Silver Blades was a notable venue in Streatham, southwest London where many of the top UK bands played during the 1960s.
1963
I have only a few entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.
1 January – The Stormsville Shakers (Stormsville Shakers’ website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)
1 February – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)
2-3 August – Jeff Curtis & The Flames (Streatham News)
1964
I have only a few entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.
10-11 January – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Michael Pierce’s clippings)
15 January – The Mystic Voodoos (Michael Pierce’s clippings)
29 January – Ray Dell & The (Rocking) Deacons (Clapham Observer)
20 March – The Soul Messengers (Streatham News)
Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell played with The Soul Messengers before joining The Riot Squad in December.
8 April – The Hi-Grades (Streatham News)
Future Sweet producer Phil Wainman played drums with The Hi-Grades.
22-23 May – The Henchmen (Streatham News)
27 May – Geoff Curtis & The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) (Streatham News and Clapham Observer)
5-6 June – Cyrano & The Bergeracs (Streatham News)
14-15 August – The Reapers (Michael Pierce’s clippings)
17 August – The Barron Knights and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Michael Pierce’s clippings)
21-22 August – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
4-5 September – Cyrano & The Bergeracs (Streatham News)
7 September – The Kinks and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Keith Preston’s recollections)
11-12 September – Mark Four (Streatham News)
16 September – The Muleskinners (Streatham News)
2-3 October – Four & One (Clapham Advertiser)
5 October – The Pretty Things and The Bo Street Runners (Record Mirror)
7 October – The Bad Boys (Clapham Advertiser)
9-10 October – The Fabulous Barbies (Clapham Advertiser)
14 October – The Forerunners (Clapham Advertiser)
16 October – The Stormsville Shakers (Stormsville Shakers’ website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)
21 October – The Exiles (Clapham Advertiser)
23 October – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
24 October – The Blue Saints (Clapham Advertiser)
28 October – The Heebie Jeebies (Clapham Advertiser)
30 October – The Scorpions (Clapham Advertiser)
4 November – Satellite One (Clapham Advertiser)
9 November – The Mojos and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Streatham News, Clapham News and Michael Pierce’s clippings)
13-14 November – The Mad Hatters (Clapham Advertiser)
18 November – The Condors (Clapham Advertiser)
20-21 November – The Peddlers (Clapham Advertiser)
25 November – The Objects (Clapham Advertiser)
27-28 November – The Others (Streatham News and Clapham News)
2 December – Danny & The Torinos (Clapham Advertiser)
4-5 December – The Fabulous Solitairs (Clapham Advertiser)
9 December – John L Watson & The Hummelfugs (Clapham Advertiser)
11-12 December – The Magic Moments (Clapham Advertiser)
16 December – The Nature’s Boys (Clapham Advertiser)
18 December – Johnny Wells & The Voodoos (Clapham Advertiser)
19 December – Kris Ryan & The Questions (Clapham Advertiser)
24 December – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Clapham Advertiser)
26 December – The Mark Four (Streatham News)
1965
Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.
1-2 January – The League of Gentlemen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
6 January – The Drovers (Streatham News)
8-9 January – The Juniors (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
13 January – The Solitairs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
15-16 January – The Roosters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
18 January – The Fourmost and Julie Grant (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
20 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
22-23 January – The Sassenachs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
27 January – missing entry
29-30 January – Hamilton & His Blues Messengers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
3 February – The Types (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
5-6 February – Clouds (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
10 February – The Soundtrekkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
12-13 February – The Skorpions (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
17 February – The Four Zodiacs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
19-20 February – Christian’s Crusaders (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
24 February – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
26-27 February – The Puppets (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
1 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)
3 March – The Forerunners (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
5 March – G L Watson & The Hummelfugs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
6 March – The Silver Dollars (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
10 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
12-13 March – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
17 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
19-20 March – The Primitives (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
24 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
26-27 March – The Rockin’ Eccentrics (Streatham News)
29 March – The Ivy League (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)
31 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
2-3 April – The Downtown Seekers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
7 April – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
9-10 April – The Essex Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
14 April – Herman’s Hermits (Streatham News and Melody Maker)
16 April – missing entry
17 April – The Solitaires (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
21 April – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
23-24 April – Keith Conway & The Aristokats (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
28 April – The Vikings (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
30 April – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
1 May – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
3 May – Manfred Mann (Greg Russo’s Manfred Mann research)
5 May – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
Streatham News lists The Moody Blues on 5 May
7-8 May – Jeff Curtis & The Flames (Streatham News and Ray Brown’s diary)
12 May – The Soundtrekkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
14-15 May – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
19 May – The Rockin’ Chairs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
21-22 May – Plain & Fancy, The Five & Fancy, Five To One (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
26 May – Warren & The Walkers (this is probably Warren Davis & The Board Walkers) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
28-29 May – The Fairlanes with Linda Lou (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
2 June – Danny & The Torinos (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
4-5 June – The Woodlanders (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
9 June – missing entry
11-12 June – The Conchords (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
The Conchords featured Ray Dorset who later found fame with Mungo Jerry.
