Tag Archives: Mick Tucker

Categories: England, London

Wainwright’s Gentlemen

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Chris Wright – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Alfred Fripp – rhythm guitar

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Phil Kenton – drums

West London band Wainwright’s Gentlemen are most notable for containing several musicians who went on to fame and fortune in the late 1960s and early 1970s – Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) and Brian Connolly and Mick Tucker (The Sweet).

Formed as Unit 4 in early 1963, the band’s original formation comprised lead guitarist Jim Searle, rhythm guitarist Alfred Fripp (who had previously played with Hayes, Middlesex high school band, Paul & The Alpines) and bass player/singer Jan Frewer. Soon after, the trio were joined by lead singer Chris Wright and drummer Phil Kenton.

Paul & The Alpines, 1963 with Alf Fripp far right. Photo: John Kerrison

Taking on Jan’s father, John, as the group’s manager, the musicians began gigging at youth clubs and social clubs in the Hayes, Harrow and Wembley areas.

During late 1963, however, the band changed name to Wainwright’s Gentlemen after the musicians discovered that there was another Unit 4 on the west London scene (future Brinsley Schwartz Ian Gomm’s group).

In early 1964, Wainwright’s Gentlemen became resident band at Hayes Beat Club in Hayes, Middlesex and also landed a residency at two coffee bars in London’s West End – Le Chat Qui Peche in Regent Street and the Cave St Germain in Poland Street.

Having entered the Mecca Dancing and Walls Ice Cream nationwide Beat Group contest, Wainwright’s Gentlemen appeared at Hammersmith Palais on 9 January 1964 in their area competition, beating several groups, including The Detours, who later became The Who.

Wainwright’s Gentlemen returned to the Hammersmith Palais on 6 February for the ‘Hall Final’, which the band won.

Photo: Daily Sketch cutting, 2 April 1964

Unfortunately, when the national finals were held at the Lyceum on the Strand on 4 May, the group finished fifth out of 13 bands.

Later that year, Wainwright’s Gentlemen secured a recording test at Jackson Sound Studios in Rickmansworth but the session was not successful.

In mid-October, the band added Annette Culley as a second singer. She may have been the same Annette who sang with The Keymen.

Wright, who worked at Dawe Instruments in Acton, Middlesex, invited tenor sax player Dave Brogden from The Midnites to join the group in early November 1964 but the very night he auditioned and joined Wainwright’s Gentlemen, Wright had a falling out with Jan Frewer’s father and departed.

Selected gigs:

9 January 1964 – Mecca Dancing and Walls Ice Cream’s nationwide Beat Group Contest, Hammersmith Palais, Hammersmith, west London

10 January 1964 – Bedsitter Club, Holland Park, west London

11 January 1964 – Le Chat qui Peche, Regent Street, central London

 

6 February 1964 – Hall Final of Mecca Dancing nationwide Beat Group Contest, Hammersmith Palais, Hammersmith, west London

21 February 1964 – Bedsitter Club, Holland Park, west London

28 February 1964 – Bedsitter Club, Holland Park, west London

 

1 March 1964 – Beat contest at Watford Town Hall, Watford, Herts with others The group came third

7 March 1964 – The Scene, Florida Room, Brighton, West Sussex

9 March 1964 – Bedsitter Club, Holland Park, west London

30 March 1964 – Hi-Fi Hop, Walton Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

 

30 April 1964 – Bedsitter Club, Holland Park, west London

 

2 May 1964 – Long’s Ballroom, Bishop Stortford, Herts with The Marauders

4 May 1964 – Mecca Dancing nationwide Beat Group Contest finals, Lyceum Ballroom, Strand, central London with others

23 May 1964 – Hi-Fi Hop, Walton Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

6 June 1964 – Assembly Hall, Walthamstow, north London with Johnny Lonesome & The Travellers adn Keith Young & The Skyways

9 June 1964 – Hi-Fi Hop, Walton Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

12 June 1964 – Long’s Ballroom, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire with Manfred Mann

27 June 1964 – Hi-Fi Hop, Walton Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

 

6 July 1964 – Attic Club, 1a High Street, Hounslow, Middlesex with Rory Blackwell & His Monsters

25 July 1964 – Assembly Hall, Walthamstow, north London with The Four Zodiacs and The Nu-Trons

31 July 1964 – Whitehall, East Grinstead, West Sussex with The Shades

 

8 August 1964 – Bedsitter Club, Holland Park, west London

 

13 September 1964 – Attic, Hounslow, Middlesex

25 September 1964 – Attic Club, 1a High Street, Hounslow, Middlesex with Ken Gordon & The Downsiders

29 September 1964 – Kodak Hall, Wealdstone, Middlesex with The Dolphins and The Beachcombers

4 October 1964 – Kihoty Club, Guildford, Surrey with The Aces and The Shieks

24 October 1964 – Witham Public Hall, Witham, Essex (Billed as Annette with Wainwright’s Gentlemen)

Ian Gillan – lead vocals

Annette Cully – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Alfred Fripp – rhythm guitar

Dave Brogden – tenor saxophone

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Phil Kenton – drums

Within days of Dave Brogden joining on tenor saxophone, Wainwright’s Gentlemen brought in Chris Wright’s replacement – Ian Gillan, lead singer with Hayes, Middlesex group, The Javelins.

The new formation remained steady until early March 1965. Brogden’s diary shows that the musicians traveled to Jackson Sound Studios in Rickmansworth on a number of dates in February (3rd, 10th, 15-16th, 19th and 28th) presumably to cut material. However, his original date sheet puts the recording dates for the three tracks that the band cut as 3rd, 8th and 15th March.

Wainwright’s Gentlemen recorded three tracks – “Ain’t That (Just Like Me)”, which has since surfaced on Acid Jazz’s Rare Mod 3 CD compilation; “Que Sera Sera”; and “Slow Down”.

