Opened by brothers Rik and John Gunnell in mid-February 1966, the Ram Jam Club (named after Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band) was situated on the Brixton High Road.
The famous venue hosted most of the top UK acts of the 1960s as well as visiting US blues and soul artists. I have started to compile a gig list and would welcome any additions in the comment below.
1966
17 February – The Animals (open the club)
19 February – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
24 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
25 February – The Gass
26 February – The Shevelles
27 February – The Gass
3 March – The Spencer Davis Group and Paul Fenton & The Crowd
4 March – The Graham Bond Organisation
5 March – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Loose Ends
6 March – The Gass
10 March – The Who and The Train
11 March – The Gass
12 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Peter B’s
13 March – The Gass
18 March – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
24 March – The Peter B’s and Wilson Pickett
31 March – The Peter B’s, Don Covay and The League of Gentlemen
1 April – Screaming Jay Hawkins
2 April – The Peter B’s, Arthur Alexander, The Jimmy Brown Sound, The Shevelles
7 April – Martha & The Vandellas and The Gass
8 April – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
9 April – The Peter B’s and Gary Farr & The T-Bones
14 April – The Vibrations and The Peter B’s
15 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and The Amboy Dukes
16 April – The Gass and The Peter B’s
17 April – The Gass
21 April – Lee Dorsey and The Peter B’s and The League of Gentlemen
22 April – Freddie Mack’s This and That Show
23 April – Jimmy Witherspoon and The Shevells
24 April – The Gass
29 April – The Action
30 April – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
5 May – Patti La Belle & Her Belles (with Bluesology?)
7 May – The Shotgun Express and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
12 May – The Drifters and The Chessmen
13 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
21 May – The Shotgun Express
26 May – Ben E King and The Chessmen
27 May – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
28 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Stormsville Shakers
2 June – The Steampacket
3 June – The Gass
4 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Amboy Dukes
9 June – The Yardbirds (cancelled)
10 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
18 June – The Shotgun Express
24 June – The Moody Blues
25 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
30 June – The Graham Bond Organisation
1 July – The Five Proud Walkers
2 July – The Yardbirds and Tawny Reed Heatwave
3 July – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
7 July – The Alan Price Set
8 July – The Shevells
9 July – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
10 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
14 July – The Amboy Dukes
15 July – Dave Anthony’s Moods
16 July – The Shevells
17 July – Solomon Burke
21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
22 July – The Stormsville Shakers
23 July – The Nightimers with Herbie Goins
24 July – The Gass
28 July – The Graham Bond Organisation
30 July – The Amboy Dukes and The Objects
4 August – Solomon Burke
5 August – O’Hara’s Playboys and The Eyes of Blue
6 August – The Gass and Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
7 August – The Rick ‘N’ Breckers
9 August – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
11 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
12 August – The Gass
13 August – Dave Anthony’s Moods and Rik ‘N’ Beckers
14 August – The Amboy Dukes
18 August – The Alan Price Set
19 August – Mark Barry
20 August – The Shotgun Express
21 August – The Amboy Dukes
25 August – The Blues Healers (with Malcolm Magaron)
26 August – Mark Barry and Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
27 August – Cream
28 August – The Amboy Dukes
29 August – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
1 September – The Spencer Davis Group
2 September – Mark Barry
3 September – The VIPs
4 September – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
8 September – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
9 September – The Carl Douglas Set
10 September – The Amboy Dukes
11 September – The Blues Healers (with Malcolm Magaron)
15 September – The Loose Ends
16 September – The Five Proud Walkers
17 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
18 September – Otis Redding
22 September – The Eyes of Blue
23 September – The Shevelles
24 September – The Gass
25 September – The Gass
29 September – The Knack
30 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
1 October – The Shevelles
2 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
6 October – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
7 October – The Shevelles
8 October – The Playboys (not clear if this is The Manchester Playboys)
9 October – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
13 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
14 October – The Knack
15 October – The Amboy Dukes
16 October – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Poster above lists Garnet Mimms)
20 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
21 October – Diane Ferraz & Nicky Scott and Simons Triangle
22 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
23 October – Ike & Tina Turner Revue (with Ike – Ettes, Bobby John, Jimmy Thomas, Kings of Rhythm Orchestra)
27 October – The Drifters
28 October – The Shevelles
29 October – The Shogun Express
30 October – The Gass
3 November – Cream
4 November – The Shevelles and The Anzacs
6 November – The Gass
8 November – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
10 November – Gary Farr & The T-Bones
12 November – The Amboy Dukes
13 November – Paul Butterfield’s Blues Band and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
17 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
24 November – The Action
25 November – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
26 November – The Shotgun Express
27 November – The Amboy Dukes
29 November – Julian Covey & The Machine
