Tag Archives: Chris Farlowe

The Cromwellian, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington

November 15, 2014 Nick Warburton 6 Comments

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:

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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 (Record Mirror)

16 December 1965 (Thursday) – Bluesology (Melody Maker)

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

20 December 1965 (Monday) – Joe Tex (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)

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 (Record Mirror)

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

31 January 1966 (Monday) – Lee Dorsey (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 (Record Mirror)

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

Record Mirror lists Rufus Thomas for 16 February. Steampacket did perform at the Cromwellian and it’s possible that Rufus Thomas shared the billing. 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 (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 (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.

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

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

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)

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 21^st 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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)

Categories: England, London

The Boathouse, Kew, west London

March 12, 2014 Nick Warburton 48 Comments

According to Don Craine of The Downliners Sect fame (who played there as the original Downliners in 1962 and as The Downliners Sect in 1963), the Boathouse at Kew was run by the Jones brothers and was considered to be one of the best southwest/west London gigs, along with Hounslow Baths, the Capital R Feltham, and Southall Community Centre.

Craine adds that the club had two stages. He remembers that at one gig, The Mark Leeman Five played on the other stage when The Downliners Sect were there.

Kew Boathouse 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).

1961

11 February 1961 (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

25 March 1961 (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 December 1961 (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1962

11 June 1962 (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

Photo: Peter Wright. Peter’s father designing a poster for the venue – see comments section below.

1963

Rhythm guitarist Keith Gardiner says that his band Jeff Curtis & The Flames played at Kew Boathouse in 1963 on a bill headed by Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers.

John Plumer, who played with The John Dee Combo, says that they played regularly at the club on Friday nights when he was doing his ‘A’ levels.

As well as Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, he also remembers Pat Cresswell & The Crescents playing here whose guitarist was future Hot Chocolate member Harvey Hinsley.

The Packabeats, 1963. Photo from Malcolm Lenny.

Malcolm Lenny says that Tony Holland & The Packabeats played here in the early days.

30 November 1963 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

1964

14 February 1964 (Friday) – The Tridents (Lindsay Bex’s gig diary)

18 April 1964 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

Jeff Beck didn’t join on lead guitar until early September 1964.

10 October 1964 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)

Jeff Beck was the band’s lead guitarist now.

1966

25 August 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

1967

There are lots of gaps in this year and I would welcome any additions, clarifications and corrections.

According to Gray Newell, The Locomotion played at the venue during 1967-1968.

24 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

31 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

8 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

9 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

13 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

14 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

15 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

16 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

20 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

21 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

22 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

23 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

27 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

28 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

Dave Martin Group gig list. Thanks to Geoff Chinnery

1 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

2 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

6 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

7 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

8 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

9 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

13 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

14 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

15 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

16 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

21 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

22 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

23 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

27 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

28 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

29 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

30 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

3 April 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

4 April 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

5 April 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

6 April 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

Jack’s Union. Left to right: Paul Gardner, Terry Sullivan and Dave Mann. Photo: Paul Gardner

8 May 1967 (Monday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)

9 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)

10 May 1967 (Wednesday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)

11 May 1967 (Thursday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)

Guitarist Paul Gardner got in touch (see comments below). This power trio, based on The Who, morphed out of The Select and would later changed name to Rainbow Reflection. Later, Gardner and drummer Terry Sullivan formed Dry Ice. Gardner later recorded with Pluto while Sullivan joined Renaissance.

19 May 1967 (Friday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

29 May 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

30 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

31 May 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

1 June 1967 (Thursday) – Marshal Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

5 June 1967 (Monday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)

6 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)

7 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)

8 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)

12 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

14 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

15 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

19 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

21 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

22 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

26 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

27 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

28 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

29 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

3 July 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

4 July 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

5 July 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

6 July 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

10 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

12 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

13 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

17 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

19 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

20 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

24 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

25 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

26 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

27 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

14 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

15 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

17 August 1967 (Thursday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

21 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

22 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

23 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

24 August 1967 (Thursday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

28 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

29 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

30 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)

31 August 1967 (Thursday)– Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)

4 September 1967 (Monday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

5 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

6 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

18 September 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

19 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

20 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

Future Genesis drummer John Mayhew played with Milton’s Fingers in 1968-1969.