14 June – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
16 June – missing entry
18-19 June – The Buckinghams (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
23 June – missing entry
25-26 June – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
30 June – missing entry
2-3 July – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
7 July – missing entry
9-10 July – Fernando & The Hideaways (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
14 July – missing entry
16-17 July – The Mirage (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
21 July – missing entry
23-24 July – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
28 July – missing entry
30-31 July – The Sovereigns (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
4 August – missing entry
6-7 August – missing entry
11 August – missing entry
13-14 August – The Druids (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
18 August – missing entry
20 August – The Big Bossmen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
The Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser has Dave Berry & The Cruisers on 20 August
21 August – The Big Bossmen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
25 August – missing entry
27-28 August – The Boston Crabs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
1 September – missing entry
3-4 September – The Thee (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
8 September – missing entry
10 September – The Cops ‘N’ Robbers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
11 September – The Hysterics (replaced The Cops ‘N’ Robbers) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
15 September – missing entry
17-18 September – Johnny Gustavson (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
20 September – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)
22 September – missing entry
24-25 September – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
29 September – missing entry
1-2 October – The Board Walkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
6 October – missing entry
8-9 October – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
11 October – The Fortunes (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
13 October – missing entry
15 October – Giorgio & Marco’s Men (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
16 October – missing entry
20 October – missing entry
22 October – Jaymes & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
23 October – missing entry
27 October – missing entry
29-30 October – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
3 November – missing entry
5-6 November – The Hideaways (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
10 November – missing entry
12-13 November – Country folk (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
15 November – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)
17 November – missing entry
19 November – Platform Six (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
20 November – The Summer Set (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
24 November – missing entry
26-27 November – missing entry
1 December – missing entry
3-4 December – David Bowie & The Lower Third (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
8 December – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ diary)
10-11 December – missing entry
13 December – Hedgehoppers Anonymous (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
15 December – missing entry
17 December – The Powerhouse Six (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
18 December – The Insect (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
22 December – missing entry
24 December – James Venda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
26 December – James Venda & The Vulcans (Sunday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
29 December – missing entry
31 December – The Checkmates (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)
1966
Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.
1 January – missing entry
5 January – missing entry
7-8 January – The Roosters (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
12 January – The Plain & Fancy (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
14-15 January – missing entry
17 January – The Kinks (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Melody Maker)
Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Kinks on 17 January – see comments section below
19 January – missing entry
21-22 January – The Just Five (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
The Balham and Tooting News & Mercury lists The Bipeds on 21-22 January
26 January – The Plain & Fancy (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
28-29 January – The Blades (Dave Harwood’s memories)
2 February – missing entry
4-5 February – The High Set (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
According to Dave Harwood’s photo above, The High Set were most likely from East Anglia
6 February – Young at Heart (Sunday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
9 February – missing entry
11-12 February – Peter & The Spectres (Dave Harwood photo above)
According to Dave Harwood’s group photo above, Peter & The Spectres were most likely from East Anglia
14 February – The Overlanders (Melody Maker)
Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Overlanders for 14 February – see comments section below
16 February – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)
I am missing many gigs over the following months and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible. This is what I do have:
14 March – Tom Jones & The Squires (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
28 March – Johnny Howard Band Show (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
6 April – Search for Sound (Four bands) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
18 April – The Small Faces (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
29-30 April – Some Other Guys (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)
2 May – The Alan Price Set (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Alan Price Set on 2 May – see comments section below
3-4 June – The Second City Sound (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
10 June – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
11 June – The Soundtrekkers (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
18 June – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
24-25 June – The New State Jazz Band (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
30 July – Search for Sound contest – winners were The Planet Set. Others included The Embers, The Low Limit and Sister Jill & The Bretheren and The Motivation (the original Norbury, south London version) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
4 August – The Monopoly (Thursday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
6 August – The Soul Survivors (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)
11 August – The Associates (Thursday) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)
12 August – The Waikiki Beach Boys (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
13 August – The Associates (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
