Tag Archives: Carl Douglas

Categories: England, London

The Cromwellian, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington

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Located at 3 Cromwell Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, SW7, the Cromwellian Club was a notable London rock venue that was opened in late 1964 by entrepreneur Tony Mitchell and part owned and managed by Bob Archer, who later established the Pantiles club in Bagshot, Surrey. The club’s opening was reported in The Stage in its 8 October 1964 issue.

Brian Auger who played here with The Trinity claims that the Cromwellian is where Jimi Hendrix first jammed with his band after arriving in London in late September 1966, although others point to the Scotch of St James.

At its height in 1966-1967, it also hosted numerous jam sessions, featuring the likes of Chris Farlowe, Georgie Fame, Long John Baldry, Eric Burdon and Eric Clapton among others.

Like other exclusive clubs like Blaises and the Scotch of St James, the entrance fee was expensive and therefore catered less for music fans and more for the celebrities of the day and wealthy clientele.

The Cromwellian was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).

1965

Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at the Cromwellian during 1965-1966:

Singer Jim Nairn (aka James Royal) says that James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set played there throughout this period.

Tony Richard who drummed and sang with The Fetish Crowd says that his group performed there during 1965-1966.

Singer Alan Chamberlain says that The Just Four, which became The Guests, played at the venue in 1965-1966.

Guitarist/singer Stuart Cowell says he was working with Ralph Denyer’s Rockhouse Band when they performed at the Cromwellian in late 1965 before he left to join Gass.

Ray Lovegrove, who DJ’d at the venue, remembers seeing Stevie Wonder and also The Groundhogs at the club during 1965 when he was there. However, the Stevie Wonder gig could have been 26 January 1966 (see below).

The following list for 1965 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

Photo: Melody Maker

1 April 1965 (Thursday) – The Drifters (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker, 10 April 1965

5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Soul Sisters (Melody Maker)

8 June 1965 (Tuesday) – Donnie Elbert (Melody Maker)

15 June 1965 (Tuesday) – Solomon Burke (Melody Maker)

23 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Doris Troy (Melody Maker)

Photo; Melody Maker

13 July 1965 (Tuesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

23 July 1965 (Friday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)

 

6 August 1965 (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

30 August 1965 (Monday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Martyn Hanson’s Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice book)

According to Hanson’s book, this was keyboard player Terry Goldberg’s final gig with Mark Leeman’s band.

 

8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

16 September 1965 (Thursday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

23 September 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

Guitarist Tim Large says that Dave Anthony’s Moods had a regular Wednesday night gig at the Cromwellian but most of the 1965 gigs below are Thursdays.

25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

 

1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

7 October 1965 (Thursday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

London Life magazine for the week 9-15 October, and for subsequent issues running to December 1966 when it closed, notes that several groups played each week.

20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

28 October 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

Photo: West Surrey Advertiser

Boz & The Boz People played at the Cromwellian sometime before 4 November, according to the West Surrey Advertiser (see pic)

 

4 November 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

11 November 1965 (Thursday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

22 November 1965 (Monday) – Wilson Pickett (Melody Maker)

 

2 December 1965 (Thursday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker/Record Mirror)

7 December 1965 (Tuesday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)

9 December 1965 (Thursday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

10 December 1965 (Friday) – The Beatstalkers (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

13 December 1965 (Monday) – The Beatstalkers (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

14 December 1965 (Tuesday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary – thanks to John Warburg for sharing)

15 December 1965 (Wednesday) – Major Lance (Melody Maker/Record Mirror) Melody Maker had Wednesday originally but it was later amended to the day after

16 December 1965 (Thursday) – Major Lance and Bluesology (Melody Maker)

Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) was Bluesology’s keyboard player.

Photo: Record Mirror

20 December 1965 (Monday) – Joe Tex (Melody Maker/Record Mirror)

1966

Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at the Cromwellian during 1966:

Keyboard player Stan Marut, who worked with Julian Covey & The Machine from late 1965-mid-1966 says the group had a regular Saturday night residency at the club in early 1966 (and also possibly late 1965 when John McVie was briefly a member when Jack Bruce filled his spot in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers). He remembers Sands were playing at the venue around the same time.

According to Chris Groom’s excellent book “Rockin’ and Around Croydon”, Croydon group The Kingpins played at the Cromwellian in early 1966.

Singer Alan Chamberlain says that The Guests played at the venue during 1966 (possibly with The Shevelles).

Jim Nairn (aka James Royal) says The James Royal Set played at the club this year.

Guitarist Frank Torpey, who later became an original member of The Sweet, confirms his group The Tribe played at the Cromwellian (most likely this year and possibly also 1967).

Guitarist Jim Cregan says that Blossom Toes performed at the venue (but this might have been 1967).

Ray Brown, who played bass with Jeff Curtis & The Flames from mid-1965 to late 1967 when they became The Kool, says that the band played at the Cromwellian a few times, most likely in 1966 (but also possibly early 1967).

Drummer Rocky Browne confirms that The Summer Set had a weekly residence at the Cromwellian during 1966.

Drummer Tony Richard says The Fetish Crowd played at the club during 1966.

The following list for 1966 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

 

4 January 1966 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 January 1966 (Tuesday) – Pattie La Belle & The Bluebells with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) was Bluesology’s keyboard player.

13 January 1966 (Thursday) – The Exciters (Record Mirror)

Record Mirror originally billed this show for 19 January.

15 January 1966 (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

19 January 1966 (Wednesday) – Lee Dorsey (Record Mirror)

Melody Maker and Record Mirror originally had The Exciters on this date but Lee Dorsey replaced them.

Record Mirror also listed this for 31 January so this may not have happened. Dorsey was most likely backed by The Krew featuring sax player Howie Casey. I also have The Sidewinders, so probably shared. They were back the following Wednesday to back Stevie Wonder.

26 January 1966 (Wednesday) – Stevie Wonder (Melody Maker/Record Mirror)

Stevie Wonder was backed by The Sidewinders (confirmed by drummer Malcolm Penn).

31 January 1966 (Monday) – Lee Dorsey (Melody Maker, Record Mirror and Rave Magazine)

Lee Dorsey was most certainly backed by The Krew.

 

5 February 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

This was 2-6am on the Sunday morning after a show at the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill on the Saturday night. Chase says The Searchers came in and watched them.