Thanks to Mick Grant for providing the image

25 September 1967 (Monday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)

26 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)

27 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)

28 September 1967 (Thursday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)

Respect at the Boathouse. Photo: Mick Grant

2 October 1967 (Monday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

3 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

4 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

5 October 1967 (Thursday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)

9 October 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

10 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

11 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

12 October 1967 (Thursday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

16 October 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

17 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

18 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)

24 November 1967 (Friday) – The Washington DCs (Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Gazette)

27 November 1967 (Monday) – The Washington DCs and The Motives (Thames Valley Times and Hounslow Edition of Middlesex Chronicle)

4 December 1967 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

5 December 1967 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

6 December 1967 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

7 December 1967 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

8 December 1967 (Friday) – The Hummingbirds (Thames Valley Times and Hounslow Edition of Middlesex Chronicle)

31 December 1967 (Sunday) – The Arrows (Thames Valley Times)

Alan Box of Locomotion at the Kew Boathouse. Thanks to Gray Newell for photo.

1968

The Thames Valley Times reports that the club puts on gigs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Considering that some groups had residencies from Monday-Thursday, it looks like there may have been live music every night of the week. There are lots of gaps for 1968. I would welcome any additions, clarifications and corrections.

Ray Brown who played with The Kool until December 1967 and then formed Champagne remembers both groups appearing on the same bill during 1968.

According to the Crawdaddy Blues Band website, the band Sudden Change played at Kew Boathouse during 1967-1968.

1 January 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

2 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

3 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

4 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

2 February 1968 (Friday) – The Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Poster from Gray Newell)

3 February 1968 (Saturday) – Sudden Change (Poster from Gray Newell)

4 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)

9 February 1968 (Friday) – The New Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Hounslow Post) Poster has Evolution on this date

10 February 1968 (Saturday) – The King Cossaks (Poster from Gray Newell)

11 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)

The Hounslow Post says that the group Fire played recently.

12 February 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

13 February 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

14 February 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

15 February 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

16 February 1968 (Friday) – The Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Poster from Gray Newell)

17 February 1968 (Saturday) – The Bluesville Band (Poster from Gray Newell)

18 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)

23 February 1968 (Friday) – Katch 22 and The Arrows (Thames Valley Times)

24 February 1968 (Saturday) – Locomotion (Poster from Gray Newell)

25 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)

15 March 1968 (Friday) – Time & Motion (Thames Valley Times)

25 March 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

27 March 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

28 March 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

29 March 1968 (Friday) – The Astronauts (Thames Valley Times)

12 April 1968 (Friday) – Carnival Special (Thames Valley Times)

14 April 1968 (Sunday) – Bob Wallis (Thames Valley Times)

Thames Valley Times notes that jazz started this Sunday

21 April 1968 (Sunday) – Alan Elsdon (Thames Valley Times)

28 April 1968 (Sunday) – Terry Lightfoot (Thames Valley Times)

29 April 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

2 May 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

21 June 1968 (Friday) – One group plays (Thames Valley Times)

22 June 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)

24 June 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

25 June 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

26 June 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

27 June 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

Magic Roundabout gig list. Thanks to Geoff Chinnery

30 June 1968 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)

12 July 1968 (Friday) – Episode Six (Thames Valley Times)

19 July 1968 (Friday) – Appearance (Thames Valley Times)

21 July 1968 (Sunday) – The Equals (Thames Valley Times)

26 July 1968 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)

29 July 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

30 July 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

31 July 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

1 August 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)

16 August 1968 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Thames Valley Times, Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

25 August 1968 (Friday) – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)

13 September 1968 (Friday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)

14 September 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)

15 September 1968 (Sunday) – The Foundations ((Thames Valley Times)

22 September 1968 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & His Band (Thames Valley Times)

27 September 1968 (Friday) – The Skatalites (Thames Valley Times)

28 September 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)

29 September 1968 (Sunday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)

2 October 1968 (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)

8 October 1968 (Tuesday) – The Pretty Things (Time Out)

11 October 1968 (Friday) – The Move (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)

20 October 1968 (Sunday) – Fleetwood Mac (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)

25 October 1968 (Friday) – Pink Floyd (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)

8 November 1968 (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Thames Valley Times)

22 November 1968 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)

13 December 1968 (Friday) – Trifle (Thames Valley Times)

27 December 1968 (Friday) – The Jon James Swamp (Thames Valley Times)

1969

Martin Samuel, the drummer with Heatwave, says that the band’s debut performance was a four-night stand at Kew Boathouse in 1969 for which they were paid a total of £40.