Thanks to Dave Brogden for sharing

At the start of March, Dave Brogden gave three months’ notice that he was leaving Wainwright’s Gentlemen to join west London group Jean & The Statesides. His first contribution to his new band was at EMI Abbey Road studio on 17 June. He would remain with The Statesides until 26 September when Phil Kenton got in touch to join him in an Irish show band at an Irish dance hall in Balham, south London (see later entry).

Around the same time, Ian Gillan started to get itchy feet and covertly started his own band Ian & The Dragsters who gigged intermittently while he remained with Wainwright’s Gentlemen until late April. Dave Brogden played with Gillan’s band on nights when Wainwright’s Gentlemen weren’t gigging.

Selected gigs:

7 November 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

8 November 1964 – La Dolphin Club, Baker Street, central London

12 November 1964 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

14 November 1964 – Dreamland, Margate, Kent with Tony Lindell & The Cruisers

15 November 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

16 November 1964 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

21 November 1964 – Assembly Hall, Walthamstow, north London with The Mad Hatters and Brian Ford & The Sapphires

22 November 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

25 November 1964 – USAF Ruislip, Ruislip, Middlesex

26 November 1964 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

29 November 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

30 November 1964 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

1 December 1964 – Hammersmith Town Hall, Hammersmith, west London with The Grenades, The Impacts and The Fairlanes

3 December 1964 – Locarno Ballroom, Streatham, southwest London

6 December 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

7 December 1964 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

10 December 1964 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

12 December 1964 – Hammersmith Town Hall, Hammersmith, west London

13 December 1964 – Start & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

17 December 1964 – Locarno Ballroom, Streatham, southwest London

18 December 1964 – Willesden Grammar School Youth Club, Willesden, northwest London

19 December 1964 – Hotel in Holborn, central London

20 December 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

22 December 1964 – Overseas Visitors Club, Fulham, west London

23 December 1964 – Ventures Youth Club, Greenford, Middlesex

24 December 1964 – Plaza Ballroom, Guildford, Surrey with The Downsiders

26-27 December 1964 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

28 December 1964 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

31 December 1964 – Whitehall, East Grinstead, West Sussex

 

1 January 1965 – Ventures Youth Club, Greenford, Middlesex

2 January 1965 – Watford Town Hall, Watford, Herts

3 January 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

7 January 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

8 January 1965 – Ashford Golf Club, Ashford, Middlesex

9 January 1965 – Unknown venue in West Wickham, Kent

10 January 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

11 January 1965 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

14 January 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

15 January 1965 – London School of Economics, central London

16 January 1965 – Dreamland, Margate, Kent with Twinkle and The Gonks

17 January 1965 – Locarno Ballroom, Leicester

20 January 1965 – Ballroom in Dartford, Dartford, Kent

21 January 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, Middlesex

23-24 January 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

27 January 1965 – Hall in Carpenter’s Park (this could be Carpenders Park, Watford)

28 January 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

29 January 1965 – Hoover Social Club, Alperton, Middlesex

30 January 1965 – Hi-Fi Hop, Walton Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

31 January 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

 

1 February 1965 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

5 February 1965 – Ealing Club, Ealing, Middlesex with Unit 5

6 February 1965 – Annunciation Club, Wembley, Middlesex

7 February 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

11 February 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

13 February 1965 – Tottenham Town Hall, Tottenham, north London

14 February 1965 – Kodak Social Club, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

17 February 1965 – London School of Economics, the Strand, central London

18 February 1965 – BOAC Social Club, Northolt, Middlesex

20 February 1965 – Railway Hotel, Greenford, Middlesex

21 February 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

22 February 1965 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex

23 February 1965 – Kodak Social Club, Harrow, Middlesex

25 February 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, Middlesex

25 February 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, Middlesex (advertised in newspaper)

26 February 1965 – Kookey Nook, Windsor, Berkshire

27 February 1965 – Whetstone Hotel, Finchley, north London

28 February 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

Ian Gillan – lead vocals

Annette Cully – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Alfred Fripp – rhythm guitar

Dennis ??? – tenor saxophone (or Dave Brogden intermittently)

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Phil Kenton – drums

During early March 1965, Wainwright Gentlemen’s employed a tenor sax player called Dennis to cover for Dave Brogden, who was unable to commit to the band fully (he was working covertly and intermittently with Gillan’s band The Dragsters). Dennis, however, only lasted around a month until late March.

Even though he was leaving in mid-June to join Jean & The Statesides, Dave Brogden agreed with Jan Frewer to continue to perform with Wainwright’s Gentlemen from 1 April to 24 September whenever he was able to honour gigs (see gigs with *).

After a gig on 26 April, lead singer Ian Gillan left Wainwright’s Gentlemen to concentrate on his own group, Ian Gillan & The Dragsters. However, soon after performing a gig on 20 May with his band, Gillan joined Episode Six and later found fame with Deep Purple.

Alf Fripp (centre) with Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans, December 1965. Photo: Alf Fripp

Alfred Fripp departed on the same date as Ian Gillan and joined south London band Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans. Fripp would briefly return to Wainwright’s Gentlemen in January 1967 when Frewer was injured in a car accident and covered bass duties until Frewer recovered.

