Tag Archives: Jimmy Cliff

Blue Moon, Cheltenham gigs July 1965-May 1967

The entry below should be credited to David Jackson, Chris Stanbury, Mike Williams and Richard Goddard who own the copyright on the following.

The story of the Blue Moon Club, Cheltenham began lunchtime on the 25th December 1964 as the then twenty-year-old John Norman and his elder brother Eddie were eating their Christmas Day lunch in the Headstone Hotel in West London. For some time under the guidance of Eddie the pair had been running regular live music events in and around Middlesex, including The Fender Club, Kenton; The Memorial Hall, Harrow Weald; The Railway Hotel, North Harrow; The New Georgian Club, Cowley and the original Blue Moon Club in Hayes.  In what would soon turned out to be a stroke of good luck for all concerned like-minded jazz musician and local music promotions rival Bill Reid was also in the restaurant that Christmas Day and overhearing Eddie and John’s conversation he made his way to their table saying to the brothers that he had often had similar thoughts of expansion.

Bill was well known to John and Eddie for his jazz-orientated promotions with fellow jazz enthusiast and business partner Jack Fallon. At the South Harrow Jazz Club, they would book such names as Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Bill said he would be interested in their new venture suggesting they join forces and follow up the advertisement with a trip out ‘West’ to check out the premises in Cheltenham’s High Street.

The club opened on the 17th July 1965 and closed its doors finally on 17th May 1967 and was probably one of best of a small band of regional Mod clubs outside of London

The Action appeared nine times, followed by Gary Farr & The T-Bones who appeared eight times lead the way for visiting bands from outside the local area; local group The Alan Walker Band, managed by the club owners appeared nine times. The club will be well remembered for appearances of Jimi Hendrix and Cream

The artists and performance dates were sourced via original club members and club management flyers along with advertisements placed in The Gloucestershire Echo and The Citizen newspapers held at the local Archive Offices in Cheltenham and Gloucester, John Norman Stephen Reid, son of the late co-owner Bill Reid and fellow Blue Moon book researchers David Jackson, Chris Stanbury, Mike Williams and myself Richard Goddard.

1965

17 July 1965 – The Bo Street Runners (Grand opening night)

18 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

21 July 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

22 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

23 July 1965 – Ups ‘N’ Downs

24 July 1965 – Ray Martin Combo (aka Ray Martin Group)

25 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

28 July 1965 – The Chessmen featuring Tony Knight

29 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

30 July 1965 – Alan Walker’s Roadhogs (says first appearance at the Blue Moon)

31 July 1965 – The London Crowd (says from the West’s End’s Marquee and Flamingo)

 

1 August 1965 – Dave Whittling (top London folk singer) plus discotheque

4 August 1965 – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

5 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

6 August 1965 – Sons of Fred

7 August 1965 – The Artwoods (says that sensational recording group from RSG)

8 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

11 August 1965 – The Who (says Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere!!!)

13 August 1965 – Mickey Finn & The Blue Men

14 August 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs

15 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

18 August 1965 – The Ram Jam Band featuring Geno Washington

19 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

20 August 1965 – The Strats (says the newest sound to follow “Them” from Ireland

21 August 1965 – The Bo Street Runners (says by fantastic demand –the return of)

22 August 1965 – Discotheque

25 August 1965 – Steam Packet featuring Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Rod Stewart & Julie Driscoll

26 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque

27 August 1965 – The Tyrants  (says top group from the West)

28 August 1965 – The Shevelles

29 August 1965 – Discotheque

30 August 1965 – Discotheque

31 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque & dance auditions

 

1 September 1965 –T-Bones  (says great London sound of the)

2 September 1965 – Discotheque

3 September 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs (says fantastic demand, the return of)

4 September 1965 – Davy Jones & The Lower Third (says by request)

5 September 1965 – Discotheque

8 September 1965 – The Graham Bond Organisation

9 September 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

10 September 1965 – The London Crowd (says from the West End those sensational)

11 September 1965 – The “0-0” Soul Show featuring Alex Harvey & Jimmy Cliff

12 September 1965 – Discotheque

15 September 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (says by fantastic demand)

16 September 1965 – Discotheque

17 September 1965 – Ram Jam Band featuring Geno Washington (says by fantastic demand the return of)

Photo from Richard Goddard

18 September 1965 – Boz & The Boz People (says sensational new sound)

19 September 1965 – Discotheque (says best record selection anywhere!)

22 September 1965 – Lou Johnson plus Sonny & The Cool School (says direct from the States)

23 September 1965 – Discotheque

24 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Nightimers (says from London’s West End)

25 September 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (says by fantastic demand the return of)

26 September 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

27 September 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (says reckoned the absolute tops. Don’t dare miss this!)

30 September 1965 – Discotheque

 

1 October 1965 – Discotheque

2 October 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says sensational London group)

3 October 1965 – Discotheque

6 October 1965 – The Shevelles (says the fabulous and unique sound of)

7 October 1965 – Discotheque

8 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

9 October 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs (says fantastic demand, the return of)

10 October 1965 – Discotheque

13 October 1965 – The Mike Cotton Sound (says sensational must be heard)

14 October 1965 – Discotheque

15 October 1965 – Discotheque

16 October 1965 – The Chessmen (says fantastic demand, the return of London’s top group)

17 October 1965 – Discotheque

20 October 1965 – Steam Packet featuring Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Rod Stewart & Julie Driscoll

21 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

22 October 1965 – Discotheque

23 October 1965 – The Silence (says from London’s Flamingo & West End)

24 October 1965 – Discotheque

27 October 1965 – The Small Faces (says “Whatcha Gonna Do About It”) plus The Advocates

28 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque

29 October 1965 – Discotheque

30 October 1965 – The Hellions (says west country’s top recording stars the sensational)

31 October 1965 – Discotheque

 

3 November 1965 – Zoot Money (says by fantastic demand the return of)

4 November 1965 – Discotheque

5 November 1965 – Discotheque

6 November 1965 – Blues Hounds (says Spencer Davis is raving about the sensational)

7 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

10 November 1965 – The Graham Bond Organisation (says by fantastic demand)

11 November 1965 – Discotheque

12 November 1965 – Discotheque

13 November 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says by fantastic demand the return of)

14 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

17 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (Alan Price advertised but did not play)

20 November 1965 – The Alan Bown Set (says Gent’s please note, Ties to be worn (Saturdays only)

21 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

24 November 1965 – Advertised -From USA – ‘In the Midnight Hour” Wilson Pickett, did not appear.

26 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

27 November 1965 – The Action (says TV’s Disc-A-Go-Go tonight choosing 100 dancers for next Wednesday’s show.

28 November 1965 – Discotheque

 

2 December 1965 – Hedgehoppers Anonymous + The Alan Walker Group

3 December 1965 – Discotheque (Featuring Dave Bennett as your DJ)

4 December 1965 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll and Rod ‘The Mod’ Stewart

5 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group

9 December 1965 – The Spencer Davis Group plus The Hellions

10 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says only 14 more days)

11 December 1965 – The Downliners Sect (says, Sensational Recording and R & B Group …The Exciting)

12 December 1965 – Discotheque (Extra shilling charged on admission to go towards Children’s Party)

16 December 1965 – The Action (says, By overwhelming demand, the return of the…)

17 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says, Only 7 more days)

18 December 1965 – The Hellions plus The Advocates

19 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says, Getting Warmer)

23 December 1965 – Discotheque (says, Pre warm up for tomorrow)

24 December 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christmas Party)

26 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group plus The Advocates (says Boxing Day Bonanza)

27 December 1965 – Discotheque

30 December 1965 – Discotheque

31 December 1965 – John Lee and The Groundhogs (New Years Eve Party)

1966

1 January 1965 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, Start the New Year at the Moon)

2 January 1965 – Discotheque (says, Back to normal!! Whew, what a week!!!)

6 January 1965 – The Birds (says, Sensational London Group)

7 January 1965 – Discotheque (DJ Dave Bennett, in the cage)

8 January 1965 – The Shakedown Sounds  (says, Birmingham and London top group, by demand the)

9 January 1965 – Discotheque

12 January 1966 – Fontella Bass plus Quiet Five (says, one sensational night only! “Rescue Me” From the USA)

13 January 1966 – The Alan Walker Group

14 January 1966 – Discotheque (DJ Dave Bennett)

15 January 1966 – The Fairies (says, sensational London Group – R S G -Thank Your Lucky Stars)

16 January 1966 – The Advocates

20 January 1966 – The Pretty Things (says, You may hate them, you may love them)

21 January 1966 – Discotheque

22 January 1966 – The Action (says, the group you’ve all been waiting for)

23 January 1966 – Discotheque

27 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey plus The Advocates (says, The Sensational  ” Ride Your Pony” Man)

28 January 1966 – Discotheque

29 January 1966 – James Royal and The Hawks (says, the up and coming London group)

30 January 1966 – Discotheque

 

3 February 1966 – Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds (says, the one and only)

4 February 1966 – Discotheque

5 February 1966 – The Carnaby (says, the street and band the whole country is talking about)

6 February 1966 – Discotheque

10 February 1966 – Doris Troy (says, “What Gonna Do About It” “Heartaches”)

11 February 1966 – Discotheque

12 February 1966 – Jimmy Brown Sound (says, the only Band that could back Ben. E. King on his last tour)

13 February 1966 – Discotheque

17 February 1966 – Zoot Money and his Big Roll Band (says, The Showman himself)

18 February 1966 – Discotheque

19 February 1966 – The Alan Bown Set

20 February 1966 – Discotheque

24 February 1966 – John Lee’s Groundhogs (says, Moon’s most favourite group)

25 February 1966 – Discotheque

26 February 1966 – The Advocates

27 February 1966 – Discotheque

 

3 March 1966 – Jimmy Cliffs Dynamic All Soul Show, Pete Hodges New Generation featuring Ayesha.

4 March 1966 – Discotheque

5 March 1966 – The Statesides (says, top London group with a big line-up)

6 March 1966 – Discotheque

7 March 1966 – The Advocates (Yardbirds advertised, did not play)

10 March 1966 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, and Brian Auger Trinity.

11 March 1966 – Discotheque

12 March 1966 – Mickey Finn (says, by overwhelming demand – the sensational)

13 March 1966 – Discotheque

16 March 1966 – Discotheque

17 March 1966 – The Birds (says, by request, the return of the dynamic)

18 March 1966 – Discotheque

19 March 1966 – John Lee’s Groundhogs

20 March 1966 – Discotheque

23 March 1966 – Discotheque

25 March 1966 – Discotheque

26 March 1966 – The Rosco Brown Combo (says, big London line-up… from London’s Marquee)

27 March 1966 – Discotheque

30 March 1966 – Discotheque (says, your first drink on the house)

 

1 April 1966 – Discotheque

2 April 1966 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, and Brian Auger Trinity

3 April 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.

6 April 1966 – Discotheque

8 April 1966 – Discotheque

9 April 1966 – The Action (says, Sensational London Group)

10 April 1966 – Discotheque

11 April 1966 – The Alan Walker Group (says, After a long absence — from London’s Marquee & Flamingo)

13 April 1966 – Discotheque

15 April 1966 – Discotheque

16 April 1966 – The Crowd

17 April 1966 – Discotheque

20 April 1966 – Discotheque

22 April 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)

23 April 1966 – The Alan Bown Set (says, by demand, the sensational.)

24 April 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

27 April 1966 – Discotheque

29 April 1966 – Discotheque

30 April 1966 – Gary Farr and the T-Bones (says, sensational London Group)

 

1 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.