Categories: England, London, Putney, Surrey

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

March 8, 2014 Nick Warburton 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)

2 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Alexis Korner with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)

4 June 1965 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)

5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants, The Billy Woods Combo and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)

6 June 1965 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Outsiders with support (Melody Maker)

9 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Muleskinners with support (Melody Maker)

Future Small Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan played with The Muleskinners.

11 June 1965 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (New Musical Express)

16 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters and The Blues Messengers (Melody Maker)

18 June 1965 (Friday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

19 June 1965 (Saturday) – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band (Melody Maker)

20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Hollies and Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)

25 June 1965 (Friday) – The Boston Dexters and Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men (Melody Maker)

26 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Mark Leeman Five (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

27 June 1965 (Sunday) – Phil Ryan & The Crescents (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays may also have been on the bill for this date

30 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Artwoods and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)

2 July 1965 (Friday) – The Mark Leeman Five and Platform 6 (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)

3 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Comanches and The Primitives (Melody Maker)

4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (Melody Maker)

7 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)

9 July 1965 (Friday) – The Beat Merchants and The Comanches (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

10 July 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

11 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters and The Fetish Crowd (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

14 July 1965 (Wednesday) – Manfred Mann and The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

16 July 1965 (Friday) – The Checkmates and The Thoughts (New Musical Express)

17 July 1965 (Saturday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express)

18 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)

21 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Classmates and Group Survival (Melody Maker)

23 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The Five Proud Walkers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

24 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Peter Fenton & The Tasty Mob (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

The Action were recently billed as The Boys.

25 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Thoughts (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

28 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Who and surf band in support (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) (see comments section below) This could have been The Summer Set

30 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The RBQ (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

31 July 1965 (Saturday) – John Lee’s Groundhogs (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

1 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)

4 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers started a regular (two month) Wednesday night residency on this date.

6 August 1965 (Friday) – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Fetish Crowd (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)

7 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Soul Survival (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)

Later this same evening The Byrds played at the Pontiac Club. According to author Don Hughes, The Dae-b-Four were the support band.

8 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)

11 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

13 August 1965 (Friday) – Guy Hamilton & The Senators (Melody Maker)

14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Primitives and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)

15 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)

18 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

20 August 1965 (Friday) – The Fenmen (New Musical Express)

21 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Sonny Childe & The Cool School (New Musical Express)

22 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Truth (New Musical Express)

25 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express)

According to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book Strange Brew, this was the last gig by The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton who left and was replaced by a succession of fill-in guitarists before returning in November.

27 August 1965 (Friday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

28 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

29 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Ingoes (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

The Ingoes morphed into Blossom Toes.

1 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)

According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Weider, who has previously played with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates among others, covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.

3 September 1965 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (New Musical Express)

4 September 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (New Musical Express)

The VIPs band morphed into Spooky Tooth.

5 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

The Action had a regular Sunday residency at this venue for a while. Some sources also note that The Objects played in support on this date.

8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Slaughter from Chris Barber’s band covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.

10 September 1965 (Friday) – The Crowd (Melody Maker)

11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Melody Maker)

12 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.

18 September 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)

19 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

22 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.

This is the band’s final show at the Pontiac and Hjort notes that Peter Green approached Mayall at this venue to ask if he could take over from Krivit as permanent guitarist.

24 September 1965 (Friday) – Tony Colton’s Big Boss Band (Melody Maker)

25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants (Melody Maker)

26 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)

2 October 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (Melody Maker)

3 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

9 October 1965 (Saturday) – Five Proud Walkers (Info from John Treais)

10 October 1965 (Sunday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)

15 October 1965 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)

Them was Van Morrison’s Belfast band. Around this time, former members began gigged in a rival Them.