26 August – The Second City Sound (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
12 September – The Troggs (Fabulous 208 and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
16-17 September – Steve Brett & The Mavericks (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
Lewisham Borough News lists Steve Brett & The Mavericks for 15 and 17 September (Thursday and Saturday rather than Friday and Saturday)
21 September – The Tea Set (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and Lewisham Borough News)
23-24 September – Giorgio & Marco’s Men (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
Lewisham Borough News lists Giorgio & Marco’s Men for 22 and 24 September (Thursday and Saturday rather than Friday and Saturday)
30 September – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ diary)
1 October – The Ways and Means (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
5 October – The Little People (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
10 October – The Robb Storme Group (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)
13 October – The Boys Blue (Thursday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
21 October – Napoleon XIV (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)
2 December – The Bossmen (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
17 December – Five Steps Beyond (Paul Quinton’s gig diary and website: http://five-steps-beyond.simplesite.com/)
19 December – The Spencer Davis Group (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)
31 December – The Escorts (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)
1967
Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.
I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided, where possible.
12 January – The Night Revels and The Second City Sounds (Thursday night) (Clapham Advertiser)
13 January – Timebox with Richard Henry (Clapham Advertiser)
14 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Clapham Advertiser)
20 January – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)
21 January – The End (Clapham Advertiser)
27-28 January – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)
3-4 February – The Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)
11-12 February – The Images (Clapham Advertiser)
13 February – Wayne Fontana (Monday night) (Clapham Advertiser)
17 February – The Second City Sound (Clapham Advertiser)
18 February – The New Jump Band (Clapham Advertiser)
24-25 February – The Mud (Clapham Advertiser)
4 March – The Fireballs (Clapham Advertiser)
11 March – The London area final of the National Search for Sound contest with four groups: The Mud and others, including Solomon’s Mines and The Next Collection (Allan Devon’s recollections and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
17 March – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)
18 March – The Next Move (Clapham Advertiser)
24-25 March – The Pebbles (Clapham Advertiser)
31 March – The Second City Sound (Clapham Advertiser)
1 April – National Group Final of the Search for Sound (eight finalists from over 1,000 entries with £1,500 prize money) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
7 April – The Jet Set (Clapham Advertiser)
8 April – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Clapham Advertiser)
14-15 April – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)
21 April – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)
22 April – The City Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)
29 April – The Images (Clapham Advertiser)
8 May – The Move (Monday night) (Fabulous 208 and Croydon Advertiser)
12 May – The Fire of London (Croydon Advertiser) who replaced The Ways and Means (Clapham Advertiser)
13 May – The Count 4 (Croydon Advertiser and Clapham Advertiser)
19 May – Edwick Rumbold (Clapham Advertiser)
20 May – The City Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)
26 May – The Mud (Croydon Advertiser)
There is a possibility that The Next Collection also played on 26 May
27 May – The Next Generation (Clapham Advertiser)
29 May – The Herd (Monday night) (Fabulous 208)
5 June – The Dixielanders (Monday night) (Clapham Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
9 June – The Fireballs (Clapham Advertiser)
10 June – The Hububs (Clapham Advertiser)
12 June – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Fabulous 208)
16 June – The End (Clapham Advertiser)
17 June – John Collier Night (Clapham Advertiser)
23-24 June – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)
30 June – The Pitiful (Clapham Advertiser)
The Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser lists The Formula 4 for 30 June
10 July – The Original Drifters (Monday night) (Croydon Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
24 July – The Herd (Monday night) (Fabulous 208, Croydon Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
7 August – The Tremeloes (Monday night) (Croydon Advertiser)
13 August – The Konrads (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
26 August – The Ironsides (Croydon Advertiser)
28 August – The Human Instinct (Croydon Advertiser)
4 September – The Move (Croydon Advertiser)
The Beckenham & Penge Advertiser has The Herd on 4 September
15 September – Camino Real (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
16 September – The Uglies (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
2 October – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
DJ Brian Wellsman says The Small Faces did not appear despite being advertised – see comments below
6 October – The Dove(s) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
7 October – Jon (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
13 October – Keith Golden & The News Boys (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
14 October – The Calgary Stampede (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
20 October – Warren Davis Monday Band (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
23 October – The Move (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
DJ Brian Wellsman says The Move were booked after The Small Faces didn’t turn up on 2 October – see comments below
28 October – Mud (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
3-4 November – Derek Savage Foundation (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
6 November – Cream (Monday night) (Fabulous 208 and Clapham Advertiser)
10 November – The Krisis (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
11 November – The Next Collection (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
17 November – The New Jump Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
18 November – Cameron’s Impact (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
24 November – The Herd (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
Beckenham & Penge Advertiser has Dr Marigold’s Prescription on 24 November
25 November – The Konrads (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
1 December – The Mint Tulip (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
2 December – The Purple Dream (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
4 December – The Foundations (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
24 December – The Herd (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
1968
Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.