4 May 1966 – Discotheque

6 May 1966 – Discotheque

7 May 1966 – The Action (says, by overwhelming demand)

8 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.

11 May 1966 – Discotheque

13 May 1966 – Discotheque

14 May 1 966 – The Good Goods (formerly known as The Advocates)

15 May 1966 – Discotheque

18 May 1966 – Discotheque

20 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

21 May 1966 – The Shotgun Express: – Rod Stewart, Beryl Marsden, Peter B’s Looners, (great new steam packet)

22 May 1966 – Discotheque

25 May 1966 – Discotheque

27 May 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)

28 May 1966 – The Deep Feeling (formerly The Hellions)

30 May 1966 – The Buzz

 

1 June 1966 – Discotheque

2 June 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says, back by popular demand)

3 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

4 June 1966 – The Jimmy Brown Sound

5 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

8 June 1966 – Discotheque

10 June 1966 – Discotheque

11 June 1966 – The Shevelles (says, from London’s Flamingo, the exciting)

12 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

15 June 1966 – Earl Richmond (says, Radio London’s DJ)

17 June 1966 – Discotheque

18 June 1966 – The Falling Leaves (says, Oxfords top group)

19 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

22 June 1966 – Discotheque

24 June 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)

25 June 1966 – Jimmy James and The Vagabonds (says, by absolutely overwhelming demand)

26 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett

29 June 1966 – Discotheque

 

1 July 1966 – Discotheque

2 July 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says, don’t miss this)

3 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

6 July 1966 – Discotheque

8 July 1966 – Discotheque

9 July 1966 – David Bowie and The Buzz

10 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

13 July 1966 – Discotheque

15 July 1966 – Discotheque

16 July 1966 – The Alan Bown Set plus The Bo Street Runners (says, first birthday party night)

17 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

20 July 1966 – Discotheque

22 July 1966 – Discotheque

23 July 1966 – The Good Goods

24 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

27 July 1966 – Discotheque

29 July 1966 – Discotheque

30 July 1966 – James Royal and The Hawks (afternoon opening for staff and members to watch World Cup)

 

3 August 1966 – Discotheque

5 August 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

6 August 1966 – The Action

7 August 1966 – Discotheque

10 August 1966 – Discotheque

12 August 1966 – Discotheque

Photo from Richard Goddard

13 August 1966 – Cream (says, don’t dare miss this)

14 August 1966 – Discotheque

15 August 1966 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, back again by demand)

17 August 1966 – Discotheque

19 August 1966 – Discotheque

20 August 1966 – Keith Powell and Billie Davis plus top band.

21 August 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage

24 August 1966 – Discotheque

26 August 1966 – Discotheque

27 August 1966 – Gary Farr and The T- Bones (says, back again by demand, the fantastic sound of)

28 August 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

31 August 1966 – Discotheque

 

2 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

3 September 1966 – The Koobas (say’s, Latest Recording “Sweet Music)

4 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

7 September 1966 – Discotheque

9 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

10 September 1966 – The Graham Bond Organisation

11 September 1966 – Discotheque

14 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

16 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

17 September 1966 –The Shevelles

18 September 1966 – Discotheque

21 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

23 September 1966 – DJ Frankie & Rocky

24 September 1966 – The Action (says, don’t be late for this one, free admission with advert)

25 September 1966 – Discotheque

28 September 1966 – Discotheque

30 September 1966 – DJ Frankie & Rocky

 

1 October 1966 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones

2 October 1966 – Discotheque

5 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

7 October 1966 – Discotheque

8 October 1966 – Dace Anthony’s Mood (says, from London’s Marquee. the big sound of) This is Dave Anthony’s Moods

9 October 1966 – Discotheque

12 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

13 October 1966 – Discotheque

15 October 1966 – The Falling Leaves (says, knockout group, currently playing at Tiles

16 October 1966 – Discotheque

19 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

21 October 1966 – Discotheque

22 October 1966 – Alvin Robinson (‘Something You Got” “Searching “ and Down Home Girl”)

23 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

26 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

28 October 1966 – Discotheque

29 October 1966 – Ray King Soul Band featuring James Royal (says, from Tiles the big sound of)

30 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

 

2 November 1966 – Discotheque

4 November 1966 – Discotheque

5 November 1966 – The Artwoods (says, the awaited return of London’s)

6 November 1966 – Discotheque

9 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 November 1966 – Discotheque

12 November 1966 – Nepenthe and the Subterraneans (says, from America, the way-out sounds of)

13 November 1966 – Discotheque

Photo from Richard Goddard

18 November 1966 – Lee Dorsey plus supporting show (support band the Good Goods)

19 November 1966 – Cream (says, England’s top group)

20 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

26 November 1966 – Discotheque

27 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

29 November 1966 – The Alan Bown Set (says, the sensational)

 

1 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

2 December 1966 – Discotheque

3 December 1966 – The Koobas

4 December 1966 – Discotheque

7 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

9 December 1966 – Discotheque

10 December 1966 – Zoot Money and his Big Roll (says, that Raving Looner)

11 December 1966 – Discotheque

14 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

16 December 1966 – Discotheque

17 December 1966 – The Move (says, the Psychedelic Phenomena)

18 December 1966 – Surprise band

21 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

23 December 1966 –Surprise Band

24 December 1966 – Gary Farr and the T-Bones (Christmas Eve Party)

26 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

28 December 1966 – Discotheque

30 December 1966 – Discotheque (says, warm up for tomorrows rave)

31 December 1966 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology

1967

1 January 1967 – Discotheque (says, phew its all over, back to normal, back to work tomorrow)

5 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

6 January 1967 – Discotheque (says, the weekend starts here)

7 January 1967 – Brian Auger Trinity Ft Julie Discoll

8 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

13 January 1967 – Discotheque

14 January 1967 – The Alan Bown (says, the awaited return of London’s)

15 January 1967 – The Good Goods

18 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

20 January 1967 – Discotheque

21 January 1967 – The Frame (from Birmingham, recorded “Doctor” “ I can’t go on” RCA Records)

22 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

23 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

27 January 1967 – Discotheque & Go Go Competition

28 January 1967 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, after Christmas Eves fantastic rave)

29 January 1967 – Discotheque

 

1 February 1967 – Discotheque

3 February 1967 – Discotheque (says, phew its all over, back to normal, back to work tomorrow)

4 February 1967 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology

5 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky and the Moon Go Go Girls

8 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

10 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 February 1967 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience

12 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

15 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

17 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (Says, the weekend starts here)

18 February 1967 – The Action (says, back again by demand. The fantastic sound of)

19 February 1967 – Discotheque

22 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

24 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (says, the weekend starts here)

25 February 1967 – Alan Bown (says, by demand, the return)

26 February 1967 – Discotheque

 

1 March 1967 – Geno Washington (says, one night only, on stage in person)

3 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

4 March 1967 – Sack’O’Woe

5 March 1967 – Discotheque and Go Go competition)

Photo from Richard Goddard

8 March 1967 – Lee Dorsey (says, by fantastic demand, the return of)

10 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

11 March 1967 – The Chessmen (says, London’s sensational)

12 March 1967 – Miss Go Go final discotheque.

15 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

17 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (Says, the weekend starts here)

18 March 1967 – Brian Auger Trinity Ft Julie Discoll

19 March 1967 – Discotheque

22 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

24 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

25 March 1967 – The Action (says, by fantastic demand)

26 March 1967 – Discotheque

27 March 1967 – Easter Egg Rave Discotheque

29 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

31 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (says, the weekend starts here)

 

1 April 1967 – P.P.Arnold and The Mike Cotton Sound Ft Lucas (says, April fools rave)

2 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

5 April 1967 – Discotheque

7 April 1967 – Discotheque

8 April 1967 – John L Watson and The Webb (says, Americas….)

9 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

12 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

14 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky

15 April 1967 – The Chessmen Ft Owen Gray (says, by fantastic demand – return of)

16 April 1967 – Top DJ’s (DJ’s from other clubs owned the Moon owners)

19 April 1967 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds

21 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Mad Jim (Jim Donovan, from the1600 club in Hereford)

22 April 1967 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology

23 April 1967 – Top DJ’s

26 April 1967 – The Drifters (believed to be The Invitations)

28 April 1967 –Top DJ’s

29 April 1967 – The Soul Sisters (says, from America … The Dynamic Exciting.)

30 April 1967 – Discotheque

 

3 May 1967 – Discotheque

5 May 1967 – Discotheque

6 May 1967 – Cliff Bennett (an unannounced appearance)

7 May 1967 – Top DJ’s (Mad Jim, Tony Lott  & Frankie used over the final club dates)

10 May 1967 – Discotheque

12 May 1967 – Discotheque         

10 May 1967 – Discotheque

13 May 1967 – The Dual (the last band to play at the club)

14 May 1967 – The last Sunday discotheque at the Moon

17 May 1967 – Blue Moon Closed.

 

The Epitaph Soul Band

Dave Whittaker (aka Chet Mason) (lead vocals/congas)

Del Grace (lead guitar)

Bruce Duckworth (rhythm guitar)

Mick Kinzett (bass/manager) replaced by Mick Holland (bass)

Mick Fletcher (keyboards)

Dave Rolfick (baritone sax)

Mick Lye (tenor sax)

Rodney Peters (aka Karl Lee) (drums)

Formed as Karl Lee & The Epitaphs in Welling, southeast London in January 1963, they changed name to The Epitaphs in 1964 and then The Epitaph Soul Band in 1965.

Most of the group’s members were from the Sidcup/Bexley area although Lye came from Battersea and Rolfick was from Streatham.

The group often played at the Black Prince Hotel in Bexley. Len Fletcher who ran the club was their manager.

Del Grace says the band’s line-up was fluid with musicians coming and going. The spelling may not be correct for some of the players listed above.

Bruce Duckworth didn’t stay long and they stuck with only one guitarist after he departed.

Mick Holland joined on bass in 1964 so that Mick Kinzett could assume road management duties.

The band’s van was involved in a horrific crash on Rochester Way in October 1964 (see newspaper clipping below) and two of the members were hospitalised. Mick Holland was so badly injured that he couldn’t continue with the group.

Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 26 February 1965, page 12

The group was put on hold until early February 1965 when it was reformed with the following musicians:

Dave Whitaker (aka Chet Mason) (lead vocals/congas)

Del Grace (lead guitar)

Mick Fletcher (keyboards)

John James (bass) (possibly also known as John Porter)

Dave Rolfick (baritone sax)

Mick Lye (tenor sax)

Rodney Peters (aka Karl Lee) (drums)

The new formation played at the Black Prince Hotel in Bexley on Sunday, 21 February and began working as the resident band at the Last Chance Club in Oxford Street, central London.

Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 26 February 1965, page 12
Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 26 February 1965, page 12

Towards the end of 1965 Del Grace’s friend Andy Clark came in on baritone sax.

Soon after Mick Fletcher joined The Sound System who backed Jimmy Cliff before working with Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement, The Rifle (reuniting with Del Grace) and The Amboy Dukes.

Around the same time Del Grace joined The Big Wheel, who later recruited Andy Clark and Mick Holland.
Grace joined Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede in 1966 while Andy Clark later worked with The Fenmen, Sam Gopal Dream, VAMP, Clark-Hutchinson and Jeff Beck among many others.
Thanks to Ian Kinzett for the clipping
Notable gigs:

 

2 May 1964 – Beat Group Contest, Wickham Hall, West Wickham, Kent with The Blackhawks, Chris Finn & The Solents, The Sonics, The Melvin Toole Combo, The Original Deltones, The Electrons, The Copains, The Consorts and Paul & The Playboys (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser) Billed as The Epitaphs

February 1965 – Last Chance Club, Oxford Street, central London (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)
21 February 1965 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London with The Graham Bond Organisation (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)
1 June 1965 – 100 Club, Oxford Street, central London with The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)
5 June 1965 – Wimbledon Odeon, Wimbledon, southwest London with Beat Unlimited (Kingston & Malden Borough News) Advert says The Epitaphs are from Streatham so may be another band
17 June 1965 – Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley, southeast London (Melody Maker)
19 June 1965 – Jazz & Blues Festival, Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London with The Dutch Swing College, Solomon Burke, Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band, Unit 4 Plus 2, The Spencer Davis Group, The Downliners Sect, Alan Elsdon’s Jazzband, Brian Green New-O-Stompers and The Loose Ends (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

Festival review in the same newspaper, 25 June 1965, page 12

30 June 1965 – Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley, southeast London (Melody Maker)

 

25 July 1965 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London with The Spencer Davis Group (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker, 3 July 1965

Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, London 1967 gigs

Whisky listing March 1967. Photo: Melody Maker

Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.

It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.

Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.

It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.

Source: Melody Maker unless otherwise noted

During 1967, New Zealand band Me & The Others featuring future Keef Hartley Band and Uriah Heep bass player Gary Thain auditioned at the club.

1967

1 January – The Soul Set

3 January – Jimmy Cliff (with The Shakedown Sound?)

10 January – The Canadians (with David Foster on keyboards)

Photo: Melody Maker

11 January – The Soul Sisters

12 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

17 January – The Bunch

19 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

Photo: Melody Maker

22 January – Warren Davis Monday Band

24 January – Cool Combination

26 January – Cool Combination

29 January – Warren Davis Monday Band

31 January – The Soul Set

 

5 February – Warren Davis Monday Band

7 February – Edwin Starr

12 February – Warren Davis Monday Band

14 February – The Bunch

21 February – The Night Train

23 February – The Bunch

28 February – The Bunch

 

2 March – Edwin Starr

5 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

9 March – Duane Eddy

12 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

14 March – The Night Train

16 March – Lee Dorsey

19 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

21 March – The Bunch

23 March – The Original Drifters

24 March – The Trap

26 March – Warren Davis Monday Band

27 March – The Flashbakks

28 March – The Bunch

30 March – The Hunky Chunk Band

 

4 April – The Night Train

9 April – The Soul Set

11 April – The Bunch

12 April – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry

13 April – The Trap

16 April – The Soul Set

17 April – The Dave Martin Group (audition)

The Dave Martin Group’s manager Geoff Chinnery confirms the audition date above

18 April – The Bunch

20 April – The Flashbakks

23 April – The Soul Set

25 April – The Bunch

27 April – Warren Davis Monday Band

30 April – The Shell (Shock Show)

Photo: Melody Maker

2 May – Lunar 2

4 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

7 May – The Shell Shock Show

9 May – Garnet Mimms (most likely backed by The Senate)

11 May – The Bunch

14 May – The Ultimate

16 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

Photo: Melody Maker

17 May – Jack Hammer & His Hammer Jammers

18 May – The Bunch

21 May – The Ultimate

23 May – Clyde McPhatter

25 May – Warren Davis Monday Band

Photo: Melody Maker

28 May – The Ultimate

30 May – The Iveys

31 May – Jose Feliciano

 

1 June – The Bunch

Photo: Melody Maker

4 June – The Ultimate

6 June – The Trap

8 June – Edwin Starr

11 June – The Pussyfoot

13 June – Craig King & The Midnight Train

14 June – The Skatalites

15 June – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)

18 June – The Pussyfoot

19 June – The Shell Shock Show

20 June – The Impact Blues

22 June – Sonny Smiles & The Original Sonny Smiles Band

25 June – The Pussyfoot

27 June – The Impact Blues

28 June – Sugar Simone & The Programme

29 June – The Toys

 

2 July – The Pussyfoot

4 July – Craig King & The Midnight Train

6 July – The Iveys

Photo: Caterham Weekly Press

7 or 8 July – The All Night Walkers (aka The All Night Workers) (needs confirmation)

9 July – The Bunch

11 July – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)

13 July – The Shell Shock Show

14 July – The Maroons

16 July – The Bunch

18 July – Neat Change

20 July – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback

Photo: Melody Maker

23 July – Warren Davis Monday Band

25 July – Mr Mo’s Messengers

27 July – The Skatalites

30 July – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

 

1 August – The Syrian Blues

3 August – Garnett Mimms (either backed by The Senate or The Clockwork Orange)

5 August – Katch 22

6 August – Warren Davis Monday Band

8 August – Wages of Sin

10 August – The Iveys

Photo: Melody Maker

13 August – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

14 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

15 August – Wages of Sin

17 August – Mr Mo’s Messengers

20 August – The Trend

22 August – The Choice

24 August – The Clockwork Orange

This version of The Clockwork Orange is either the group that became The Doves later in the year or The Sovereigns (see 1966 entry) who backed The Fantastics from August 1967 (usually billed as The House of Orange) and also did two tours with Garnet Mimms

27 August – The Choice

28 August – Warren Davis Monday Band

29 August – Wages of Sin

31 August – The Skatalites

 

3 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

5 September – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) (backed by Clockwork Orange – see above)

7 September – Wages of Sin

10 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

12 September – Sean Buckley Set

14 September – Katch 22 and Wages of Sin

Photo: Melody Maker

17 September – Warren Davis Monday Band

19 September – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)

21 September – Reg James Explosion

Photo: Melody Maker

24 September – John (this is Jon)

26 September – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or Clockwork Orange backing him)

28 September – Katch 22

Photo: Melody Maker

1 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers

3 October – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or The Clockwork Orange backing him)

5 October – Cats Pyjamas

8 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers

10 October – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback

12 October – The Soul Sisters with The Trend

15 October – Mr Hip

17 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)

19 October – Duane Eddy

22 October – The Quotations

23 October – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)

24 October – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)

26 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)

28 October – Alison’s Dump

29 October – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

31 October – The Isley Brothers

 

2 November – Stacey’s Circle

5 November – Scots of St James

7 November – The Shiralee

9 November – Geranium Pond

11 November – Alison’s Dump

12 November – The Doves

14 November – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics)

16 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)

19 November – The Unsuited Medium

21 November – Blue Rivers & His Maroons

23 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)

26 November – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

28 November – The Last Tic Band

30 November – James Brown Junior

 

3 December – Mr Hip

5 December – The Velours

7 December – Tuesday’s Children

10 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

12 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)

14 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

17 December – Eddie Lewison Combo

19 December – Mr Mo’s Messengers

21 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)

Photo: Melody Maker

23 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription

24 December – The Shiralee

25 December – Alison’s Dump

26 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)

28 December – Alison’s Dump

Photo: Melody Maker

30 December – The Trend

31 December – Virgin’s Sleep

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.

 

 

Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, London 1966 gigs

Photo: Melody Maker

Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.

It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. This is supported by a club passport (see below), kindly provided by Harvey Jordan.

Photo: Harvey Jordan

However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.

Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.

It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.

Source: Melody Maker unless otherwise noted

1966

According to the sleeve notes of RPM’s Timebox CD (and other band sources), the original Timebox, which may have been billed as Take Five at the time, landed a regular Wednesday night residency at this club when they first came to London thanks to manager Laurie Jay who worked at the George Cooper Agency. This would have been around January-March 1966.

18 January – The Key (needs source for confirmation)

 

17 February – Inez and Charlie Foxx with The League of Gentlemen

Melody Maker notes that Chris Lamb & The Universals play Wednesdays, which would have included 9 and 16 March

17 March – Irma Thomas (backed by The Sons of Adam)

 

4 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

7 April – Don Covay

12 April – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages

14 April – Dee Dee Warwick

21 April – Lee Dorsey

24 April – The Blue Aces

This is Junior Kerr’s (aka Junior Marvin, future Wailers’ guitarist) band, who had played in Dakar from 4-16 April, according to Melody Maker advert

Photo: Melody Maker

3 May – Lee Dorsey (Disc & Music Echo)

5 May – The Dixie Cups

9 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)

12 May – Sugar Pie De Santo

17 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)

19 May – The Original Drifters

26 May – Ben E King

Photo: Melody Maker

9 June – Roy C

16 June – Stevie Wonder

20 June – Billy Stewart (with Bluesology?)

27 June – Irma Thomas

 

7 July – Noma Tanega (Disc & Music Echo has 5 July unless both days?)

Photo: Melody Maker

14-15 July – The Orlons

18 July – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry

22 July – Rufus Thomas

25 July – Solomon Burke

 

3 August – Solomon Burke

9 August – Jimmy Cliff (not sure who is the backing band as singer split with The New Generation, who went on to link up with Gary Hamilton as Hamilton Movement, the previous month)

16 August – Jimmy Cliff

23 August – Jimmy Cliff

25 August – The Ikettes (with PP Arnold?)

28 August – The Soul Set (says they play every Sunday)

 

4 September – The Soul Set

6 September – The Peeps

8 September – The Carnaby

11 September – The Soul Set

15 September – The Vibrations

18 September – The Soul Set (needs confirmation)

22 September – The Bunch

27 September – The Majority

29 September – The Gas Company

 

4 October – The Mad Lads

6 October – The Five Chants

10 October – The Mad Lads (Disc & Music Echo)

11 October – The Washington DCs

13 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

18 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers

20 October – The Spellbinders

24 October – Alvin Robinson

25 October – The Bunch

31 October – Alvin Robinson

 

1 November – The Bunch

3 November – Lee Dorsey

8 November – The Dixie Cups

10 November – The Dave Davani Four

11 November – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe (Disc & Music Echo has 14 November)

15 November – The Original Coasters

17 November – Joe E Young & The Tonicks

20 November – The Boardwalkers (became Warren Davis Monday Band shortly afterwards)

21 November – The Washington DCs

22 November – The Peeps

24 November – The Original Coasters

28 November – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe

29 November – Malcolm Magaron & The Bluehealers

 

1 December – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe

Photo: Melody Maker

5 December – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound

6 December – The Mike Cotton Sound

13 December – The Bunch

15 December – The Orlons

20 December – The Iveys

22 December – The Bunch

24 December – The Sovereigns

25 December – The Flashbakks

26 December – Little People

27 December – The Images

31 December – The Sovereigns

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.

Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, London

The Black Prince Hotel in Bexley, southeast London was a popular live music venue during the 1960s. I’ve started to compile a list of artists that performed there and would welcome any additions and corrections as well as any memories of the pub. This is an incomplete listing

1964

12 April – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

17 May – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

31 May – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)

 

21 June – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

5 July – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)

 

23 August – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

 

12 September – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

18 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

29 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)

 

6 December – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)

1965

All of the listings below for 1965 are from Melody Maker unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.

I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.

Peter Hicks, who was a member of The Down & Outs, has a newspaper clipping of his band in the scrapbook section of his website which notes that the band opened for The Animals, The Mark Leeman Five and The Moody Blues at this venue (most likely 1965).

3 January – The Graham Bond Organisation

10 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

17 January – Tony Knight’s Chessmen

24 January – The Downliners Sect

31 January – The Spencer Davis Group

 

7 February – The Moody Blues

14 February – The Animals

21 February – The Graham Bond Organisation with The Epitaph Soul Band (confirmed by article in Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

28 February – Buddy Guy with Rod Stewart and The Soul Agents (with Rod Stewart)

 

7 March – The Mark Leeman Five

14 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

21 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

28 March – The Downliners Sect

 

4 April – The Moody Blues

The Just Blues appeared on one occasion when The Moody Blues played here (see John Farrier’s comment below)

Photo: Jeff Brook-Smith’s family

11 April – Long John Baldry

18 April – Alex Harvey Soul Band

25 April – The Graham Bond Organisation

 

2 May – The Five Dimensions and The Loose Ends

9 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

16 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds

23 May – Memphis Slim and Alex Harvey Soul Band

30 May – The Mark Leeman Five

 

6 June – Jack Dupree with The Mike Cotton Sound

13 June – The Graham Bond Organisation

20 June – The Artwoods

19 June – Jazz & Blues Festival with Dutch Swing College, Solomon Burke, Zoot Money, Unit 4 Plus 2, The Spencer Davis Group, The Downliners Sect, Alan Elsdon Jazzband, Brian Green New-O-Stompers, Epitaph Soul Band and The Loose Ends (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)

Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12
Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12

27 June – The Five Dimensions

 

4 July – Long John Baldry and Rod Stewart

11 July – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

18 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

25 July – The Spencer Davis Group and The Epitaphs Soul Band

The Epitaphs Soul Band featured Mick Fletcher on keyboards who went on to The New Generation (briefly Jimmy Cliff’s backing band), The Hamilton Movement (1966-1967) and The Amboy Dukes (1969-1970).

Earlier in their career, guitarist Del Grace was a member. He went on to The Big Wheel before joining Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede.

Andy Clark also played sax with them in late 1965 before switching to organ and joining The Big Wheel in spring 1966. He later played with The Fenmen (aka Kindness), Sam Gopal, VAMP and Clark-Hutchinson among others.

 

1 August – (Gary Farr &) The T-Bones

8 August – Alex Harvey Soul Band

15 August – The Graham Bond Organisation

22 August – The Blond Bombshell (from the US)

29 August – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

 

5 September – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

12 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

19 September – Steampacket

26 September – The Graham Bond Organisation

 

3 October – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds

10 October – Alex Harvey Soul Band

17 October – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

24 October – The Spencer Davis Group

31 October – T-Bone Walker

 

7 November – Steampacket

14 November – The Graham Bond Organisation

21 November – The Shevelles

28 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

 

5 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

12 December – missing

19 December – missing

26 December – missing

1966

All of the listings below for 1966 are from South East London Mercury unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.

I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.

2 January – missing

9 January – The Alan Price Set (Beat Instrumental)

16 January – missing

23 January – missing

30 January – The Spencer Davis Group

 

6 February – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band

13 February – The Graham Bond Organisation

The Big Wheel Soul Band opened for Graham Bond’s group at some point

20 February – missing

27 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

 

6 March – The Action

13 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

20 March – Melody Maker notes “Great blues singer from the US” (could this be John Lee Hooker?)

27 March – Steampacket

 

3 April – missing

10 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

17 April – Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band

24 April – The Moody Blues

 

1 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds

8 May – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

15 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

22 May – missing

29 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

 

5 June – The Downliners Sect

12 June – Steampacket

19 June – The Shotgun Express

26 June – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror)

 

3 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and Eric Silk’s Stompers

10 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

17 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

24 July – The Alan Price Set (Fabulous 208 and Record Mirror)

30 July – The Graham Bond Organisation

 

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

14 August – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

21 August – The Shotgun Express

28 August – missing

 

4 September – The Moody Blues

11 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

18 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

25 September – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

 

2 October – The Shevelles

9 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

16 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band

23 October – The Mike Cotton Sound

30 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

 

6 November – missing

13 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays

20 November – The Downliners Sect

27 November – Guy Darrell

 

4 December – missing

11 December – Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)

18 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers

Fabulous 208 has Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band on 18 December

24 December – Mike Cotton Sound with support

1967

Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz.

I have listed the sources next to the entries. There are indications from some of the dates below that rock gigs occasionally happened on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well.

1 January – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)

8 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

15 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

22 January – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)

29 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

 

5 February – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

12 February – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

19 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

26 February – Long John Baldry with Bluesology (Melody Maker)

 

5 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)

12 March – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

14 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

19 March – Cliff Bennett’s Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

26 March – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)

 

2 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)

9 April – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

16 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

23 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

25 April – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)

30 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)

 

7 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Melody Maker)

14 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)

21 May – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

28 May – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)

30 May – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

 

4 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diarySouth East London Mercury has The Coloured Raisins

11 June – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary)

18 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

25 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

2 July – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 July – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 July – Mike Cotton with Lucas (Phil Mackie’s diary)

30 July – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

6 August – Long John Baldry Show (aka Bluesology) (Phil Mackie’s diary)

13 August – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

20 August – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

27 August – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

3 September – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 September – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 September – Freddie Mack Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

1 October – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

8 October – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

15 October – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)

22 October – Ben E King (Phil Mackie’s diary)

29 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

4 November – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

7 November – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)

12 November – Dantalion’s Chariot (Phil Mackie’s diary)

19 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

26 November – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

3 December – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 December – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 December – Peter’s Green Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 December – The Shevelles and Terry Lightfoot Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

31 December – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Alan Elsdon’s Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

1968

Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz. I have listed the sources next to the entries.

7 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

14 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)

21 January – The Freddie Mack Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

28 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

4 February – The Cliff Bennett Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)

11 February – The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)

18 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

25 February – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

3 March – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

10 March – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)

17 March – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)

24 March – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

31 March – The Impressions (Phil Mackie’s diary)

 

7 April – The Jeff Beck Group featuring Rod Stewart (Phil Mackie’s diary)

14 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

15 April – The Piccadilly Six (Swiss band) (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)

21 April – The Showstoppers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

28 April – The Cliff Bennett Band

 

5 May – Spooky Tooth (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 May – The Counts (Melody Maker – this was a Thursday)

12 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

19 May – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 May – The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

26 May – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)

30 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)

 

2 June – Lucas with The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)

9 June – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)

16 June – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers with The Satin Dolls (Phil Mackie’s diary)

23 June – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

30 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)

 

7 July – Diane Ferraz & The Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

14 July – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker)

21 July – Tony Gregory & The Counts (Melody Maker)

28 July – Traffic (Melody Maker)

 

4 August – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

11 August – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

18 August – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)

25 August – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

 

1 September – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

8 September – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)

15 September – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

22 September – Timebox (Melody Maker)

29 September – The Drifters (Melody Maker)

 

6 October – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

12 October – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker – this is a Saturday)

20 October – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

27 October – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

 

3 November – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

10 November – Inez and Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)

17 November – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)

24 November – Ferris Wheel and Nepenthe (Melody Maker)

 

1 December – Garnet Mimms with Village Green (Melody Maker)

2 December – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)

8 December – Bandwagon (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

10 December – Simon K & The Meantimers and Olaf Grumps Kneed (Melody Maker/South East London Mercury – this was a Tuesday)

15 December – Timebox (Melody Maker)

22 December – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

28 December – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)

1969

Judging by the gigs below, rock bands continued to play on Sundays with occasional gigs on other days of the week.

5 January – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)

12 January – Root and Jenny Jackson (Melody Maker)

19 January – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

26 January – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)

 

2 February – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)

South East London Mercury has The Nice not Spooky Tooth

Photo: South East London Mercury

9 February – Happy Magazine (Melody Maker)

16 February – The Fantastics (Fabulous 208) 

Melody Maker has Timebox for the 16 February gig as does South East London Mercury

23 February – Freddie King and Steamhammer (Melody Maker)

Martin Coller got in touch and noted that The Nice were billed to play on 23 February according to Martyn Hanson’s book “Hang on To  Dream: The Story of The Nice”.

2 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

9 March – Interstate Road Show (Melody Maker)

16 March – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

23 March – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)

30 March – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

2 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker – this was a Wednesday)

6 April – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

13 April – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)

20 April – Timebox (Melody Maker)

27 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

 

4 May – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

11 May – Toast (Melody Maker)

18 May – Howlin’ Wolf (Melody Maker)

25 May – The Riot Squad (Melody Maker)

 

1 June – No listing in Melody Maker

8 June – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

15 June – John Lee Hooker with The John Dummer Blues Band (Melody Maker)

22 June – Consortium (Melody Maker)

29 June – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

6 July – Timebox (Melody Maker)

13 July – The Platters (Melody Maker)

20 July – The Joyce Bond Show (Melody Maker)

27 July – The Symbols (Melody Maker)

 

3 August – The Brian Auger Trinity (Time Out)

10 August – Trapeze (Melody Maker)

17 August – The Globe Show (Melody Maker)

24 August – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

31 August – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

7 September – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)

14 September – The Cliff Bennett Show (Melody Maker)

21 September – Linda Lewis and Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

28 September – The Dave Amboy Big Band (Melody Maker)

 

5 October – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker)

12 October – Zoot Money (Melody Maker)

19 October – The Greatest Show on Earth  (Melody Maker)

25 October – The Brian Auger Trinity (Melody Maker)

 

2 November – Marv Johnson (Melody Maker)

9 November – Timebox  (Melody Maker)

16 November – Freddie King  (Melody Maker)

23 November – No entry in Melody Maker

30 November – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)

 

7 December – The Dave Amboy Band (aka The Amboy Dukes) (Melody Maker and Keith Guster’s diary)

According to Keith Guster, this was the reformed version featuring Keith Guster and Tago Byers from The Fleur De Lys and former Hamilton Movement keyboard player Mick Fletcher.