16 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Arthur Brown Union (Info from John Treais)

17 October 1965 (Sunday) – Gary Farr & T-Bones (Melody Maker)

20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – T-Bone Walker and The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

22 October 1965 (Friday) – Dean Ford & The Gaylords (Melody Maker)

This band morphed into Marmalade.

23 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Vectors (Melody Maker)

24 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

30 October 1964 (Saturday) – Victor Brox (Info from John Treais)

31 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

6 November 1965 (Saturday) – J C & The Machine (aka Julian Covey) (Melody Maker)

After John McVie was sacked from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers on 3 October, he found work with Julian Covey’s band until he returned to Mayall in early January 1966.

7 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)

9 November 1965 (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (Melody Maker)

17 December 1965 (Friday) – The Carnaby (Melody Maker)

18 December 1965 (Saturday) – The High Society (Melody Maker)

This group had recently been The Arthur Brown Union but when Arthur left earlier this month, singer Dave Terry (aka Elmer Gantry) took over. They soon became The Union.

19 December 1965 (Sunday) – The Crowd with Peter Fenton (Melody Maker)

24 December 1965 (Friday) – The Army (Melody Maker)

Emerging out of Hampton R&B band, The Others, this group soon changed name to Sands.

26 December 1965 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)

27 December 1965 (Monday) – The Mickey Finn (Melody Maker)

1966

17 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Loose Ends and support (Melody Maker)

19 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Checkers and support (Melody Maker)

20 March 1966 (Sunday) – The In Crowd (Melody Maker)

The In Crowd morphed into Tomorrow in early 1967.

23 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)

24 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Mickey Finns (Melody Maker)

26 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Basic 5 (Melody Maker)

27 March 1966 (Sunday) – The Shevells (Melody Maker)

5 May 1966 (Thursday) – The Carl Douglas Set (poster from Ken Baxter)

7 May 1966 (Saturday) – Dracken Lewis 5 (most likely Deakin Lewis) and Front Line (poster from Ken Baxter)

28 May 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)

4 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Drag Set (Melody Maker)

18 June 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)

Categories: England, Hayes, London, Middlesex

Blue Moon, Hayes, west London

March 7, 2014 Nick Warburton 79 Comments

The Blue Moon in Hayes was an important music venue in west London.

Bob Danks recalls Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers playing at the Blue Moon in Hayes regularly in the early 1960s (see comments section). He also thinks Ritchie Blackmore played his first show with Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages at the Blue Moon after leaving Mike Dee & The Jaywalkers.

I have started to collate a comprehensive gig list and would welcome any additions and memories of the club in the comments below.

1963

27 January 1963 (Sunday) – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Harrow Weekly Post)

3 February 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

14 April 1963 (Sunday) – Julie Grant & The Citizens (Harrow Weekly Post)

9 June 1963 (Sunday) – Sounds Inc with Bruce Welsh & The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)

16 June 1963 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Innocents (Harrow Weekly Post)

23 June 1963 (Sunday) – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Harrow Weekly Post)

30 June 1963 (Sunday) – Wee Willy Harris and High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)

7 July 1963 (Sunday) – The Big Three with The Riversiders (Harrow Weekly Post)

14 July 1963 (Sunday) – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Harrow Weekly Post)

21 July 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

28 July 1963 (Sunday) – Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes and The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)

4 August 1963 (Sunday) – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Harrow Weekly Post)

25 August 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

8 September 1963 (Sunday) – Rikki Rand & The Soundsmen and Bruce Lloyd & The Hi-Fi’s (Harrow Weekly Post)

15 September 1963 (Friday) – Malcolm Clark & The Cresters (Harrow Weekly Post) Needs confirmation

22 September 1963 (Sunday) – The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Robb Charles Combo (Harrow Weekly Post)

29 September 1963 (Sunday) – Malcolm Clark & The Cresters (Harrow Weekly Post)

6 October 1963 (Sunday) – The Undertakers and The High Five (Harrow Weekly Post)

13 October 1963 (Sunday) – The Federals (Beat Monthly)

20 October 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

17 November 1963 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Harrow Weekly Post)

24 November 1963 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

1964

5 January 1964 (Sunday) – Manfred Mann (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)

12 January 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)

19 January 1964 (Sunday) – The Contrasts (Beat Monthly)

2 February 1964 (Sunday) – Manfred Mann (Greg Russo’s research)

5 April 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)

19 April 1964 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Impacts (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)