6 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
9 December – The Action
10 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Jimi Hendrix Experience
11 December – Bobby Hebb and Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
13 December – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers Show
23 December – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
24 December – The Blue Healers (with Malcolm Magaron) and Dave Anthony’s Moods
25 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (afternoon and evening)
26 December – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
27 December – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
1967
1 January – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
6 January – The Alan Price Set
7 January – The Eyes of Blue
8 January – Felder’s Orioles
10 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
13 January – The Shotgun Express
14 January – The Amboy Dukes
15 January – The Gass
17 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
20 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
21 January – The Shevelles
22 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
24 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
27 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
28 January – Cream
29 January – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
31 January – The Fireballs
3 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
4 February – Jimi Hendrix Experience and The All Night Workers
5 February – The Amboy Dukes
9 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
11 February – The Shotgun Express
12 February – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set
17 February – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and The All Night Workers
18 February – Georgie Fame
19 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
24 February – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
25 February – The Amboy Dukes and The Main Line
26 February – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
3 March – The Shevelles
4 March – The Fenmen with Felders Orioles
5 March – The Q-Set
10 March – The Real McCoy
11 March – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
12 March – The Gass
17 March – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set
18 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
19 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
24 March – Julian Covey & The Machine
25 March – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
26 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
27 March – The All Night Workers
31 March – The Urchins
1 April – The Artwoods and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
2 April – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set
7 April – The Main Line
8 April – The Eyes of Blue and Rick ‘N’ Beckers
9 April – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers
13 April – Mary Wells & The Playboys
14 April – The Shevelles
15 April – The Pretty Things and The All Night Workers
16 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
21 April – Julian Covey & The Machine
22 April – Felder’s Orioles and The Main Line
23 April – Nina Simone and The Peddlers
28 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
29 April – The Shevelles and The Gass
30 April – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (may not have happened)
4 May – The Len Marshall Show
5 May – The Duke Lee Sound
6 May – Julian Covey & The Machine and The All Night Workers
7 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set
12 May – The Duke Lee Sound
13 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Ferris Wheel
14 May – Prince Buster & The Bees and Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers
19 May – The Duke Lee Sound
20 May – The Shevelles and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
21 May – The Gass
27 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Felders Orioles
28 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Hunky Chunk Band
2 June – Nat Cole Show
3 June – Cream and Impact Blues
4 June – Lucas and The Mike Cotton Sound
5 June – The Duke Lee Sound
9 June – Nat Cole Show
10 June – John Lee Hooker, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, The Savoy Blues Band and Mad Movies
11 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
12 June – The Duke Lee Sound
16 June – Nat Cole Show
17 June – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede, The Soul Meeting Band, Duke Lee Sound and Mad Movies
18 June – The Gass
19 June – The Duke Lee Sound
23 June – Nat Cole Show
24 June – Felder’s Orioles, The Chiffons & Rhythm and Blues Inc, Duke Lee Sound and Mad Movies
25 June – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set
26 June – The Duke Lee Sound
1 July – The All Night Workers (evening), then John Lee Hooker, The Savoy Brown Blues Band and The Duke Lee Sound (late night session)
2 July – PP Arnold (& The Nice)
3 July – The Duke Lee Sound
8 July – Ferris Wheel
9 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
15 July – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede with Mad Movies
16 July – Joyce Bond Show
22 July – Georgie Fame
23 July – The Coloured Raisins
29 July – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
30 July – Jackie Edwards
4 August – The Wages of Sin
5 August – O’Hara’ Playboys
6 August – The Gass
12 August – Ferris Wheel
13 August – Rick ‘N’ Beckers
19 August – The Skatalites
20 August – The Shell Shock Show
25 August – The New Jump Band
27 August – The Human Instinct and The Triads
2 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
3 September – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
9 September – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac
10 September – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green
16 September – The Bees
17 September – Ferris Wheel
23 September – The Shevelles
24 September – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound
25 September – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set
28 September – The Soul Vendors starring Roland Alphonso, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Johnnie Moore and Jackie Mitto