9 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Doris Troy (Melody Maker/Record Mirror)

16 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Steampacket (website: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html)

Melody Maker and Record Mirror lists Rufus Thomas for 16 February. Steampacket did perform at the Cromwellian and it’s possible that Rufus Thomas shared the billing or even backed him. Rod Stewart co-fronted Steampacket with Long John Baldry and Julie Driscoll.

19 February 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

23 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker, Record Mirror and Rave Magazine)

25 February 1966 (Friday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary – thanks to John Warburg for sharing)

 

2 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Solomon Burke (Melody Maker/Record Mirror)

3 March 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

Future Deep Purple members Ian Gillan and Roger Glover were members.

5 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

10 March 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

12 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

19 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)

Cromwellian, London, March 1966. Photo: Melody Maker

26 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (Melody Maker)

 

1 April 1966 (Friday) – The Sidewinders (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary)

 

5 May 1966 (Thursday) – Betty Everett (Record Mirror)

Christopher Hjort’s excellent book “Strange Brew: Eric Clapton & The British Blues Boom 1965-1970” notes that Eric Clapton attended the Cromwellian on 9 May after a gig at the Star Hotel in Croydon with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.

The 9 May marks the inception of SLAGS (Society of Looning Alcoholic Guitarists) whose members include Jeff Beck, Stevie Winwood, Vic Briggs, Pete Townshend, Steve Marriott, Andy Somers, Alan Roskams and Dave Wendels. The members will meet regularly at the Cromwellian.

 

In early June Melody Maker prints a “Guide to Good Raving” which lists the “in” clubs of the London scene. The Cromwellian is featured and the magazine notes that Gary Farr & The T-Bones, The Mark Leeman Five, Dave Anthony’s Moods, The Shevelles, Sands and The Peter B’s (actually The Shotgun Express) have recently played at the venue (performing until 2am).

10 June 1966 (Friday) – Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Five Proud Walkers who play at the Beachcomber Club on 18 June came from the Cromwellian.

According to the Southern Evening Echo (Southampton), The Move, who play the Adam & Eve in Southampton on 12 July, came from the Cromwellian (see above)

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Cromwellians who play at the Beachcomber Club on 23 July came from the Cromwellian.

Photo: London Life magazine

27 July 1966 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

Bass player Dave Aldhouse says his band The Zig Zags played the club, possibly twice,  in the summer of 1966.

The Eyes of Blue, who have won Melody Maker’s National Beat Contest, celebrate with a party at the club on 7 August. Eric Clapton, Alan Price, Chris Farlowe and others attend.

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Coletrane Union, who play at the Britannia Rowing Club on 13 August came from the Cromwellian

According to this Moody Blues site, John Lodge’s band The Question were regulars at the Cromwellian during August/September 1966 before he took up the bass slot in The Moody Blues in October.

31 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

20 September 1966 (Tuesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Melody Maker)

Guitarist Tim Large says that Dave Anthony’s Moods had a regular Wednesday night gig at the Cromwellian but the gigs in September are Tuesday nights.

21 September 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

27 September 1966 (Tuesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Melody Maker)

30 September 1966 (Friday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Jimi Hendrix website)

According to this site, Brian Auger was playing at the Cromwellian on a Friday night and had invited Jimi Hendrix to sit in with his band at this venue earlier in the week. Auger insists that this was the first place that Hendrix jammed with his band.

However, Auger did play at Blaises on Thursday, 29 September and Hendrix did sit in on that occasion, having arrived in the UK on Thursday, 22 September. According to Vic Briggs (and other sources), Hendrix also turned up and jammed with the band at the Scotch of St James on Wednesday, 28 September. 

 

8 October 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

11 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

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

22 October 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

 

2 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Photo: London Life magazine

16 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

18 November 1966 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 26 November issue, Eric Burdon, Chas Chandler and Bill Wyman attended the club on this date.

30 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

According to Bruno Ceriotti, Bluesology (featuring Reg Dwight aka Elton John) played at the Cromwellian regularly during December 1966, which is where Long John Baldry saw them and took them on as his new backing group.

 

7 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

14 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

According to Disc & Music Echo, The Magic Lanterns visited the club the week starting 19 December but it is not clear whether they performed or just attended.

24 December 1966 (Saturday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

1967

According to Disc & Music Echo, Ray Hunter and Paul Lincoln, who had previously run The Two I’s Coffee Bar in Soho, co-ran the Cromwellian this year.

Rob Tolchard says his band Sands played the Cromwellian in January where they were spotted by Brian Epstein who hired them for his Saville Theatre show on 5 February. 

Bass player Bruce Usherwood says The Warren Davis Monday Band performed at the venue several times between December 1966 and February 1967 just before they signed with Columbia Records.

The Warren Davis Monday Band’s guitarist Rob Walker concurs and notes that one of the gigs was when the band was called The Boardwalkers.

Disc & Music Echo, 14 January 1967 issue, talks about Georgie Fame’s fiancé Carmen’s 21st birthday fancy dress party, which was held at the venue on 8 January. The guests include Jane Asher, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Georgie Fame.

The following list for 1967 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

17 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

28 January 1967 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Disc & Music Echo reported that Del Shannon, Johnny Rivers, Edwin Starr and Dave Davies of The Kinks were guests at the club during the week starting 30 January. 

According to Martyn Hanson’s excellent book Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice, Lee Jackson was part of the house band at the Cromwellian, The House of Usher during February and March 1967.

2 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)

6 February 1967 (Monday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)

9 February 1967 (Thursday) – Long John Baldry & Bluesology (Fabulous 208)

11 February 1967 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)

Bobby King & The Sabres perform from 2am to 6am after playing at the Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London on the Saturday night, so this would probably be the early hours of the Sunday, 12 February.

20 February 1967 (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)

23 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

25 February 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

The Good Time Losers had a residency at the club around about now, according to Melody Maker. Disc & Music Echo reported that they were managed by the club. Pretty certain it was a Saturday but needs confirmation.

