This Hounslow, Middlesex-based group was featured in the Hounslow, Brentford & Chiswick Post in the early months of 1968.
The line up was:
Kalvin Starr (real name: Ken Nichols) – vocals, guitar
Eddy Davis – organ
Ray Wilson – tenor sax
Derek Johnson – trumpet
Alan Blackman – bass
Mick Nichols – drums
I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any more to the band’s history.
Found an entry in the Harrow Weekly Post on an East Acton group called The Vectors.
The line up around July 1965:
Phil Hanlon – vocals, harmonica
Tony Ballinger – lead guitar
Stewart Hanlon – rhythm guitar
Keith Tritton – bass
Roy King – drums
I would welcome any further information on this band.
Besides Greenford’s more famous Starlite Ballroom, the town’s Byron Hotel was also a popular venue for up and coming bands throughout the 1960s. I have started to compile a list of groups that were advertised playing there and would welcome any additions/corrections.
1964
I have only a few advertised listings for 1964 and would welcome any additions. The Club New Yorker operated on Thursdays and the Beach Club on Sundays
9 February – The Midnites (Dave Brogden’s diary)
9 April – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
12 April – The Tornados and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
16 April – The Heartbeats (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
19 April – The Brookmen and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
23 April – The Corona with Chris & The Bluebeats (Club New Yorker) (Greenford Post)
26 April – Group One and Betty & The Fireflys (Beach Club) (Greenford Post)
30 April – Russ & The Sabres (Club New Yorker) (Greenford Post)
3 May – The Forerunners and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
7 May – Chris & The Bluebeats and Guitars Incorporated (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
10 May – The Pacifics and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
14 May – The Partisans and Group One (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post) Harrow Weekly Post has The Heartbeats instead of The Partisans
17 May – The Sarinos and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
21 May – The Partisans (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 May – The Clansmen and Group One (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 May – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post) The Ruislip & Northwood Gazette has The Heartbeats on this date
31 May – The Unknowns and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
7 June – The Challengers and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
11 June – The Formula (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
14 June – The Chats and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post) Looks like The Bluebeats replaced The Chats
18 June – The Heartbeats Ltd (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
21 June – The Hearz Corp and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
25 June – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
28 June – The Cerinos and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
2 July – The Sabres (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post) Looks like The Unknowns replaced The Sabres
5 July – The Renegades and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
9 July – Russ & The Sabres and The David Clark Group (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
12 July – Cops & Robbers and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
16 July – The Heartbeats Ltd (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
19 July – The Fournotes and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
23 July – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
26 July – The Spectres and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
30 July – The Challengers (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
13 August – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
16 August – The Southbeats and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
20 August – The Playboys (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
23 August – The Bo Brummels and Group One (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post) Looks like The Fourtunes replaced Bo Brummels, according to Uxbridge Post
27 August – The Heartbeats (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
30 August – The Premiers and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
3 September – Russ & The Sabres (Club New Yorker) (Uxbridge Post)
6 September – The Icenis and Group One (Beach Club) (Uxbridge Post)
13 September – Group One and The Mike Dee Combo (Beach Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
17 September – The Challengers (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
20 September – Group One and Beat Generation (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
24 September – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
27 September – Group One and The Sycons (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1 October – The Playboys and Gravediggers (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
4 October – Group One and The Sparans (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
8 October – 5’s Company (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
11 October – Group One and The Crescendos (Beat Club) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 October – The Heartbeats and Crossfires (Election night special) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 October – Group One and Avantis (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
22 October – The Orbits (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 November – Group One and Some Other Guys (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
5 November – Diane & The Londoners and The Road Runners (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
8 November – Group One and The Berrys (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
12 November – 5’s Company and The Limets (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
15 November – Group One and The Sycons (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
19 November – The Heartbeats Ltd and The Metros (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
22 November – Group One and Sounds 5 (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
26 November – The Orbits and The Beatvendors (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
6 December – The Sidewalks (John Warburg research)
13 December – Group One and The Notes (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
17 December – The Orbits and The Shanes (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
20 December – Group One and The Shackles (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
26 December – The Heartbeats and The Niteowls (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Observer & Gazette) Ruislip & Northwood Gazette has The Side Kicks instead of Niteowls
27 December – Group One and Mink Creeds (Beat Club) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1965
I have only a few advertised listings for 1965 and would welcome any additions
Judging by the original posters that Ken Samuels has very kindly provided below, the Club New Yorker operated on Thursdays and the Beach Club on Sundays
1 January – Four Sounds and Shades of Night (Club New Yorker) (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
7 January – The Challengers and King Tadpole (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 January – Group One and The Electrons (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 January – The Heartbeats and The Invokers (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Harrow Weekly Post)
24 January – Group One (resident band) and Brothers Grimm (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 January – The Orbits and Units (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
4 February – The Heartbeats Ltd and The Southerns (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
7 February – Group One (resident band) and The Beat Vendors (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
11 February – Bros Grimm and The Devil Riders (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
14 February – The Invokers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
18 February – Four Jacks & Joker and The Electrons (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster/Harrow Weekly Post)
21 February – Group One (resident band) and The Allies (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster/Harrow Weekly Post)
25 February – The Orbits and Nemo & The Unknowns (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
28 February – Group One (resident band) and The Phantom Creed (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster/Harrow Weekly Post)
7 March – Group One (resident band) and Dezebows (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 March – Brothers Grimm and The Turnkeys (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 March – Group One (resident band) and The Fairlaines (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 March – Group One (resident band) and The E-Types (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 March – The Heartbeats and The Reasons (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
4 April – Group One (resident band) and The Quantrells (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 April – Brothers Grimm and Peeple (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 April – Group One (resident band) and The Chosen Few (Beach Club) (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 April – Group One (resident band) and The Modes (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
22 April – Great Expectations and Miston-Tuac (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 April – Group One (resident band) and Swamp River Group (Beach Club) (Harrow Weekly Post)
29 April – The Heartbeats and Beat Syndicate (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post)
2 May – Group One (resident band) and The Sneakers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
6 May – 5’s Company and The Gweex (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post/Ken Samuels’ poster)
9 May – Group One (resident band) and Down South (Harrow Weekly Post/Ken Samuels’ poster)
13 May – The Fairlanes and The Altones (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
16 May – Group One (resident band) and The Prowlers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
20 May – Rhythm 4 and The Crowd (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
23 May – Group One (resident band) and The Richochets (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
27 May – The Orbits and Senate 4 (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
30 May – Group One (resident band) and The Kynde (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
3 June – The Shannons and The Proudwalkers (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
6 June – Group One (resident band) and The Shades of Blue (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
10 June – The Beatwaves and Flight One (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
13 June – Group One (resident band) and The Town Criers (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
17 June – The Orbits and The Nitewalkers (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
20 June – Group One (resident band) and Tyme Flys (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
24 June – Rhythm 4 and Bruce Lloyd Hi-Fi’s (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
27 June – Group One (resident band) and Unit 5 (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
1 July – Flight One and The Railroaders (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
4 July – Group One (resident band) and The Set (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
8 July – 5’s Company and The Moonbeats (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
11 July – Group One (resident band) and The Apex (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
15 July – The Rhythm 4 and The Viking Lords (Club New Yorker) (Harrow Weekly Post/Ken Samuels’ poster)
18 July – Group One (resident band) and Combo 2000 (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
22 July – The Do Do’s (direct from Paris) and The Atlantic Blues (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
25 July – Group One (resident band) and The Middle Sounds (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
29 July – Bros Grimm and The Billtones (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
1 August – Group One (resident band) and Men Tuesday (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
5 August – The Sceptres and The Contours (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Expressions instead of The Sceptres
8 August – Group One (resident band) and The Wembeats (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
12 August – 5’s Company and The Peasants (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
15 August – Group One (resident band) and The Square Roots (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
19 August – Flight One and Y-The-L (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
22 August – Group One (resident band) and The Deils (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
26 August – Rhythm 4 and Pieces of Four (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
29 August – Group One (resident band) and The Branded (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
2 September – The Insects and The Blue Prints (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
5 September – Group One (resident band) and The Missing Links (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
9 September – The Expressions and Remnant Furds (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
12 September – Group One (resident band) and The Plainsmen (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
16 September – Flight One and The Tellers (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
19 September – The Hubbubs and Cyclons (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster) Harrow Observer & Gazette has Group One instead of The Hubbubs
23 September – 5’s Company and The Moonbeats (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
26 September – Group One (resident band) and The Characters (Beach Club) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