30 September – The Amboy Dukes
1 October – Jackie Edwards
5 October – Vanilla Fudge
7 October – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
8 October – The Soul Vendors (starring Roland Alphonso, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe)
14 October – The Skatalites
15 October – Horatio Soul & The Square Deals
19 October – Freddie King
21 October – Joey Young & The Tonics
22 October – The Bees
23 October – Junior Walker & The All Stars
28 October – The Delroy Williams Show
29 October – PP Arnold & The TNT
4 November – Johnson’s Dynamo Set
5 November – Junior Smith
6 November – Ben E King
11 November – The Sound Casters
12 November – The Soul Vendors
19 November – Little John & The Shadrocks
25 November – Eddie Floyd and his American Group, Sounds Incorporated and The Peppermint Men
26 November – Ferris Wheel
2 December – The Official Receivers
3 December – Desmond Dekker & The Aces
9 December – Watson T Brown and The Lastic Band
10 December – Joey Young and The Tonics (Joe Tex was originally advertised)
16 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
17 December – Jackie Edwards
23 December – The Vibrations and The Kingston By-Pass
24 December – The Delroy Williams Show
30 December – The Peppermint Men and The Duke Reid Sound
31 December – The Pyramids
1968
5 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces
6 January – Owen Gray and Youth and Rudy and The Shell Shock Show Band
7 January – PP Arnold & The TNT
13 January – Joyce Bond and The Duke Reid Sound
14 January – John L Watson & The Web
20 January – Jimmy McGriff and Nepenthe
21 January – Dandy
27 January – The Skatalites and Sir Coxon Sound
28 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set
3 February – James and Bobby Purify and The Duke Reid Sound
4 February – Jimmy McGriff
10 February – Robert Parker & The Quotations and The Sir Coxon Sound
11 February – Rupert’s Rik ‘N’ Beckers
17 February – Dandy & The Missions and The Duke Reid Sound
18 February – Nepenthe and The New Nadir
24 February – Little John & The Shadrocks and The Sir Coxon Sound
25 February – Joey Young & The Tonics
2 March – The Coloured Raisins and The Duke Reid Sound
3 March – The Fantastics (& The House of Orange)
9 March – Sir Coxon Sound
10 March – The Dave Davani Four
16 March – Jackie Edwards and The Duke Reid Sound
17 March – Horatio Soul & The Jokers
23 March – The Duke Reid Sound
24 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
30 March – Joyce Bond and The Sir Coxon Sound
31 March – The Chico-Bailey Show and The Night Hawks Band
6 April – The Original Impressions and Joey Young & The Tonics
7 April – The Sonny Burke Show
12 April – The Ethiopians with The Healers
14 April – The Original Drifters
20 April – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers and The Sir Coxon Sound
21 April – Garnet Mimms
27 April – The Fantastics (& The House of Orange) and The Duke Reid Sound
28 April – Sugar Simone & The Programe
5 May – J J Jackson
Melody Maker stopped advertising from this point on
Most of the gigs were sourced from Melody Maker and gig posters. Thanks to Tony Webb for use of the club posters and to Ken Baxter for some Carl Douglas gigs from his contracts. Thanks also to Bruno Ceriotti and Mick Capewell for providing dates.
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
Very interesting and a useful reminder. I was sure The Animals were on the opening night because I was there and it’s nice to have that confirmed. Lots of dates and places from that period blur for obvious reasons so many thanks!
A friend and I went every Friday night. I was only 16/17 at the time. Saw rod Stewart with long john baldry, cream, we didn’t realise what icons we were seeing! There was no alcohol, just great music, ska we called it! We must have seen loads of great bands, but as I said didn’t realise!!! My dad was a theatrical booking agent, don kingswell, and we often went to the six bells in Chelsea where he put some great jazz on, he also ran the The Dolphin in Kingston where he held The Kingston Rhythm club in the 50’s, lots of aspiring musicians played there, Ralph Sharon, George Shearing,George Chisholm, and my mum Gwen Jones, who sang with swing bands before that, 40’s, Geraldo, she in between shifts behind the bar, popped downstairs and showed her talent. Great times I’m sure , before I was born, just!!! My dad went on to work for, Jim godbolt,where he toured and looked after loads of famous musicians, he worked for the Bron agency, and was tour manager for ike and Tina turner/Rolling Stones in the 60’s, amongst others! Finished up in the states where he took’ osibisa’ and was asked to work for ‘Sha Na Na’ which he did for many years, until sadly he died.
Bill Laughlan was right opening night was The Animals, I was also there that night, and on many of great nights. Can remember watching Geno and then going up west to see again same night. Also remember the Nina Simon gig she nealy would not come on stage as she said the crowd was not loud enough for her. Still remember some great nights at the club , but saddly no sign it was ever there now.
Ronnie,
I saw Nina Simone in late 6o’s ( think it was 1968 ).
I was on a overseas holiday from Australia.
I remember Nina holding her fingers up,when the audience were too loud.
She was magnificent of course & one of the best live acts that i have ever seen.
Do you remember the exact date??????
23rd April 1967 I was there too.
Nina in Brixton
Living in Hampstead, (in a shared grotty, damp, basement flat) I ventured into alien Sarf Lunden territory with one of my house-sharers a NZ singer Lin Lorkin, who had introduced me to the music of Nina Simone.
I’d bought a vinyl copy of Pastel Bluea from one of the record stalls off Charing Cross Road. (Which was subsequently nicked from my Newcastle house by a friend of a friend, a DJ at Rockshots. Never forgave him. He’s dead now… I’ve got it on CD but it’s not the same)
Anyway I digress… Nina had sold out the Royal Albert Hall a couple of nights earlier, but we’d heard, or maybe read in NME that she wanted to do a gig for ‘her people’ in Brixton – so we thought ‘oh right, more interesting, a real gig’, and tickets half the price of RAH.
