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker)

1970

8 February – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

27 September – Black Widow and Amazing Grace (Poster from Roy Saxby)

4 October – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)

11 October – Caravan (Poster from Roy Saxby)

18 October – Chicken Shack (Poster from Roy Saxby)

25 October – The Greatest Show on Earth (Poster from Roy Saxby)

1 November – Blodwyn Pig (Poster from Roy Saxby)

6 December – The Faces featuring Rod Stewart with Daniels Band (Poster from Roy Saxby)

13 December – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)

20 December – Toe Fat with Albuquerque-Riccoti (Poster from Roy Saxby)

24 December – The Greatest Show on Earth with Tony Simon’s Progressive Show (Poster from Roy Saxby)

27 December – Argent (Poster from Roy Saxby)

31 December – Patto (Poster from Roy Saxby)

Categories: England, London

The Scotch of St James, 13A Masons Yard, Mayfair

November 18, 2014 Nick Warburton 12 Comments

Listing for October-November 1967. See below

The Scotch of St James, situated at 13A Masons Yard, Mayfair, London was a notable music venue in the 1960s and a popular hang out for rock musicians, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Jimi Hendrix also made his first UK appearance at the Scotch in September 1966.

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

This exclusive Mayfair establishment was primarily a late night members club with gambling but did put on live music occasionally (see The Stormsville Shakers gigs immediately below). It was officially opened as a late night club offering regular live music from 14 July 1965.

1965

Drummer Tony Richard says that his band The Fetish Crowd played at the Scotch of St James, which would have been the 1965-1966 period.

Singer James Nairn (aka James Royal) notes that his bands James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set both performed at the club.

7 May (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

Phillip Goodhand-Tait kept diaries from 1961 onward and notes that his band The Stormsville Shakers were paid to play the Scotch on the above date. They arrived at 7.30pm and finished at 2am on the Saturday morning after playing three spots of 35 minutes. They were re-booked at the Scotch for the two dates below.

14 May (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

15 May (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

According to London Life magazine’s 9-15 October issue, The Marionettes were the resident band during this week. They were also listed for 16-22 October, 23-29 October and 30 October-5 November.

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

The Krew (who backed Beryl Marsden and Steve Aldo) played at the Scotch of St James around the middle-to-end of the first week of November, according to keyboardist Alan Reeves’ book. The Krew featured sax player Howie Casey who later did sessions for Paul McCartney & Wings.

9 November (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (backed either by The Links or The Maroons) with The Krew (Alan Reeves’s book Sex, Booze & Blues)

Bruno Ceriotti says that Wilson Pickett’s guitarist Jimmy Owen was joined by three members of The Animals.

3 December/4 December (Friday/Saturday) – The Krew (an advert in the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette has the band playing at Kirklevington Country Club on Sunday, 5 December and says the band came direct from the Scotch Club)

8 December (Wednesday) – Major Lance (Record Mirror)

21 December (Tuesday) – Joe Tex (Melody Maker)

Record Mirror lists the Joe Tex gig as 16 December.

1966

Sometime during January 1966, The Krew backed US soul singer Fontella Bass for one night, according to Alan Reeves’s book Sex, Booze & Blues.

5 January (Wednesday) – Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

Bluesology’s keyboard player was Reg Dwight, who became famous as Elton John.

11 January (Tuesday) – The Exciters (Record Mirror)

3 February (Thursday) – Stevie Wonder (probably backed by The Sidewinders) (Melody Maker)

According to an advert in the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette for a show at the Kirklevington Country Club on 13 February, it says The Gass were residents at the Scotch of St James around this time.

According to the South East London Mercury, The Loose Ends began playing at the Scotch of St James three times a week for three months in the week starting 21 February (see clipping above).

The Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser lists a gig for The Manchester Playboys at the Club Creole in Wilmslow, Cheshire on 25 February 1966 and says the band are direct from the Scotch of St James.

17 March (Thursday) – Irma Thomas with The Sons of Adam (website: https://dungeonmods.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/life-of-a-local-band/)

30 March (Wednesday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary)

Melody Maker and Record Mirror both report that Martha & The Vandellas played at the Scotch of St James on 30 March.

1 April (Friday) – Episode Six (audition) (Brian Long’s research)

According to London Life magazine from 14-20 May, the three resident bands for this week were The VIPs, Gass and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)

20 May (Friday) – Ben E King (London Life magazine)

According to London Life magazine for the week 28 May to 3 June, the three resident bands for this week were The VIPs, Gass and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)

The same magazine notes that the three resident bands for the week 11-17 June were The VIPs, The Loose Ends and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)

26 June (Sunday) – The Loose Ends (Fabulous 208)

This may be July not June so needs confirmation. However, The Loose Ends played in Stockton-on-Tees on Saturday, 25 June according to the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette and the advert notes they came from the Scotch of St James so it’s possible they played the week leading up to 25 June.