I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.
1 January – The Bobcats (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
5-6 January – Mr Hip Soul Band (Clapham News)
12-13 January – Pandamonium (Clapham News)
2-3 February – Geranium Pond (Clapham News)
Keyboardist Steve Webber said that Geranium Pond played here a few times but Silver Blades was where the band played its final gig. They were just beginning to build a fan following when they disbanded.
9-10 February – Dr Marigold’s Prescription (Clapham News)
26 February – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Clapham News)
1-2 March – Skye Wine (Clapham News)
8-9 March – Jackson’s Overdrive (Clapham News)
18 March – Whistling Jack Smith (Monday night) (Clapham News)
22 March – Sunset Harp (Clapham News)
8 April – The Move (Monday night) (Clapham News)
22 April – The Small Faces (Clapham News)
29 April – Manfred Mann (Clapham News)
20 May – Bill Haley & The Comets (Clapham News and Melody Maker)
21 June – Miston Tuac (Clapham News)
22 June – Fire (Clapham News)
6 July – The Dove(s) (Clapham News)
12-13 July – The Code (Clapham News)
22 July – The Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)
26-27 July – British Mad (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
2 August – Raw Material (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
3 August – Jackson’s Playground (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
16 August – Toast (Clapham News)
17 August – Eight Miles High (Clapham News)
26 August – The Mindbenders (Monday night) (Clapham News)
6-7 September – Tangerine Jam (Clapham News)
9 September – The Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)
23 September – The Equals (Monday night) (Clapham News and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
4-5 October – Renaissance Fair (Clapham News)
11 October – Mint Tulip (Clapham News)
12 October – Tekneek (Clapham News)
21 October – Amen Corner (Monday night) (Clapham News, Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser and NME)
25 October – Toast (Clapham News)
11 November – Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)
15-16 November – Avlon (Clapham News)
22-23 November – Killing Floor (Clapham News)
2 December – The Love Affair (Monday night) (Clapham News)
1969
I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible
2 February – Forever Changes (Barry Sinfield recollections)
3 February – The Move (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
21 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
25 April 1969 – Bell Sebastian (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
26 April 1969 – Candy Bus (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
5 May – Amen Corner (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
4 July 1969 – The Pentagon (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
5 July 1969 – The Karl-G-Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
11 July 1969 – The Raw Material (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
18 July 1969 – The Fire (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
19 July 1969 – The Zoo (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
31 August 1969 – Bill Haley & The Comets (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser) Vanity Fayre replaced Bill Haley
5 September 1969 – Sir Percy Quintet (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
6 September 1969 – Pussy Foot Train (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
12 September 1969 – See Saw (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
13 September 1969 – Diary (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
11 October 1969 – The Arrival (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
24 October 1969 – Heatwave (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
25 October 1969 – John Graham Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
26 October 1969 – Memphis (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
10 November 1969 – Desmond Dekker & The Aces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
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 Silver Blades in Streatham was an ice rink that found a more profitable life as a rock venue. I used to skate there as a kid.
In 1964, I was lead singer of a West Country Band called “The Starfires” and we had a three date weekend booked in London. I’d like to, if I may, quote from a book written by former “Starfires” guitarist Barry Sowden.