This was pre-Victoria Line tube, so we caught a bus from somewhere in Central London for our expedition.
So there’s about 20 of us white folks at the front of the space, really wanting to hear her – and maybe 30 or 40 mainly black, probably regular attenders at the Ram Jam club, further back, talking and laughing very loudly, apparently not remotely interested in the prospect that awaited them.
Eventually Nina comes on stage, in fur coat and gloves, sits at the piano and glowers into the space, apparently waiting for silence.
After what seemed an interminable time – during which we were hesitantly turning round and considering the merits of asking the noisy crowd behind us to shut the fuck up. And concluding that it really didn’t seem advisable… she started playing the piano, gloves still on.
(It was an exceptionally cold April evening)
Then as the shouting and laughter didn’t diminish, she stopped, stood up and announced she was leaving, as we obviously didn’t want to listen to her.
“No we do, we do, really, PLEASE!” Crowd at the back still apparently oblivious.
We were gutted and seriously thought she’d gone…
At this point I think ‘management’ must have had a word, and things quietened down a bit at the back, and she was persuaded to continue.
It turned into a really great gig, and she did get attention from everyone who was there. And she might have even smiled once or twice.
Memorable…
(I found out from this Nina Simone database that it was 23rd April 1967 http://boscarol.com/ninasimone/pages/nina/chrono.php )
I was there too! What a night and i was so young but came to see one of my life long favourites — a great and right in Brixton! I’ll never forget it
Hi Wendy
I just caught up with your piece whilst looking for something else! I knew your dad Don Kingswell – when I was a student social secretary at Exeter University in the early 70s your dad, then at the Bron Agency, booked acts on our behalf. As well as Bron’s own acts – Manfred Mann, Colosseum, Uriah Heep and Osibisa he got us everyone from The Kinks and Slade to Pink Floyd and Roxy Music, the latter for the princely sum of £40! A lovely man, I really enjoyed knowing him. Best wishes
No one seems to mention ike and Tina turner and the I kettes , I know for certain they played there as my self and friend where pulled up on stage so Tina showed us “little white girls” how to shake it. We went nearly every show for the duration. I seem to recall Johnny that owned the flamingo( ( where I spent the other half of my sixteen year old life). Having something to do with owning it. Could tell a bit about it and the west end clubs of the time if you need more info.
Yes they played an afternoon session before their evening show.
The Ram Jam was the best club ever. Used to travel from Northolt to go there. Went often in 66/67 aged 15 ! Saw Junior Walker gig was fantastic! Does anyone remember a manager there called Gaston & 2 guys maybe brothers Ricky & Nicky who worked there?
Great fun to sit and drink fizzy in the booths. We were also fans of Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, often saw them at Starlight Ballroom Sudbury Town a bit closer to home !
Yes I work with Rick and Mick brothers real name is Mustafa and Hassan Rick died a couple of years ago and Mick is in Cyprus I see him fairly regularly don’t know what happened to To the manager I am Toni I was tall and thin in them days let’s see if somebody remembers the same as I did
I was only 15/16 when I went and the memories are vague to say the least Mainly went on the Sunday as was at school the rest of the week and Saturday night was too busy Saw some amazing acts and it wasn’t until later the magnitude of the star we saw
Still talk about them
Hi Tony
Thanks for the reply, I just found this site again! Condolences, so sorry to hear about Ricky. So glad you knew Rick and Mick, we knew them and seem to remember they may have had a caravan somewhere? Please enquire about Gaston as I’m sure he’s not a figment of my 70 something imagination 😹We would be interested in participating in any Ram Jam get togethers as so many fond memories!
Hi Kathleen.
I am a 76yo Aussie & would have given anything,to see Tina & The ikettes at
that venue,as they were incredible artists.
I saw Nina Simone at The Ram Jam Club in the late 60’s ( 1968 i think ) & she was fantastic.
Will always remember that great gig.
I used to go every Sunday. I saw Georgie Fame who was a regular. The highlight was Ike and Tina Turner who lit up the small stage with amazing energy. Tina was a fantastic dancer. We used to dance the whole time whilst there, a fantastic place then. I must have been 16/17 years old.
Hi, interesting thread. I was at the Ike and Tina gig, on a Sunday afternoon as I recall ? Can you confirm the year, think it was 67 ?
I worked in the Ram Jam 1966 &67 your right Ike & Tina Turner were definitely there. Sorry don’t remember the date. I would love to know if anyone else remembers working with me. I ended up marrying the bouncer that they called the hairy screwdriver. Great memories.
Saw Hendrix at Ram Jam backed by Geno etc. May be 1969 or 70?
Fantastic atmosphere despite a cat fight during the gig.
Anyone else there?
I saw Jimi there, I thought it was about 1967 but I may be wrong- I delivered a telegram to his house the next day and we actually discussed the gig (one of my best ever memories)
I saw Hendrix there too but not sure of date.