7 July (Thursday) – Norma Tanega (Record Mirror)

26 July (Tuesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

29 July (Friday) – Joe Tex (London Life magazine)

According to London Life magazine, The Loose Ends, together with The VIPs and The Paramounts were the three resident bands playing at the Scotch of St James during the week 30 July to 5 August.

10 August (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

Guster says that Alan Price invited him to join his band at this gig.

The Westminster & Pimlico News’ 12 August 1966 issue notes that Gass played the club 6-7 nights a week around this time.

11 September (Sunday) – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s research: http://www.badfingerlibrary.com/)

18 September (Sunday) – The Vibrations (needs source and confirmation but probably Melody Maker)

22 September (Thursday) – Jimi Hendrix solo (needs source and confirmation)

Apparently on the evening he’d arrived in the UK, Jimi Hendrix played a couple of songs as a solo act at the club.

23 September (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

24 September (Saturday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

26 September (Monday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

Jimi Hendrix sat in with The VIPs on 26 September – see Terry Ellis comment in the comments section below.

27 September (Tuesday) – The VIPs (needs confirmation)

28 September (Wednesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

Guitarist Vic Briggs says that Chas Chandler and Jimi Hendrix came into the Scotch of St James and sat in with the band. Brian Auger invited the American guitarist to sit in with the band at Blaises the following night, 29 September.

30 September (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

The Derby Evening Telegraph’s 1 October 1966 issue notes that Pepper’s Machine played the club recently.

3 October (Monday) – The Raylettes (London Life magazine)

7 October (Friday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)

Robin Trower had left The Paramounts in late June/early July and formed The Jamm, so Martin Shaw (no relation to the actor) was on lead guitar.

8 October (Saturday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)

13 October (Thursday) – The Trend (London Life magazine)

14 October (Friday) – The Trend (London Life magazine)

15 October (Saturday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

17 October (Monday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

18 October (Tuesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

19 October (Wednesday) – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jams with Cream (needs source and confirmation)

It has been noted that The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jammed with Cream at the Scotch of St James on 19 October (the alternative location was the Cromwellian). However, according to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book on the British blues boom, “Strange Brew”, Cream were playing at the Blue Moon in Cheltenham on this day.

According to London Life magazine, Tony & The Defenders played at the Scotch of St James during the week 22-28 October.

24 October (Monday) – Edwin Starr (possibly backed by The Guests) (London Life magazine)

25 October (Tuesday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (band’s debut as private showcase at the venue) (Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scotch_of_St._James)

29 October (Saturday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)

This was one of the band’s final gigs before splitting in November 1966. Gary Brooker formed Procol Harum the following spring.

31 October (Monday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (London Life magazine)

1 November (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (London Life magazine)

2 November (Wednesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

3 November (Thursday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

4 November (Friday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

5 November (Saturday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)

11 November (Friday) – Ben E King (London Life magazine)

18 November (Friday) – The Impressions (London Life magazine)

The Impressions featured future soul star Curtis Mayfield.

According to Disc & Music Echo on 26 November, Deep Feeling made their debut at the Scotch of St James around the week starting 21 November. Chris Curtis, Giorgio Gomelsky, Robert Stigwood, Speedy Acquaye and Beryl Marsden were among the guests.

According to Melody Maker, Bobby Darin sat in with Deep Feeling around early-to-mid December and played the drums.

London Life magazine reports that The Checkmates played at the Scotch of St James during the week 3-9 December.

The Manchester Independent notes that Manchester band The Powerhouse played at the venue during December.

7 December (Wednesday) – The Vibrations (London Life magazine)

8 December (Thursday) – The Young Rascals (Disc & Music Echo)

The magazine reports that Paul McCartney, Chas Chandler, Eric Burdon, Keith Moon, Brian Epstein and Bill Wyman are among the guests.

13 December (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

14 December (Wednesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

15 December (Thursday) – Bobby Hebb (Record Mirror)

The magazine says that Bobby Hebb came on at 1am. This is confirmed by London Life magazine, which notes the 14 December so it looks like Hebb came on stage after The Brian Auger Trinity had finished. Future Deep Purple bass player Nick Simper was in his backing band.

19 December (Monday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

20 December (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

21 December (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

22 December (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

23 December (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

24 December (Saturday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (London Life magazine)

28 December (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

29 December (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)

31 December (Saturday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Disc & Music Echo and London Life magazine)

1967

Guitarist Doug Ayers says that The All Night Workers played at the Scotch of St James (most likely in early 1967).

Jim Cregan, guitarist with Blossom Toes, remembers playing at the club and The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were there on the same night to catch his band performing.