14 December – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)

16 December – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

21 December – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)

28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker)

1970

8 February – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)

 

27 September – Black Widow and Amazing Grace (Poster from Roy Saxby)

Photo: Roy Saxby

4 October – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)

11 October – Caravan (Poster from Roy Saxby)

18 October – Chicken Shack (Poster from Roy Saxby)

25 October – The Greatest Show on Earth (Poster from Roy Saxby)

 

1 November – Blodwyn Pig (Poster from Roy Saxby)

Photo: Roy Saxby

6 December – The Faces featuring Rod Stewart with Daniels Band (Poster from Roy Saxby)

13 December – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)

20 December – Toe Fat with Albuquerque-Riccoti (Poster from Roy Saxby)

24 December – The Greatest Show on Earth with Tony Simon’s Progressive Show (Poster from Roy Saxby)

27 December – Argent (Poster from Roy Saxby)

31 December – Patto (Poster from Roy Saxby)

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.

El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London

The Spectres, February 1964. Photo: South East London Mercury

The El Partido in Lewisham, southeast London was located at 8-10 Lee High Road and was a popular spot for young Jamaicans and local mods.

There is a gig for The Spectres (who later morphed into Status Quo) who played here on 10 February 1964 and every Monday (see very top) which reveals that the club had originally operated under different management and closed sometime during 1964. It looks like the club re-opened on 12 December with The Beasts playing that evening.

The excellent Transpontine website notes that King Ossie Sound played at the club regularly. Other guests included Jamaicans Jimmy Cliff and The Duke Reid Sound.

Local R&B outfit, The Loose Ends, who cut two singles for Decca, were also house band at some point in late 1965.

I have started a gig list and would welcome any additions plus any memories of the venue, which was closed down in April 1967.

12 December 1964 – The Beasts

19 December 1964 – The Loose Ends

26 December 1964 – The Beavers

27 March 1965 – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and Mankinde

28 March 1965 – Duke Lee

31 March 1965 – The Hubbubs

 

1 April 1965 – Group Survival

2 April 1965 – The King Bees

3 April 1965 – The Loose Ends

Photo: Melody Maker

4 September 1965 – The Eyes

Photo: Melody Maker

9 September 1965 – The Duke Lee Sound System

10 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (upstairs)

10 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

11 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first session)

11 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (downstairs, first session)

11 September 1965 – Lou Johnson, Sonny Childe, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)

16 September 1965 – The Mixed Feelings (upstairs)

16 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

17 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee

18 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first and second session)

18 September 1965 – The Artwoods (downstairs, first session)

18 September 1965 – The Artwoods and The Loose Ends (downstairs, second session)

South East London Mercury has The Loose Ends with Lou Johnson on the above date

22 September 1965 – The Changing Times (upstairs)

22 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

Photo: Melody Maker

23 September 1965 – The Plain Facts (upstairs)

23 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

24 September 1965 – Memphis Chucks (upstairs)

24 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell (upstairs, first session)

25 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs, first session)

25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)

26 September 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

29 September 1965 – The Minor Birds (upstairs)

The Minor Birds morphed into Mr Mo’s Messengers in 1967

29 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)

Photo: Melody Maker

30 September 1965 – The Sons of Fred and Duke Lee

 

1 October 1965 – Duke Lee

2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, The Spectres and Duke Lee (first session)

2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, Loose Ends, The Spectres and Duke Lee (second session)

The Spectres later morphed into Status Quo

3 October 1965 – Duke Lee

6 October 1965 – Kiko 6 and Duke Lee

7-8 October 1965 – Duke Lee

9 October 1965 – Dave Anthony’s Moods, Next of Kin and Duke Lee (first session)

Photo: Melody Maker

9 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, Dave Anthony’s Moods, Duke Lee and Next of Kin (second session)

10 October 1965 – Duke Lee

13 October 1965 – Creeper’s Blues and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

14 October 1965 – Diddley Daddies and Duke Lee

16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers and Duke Lee (first session)

16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers, Duke Lee and The Minor Birds (second session)

17 October 1965 – Bo Diddley and Duke Lee

20 October 1965 – Long, Short and Tall, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends

Photo: Melody Maker

21 October 1965 – Under-mined and Duke Lee Sounds

22 October 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (first session)

23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Minor Birds and Duke Lee (second session)

24 October 1965 – Duke Lee

27 October 1965 – John Brown’s Bodies and Duke Lee

This version of John Brown’s Bodies were from Hammersmith and weren’t the same Brighton group that had Keith Emerson

28 October 1965 – Next of Kin and Duke Lee

29 October 1965 – Marshall Scott Etc and Duke Lee

30 October 1965 – The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee Sounds (first session)

Photo: Melody Maker

30 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

31 October 1965 – Duke Lee

 

3 November 1965 – Blues Roots, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends

Photo: Melody Maker

4 November 1965 – Deacon Louis GP and Duke Lee

5 November 1965 – Duke Lee

6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres and Duke Lee (first session)

6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

7 November 1965 – Duke Lee

10 November 1965 – The Nature’s Boys and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

11 November 1965 – Lawlors Legs and Duke Lee

12 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

Photo: Melody Maker

13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee (first session)

13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)

14 November 1965 – Duke Lee

17 November 1965 – The Links, The Fetish Crowd and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

18 November 1965 – Sounds Anonymous and Duke Lee

19 November 1965 – Duke Lee

20 November 1965 – Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (first session)

20 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (second session)

21 November 1965 – Duke Lee

24 November 1965 – The New Jump Band and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

25 November 1965 – Two Squared and Duke Lee

26 November 1965 – Duke Lee

27 November 1965 – The Panics and Duke Lee (first session)

27 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Panics and Duke Lee (second session)

28 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

 

1 December 1965 – Group Survival and Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

17 December 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds

18 December 1965 – The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (first session)

18 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (second session)

19 December 1965 – Major Lance (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee

22 December 1965 – The Templars, The Cardinals and Duke Lee

24 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, Duke Lee and The Frank Sheen Sound

Photo: Melody Maker

25-26 December 1965 – Duke Lee

31 December 1965 – Duke Lee

Photo: Melody Maker

22 January 1966 – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and Duke Lee

23 January 1966 – The Exciters and Duke Lee

26 January 1966 – The Just Blues, The Wild Set and Duke Lee

28 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey and Duke Lee

29 January 1966 – Deakin Lewis and Duke Lee

30 January 1966 – The Drifters

Photo: Melody Maker

11 February 1966 – Doris Troy (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee

12 February 1966 – The Panicks and Duke Lee

13 February 1966 – Duke Lee

16 February 1966 – Duke Lee and various groups

18 February 1966 – Inez and Charlie Foxx

Photo: Melody Maker

25 March 1966 – Wilson Pickett with King Ossie Sounds (Wilson Pickett didn’t show)

Photo: South East London Mercury

26 March 1966 – Time Box, The Raisins and King Ossie Sounds

1 April 1966 – Don Covay and King Ossie Sounds

8 April 1966 – Jimmy Cliff (backed by New Generation?) with The Raisons, King Ossie Sound and Duke Reid

9 April 1966 – The New Jump Band with The King Ossie Sound

10 April 1966 – Don Covey with The King Ossie Sound

11 April 1966 – Owen Gray and Jackie Edwards with The Raisons and King Ossie Sound

 

22 May 1966 – The Charmers (with Carl Douglas)

 

11 June 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Charmers

18 June 1966 – The Partizans

 

4 August 1966 – Jimmy Cliff

 

2 September 1966 – The James Royal Set

24 September 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede

 

1 October 1966 – Timebox

 

15 November 1966 – The Iveys

 

6 January 1967 – Duke Lee

7 January 1967 – The Soul Trinity

13 January 1967 – Duke Lee

14 January 1967 – The Mellow Notes

20 January 1967 – Duke Lee

21 January 1967 – Ossie Layne & The Red Hot Band

4 March 1967 – Alan Marsh(all) & The Loose Ends

Sources: 

Southeast London Mercury, Marmalade Skies website, Melody Maker and poster

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.

Jimmy Cliff & Wynder K Frog

In the first week of February 1968, Jimmy Cliff split with The Shakedown Sound and teamed up with Manchester group, Wynder K Frog.

I think the line up below is correct but I would be interested to hear from anyone that can provide more information. I think the group split with Cliff in late 1968/early 1969.

Jimmy Cliff – lead vocals
Wynder K Frog (aka Mick Weaver) – keyboards, vocals
Neil Hubbard – guitar
Alan Spenner – bass
Bruce Rowland – drums

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Image may be subject to copyright

8 February 1968 – The Swan, Yardley, West Midlands

10 February 1968 – Stockwell College, Bromley, southeast London with The Decision

18 February 1968 – Carlton Ballroom, Erdington, West Midlands

20 February 1968 – Bolero, Wednesbury, West Midlands (originally billed The Shakedown Sounds as backing group earlier in the month but changed nearer the time to Wynder K Frog)

25 February 1968 – The Walsgrave, Coventry (billed as Jimmy Cliff Show with Wynder K Frogg)

26 February 1968 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands with The Traction

 

4 March 1968 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

4 March 1968 – Tudor Club, Mercers Arms, Coventry

5 March 1968 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Jimmy James Show

7 March 1968 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

Photo: Sheffield Star. Image may be subject to copyright

8 March 1968 – Shades, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

10 March 1968 – The Swan, Yardley, West Midlands

Photo: Western Gazette. Image may be subject to copyright

18 March 1968 – Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, Somerset with Wynder K Frog and Dave Illingworth (Billed as The Jimmy Cliff Show)

26 March 1968 – Bolero, Wednesbury, West Midlands (Billed as Jimmy Cliff Show featuring Wynder K Frog)

30 March 1968 – Burton’s Uxbridge, west London

 

1 April 1968 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands with The Shakedown Sound and The Probe

6 April 1968 – Mothers, Erdington, West Midlands with The Shakedown Sound, The Uglies and Locomotive

7 April 1968 – Queen’s Beat Club, Birmingham

8 April 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire with Magic Roundabout

10 April 1968 – British Legion, Northfield, West Midlands

11 April 1968 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (billed as Jimmy Cliff The Shakedown Sound)

13 April 1968 – Mothers, Erdington, West Midlands with The Idle Race, Calgary Stampede and The Shakedown Sound (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Sound)