Yeah I saw hendrix there as well he guessed with John may all.great times unfortunately we didn’t realise it at the time.i drummed for a while in local south londonmiss it.tel strange herne bay Kent.
Ok must have been 1967 as he played Hey Joe.
Only Gino band on that night with Hendrix
Yes the Animals were at the opening night I was there and the song shotgun wedding was played a lot. At the time I was an apprentice electrician and went to Brixton college before that I went to Peckham Manor school.
Was at the ram jam club to see Otis Redding on the 18th September 1966 believe the tickets were 15 shillings for the afternoon show.What an experience to see the great man live.Remember talking to Georgie Fame who had popped in to see the show that afternoon,also see the stax volt show at the uppercut in Forest Gate with Otis among others so lucky to have seen him perform twice.
Colin.
I am a 76yo Aussie who saw Nina Simone in late 1968,i think & she was fantastic.
I was on an overseas trip & also saw Tom Jones,Traffic & Donovan in concert in London,which i think is one of the best cities,in the world.
GOD–I would have given anything to see the great Otis Redding live.
It must have been a total blast.
I also worked in 3 London pubs,in order to save some money,to tour Europe..
Had a fantastic time in UK & Europe & have some great memories.
Hope you are well.
According to the CD sleevenotes “John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers live in 1967”, John Mayed played the Ram Jam also the 1st of feb 1967. The great Peter Green was on guitar. Parts of this gig can be heard on that CD and on “Live in 1967 volume 2”
I remember the Ram Jam Club with a great deal of fondness. It was a fabulous place where I spent many nights dancing to great music then going upstairs for a coca cola (if I remember rightly no alcohol was served there), and you’d sit in the “wimpy bar-type” booths around the walls (red leather seats if I remember correctly). I have a vague recollection of seeing a very young Brian Ferry performing there some time in the 60s. Great times.
You are correct, it was non alcoholic and we used to sit upstairs in the booths. As we were only 15 we used to go to the afternoon session on Sunday afternoon as we had school on Monday morning and had to travel all the way back to Northolt ! However we used Hang out after the session with some local kids we met from a local children’s home. Then we would return for the Sunday evening show but had to leave early to catch the last trains or we’d be in trouble with parents! It was such fun, best club EVER, and the staff were so nice. We saw Junior Walker and the All Stars live. Does anyone remember a manager called Gaston I think he had a moustache. The staff were brilliant, as when my mum came searching for me ( all the way from Northolt) they let us hide in the office😹 Great memories !
I saw John Mayal’s Bluesbreakers and Jimi Hendrix was the support. First and only visit to the Ram Jam, but never forgotten.
I was there when Steampacket first played with Long John Baldry and a gruff voiced guy with a great pair of bright red shoes,that was rod Stewart and they rocked the joint.i visited many times in 66 -67and Geno Washington was a firm favourite.on one occasion as i was rushing down the stairs i bumped into and knocked over a guy in a afgan coat that turned out to be spencer davis.it was the place to be to see the best of all genres of music.great memories……
We need a reunion of THE RAM JAM CLUB FOLKES. WHY NOT IT WAS A VERY IMPORTANRT PART OF SOUTH LONDON. LOOK AT THE LINE UP OF ARTIST THAT CAME THERE.
We danced danced danced!!!
We!! Screamed! Screamed! Screamed!
We! Fell in love! In Love! in love!
Freda
Hi
Is this story true.
When the Ram Jam first opened they walked a goat along Brixton high street or outside the club. The story goes that the goat ran off and was then chased around until caught.
Also I think I can remember seeing Sceaming jay Hawkins
And dancing to shotgun wedding
I think Long John Baldry turned up with a goat at The Marquee … long time memory, could be wrong
As a young Teenager living in Streatham, a bus ride away, the Ram Jam was my first experience of clubbing and I have memories of many great acts.
Thanks to Victoria for mentioning the Jimi Hendrix Experience, I was there that night and Jimi was second billing to John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. I recall seeing the poster as we entered the door downstairs and the name Hendrix at that time meant nothing to me but what an experience. I think this was his first UK Tour as in 67 Hey Joe was released. There are some acts not mentioned that I saw at the Club, Junior Walker & The All Stars, Inez & Charlie Foxx and I think also Robert Parker of Barefootin’ fame. Whatever night you went or the Sunday afternoon session, guaranteed musical delight, whether it was Ska, Motown or Soul, great memories!
I remember seeing Nina Simone there and my West Indian mate said to me “you’re the only white bloke in here” and I chuckled but when I looked around I saw that he was right,
Hey Dennis.
I am a 76yo Aussie who also saw Nina Simone in late 1968.
So that means you may have been the 2nd white guy on that night.
Do you remember Nina holding up her fingers & stop playing & singing,until the audience became quiet?