30 September – Rhythm 4 and The Section (Club New Yorker) (Ken Samuels’ poster)
3 October – Group One and The Byrd Herd (Middlesex Chronicle)
7 October – The Missing Links and The End Group (Middlesex Chronicle)
10 October – Group One and The Aboves (Middlesex Chronicle)
14 October – Great Expectations and Shades of Blue (Middlesex Chronicle)
17 October – Group One and Flamingos (Middlesex Chronicle)
21 October – Rhythm 4 and The Henchmen (Middlesex Chronicle) Greg Peck says that the group became The Motion soon after
24 October – Group One and The Clan (Middlesex Chronicle)
28 October – 5’s Company and The Shanes (Middlesex Chronicle)
31 October – Group One and The Legends (Middlesex Chronicle)
7 November – Group One and Corals (Middlesex Chronicle)
11 November – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Keystones (Middlesex Chronicle)
14 November – Group One and Confederates (Middlesex Chronicle)
18 November – The Sons of Fred and The Legends (Middlesex Chronicle)
19 November – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
21 November – Group One and The Arts Group (Middlesex Chronicle)
25 November – 5’s Company and Blue in Blues (Middlesex Chronicle)
5 December – Group One and William & The Conquerors (Middlesex Chronicle)
9 December – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Harmonies (Middlesex Chronicle)
12 December – Group One and The Sovereigns (Middlesex Chronicle)
16 December – 5’s Company and The Kards (Middlesex Chronicle)
19 December – Group One and New Jump Band (Middlesex Chronicle)
23 December – The Nite Hawks and No Names (Middlesex Chronicle)
26 December – Group One and Vampires (Middlesex Chronicle)
30 December – The Keystones and No Names (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1966
There are some gaps and would welcome any additions. Judging by the dates below, gigs appear to have taken place on Thursdays and Sundays
2 January – Group One and Witnesses (Middlesex Chronicle)
6 January – Y-The-L and Things Like Us (Middlesex Chronicle) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Maniacs plus folk blues
9 January – Group One and The Waik (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 January – The Maniacs and ‘folk blues’ (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 January – Group One and The Impact (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Hayes Gazette)
20 January – Rhythm 4 and The Doubles (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 January – Group One and The Embers (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 January – The New Jump Band and Diversion (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 February – Group One and The Lincolns (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 February – The 10 Maniacs and The Nameless Ones (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 February – Group One and The Midbeats (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 February – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Mode (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Middlesex Chronicle)
20 February – Group One and Foundations (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette) This isn’t the more famous Foundations
24 February – The Tributes and The T-Set (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 March – New Group One and George Bean & The Runners (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Hayes Gazette)
10 March – The Penny Blacks and Y-The-L (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Hayes Gazette)
13 March – Group One with Patsy and The Soundtracks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 March – 5’s Company and The Rest (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 March – Group One and The Discords (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 March – The Tributes and The Michigan Set (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 March – The Group One with Patsy and The Blue Shades (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
31 March – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The Legends (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 April – Group One and The Hi-Jacks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 April – The Penny Blacks and The Unamed (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 April – The In-Betweens (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 May – Group One and After 8 Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 May – The Beatwares and The Tramps (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 May – Group One and The City Blues (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 May – The Penny Blacks and The Night Shift (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 May – Group One and The Trades (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 May – 2×2 and Legal Matter (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 June – Group One and Someone Else (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 June – 5’s a Company (Five’s Company?) and The Skor (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 June – Group One with Barbara Ann and Imminent (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 June – The Keys and Den Oyzee (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 July – Group One with Barbara Ann & The Insects (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Weekly Post)
7 July – The Zombies and The Boots (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette) Not sure if this is Rod Argent’s Zombies
10 July – Group One and Miston-Tuac (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
14 July – The Zombies and Someone Else (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer) Not sure if this is Rod Argent’s Zombies
17 July – Group One and The Meteors (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 July – Insect and The Debtors (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 July – The Sultans and ‘Blues folk’ (Harrow Observer)
31 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 August – Group One and The Blackouts (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 August – 2×2 and The Unconcerned (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 August – Group One and The Mellows (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 August – Insect Conventions (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 August – Group One and Track One (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 August – 5’s Company and The Unconcerned (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 September – Group One and Blue Fringe (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
22 September – The Fortunes and Pam’s Goodies (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 October – Group One and Gravey Train (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 October – Group One and Alsops Fables (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 November – Group One and The PM Squares (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 November – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) and The 10 Boots (Middlesex Chronicle)
13 November – Group One and Take Five (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 November – Locomotion and The Priory Monks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 December – Group one and The Rave (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 December – The Flashbacks and The Sunsets (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 December – The Cage (Harrow Weekly Post)
15 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 December – Bobby King & The Sabres (Friday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 December – Five Steps Beyond (Saturday) (Paul Quinton’s gig diary and website: http://five-steps-beyond.simplesite.com/)
26 December – Group One and Gravey Train (Monday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1967
I have significant gaps in 1967 and would welcome any additions. Again, it looks like bands played on Thursdays and Sundays
1 January – Group One and Outer Limit (Harrow Weekly Post)
5 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 January – Group One and The Modern Blue Six (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 January – Bryans Kick and Phase Six (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 January – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 January – Group One and Cage Rage (probably Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 February – Group One (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 February – The Way Out, The Hub Bub Sound and Jeep Rongle (Saturday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 February – Group One, The Cage and Magog 5 (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 February – The Accent (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 February – The Penny Blacks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 February – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 February – 2×2 and The Falcons (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 March – 2×2 and Torque (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 March – The Keys and Safari (Monday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
30 March – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 April – The Flashbak’ks and The Corsairs (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette) The Harrow Observer lists The Corvettes
13 April – The Shameless and The Teaks (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
16 April – The Penny Blacks and Captain Rudley Group (Harrow Observer)
20 April – The Keys and The Situation (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
23 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 April – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
Geoff Chinnery, manager of The Dave Martin Group, confirms from his diary that the band auditioned at the venue on 27 April
29 April – The Keys and Locomotion (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 May – The Midnights (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
15 May – The Motive (Harrow Observer)
18 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 May – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
4 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
Geoff Chinnery, manager of The Dave Martin Group, confirms from his diary that the band was one of the two groups that performed on 4 June
8 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
11 June – The Keys and The Code (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 June – The Shameless and The Set (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
18 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
25 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 June – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 July – The Shameless and Tales of Justice (Saturday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
20 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 July – Karl G & The Arrows and Cameron’s Impact (Saturday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
27 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 July – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 August – The Arrows (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
10 August – The Motive (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
13 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 August – Karl G Arrows (Monday) (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
31 August – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
3 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
28 September – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
1 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
8 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
12 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
15 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
22 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
26 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
29 October – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
2 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
5 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
9 November – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer/Thames Valley Times)
12 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
16 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
19 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 November – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 November (Friday) Washington DCs and The Motives (Thames Valley Times)
30 November – The Gods and The Motives (Harrow Observer/Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Thames Valley Times) Locomotion replaced The Motives
3 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
7 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
10 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
14 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
17 December – Two groups (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
21 December – The Hummingbirds (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette/Harrow Observer)
24 December – The Arrows (Harrow Observer)
26 December – The Motive (Tuesday) (Harrow Observer)
31 December – The Nett (Harrow Observer)
1968
I have a lot of gaps in 1968 and would welcome any additions
17 March – Lemon Tree Men and Locomotion (Thames Valley Times)
19 April – The Firestones (Thames Valley Times)
26 July – Pinkerton’s Colours (Thames Valley Times)
11 August – Marmalade (Thames Valley Times)
25 August – Amboy Dukes (Thames Valley Times)
15 September – The Foundations (Thames Valley Times)
29 September – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
13 October – The Mojos (Thames Valley Times)
24 October – Plastic Penny (Thames Valley Times)
3 November – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Thames Valley Times)
17 November – Plastic Penny (Thames Valley Times)
1 December – The Nite Riders (Harrow Observer)
8 December – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Harrow Observer)
15 December – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Harrow Observer)
22 December – Jon James & The Swamp (Harrow Observer)
24 December – Karl G Arrows (Tuesday) (Harrow Observer)
29 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Harrow Observer)
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
Together with St Mary’s Hall, also in Putney, the Pontiac Club was a popular venue in southwest London in the early-mid 1960s.
Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds were resident band there at one point as were The Action, formerly The Boys and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
The club was located at 200 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, near the main railway station.
I have started a gig list below and would welcome any additions as well as memories in the comments below. If you have any memorabilia, including posters for the club, I would be happy to include them with a credit.
1963
28 December 1963 (Saturday) – Manfred Mann and Mark Leeman Five (Greg Russo’s research)
1965
Initially billed as the New Pontiac Club
27 May 1965 (Thursday) – Donovan with full supporting groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
28 May 1965 (Friday) – Alex Harvey Soul Band with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
29 May 1965 (Saturday) – The Peddlers with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
30 May 1965 (Sunday) – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
2 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Alexis Korner with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
4 June 1965 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants, The Billy Woods Combo and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
6 June 1965 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Outsiders with support (Melody Maker)
9 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Muleskinners with support (Melody Maker)
Future Small Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan played with The Muleskinners.
11 June 1965 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (New Musical Express)
16 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters and The Blues Messengers (Melody Maker)
18 June 1965 (Friday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
19 June 1965 (Saturday) – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band (Melody Maker)
20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Hollies and Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)
25 June 1965 (Friday) – The Boston Dexters and Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men (Melody Maker)
26 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Mark Leeman Five (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
27 June 1965 (Sunday) – Phil Ryan & The Crescents (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays may also have been on the bill for this date
30 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Artwoods and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
2 July 1965 (Friday) – The Mark Leeman Five and Platform 6 (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
3 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Comanches and The Primitives (Melody Maker)
4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (Melody Maker)
7 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
9 July 1965 (Friday) – The Beat Merchants and The Comanches (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
10 July 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
11 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters and The Fetish Crowd (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
14 July 1965 (Wednesday) – Manfred Mann and The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
16 July 1965 (Friday) – The Checkmates and The Thoughts (New Musical Express)
17 July 1965 (Saturday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express)
18 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
21 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Classmates and Group Survival (Melody Maker)
23 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The Five Proud Walkers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
24 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Peter Fenton & The Tasty Mob (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
The Action were recently billed as The Boys.
25 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Thoughts (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
28 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Who and surf band in support (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) (see comments section below) This could have been The Summer Set
30 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The RBQ (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
31 July 1965 (Saturday) – John Lee’s Groundhogs (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
1 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
4 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers started a regular (two month) Wednesday night residency on this date.
6 August 1965 (Friday) – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Fetish Crowd (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
7 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Soul Survival (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
Later this same evening The Byrds played at the Pontiac Club. According to author Don Hughes, The Dae-b-Four were the support band.
8 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
11 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
13 August 1965 (Friday) – Guy Hamilton & The Senators (Melody Maker)
14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Primitives and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
15 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
18 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
20 August 1965 (Friday) – The Fenmen (New Musical Express)
21 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Sonny Childe & The Cool School (New Musical Express)
22 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Truth (New Musical Express)
25 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express)
According to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book Strange Brew, this was the last gig by The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton who left and was replaced by a succession of fill-in guitarists before returning in November.
27 August 1965 (Friday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
28 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
29 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Ingoes (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
The Ingoes morphed into Blossom Toes.
1 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Weider, who has previously played with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates among others, covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
3 September 1965 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (New Musical Express)
4 September 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (New Musical Express)
The VIPs band morphed into Spooky Tooth.
5 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
The Action had a regular Sunday residency at this venue for a while. Some sources also note that The Objects played in support on this date.
8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Slaughter from Chris Barber’s band covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
10 September 1965 (Friday) – The Crowd (Melody Maker)
11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Melody Maker)
12 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
18 September 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
19 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
22 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
This is the band’s final show at the Pontiac and Hjort notes that Peter Green approached Mayall at this venue to ask if he could take over from Krivit as permanent guitarist.
24 September 1965 (Friday) – Tony Colton’s Big Boss Band (Melody Maker)
25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants (Melody Maker)
26 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)
2 October 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (Melody Maker)
3 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
9 October 1965 (Saturday) – Five Proud Walkers (Info from John Treais)
10 October 1965 (Sunday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)
15 October 1965 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)
Them was Van Morrison’s Belfast band. Around this time, former members began gigged in a rival Them.
16 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Arthur Brown Union (Info from John Treais)
17 October 1965 (Sunday) – Gary Farr & T-Bones (Melody Maker)
20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – T-Bone Walker and The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)
22 October 1965 (Friday) – Dean Ford & The Gaylords (Melody Maker)
This band morphed into Marmalade.
23 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Vectors (Melody Maker)
24 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
30 October 1964 (Saturday) – Victor Brox (Info from John Treais)
31 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
6 November 1965 (Saturday) – J C & The Machine (aka Julian Covey) (Melody Maker)
After John McVie was sacked from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers on 3 October, he found work with Julian Covey’s band until he returned to Mayall in early January 1966.
7 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
9 November 1965 (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (Melody Maker)
17 December 1965 (Friday) – The Carnaby (Melody Maker)
18 December 1965 (Saturday) – The High Society (Melody Maker)
This group had recently been The Arthur Brown Union but when Arthur left earlier this month, singer Dave Terry (aka Elmer Gantry) took over. They soon became The Union.
19 December 1965 (Sunday) – The Crowd with Peter Fenton (Melody Maker)
24 December 1965 (Friday) – The Army (Melody Maker)
Emerging out of Hampton R&B band, The Others, this group soon changed name to Sands.
26 December 1965 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
27 December 1965 (Monday) – The Mickey Finn (Melody Maker)
1966
17 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Loose Ends and support (Melody Maker)
19 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Checkers and support (Melody Maker)
20 March 1966 (Sunday) – The In Crowd (Melody Maker)
The In Crowd morphed into Tomorrow in early 1967.
23 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
24 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Mickey Finns (Melody Maker)
26 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Basic 5 (Melody Maker)
27 March 1966 (Sunday) – The Shevells (Melody Maker)
5 May 1966 (Thursday) – The Carl Douglas Set (poster from Ken Baxter)
7 May 1966 (Saturday) – Dracken Lewis 5 (most likely Deakin Lewis) and Front Line (poster from Ken Baxter)
28 May 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)
4 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Drag Set (Melody Maker)
18 June 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
Opened on 2 June 1964, the Attic Club in Hounslow was an important music venue in west London.
Located at 1a High Street, the club subsequently became the Zambesi Club and then the Ricky Tick.
All of the gigs below are from the Kingston & Malden Borough News (unless otherwise noted). There are some omissions and some acts that were advertised may have been changed at the last minute.
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any missing dates, correct any entries and provide any memories of the club in the comments below.
2 June – The Swinging Blue Jeans (this was the opening night)
3 June – The Vandells Blues
4 June – The Tempests
5 June – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Middlesex Chronicle initially has The Skyways in support and then a week later it advertises Frankie Roy & The Soundcasters)
6 June – The Sheffields
7 June – The Smokey Beats
9 June – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated and The Vandells Blues (Middlesex Chronicle)
10 June – Eddie King & The Chequers (Middlesex Chronicle)
11 June – The Copains (Middlesex Chronicle)
12 June – The Dennisons and The Stereos
13 June – Alex Harvey Soul Band and Miston Tuac
14 June – The Beatvendors
16 June – The Pretty Things and Them (not Van Morrison’s band but a local group that became Themselves)
17 June – The Mods and Gene & The Cossacks (Record Mirror)
18 June – The Nitebeats
19 June – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders and The Tempests
20 June – The Cheynes, The Kingbees and The Roosters (this is most likely the version led by brothers Pete and Ron Jeffries and not Ben Palmer’s Roosters who had featured Eric Clapton and Tom McGuinness between January and August 1963).