14 April 1968 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich with The Shock Treatment and Sugar Machine

14 April 1968 – Tudor Club, Mercers Arms, Coventry

21 April 1968 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

22 April 1968 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo, Dudley, West Midlands with Jasper Stubbs

23 April 1968 – Ritz, Bournemouth, Dorset

26 April 1968 – Mabern Club, Sleaford, Lincolnshire

27 April 1968 – Burton’s Uxbridge, west London

Photo: Western Gazette. Image may be subject to copyright

4 May 1968 – Glastonbury Town Hall, Glastonbury, Somerset with The Mushroom Crowd (Billed as Jimmy Cliff Show with Wynder K Frog)

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Image may be subject to copyright

9 May 1968 – The Swan, Yardley, West Midlands with The Imagination

12 May 1968 – South Bank, Grimsby (billed as with The Shakedown Sounds)

14 May 1968 – Hen & Chickens, Langley, West Midlands with The Shakedown Sounds

15 May 1968 – Summerhill House Hotel, Kingswinford, West Midlands

16 May 1968 – Skyline Ballroom, Hull

Photo: Stratford upon Avon Herald. Image may be subject to copyright

17 May 1968 – Drill Hall, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire

Photo: Scarborough Evening News. Image may be subject to copyright

17 May 1968 – Candlelight Club, Scarborough, North Yorkshire They may not have appeared

18 May 1968 – Savoy, Catford, south east London (billed as just Jimmy Cliff)

19 May 1968 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

20 May 1968 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands with The Shakedown Sound and Sound Syndicate (possibly The System instead)

21 May 1968 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midlands

21 May 1968 – Hen & Chickens, Langley, West Midlands with The Shakedown Sound

22 May 1968 – Summerhill House Hotel, Kingswinford, West Midlands

23 May 1968 – James Finegan Hall, Eston, Middlesbrough with The Shakedown Sound, The Steve Brown Soul Sect and The Chelfont Line

Photo: Middlesbrough Evening Gazette. Image may be subject to copyright

23 May 1968 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire with The Shakedown Sound

 

3 June 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire

Photo: Gloucester Citizen. Image may be subject to copyright

5 June 1968 – Cheltenham Spa Lounge and Ballroom, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

6 June 1968 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

7 June 1968 – Nottingham Boat Club, Nottingham

10 June 1968 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire

12 June 1968 – Penns Hall, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield

13 June 1968 – Durham College, Durham

14 June 1968 – Tabernacle, Stockport, Greater Manchester

15 June 1968 – Southampton University, Southampton

20 June 1968 – Klook’s Kleek, West Hampstead, north London

29 June 1968 – Mothers, Erdington, West Midlands

 

2 July 1968 – Droitwich Winter Gardens, Droitwich, Worcestershire

14 July 1968 – Excel Blue Angel, Middlesbrough with The Shakedown Sound

16 July 1968 – Hen and Chickens, Langley, West Midlands

20 July 1968 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands

20 July 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, west London

21 July 1968 – Mothers, Erdington, West Midlands

22 July 1968 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands with Soul Syndicate

28 July 1968 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

Photo: Scarborough Evening News. Image may be subject to copyright

2 August 1968 – Candlelight, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

3 August 1968 – Mothers, Erdington, West Midlands with The Shakedown Sound

4 August 1968 – Hotel Leofric, Coventry with The Shakedown Sound

8 August 1968 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

10 August 1968 – Belfry, Wishaw, West Midlands with The Uglys

12 August 1968 – Queen Mary Ballroom, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands

Photo: Gloucester Citizen. Image may be subject to copyright

16 August 1968 – Blue Pacific, Bristol Hotel, Gloucester

17 August 1968 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

 

1 September 1968 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with The Jaytree Organisation

9 September 1968 – George Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands with Felix Park (billed as Mr Jimmy Cliff and The Shakedown Sound)

13 September 1968 – Victoria Ballroom, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

14 September 1968 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire with The Shakedown Sound

21 September 1968 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, west London

Sources:

Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker plus posters online.

Also the following newspapers: Birmingham Daily Post, Birmingham Evening Mail, Cheddar Valley Gazette, Coventry Evening Telegraph, Crewe Chronicle, Derbyshire Times, Express & Star, Grantham Journal, Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Northwich Chronicle, Nottingham Evening Post, Walsall Observer and South Staffordshire Chronicle, Scarborough Evening News, Sheffield Star, Stratford upon Avon Herald, Warrington Guardian, Wells Journal, Gloucester Citizen, Western Gazette

Also Harry Barber’s Band of Joy book

Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound

Photo © Odile Noël (www.odilenoel.com)

Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound #1

Jimmy Cliff – lead vocals
Kevin Gammond – lead guitar, vocals (left in October 1967 to join Band of Joy)
Terry (Verden) Allen – organ, vocals
John Best – bass
Sean Jenkins – drums

26 November 1966 – Beachcomber,  Nottingham

 

3 January 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

7 -8 January 1967 – Omnibus club, Colombes, near Paris, France (see comments section and picture below)

Jimmy Cliff with The Shakedown Sound, France, January 1967. Photo © Odile Noël (www.odilenoel.com)

10 January 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Soul Brothers

14 January 1967 – Beachcomber Club, Nottingham with Jimi Hendrix Experience

19 January 1967 – Black Horse, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

20 January 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Derek Savage Foundation

21 January 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Iveys and The Twilights

22 January 1967 – Playboy Club, Park Lane, central London

26 January 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers

 

2 February 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire

Photo: Melody Maker. Photo may be subject to copyright

4 February 1967 – The New All Star Club, Liverpool Street, east London

5 February 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

15 February 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

18 February 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham with Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound

18 February 1967 – Starlight Ballroom, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire with The Tonics, The Institute and Ray Bones

22 February 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

24 February 1967 – Cosmo, Carlisle, Cumbria with 22nd Street People

26 February 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

 

3 March 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

5 March 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

Photo: Melody Maker. Photo may be subject to copyright

11 March 1967 – The New All Star Club, Liverpool Street, London

12 March 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

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

17 March 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham

18 March 1967 – Club a Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear with The Outer Limits

19 March 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

24 March 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Top of The Tree

26 March 1967 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Show)

26 March 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London

27 March 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham with C G Morris & The Reaction

27 March 1967 – Kitchners, Black Horse, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

30 March 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire with The Drifters, The Senate and Joe E Young & The Toniks

 

1 April 1967 – Nite Owl, Leicester

2 April 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London

21 April 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham with The Original Drifters

22 April 1967 – Southport Floral Hall, Southport, Lancashire

24 April 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London (Jimmy Cliff special guest) with Lloyd Alexander Blues Band and Lee Hawkins Group

25 April 1967 – Black Prince, Bexley, southeast London

26 April 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Horatio Soul and Square Deals Exposure with Yvonne

28 April 1967 – Refectory, Golders Green, north London

28 April 1967 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Sugar Simone Programme and Moon Alexander Drive (all-nighter)

 

4-5 May 1967 – Omnibus club, Colombes, near Paris, France (see comments section)

10 May 1967 – Les Oubliettes, Rouen, France (see comments section)

13 May 1967 – Plebeians Jazz Club, Halifax, West Yorkshire

13 May 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham

14 May 1967 – Cosmo, Carlisle, Cumbria with The Chants and The Forum

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

15 May 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands (billed as Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

16 May 1967 – Frank Freeman’s, Kidderminster, Worcestershire with Robert Plant & The Band of Joy

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

18 May 1967 – Club Cedar, Birmingham with The Shakedown Sound

19 May 1967 – Frank Freeman’s, Kidderminster, Worcestershire with Robert Plant & The Band of Joy

20 May 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

23 May 1967 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midlands (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

Photo: Worcester Evening News. Photo may be subject to copyright

24 May 1967 – 1600, Hereford, Herefordshire

25 May 1967 – Kitchners, Black Horse, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

27 May 1967 – Carlton Ballroom, Erdington, West Midlands with The Creation

 

1 June 1967 – Palais des Sports, Paris, France

3 June 1967 – The Nite Owl, Leicester, Leicestershire

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

3 June 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands with Simon Dupree & The Big Sound

4 June 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham

6 June 1967 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire

7 June 1967 – Hen & Chickens, Langley, West Midlands with The Stax Movement

8 June 1967 – Black Horse, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

9 June 1967 – Drokiweeny, Manchester with John Evans Smash

9 June 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich

10 June 1967 – Digbeth Town Hall, Birmingham

11 June 1967– Tabernacle, Stockport, Greater Manchester

17 June 1967 – Shalimar Club, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

19 June 1967 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

24 June 1967 – Plebeians Jazz Club, Halifax, West Yorkshire

26 June 1967 – Wall City Jazz Club, Quaintways, Chester, Cheshire with The Chuckles, The Wall City Jazzmen and The Hands

27 June 1967 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midlands

Photo copyright: Here Tis Magazine #8. The band at the Voom Voom Club, July 1967

July 1967 – Voom Voom Club, St Tropez, France

 

3 August 1967 – Kidderminster Town Hall, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

4 August 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham

5 August 1967 – Tabernacle, Stockport, Greater Manchester

6 August 1967 – Le Metro, Birmingham

7 August 1967 – Manor House Ballroom, Ipswich, Suffolk

8 August 1967 – Bolero Club, West Bromwich, West Midlands

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

11 August 1967 – Carlton Ballroom, Erdington, West Midlands

12 August 1967 – Northwich Memorial Hall, Northwich, Cheshire with The Script

13 August 1967 – Cosmo, Carlisle, Cumbria with The Candy Choir

15 August 1967 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent

16 August 1967 – Samantha’s Club, Bournemouth, Dorset

20 August 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands with Barmy Barrie

21 August 1967 – Staffordshire Yeoman, Stafford

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

24 August 1967 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

Photo: Melody Maker. Photo may be subject to copyright

25 August 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Lucas and The Mike Cotton Sound

26 August 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

28 August 1967 – Mackadown, Kitts Green, West Midlands with Idle Race

29 August 1967 – Nottingham Blues Festival, Sherwood Rooms, Nottingham with Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, Long John Baldry and Wynder K Frog

31 August 1967 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent

 

1 September 1967 – Crow’s Nest, Tamworth, Staffordshire

2 September 1967 – Plaza Ballroom, Oldhill, West Midlands

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

2 September 1967 – Plaza Ballroom, Handsworth, West Midlands

4 September 1967 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands with The Junction and The Sharons

7 September 1967 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

8 September 1967 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, West Midlands with Deacon Yeats Situation and Times Square

8 September 1967 – Chateau Impney, Droitwich, Worcestershire with Wellington Kitch Band

9 September 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands

10 September 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with Phil Ryan & The Scorpions

13 September 1967 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

16 September 1967 – Gaiety, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire with The Motown Trinity

18 September 1967 – The Funhouse, Worcester Co-op, Worcester

19 September 1967 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midlands

24 September 1967 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London

25 September 1967 – Park Hall Hotel, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands with Dual Purpose and Barmy Barry Show

26 September 1967 – Shenley Green Youth Club, Birmingham

29 September 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands

30 September 1967 – Tinned Chicken, York,North Yorkshire with The Roll Movement

 