Of course Nina was magnificent.
Hope you are well…
I went to the Ram Jam Club on July 2 1966 to see the Yardbirds who had rescheduled a previously cancelled gig. Jimmy Page was just starting out on bass and looked very nervous.
Yes! I show this performance also.
Steve A. Jones
The Alchemist’s Archivist
Could you tell a Yank , who or what was Mad Movies ?
i saw most of the acts,Clapton john mayal who etc – memorable was Hendrix –
the ramjam club opposite police station – I lived locally.
the stage was about 2 foot high and i was about 3 foot away in front of Hendrix all during show – and too close to speakers about 12 foot apart – came out with ears ringing – its why i have tinnitus now .
Also dont forget the pub down York road SW london when peter green – ex fleetwood mac – he turned up on a scooter – with guitar strapped on his back – i saw the rolling stones live at a tooting cinema – i cant understand how it got so expensive now to stand half a mile away in a concert – then just look at their phones.
sorry –
am i old school or old fool – but dont try to pinch my big E Levi jacket.
The pub was the Nag’s Head. It was originally run by Harry Simmonds, elder brother of Kim, who was and still is lead guitarist of Savoy Brown Blues Band who were resident there. I saw Fleetwood Mac there very early on. It was more of a rehearsal than a gig . I don’t think it’s even documented.
Dan Martin (Gospel and Blues Brother)
I visited this most wicked and atmospheric club with my friend around 1967 and saw the fabulous Coasters from the USA.
We were the only two white honkeys there and did experience a little hassle with a couple of the locals at the bar who stole our change given to us by the bartender (two or three Shillings).
Like Al Capone come, we did not argue!!!
Apart from that well worth the visit.
Dan
GOD–I envy you,as The Coasters are one of my very favourite groups of all time .Their voices & harmonies still blow me away today.
Also love their ballad vocals.
I am a 76yo Aussie & saw Nina Simone in late 1968 at The Ram Jam Club & she was magnificent.
Will always remember that night.
I should say that i was on an overseas trip & had a ball in London .
Hope you are well.
Long may the Coasters reign.
Does anyone know Roger….who was DJ at The Ram Jam during the 60s…he had a brother Goddard and sisters Megan…Pauline…Pinky
I distinctly remember seeing the Paul Butterfield Blues Band play at the Ram Jam and a google search shows they played there on Nov 13 1966, although the listing above shows Carl Douglas and the Big Stampede on that date. I also think I saw them again about a year later at the Ram Jam but that could be a faulty memory. They were some live band!
I was convinced I saw Paul Butterfield then, thanks for the conformation. Another not mentioned is Bobby Hebb, played a Sunday afternoon as Sunny was charting
I have fun memories of performing and watching others bands and artist this was the place to be in South London, some of the biggest and best Artist and bands in the world.
I was there on the opening night! The Animals headlined with Geno Washington as support.
Also saw Hendrix there, can’t remember John Mayall but certainly will never forget Hendrix!
I later played there that same year 67 backing The Ethiopians with The Healers. I was the drummer
It was actually April of 1968 – the 12th when we backed up the Ethiopians – we ( The Healers), then went onto Beirut for a 3 month residency at Le Cave Du Roy.
Thanks. I remember you kept a diary and don’t know if you managed to locate it and have dates for other venues you played?
Can anyone tell me who was the drummer in the Rick N Beckers and are there any pictures of the band anywhere.
Have lived in Mallorca for the past 35years ( now aged 70 )
grew up in Tooting but have fond memories of my “musical education”
in the Silver Blades in Steatham and the Ram Jam Club in Brixton.
Happy Days !
Hi Nigel. Remember Philip and Marion?
17th Feb 1966
The Animals played on the club opening night
Was a regular – funnily enough I still see Geno now performing at my local theatre. I reminded him of those days and he said ‘those days ain’t ever gonna happen again’. How true and how lucky we were to experience them. He’s still got it and performs as well as ever!!
I’m pretty sure I saw Wilson Pickett there, but can’t find it documented anywhere. Can anyone else confirm this? I vaguely remember it was 10/- rather than the usual 7/6d, which was half my Saturday job wages.
Yes he did. Couldn’t get in so was out on the back fire escape with the door open listening. Same thing happened with Otis. When John Mayalls Blues Breakers played Eric Clapton came upstairs to the coffee bar upstairs during the break for a glass of milk. Nice to meet him briefly. Saw the Animals there, Eric Burdon was complaining his stage make-up was too thick. If I remember correctly there were 3 rows of seats at the front and I stood right behind them. The Who were so much better there than at the Locarno! Geno ruled though.
I remember 3 rows of seats at the Marquee
Saw the early dates of Cream here. They were Outstanding!!
I saw the Who at the Ram Jam. The Small Faces were on at the Streatham Locarno on the same night. It was a toss up which one to go to.