 

4 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

11 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

18 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

25 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)

 

3 April 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

8 April 1967 (Saturday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Disc & Music Echo)

12 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Disc & Music Echo)

Disc & Music Echo report that Tom Jones attended. This may have been 5 April so needs confirmation

14 April 1967 (Friday) – Motivation with The James Garnet Soul and Roll Band (Swindon Advertiser) (cancelled)

Motivation (featuring future Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre) are advertised to play the venue. Keyboard player Mick Ketley says they did play the Cromwellian. However, sax player Chris Rodger confirms they were in Italy until mid-May before returning home so this didn’t happen.

16 April 1967 (Sunday) – Disc and Music Echo says that The Bee Gees hold a reception at the club today

18 April 1967 (Tuesday) – Bo Diddley with The Canadians (Melody Maker)

The Canadians feature future producer and music executive David Foster on keyboards.

Disc & Music Echo’s 22 April issue says that US actress Jayne Mansfield attended the Cromwellian the previous Tuesday but the date might have been 11 April instead.

Drummer Phil Wainman, who later produced The Sweet and was playing with Jack Hammer & The Hammer Jammers in May 1967, says Jack Hammer played at the club, which would have most likely been this month.

1 May 1967 (Monday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Melody Maker, Fabulous 208 and Disc & Music Echo)

4 May 1967 (Thursday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)

8 May 1967 (Monday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Record Mirror)

Photo: Melody Maker

15 May 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

17 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

22 May 1967 (Monday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

24 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

26 May 1967 (Friday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

27 May 1967 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

31 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

 

11 June 1967 (Sunday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Irish band Granny’s Intentions played around July 1967

4 July 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Vince Edwards (Fabulous 208)

13 July 1967 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

29 July 1967 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)

31 July 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

9 August 1967 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

According to Disc & Music Echo’s 16 September issue, Long John Baldry keeps fit by running up the club’s stairs. Does this imply that he performed here with Bluesology during September?

1968

Guitarist/singer Paul Brett says that he played this venue during 1968, which was probably with Tintern Abbey but could have been with Elmer Gantry and/or Fire.

Drummer Paul Maher says that Jo Jo Gunne performed at the venue (possibly this year and/or 1969).

The following list for 1968 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions.

Judging by the dates below in January and February, it looks like jazz bands played on Mondays.

4 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Mike Eastman notes in his diary that his band Katch 22 played on 4 January.

8 January 1968 (Monday) – Bill Nile’s Delta Jazzmen (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

10 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Web featuring John L Watson (Melody Maker)

11 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

12 January 1968 (Friday) – Garnet Mimms (Melody Maker)

15 January 1968 (Monday) – The Red Onion Jazz Band (Melody Maker)

17 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

18 January 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

19 January 1968 (Friday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

22 January 1968 (Monday) – Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen (Melody Maker)

23 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

24 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

25 January 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Melody Maker and Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

26 January 1968 (Friday) – Jigsaw (Melody Maker)

29 January 1968 (Monday) – Spencer’s Washboard Kings (Melody Maker)

30 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound and Lucas (Melody Maker)

31 January 1968 (Wednesday) – Wee Willie Harris and The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

 

1 February 1968 (Thursday) – The Web featuring John L Watson (Melody Maker)

Mike Eastman notes in his diary that his band Katch 22 played on 1 February.

2 February 1968 (Friday) – Clyde McPhatter and The Trend (Melody Maker)

5 February 1968 (Monday) – Alex Welsh & His Jazz Band (Melody Maker)

6 February 1968 (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

8 February 1968 (Thursday) – Taste (Rory Gallagher’s Fandom site: https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/Rory_Gallagher)

14 February 1968 (Wednesday) – The Tremeloes (Fabulous 208)

15 February 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

26 February 1968 (Monday) – Jethro Tull (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

4 March 1968 (Monday) – Fleetwood Mac (Melody Maker)

5 March 1968 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound and Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 March 1968 (Monday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Melody Maker)

18 March 1968 (Monday) – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

25 March 1968 (Monday) – Champion Jack Dupree (Melody Maker)

26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Melody Maker)

 

22 April 1968 (Monday) – The Showstoppers (Melody Maker)

25 April 1968 (Thursday) – Nepenthe and Jigsaw (Melody Maker)

26 April 1968 (Friday) – My Dear Watson (Melody Maker)

29 April 1968 (Monday) – Duster Bennett (Melody Maker)

30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – O’Hara’s Playboys (Melody Maker)

2 May 1968 (Thursday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

3 May 1968 (Friday) – Duane Eddy with The Quotations (Melody Maker)

6 May 1968 (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

7 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Jeff Beck Group (Melody Maker)

8 May 1968 (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

9 May 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

10 May 1968 (Friday) – Hopscotch (Melody Maker)

11 May 1968 (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Melody Maker)

13 May 1968 (Monday) – The Fantastics (with The House of Orange) (Melody Maker)

14 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Embers (Melody Maker)

15 May 1968 (Wednesday) – O’ Hara’s Playboys (Melody Maker)

16 May 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

17 May 1968 (Friday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

18 May 1968 (Saturday) – Brass Tacks (Melody Maker)

20 May 1968 (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

21 May 1968 (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

22 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

27 May 1968 (Monday) – Duane Eddy (Melody Maker)

 

3 June 1968 (Monday) – Bill Haley & The Comets (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

14 June 1968 (Friday) – Ruby & The Romantics (Melody Maker)

18 June 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

27 June 1968 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

8 July 1968 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

20 July 1968 (Saturday) – The Mooche (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

2 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

3 August 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

8 August 1968 (Thursday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

9 August 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

10 August 1968 (Saturday) – The Pathfinders (Melody Maker)

12 August 1968 (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

15 August 1968 (Thursday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

16 August 1968 (Friday) – Scrugg (Melody Maker and Jack Russell’s gig diary)

17 August 1968 (Saturday) – Alexander Bell & The Flies (Melody Maker)

20 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

22 August 1968 (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

23 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

24 August 1968 (Saturday) – Scrugg (Melody Maker and Jack Russell’s gig diary)

27 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

28 August 1968 (Wednesday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

30 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

31 August 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

6 September 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

Photo: Melody Maker

7 September 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

14 September 1968 (Saturday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

16 September 1968 (Monday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

17 September 1968 (Tuesday) – Little John & The Shaddocks (Melody Maker)

18 September 1968 (Wednesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

19 September 1968 (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Melody Maker and Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

21 September 1968 (Saturday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

 

19 October 1968 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

 

16 November 1968 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

21 November 1968 (Thursday) – The Nite People (Melody Maker)

 

5 December 1968 (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

19 December 1968 (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

1969

Sax player Geoff Glover says his band The All Night Workers played at the Cromwellian when Clyde Barrow took over lead vocals from Iain Pitwell, which would have been from early 1969.

Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott says that his band Gass played here during 1969/1970.

The following list for 1969 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:

20 January 1969 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

 

8 February 1969 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

 

1 March 1969 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)

 

3 November 1969 (Monday) – Sky (Melody Maker)

10 November 1969 (Monday) – She Trinity (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.

Categories: England, London

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede gigs 1966-1968

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Carl Douglas & the Big Stampede, 1967 photo
Carl Douglas & the Big Stampede, late 1966/early 1967. Left to right: Dave Brooks, Mike Manners, Carl Douglas, Verdi Stewart, Del Coverley (front), Del Grace and Tony Charman
Carl Douglas & the Big Stampede gigs, January - March, 1967
Carl Douglas & the Big Stampede at the Candlelight in Scarborough on 27 January 1967, at the Flamingo on 28 January 1967, and at the Klue J. Klub, 12 March 1967.

After working with The Charmers and The Carl Douglas Set from 1965-1966, Jamaican singer Carl Douglas and long-standing member, Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) (now on bass) started to put together a new outfit (soon to become The Big Stampede), retaining guitarist Del Grace from The Carl Douglas Set, and bringing in sax player Dave Brooks, who may have joined just before Danny McCulloch departed to become a member of Eric Burdon’s New Animals in late September.

Around the same time, Del Grace’s former band mate from the original Big Wheel, Mike Manners joined on keyboards.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #1:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Del Grace – lead guitar

Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – bass

Mike Manners – keyboards

Dave Brooks – sax

Ray Beresford – drums (replaced very briefly by Nick Baxter)

Notable gigs:

24 September 1966 – El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London

26 September 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Searches (billed as Carl Dallas & The Big Stampede)

 

13 October 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Excels

16 October 1966 – Ricky Tick, Hounslow, west London with Ike & Tina Turner show

22 October 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Graham Bell & The Trend and Ray King Soul Pact

28 October 1966 – Chelmsford Corn Exchange, Chelmsford, Essex (billed as Carl Douglas Set) Most likely Nick Baxter on drums

Carl Douglas, TeaSet, Duke Reid at El Partido LewishamIn late October, Ray Beresford departed and former Charmers’ drummer (and the group’s road manager) Nick Baxter filled in until a permanent replacement was found.

Within a week, Del Coverley had arrived from Switzerland where he’d been playing with the latest incarnation of Big Wheel. Trumpet player Verdi Stewart completed The Big Stampede.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #2:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Del Grace – lead guitar

Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – bass

Mike Manners – organ

Dave Brooks – sax

Verdi Stewart – trumpet

Del Coverley – drums

Notable gigs:

7 November 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Dave Anthony’s Moods

11 November 1966 – Ricky Tick, Hounslow, west London

13 November 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London with Paul Butterfield Blues Band

18 November 1966 – Cromwellian, Kensington, west London

19 November 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

21 November 1966-4 December – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Jimi Hendrix jammed one night)

 

6 December 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

7 December 1966 – Cromwellian, Kensington, west London

8 December 1966 – White Bicycle Club, Maple Ballroom, Northampton

9 December 1966 – Gravesend Grammar School, Gravesend, Kent

10 December 1966 – Prince of Wales Youth Club, Canterbury, Kent (early pm)

10 December 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (late pm) with The Blueshealers

14 December 1966 – Cromwellian, Kensington, west London

17 December 1966 – Riley Club, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire

20 December 1966 – Birdcage Club, Hull, Humberside

Photo: Tony Charman

23 December 1966 – Beaconsfield Youth Club, Beaconsfield, Hertfordshire

24 December 1966 – Cromwellian, Kensington, west London

25 December 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (afternoon and evening gigs)

26 December 1966 – Brentbridge Hotel, Golders Green, north London

30 December 1966 – Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, northwest London

31 December 1966 – Corn Exchange, Chelmsford, Essex

 

 

1 January 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

4 January 1967 – Falcon Hotel, Rochester Way, Eltham, Kent

6 January 1967 – Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London

6 January 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

7 January 1967 – Rhodes Centre, Bishop Stortford, Herts (cancelled)

8 January 1967 – Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent

9-10 January 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

12 January 1967 – Club A-Go-Go, Newcastle on Tyne

13 January 1967 – Dancing Slipper Club, West Bridgford, Nottingham

15 January 1967 – Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, northwest London with The Soul Sisters

18 January 1967 – Adam & Eve Club, Southampton, Hampshire

Photo: Ken Baxter

19 January 1967 – Left for Belgium for four days and played at New Inn Club, Liege from 20-22 January

27 January 1967 – Candlelight, Scarborough

28 January 1967 – Students’ Union, Southampton University

29 January 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

29 January 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Radio Caroline Show with D J Johnny Walker)

31 January 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Soul Survivors

3 February 1967 – Mr McCoy’s, Kirklevington Country Club, North Yorkshire

4 February 1967 – Left for Scotland for four days (including Maryland Club, Glasgow)

11 February 1967 – Queen Mary’s College, Mile End, east London

11 February 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Maxine Brown and The Q Set

12 February 1967 – Nottingham Boat Club, Nottingham

15 February 1967 – Adam & Eve Club, Southampton, Hampshire

17 February 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London

17 February 1967 – Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London

18 February 1967 – Saturday Club, Royal York Hotel, Ryde, Isle of Wight with Times Creation (Isle of Wight County Press)

20 February 1967 – Cromwellian, Kensington, west London

24 February 1967 – Top Spot Ballroom, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire with The Nu-2-U

25 February 1967 – Students’ Union, Leeds University, Leeds, West Yorkshire

 

2 March 1967 – Klook’s Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

3 March 1967 – Assembly Room, York

4 March 1967 – Students’ Union, Newcastle University, Newcastle on Tyne

5 March 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington North Yorkshire

6-7 March 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

10 March 1967 – Glenlyn Ballroom, Forest Hill, southeast London

11 March 1967 – Nottingham College of Education, Nottingham

12 March 1967 – Klue J Klub, Chelmsford, Essex

14 March 1967 – Black Prince, Bexley, southeast London

18 March 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London

18 March 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London, with Lloyd Alexander Blues Band and Dynamic Ebonies