Drummer Chris Hunt says The Good Time Losers played the club in the first half of 1967.

Tony Glyde remembers playing at the Scotch of St James with Simon K & The Meantimers in 1967-1968.

2 February (Thursday) – Edwin Starr (Evening Standard)

The Loose Ends were playing at the venue in late March/early April when the Stax-Volt show tour came in. This is where Otis Redding picked up singers Alan Marshall and Bob Saker and took them back to the US to record tracks at Fame Studios during June.

23 April (Sunday) – The Wages of Sin (Melody Maker)

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

Drummer Phil Wainman, who went on to produce The Sweet, remembers playing the club in May 1967 with Jack Hammer & The Hammer Jammers.

Keyboard player Mick Ketley says The Motivation/Penny Peeps played at the Scotch of St James on two occasions which would have been from May 1967 onwards.

7 May (Sunday) – The Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

The Loose Ends were performing at the Scotch of St James in early June 1967 when former Ram Jam guitarist Pete Gage brought singer Kenny Bernard into see the musicians. This led to the formation of Cats Pyjamas with some of the group members.

16 June (Friday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

The Manchester Playboys performed at the Scotch of St James and July seems the most likely period as they were in London gigging. Also Peter Simensky, who had joined the band recently, was a member at the time and he recalls singer Billie Davis working at the Scotch at the time.

Frank Torpey, who was lead guitarist with London band, The Tribe (and would go on to become the original lead guitarist in The Sweet), says that when the group was playing regular Saturday nights at the Marquee in Wardour Street between July-September, the Marquee’s owner John Gee would get a call from the Scotch of St James asking what band was on and would they like to double up? He says The Tribe always said yes as it was a great top up. Torpey adds that they never had another band on with them. He thinks they may have played at the Scotch maybe three or four times.

It sounds like The Tribe may have played the Scotch in the early hours of the Sunday morning after finishing up at the Marquee but this would need confirmation.

This insight is interesting as it might mean other groups that played the Marquee went on and played the Scotch of St James after finishing up.

1 July (Saturday) – The Tribe (Tony Bacon’s book, London Live)

The Tribe (which changed name to The Dream in late August 1967) played at the Marquee every Saturday from 1 July to 30 September according to Tony Bacon’s excellent book on the London music scene and its Marquee listings, so it’s impossible to know what Saturday evenings/early Sunday mornings The Tribe went on to play at the Scotch of St James afterwards. It’s also quite possible that the other band sharing the billing at the Marquee with The Tribe may have been asked as well (see Torpey’s recollections above).

7 July (Friday) – Vince Edwards (Fabulous 208)

8 July (Saturday) – The Manchester Playboys (Graham Sclater’s diary)

1 August (Tuesday) – The Manchester Playboys (Graham Sclater’s diary)

Timebox played at the Scotch of St James during August 1967. They had a Tuesday night gig at the Marquee so possibly played afterwards. Former Felders Orioles drummer John Halsey advertised in Melody Maker for a new band on Thursday, 17 August and auditioned with Timebox shortly afterwards at the Scotch.

29 August (Tuesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

According to the poster below for the Gloucester YMCA, The Official Receivers played at the Scotch of St James around October 1967.

30 October (Monday) – The Dave Davani Five (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

31 October (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website and Disc & Music Echo)

1 November (Wednesday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website – see above)

2 November (Thursday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

3 November (Friday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

4 November (Saturday) – Mud (Melody Maker)

6 November (Monday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

7 November (Tuesday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

8 November (Wednesday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

9 November (Thursday) – Ben E King (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

10 November (Friday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.

11 November (Saturday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

13 November (Monday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

14 November (Tuesday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

15 November (Wednesday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

16 November (Thursday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

17 November (Friday) – Mud (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

18 November (Saturday) – Mud (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

20 November (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

21 November (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

22 November (Wednesday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

23 November (Thursday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

24 November (Friday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

25 November (Saturday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

27 November (Monday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

28 November (Tuesday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

29 November (Wednesday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

30 November (Thursday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)

30 December (Saturday) – Kaleidoscope (Melody Maker)

1968

Iain Pitwell, Brian Mansell and Geoff Glover confirm that The All Night Workers played at the Scotch of St James regularly during the 1968-1969 period.

Mo Umansky says his band Mr Mo’s Messengers played at the venue, most likely in 1968.

26 January (Friday) – The Magic Roundabout (audition) (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)

3 February (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

6 February (Tuesday) – James & Bobby Purify (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

8 February (Thursday) – Edwin Starr (New Musical Express)

According to Melody Maker, Rupert’s People played at the Scotch of St James around the week starting 19 February.

27 February (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker)

According to Melbourne music magazine, Go-Set, Australian band The Groop played the Scotch of St James between early March and mid-April.