Selected gigs:

2 March 1965 – Kodak Hall, Wealdstone, Middlesex with The Gaylords and The Beachcombers

4 March 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, Middlesex

18 March 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, Middlesex

 

1 April 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London *

2 April 1965 – Leonian Hall, Harrow, northwest London *

3 April 1965 – Blythe Hotel, Sevenoaks, Kent *

4 April 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

5 April 1965 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, west London

8 April 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, west London

9 April 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

10 April 1965 – Scala, Dartford, Dartford, Kent *

11 April 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

12 April 1965 – Co-op Hall, Wealdstone, northwest London *

15 April 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

16 April 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

17 April 1965 – Cinema in Watford, Watford, Herts *

18 April 1965 – Kodak Social Club, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

19 April 1965 – Dreamland Ballroom, Margate, Kent with Tony Rivers & The Castaways

22 April 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, west London

23 April 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

25 April 1965 – Southall Community Centre, Southall, west London

26 April 1965 – Seagull Hotel, Southall, Middlesex (Gillan and Fripp’s last gig)

Annette Cully – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Phil Kenton – drums

+

Dave Brogden – tenor sax (intermittently)

The stripped back line-up played just over a week’s worth of gigs with Brogden helping out when he could make the commitment. However, around 10 May, Jan Frewer’s father brought in two new musicians – keyboard player Tyni Manning and new tenor sax player Robert Schole.

Selected gigs:

29 April 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

30 April 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

 

2 May 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

3 May 1965 – Wimbledon Palais, Wimbledon, southwest London * (this was mentioned in a newspaper cutting, dated 19 May)

6 May 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, west London

7 May 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London *

8 May 1965 – Venue in Reading, Berkshire (possibly Olympia Ballroom) *

9 May 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

Annette Culley – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Tyni Manning – keyboards

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Robert Schole – tenor saxophone

Phil Kenton – drums

The new line-up was short-lived and could have only lasted a month or so (possibly until 4 June) despite being promoted (and photographed) in the Harrow Weekly Post on 19 May.

Selected gigs:

13 May 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

15 May 1965 – St Mary’s College (most likely in Twickenham, west London)

16 May 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

20 May 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, west London

21 May 1965 – Old Lyon Hall, Harrow, northwest London (may have been Café de Artiste in Fulham, southwest London instead but was advertised in Harrow Observer & Gazette)

22 May 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

23 May 1965 – gig in Mudeford (Dorset?)

27 May 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

28 May 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

29 May 1965 – Starlite (but was this Greenford, northwest London)

30 May 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

 

2 June 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London with Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Melody Maker says 3 June)

3 June 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, west London

4 June 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

Annette Culley – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Phil Kenton – drums

+

Dave Brogden – tenor saxophone (intermittently)

As agreed with Jan Frewer, Dave Brogden continued to occasionally gig with Wainwright’s Gentlemen (see below gigs with*) when he wasn’t working with The Statesides, who he officially joined on 17 June. This agreement to sit in with Wainwright’s Gentlemen lasted until late September.

Dave Brogden (third from left). Photo: Dave Brogden

Brogden remembers that a few days after 26 September, Wainwright Gentlemen’s drummer Phil Kenton got in touch (possibly because there was a hiatus in Wainwright Gentlemen’s gigs) and said he’d been offered an extremely well paid gig with an Irish show band performing at an Irish dance hall in Balham. The group also needed a sax player and the residency, which guaranteed three nights a week, started on 1 October.

The sax player left The Statesides and Kenton departed Wainwright’s Gentlemen to join the Irish show band but Kenton only lasted the weekend before being replaced by an Irish drummer. Kenton briefly returned to Wainwright’s Gentlemen but was clearly getting itchy feet to move on.

Brogden meanwhile lasted a few more weeks before the Irish show band stopped working and he returned to The Statesides on 29 October.

Selected gigs:

5 June 1965 – Assembly Hall, Walthamstow, north London with The Prophets *

6 June 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

10 June 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

11 June 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London *

12 June 1965 – LSE, Malden (Surrey?)

13 June 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

15 June 1965 – gig in Dagenham, Essex

17 June 1965 – Wistowe House dance hall, Hayes, west London

18 June 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

19 June 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire *

20 June 1965 – Star & Garter, Windsor, Berkshire

24 June 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

25 June 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

26 June 1965 – Kodak Hall, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

27 June 1965 – Windsor, Berkshire (most likely Star & Garter)

 

3 July 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London *

5 July 1965 – Hermitage Ballroom, Hitchin, Herts

9 July 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London *

24 July 1965 – Hi-Fi Hop, Weybridge Hall, Weybridge, Surrey

 

6 August 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London *

13 August 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London *

21 August 1965 – Royal Star Ballroom, Maidstone, Kent (Kent Messenger)

21 August 1965 – The Savoy Rooms, Catford, southeast London  with Trendsetters Ltd

28 August 1965 – Gari Ballroom, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk with John’s Court

 

11 September 1965 – Queen of Harts (location not known) *

18 September 1965 – Club de Dance, Colchester, Essex *

22 September 1965 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London *

24 September 1965 – Café des Artistes, Fulham, southwest London

Left to right: Jim Searle, Val Cockayne, Annette Cully, Jan Frewer, Phil Kenton and Peter Cockayne, circa late 1965. Thanks to Phil Cockayne for providing.

Annette Cully – lead vocals

Val Cockayne – lead vocals

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Peter Cockayne – keyboards

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Phil Kenton – drums

Around late September, the band appeared to have stopped gigging briefly, which was when Kenton landed the gig with the Irish show band. When that didn’t work out, he returned to Wainwright’s Gentlemen who had brought in a second (female) singer Val Cockayne and her husband Peter on keyboards during the drummer’s absence.

It isn’t clear how long the Cockaynes stayed with Wainwright’s Gentlemen but possibly until November-December (and long enough to be photographed).

Peter Cockayne recalls that Mick Tucker joined shortly before the couple  departed Wainwright’s Gentlemen. However, it’s also plausible that Tucker just auditioned when Kenton left to work with the Irish show band and the group held on to his details as a future replacement when Kenton did finally depart sometime in late 1965.