18 March 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London

19 March 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

20 March 1967 – Al Capone Club, Salisbury, Wiltshire

26 March 1967 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London

27 March 1967 – Surrey Tavern, Oval, south London

28 March 1967 – Bird Cage, Anlaby Common, Anlaby, Hull, Humberside

30 March 1967 – Darlings, Maidenhead, Berkshire

31 March 1967 – Rub a Dub, Reading, Berkshire

 

1 April 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London with The Artwoods

7 April 1967 – Dancing Slipper Club, West Bridgford, Nottingham

8 April 1967 – Matlock Bath Pavilion, Matlock, Derbyshire with Close Harmony Sounds

9 April 1967 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire

10 April 1967 – Baldock YC, Hertfordshire

David Brooks leaves and briefly works with Felder’s Orioles among other things before re-joining in December 1967. Mel Wayne comes in from Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #3:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Del Grace – lead guitar

Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – bass

Mike Manners – organ

Mel Wayne – sax

Verdi Stewart – trumpet

Del Coverley – drums

Notable gigs:

13 April 1967 – Klook’s Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

14 April 1967 – Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London

15 April 1967 – The New All Star Club, Liverpool Street, east London

17-18 April 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

19 April 1967 – Cavendish Rooms, Willesden, northwest London

22-23 April 1967 – Maryland Club, Glasgow, Scotland

28 April 1967 – Clouds, Derby

30 April 1967 – Ram Jam Club, Brixton, south London (possibly did not happen)

 

1 May – 2 June 1967 – Voom Voom Club, St Tropez, France, Valbonne Club, Valbonne, France, Whisky A Go Go, Nice, France and American school, Lugano, Switzerland

7 June 1967 – Adam & Eve Club, Southampton, Hampshire,

9 June 1967 – Clouds Club, Derby, Derbyshire

10 June 1967 – University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire

11-12 June 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

17 June 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London with The Soul Meeting Band

18 June 1967 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London

21-22 June 1967 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

23 June 1967 – Ealing Technical College, Ealing, west London (early)

23 June 1967 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London with Julian Covey & The Machine (late)

24 June 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London(early)

24 June 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Downliners Sect and Ebonys (late)

25 June 1967 – Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

30 June 1967 – El Grotto Club, Ilford, Essex

 

1 July 1967 – Hastings Pier, Hastings, East Sussex

5-6 July 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

7 July 1967 – Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst, southeast London (early)

7 July 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (late)

Mike Manners leaves at this point and records with Australian singer Johnny Young.  Several keyboard players are used, including Verdi Stewart’s friend Ian Green.

8 July 1967 – Bournemouth Pavilion, Ocean Room, Bournemouth, Dorset

9 July 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

11 July 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

12 July 1967 – Norwich University, The Flixton Room, Norwich, Norfolk

13 July 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

14 July 1967 – St Birinus School, Didcote, Berkshire with The Soul Survivors and The Ford Foundation (Ian Green on organ) (early)

14 July 1967 – Rasputin, New Bond Street, central London with The Ford Foundation and The Survivors (late)

15 July 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable with The All Night Workers (billed as Carl Douglas Set) (Ian Green on organ)

15 July 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (Ian Green on organ)

15 July 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

17-18 July 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

20 July 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

21 July 1967 – Gillingham Technical College, Gillingham, Kent

23-24 July 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

28 July 1967 – Palisades Club, Chatham, Kent

29 July 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

Del Coverley leaves at this point and works with a group called Kindness with Andy Clark from Big Wheel and two former members of The Fenmen – Alan Judge and Eric Wilmer.

Carl Douglas and Tony Charman bring in a red haired drummer for a return trip to France (Colin Davy from Georgie Fame’s band) plus veteran keyboard player Iain Hines, who has previously worked with The Jets at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #4:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Del Grace – lead guitar

Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – bass

Iain Hines – organ

Mel Wayne – sax

Verdi Stewart – trumpet

Colin Davy – drums

Notable gigs:

August 1967 – Voom Voom Club, St Tropez – Valbonne Club, Valbonne, Whisky A Go Go, Nice

Verdi Stewart returns to France and then moves into session work. Hines forms his own band Icarus while Davy joins Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound. Del Grace also leaves at this point to work as a solo artist and with his band, The Rifle.  

Carl Douglas and Tony Charman rebuild The Big Stampede, bringing in former Ivan’s Meads organ player Rod Mayall and drummer Dave Richards.

Photo: Torquay Times, 25 August 1967

Guitarist Martin Pugh comes in from The Package Deal. He narrowly misses out on the recent French tour.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #5:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Martin Pugh – lead guitar, vocals

Tony Charman (Tony Webb) – bass

Rod Mayall – organ, vocals

Mel Wayne – sax

Dave Richards – drums

Notable gigs:

3 September 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (before Rod Mayall joined)

20 September 1967 – Big Beat Cruise, Solent, South Parade Pier, Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head with The Wrong Direction (Rod Mayall’s debut)

22 September 1967 – Thames Hotel, Windsor, Berkshire

23 September 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London

25 September 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

29 September 1967 – Apex Club, Brookfield Hall, South Ashford, Kent with The Couriers (Kentish Express)

30 September 1967 – Nicholas Youth Centre, Basildon, Essex

 

6 October 1967 – Beaconsfield Youth Centre, Beaconsfield, Hertfordshire (early)

6 October 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (late)

7 October 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

13 October 1967 – Co-op Hall, Ilkeston, Derby, Derbyshire

14 October 1967 – Ewell Technical College, Ewell, Surrey

17 October 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

 