8 March (Friday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

23 March (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

4 April (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

1 May (Wednesday) – Ike & Tina Turner and Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

2 May (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

9 May (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

16 May (Thursday) – Edwin Starr & The State Express (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

20 May (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

5 June (Tuesday) – The Coasters (New Musical Express)

17 June (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

18 June (Tuesday) – Ruby & The Romantics (New Musical Express)

30 June (Sunday) – The Crystals (New Musical Express)

16 July (Tuesday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

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

3 August (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

5 August (Monday) – The Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

6 August (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

Rose’s gig was cancelled.

13 August (Tuesday) – Elmer Gantry (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

19 August (Monday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

21 August (Wednesday) – The Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

22 August (Thursday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

26 August (Monday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

7 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

10 September (Tuesday) – Ben E King (New Musical Express)

14 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

27 September (Friday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

28 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)

16 October (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

The New Musical Express lists Brook Benton for the 16 October.

12 November (Tuesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

18 November (Monday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

28 November (Thursday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)

12 December (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

17 December (Tuesday) – Bandwagon (New Musical Express)

18 December (Wednesday) – The Barrier (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

1969

Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott confirms that Gass played the Scotch of St James during the 1969-1970 period.

21 January (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

31 January (Friday) – The N’ Betweens (later became Slade) (Don Powell’s website)

24 February (Monday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker)

New Musical Express reports that Ben E King is backed by Chris Shakespeare Globe Show for his UK tour in February 1969.

10 March (Monday) – The Tymes (Melody Maker)

29 March (Saturday) – Ben E King (Time Out)

14 April (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Fabulous 208)

21 April (Monday) – Turnstyle and Steamhammer (Fabulous 208)

19 May (Monday) – Bob & Earl (John Warburg research)

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

24 June (Tuesday) – Girl Talk (Melody Maker)

21 July (Monday) – Jimmy Ruffin with Sweet Blindness (New Musical Express)

25 August (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Time Out)

1 September (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

4 September (Thursday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)

8 September (Monday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)

9 September (Tuesday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)

11 September (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

1970

28 January (Wednesday) – Lucas & The Soul Sounds (Melody Maker)

28 October (Wednesday) – Tear Gas (Melody Maker)

29 October (Thursday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

5 November (Thursday) – Legend (Melody Maker)

6 November (Friday) – Charge (Melody Maker)

7 November (Saturday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

8 November (Sunday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)

9 November (Monday) – Calum Bryce (Melody Maker)

Ted Hare’s gig diary for bands he managed, including Calum Bryce, have this group listed at the Scotch of St James on 10 November not the 9 November so possible there is a mistake here.

10 November (Tuesday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)

12 November (Thursday) – Fairfield Parlour (Melody Maker)

13 November (Friday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

14 November (Saturday) – Renea (Melody Maker)

16 November (Monday) – UFO (Melody Maker)

17 November (Tuesday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)

18 November (Wednesday) – Bubastis (Melody Maker)

19 November (Thursday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

20 November (Friday) – Mataya (Melody Maker)

23 November (Monday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

24 November (Tuesday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)

25 November (Wednesday) – Aquila (Melody Maker)

26 November (Thursday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)

27 November (Friday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

30 November (Monday) – Nick Twilley (Melody Maker)

1 December (Tuesday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)

2 December (Wednesday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)

1971

15 April (Thursday) – Octopus (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

6 May (Thursday) – Octopus (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

Categories: Bronx, Inner, New York, New York City

Mustache Wax

November 17, 2014 Chris Bishop 5 Comments

Daniel Lane (Danny Lutzky) – guitar
Richie Winston – 6 and 12 string guitar
David Knopf – bass
Lloyd Goldberg – drums and lead vocals
Eddie DiBiase – harmonica

I was very excited to track down a copy of this 45 only find it to be in nearly unplayable condition – if anyone has a nice spare please contact me!

Mustache Wax came from the Bronx, in Riverdale. This was the last of several lineups and band names they used before breaking up after high school. They recorded the 45 in a studio on 42nd St.

Eddie DiBiase came from Queens and was the connection to Inner Records, though I can’t find any other releases on that label. Eddie wrote the top site, “I’m Gonna Get You” published by Luv Music ASCAP.

I also like the flip, “On My Mind” alternately somber and quick, written by guitarist Danny Lane for Philonic Music, BMI.

The 45 was produced by Epstein-Schwartzberg, yet it’s also “A Vitale-Eden Production”.

Anyone have a photo of the group?

Info from David Knopf via Flower Bomb Songs.

Categories: England, London

El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London

November 17, 2014 Nick Warburton 15 Comments

The Spectres, February 1964. Photo: South East London Mercury

The El Partido in Lewisham, southeast London was located at 8-10 Lee High Road and was a popular spot for young Jamaicans and local mods.