26 April 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)

3 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)

10 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Paramounts (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)

24 May 1964 (Sunday) – Alex Harvey Soul Band (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)

27 May 1964 (Wednesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Dorothy Bullock’s membership card)

31 May 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)

10 June 1964 (Wednesday) – The Yardbirds (Alan Clayson’s book The Yardbirds: the band that launched Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page)

26 July 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Don Craine’s gig diary)

16 August 1964 (Sunday) – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

7 September 1964 (Monday) – The Birds (needs source but most likely Harrow Weekly Post)

29 November 1964 (Sunday) – The Stormsville Shakers (band website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

20 December 1964 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Beat Instrumental/Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)

1965

3 January 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Nightimers (Ruislip and Northwood Gazette)

10 January 1965 (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Ruislip and Northwood Gazette)

17 January 1965 (Sunday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Harrow Weekly Post)

24 January 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)

Roger Dean is the lead guitarist with The Bluesbreakers at this stage.

31 January 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Greenford Weekly Post)

7 February 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)

14 February 1965 (Sunday) – The Chessmen (Greenford Weekly Post)

21 February 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers and The Brian Auger Trinity (Harrow Weekly Post)

7 March 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)

4 April 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

11 April 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)

Eric Clapton had joined earlier this month replacing Roger Dean.

18 April 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers (Harrow Weekly Post)

25 April 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)

2 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)

9 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group and (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds with Count Prince Miller (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)

16 May 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post)

23 May 1965 (Sunday) – Long John Baldry (Harrow Weekly Post)

30 May 1965 (Sunday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)

7 June 1965 (Monday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s Strange Brew book)

20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Who (Harrow Weekly Post)

27 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)

4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Ronnie Jones & The Night-timers (Harrow Weekly Post)

11 July 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post) This gig is missing from Christopher Hjort’s book below so may not have happened. Also advert above suggests Georgie Fame instead

25 July 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)

1 August 1965 (Sunday) – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (possibly Harrow Weekly Post)

22 August 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)

25 August 1965 (Wednesday) – Steampacket (Bruno Ceriotti’s research: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html)

5 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post)

19 September 1965 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post and Beat Instrumental)

26 September 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)

3 October 1965 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Harrow Weekly Post)

10 October 1965 (Sunday) – T-Bone Walker (Harrow Weekly Post)

17 October 1965 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Harrow Weekly Post)

24 October 1965 (Sunday) – Ben E King (Harrow Weekly Post)

31 October 1965 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Harrow Weekly Post)

7 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Harrow Weekly Post)

14 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Alan Price Set (Harrow Weekly Post)

21 November 1965 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Harrow Weekly Post)

Both Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce are members of The Bluesbreakers during this period.

28 November 1965 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Harrow Weekly Post)

5 December 1965 (Sunday) – Wilson Pickett (Harrow Weekly Post)

19 December 1965 (Sunday) – The Spencer Davis Group (Harrow Weekly Post/Ruislip & Northwood Gazette)

1966

2 January 1966 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Harrow Weekly Post)

23 January 1966 (Sunday) – Lee Dorsey (most likely backed by The Krew) (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

30 January 1966 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Bruno Ceriotti’s research: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html

6 February 1966 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

13 February 1966 (Sunday) – The Alan Walker Group (Melody Maker)

27 February 1966 (Sunday) – The Nashville Teens (Hayes Gazette)

6 March 1966 (Sunday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

13 March 1966 (Sunday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)

27 March 1966 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

3 April 1966 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)

17 April 1966 (Sunday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

22 April 1966 (Friday) – Dee Dee Warwick (Melody Maker)

1 May 1966 (Sunday) – Steampacket (Melody Maker)

8 May 1966 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)

15 May 1966 (Sunday) – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

12 June 1966 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)

Eric Clapton will leave the following month and Peter Green takes his place.