Was at the Ram Jam quite often on a Sunday afternoon but also went regularly enough in the nights to see all the regulars, Geno, Cream, John Mayall etc.
Lived in Streatham so I had the choice of the Ram Jam, the Locarno and the Ice Rink. If only I knew then what I know now, chances to see some of the bigest stars in the world.
Live in South Australia now. Have to be lucky to get the opportunity to see 2 or 3 acts of that status (or whar they have become) a year.
Junior Walker at the Ram Jam. At 1:45 there’s a glimpse of a poster on the wall for him at the club. Not easy to make out but P.P. Arnold’s name appears at the bottom
Fantastic video and what brilliant musicians ! Thanks I just loved this evenings out watching talented groups who got one raving all night! Those were the days with so many venues with brilliant bands. Remember seeing Herman and the Hermits I think they were called ! Horrible and my taste in music made me realise I had a head for the BIZ!!
Hi All
It’s great to see this website!
We often used to go to the Ram Jam Club in Brixton around 1966/67. We were 15 and lived in Northolt Middlesex so we used to get the Central Line tube and change at Tottenham Court Road for Oval. It was trek but well worth it ! We loved the place and used to go to the Ram Jam Hot 100, cost 3 shillings ! Then we’d hang around with friends we made in Brixton until the evening session. We had to leave early to catch the last train home.
I remember the Junior Walker session very well, as one of our friends couldn’t get in so she went round the back and up the fire escape ( iron stairs I think)to try & get in via the fire door, however she got a bucket of water thrown over her and had a cold for a week ! We also saw Jackie Mittoo and the Soul Vendors amongst others.
The management were very friendly and knew us. I seem to remember a guy called Gaston… maybe a manager, and Ricky and Nicky, maybe brothers ? We also made friends with others around our age who were from a local children’s home. Great days, if anyone remembers would love to hear.
It used to be The Universal Health Club before The Ram Jam.
I remember seeing Hendrix there but it couldn’t have been the same show as others have commented on because he was rubbish and booed off the stage, he was also booed off the stage at Chiselhurst Caves which was another popular venue for a Friday night. He was stoned out of his head on both occaisions.
I do remember seeing Solomon Burke and the great Jesse Fuller who wasm’t appreciated by the coloured fraternity for some reason.
The other popular venue was the Fous Hiboux in Streatham but that was mainly for jazz fans.
Came up from Chelmsford to see Martha and The Vandellas on the 8th April 1966 and was blown away at this fantastic group. Followed Geno and also went to Flamingo Club and Twisted Wheel Manchester. Just dreamy days with magical music and we won the World Cup!! Mod scene was brilliant and the music was awesome. Radio Caroline got the interest going!! Shangri-Las another female group so way ahead of their time. Just seems all the music was so much better than todays dross! Still I do like Left Field and 90s Euphoria! So many memories thanks this site is brilliant!!
I remember the narrow staircase which was the main entrance! The occasional police raid which was pointless as stuff was thrown on the floor upstairs before they could get there. Just loved the music. I still have my club membership card.
I was at the opening night. You’re correct that The Animals headlined but [perhaps obviously] the support act was Geno Washington & The Ramjam band.
I was a student at Camberwell College of Art in the 60s and lived in Brixton one year. Loved this club,
I remember going to the Ram Jam club in the late sixties, and seeing those fabulous acts from the US. I recall that many members of the black community frequented the club, coming from all over London. I have fond memories of the upstairs soft drink bar and intimate dimly lit booths with glass mirrors in some sections, also rushing downstairs to jam to the record “Shotgun Wedding” many a romance was started at that club during the 3 to 6 and later 7 to 11 sessions on a Sunday, those were the days. I do however remember a massive “punch up” between black and white youths after one 3 to 6 session which resulted in running fights along the Brixton road. But that was the exception rather than the rule. I also remember the metal fire escape which sometimes served as a means of getting access to the club when entrance money was not available for the normal staircase route into the venue. There was a very overweight white bouncer who was very much into black music, I can mentally picture him, but cannot remember his name, I believe he has passed, but he was a jolly fellow. So many good memories of this club, even with failing memory due to age, that this post may seem a bit disjointed as I recall the great times when good music and a simpler life was the norm (is it rose tinted spectacles). A book should be written about this venue.
Hi Anthony
Your memory serves you well, as the Club was an absolute legend. The large Bouncer was likely Alex Hughes (aka Judge Dread). Due to his size he was quite adept in removing idiots by the scruff of the neck or a headlock, although in truth he was a jovial character. Only realised it was him when I went to the Bedford Arms in Balham one night and he was performing to a packed out crowd.
1977 at 8years old worked in the cloakroom I didnt know club had so much history
I’m hoping someone can help, I’m pretty sure I saw James Brown there straight after his appearance on Ready Steady Go on the TV.
I think it was a Friday night show, no idea of the date, or even the year.