Selected gigs:

9 October 1965 – Hi-Fi Hop, Weybridge Hall, Weybridge, Surrey

Annette Cully – lead vocals

Gordon Fairminer – lead guitar

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Tony Hall – tenor saxophone (joined slightly after Fairminer)

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Mick Tucker – drums 

Gordon Fairminer (left) and Ian Gillan (centre) with The Javelins 1964. Photo: Tony Tacon

Lead guitarist Gordon Fairminer, who had played with Ian Gillan in The Javelins and who joined Wainwright’s Gentlemen immediately after the Cockaynes left, remembers that Mick Tucker came to see the group play at the Clay Pigeon in Eastcote on one occasion and that he replaced Kenton soon after. Tucker had started out in an instrumentals band with future Wainwright’s Gentlemen and Sweet guitarist Frank Torpey.

Shortly after Fairminer joined (circa November/December 1965), Wainwright’s Gentlemen also brought in tenor saxophone player Tony Hall, who had started out playing with early ‘60s west London band Peter Nelson & The Travellers. As Peter’s Faces, this group had made some recordings.

Fairminer and Searle began playing harmony solos on guitar, which was innovative for its time.

The new guitarist remembers that Wainwright’s Gentlemen had a regular Friday night residency at the Café des Artistes in Fulham from late 1965 through to 1967.

The new line up remained stable until around June-July 1966 when the musicians auditioned for another male singer and brought in Brian McManus (aka Connolly), who had previously sung with The Troop from Harefield, northwest London.

Selected gigs:

11 December 1965 – Acre Hall, Northwood, northwest London

 

25 June 1966 – Dorothy Ballroom, Cambridge with Bob Kidman & His Band, The Paramounts, Mood Indigo and The Astrobeats

Annette Cully – lead vocals

Brian McManus (aka Connolly) – lead vocals

Gordon Fairminer – lead guitar

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Tony Hall – tenor saxophone

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Mick Tucker – drums

Sometime around early November Annette Cully departed and the group continued with Brian Connolly as sole lead singer.

Selected gigs:

30 July 1966 – Borough Assembly Hall, Aylesbury, Bucks with The Reasons

24 September 1966 – Victoria Ballroom, Cambridge (featuring Annette)

 

1 October 1966 – Harrow County School for Boys, Harrow, London with The Stalkers

22 October 1966 – ABC North Harrow Bowling Centre, Moonlight Bowl, Harrow, London (featuring Annette)

Brian McManus (aka Connolly) – lead vocals

Gordon Fairminer – lead guitar

Jim Searle – lead guitar

Tony Hall – tenor saxophone

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Mick Tucker – drums       

The remaining members – Brian Connolly, Tony Hall, Jim Searle, Gordon Fairminer, Jan Frewer and Mick Tucker – recorded two demo tracks at Regent’s Sound in late 1966/early 1967, which surfaced on an acetate – “You Look So Tame” and “One of a Kind”.

On 2 January 1967, Jan Frewer, Gordon Fairminer and Mick Tucker were involved in a car crash on the way home from a gig on the south coast, possibly in Brighton.

According to Fairminer, Frewer was driving his Singer Chamois when the incident happened. The guitarist was in the front passenger seat and Mick Tucker was in the back seat.

The car hit a tree at around 50-60 mph on a wet Mortlake Road. The guitarist broke both legs. Frewer fractured his pelvis and Tucker had some internal bleeding. The bass player and drummer were both hospitalised for about a week.

Former Wainwright’s Gentlemen guitarist Alf Fripp covered for Frewer while he recovered.

Fairminer had a full length plaster on his left leg for about four to five months and half length on his right leg for about a month. While he recuperated, Jim Searle carried all the lead guitar duties.

The guitarist remembers that after the plaster was removed from his right leg, he continued to gig with Wainwright’s Gentlemen and recalls a show at the Café Des Artistes in Fulham perched high at the front of the stage, with his straight plastered leg hanging over the edge of the stage with a very large black boot. Some of the audience scribbled messages on the plaster.

The Hounslow Post reported its 14 July 1967 issue, page 10, that Julie was singing with the band. However, Fairminer has no recollection of another female singer after Cully left.

Selected gigs:

12 November 1966 – Sperry FC, Bracknell, Berkshire

19 November 1966 – Winter Gardens, Banbury, Oxfordshire with The Cinette Sounds

4 March 1967 – Harrow Boys County School, Harrow, London with The Mustangs

8 April 1967 – Sperry FC, Bracknell, Berkshire with The Movement

10 June 1967 – Sperry FC, Bracknell, Berkshire with The Rite Amount

11 August 1967 – Les Jeux Interdits, Cambridge

 

2 October 1967 – Harrow County Boys School, Harrow, London with Two of Each

 

1 November 1967 – Les Jeux Interdits, Cambridge

8 November 1967 – Les Jeus Interdits, Cambridge

Brian McManus (aka Connolly) – lead vocals

Frank Torpey – lead guitar

Tony Hall – tenor saxophone

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Mick Tucker – drums

Around November 1967, former Tribe lead guitarist Frank Torpey came in for Gordon Fairminer. Jim Searle also departed at this point (if not earlier) and later became a classical guitarist.

However, Torpey (who’d started out in a band with Mick Tucker in 1962) only lasted a handful of months and by late January 1968, Frewer’s friend Robin Box had succeeded him on lead guitar. According to an article in the Harrow Observer, dated 24 October 1969, Box had previously played with The Phantoms and Five’s Company.

Torpey notes in his diary that his final gig took place on 20 January at a hospital but he doesn’t have any more details. The gigs below are from his diary (where he has firm details).

Selected gigs:

17 November 1967 – Bedford College, Regent’s Park, central London

18 November 1967 – London University, London

25 November 1967 – Gillingham, Kent (possibly Aurora Hotel)

2 December 1967 – Harrow County Boys’ School, Harrow, northwest London with Two of Each

9 December 1967 – Croydon, south London (no details)

15 December 1967 – Ealing Town Hall, Ealing, west London

23 December 1967 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

31 December 1967 – Private party

Photo may need copyright. Wainwright’s Gentlemen, January 1968, left to right: Tony Hall, Robin Box, Mick Tucker, Jan Frewer and Brian Connolly

Brian McManus (aka Connolly) – lead vocals

Robin Box – lead guitar

Tony Hall – tenor saxophone

Jan Frewer – bass, vocals

Mick Tucker – drums

Photo may need copyright. Wainwright’s Gentlemen, January 1968

Tucker and Connolly weren’t happy with Torpey’s dismissal and in early February 1968 they left the band. The pair reunited with Torpey and together with bass player Steve Priest from another west London band, The Army, they formed The Sweet.