19 June 1966 (Sunday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)

18 September 1966 (Sunday) – Cream (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)

Thanks to Rolf Hannet for helping with Beat Monthly and Beat Instrumental gigs

Categories: Brixton, England, London

The Ram Jam Club, Brixton

February 21, 2014 Nick Warburton 89 Comments

Opened by brothers Rik and John Gunnell in mid-February 1966, the Ram Jam Club (named after Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band) was situated on the Brixton High Road.

The famous venue hosted most of the top UK acts of the 1960s as well as visiting US blues and soul artists. I have started to compile a gig list and would welcome any additions in the comment below.

1966

17 February – The Animals (open the club)

19 February – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

24 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

25 February – The Gass

26 February – The Shevelles

27 February – The Gass

3 March – The Spencer Davis Group and Paul Fenton & The Crowd

4 March – The Graham Bond Organisation

5 March – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Loose Ends

6 March – The Gass

10 March – The Who and The Train

11 March – The Gass

12 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Peter B’s

13 March – The Gass

18 March – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

24 March – The Peter B’s and Wilson Pickett

31 March – The Peter B’s, Don Covay and The League of Gentlemen

1 April – Screaming Jay Hawkins

2 April – The Peter B’s, Arthur Alexander, The Jimmy Brown Sound, The Shevelles

7 April – Martha & The Vandellas and The Gass

8 April – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

9 April – The Peter B’s and Gary Farr & The T-Bones

14 April – The Vibrations and The Peter B’s

15 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and The Amboy Dukes

16 April – The Gass and The Peter B’s

17 April – The Gass

21 April – Lee Dorsey and The Peter B’s and The League of Gentlemen

22 April – Freddie Mack’s This and That Show

23 April – Jimmy Witherspoon and The Shevells

24 April – The Gass

29 April – The Action

30 April – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

5 May – Patti La Belle & Her Belles (with Bluesology?)

7 May – The Shotgun Express and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

12 May – The Drifters and The Chessmen

13 May – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

21 May – The Shotgun Express

26 May – Ben E King and The Chessmen

27 May – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

28 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Stormsville Shakers

2 June – The Steampacket

3 June – The Gass

4 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Amboy Dukes

9 June – The Yardbirds (cancelled)

10 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

18 June – The Shotgun Express

24 June – The Moody Blues

25 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

30 June – The Graham Bond Organisation

1 July – The Five Proud Walkers

2 July – The Yardbirds and Tawny Reed Heatwave

3 July – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers

7 July – The Alan Price Set

8 July – The Shevells

9 July – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

10 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

14 July – The Amboy Dukes

15 July – Dave Anthony’s Moods

16 July – The Shevells

17 July – Solomon Burke

21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

22 July – The Stormsville Shakers

23 July – The Nightimers with Herbie Goins

24 July – The Gass

28 July – The Graham Bond Organisation

30 July – The Amboy Dukes and The Objects

4 August – Solomon Burke

5 August – O’Hara’s Playboys and The Eyes of Blue

6 August – The Gass and Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

7 August – The Rick ‘N’ Breckers

9 August – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

11 August – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

12 August – The Gass

13 August – Dave Anthony’s Moods and Rik ‘N’ Beckers

14 August – The Amboy Dukes

18 August – The Alan Price Set

19 August – Mark Barry

20 August – The Shotgun Express

21 August – The Amboy Dukes

25 August – The Blues Healers (with Malcolm Magaron)

26 August – Mark Barry and Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

27 August – Cream

28 August – The Amboy Dukes

29 August – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

1 September – The Spencer Davis Group

2 September – Mark Barry

3 September – The VIPs

4 September – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

8 September – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

9 September – The Carl Douglas Set

10 September – The Amboy Dukes

11 September – The Blues Healers (with Malcolm Magaron)

15 September – The Loose Ends

16 September – The Five Proud Walkers

17 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

18 September – Otis Redding

22 September – The Eyes of Blue

23 September – The Shevelles

24 September – The Gass

25 September – The Gass

29 September – The Knack

30 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

1 October – The Shevelles

2 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

6 October – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

7 October – The Shevelles

8 October – The Playboys (not clear if this is The Manchester Playboys)

9 October – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers

13 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

14 October – The Knack

15 October – The Amboy Dukes

16 October – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Poster above lists Garnet Mimms)

20 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

21 October – Diane Ferraz & Nicky Scott and Simons Triangle

22 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