“After a performance at The Princes Ballroom in Yeovil, Somerset, manager Stan Strange called the boys together and told them that in association with Lionel Digby, head of LMD Entertainments of Torquay, he had set up a three-date long weekend in the London area, and that they would leave for the Capital on the following Thursday week.
The big day arrived. The contents of the van were rearranged to allow sleeping bags and blankets to be stowed alongside guitars, amplifiers and drums. The journey was uneventful, and the boys reached their destination with ample time to spare.
Venue one was a recently opened club called The Rendezvous in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. The Starfires proved good ambassadors for the West of England, and were well received by an audience of several hundred people.
Day two of the itinerary found Dave Walker, Ginger Walker, Ken Strange, Fred Skains, Stuart Boyles, and Terry Denning…….The Starfires….topping the bill at the massive Streatham Ice Rink. The support act for the evening featured song writing brothers Ray and Dave Davies, who with two friends, had formed a band called The Kinks.
From the outset, The Starfires played superbly, and they finally left the stage in the early hours of the morning with the applause still ringing in their ears. The Kink’s lead guitarist Dave Davies, flatly refused to believe that the boys were not professionals, and Kenny got the shock of his life when he was mobbed by dozens of screaming girls, anxious to obtain more than just his autograph. Ray Davies’s day had completely ruined. The Kinks had been totally out-played by an amateur band from the West Country, and his offer to swap the Gretsch guitar he was currently playing, for Ginger’s Fender Stratocaster had been politely but firmly turned down.
The final booking of the tour should have taken The Starfires to the famous 2 I’s coffee bar in Soho, but sadly it was not to be.
Ginger was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe chest pains and breathing difficulties. The diagnosis of the duty doctor was that Ginger was suffering from Pleurisy. Immediate action by the doctor and his medical staff unquestionably saved Ginger’s life.”
Some fond memories, especially from the day that we ‘Head-lined’ over The Kinks at such a great venue.
I REMEMBER THIS GIG,EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A LONG TIME AGO. IT WAS A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY. WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF GINGER DID NOT GET TAKEN ILL. I STILL PLAY THE DRUMS WITH A FEW MUSO,S IN EXETER,WE ARE 70 PLUS NOW, BUT WITH MANY HAPPY MEMORIES…ROCK ON, Terry Denning. 22-05-15.
I and many of my life long friends used to regard the silver blades as our second home.
I would like to extend my undying gratitude to the Starfires and all of the other exceptional bands that kept us entertained over so many years in the 60’s and 70’s.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for so many incredible memories.
John Baldwin.
Hi Ken , great to read your memories . I thank you for reminding me of the name of The Princes Ballroom in Yeovil . I was the singer in The Purple Dream and we went down there several times from north London , once the band behind Jason Eddie (Billy Furys brother ), we also played Silver Blades in 68/69 .Both great venues , during these days of lockdown i have been going through the some of the memories of the band ,Yeovil was a great gig for me , but could not remember the name , thank you
I recall going to Streatham Ice Rink between April 1964 and February 1965. I remember a band playing there with a blond singer who looked like Keith Relf, so now I’m wondering if the Yardbirds actually played there. Can anyone confirm if it was them or another band. It was always Saturday nights when we went there. Happy days.
Hi
I was one of the DJ’s on Monday night at the rink, and I think you’ll find that the Small Faces did not turn up for the gig on 2nd October 1967, we had over 3000, in the rink that night, everybody that was in the rink that night was given a free entry pass for the next gig, and we quickly booked the Move for 23rd October
Thanks Brian for confirming for me that the Small faces did not turn up for one of their appearances. But I had forgot how many groups we did have play there.
remember it well. thank you for the cushy Mondays Brian.
I remember the Fortunes playing on a Monday night. Worked in the ladies cloakroom and skate hire from about 1963 whilst still at school.
Remember the following
Norman Davis, Bill Norton, John Chamley, John Shamley, Mickey Hallam (milky bar kid), Nick somebody we had great times it was like a 2nd home. I was Geraldine Kent😁
I remember hearing Little Stevie Wonder, probably in 1966. The DJ was one Dennis McGrath, who I recognised from primary school in Battersea in 1959.