The Sweet, July 1968. Left to right: Steve Priest, Brian Connolly, Frank Torpey and Mick Tucker

Remaining members Robin Box, Jan Frewer and Tony Hall brought in drummer Roger Hills and, according to an article in the Harrow Observer from 24 October 1969, toured the northern clubs with Gordon Waller from Peter & Gordon.

They then toured Europe for three months, including playing at the P&N Club in Munich, West Germany as Rupert’s Spoon. Returning to the UK around late May, they toured the northern club circuit.

Selected gigs:

17 February 1968 – Ship Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey with The Effect

 

4 May 1968 – Harrow County Boys’ School, Harrow, northwest London with Orbit 5

1 June 1968 – Aurora Hotel, Gillingham, Kent with The Web and The Foundations

Minus Frewer, who later went on to roadie for The Sweet, Robin Box, Tony Hall and Roger Hills found work backing The Flowerpot Men whose members included Hall’s ex-colleagues from Peter’s Faces. They toured Europe as their backing band, Rupert’s Spoon.

Hall later left to join Simon K & The Meantimes before joining Geno Washington & The Ram Jam in mid-1970. In early 1971, however, he reunited with Robin Box and Roger Hills in White Plains.

In later years Hall went on to work with the Houseshakers, Screaming Lord Sutch, Flying Fox and Chas & Dave among others and also did session work for Shakin’ Stevens and Sheena Easton.

Huge thanks to Dave Brogden (who very kindly shared his diary entries), Jan Frewer, Alf Fripp, Val Cockayne, Phil Cockayne, Frank Torpey, Gordon Fairminer, Tony Tacon and Tony Hall for helping with the story. I’d also like to credit Mark Lay’s book on the band’s early years.

This is an extensively updated version of an article that was originally published on the Strange Brew website.  I’d like to thank Jason Barnard for all of his help and support over the years.

Gigs above were sourced from many newspapers and magazines. This is not a complete list but includes Melody Maker, Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette, Walthamstow Guardian, Hayes Gazette, Yarmouth Mercury, Herts & Essex Observer, Hertfordshire Express, Harrow Observer & Gazette, Woking Herald, Cambridge News, Surrey Advertiser and Evening Argus.

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.

I have tried to ensure the accuracy of this article but I appreciate that there are likely to be errors and omissions. I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who can provide any additions or corrections. Email: Warchive@aol.com

Thanks to Dave Brogden for sharing

 

Categories: England, Fulham, London

Café des Artistes, Fulham Road, London

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Located at 266a Fulham Road, in southwest London, the Café des Artistes apparently opened its doors around 1960.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richard and Brian Jones briefly lived close by in an apartment in Edith Grove, Chelsea during 1962 but it’s not clear when this small basement club first began putting on live music.

It’s more than likely that the Café des Artistes only featured up and coming local bands.

Also, its close proximity to the Pontiac Club in Putney means it might also have featured some of the same groups.

The dearth of information on this little known club isn’t helped by the fact that none of the local newspapers, as far as I am aware, advertised shows. I would welcome any further information from readers.

Image provided by George Parnell

Status Quo front man Francis Rossi confirms in his book that The Spectres (who morphed into Status Quo) had a Monday night residency here while they were still at school and also played the El Partido in Lewisham. I’ve found gigs for them performing at the latter in October 1965, so it could well be the same time period.

Sax player Dave Brogden who worked with West London R&B band, Wainwright’s Gentlemen, provided the following dates from his diary. Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan was briefly a member during this period and also drummer Mick Tucker, who went on to join The Sweet, also worked with this band while Brogden played sax for them.

1964

24 March – The Five Embers (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)

28 March – Millie & The Five Embers (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)

1965

9 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals

16 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals

23 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals, who left after a gig on 26 April

30 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

 

7 May – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) Mick Tucker joined on drums around this time

28 May – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

 

4 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

11 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

18 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

25 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

 

3 July – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

9 July – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

 

6 August – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

10 August – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s diary)

13 August – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

 

24 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

I have been unable to find any gigs for 1966, 1967 and 1968 but I presume it still put on live shows. I have only found a couple of gigs for 1969 below and would welcome any additional information

An article in the Westminster & Pimlico News, dated 25 August 1967, says the group Jon are residents at the club around this time

1968

27 June – Toast (Melody Maker)

 

3 July – Toast (Melody Maker)

11 July – Toast (Melody Maker)

 

31 October – Toast (Melody Maker)

1969

6 February – Toast (Melody Maker)

 

5 June – Black Velvet (Time Out)

An article in the Western Daily Press and Times and Mirror, dated 26 June 1969, says Bath group, The Mirror are residents at the club around this time

Copyright © Nick Warburton.  All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

 

 

Categories: England, Poland

The London Beats

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The London Beats in Poland March 65
London Beats in Poland, 1965. Left to right: John Carroll, Jimmy Smith, Peter Carney and Mick Tucker

The London Beats were the first Western rock band to tour behind the Iron Curtain, releasing an ultra-rare LP in Poland and three Polish-only EPs.

Significantly, its members also went on to such notable bands as Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band, Fortes Mentum, Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement, The Flower Pot Men, The Nashville Teens, Aquila, Cressida and Tranquility.