Please someone, put this old farts mind at rest and either confirm or deny his appearance.
No, James didn’t play there.
However he did play at a cinema (no longer there) up a side street not far away. (Brighton Terrace I believe)
I was there to see James (I remember someone was sitting in our seats but they eventually got moved.
I also went to the Ram Jam a lot and saw a lot of great artists.
I would love to know how I somehow missed Otis though.
Like many others here I have fond memories of “Shotgun Wedding”
Great hearing all the memories, does anyone remember the hot sausage roll you could buy upstairs in the soft drinks bar cooked in a microwave type oven? It only took a minute to cook and gave you 3rd degree burns if you were not careful Never had any trouble at the time or saw any, but my girl friend had her a-se pinched once going up to the bar ,which she reminded me 41 years later when we met again at a dear friends funeral.
I remember playing at the Ram Jam in the late 60`s our band was called “Cherry Blossom Clinic“ I can`t recall the date but we were the the only white guy`s in the club that night!
Does anyone remember if The Four Tops appeared at club. I was there 1966/67 and sure they perform there but can not find any confirmation of their appearance.
Ron
A legendary club that introduced me to so many different styles of music, I was there on the opening night, out side was so full of people that I fell may be pushed off the pavement and narrowly missed being hit by a Ford Mustang car that was being driven by Eric Burdon of the Animals who of course were the headliners that night, I was very lucky to have many great nights there as it was just walking distance from where I lived at the time.
Hi , I went to the Ram Jam Club 1966. I think I was 17, Drove all the way from York, Yorkshire that night, was made so welcome. I remember joining the club and had a card. Memories !!
WORKED IN FAMILY SHOE SHOP IN BRIXTON MARKET
WAS ONLY 17 BUT ALWAYS IN THE SOHO CLUBS 65-66
WHEN SOHO CAME TO BRIXTON IN THE FORM OF THE RAMJAM CLUB IT WAS BEYOND FANTASTIC. LOOKED AROUND SAW ALL OUR CUSTOMERS, IT WAS LIKE HOME FROM HOME. ONSTAGE GEORGIE FAME, OTIS REDDING, MAXINE BROWN…ETC ETC .
FOR 1966 THE RAMJAM ON A SATURDAY NIGHT WAS THE CENTRE OF SWINGING LONDON
It was in April 67 before the Healers wen t to Beirut in June that same year.
I have a poster of The Healers & The Ethiopians from the Ramjam Club date.
Did you mean 1968? There is a date for The Ethiopians that April
Yes, I joined the Healers in 1967 at the age of 17. My first oro band. We played all over England – touring non- stop. Remember supporting the Herd – Small Faces & many others around at the time.
We ended up going to Beirut Lebanon to play Le Caves Du Roy for a 2 month residency. In London we played all the main clubs – had a weekly spot at St. Moritz in Wardour Street every Wednesday.
So it was in 1968 we did the gig backing the Ethiopians. We must have left for Beirut in June that same year.
I lived in Colharbour Lane used to go the Ram Jam lots of times first I saw was Georgy Fame then lots more The Cream, The Yardbirds Nina Simone ,
Also used to go to the Whiskey Go Go
in Wardour Street and also next door the Flamingo with Tubby Hayes and Tony Kinsey great days lovely memories.
,
Now aged 74 I went to the Ramjam nearly every Saturday and Sunday. Too young to appreciate the acts I was watching, but fell in love with soul.
Met my girlfriend there in 1966 and this year we celebrate 50 years of marriage. Thank you Brixton. Thank you Ramjam Club
Ah The Gass. What a band.
Lucky enough to have seen Otis Redding there in 1966.. I’d met a pretty girl whilst on holiday in Cornwall and she lived in or near Brixton and got us tickets.. I was a big fan (still am) and remember it clearly.. The backing band opened playing I like it like that, really slow and on came Otis and introduced the players of the band which revealed that they were essentially Booker T and the MG’s.. All the time they were being introduced the band played and sung “I like it, I like it, I like it like that..” real slow then Otis lifted his arm and dropped it down and the band and Otis broke into Shake.. Brilliant..
I wish I could remember the pretty girls name, I’d love to thank her again.. I recall she was conscious of having hemophilia but it really didn’t matter and how wonderful for me to have met her and got to see such a great artist and musicians.. Thank you Ram Jam too.
I used to go two or three nights a week. I saw many great artists. I was there the night Jimi Hendrix popped in with Chas Chandler on his way from Heathrow. He did a couple of numbers and I t was a privilege to hear his first gig in England.
We are collecting people’s memories about the Ram Jam club for the Brixton Music Memories project.
We have written a history of the club here: https://brixtonmusicmemories.wordpress.com/the-ram-jam-club/ which has some rare photos of The Animals and The Who playing there.
If people want to get in touch with their memories or be interviewed, please get in touch. Our e-mail is: brixtonmusicmemories@gmail.com