21 June – The Arrows
23 June – The Fairies and Miston Tuac
24 June – The Beatvendors and The Sinphires
25 June – The Yardbirds and The Snowballs
26 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Gene & The Cossacks (possibly replaced by The Travellers)
27 June – The Vandells Blues, The Habbits and The Clique
Record Mirror has The King Bees rather than The Clique
28 June – The Stereos
29 June – Rory Blackwell & The Monsters, The Senators and Group Four (Record Mirror notes that the club is now open on Mondays)
30 June – Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men and Them (aka Themselves)
1 July – Diane & The Londoners, Ray Del & The (Rocking) Deacons and The Spirits
2 July – The Sideliners
3 July – The Merseybeats and The Arrows (replaced by The Kossacks and The Bow Seekers)
4 July – Blues by Six and Miston Tuac
5 July – Gene & The Cossacks
6 July – Rory Blackwell & The Monsters and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Ian Gillan didn’t join until November 1964)
7 July – Charlie & Inez Foxx, The Spencer Davis Group and Group ’65’ (Them aka Themselves)
8 July – The Snowballs and The Beat Syndicate
9 July – Roy & The Vampires
10 July – Erky Grant & The Tonnettes, The Tempests and The Second Thoughts
11 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Copains
12 July – The Beatvenders (aka The Beatvendors)
13 July – Rory Blackwell & His Monsters, The Tridents (Jeff Beck didn’t join until early September 1964) and The Springbeats
14 July – Alex Harvey Soul Band and Miston Tuac
15 July – Eddie King & The Chequers
16 July – The Klook
17 July – The Chants, The Harlems and Just Memphis
18 July – The Sheffields and Them (aka Themselves)
19 July – Wayne Dean & The Telestars
20 July – Rory Blackwell & His Monsters
21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, Long John Baldry and Blues x 6 (Blues by Six?)
22 July – The Mojos and The Soundcasters
Middlesex Chronicle has The Fanatics instead of The Soundcasters
23 July – The Ravers
24 July – The Animals and Steve Marriott’s Moments
25 July – Alexis Korner Blues Incorporated and Miston Tuac
26 July – Special All Star Show with PJ Proby with The Diamonds with Rory Blackwell & His Monsters, Frankie Roy & The Soundcasters, The Sonics, The Roosters and The Condors
27 July – Rory Blackwell & The Monsters with supporting groups
28 July – The Cheynes
29 July – The Skyways
30 July – The Seytons
31 July – Mal Ryder & The Spirits with Steve Marriott’s Moments
1 August – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Ray Clevelands
2 August – The Clique
4 August – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated and Miston Tuac
5 August – Gene & The Cossacks and The Phantom Raiders
6 August – The Cardinals
7 August – Dave Curtiss & His Tremors and The Fanatics
8 August – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and The Clique
9 August – Steve Marriot’s Moments
10 August – group plays according to Middlesex Chronicle but the name isn’t listed
11 August – Steve Marriot’s Moments
12 August – Eddie King & The Chequers
13 August – The CC Riders
14 August – The Stormsville Shakers and The Ray Clevelands
15 August – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames with Them (aka Themselves)
16 August – The Cops & Robbers
18 August – Steve Marriot’s Moments
19 August – The Pitmen
21 August – Manfred Mann and Gene & The Cossacks
22 August – The Graham Bond Organisation with supporting groups
23 August – Jerry James & The Bandits (Middlesex Chronicle)
25 August – Them (aka Themselves) (Middlesex Chronicle)
26 August – The Hysters (Middlesex Chronicle)
28 August – Grant Tracy & The Sunsets and The Sways
Record Mirror has Jerry James & The Bandits rather than The Sways while the Middlesex Chronicle has Brian & The Knights
29 August – Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men and The RBQ
30 August – The Ray Clevelands
1 September – Steve Marriott’s Moments
2 September – Tony Knight & The Livewires
4 September – The Beatmen and The Fanatics (the latter may have been replaced by The Soundcasters)
5 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Them (aka Themselves) Beat Monthly lists The Downliners Sect on this date
6 September – Brian & The Knights
8 September – Them (aka Themselves)
9 September – The De Kuyper Sect
11 September – The Classmates and Gene & The Cossacks
12 September – The Spencer Davis Group and The Pitmen
13 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Middlesex Chronicle)
15 September – Steve Marriott’s Moments
16 September – The Eiffels (Middlesex Chronicle)
18 September – Annette & The keymen and The Cheetahs (Record Mirror)
19 September – The Soul Agents (Rod Stewart didn’t join until December 1964)
Record Mirror has Jerry James & The Bandits as The Soul Agents’ support band
20 September – Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s diary)
Record Mirror has Les Fauves on this date (they probably remained as support band)
21 September – missing entry
22 September – missing entry
23 September – missing entry
24 September – missing entry
25 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen and Ken Gordon & The Downsiders
26 September – The Downliners Sect and The Clique
27 September – The Swinging Grades
Record Mirror and the Middlesex Chronicle have The Cobwebs rather than The Swinging Grades
29 September – The Sonics
Record Mirror has DJ Rona Lee Jay on 29 September
Missing many entries for October
2 October – Keith Powell & The Valets and The Soundcasters (Record Mirror)
3 October – The Ray Clevelands and The Certs (Record Mirror)
4 October – The Blues Profits (Record Mirror)
6 October – DJ Rona Lee Jay and The Rumbles Blues Band (Record Mirror)
9 October – Annette & The Keymen and Jeff Elroy & The Boys Blue (Record Mirror)
10 October – The Soul Agents with supporting group
11 October – The Kentones (Record Mirror)
13 October – DJ Rona Lee Jay (Record Mirror)
16 October – Jon Best & The Challenges and The Nesters (Record Mirror)
17 October – Just Memphis and The Rumbles Blues Band (Record Mirror)
18 October – The Kingpins (Record Mirror)
20 October – DJ Chuck Benell (Record Mirror)
31 October – Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s diary)
Top clipping and photos courtesy of Gray Newell. The rest are from the Kingston & Malden Borough News and Middlesex Chronicle.
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
The Blue Moon in Hayes was an important music venue in west London.
Bob Danks recalls Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers playing at the Blue Moon in Hayes regularly in the early 1960s (see comments section). He also thinks Ritchie Blackmore played his first show with Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages at the Blue Moon after leaving Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers.
I have started to collate a comprehensive gig list and would welcome any additions and memories of the club in the comments below.
1963
27 January 1963 (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Weekly Post)
3 February 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 April 1963 (Sunday) – Julie Grant & The Citizens (Harrow Weekly Post)
9 June 1963 (Sunday) – Sounds Inc with Bruce Welsh & The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
16 June 1963 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Innocents (Harrow Weekly Post)
23 June 1963 (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Weekly Post)
30 June 1963 (Sunday) – Wee Willy Harris and High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
7 July 1963 (Sunday) – The Big Three with The Riversiders (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 July 1963 (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 July 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 July 1963 (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes and The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
4 August 1963 (Sunday) – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 September 1963 (Sunday) – Rikki Rand & The Soundsmen and Bruce Lloyd & The Hi-Fi’s (Harrow Weekly Post)
15 September 1963 (Friday) – Malcolm Clark & The Cresters (Harrow Weekly Post) Needs confirmation
22 September 1963 (Sunday) – The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Robb Charles Combo (Harrow Weekly Post)
29 September 1963 (Sunday) – Malcolm Clark & The Cresters (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 October 1963 (Sunday) – The Undertakers and The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 October 1963 (Sunday) – The Federals (Beat Monthly)
20 October 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 November 1963 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 November 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
1964
5 January 1964 (Sunday) – Manfred Mann (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
12 January 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
19 January 1964 (Sunday) – The Contrasts (Beat Monthly)
2 February 1964 (Sunday) – Manfred Mann (Greg Russo’s research)
5 April 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
19 April 1964 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Impacts (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
26 April 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
3 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
10 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Paramounts (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
24 May 1964 (Sunday) – Alex Harvey Soul Band (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
27 May 1964 (Wednesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)
31 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
10 June 1964 (Wednesday) – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book The Yardbirds: the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page)
26 July 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)
16 August 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)
7 September 1964 (Monday) – The Birds (needs source but most likely Harrow Weekly Post)
29 November 1964 (Sunday) – The Stormsville Shakers (band website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)
20 December 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental/Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1965
3 January 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Nightimers (Ruislip and Northwood Gazette)
10 January 1965 (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Ruislip and Northwood Gazette)
17 January 1965 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 January 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
Roger Dean is the lead guitarist with The Bluesbreakers at this stage.