1 October 1967 – Leofric Hotel, Coventry with The Peasant Sect

3 October 1967 – Hillside Ballroom, Hereford, Herefordshire

5 October 1967 – HMS Pembroke, Chatham, Kent

6 October 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham

7-8 October 1967 – Tabenacle, Southport, Greater Manchester

11 October 1967 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

12 October 1967 – Black Horse, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

13 October 1967 – Shalimar Club, Sparrow Park, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire with Raymond with His Steel Band and Mr Johnny Walker with His Wild Bamboo Sound

14 October 1967 – Sheffield University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Photo: Halifax Evening Courier & Guardian/Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Photo may be subject to copyright

14 October 1967 – Plebeians Jazz Club, Halifax, West Yorkshire

15 October 1967 – Saville Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue, central London

16 October 1967 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands with The Menders

17 October 1967 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midlands

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

19 October 1967 – Black Horse, Northfield, West Midlands

Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound #2

Jimmy Cliff – lead vocals
Mick Ralphs – lead guitar, vocals
Terry (Verden) Allen – organ, vocals
John Best – bass
Sean Jenkins – drums

29 October 1967 – Glastonbury Town Hall. Glastonbury, Somerset

 

4 November 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Nantwich, Cheshire with The Jaytree Organisation

4 November 1967 – The New All Star Club, Liverpool Street, east London (billed as Jimmy Cliff)

5 November 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with The Jaytree Organisation

7 November 1967 – St Cuthbert’s Society, Durham

10 November 1967 – International Club, Leeds, West Yorkshire

11 November 1967 – Cambridge Hall, Southport, Lancashire

11 November 1967 – Dungeon Club, Nottingham

12 November 1967 – Beachcomber, Nottingham

14 November 1967 – Samantha’s Club, Bournemouth, Dorset

15 November 1967 – Scotch Club, Torquay, Devon (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

23 November 1967 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

Photo: Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Photo may be subject to copyright

25 November 1967 – Golden Disc, Keighley, West Yorkshire

27 November 1967 – Park Hall Hotel, Goldthorn Park Wolverhampton, West Midlands with Varsity Rag and Barmy Barry (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

28 November 1967 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midlands

29 November 1967 – Cosmo, Carlisle, Cumbria with The Mythology

 

1 December 1967 – New Central Pier, Morecambe, Lancashire

2 December 1967 – Tabernacle, Stockport, Greater Manchester

4 December 1967 – Wall City Jazz Club, Quaintways, Chester, Cheshire with The Perfumed Garden, 4 Originals and The Wall City Jazzmen

9 December 1967 – Broken Wheel, Retford, Nottinghamshire with The Funky Bunk Band (Retford Times)

10 December 1967 – Hotel Leofric, Coventry with The Sun Trolley

13 December 1967 – Aston University, Aston, West Midlands

Photo: Yorkshire Evening Post. Photo may be subject to copyright

14 December 1967 – String O’ Beads, Bradford, West Yorkshire

16 December 1967 – Birmingham Technical College, Birmingham

17 December 1967 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

18 December 1967 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands with The ‘N’ Betweens and Transodisque

26 December 1967 – Bolero Club, Wednesbury, West Midland with Locomotive

30 December 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, west London with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

 

5 January 1968 – Benn Memorial Hall, Rugby Town Hall, Rugby, Warwickshire with The Mood and Tony ‘Big’ Fry

7 January 1968 – Nottingham Union Rowing Club, Nottingham

Photo: Ipswich Evening Star. Photo may be subject to copyright

8 January 1968 – Bluesville ’68 Club, St Matthew’s Baths, Ipswich, Suffolk

12 January 1968 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear

13 January 1968 – Wolverhampton College of Technology Student Union, Wolverhampton, West Midlands with ‘N’ Betweens (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Explosion)

15 January 1968 – Queen’s Ballroom, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

17 January 1968 – Bull’s Head, Yardley, West Midlands

19 January 1968 – Public Baths, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (see 45 Worlds)

19 January 1968 – Student’s Union, Nottingham Regional College of Technology, Nottingham with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds and The Litter

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

20 January 1968 – Carlton Ballroom, Erdington, West Midlands

21 January 1968 – Tudor Club, Mercers Arms, Coventry

26 January 1968 – Bal de l’École Centrale, Paris with Spooky Tooth (see comments section and photo below)

Jimmy Cliff with the band in France, January 1968. Photo © Odile Noël (www.odilenoel.com)

28 January 1968 – Beau Brummel Club, Nantwich with Jaytree Organisation

28 January 1968 – The Swan, Yardley, West Midlands

 

1 February 1968 – Station Inn, Selly Oak, West Midlands

Photo: Grantham Journal. Photo may be subject to copyright

4 February 1968 – Cat Balou Club, Grantham, Lincolnshire

4 February 1968 – The Hub, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (this was probably one of the final gigs before Wynder K Frog took over)

Photo: Birmingham Evening Mail. Photo may be subject to copyright

8 February 1968 – Swan, Yardley, West Midlands (this is an interesting gig as the Birmingham Evening Mail originally listed The  Shakedown Sounds as backing band but nearer the time it changed to Wynder K Frog)

20 February 1968 – Bolero, Wednesbury, West Midlands (this is an interesting gig as the Express & Star originally listed The  Shakedown Sounds as backing band a few weeks earlier but nearer the time it changed to Wynder K Frog)

Sources:

Many of the gigs are from Melody Maker and Fabulous 208 but also from posters advertised online

Newspapers: Birmingham Evening Mail, Cambridgeshire Times, Express & Star, Herald Express, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, Kidderminster Times & Stourport News, Lincolnshire Standard, Manchester Evening News, Northwich Chronicle, Nottingham Evening Post, Somerset County Gazette, Worcester Evening News, Yorkshire Evening Post, Stafford Newsletter, Halifax Evening Courier & Guardian

California Ballroom: www.california-ballroom.info/gigs/
Eel Pie Island: https://www.eelpiemuseum.co.uk/roll-call/1967-roll-call/
Halifax Heritage Trail: www.musictrailuk.com/index.php/venues/the-plebeians-jazz-club
Tamworth music scene: www.tamworthbands.com

The Bournemouth Music Scene: https://bournemouthbeatboom.wordpress.com/

Get Your Kicks on A456 by John Coombe

Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound, France, January 1967. Photo © Odile Noël (www.odilenoel.com)
Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound, France, January 1967. Photo © Odile Noël (www.odilenoel.com)
Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound, France, January 1967. Photo © Odile Noël (www.odilenoel.com)

Burton’s, Uxbridge, London

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 MonthlyNeeds confirmation

 

8 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds confirmation

22 June – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds confirmation

 

13 July – Brian Poole & The Tremeloes (Beat MonthlyNeeds 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.

Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation

Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement photo
Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement, clockwise from front: Ron Thomas, Mick Fletcher, Gary Hamilton, Tony Sinclair, Mel Wayne, Dave Mahoney and (sitting down) Phil Wainman. All except Gary Hamilton (and John Droy, not in photo) were in The New Generation (version 2) backing Jimmy Cliff.

Jamaican reggae singer Jimmy Cliff is best known to international audiences for the songs “Sitting in Limbo”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross”, taken from the 1972 soundtrack album The Harder They Come. One of the first artists to introduce reggae to a wider audience, Cliff started performing in his native Jamaica during the early 1960s where he was spotted by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who brought him to England in October/November 1965.

Over the next four years, Cliff worked the UK club scene with a series of backing groups – The New Generation, The Sound System, Dave Anthony’s Moods, The Soul System (aka The Attack), The Shakedown Sound (December 1966-February 1968) and The Wynder K Frog Band, playing a mixture of soul and R&B.

Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation

(November 1965-February 1966)

Jimmy Cliff – lead vocals
Dave Pegg – lead guitar
Graham Gallery – bass
Dave Brown – organ
Frank Devine – drums
Ayshea Brough – vocals
Pete Hodge(s) – vocals

Cliff’s first band, The New Generation, was a Birmingham group known as Roy Everett’s Blueshounds, whose most notable member was future Fairport Convention bass player Dave Pegg.

Photo: Blueshounds

The Blueshounds were good mates of The Spencer Davis Group, who put in a good word for the band when Chris Blackwell was looking for musicians to support Cliff on the road. In November 1965, Blackwell released The Spencer Davis Group’s “Keep on Running”, the band’s first number one single.

Photo: Melody Maker, April 1966

Around the same time, Blackwell signed The Blueshounds to the agency he co-ran, West End Promotions Ltd, which also represented The Steampacket, Hedgehoppers Anonymous, The Alex Harvey Go Soul Show, Millie Small, Ayshea Brough and the newly arrived Jimmy Cliff.

With Pete Hodge(s) taking over from Roy Everett, The Blueshounds attended an “audition” recording session at Cecil Sharpe House in London on 23 November 1965 with promoter George Webb (The Spencer Davis Group’s agent) and DJ Alan Freeman.

Also in attendance that day were Jimmy Cliff and Ayshea Brough, a young singer that George Webb was trying to launch on the scene, who’d been working with future Hedgehoppers Anonymous drummer Glenn Martin.

Passing the audition, The Blueshounds were renamed The New Generation and Cliff travelled up to Birmingham to stay with Dave Pegg’s family for about two weeks while rehearsals took place to ready the band for the road. Singers Ayshea Brough and Pete Hodge(s) were also added to the touring band and had their own vocal spots in the show.

The (incomplete) gig listing below, which is taken from Dave Pegg’s scrap book unless otherwise noted), shows that the band’s debut took place at the Ritz Ballroom in King’s Heath, West Midlands in mid-December.

For most of these gigs, the band was billed as The New Generation, although the Marquee gigs list them as The Jimmy Cliff Big Sound. The only exception is a show at the Cue Club in Paddington, central London on 28 January where the band was billed as The Sound System, which may originally have been assigned for Cliff’s second support group (see below), although Dave Pegg’s version did honour this gig.