There is a gig for The Spectres (who later morphed into Status Quo) who played here on 10 February 1964 and every Monday (see very top) which reveals that the club had originally operated under different management and closed sometime during 1964. It looks like the club re-opened on 12 December with The Beasts playing that evening.

The excellent Transpontine website notes that King Ossie Sound played at the club regularly. Other guests included Jamaicans Jimmy Cliff and The Duke Reid Sound.

Local R&B outfit, The Loose Ends, who cut two singles for Decca, were also house band at some point in late 1965.

I have started a gig list and would welcome any additions plus any memories of the venue, which was closed down in April 1967.

12 December 1964 – The Beasts

19 December 1964 – The Loose Ends

26 December 1964 – The Beavers

27 March 1965 – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and Mankinde

28 March 1965 – Duke Lee

31 March 1965 – The Hubbubs

1 April 1965 – Group Survival

2 April 1965 – The King Bees

3 April 1965 – The Loose Ends

4 September 1965 – The Eyes

9 September 1965 – The Duke Lee Sound System

10 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (upstairs)

10 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

11 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first session)

11 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (downstairs, first session)

11 September 1965 – Lou Johnson, Sonny Childe, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)

16 September 1965 – The Mixed Feelings (upstairs)

16 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

17 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee

18 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first and second session)

18 September 1965 – The Artwoods (downstairs, first session)

18 September 1965 – The Artwoods and The Loose Ends (downstairs, second session)

South East London Mercury has The Loose Ends with Lou Johnson on the above date

22 September 1965 – The Changing Times (upstairs)

22 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

23 September 1965 – The Plain Facts (upstairs)

23 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

24 September 1965 – Memphis Chucks (upstairs)

24 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell (upstairs, first session)

25 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs, first session)

25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)

26 September 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

29 September 1965 – The Minor Birds (upstairs)

The Minor Birds morphed into Mr Mo’s Messengers in 1967

29 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

30 September 1965 – The Sons of Fred and Duke Lee

1 October 1965 – Duke Lee

2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, The Spectres and Duke Lee (first session)

2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, Loose Ends, The Spectres and Duke Lee (second session)

The Spectres later morphed into Status Quo

3 October 1965 – Duke Lee

6 October 1965 – Kiko 6 and Duke Lee

7-8 October 1965 – Duke Lee

9 October 1965 – Dave Anthony’s Moods, Next of Kin and Duke Lee (first session)

9 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, Dave Anthony’s Moods, Duke Lee and Next of Kin (second session)

10 October 1965 – Duke Lee

13 October 1965 – Creeper’s Blues and Duke Lee

14 October 1965 – Diddley Daddies and Duke Lee

16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers and Duke Lee (first session)

16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers, Duke Lee and The Minor Birds (second session)

17 October 1965 – Bo Diddley and Duke Lee

20 October 1965 – Long, Short and Tall, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends

21 October 1965 – Under-mined and Duke Lee Sounds

22 October 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (first session)

23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Minor Birds and Duke Lee (second session)

24 October 1965 – Duke Lee

27 October 1965 – John Brown’s Bodies and Duke Lee

This version of John Brown’s Bodies were from Hammersmith and weren’t the same Brighton group that had Keith Emerson

28 October 1965 – Next of Kin and Duke Lee

29 October 1965 – Marshall Scott Etc and Duke Lee

30 October 1965 – The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee Sounds (first session)

30 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

31 October 1965 – Duke Lee

3 November 1965 – Blues Roots, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends

4 November 1965 – Deacon Louis GP and Duke Lee

5 November 1965 – Duke Lee

6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres and Duke Lee (first session)

6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

7 November 1965 – Duke Lee

10 November 1965 – The Nature’s Boys and Duke Lee

11 November 1965 – Lawlors Legs and Duke Lee

12 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee (first session)

13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

14 November 1965 – Duke Lee

17 November 1965 – The Links, The Fetish Crowd and Duke Lee

18 November 1965 – Sounds Anonymous and Duke Lee

19 November 1965 – Duke Lee

20 November 1965 – Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (first session)

20 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (second session)

21 November 1965 – Duke Lee

24 November 1965 – The New Jump Band and Duke Lee

25 November 1965 – Two Squared and Duke Lee

26 November 1965 – Duke Lee

27 November 1965 – The Panics and Duke Lee (first session)

27 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Panics and Duke Lee (second session)

28 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

1 December 1965 – Group Survival and Duke Lee

17 December 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

18 December 1965 – The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (first session)

18 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (second session)

19 December 1965 – Major Lance (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee

22 December 1965 – The Templars, The Cardinals and Duke Lee

24 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, Duke Lee and The Frank Sheen Sound