31 January 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Greenford Weekly Post)
7 February 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 February 1965 (Sunday) – The Chessmen (Greenford Weekly Post)
21 February 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers and The Brian Auger Trinity (Harrow Weekly Post)
7 March 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
4 April 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 April 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
Eric Clapton had joined earlier this month replacing Roger Dean.
18 April 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 April 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
2 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)
9 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group and (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds with Count Prince Miller (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
16 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post)
23 May 1965 (Sunday) – Long John Baldry (Harrow Weekly Post)
30 May 1965 (Sunday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
7 June 1965 (Monday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s Strange Brew book)
20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Who (Harrow Weekly Post)
27 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 July 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post) This gig is missing from Christopher Hjort’s book below so may not have happened. Also advert above suggests Georgie Fame instead
25 July 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
1 August 1965 (Sunday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)
22 August 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August 1965 (Wednesday) – Steampacket (Bruno Ceriotti’s research: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html)
5 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post)
19 September 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post and Beat Instrumental)
26 September 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)
3 October 1965 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Harrow Weekly Post)
10 October 1965 (Sunday) – T-Bone Walker (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 October 1965 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 October 1965 (Sunday) – Ben E King (Harrow Weekly Post)
31 October 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)
7 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Alan Price Set (Harrow Weekly Post)
21 November 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)
Both Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce are members of The Bluesbreakers during this period.
28 November 1965 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Harrow Weekly Post)
5 December 1965 (Sunday) – Wilson Pickett (Harrow Weekly Post)
19 December 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post/Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)
1966
2 January 1966 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)
23 January 1966 (Sunday) – Lee Dorsey (most likely backed by The Krew) (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
30 January 1966 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Bruno Ceriotti’s research: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html
6 February 1966 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)
13 February 1966 (Sunday) – The Alan Walker Group (Melody Maker)
27 February 1966 (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens (Hayes Gazette)
6 March 1966 (Sunday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
13 March 1966 (Sunday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
27 March 1966 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)
3 April 1966 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
17 April 1966 (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
22 April 1966 (Friday) – Dee Dee Warwick (Melody Maker)
1 May 1966 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Melody Maker)
8 May 1966 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
15 May 1966 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)
12 June 1966 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
Eric Clapton will leave the following month and Peter Green takes his place.
19 June 1966 (Sunday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
18 September 1966 (Sunday) – Cream (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
Thanks to Rolf Hannet for helping with Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental gigs
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
Southall Community Centre in Southall in west London was a significant music venue in the early to mid 1960s.
During the early 1960s, many of the American rock ‘n’ roll legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent played at Southall Community Centre on their UK tours. This may well have been because visiting US artists would have passed through or near to Southall after arriving at London Airport on their way to central London.
The venue was also important for west London bands and is particularly significant because future Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore played there often, especially with Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers. It was while he was gigging with this band at Southall Community Centre that he was spotted by Screaming Lord Sutch, who invited him to join his backing band, The Savages. An invitation he duly accepted.
The Johnny Rebs were the resident band at Southall Community Centre in the early 1960s.
Terry O’Connor also remembers Duggie Dee & The Strangers played here and backed Screaming Lord Sutch when The Savages weren’t available. He also remembers Peter Nelson & The Travelers appeared a few times.
Malcolm Lenny says that his band Tony Holland & The Packabeats were regulars at the venue during the early-mid 1960s (see comments section at the very end).
I have made a start on a list of artists that played here and dates. I would welcome any additions and also any memories of the venue in the comments section below. If anyone has any memorabilia or photos of bands playing here, I would be happy to include them with the images credited accordingly.
1960
14 February (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
This west London band morphed out of The Rocking Versatiles (formed September 1957) and included long-standing member Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), who remained with the group throughout its various incarnations (and name changes) until finally splitting on 1 July 1966. The band played this venue regularly.
21 August (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
4 September (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 September (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
2 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 October (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 November (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
11 December (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1961
Drummer Bob Danks recalls playing at Southall Community Centre with Ritchie Blackmore’s first band, The Dominators in early 1961.
8 January (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 January (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
19 February (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Brian Mansell has Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers playing an audition on 19 February 1961. This was before Ritchie Blackmore joined on lead guitar, replacing Brian Sell.
According to sax player Dave Brogden who later joined The Statesmen after they had changed name to The Statesides, Southall Community Centre auditioned groups before the main bands came on to see the punter’s reactions. Usually, they would play a 30-minute set from when the doors opened.
5 March (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 June (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Ritchie Blackmore had joined Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers on lead guitar by now, taking over from Brian Sell.
2 July (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
16 July (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 July (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
3 September (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
1 October (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
10 December (Sunday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1962
1 April (Sunday) – Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Brian Mansell went on to join Frankie Reid & The Casuals after The Jaywalkers split.
6 May (Sunday) – Gene Vincent with Sounds Incorporated (Tony Tacon’s recollections)
Tony Tacon remembers attending the gig with his friends Nick Simper (who later joined the original Deep Purple) and Keith Roach, who later played drums in Tacon’s band Ian Gillan & The Javelins.
19 August (Sunday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Future Animals’ bass player Danny McCulloch was with the band at this point. Drummer Terry Mabey had already taken over from his predecessor Mitch Mitchell.
7 October (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates and Terry Franks & The Avalons (Johnny Kidd website)
1963
6 January (Sunday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
13 January (Sunday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
20 January (Sunday) – Barrie James Show (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
27 January (Sunday) – Barrie James Show and Vince Eager (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 February (Sunday) – Rolf Harris & The Diggeroos (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 February (Sunday) – Rolf Harris & The Diggeroos and Shane Fenton & The Fentones (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 February (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 March (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Terry Young, Tony Holland & The Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 March (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 March (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
31 March (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 April (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
14 April (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 April (Sunday) – Roly Daniels and The Flintstones (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 April (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
5 May (Sunday) – The Avalons and The Spirits (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 May (Sunday) – Tony Holland & The Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
19 May (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Beat Monthly/Harrow Observer & Gazette)
26 May (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 June (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 June (Sunday) – Gene Vincent (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
16 June (Sunday) – The Golli-Golli Boys (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
23 June (Sunday) – Neil Christian & The Crusaders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
30 June (Sunday) – The Clearways and Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 July (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 July (Sunday) – The Packabeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 July (Sunday) – The Packabeats, Linda Laine & The Sinners and The Consuls (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 July (Sunday) – The Dreamers and Johnny Milton & The Condors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
4 August (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
11 August (Sunday) – The Cherokees (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 August (Sunday) – The Cherokees (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 September (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
8 September (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Johnny Leyton on 8 September
15 September (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 September (Sunday) – Rockin’ Henri (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 September (Sunday) – The Tornados (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
6 October (Sunday) – The Big Three (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
13 October (Sunday) – Buddy Britten & The Regents (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
20 October (Sunday) – Ray Pilgrim Show (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
27 October (Sunday) – Tommy Bruce & The Bruisers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 November (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)
10 November (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 November (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 November (Sunday) – Johnny Milton & The Condors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 December (Sunday) – Johnny Milton & The Condors and Jimmy Crawford (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
8 December (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 December (Sunday) – Sounds Incorporated (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 December (Sunday) – The Clearways and The Shades (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 December (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Linda Laine & The Sinners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1964
5 January (Sunday) – Johnny Milton & The Condors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 January (Sunday) – The Midnites (audition) (Dave Brogden’s diary)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Shayne Fenton & The Fentones on 12 January so Brogden’s band would have auditioned earlier in the day
19 January (Sunday) – The Merseybeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
26 January (Sunday) – Sounds Incorporated (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 February (Sunday) – Brigitte Bond & The Contrasts (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 February (Sunday) – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Beat Monthly)
16 February (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
23 February (Sunday) – Tony Meehan Combo (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 February (Friday) – The Fortytwo Big Band led by Tommy Watt (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 March (Sunday) – The Clearways and The original Checkmates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
8 March (Sunday) – Grant Tracey & The Sunsets (Beat Monthly)
15 March (Sunday) – Gene Vincent (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 March (Sunday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Beat Monthly)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Pat Wayne & The Beachcombers on 22 March
28 March (Saturday) – Gene Vincent (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
Harrow Observer & Gazette has Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers on 28 March
5 April (Sunday) – The Rattles (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
Bass player Dave Wigginton says that Jeff Curtis & The Flames supported the German band at this venue and this seems the most plausible date.