Hi I know its a long time ago but do you have any more info on Dennis McGrath He was a neighbour of mine in Battersea
Hi
Just to add a couple more to your list, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames appeared in 1963 and 1964, not sure of the dates, also the Drifters, appeared at least twice maybe 3 times again not sure of the dates, but would have been between 64 and 68, and also Napoleon Xlv in 66,
Cliff Richards and the Shadows record there television series from the Bali Hai, which was meant to be “The Two Eyes”Coffee bar where they and many others started out.
I was there for that one – a surreal experience to see Bill Haley playing at the ice rink.
I remember that gig because I compered it. It was billed as a Rock n Roll Revival tour – quite bizarre after all that happened in 1967, psychedelia and all that. The band also played Liverpool ice rink and ended their tour at the Royal Albert Hall.
Hi , the night that Bill Hayley played at the Silver Blades ,they moved on to The Mistrale Club in Beckenham . I was the singer in The Purple Dream , we were due to hand over to Bill Hayley at about 10.00 ,but they were late getting over from Streatham leaving us on stage for an extra half hour in front of a huge crowd of Rockers waiting for their hero, it was a night i will never forget , it was a long half hour
I was a regular skater and gig attender there from early 1968 to the early 70s, gradually tapering off after late 1969.
I don’t have exact dates, but I saw, among others:-
Bill Haley
The Move
The Herd
Dr. Marigold’s Prescription
Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band
Love Affair
The Equals
Wow forgot about the last 4 groups on your list, the list just goes on and on, at the time we didn’t just realise how bigger venue the rink was. I’m sure there’s a lot more.
Oh there were! I vaguely remember one called (I think) “Timebox” and there were countless little known names on Fridays and some Saturdays.
I am in touch with members of Dr. Marigolds and have asked if they know the date(s) they played there. They are checking.
That’s brilliant
No exact date but was 1968 because they remember going straight from the gig to a studio where they recorded their first single, “My Old Man’s a Groovy Old Man”. That was released in April 1968 so it must have been early in the year. That makes sense to me because they were one of the first bands I saw there and I only started going regularly in early ’68 (age not quite 16) https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/dr__marigolds_prescription/my_old_mans_a_groovy_old_man___people_get_ready/
When the Equals played Ashley Smith and myself were the spotlight operators. Another good night.
I remember you Derek (though I doubt you ever knew who I was). You were one of Streatham’s well known sport skaters of the day, right? Handball, speed skating, barrel jumping and the rest, right?
Yes I did handball as well as barrel jumping, plus of course enjoying all the bands we saw.
Am compiling more detailed lists I can share for 63-69 period.
I’m pretty sure I saw Freddy and the Dreamers there…. can anyone confirm that?
The Kinks played at the Silver Blades ( Streatham Ice rink) on 7th September 1964.
I was the drummer in the supporting group “Jaymes Fenda and the Vulcans”.
I still have the poster.
We have also supported “The Baron Nights” as well.
Keith
Hi
You’re so right, I had forgotten about the Kinks, come to think a about it I believe they appeared twice
Thank you Dave and Brian for your reply’s.
I was only sixteen at the time so it is all a bit of a haze. I remember that the kinks posed for a photo with us in the Bali Hai but they didn’t want to chat like the Baron Knights did.
When I joined my band it already had quite a local following in the Tooting Bec and Streatham area and had its own fan club. we played regularly at the ice rink.
If the Kinks were there twice, I don’t remember it and we wouldn’t have been the supporting group.
I went to see the Kinks “Lazy Sunday” stage play recently and it brought it all back, I wish I could find the photo of us with the Kinks.
Keith
Hi
I remember being in the Bali Hai that night, and the photo shoot. The fact that the Bali Hai was closed to the public on Monday nights was one of the reasons we had the big groups on Monday nights, we could hide them away up there. It would be great if you could find that photo, could post a picture of the poster.
B
Hello Brian,
I will try and attach a photo of the poster with this, not sure for a minute how to.
I have taken my old work hard drive to a computer man who may be able to retrieve all my old photos from it, and there is a chance that I saved it there.
Clive Pierce, the lead singers son, had a website with lots of photos of our group and I was sure that I saved them all somewhere? its my last hope!
Try and attach now
Keith
No, can’t see where to do it, do you know?
Hi
Send it to me at my email address, bcw1945@gmail.com, if you don’t mind I will post it on Facebook group,”Streatham ice rink used to be my second home”
Clive Pierce was my brother Keith. He went on to play drums in other bands.