25-26 December 1965 – Duke Lee

31 December 1965 – Duke Lee

22 January 1966 – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and Duke Lee

23 January 1966 – The Exciters and Duke Lee

26 January 1966 – The Just Blues, The Wild Set and Duke Lee

28 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey and Duke Lee

29 January 1966 – Deakin Lewis and Duke Lee

30 January 1966 – The Drifters

11 February 1966 – Doris Troy (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee

12 February 1966 – The Panicks and Duke Lee

13 February 1966 – Duke Lee

16 February 1966 – Duke Lee and various groups

18 February 1966 – Inez and Charlie Foxx

25 March 1966 – Wilson Pickett with King Ossie Sounds (Wilson Pickett didn’t show)

26 March 1966 – Time Box, The Raisins and King Ossie Sounds

1 April 1966 – Don Covay and King Ossie Sounds

8 April 1966 – Jimmy Cliff (backed by New Generation?) with The Raisons, King Ossie Sound and Duke Reid

9 April 1966 – The New Jump Band with The King Ossie Sound

10 April 1966 – Don Covey with The King Ossie Sound

11 April 1966 – Owen Gray and Jackie Edwards with The Raisons and King Ossie Sound

22 May 1966 – The Charmers (with Carl Douglas)

11 June 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Charmers

18 June 1966 – The Partizans

4 August 1966 – Jimmy Cliff

2 September 1966 – The James Royal Set

24 September 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

1 October 1966 – Timebox

15 November 1966 – The Iveys

6 January 1967 – Duke Lee

7 January 1967 – The Soul Trinity

13 January 1967 – Duke Lee

14 January 1967 – The Mellow Notes

20 January 1967 – Duke Lee

21 January 1967 – Ossie Layne & The Red Hot Band

4 March 1967 – Alan Marsh(all) & The Loose Ends

Sources:

Southeast London Mercury, Marmalade Skies website, Melody Maker and poster

Categories: England, London

Glenlyn Ballroom, Forest Hill, southeast London

November 17, 2014 Nick Warburton 18 Comments

Located at 15 Perry Vale, the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill, Southeast London was a popular venue for Mods in the early-to-mid 1960s.

The Who were regulars in the 1963-1964 period when they were known as The Detours and The High Numbers. Bobby King & The Sabres were also a resident band at the club throughout the mid-1960s.

I’ve started a list of artists that were advertised and would welcome any additions/corrections as well as any memories of the venue. I would also welcome any posters/band photos and will credit them accordingly.

1961

17 November 1961 – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1963

13 September 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

4 October 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

11 October 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

2 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 November 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

16 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Thanks to Clive Chase for sending the photo

6 December 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

Poster suggests Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers played on 6 December

7 December 1963 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Federals (Clive Chase’s gig diary/poster/Beat Monthly)

Poster suggests only The Federals played on this date

20 December 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

Poster suggests The Flintstones played on 20 December

21 December 1963 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1964

3 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

Pete Carter says The Rolling Stones played on 3 January 1964 – see comments section below

17 January 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

18 January 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bern Elliott & The Fenmen (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

John Warburg says The Hollies also performed on 24 January

31 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

1 February 1964 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Tin Pan Alley Ball) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 February 1964 – The Detours (or now called The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)

17 February 1964 – The Searchers (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

21 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bridget Bond & The Hysterics (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 March 1964 – The Paramounts with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 March 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

21 March 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

27 March 1964 – Graham Bond Organisation with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 April 1964 – The Who (this month they change name to The High Numbers) (Andy Neill’s research)

4 April 1964 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

10 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

13 April 1964 – Cilla Black with Sounds Incorporated and The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

This was before Jeff Beck joined The Tridents on lead guitar

17 April 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Redcaps (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

24 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

27 April 1964 – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

Jeff Beck didn’t join on lead guitar until early September.

2 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

8 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

15 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

16 May 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

25 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

29 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The High Numbers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

6 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

15 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

19 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Shorty & Them (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)

26 June 1964 – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

27 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 June 1964 – The High Numbers (revert back to The Who in November) (Andy Neill’s research)

10 July 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 July 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

31 July 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Geno Washington (most likely with Les Blues) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 August 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 August 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 August 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 September 1964 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 September 1964 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 September 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

2 October 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary) Beat Instrumental suggests that The Undertakers may have played here on this date but needs confirmation

3 October 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 October 1964 – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

Jeff Beck was lead guitarist with The Tridents by this point

16 October 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 October 1964 – The Yardbirds (Beat Instrumental)
Needs confirmation

30 October 1964 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 November 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

I have The Graham Bond Organisation for 6 November but this may have been a different date

20 November 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Federals (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 November 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 November 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 December 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Bobby King & The Sabres. Photo: Clive Chase

1965

8 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 March 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 March 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 March 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