23 October – Ike & Tina Turner Revue (with Ike – Ettes, Bobby John, Jimmy Thomas, Kings of Rhythm Orchestra)

27 October – The Drifters

28 October – The Shevelles

29 October – The Shogun Express

30 October – The Gass

3 November – Cream

4 November – The Shevelles and The Anzacs

6 November – The Gass

8 November – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers

10 November – Gary Farr & The T-Bones

12 November – The Amboy Dukes

13 November – Paul Butterfield’s Blues Band and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

17 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

24 November – The Action

25 November – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

26 November – The Shotgun Express

27 November – The Amboy Dukes

29 November – Julian Covey & The Machine

6 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

9 December – The Action

10 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and The Jimi Hendrix Experience

11 December – Bobby Hebb and Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

13 December – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers Show

23 December – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

24 December – The Blue Healers (with Malcolm Magaron) and Dave Anthony’s Moods

25 December – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (afternoon and evening)

26 December – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

27 December – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers

1967

1 January – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

6 January – The Alan Price Set

7 January – The Eyes of Blue

8 January – Felder’s Orioles

10 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers

13 January – The Shotgun Express

14 January – The Amboy Dukes

15 January – The Gass

17 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers

20 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

21 January – The Shevelles

22 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

24 January – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers

27 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

28 January – Cream

29 January – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

31 January – The Fireballs

3 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

4 February – Jimi Hendrix Experience and The All Night Workers

5 February – The Amboy Dukes

9 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

11 February – The Shotgun Express

12 February – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set

17 February – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and The All Night Workers

18 February – Georgie Fame

19 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

24 February – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

25 February – The Amboy Dukes and The Main Line

26 February – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

3 March – The Shevelles

4 March – The Fenmen with Felders Orioles

5 March – The Q-Set

10 March – The Real McCoy

11 March – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band

12 March – The Gass

17 March – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set

18 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

19 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

24 March – Julian Covey & The Machine

25 March – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

26 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

27 March – The All Night Workers

31 March – The Urchins

1 April – The Artwoods and Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

2 April – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set

7 April – The Main Line

8 April – The Eyes of Blue and Rick ‘N’ Beckers

9 April – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers

13 April – Mary Wells & The Playboys

14 April – The Shevelles

15 April – The Pretty Things and The All Night Workers

16 April – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

21 April – Julian Covey & The Machine

22 April – Felder’s Orioles and The Main Line

23 April – Nina Simone and The Peddlers

28 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

29 April – The Shevelles and The Gass

30 April – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (may not have happened)

4 May – The Len Marshall Show

5 May – The Duke Lee Sound

6 May – Julian Covey & The Machine and The All Night Workers

7 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set

12 May – The Duke Lee Sound

13 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Ferris Wheel

14 May – Prince Buster & The Bees and Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers

19 May – The Duke Lee Sound

20 May – The Shevelles and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown

21 May – The Gass

27 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames and Felders Orioles

28 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Hunky Chunk Band

2 June – Nat Cole Show

3 June – Cream and Impact Blues

4 June – Lucas and The Mike Cotton Sound

5 June – The Duke Lee Sound

9 June – Nat Cole Show

10 June – John Lee Hooker, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, The Savoy Blues Band and Mad Movies

11 June – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

12 June – The Duke Lee Sound

16 June – Nat Cole Show

17 June – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede, The Soul Meeting Band, Duke Lee Sound and Mad Movies

18 June – The Gass

19 June – The Duke Lee Sound

23 June – Nat Cole Show

24 June – Felder’s Orioles, The Chiffons & Rhythm and Blues Inc, Duke Lee Sound and Mad Movies

25 June – Ronnie Jones & The Q Set

26 June – The Duke Lee Sound

1 July – The All Night Workers (evening), then John Lee Hooker, The Savoy Brown Blues Band and The Duke Lee Sound (late night session)