12 April (Sunday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
19 April (Sunday) – Wee Willie Harris (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
26 April (Sunday) – Erkey Grant (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 May (Sunday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Beat Monthly)
10 May (Sunday) – Tommy Quickly & The Remo Four (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 May (Sunday) – The Hollies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
This may refer to next week’s gig (see next entry)
23 May (Sunday) – The Hollies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
30 May (Sunday) – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 June (Sunday) – Tony Sheveton & The Shevalls (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
14 June (Sunday) – Kingsize Taylor & The Dominos (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 June (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 June (Sunday) – Diane & The Londoners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
5 July (Sunday) – The Barron Knights (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 July (Sunday) – Robbie Hood & His Merrymen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
19 July (Sunday) – The Pretty Things (Beat Monthly)
26 July (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 August (Sunday) – The Fairies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 August (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides and The Druids (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
This is The Statesmen, who had changed name to Jean & The Statesides in May 1964. By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums)
16 August (Sunday) – Erkey Grant (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
23 August (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
30 August (Sunday) – The Livewires (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
6 September (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
13 September (Sunday) – The Zombies (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
20 September (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
27 September (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides with The Naturals (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Dave Brogden’s band The Crossfires auditioned this evening before both bands played. The Crossfires played a 30-minute set after the doors opened but didn’t land any work at the Southall Community Centre after auditioning.
4 October (Sunday) – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
11 October (Sunday) – The Roulettes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 October (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
25 October (Sunday) – The Merseybeats (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 November (Sunday) – Jean & The Statesides with The Druids (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
8 November (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 November (Sunday) – The Hollies (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
22 November (Sunday) – Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 November (Sunday) – The Mojos (Beat Instrumental)
6 December (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Jean & The Statesides (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
13 December (Sunday) – Tommy Quickly (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
20 December (Sunday) – Sounds Incorporated (Beat Instrumental)
27 December (Sunday) – The Stormsville Shakers and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)
1965
3 January (Sunday) – The Beat Merchants (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 January (Sunday) – Buddy Britten & The Regents (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
24 January (Sunday) – Linda Laine & The Sinners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
31 January (Sunday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
7 February (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)
14 February (Sunday) – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book, The Yardbirds: the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page)
16 February (Tuesday) – The Artwoods (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
21 February (Sunday) – The Gobbledegooks (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
28 February (Sunday) – Tommy Quickly (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 March (Sunday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
14 March (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens (Beat Instrumental)
21 March (Sunday) – The Animals (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
28 March (Sunday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
4 April (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
11 April (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 April (Sunday) – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book, The Yardbirds: the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page)
25 April (Sunday) – The Birds and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary and Melody Maker)
2 May (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Mike Dee & The Prophets (Don Martin’s gig diary)
9 May (Sunday) – The Hollies and Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Ken Samuels’ poster)
16 May (Sunday) – Manfred Mann with supporting band (Ken Samuels’ poster)
23 May (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Jean & The Statesides (Ken Samuels’ poster and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
30 May (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Jean & The Statesides (Ken Samuels’ poster and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 June (Sunday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
13 June (Sunday) – The Artwoods (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
27 June (Sunday) – The Rockin’ Berries (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
4 July (Sunday) – The Who (Andy Neill’s research/Harrow Observer & Gazette) Beat Instrumental lists Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers on 4 July
11 July (Sunday) – Goldie & The Gingerbreads (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
18 July (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 July (Sunday) – The Measles (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 July (Thursday) – The Birds (rehearsal) (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
1 August (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
5 August (Thursday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
8 August (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 August (Sunday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
22 August (Sunday) – P J Proby and The Statesides (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
30 August (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 September (Friday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Beat Instrumental)
5 September (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
12 September (Sunday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
19 September (Sunday) – The Pretty Things (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
26 September (Sunday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
3 October (Sunday) – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
10 October (Sunday) – Jesse Fuller and The Artwoods (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
17 October (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
24 October (Sunday) – The Pretty Things (Beat Instrumental)
31 October (Sunday) – The Animals (Record Mirror)
7 November (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
14 November (Sunday) – The Merseybeats and The Statesides (Dave Brodgden’s gig diary and Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
21 November (Sunday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
5 December (Sunday) – Heinz and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 December (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
19 December (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)
23 December (Thursday) – The Birds (rehearsal) (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
1966
9 January (Sunday) – The Birds and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
16 January (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation and The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary and Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
23 January (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
30 January (Sunday) – The Statesides and The Profile (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
The Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette has The Persuasion rather than The Profile.
6 February (Sunday) – The Birds and Bobby King & The Sabres (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette and Clive Chase’s gig diary)
13 February (Sunday) – The Who (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
27 February (Sunday) – Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
6 March (Sunday) – The Birds (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
13 March (Sunday) – The Alan Walker Group (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
20 March (Sunday) – Peter Fenton & The Crowd (Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette)
24 April (Sunday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1967
16 March (Thursday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208)
26 May (Friday) – The In-Sekt Ltd (Melody Maker)
9 June (Friday) – The Insayn (Melody Maker)
23 June (Friday) – The Real Thing (Melody Maker)
Many thanks to Rolf Hannett for the Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental dates
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
The Clay Pigeon in Eastcote was a notable rock music venue in northwest London during the 1960s.
During 1963, the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers, which became Manfred Mann, held a residency there for several months.
Throughout the 1960s, many important British bands played this venue, including several groups from the west London area, such as Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Ian Gillan was lead singer in the first half of 1965), The Birds (with Ron Wood on guitar), The Soul Messengers (featuring future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell) and Episode Six (Ian Gillan and fellow future Deep Purple cohort Roger Glover were members).
The Sweet also played here regularly during their early years with original guitarist Frank Torpey and his successor Mick Stewart.
I have started to compile a gig list below and would welcome any additions in the comments box below as well as any memories. If anyone has any memorabilia and/or photos of bands playing at this venue, I would be happy to include them with a credit.
1960
27 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
This west London band morphed out of The Rocking Versatiles (formed September 1957) and included long-standing member Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), who remained with the group throughout its various incarnations (and name changes) until finally splitting on 1 July 1966. The band played this venue regularly.
23 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
10 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
31 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 October (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 November (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
23 November (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
26 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1961
8 February (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
12 April (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1962
24 February (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
Singer Jean Hayles joined The Statesmen in late April 1963 and they became “The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles” for a few months before gigging as Jean & The Statesmen until May 1964.
27 May (Sunday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Frankie Reid & The Casuals’ line up at this time featured future Animals bass player Danny McCulloch and future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.
25 June (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
2 July (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
22 August (Wednesday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Mitch Mitchell had moved on by now and Terry Mabey had taken over drums.
1963
17 January (Thursday) – The Limelights (Melody Maker)
The advert notes that this was the club’s grand opening
24 January (Thursday) – The Limelights (Melody Maker)
31 January (Thursday) – The Scepters (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 February (Thursday) – The Dauphine Street Six (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
Judging by this gig and the ones below, it looks like jazz bands took over Thursday evenings for a while.
28 February (Thursday) – The Colne Valley Six (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
7 March (Thursday) – Douggie Richford’s Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
14 March (Thursday) – Sonny Morris Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 March (Thursday) – Sonny Morris Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
28 March (Thursday) – Back O’Town Syncopaters (Melody Maker)
4 April (Thursday) – New Orleans Jazz Band (Melody Maker)
18 April (Thursday) – Charlie Gall’s Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
2 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
The group that became Manfred Mann assumed the Thursday residency, starting with this gig on 2 May.