Moonriders, left to right: Mick Godfrey, Simon Coaffee, Tony Terry, Mick Tucker and Terry Jones
Moonriders, left to right: Mick Godfrey, Simon Coaffee, Tony Terry, Mick Tucker and Tony Jones

Lead guitarist/singer Mick Tucker, rhythm guitarist/singer Tony Terry and bass player Simon Coaffee (aka Sam Clifton) first came together in Horley, Surrey outfit, The Moonriders, in early 1963, alongside singer Tony Jones and drummer Mick Godfrey. Not long after, the band changed name to The Pete Chester Combo after Chester took over the drum stool.

“For a while [Pete] became the band leader, because to us he was nationally famous,” explains Tucker. “His dad was a big radio star. Charlie Chester was a household name in the 1960s.”

Tony Jones, however, didn’t stay long and Mick Tucker poached lead singer Frank Bennett from local rivals, The Rockatones. Paired with producer Mickie Most, who introduced South African singer Jackie Frisco (later Gene Vincent’s wife) and his brother Dave Hayes as guest singers, The Pete Chester Combo recorded “Love Comes Only Once”, which was subsequently shelved.

Pete Chester Combo 1963
Pete Chester Combo, 1963. Left to right: Tony Jones, Mick Tucker, Simon Coaffee, Pete Chester and Tony Terry

When Pete Chester retired that autumn, original sticks man Mick Godfrey briefly re-joined, just in time for an aborted six-day tour of Israel.

Reverting to The Moonriders, the quintet cut a private demo disc comprising five songs – “Da Doo Ron Ron”, “Every Day”, “Love Potion No 9”, “Memphis Tennessee” and “Talk About You”, and this landed the band a contract with Johnnie Jones’s London City Agency. The agent suggested a new name.

“The London Beats was his [Johnnie Jones’s] idea, particularly in Europe because it said where we were from and what sort of music we played,” explains Tucker.

London Beats, early 1964, left to right: Mick Tucker, Tony Terry, Frank Bennett, Jimmy Smith, Simon Coaffee
London Beats, early 1964, left to right: Mick Tucker, Tony Terry, Frank Bennett, Jimmy Smith, Simon Coaffee

Jones arranged a six-month deal with a promoter in West Germany, kicking off in January 1964, but Mick Godfrey bailed. Shuffling the pack, Frank Bennett recommended drummer Jimmy Smith from Lewes band, The Shades.

The London Beats shortly after James Smith joined. Photo: Mid Sussex Times

 

“Frank used to turn up to quite a few late ’63 gigs; he’d come up on stage and do a few numbers with us,” says Smith. “I remember being really impressed by his R&B voice.”

The London Beats in Germany during 1964Departing for Frankfurt in March 1964, The London Beats worked the German club scene and American bases until mid-December, by which point Tony Terry had returned home (later forming The Pack).

In London, Mickie Most played the musicians a pre-release master tape of The Animals’ “House of The Rising Sun”. “We knew straight away that it would be a hit record,” remembers Coaffee.

That December, the quartet recorded a cover of Ian Tyson’s “Four Strong Winds” with producer Terry Kennedy, possibly credited as Bennett Tucker.

The London Beats based in Germany 1964According to Tucker, Kennedy was putting the final touches to ‘Funny How Love Can Be’ by The Ivy League, and ‘Catch The Wind’ by Donovan,” around the same time. He hired Simon Coaffee to play bass on The Ivy League’s “Tossin’ and Turnin’”.

Then, in January 1965, it was back to Germany for two months to play at the Funny Crow and Top Ten in Hamburg, the latter alongside Howie Casey’s band, Beryl Marsden and Paddy, Klaus & Gibson.

“We did some recordings at the Top Ten, which became a studio during the day,” remembers Tucker.

“Frank Bennett and I did some backing vocals for Isabelle Bond, the resident singer at the Top Ten club – German versions of ‘Bread and Butter’ and also ‘Downtown’. Klaus [Voorman] was also one of the backing singers.”

Back home, Jones offered them a three-month contract in Poland as part of a musician union exchange with the Polish Modern Jazz Quartet. However, Frank Bennett and Simon Coaffee weren’t interested.

“The Polish national agency wanted us because they’d heard through a third party at some trade fair in Poznan in Poland that we were making shed loads of money for our manager in Germany and so the Poles thought we’d like to get in on this,” explains Tucker. “They asked specifically for us even though they’d never heard of us.”

“My father wouldn’t let me go,” explains Bennett on his decision to bail out. “You couldn’t bring the money out, which was a problem. That was the reason. Also, I went back to Germany and joined The Statesmen, an American five-piece harmony band.”

London Beats fivepiece in 1964In 1967, Bennett joined Fortes Mentum. The band later released three singles for Parlophone and enough material for an album, which has recently been issued on a CD with Pussy.

Keen to see behind the Iron Curtain, Tucker and Smith recruited an organist and bass player who would join them alongside a female vocalist, a specification in the Polish contract.

Through Melody Maker, they hired Hammond organist John Carroll, who recommended his band mate from Ealing group, The Flexmen – bass player Peter Carney.

Later on, Johnny Jones also recruited a female vocalist – Birmingham-based club singer Linda Crabtree (Linda Fortune) as a solo artist with her own contract.

The musicians headed to Poland in March 1965 and soon after recorded an ultra-rare LP for the Polskie Nagrania Muza label in a church hall in Wroclaw.

“The record company had trucked in a twin-track mobile studio from Warsaw because our itinerary was full and they didn’t want to wait,” says Smith.

“The equipment was pretty old and they didn’t seem to have any experience of recording rock/pop music, resulting in the sound quality and balance leaving a lot to be desired.”

Something of a collector’s item, the album features a fascinating choice of covers, including Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me”, Buddy Holly’s “Maybe Baby” and Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Walk On By”.

The London Beats in Poland, 1965. Left to right: John Carroll, Jimmy Smith, Peter Carney and Mick Tucker
The London Beats in Poland, 1965. Left to right: John Carroll, Jimmy Smith, Peter Carney and Mick Tucker

With the initial contract nearing its end, Pagart (the Polish agency) offered to extend the group’s stay.