2 July – PP Arnold (& The Nice)

3 July – The Duke Lee Sound

8 July – Ferris Wheel

9 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

15 July – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede with Mad Movies

16 July – Joyce Bond Show

22 July – Georgie Fame

23 July – The Coloured Raisins

29 July – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

30 July – Jackie Edwards

4 August – The Wages of Sin

5 August – O’Hara’ Playboys

6 August – The Gass

12 August – Ferris Wheel

13 August – Rick ‘N’ Beckers

19 August – The Skatalites

20 August – The Shell Shock Show

25 August – The New Jump Band

27 August – The Human Instinct and The Triads

2 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

3 September – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

9 September – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac

10 September – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green

16 September – The Bees

17 September – Ferris Wheel

23 September – The Shevelles

24 September – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound

25 September – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set

28 September – The Soul Vendors starring Roland Alphonso, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Johnnie Moore and Jackie Mitto

30 September – The Amboy Dukes

1 October – Jackie Edwards

5 October – Vanilla Fudge

7 October – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

8 October – The Soul Vendors (starring Roland Alphonso, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe)

14 October – The Skatalites

15 October – Horatio Soul & The Square Deals

19 October – Freddie King

21 October – Joey Young & The Tonics

22 October – The Bees

23 October – Junior Walker & The All Stars

28 October – The Delroy Williams Show

29 October – PP Arnold & The TNT

4 November – Johnson’s Dynamo Set

5 November – Junior Smith

6 November – Ben E King

11 November – The Sound Casters

12 November – The Soul Vendors

19 November – Little John & The Shadrocks

25 November – Eddie Floyd and his American Group, Sounds Incorporated and The Peppermint Men

26 November – Ferris Wheel

2 December – The Official Receivers

3 December – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

9 December – Watson T Brown and The Lastic Band

10 December – Joey Young and The Tonics (Joe Tex was originally advertised)

16 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

17 December – Jackie Edwards

23 December – The Vibrations and The Kingston By-Pass

24 December – The Delroy Williams Show

30 December – The Peppermint Men and The Duke Reid Sound

31 December – The Pyramids

1968

5 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces

6 January – Owen Gray and Youth and Rudy and The Shell Shock Show Band

7 January – PP Arnold & The TNT

13 January – Joyce Bond and The Duke Reid Sound

14 January – John L Watson & The Web

20 January – Jimmy McGriff and Nepenthe

21 January – Dandy

27 January – The Skatalites and Sir Coxon Sound

28 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set

3 February – James and Bobby Purify and The Duke Reid Sound

4 February – Jimmy McGriff

10 February – Robert Parker & The Quotations and The Sir Coxon Sound

11 February – Rupert’s Rik ‘N’ Beckers

17 February – Dandy & The Missions and The Duke Reid Sound

18 February – Nepenthe and The New Nadir

24 February – Little John & The Shadrocks and The Sir Coxon Sound

25 February – Joey Young & The Tonics

2 March – The Coloured Raisins and The Duke Reid Sound

3 March – The Fantastics (& The House of Orange)

9 March – Sir Coxon Sound

10 March – The Dave Davani Four

16 March – Jackie Edwards and The Duke Reid Sound

17 March – Horatio Soul & The Jokers

23 March – The Duke Reid Sound

24 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

30 March – Joyce Bond and The Sir Coxon Sound

31 March – The Chico-Bailey Show and The Night Hawks Band

6 April – The Original Impressions and Joey Young & The Tonics

7 April – The Sonny Burke Show

12 April – The Ethiopians with The Healers

14 April – The Original Drifters

20 April – Rupert’s Rick ‘N’ Beckers and The Sir Coxon Sound

21 April – Garnet Mimms

27 April – The Fantastics (& The House of Orange) and The Duke Reid Sound

28 April – Sugar Simone & The Programe

5 May – J J Jackson

Melody Maker stopped advertising from this point on

Most of the gigs were sourced from Melody Maker and gig posters. Thanks to Tony Webb for use of the club posters and to Ken Baxter for some Carl Douglas gigs from his contracts. Thanks also to Bruno Ceriotti and Mick Capewell for providing dates.

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Tag Archives: Chris Farlowe

The Cromwellian, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington

The Boathouse, Kew, west London

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

Blue Moon, Hayes, west London

The Ram Jam Club, Brixton

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