2 April 1965 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 April 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

16 April 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Wranglers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 April 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 May 1965 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 May 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 May 1965 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 May 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 May 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 June 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 June 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 July 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 July 1965 – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

23 July 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Symbols (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 August 1965 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

14 August 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 August 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Majority (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 August 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 September 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 September 1965 – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

24 September 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Sounds Incorporated (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 October 1965 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 October 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bern Elliott (& The Klansmen?) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 October 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 October 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Robb Storme & The Whispers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 October 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Loose Ends (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

10 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The VIPs (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

17 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 November 1965 – The Downliners Sect with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 November 1965 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Jimmy Brown (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Clique (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

17 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 December 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1966

1 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 January 1966 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 January 1966 – The Birds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 January 1966 – The Who with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 January 1966 – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

26 January 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 January 1966 – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research and South East London Mercury)

29 January 1966 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

2 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Brian Long’s research and South East London Mercury confirm Episode Six also played on 5 February

9 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 February 1966 – The Shevelles with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 February 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

26 February 1966 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and Melody Maker)

2 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 March 1966 – James Royal & The Hawks with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and South East London Mercury)

5 March 1966 – The Nite People (South East London Mercury and Barry Curtis’ gig diary)

9 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 March 1966 – Robb Storme & The Whispers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 March 1966 – The Loose Ends with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 March 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 April 1966 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and South East London Mercury)

16 April 1966 – The Symbols (South East London Mercury)

20 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 April 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 April 1966 – The Birds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 May 1966 – Persuasion with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 May 1966 – The Quiet Five with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

25 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

South East London Mercury and Melody Maker confirm that The Action also played on 27 May

28 May 1966 – The Loose Ends (Melody Maker)

29 May 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

1 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

15 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 June 1966 – The Carl Douglas Set (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

22 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

25 June 1966 – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

29 June 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

2 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 July 1966 – Dave Antony’s Moods with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary and Fabulous 208)

13 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 July 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

29 July 1966 – The Loose Ends (Fabulous 208)

5 August 1966 – The Fenmen (South East London Mercury)

6 August 1966 – The Creed with Graham Bell & The Trend (South East London Mercury)

10 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

12 August 1966 – Alan Bown Set (poster from Richard Goddard)

13 August 1966 – The Good Goods (poster from Richard Goddard)

17 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

24 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 August 1966 – The Beachcombers (South East London Mercury)

31 August 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

2 September 1966 – The Coloured Raisins (South East London Mercury)

3 September 1966 – The Cast (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely with The Klooks in support

7 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 September 1966 – The Soul Sounds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 September 1966 – Dave Antony’s Moods (South East London Mercury)

21 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 September 1966 – The Creation with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 September 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 September 1966 – The Paramounts (South East London Mercury)

The Paramounts split up not long after this gig

1 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

5 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 October 1966 – The Tribe with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

8 October 1966 – The Beachcombers (South East London Mercury)

12 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

14 October 1966 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

15 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

19 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

21 October 1966 – The Soul Sounds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

22 October 1966 – Five’s Company (South East London Mercury)

26 October 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

28 October 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

29 October 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

The Klooks at Glenlyn Ballroom. Photo: Pete Carter

2 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

4 November 1966 – The Showtimers (South East London Mercury)

9 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 November 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

16 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

18 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (South East London Mercury)

The above gig isn’t in Clive’s diary

19 November 1966 – The Beachcombers (South East London Mercury)

23 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

25 November 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

30 November 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

7 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

9 December 1966 – The Ways & Means and The Klooks (Pete Carter’s poster)

10 December 1966 – Mr Hip & The Soul Band and The Klooks (Pete Carter’s poster)

14 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

16 December 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

17 December 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

21 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 December 1966 – Unknown group (South East London Mercury) Pete Carter says this was most likely The Klooks

24 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Klooks (Clive Chase’s gig diary/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

28 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

30 December 1966 – The Information and The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

31 December 1966 – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208) Pete Carter’s gig diary has The Showtimers and The Klooks on this date

1967

4 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

6 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

7 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

11 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

13 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

14 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

18 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

20 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

21 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

25 January 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

27 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

28 January 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

1 February 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

3 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

4 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

8 February 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

10 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

11 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

15 February 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

17 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

18 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

24 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

25 February 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

3 March 1967 – The Iveys with The Klooks (Tom Brennan’s research/Pete Carter’s gig list)

10 March 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede with The Klooks (Ken Baxter’s diary/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

17 March 1967 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

18 March 1967 – The Escorts with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

24 March 1967 – The Summer Set with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

25 March 1967 – The Cossacks with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

31 March 1967 – Jimmy Frog & The Bean Machine with The Klooks (South East London Mercury/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

1 April 1967 – The Iveys with The Klooks (Tom Brennan’s research/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

7 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

8 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

14 April 1967 – The Iveys with The Klooks (Tom Brennan’s research/Pete Carter’s gig diary)

15 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

22 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

29 April 1967 – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s gig diary)

Pete Carter says The Klooks played seven more Saturdays. However, when they turned up on 24 June, they were unable to play and the club closed.