9 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
16 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
23 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
30 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
6 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)
13 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands
20 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands
27 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands
4 July (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says The Fantastic Sounds
11 July (Thursday) – Two bands (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 August (Thursday) – Mike Forde & The Fortunes (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Melody Maker) Drummer Lindsey Bex joined The Tridents.
8 August (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
5 September (Thursday) – Graham Bond All-Stars (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
6 September (Friday) – Rikki Rand & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
12 September (Thursday) – The Graham Bond All Stars (Melody Maker/Harrow Observer & Gazette)
21 November (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
1964
3 February (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
5 February (Wednesday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary) Jeff Beck didn’t join The Tridents until early September.
6 February (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 February (Thursday) – The Tridents (Lindsey Bex’s diary)
17 February (Monday) – The Sensational Soundsmen (Uxbridge Post)
The advert notes that the band plays every Monday so assuming they also performed on 24 February and beyond
20 February (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums)
22 February (Saturday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
The Limelights morphed into The Legends (see below)
24 February (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
1 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
2 March (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
9 March (Monday) – The Tridents with The Soundsmen (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary/Harrow Weekly Post)
14 March (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
15 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)
16 March (Monday) – The Tridents with The Soundsmen (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary/Harrow Weekly Post)
21 March (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
30 March (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post) Easter Monday
2 April (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
15 April (Wednesday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
25 April (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
30 April (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
9 May (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
14 May (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
After this gig, they became Jean & The Statesides.
16 May (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)
18 May (Monday) – The Soundsmen, The Downbeat Combo and Mystine (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 May (Thursday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell played with The Soul Messengers during 1964 before joining The Riot Squad.
5 June (Friday) – The Soundsmen and Mystine (Harrow Weekly Post)
11 June (Thursday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
19 June (Friday) – The Soundsmen, The Preachers and The Mystic (Uxbridge Post) Harrow Weekly Post says Mystine rather than The Mystic
25 June (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
24 July (Friday) – Lee Paris & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
3 August (Monday) – Lee Paris & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 August (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
18 August (Tuesday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)
17 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
24 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners and The Peeple (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1 October (Thursday) – The Preachers and Senate Four (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
15 October (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners with The Paul Taylor Group (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
22 October (Thursday) – The RBQ and Kenny & The Shanes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
29 October (Thursday) – The Light and The Beethovens (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
1965
7 January (Thursday) – The Vibratons (Melody Maker)
14 January (Thursday) – The Modern Blues Six (Melody Maker)
21 January (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary and Melody Maker)
Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan joined this west London band in early November 1964 and remained band until late April.
28 January (Thursday) – Mystic and The Colorados (Melody Maker)
4 February (Thursday) – The Fenmen (Melody Maker)
11 February (Thursday) – The Wackers (Melody Maker)
18 February (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
25 February (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
4 March (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
11 March (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens (Melody Maker)
18 March (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette says The Matadors
25 March (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens (Melody Maker)
1 April (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
8 April (Thursday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)
15 April (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
29 April (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker) Ian Gillan had left Wainwright’s Gentlemen after a gig on 26 April and joined Episode Six.
13 May (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
27 May (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
2 June (Wednesday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
By now, future Sweet drummer Mick Tucker had joined Wainwright’s Gentlemen.
3 June (Thursday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Melody Maker)
10 June (Thursday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
17 June (Thursday) – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)
24 June (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)
8 July (Thursday) – Felders Orioles (Melody Maker)
Drummer John Halsey went on to Timebox in August 1967.
22 July (Thursday) – The Turnkeys (Melody Maker)
29 July (Thursday) – The Flamingos (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Blue Ravens
12 August (Thursday) – The Reasons (Melody Maker)
19 August (Thursday) – The Sultans (Melody Maker)
26 August (Thursday) – The Flamingos (Melody Maker)
2 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette) Future Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood was with The Bo Street Runners at this point.
9 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)
16 September (Thursday) – The Modern Blues Six (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Alan Price Set but this may relate to next week
22 September (Wednesday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
By this point, future Sweet singer Brian Connolly had joined the band. Sax player Dave Brogden was working with The Statesides by this point but helped out with this gig.
23 September (Thursday) – The Alan Price Set (Melody Maker)
30 September (Thursday) – The Olympics (Melody Maker)
7 October (Thursday) – Episode Six (Melody Maker)
Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan joined Episode Six in May 1965 after leaving Wainwright’s Gentlemen in late April.
14 October (Thursday) – The MI4 (Melody Maker)
This band became The Maze and featured original Deep Purple singer Rod Evans and drummer Ian Paice.
28 November (Sunday) – The Legends (Hayes Gazette)
12 December (Sunday) – The Legends (Hayes Gazette)
1966
Missing all of 1966 apart from this lone gig, so would welcome any additions to this year.
28 January (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Dave Brogden (sax), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums).
1967
8 February (Wednesday) – The Beachcombers (Ealing Weekly Post)
15 April (Saturday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
16 April (Sunday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
10 June (Saturday) – Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)
7 July (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)
21 July (Friday) – Episode Six (Harrow Weekly Post)
28 July (Friday) – The Moody Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)
Rupert’s People were also advertised originally but considering the gig on 11 August, they probably didn’t appear.
4 August (Friday) – The Syrian Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 August (Sunday) – Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)
11 August (Friday) – Rupert’s People (Harrow Weekly Post)
Disc & Music Echo reports that this was Rupert’s People’s debut gig.
17 August (Thursday) – Unit 4 Plus 2 (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August (Friday) – Robert Hirst & The Big Taste (Harrow Weekly Post)
1 September (Friday) – Episode Six (Harrow Weekly Post)
8 September (Friday) – The Syrian Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)
The Original Drifters were booked originally for this date.
22 September (Friday) – James & Bobby Purify with The New York Public Library (Harrow Weekly Post)
29 September (Friday) – Studio Six (Harrow Weekly Post)
6 October (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 October (Friday) – Whistling Jack Smith and The Quiet Five (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 October (Tuesday) – The Original Drifters (Harrow Weekly Post)
24 October (Tuesday) – The Symbols (Harrow Weekly Post)
31 October (Tuesday) – The Isley Brothers (Harrow Weekly Post)
14 November (Tuesday) – The Fabulous Temptations with The House of Orange (this is The Fantastics) (Harrow Weekly Post)
25 November (Saturday) – The Army (Melody Maker)
Future Sweet bass player Steve Priest was a member of The Army.
28 November (Tuesday) – The Electric Prunes (Fabulous 208)
The visiting Californian band was on a short UK tour and surprisingly played this small venue.
23 December (Saturday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Frank Torpey’s gig diary)
Three of the original Sweet members (Brian Connolly, Mick Tucker and Frank Torpey) were part of Wainwright’s Gentlemen at this point.
1968
1 June (Saturday) – Baron Richthofen’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus (Harrow Observer & Gazette)
9 August (Friday) – The Group Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
11 August (Sunday) – Smokey Orange (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
16 August (Friday) – Advance Rate (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
18 August (Sunday) – The Beatstalkes (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
23 August (Friday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
25 August (Sunday) – The Sweetshop (aka The Sweet) (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
30 August (Friday) – Late Night Love (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
1 September (Sunday) – Freddie Fingers Lee (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
13 September (Friday) – The House of Lords (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
15 September (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
18 September (Wednesday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
21 September (Saturday) – The Cast (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
22 September (Sunday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
25 September (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
28 September (Saturday) – The Market (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
29 September (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
2 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
5 October (Saturday) – The Fresh Windows and The Outside Toilet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
6 October (Sunday) – Marmalade and Coconut Ice (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
9 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
12 October (Saturday) – Two top groups (Harrow Weekly Post)
13 October (Sunday) – Timebox (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
16 October (Wednesday) – Merlin Q (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
19 October (Saturday) – The Tracts (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
20 October (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
Episode Six were replaced by The Tremeloes plus support band.