21 October 1967 – G-Ranch Discotheque, Maidstone, Kent

21-22 October 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

24 October 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

25-26 October 1967 – Sibyllas, Swallow Street, central London

27 October 1967 – Big C Club, Farnborough, Hampshire

28 October 1967 – Corn Exchange, Chelmsford, Essex

29 October 1967 – Corn Exchange, Maidstone, Kent

30 October 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

3 November 1967 – East Berks Tech College, Windsor, Berkshire

4 November 1967 – Reading University, Reading, Berkshire

7 November 1967 – Black Prince, Bexley, southeast London

9 November 1967 – Klook’s Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

10 November 1967 – G-Ranch Discotheque, Maidstone, Kent (early)

10 November 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (late)

11 November 1967 – Shoreditch College, Egham, Surrey

16 November 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

17 November 1967 – Gillingham Technical College, Gillingham, Kent

18 November 1967 – RAF Wittering, Stamford, Lincolnshire

19 November 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

24 November 1967 – Leicester University, Leicester

25 November 1967 – The Place, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

26 November 1967 – Star Hotel, Maldon, Essex

27 November 1967 – Queen Mary’s Ballroom, Dudley Zoo, Dudley, West Midlands

30 November 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

 

2 December 1967 – Lord John, Hounslow, west London (early)

2 December 1967 – New All-Star Club, Liverpool Street, east London (billed as Carl Douglas)

8 December 1967 – Bag O’ Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London

9 December 1967 – Upper Cut, Forest Gate with Herbie Goins & The Nightimers and Ferris

14 December 1967 – Klook’s Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (billed as New Stampede)

15 December 1967 – Shakespere Hotel, Woolwich, Kent

16 December 1967 – Bee Gee Club, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Long-standing member Tony Charman can’t go to France and leaves for a few months. Mel Wayne departs soon after and later plays with Calum Bryce.

Former Rupert’s People bass player Tony Dangerfield comes in to replace Tony Charman. Former member Dave Brooks re-joins the band in Biarritz.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #6:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Martin Pugh – lead guitar, vocals

Tony Dangerfield – bass

Rod Mayall – organ, vocals

David Brooks – sax

Dave Richards – drums

Notable gigs:

20 December 1967-3 January 1968 – (possibly La Canasta), Biarritz, then club in Perpignan, France

13 January 1968 – Ewell Technical College, Ewell, Surrey

22 January 1968 – St Matthew’s Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk

25 January 1968 – Bird Cage, Harlow, Essex

Photo: Stratford upon Avon Herald

23 February 1968 – Drill Hall, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

24 February 1968 – St Joseph’s Disco, Swindon, Wiltshire (advert says they are back from a European tour)

 

2 March 1968 – University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Photo: Derby Evening Telegraph

17 March 1968 – Clouds Club, Derby, Derbyshire

22 March 1968 – Margaret McMillan College, Bradford, West Yorkshire

23 March 1968 – The New All Star Club, Liverpool Street, east London

24 March 1968 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

28 March 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

30 March 1968 – Brave New World, Southsea, Hampshire

 

6 April 1968 – Alex’s Disco, Salisbury, Wiltshire

6 April 1968 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London

Tony Dangerfield departs when Tony Charman returns shortly before a trip to Spain.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #7:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Martin Pugh – lead guitar, vocals

Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – bass

Rod Mayall – organ, vocals

David Brooks – sax

Dave Richards – drums

Notable gigs:

19 April 1968 – Wimpson Youth Club, Southampton, Hampshire

20 April 1968 – White Tiles, Reuben George Hall, Swindon, Wiltshire

27 April 1968 – Stax Club, Circenster, Gloucestershire

29 April-31 May 1968 (31 days) – Stones Club, Madrid, Spain

3 May 1968 – Newbury Plaza, Newbury, Berkshire with Richard King Set (Newbury Weekly News) Didn’t happen as they were in Spain

 

8 June 1968 – Brave New World, Southsea, Hants (Portsmouth News) Didn’t happen as they were in Italy

22 June 1968 – Brave New World, Southsea, Hants (Portsmouth News) Replaced by Gass as they were in Italy

Carl Douglas & the Big Stampede, Titan Club Rome, June 1968
Carl Douglas & the Big Stampede, Titan Club Rome, June 1968

7-22 June 1968 – Titan Club, Rome, Italy

Rod Mayall departs and returns to Madrid to join Los Buenos.

Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede #8:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals

Martin Pugh – lead guitar, vocals

Tony Charman (Tony Webb) – bass

David Brooks – sax

Dave Richards – drums

Notable gigs:

27 June 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

 

4-14 July 1968 – ‘Boat Lydia’, Bacares, near Perpignan, France

 

1 August 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

2 August 1968 – Ship Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey

16 August 1968 – Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, Suffolk with The Motion Picture (Ipswich Evening Star)

7 September 1968 – Lewes Town Hall, Lewes, East Sussex with The Mojos and The Fascination

Tony Charman leaves at this point as he got married on 14 September. In 1969, he forms another south London band. Douglas keeps the band going a bit longer but it’s not clear who is part of this outfit. Martin Pugh joins Steamhammer and Dave Brooks moves into session work.

15 September 1968 – Black Swan, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

29 September 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire with The Sweet Shop

30 September 1968 – Stax Club, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

5 October 1968 – Lion Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire with Fringe Benefit

6 October 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire

Douglas moves to Spain and records with The Explosion before finding fame and fortune with ‘Kung Fu Fighting’.

 

6 December 1968 – Drumbeat Club Discotheque, Town House, Wellington, Shropshire with Cyril Seeburg Discotheque (North Shropshire Journal) Billed as The Big Stampede

This gig is from 14 December 1968 and suggests there may have been a final version

Thanks to the band’s manager Ken Baxter for sharing his contracts and to bass player Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) for providing concert posters. Dates were also sourced from 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

Categories: England, London, West Dulwich

The Carl Douglas Set

9 Comments
The Carl Douglas Set, 1966
The Carl Douglas Set, circa September 1966, from left: Carl Douglas, Del Grace, Danny McCulloch, Ray Beresford and Tony Webb. Photo courtesy of Ken Baxter and Tony Charman.

Jamaican-born singer Carl Douglas is best known for the 1970s international hit “Kung Fu Fighting”. During the 1960s, however, he led a series of south London groups, starting with The Charmers and culminating with The Big Stampede.

Multi-instrumentalist Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) began his career with West Dulwich outfit Sounds Five in 1963. The band changed name to The Charmers when Carl Douglas joined them in mid-1965.

By year’s end, the group’s line up comprised Carl Douglas (lead vocals), Mick Patel (lead guitar), Tony Charman (organ), Lee Hall (bass) and Nick Baxter (drums). This formation cut six tracks with Nick Baxter’s cousin, Ken Baxter, who subsequently became the group’s manager. The tracks have been picked up by UK collectors’ label Acid Jazz for a compilation that will be released in late June.