Mike Pierce (aka Jaymes Fenda of The Vulcans)
The Blades had a connection with Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans. Their manager was John Pierce (the father of Michael Pierce a.k.a. Jaymes Fenda) and he spotted us playing in either The Castle or The Horse & Groom, Tooting Broadway and became our manager. John Pierce also did maintenance work at Streatham Silver Blades, which is probably how he managed to get bookings for both bands there.
hello kieth i wonder if you remember me.i was rythm guitarist with james fender and the vulcans.i came from hayes.
my band from Liverpool solomons mines played at Streatham icerink in 1967 in the search for sound contest mud who were the local band won, we were told before that they would win, anyway I would dearly love to be mentioned as having performed at such a great venue, on the same stage as the all time greats, small faces, kinks etc, as we had played at our own cavern in Liverpool many times, golden times allan devon lead vocalist solomons mines
Hi
I was entertainments Manger for the rink at the time, they were great times , I’ve posted your email on Facebook; Streatham ice rink used to be my second home
I don’t disagree with your comments, however, your remark re Mud; “we were told before that they would win”, could suggest it might have been because they were ‘so good’, when in fact it was because it was a fix.
To reach the final there was a Regional Play-off at the Silver Blades. Voting took place by the public being given one voting card when they entered the venue, which they then placed in the ‘ballot box’ of the band they wanted to vote for. During the evening several people were caught skulking around with bundles of voting cards stuffing them into Mud’s box. They were ‘dealt’ with, but there was no way of knowing how long this had gone on for.
The obvious overwhelming support in the venue was for The Next Collection, aka Second hand, yet Mud allegedly ‘won’ by a majority. They brought nothing original to music and were just another pub band, (far less talented than The Tooting Fruities, Rock’ola, Basil’s Balls’up Band, The Undefeated, CSA, Wild Wally’s, or just about anything Dave Briggs played in, to name a few), but, clearly they had a talent for ‘nudge nudge wink wink’.
Second Hand did go on to get an album deal, Reality, which unfortunately was never promoted even half decently.
There was no revolving stage or multi stage set-up, the backlines and house drum kit were on stage. You brought your instruments on and played. The Next Collection were the last on, after Mud. However, they couldn’t start until they’d replaced the fuses and plugs Mud had pulled out, and Keiron the drummer screwed the drum kit back together. They planned to open with ‘Gimme Some Lovin’. Kitchener, the bass player, was the first reconnected and kicked off with the opening bass phrase for minutes till the rest of the group were ready.
They often say it’s a dirty business, in this case as dirty as Mud.
Oh, and before someone chips-in with; ‘That’s not what I heard’, that’s not what I heard either. I was there.
Hi
Sandra Lee who is a member of the Facebook group; streatham ice rink used to be my second home, remembers seeing the following groups at the rink ; Long John Baldry, Foundations and Geno Washington, wonder if anyone can put any dates to these groups
I saw Geno Washington too but can only tell you that it was either late 1968 or 1969.
Hi
Thanks that’s a help
Forever Changes( West Coast style music) played at the Silver Blades Streathen Ice Rink. Febuary 2nd 1969. The snow kept blowing through an open door into the area.
Some more to add:
The Spencer Davis Group
The Warren Davis Monday Band
Second City Sound from Birmingham who played at the rink several times.
Freddie Starr and The Midnighters (yes, THAT Freddie Starr!) played at the rink in 1963.
I saw the love affair there in the 60s.
I was the drummer in the support band when The Overlanders played at Silver Blades, Streatham on Monday 14th Feb. 1966.
The bands used the Bali Hai nightclub as a dressing room before going on stage, which had a great view down on to the ice rink.
I remember, on that evening, that the stage was decked out with a display of The Overlanders ‘Michelle’ LP sleeves and I managed to grab one as a souvenir!
Our band had recently changed its name from The Blue Rangers to The Blades and we played two gigs on our own at Silver Blades, Streatham, on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th Jan. 1966.
We had already supported The Kinks on Monday 17th Jan. 1966 and would do one more for The Alan Price Set on Monday 2nd May 1966.
Hi Dave, your post brought back some memories that’s for sure, I was the singer, I can remember going to Bradford ice skating rink for a gig too, to open the club? can’t remember who we fronted? Are you still drumming?