23 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 October (Saturday) – The Bobcats (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
27 October (Sunday) – The New Formula with support (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
30 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
2 November (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
3 November (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways and Acceleration (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
6 November (Wednesday) – Pop group (Harrow Weekly Post)
9 November (Saturday) – The Colours (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
10 November (Sunday) – Little John & The Shadrocks (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
13 November (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
16 November (Saturday) – Top groups (Harrow Weekly Post)
17 November (Sunday) – Vanity Fair (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
20 November (Wednesday) – The Forbidden Fruit (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
24 November (Sunday) – The Paradox (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
27 November (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
30 November (Saturday) – Andy Cannon Quartet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
1 December (Sunday) – The Tremeloes and Coconut Ice (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
4 December (Wednesday) – The Tremeloes (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
7 December (Saturday) – The Craven Brothers and Cabaret Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
8 December (Sunday) – Marmalade (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
14 December (Saturday) – The Four Sounds (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
15 December (Sunday) – Locomotive (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
18 December (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
22 December (Sunday) – The Dream Police (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)
29 December (Sunday) – The Tremeloes (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
Harrow Weekly Post reports that New Formula replaced The Tremeloes
1969
19 January (Sunday) – The Youngblood (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 January (Sunday) – The Formula (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
2 February (Sunday) – Danny Diaz & The Checkmates (from Hong Kong) (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
2 March (Sunday) – Harmony Grass (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
9 March (Sunday) – Justin Marhyr (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
16 March (Sunday) – Red Beans & Rice (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
23 March (Sunday) – Joyce Bond Revue (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
30 March (Sunday) – John L Watson & The Web (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
26 April (Saturday) – The Cats (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
4 May (Sunday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
11 May (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post)
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
The Toby Jug in Tolworth, Surrey, not far from Kingston Upon Thames in southwest London, was a really important rock music venue in the late 1960s and played host to pretty much all of the top draws of the day, including Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, Joe Cocker & The Grease Band, Traffic and Led Zeppelin.
Having been a jazz venue, Toby Jug (which briefly operated as a club for R&B in early 1964) opened in early March 1968 as a rock club.
Music researcher Alan Clayson’s book on The Yardbirds (a group from the local area), lists two gigs from 1964:
20 January 1964 – The Yardbirds
27 January 1964 – The Yardbirds
It looks like from the advert below that the venue was changed due to popular demand.
The following gigs are sourced from listings in the Kingston & Malden Borough News. Mick Capewell’s Marmalade Skies was also a great resource.
I would welcome any additions in the comments below and also any memories of artists that played there.
13 March 1968 – Fleetwood Mac
20 March 1968 – Aynsley Dunbar’s Retaliation
27 March 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
10 April 1968 – Champion Jack Dupree and Black Cat Bones
17 April 1968 – Fleetwood Mac and Chicken Shack
8 May 1968 – Aynsley Dunbar’s Retaliation
15 May 1968 – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
22 May 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
5 June 1968 – Savoy Brown
12 June 1968 – Jethro Tull
19 June 1968 – Chicken Shack
26 June 1968 – Keef Hartley (or was this 24 June?)
3 July 1968 – Taste
10 July 1968 – Family
17 July 1968 – Jethro Tull
24 July 1968 – Chicken Shack
31 July 1968 – John Dummer Blues Band
7 August 1968 – Ten Years After
14 August 1968 – Taste
21 August 1968 – Jethro Tull
28 August 1968 – Savoy Brown
4 September 1968 – Traffic
11 September 1968 – Fleetwood Mac
18 September 1968 – Ten Years After (or was this Taste?)
3 October 1968 – The Nice
9 October 1968 – Jethro Tull
16 October 1968 – Jethro Tull
23 October 1968 – Colosseum
10 November 1968 – Timebox
13 November 1968 – Fleetwood Mac
17 November 1968 – Joe Cocker & The Grease Band
20 November 1968 – Blossom Toes
4 December 1968 – Taste
11 December 1968 – Bobby Parker and Chicken Shack
15 December 1968 – Bandwagon
18 December 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
22 December 1968 – The Drifters
Eel Pie Island in Twickenham, Middlesex has often been described as the birthplace of British rhythm and blues. Alongside the Ealing Club (where The Rolling Stones came together) and the Crawdaddy in Richmond, Surrey (where The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds both held down residencies), the hotel on Eel Pie Island featured a virtual who’s who of soon-to-be famous British artists.
However, unlike the two above venues, Eel Pie Island bridged the gap between the early 1960s R&B scene and the late 1960s British psychedelic/heavy rock period.
From 1962-1967, The Rolling Stones (who held a residency there from April-September 1963), The Downliners Sect, David Bowie (with The Mannish Boys), Jon Lord (with The Artwoods), Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck (with The Tridents), The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Pink Floyd and many others graced the stage.
The hotel closed briefly in the summer of 1967 but reopened the following summer. During late 1968-early 1969, top groups like The Who, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, The Moody Blues and Joe Cocker & The Grease Band performed there. During 1969, the venue changed name and became Colonel Barefoot’s Rock Garden.
Below is a list of gigs that I have started to compile. I would welcome any additions in the comments box below and any memories people have of this historically important venue.
24 April 1963 – The Rolling Stones
1 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones
8 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones
15 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones
22 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones
29 May 1963 – The Rolling Stones
5 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones
12 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones
19 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones
26 June 1963 – The Rolling Stones
3 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones
10 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones
12 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones
14 July 1963 – The Yardbirds and Cyril Davies All Stars (unconfirmed)
17 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones
24 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones
31 July 1963 – The Rolling Stones
7 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones
14 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones
21 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones
28 August 1963 – The Rolling Stones
4 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones
11 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones
21 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones
28 September 1963 – The Rolling Stones
8 December 1963 – Manfred Mann
25 May 1964 – The Manish Boys
18 June 1964 – Manfred Mann
21 June 1964 – The Manish Boys
26 July 1964 – The Manish Boys
19 August 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys
2 September 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys
7 October 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys
23 October 1964 – The Second Thoughts
8 November 1964 – Davie Jones & The Manish Boys
21 November 1964 – Dave Hunt’s R&B Band featuring Hamilton King
30 October 1965 – The Who (unconfirmed)
15 December 1965 – The Stormville Shakers
26 December 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
20 March 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
23 March 1966 – Graham Bond Organisation
29 May 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
8 July 1966 – The Stormville Shakers
24 August 1966 – Cream
18 September 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
21 September 1966 – Dave Anthony’s Moods and The Stormville Shakers (check)
27 November 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (cancelled)
1 March 1967 – Pink Floyd
26 March 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
29 March 1967 – Pink Floyd
18 June 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
23 June 1967 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
28 June 1967 – Pink Floyd
5 July 1967 – Pink Floyd
26 July 1967 – Family
31 July 1968 – Spooky Tooth and Spice
7 August 1968 – Blossom Toes and Spice
14 August 1968 – Skip Bifferty and Juniors Eyes
21 August 1968 – The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
24 August 1968 – David Booth
25 August 1968 – Gethsemane
28 August 1968 – The Nice and East of Eden
4 September 1968 – The Action
11 September 1968 – The Moody Blues
14 September 1968 – Gracious
18 September 1968 – Family and The Downliners Sect
25 September 1968 – Eclection and Village
28 September 1968 – Gracious
2 October 1968 – Joe Cocker & The Grease Band and Terry Reid
5 October 1968 – Gracious
6 October 1968 – John Thomas Blues Band
9 October 1968 – Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera and Freedom
16 October 1968 – Colosseum and July
23 October 1968 – Alan Bown, Gethsemane, Proteus and David Booth
30 October 1968 – The Who and East of Eden
6 November 1968 – Crazy World of Arthur Brown
13 November 1968 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
23 January 1969 – Eire Apparent
24 January 1969 – Van Der Graaf Generator
7 February 1969 – The Pretty Things and Ian Whitcombe with Turnstyle
14 February 1969 – Roy Harper, Juniors Eyes and Edgar Broughton
Most of the late 1960s gigs were sourced from Melody Maker and Mick Capewell’s Marmalade Skies. Other useful sources were Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette, Richmond & Twickenham Times and Time Out. Thanks also to Andy Neill, Ken Baxter, Alan Clayson and Greg Russo