Huge thanks to Rolf Hannett for sharing Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental dates

Categories: England, London

Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London

November 17, 2014 Nick Warburton 12 Comments

Chislehurst Caves in the south eastern suburbs of London is a 22 miles long series of tunnels. During the 1960s, the caves were used as a music venue and many notable artists played there, including David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, to name a few.

I have started to compile a list of artists that played and would welcome any additions. Also, I would welcome any memories of the caves from that period.

14 March 1964 – The Lonely Ones, The Corvettes, The Maniacs, The Outcasts, The Rockabeats and Band Seven (Kent Messenger)

14 May 1965 (Friday) – The Epitaph Souls, The Forerunners, Danny & The Torinos, The Two Squared, The Great Expectations, Hamilton King’s Blues Messengers and Brian Something and The What’s Its (Melody Maker)

11 February 1966 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect (South East London Mercury) (opened the caves as a music venue)

25 February 1966 (Friday) – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)

4 March 1966 (Friday) – David Bowie & The Buzz (South East London Mercury)

11 March 1966 (Friday) – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

18 March 1966 (Friday) – Deacon Lewis (South East London Mercury)

8 April 1966 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (South East London Mercury and Melody Maker)

29 April 1966 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)

6 May 1966 (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Melody Maker)

20 May 1966 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

1 July 1966 (Friday) – The Yardbirds (Record Mirror)

15 July 1966 (Friday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)

29 July 1966 (Friday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)

5 August 1966 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)

28 October 1966 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

16 December 1966 (Friday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)

30 December 1966 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker and Disc & Music Echo)

6 January 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

27 January 1967 (Friday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (needs source but probably Melody Maker)

17 February 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

17 March 1967 (Friday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

14 April 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

19 May 1967 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

7 July 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

11 August 1967 (Friday) – The Nervous System (Melody Maker)

6 October 1967 (Friday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Kathy Doughty’s memories – see comments below)

14 October 1967 (Saturday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Fabulous 208)

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

8 December 1967 (Friday) –Pink Floyd (possibly Melody Maker but might be South East London Mercury)

9 February 1968 (Friday) – The Herd (South East London Mercury)

Categories: Holladay, Palladium, Salt Lake City, Utah

The In Mates

November 15, 2014 Chris Bishop 2 Comments

The In Mates came from Holladay, Utah, a suburb east of Salt Lake City. Randy Teal wrote “London Town” and Sam Parsons, who was not in the group, wrote “The Same”. Both songs are steady ’60s pop with harmony vocals and a good balance between the clean guitar work, organ and the rhythm section. Both songs have a touch of melancholy; “London Town” has a richer arrangement and harmonies, while “The Same” is more upbeat.

This 45 was released in January, 1967 on Palladium P-5011. I don’t know of any other releases on this Palladium label (there were others). Publishing by Le Mon Music, BMI.

Randy Teal wrote to me:

The members of the band were: myself on lead guitar and lead vocals, Randall Chase drums and vocals, John Foster rhythm guitar and back up vocals, Lane Clissold organ and Don Hancock bass guitar and vocals. The band lasted about three years.
We were all actually from Holladay, Utah not Kearns. I think Sam Parsons was from Kearns although, I never met him. When we went into the studio to record “London Town” we didn’t have a decent song for our B side. Our manager and producer at the time had access to Sam’s song “The Same”, so we learned it and recorded it the same day we did London Town.
I played in a variety of bands throughout the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s on up to the present including a trio with Tony Decker and Dean Widen from Fargo. In seventh grade I met Bob Holman who would end up drumming with Fargo and we were in our first band together in 1964.
In the early eighties I was in a band called Haymaker which had a lot of success playing in and around the inter-mountain west. From that band our steel guitar player Brooke Langton went on to play with Marie Osmand and Pam Tillis and is still very active in the music scene in Austin Texas.
I continue to play in a trio called The Fall River Ramblers doing all original Americana music and playing festivals throughout the western united states. I released a CD of all original music in 2010. You can view our website at fallriverramblers.com.
Randy S. Teal

Garage Hangover

The Speakeasy, 48 Margaret Street, London

The American Band: Beware of Falling Dreams

The Dantes

Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London

The Scotch of St James, 13A Masons Yard, Mayfair

Mustache Wax

El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London

Glenlyn Ballroom, Forest Hill, southeast London

Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London

The In Mates

The site for '60s garage bands since 2004