Hi Wendy, good to hear from you! You are right about our two gigs, on 18th and 19th February 1966, at Bradford Silver Blades, which opened in the January of that year. I don’t recall any other bands playing, but I could be wrong. Had to give up drumming in the late 1990’s after developing tinnitus in both ears. I often think of you and the great times we all shared together as a band. Have you still got your copy of our promotional photo, taken at Silver Blades?
Hi Dave, lovely to hear from you, yes I think you’re right I remember it being the first time we were asked for autographs!! Sorry to hear about your tinnitus stopping your drumming, yes I do still have the promotional photo do you have it too??
I played drums with Ray dell & The Deacons in the 60s and whilst doing a gig at the silver Blades we were recorded with a single microphone by one of the staff, I have a cd which was taken from the tape, doesnt sound bad considering that it was recorded on a tape recorder with no effects .
Hi Ray
The Clapham Observer has the group playing at the venue on 29 January 1964 but you may have played more than once.
Does anyone have any pictures of the groups playing in Streatham.
Thanks
I was a manager at the Silver Blades ice rink in Streatham 1965 1967
booking the Kinks and other bands for Saturday Night events having lived in Highgate North London where the Kinks hail from I hear them before.
The night they played at Mecca S.B. Their song “You really got me going” hit the number one spot on the charts They did show up after a Chinese meal and played the best, the place was packed remembering that there was no ice left in front of the stage when the night was over plus record takings at all the bars and convenient bars Those were the days.
Don’t suppose you have any details on booking The Army – Steve Priest’s pre Sweet band?
Sorry, Nick, I’ve moved so many times The only thing I have is Donavan’s stuff as I use to own Domes Dixter Rd Northiam E Sussex his house along with his manager Ashley Kossack down the road from Linda & Paul McCartney in PeasMarsh E Sussex Sorry about name dropping. I now On the Central Coast Calif in Cambria.
I’m sure the small faces did turn up one night didn’t they?
99% Sure I saw Cream there one night. They don’t seem to be on your list. Similarly I think I saw Amen Corner.
Barry Sinfield recollection
Additional memory. for 2nd Feb 1969
When we played the Streatham Silver Blades Ice Ring we had to manage the evening without our main singer Mick Mc Avoy, Very interesting experience indeed.
I was the drummer in the support band when The Overlanders played at Silver Blades, Streatham on Monday 14th Feb. 1966.
The bands used the Bali Hai nightclub as a dressing room before going on stage, which had a great view down on to the ice rink.
I remember, on that evening, that the stage was decked out with a display of The Overlanders ‘Michelle’ LP sleeves and I managed to grab one as a souvenir!
Our band had recently changed its name from The Blue Rangers to The Blades and we played two gigs on our own at Silver Blades, Streatham, on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th Jan. 1966.
We had already supported The Kinks on Monday 17th Jan. 1966 and would do one more for The Alan Price Set on Monday 2nd May 1966.
This entry was originally posted on 28 August 2018 and was accidentally deleted. Apologies
Hi Dave, your post brought back some memories that’s for sure, I was the singer, I can remember going to Bradford ice skating rink for a gig too, to open the club? can’t remember who we fronted? Are you still drumming?
This entry was originally posted on 18 March 2019 and was accidentally deleted. Apologies
Hi Wendy, good to hear from you! You are right about our two gigs, on 18th and 19th February 1966, at Bradford Silver Blades, which opened in the January of that year. I don’t recall any other bands playing, but I could be wrong. Had to give up drumming in the late 1990’s after developing tinnitus in both ears. I often think of you and the great times we all shared together as a band. Have you still got your copy of our promotional photo, taken at Silver Blades?
This entry was originally posted on 26 April 2019 and was accidentally deleted. Apologies
Hi Dave, lovely to hear from you, yes I think you’re right I remember it being the first time we were asked for autographs!! Sorry to hear about your tinnitus stopping your drumming, yes I do still have the promotional photo do you have it too??
This entry was originally posted on 19 May 2019 and was accidentally deleted. Apologies
Heatwave, the original band by that name ca. ’69, played Silver Blades when still a 4-piece.
Skaters would deliberately spray ice at the stage with their skates as they circled by.
After the gig, the drummer picked up, not only a girl (who turned out to be the ex-girlfriend of The Groundhogs’ drummer), but also a dose of the clap!
http://www.heatwave.n.nu