“We negotiated our own contract with the Polish authorities because we were fed up with the London City Agency, which had done nothing really to help us,” confesses Tucker.

“In the whole three months we were there [initially] we didn’t hear from them once. We were a bit pissed off with that, so we negotiated the next thing, which is why the name slightly changed to The Original London Beat. That was just for legal reasons.”

Left to right: John Carroll, Peter Carney and Mick Tucker
Left to right: John Carroll, Peter Carney and Mick Tucker

The quartet returned to Poland in late June but after about two months, John Carroll and Pete Carney returned to home, both joining Tony Knight’s Chessmen.

Carney would subsequently become a long-standing member of Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band while Carroll would hook up with Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers and later join The Flowerpot Men.

Also back in the UK, Mick Tucker recruited bass player Kevin McCarthy from Tolworth, Surrey outfits The Trends (later The 4 Degrees) and The Peasants, and Australian rhythm guitarist Tony Stanton.

“Mick Tucker contacted me, came over and told me about The London Beats,” remembers McCarthy. “I played him a recording of the 4 Degrees, which must have been good enough for him to consider me for the job. We got together at his house in Horley to rehearse, where I met the new singer Sterry Moore.”

New line up. Left to right: Mick Tucker, Frank Stanton, Kevin McCarthy and Jimmy Smith
New line up. Left to right: Mick Tucker, Tony Stanton, Kevin McCarthy and Jimmy Smith

The female singer (no relation to actor Roger Moore) was brought in to take over from Linda Crabtree on both the recording and touring front. However, as McCarthy points out, Tucker’s decision to bring in another guitarist was a last minute decision.

“He found [a keyboardist] in Melody Maker and we went to meet him. He had a brand new Vox Continental organ and he could really play it. This was Eddie Hardin, who later joined Spencer Davis. Alas, he did not want to go to Poland with The London Beats for six months.”

On 25 October 1965, the musicians flew to Warsaw where they were reunited with Jimmy Smith.

“We began rehearsals and the agency organised photos and posters,” continues McCarthy. “They took our names straight off our passports and printed them on the posters…

“Mick was a tall guy, well-built with very long hair. I’m 5 ‘2” and was still suffering from a butchered haircut I’d gotten for The Peasants so we must have looked very strange together. However, we were treated like VIPs.”

That winter, the reconfigured line up recorded 12 tracks on four-track at Polskie Nagrania Muza’s studio in Warsaw Old Town, which were released over the next six months over three EPs. In recording terms and quality they were far superior to the earlier recordings.

With singer Sterry Moore
With singer Sterry Moore

The first EP, entitled The Original London Beat, and featuring Mick Tucker on all lead vocals, came out in late 1965 and comprised the tracks, “Walking The Dog”, “Wanna Walk In The Sunshine”, “Hang on Sloopy” and Scarlet Ribbons”.

This was followed in early 1966 by I’ll Go Crazy, which featured Mick Tucker on lead vocals on two tracks – “I’ll Go Crazy” and “If You Gotta Go, Go Now” and Polish singer Mira Kubansinka on the remaining tracks, “Walking In The Sand” and “You’re No Good”.

The final EP, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, also released in 1966, featured Sterry Moore on lead vocals on all four tracks – “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, “I Had a Talk With My Man”, “The Biggest Players” and “Won’t Be Long”.

London Beats Poland late 1965
Joined by Mira Kubansinka (third left)

Joined by Mira Kubansinka for a nationwide tour, the musicians traversed the country in a bus, right in the dead of winter.

“Snow was often piled high on the side of the road,” remembers McCarthy. “In the country, there were horse-drawn carts everywhere and people working very hard to survive. Cities were stark, cold and old-fashioned with foreboding-looking statues and shrapnel damage still visible on the walls of buildings leftover from the war.”

McCarthy adds that while The London Beats were touring in Poland, other UK groups like The Hollies and Lulu & The Luvvers started arriving.

However, with the extended contract coming to an end in late January 1966, and the opportunities to work in Poland exhausted, the musicians lost interest.

On 15 March 1966, most of the band flew to London. No longer celebrities the musicians had to start from scratch.

“I was fed up with living out of a suitcase by then and we had no feeling of going forward,” admits Tucker.

“We’d been for want of a better word, big stars in Poland and wherever else we’d play from there on, we’d have to work from the bottom up again. After five or six years at it, I thought I’d quit and have some happy memories.”

Tony Terry and Mick Tucker
Tony Terry and Mick Tucker

Tucker reunited with former member Tony Terry and worked the folk club circuit from 1967-1968.

The pair then set up a travel business driving mini buses all over Europe and North Africa. Tucker was offered the opportunity to return to Poland but declined.

Four Ovus, August 1966. Photo: Mid Sussex Times

Jimmy Smith, Sterry Moore and Kevin McCarthy formed Forovus with guitarist Ken Ali. Having started calling herself Mary McCarthy, Moore then recorded the single “People Like You” with singer Mickey Clarke, which was released on CBS in January 1967. She recorded two solo singles – “The Folk I Love” and “Happy Days and Lonely Nights”– that same year.

Jimmy Smith, who nearly joined The New Pirates (alongside John Carroll), replaced Phil Wainman in Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement. After a brief reunion with Carroll in Germany, a short spell with The Nashville Teens and The Fantastics, he recorded an album with Aquila in 1970.

Kevin McCarthy hooked up with R&B outfit, Ivan St Clair & System Soul Band, before landing on his feet: “Sometime in 1968 I answered an ad in Melody Maker and met John Heyworth and Angus Cullen; we would eventually become Cressida and record two albums for Vertigo with producer/manager Ossie Byrne.”