Notable gigs (from Dave Pegg’s diary unless noted)

15 December 1965 – The Ritz Ballroom, King’s Heath, West Midlands

17 December 1965 – The Carlton Ballroom, Erdington, West Midlands with Steampacket and Graham Bond

17 December 1965 – Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham with Steampacket and Graham Bond

23 December 1965 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Steampacket (billed as Jimmy Cliff Big Sound)

24 December 1965 – Jigsaw, Manchester with Jimmy Powell 5 Dimensions (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle) (Billed as Explosive Jimmy Cliff, The New Generation, Ayshea and Pete Hodges)

26 December 1965 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire with Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Tribe (Evening Sentinel) (billed as Jimmy  Cliffe, Ayshea, Peter Hodges and The New Generation). This is missing from Dave Pegg’s list

31 December 1965 – Dungeon, Nottingham with Ayshea and Pete Hodges (Nottingham Evening Post)

 

3 January 1966 – Cooks Ferry Inn, Edmonton, north London (Tottenham Weekly Herald)

6 January 1966 – The Village, Cleethorpes with Ayshea and Pete Hodges (Grimsby Evening Telegraph)

8 January 1966 – The Village, Cleethorpes with Ayshea and Pete Hodges (Grimsby Evening Telegraph) Says back by demand

14 January 1966 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)

15 January 1966 – Jigsaw, Manchester (Manchester Evening News) (billed as Jimmy Cliff plus New Generations Plus Ashea Plus Pete Hodges)

16 January 1966 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, south east London (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation with Ayshea and Pete Hodges)

22 January 1966 – Mr McCoys, Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation)

23 January 1966 – Jigsaw, Manchester (Manchester Evening News) (billed as the Explosive Jimmy Cliff with New Generation, Pete Hodges and Ayshea) Replaced Manfred Mann

27 January 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Steampacket

28 January 1966 – The Cue Club, central Paddington (billed as Jimmy Cliff, Owen Gray, Ayshea and The Sound System)

29 January 1966 – The Ricky Tick, Clewer Mead, Windsor, Berkshire

30 January 1966 – The Village, Cleethorpes with Ayshea and Pete Hodges (Grimsby Evening Telegraph)

 

4 February 1966 – Bluesville R&B Club, Manor House, Finsbury Park, north London (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation featuring Ayesha and Pete Hodge)

5 February 1966 – Chelsea College, south west London with The Spencer Davis Group

It’s not entirely clear why Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation went their separate ways in early February 1966. Dave Pegg’s diary shows that a gig planned for 6 February was cancelled and on 13 February he was back in Birmingham working with a new band – The Uglys.

Aldershot News does list Jimmy Cliff playing at Farnborough Town Hall on 9 February but this may not have happened.

The decision to find a second band to back Cliff on the road was probably made in mid-late January and Chris Blackwell already knew who he wanted for the job.

Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System/New Generation

(February-July 1966)

Jimmy Cliff – lead vocals
Tony Sinclair – lead guitar
Ron Thomas – bass
Mick Fletcher – organ
John Droy – trumpet
Mel Wayne – sax
Dave Mahoney – sax
Pete Hodges – vocals
Ayshea Brough – vocals
Phil Wainman – drums

The next group to back Jimmy Cliff on the road was also, somewhat confusingly, initially billed as The New Generation, although they also used the name The Sound System. Promoters added to the confusion by sometimes billing the band as The Jimmy Cliff Big Sound and The Jimmy Cliff Sound.

The Sound System, as they became around early January, had originally been called The Phil Wainman Band/Set. Phil Wainman, who years later found fame as a noted producer among other things, had first started out as a drummer in the early 1960s, working with The Hi Grades in Sweden and The Paramounts before linking up with the remnants of west London band, The All-Nite Workers around October 1965.

Ron Thomas, Mel Wayne and Dave Mahoney had all been members of this group, which had morphed out of Mike Dee & The Prophets in early-mid 1965. Mick Fletcher joined from The Epitaph Soul Band when it became The Phil Wainman Band/Set around October 1965 after briefly playing in The Herd while Tony Sinclair and John Droy came in soon after, the former from Johnny Halliday’s band in France.

According to David Katz’s excellent book, Jimmy Cliff – An Unauthorised Biography, The Phil Wainman Band/Set secured a residency at Dolly’s Club in Jermyn Street in central London around November of that year. One night Chris Blackwell dropped in and introduced himself.

After be-friending Wainman, he kept the musicians in mind as a support band for the Jamaican acts on Island Records’ roster, including Jackie Edwards, Millie Small and Owen Gray.

Changing name to The Sound System, Wainman’s band started rehearsing with these acts in late January and one early gig, backing Owen Gray, took place at the New All Star Club in Artillery Passage near Liverpool Street station, London on 5 February 1966.

Around this time, it became clear that Cliff and the original New Generation would be separating so Wainman’s band started rehearsing with the singer when he wasn’t gigging with Dave Pegg’s group. After a few weeks’ rehearsals, Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System/New Generation debuted at the Marquee on 10 February, billed as The Jimmy Cliff Big Sound.

Over the next four and half months, Wainman’s band backed Cliff on the road, which included a package tour with The Who and The Spencer Davis Group in April 1966. It was during this time that Keith Moon spotted Wainman’s Red Sparkle Premier drum kit with two bass drums and decided to switch to the same set up two months later.

According to Wainman, Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System/New Generation were particularly popular in Grimsby and played there at least once a month. They also played four nights at the Penthouse.

However, some time in late July 1966, Jimmy Cliff and The Sound System/New Generation went their separate ways.

It’s not clear who backed Jimmy Cliff for a series of gigs that took place at London’s Whisky A Go Go on 9, 16 and 23 August as no support band is listed in Melody Maker, but he was joined by Dave Anthony’s Moods and The Soul System (aka The Attack) at some point during this period.

In December 1966, Jimmy Cliff hooked up with his next group, The Shakedown Sound with whom he worked with until February 1968. He then joined forces with Wynder K Frog.

As for The Sound System, the musicians joined forces with singer Gary Hamilton who was putting together a new version of Hamilton & The Movement (see future entry).

Notable gigs:

10 February 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Steampacket (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff Big Sound)

13 February 1966 – Nottingham Boat Club, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation)

15 February 1966 – Jigsaw, Manchester (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle) (billed as Explosive Jimmy Cliff, The New Generation, Pete Hodges and Ayshea)

19 February 1966 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation, with Ayshea and Pete Hodge)

20 February 1966 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation)

21 February 1966 – Wall City Jazz Club, Quaintways, Chester, Cheshire with Lee, Eddie Showgroup, The Wall City Jazzmen and The Style (Cheshire Observer) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation with Ayshea and Pete Hodges)

24 February 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Steampacket (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff Big Sound)

25 February 1966 – Southall Community Centre, Southall, west London (Hayes Gazette)

 

3 March 1966 – Blue Moon, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (Gloucester Citizen)

4 March 1966 – Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich, West Midlands with The Ugly and The Craig (Birmingham Evening Mail) Dave Pegg from the first New Generation was on bass with The Uglys

8 March 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Spencer Davis Group (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation)

11 March 1966 – Rialto, Derby (Derby Evening Telegraph)

12 March 1966 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation with Ayshea)

20 March 1966 – King Mojo, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Sheffield Star) (billed as Jimmy Cliff, Aysha and The New Generation)

25 March 1966 – Mr McCoys, Middlesbrough with The Warriors (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation)

26 March 1966 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation and Pete Hodge)

27 March 1966 – Shakespeare Hotel, Woolwich, south east London (South East London Mercury) (billed as Jimmy Cliff)

3 April 1966 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

4 April 1966 – The Village, Cleethorpes with Ayshea and Pete Hodges (Grimsby Evening Telegraph)

8 April 1966 – El Partido, Lewisham, south east London with The Raisons (South East London Mercury)

10 April 1966 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London (Pete Watt’s research) (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Show)

11 April 1966 – The Catacombe, Eastbourne, East Sussex (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) Billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System

14 April 1966 –  Gaumont Theatre, Southampton, Hants with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

15 April 1966 – Fairfield Hall, Croydon, south London with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

16 April 1966 – Odeon, Watford, Herts with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

17 April 1966 – Regal Theatre, Edmonton, north London with The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, The Band of Angels and Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

18 April 1966 – Galaxy, Basingstoke, Hants (Hants & Berkshire Gazette)

20 April 1966 – Orford Jazz Cellar, Norwich, Norfolk (Eastern Evening News)

30 April 1966 – Mansfield Club, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (Nottingham Evening Post)

 

1 May 1966 – Twisted Wheel, Manchester (Manchester Soul site) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

6 May 1966 – The Catacombe, Eastbourne, East Sussex (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) (billed as The Explosive Jimmy Cuff)

9 May 1966 – Galaxy, Basingstoke, Hants (Hants & Berkshire Gazette)

10 May 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Spencer Davis Group (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff Sound)

13 May 1966 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)

15 May 1966 – The Village, Cleethorpes (Grimsby Evening Telegraph) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & Package Show)

16 May 1966 – The Beachcomber, Preston, Lancashire (Lancashire Evening Post) Billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound Systems

20 May 1966 – Il Rondo, Leicester (Leicester Mercury)

21 May 1966 – Marcam Hall, March, Cambridgeshire (Cambridgeshire Times) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation and straight from the Flamingo, central London)

22 May 1966 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London (Pete Watt’s research) (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Show)

 

2 June 1966 – Black Horse, Northfield, West Midlands (Birmingham Evening Mail) (Billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

4 June 1966 – Jigsaw, Manchester (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle) (billed as Jimmy Cliff Show)

6 June 1966 – Wall City Jazz Club, Quaintways, Chester, Cheshire with The Max Colley Jazzband, The Wall City Jazzmen and The Connoisseurs (Cheshire Observer) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & Group)

8-11 June 1966 – Penthouse, Birmingham (Birmingham Evening Mail) (billed as Jimmy Cliff ShowSays direct from Tiles

12 June 1966 – Hotel Leofric, Coventry (Coventry Evening Telegraph) (billed as the Explosive Jimmy Cliff)

14 June 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Spencer Davis Group (Melody Maker) (billed as Jimmy Cliff Sound)

18 June 1966 – Stamford Hotel, Stamford, Lincolnshire (Stamford Mercury) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

19 June 1966 – Eel Pie Island, Twickenham, west London (Pete Watt’s research) (billed as The Jimmy Cliff Show)

25 June 1966 – The Catacombe, Eastbourne, East Sussex (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generations)

26 June 1966 – Le Metro Club, Birmingham (Birmingham Evening Mail) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System with Pete Hodges)

 

1 July 1966 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with Him & The Others (website: https://www.california-ballroom.info/gigs/) (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

2 July 1966 – The Village, Cleethorpes with Pete Hodges (Grimsby Evening Telegraph)

8 July 1966 – Hull College of Technology Students’ Union, Skyline Ballroom, Hull with The Small Faces, The Mike Cotton Sound, Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers, The Mode and Eddie Gray & His Band (Hull Daily Mail) (Billed as Jimmy Cliff & The Sound System)

16 July 1966 – Twisted Wheel, Manchester (Manchester Soul site)

17 July 1966 – Central R&B Club, Central Hotel, Gillingham, Kent (billed as Jimmy Cliff & The New Generations)

22 July 1966 – Royal Oak, Hockley Heath, West Midlands (Birmingham Evening Mail)

23 July 1966 – Dungeon, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post) Says with New Generation

23 July 1966 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Melody Maker)

30 July 1966 – The Beachcomber, Preston, Lancashire (Lancashire Evening Post) Possibly the band’s final gig before split with Cliff and teaming up with Gary Hamilton

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.

To contact the author, email: Warchive@aol.com

I’d like to thank the following for their help in piecing this story together: Dave Pegg, David Katz, Laurie Hornsby, Andy Neill, Ron Thomas, Phil Wainman, Mel Wayne and Brian Hosking.