In early 1966, the band’s personnel changed when Ron Bryer (aka Ron Spence) from The Loose Ends and The Revellos replaced Mick Patel on lead guitar and Ray Beresford succeeded Nick Baxter on drums and cut two more tracks, “You Don’t Know” and “I (Who Have Nothing)”, which will also appear on the Acid Jazz compilation album.

The Carl Douglas Set #1:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals
Tony Charman (aka Webb) – organ
Ron Bryer (aka Ron Spence) – lead guitar
Lee Hall – bass
Ray Beresford – drums

Selected gigs:

5 May 1966 – Pontiac, Putney, southwest London

The Carl Douglas Set at the Pontiac Club, Putney, May 1966
The Carl Douglas Set at the Pontiac Club, Putney, May 1966

13 May 1966 – Goldhawk Social Club, Shepherd’s Bush, west London

22 May 1966 – El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London (billed as The Charmers)

Photo: Tony Charman

29 May 1966 – Seven Eleven Go Go Club, Kennington, south London

 

1 June 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London

4 June 1966 – Goldhawk Social Club, Shepherd’s Bush, west London

11 June 1966 – El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London (billed as Carl Douglas & The Charmers)

12 June 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Creation

19 June 1966 – Glenlyn Ballroom, Forest Hill, southeast London

25 June 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The New York Public Library and The End

The Carl Douglas Set #2:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals
Del Grace – lead guitar
Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – organ
Lee Hall – bass
Ray Beresford – drums

Around early July, Beresford introduced his neighbour, guitarist Del Grace, who had recently returned from a Swiss tour with his group Big Wheel, after Ron Bryer left. Interestingly, Bryer took Grace’s place in Big Wheel and later moved out to Switzerland where he later worked with Barry Window & The Movements and Brain Ticket.

Selected gigs:

Photo: Redbridge & Ilford Recorder. Image may be subject to copyright

15 July 1966 – Oscar’s Grotto Club, Ilford, east London

17 July 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Knack

 

4 August 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Rick ‘N’ Beckers

Photo: Redbridge & Ilford Recorder. Image may be subject to copyright

5 August 1966 – Oscar’s Grotto, Ilford, east London (Redbridge & Ilford Recorder) Billed as Karl Douglas Set

6 August 1966 – Carousel Club, Farnborough, Hampshire

Photo: Nottingham Evening Post. Image may be subject to copyright

19 August 1966 – Britannia Rowing Club, Nottingham

22-26 August 1966 – Sibyllas, Swallow Street, central London (Lee Hall left immediately after this)

The Carl Douglas Set #3:

Carl Douglas – lead vocals
Del Grace – lead guitar
Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) – organ
Danny McCulloch – bass, vocals
Ray Beresford – drums

In late August, bass player Danny McCulloch, who was soon poached for Eric Burdon’s ‘New’ Animals took over bass duties before Tony Charman moved from organ to bass and Carl Douglas restructured the band once move.

Selected  gigs:

1 September 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Knack

9 September 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

16 September 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Otis Redding

The Carl Douglas Set at Tiles, September 1966

18 September 1966 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The News

Thanks to the band’s manager Ken Baxter for sharing his contracts and to bass player Tony Charman (aka Tony Webb) for providing concert posters. Dates were also sourced from music papers and newspapers that include Melody Maker, Aldershot News, South East London Mercury and Nottingham Evening 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

Categories: England, London, Uxbridge

Burton’s, Uxbridge, London

45 Comments

Burton’s in Uxbridge was an important music venue in West London throughout the 1960s.

I have started to compile a list below and would welcome any additions, particularly where there are gaps. Also, artists didn’t always appear despite being advertised so it would be great to hear from anyone who has any corrections.

Judging by the entries, bands played every Saturday with occasional gigs on other nights of the week.

1961

8 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

The band was billed as The Rebel Rousers for early gigs in 1961

15 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

22 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

 

12 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

26 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

 

9 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

23 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

30 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

11 November – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

 

2 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post – this was a Sunday)

31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post –this was a Sunday)

1962

24 March – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Uxbridge Post)

1963

25 May – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

 

8 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

22 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

 

13 July – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation

 

10 August – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly/Harrow Weekly Post)

 

7 September – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)

 

19 October – The Federals (Beat Monthly)

 

14 December – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat Monthly)

1964

11 January – The Federals (Beat Monthly)

 

7 March – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

 

31 December – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

1965

9 January – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

30 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

9 February – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)

 

23 March – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book, The Yardbirds – the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page)

 

6 April – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)

 

8 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

29 June – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)

 

6 July – The Birds (Ronnie Wood’s book, How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary)

31 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

28 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

14 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Record Mirror)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Boyfriend magazine)

31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Boyfriend magazine)

1966

8 January – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

15 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Record Mirror)

18 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror – this was a Tuesday)

 

5 February – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

15 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)

 

12 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Record Mirror)

19 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Beat Instrumental)

 

8-9 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

 

7 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental)

10 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)

14 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Record Mirror)

 

11 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental)

 

2 July – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

9 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

12 July – The Birds (Fabulous 208 – this was a Tuesday)

30 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208)

 

6 August – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208)

I have Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band also playing on 6 August

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

26 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday)

27 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

30 August – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

 

17 September – The Alan Bown Set (Fabulous 208)

 

1 October – The Fenmen (Fabulous 208)

22 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

 

26 November – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

 

20 December – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Fabulous 208 – this was a Tuesday)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Army (Fabulous 208 and Tony Tacon’s memories)

Fabulous 208 also has The Amboy Dukes on 24 December

31 December – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

1967

7 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

 

3 March – The Alan Bown Set (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday so wondering if it was 4 March)

11 March – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)

14 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

17 March – Marmalade (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday)

18 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)

21 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

24 March – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208 – this was a Friday, so wondering if was 25 March)

 

22 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Fabulous 208)

 

12 May – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie and Honey Darling (Melody Maker – this was a Friday so wondering if it was 13 May)

20 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)

 

3 June – Jeff Beck Group (Melody Maker)

9 June – The Gnomes of Zurich and Guy Darrell (Melody Maker – this is a Friday)

Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ gigs website (Badfinger) has The Iveys and Guy Darrell on the same date as The Gnomes of Zurich

10 June – Marmalade (Melody Maker)

16 June – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker – this is a Friday)

17 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)

24 June – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)

 

1 July – The Freddie Mack Sound (Melody Maker)

 

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

12 August – The Washington DCs (Melody Maker)

19 August – The Freddie Mack Show (Melody Maker)

26 August – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

 

2 September – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

9 September – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

16 September – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208, Melody Maker and Hillingdon Mirror)

23 September – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary)

30 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208/Hillingdon Mirror)

7 October – Marmalade (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

14 October – The Gass (Melody Maker)

21 October – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

28 October – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

 

4 November – The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (Melody Maker)

11 November – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)

18 November – The Shell Shock Show (Melody Maker/Hillingdon Mirror)

25 November – The Cat Show (Melody Maker)

2 December – The Alan Price Set and The Army (Melody Maker)

9 December – The Ebony Keys (Melody Maker)

16 December – The Alan Bown Set (Melody Maker)

23 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

24 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

30 December – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker)

31 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

It is possible that Steve Priest’s group The Army may have supported Cliff Bennett on new year’s eve but it needs confirmation

1968

All the entries for this year are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.

6 January – The Shell Shock Show with Owen Grey

13 January – Marmalade

20 January – The Amboy Dukes

27 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set

 

3 February – Cat Soul Band with US Flat Top

10 February – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

17 February – The Jimmy James Show

24 February – The Freddie Mack Show

 

2 March – Joe E Young & The Toniks

9 March – The Joyce Bond Revue

16 March – The Coloured Raisins

23 March – The Amboy Dukes

30 March – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

 

6 April – The Skatalites

12 April – The Amboy Dukes (this was a Friday)

13 April – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

20 April – The Alan Bown

27 April – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

 

4 May – The Shell Shock Show

11 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

18 May – The Joyce Bond Revue

25 May – The Amboy Dukes

 

1 June – The Skatalites

8 June – The Coloured Raisins

15 June – The Amboy Dukes

22 June – The Joyce Bond Revue

29 June – The Counts

 

6 July – The Skatalites

13 July – The Coloured Raisins

20 July – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

27 July – Cliff Bennett & His Band

 

3 August – The Amboy Dukes

10 August – The Coloured Raisins

17 August – The Joyce Bond Revue

24 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

31 August – The Counts

 

7 September – The Coloured Raisins

14 September – Simon K & The Meantimers

21 September – Jimmy Cliff and Wynder K Frog

28 September – Root and Jenny Jackson

 

5 October – The Joyce Bond Revue

12 October – The Counts

19 October – The Coloured Raisins

26 October – Little John & The Shadrocks

2 November – The Sharrons

9 November – The Amboy Dukes

16 November – The Alan Bown

23 November – The Counts and The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

30 November – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

7 December – The Skatalites (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

14 December – The Spectrum (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

21 December – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

24 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post – this was a Tuesday)

28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

31 December – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post – this was a Tuesday)

1969

4 January – Marmalade (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker has The Coloured Raisins on 4 January and considering Marmalade also played on 18 January, it’s possible Melody Maker is correct

11 January – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

18 January – Marmalade (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

25 January – Little John & The Shadrocks (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker has Jimmy James & The Vagabonds on 25 January

 

1 February – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

8 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

15 February – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

22 February – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

1 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

8 March – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

15 March – US Flat Top and the Cat Road Show (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

22 March – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker has Desmond Dekker on 22 March as well

29 March – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

5 April – Timebox (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

12 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

19 April – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

26 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

3 May – Springfield Park (Melody Maker and Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Melody Maker appears to stop advertising Burton’s after this date

10 May – US Flat Top and The Cat Road Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

17 May – The Joyce Bond Revue (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

24 May – Chris Shakespeare & The Globe Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

31 May – The Amboy Dukes (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

7 June – Simon K & The Meantimers (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

14 June – The Coloured Raisins (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

I am missing entries for the rest of the year and would welcome any additions

1970

31 October – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

I am missing entries for 1970 and would welcome any additions

 

Many thanks to Rolf Hannet for providing gigs from Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental

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.

Categories: England, London, Putney, Surrey

The Pontiac Club, Zeeta House, Upper Richmond Road, Putney

25 Comments

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)

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: 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)

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: 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)

Photo: Melody Maker

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.

Photo: Melody Maker

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.

Photo: Melody Maker

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.

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: 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)

Photo: 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)

Photo: 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)

The Carl Douglas Set at the Pontiac Club, Putney, May 1966

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.

 

Categories: Brixton, England, London

The Ram Jam Club, Brixton

89 Comments
Photo: Andrew Czezowksi collection

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

Photo: Melody Maker

17 February – The Animals (open the club)

19 February – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

Photo: Melody Maker

24 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

25 February – The Gass

26 February – The Shevelles

27 February – The Gass

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Thanks to Colin Forster

1 July – The Five Proud Walkers

2 July – The Yardbirds and Tawny Reed Heatwave

3 July – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

1 September – The Spencer Davis Group

2 September – Mark Barry

3 September – The VIPs

4 September – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: Melody Maker

15 September – The Loose Ends

16 September – The Five Proud Walkers

17 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

18 September – Otis Redding

Photo: Melody Maker

22 September – The Eyes of Blue

23 September – The Shevelles

24 September – The Gass

25 September – The Gass

Photo: Melody Maker

29 September – The Knack

30 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

Photo: Andrew Czezowksi collection

1 October – The Shevelles

2 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

21 October – Diane Ferraz & Nicky Scott and Simons Triangle

22 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

Photo: Andrew Czezowksi collection

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

Photo: Melody Maker

3 November – Cream

4 November – The Shevelles and The Anzacs

6 November – The Gass

8 November – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers

Photo: Melody Maker

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)

Photo: Andrew Czezowksi collection

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

10 March – The Real McCoy

11 March – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

12 March – The Gass

Photo: Melody Maker

17 March – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set

18 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

19 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Ken Baxter

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Ken Baxter

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

5 August – O’Hara’ Playboys

6 August – The Gass

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

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

Photo: Melody Maker

30 December – The Peppermint Men and The Duke Reid Sound

31 December – The Pyramids

1968

5 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

Photo: Melody Maker

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.