When Cressida split in November 1970, McCarthy joined Tranquility and appeared on two albums and some unreleased tracks before moving to Los Angeles in 1976. He has participated in several Cressida reunions and continues to play guitar and write songs.

“Interestingly, one of my songs recorded by another artist was ‘One Way Ticket’, which appeared on The Hollies’ Then, Now, Always, album released in 2010.”

London Beats Reunion 21 March 2015
The first reunion on 21 March 2015. Left to right: Mick Tucker, Simon Coaffee, Jimmy Smith and Tony Terry. Photo credit: Pam Terry

As for the original London Beats, Mick Tucker, Jimmy Smith, Simon Coaffee and Tony Terry reunited on 21 March this year with plans for a second reunion with Frank Bennett on 11 July.

Huge thanks to Mick Tucker, Jimmy Smith, Frank Bennett, Peter Carney, Simon Coaffee, John Carroll and Kevin McCarthy.

London Beats Germany poster

London Beats in London early 1964London Beats Press Cutting 1London Beats Germany Publicity 09London Beats Germany Publicity 08London Beats Germany Publicity 07London Beats Germany Publicity 06London Beats Germany Publicity 03London Beats Germany Publicity 02London Beats Germany Publicity 01London Beats Germany 1964 Apr 14 postcard home picLondon Beats Germany 40London Beats Germany 37London Beats Germany 05London Beats Germany 13London Beats Germany 22

Categories: Eastcote, England, London, Middlesex

Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

76 Comments

The Clay Pigeon in Eastcote was a notable rock music venue in northwest London during the 1960s.

During 1963, the Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers, which became Manfred Mann, held a residency there for several months.

Throughout the 1960s, many important British bands played this venue, including several groups from the west London area, such as Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Ian Gillan was lead singer in the first half of 1965), The Birds (with Ron Wood on guitar), The Soul Messengers (featuring future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell) and Episode Six (Ian Gillan and fellow future Deep Purple cohort Roger Glover were members).

The Sweet also played here regularly during their early years with original guitarist Frank Torpey and his successor Mick Stewart.

I have started to compile a gig list below and would welcome any additions in the comments box below as well as any memories. If anyone has any memorabilia and/or photos of bands playing at this venue, I would be happy to include them with a credit.

1960

27 June (Monday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

This west London band morphed out of The Rocking Versatiles (formed September 1957) and included long-standing member Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), who remained with the group throughout its various incarnations (and name changes) until finally splitting on 1 July 1966. The band played this venue regularly.

 

23 July (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

10 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

24 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

31 August (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

12 October (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

9 November (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

23 November (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

26 November (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1961

8 February (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

12 April (Wednesday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

22 April (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

1962

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

Singer Jean Hayles joined The Statesmen in late April 1963 and they became “The Statesmen featuring Jean Hayles” for a few months before gigging as Jean & The Statesmen until May 1964.

 

27 May (Sunday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

Frankie Reid & The Casuals’ line up at this time featured future Animals bass player Danny McCulloch and future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell.

 

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

 

2 July (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

 

22 August (Wednesday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)

Mitch Mitchell had moved on by now and Terry Mabey had taken over drums.

1963

17 January (Thursday) – The Limelights (Melody Maker)

The advert notes that this was the club’s grand opening

24 January (Thursday) – The Limelights (Melody Maker)

31 January (Thursday) – The Scepters (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

 

21 February (Thursday) – The Dauphine Street Six (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

Judging by this gig and the ones below, it looks like jazz bands took over Thursday evenings for a while.

28 February (Thursday) – The Colne Valley Six (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

 

7 March (Thursday) – Douggie Richford’s Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

14 March (Thursday) – Sonny Morris Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

21 March (Thursday) – Sonny Morris Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

28 March (Thursday) – Back O’Town Syncopaters (Melody Maker)

 

4 April (Thursday) – New Orleans Jazz Band (Melody Maker)

18 April (Thursday) – Charlie Gall’s Jazz Band (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

 

2 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)

The group that became Manfred Mann assumed the Thursday residency, starting with this gig on 2 May.

9 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)

16 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)

23 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)

30 May (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)

 

6 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research)

13 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands

20 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands

27 June (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says two bands

 

4 July (Thursday) – Mann-Hugg Blues Band (Greg Russo’s research) Harrow Observer & Gazette says The Fantastic Sounds

11 July (Thursday) – Two bands (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

Photo: Melody Maker

1 August (Thursday) – Mike Forde & The Fortunes (Harrow Observer & Gazette/Melody Maker) Drummer Lindsey Bex joined The Tridents.

8 August (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

 

5 September (Thursday) – Graham Bond All-Stars (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

6 September (Friday) – Rikki Rand & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

12 September (Thursday) – The Graham Bond All Stars (Melody Maker/Harrow Observer & Gazette)

 

21 November (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

1964

3 February (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

5 February (Wednesday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary) Jeff Beck didn’t join The Tridents until early September.

6 February (Thursday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

13 February (Thursday) – The Tridents (Lindsey Bex’s diary)

17 February (Monday) – The Sensational Soundsmen (Uxbridge Post)

The advert notes that the band plays every Monday so assuming they also performed on 24 February and beyond

20 February (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums)

22 February (Saturday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)

The Limelights morphed into The Legends (see below)

24 February (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

 

1 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)

2 March (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

8 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)

9 March (Monday) – The Tridents with The Soundsmen (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary/Harrow Weekly Post)

14 March (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)

15 March (Sunday) – The Limelights (Fulson Stillwell website)

16 March (Monday) – The Tridents with The Soundsmen (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary/Harrow Weekly Post)

21 March (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)

30 March (Monday) – The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post) Easter Monday

 

2 April (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

15 April (Wednesday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)

25 April (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)

30 April (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

9 May (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)

14 May (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

After this gig, they became Jean & The Statesides.

16 May (Saturday) – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ diary and Lindsey Bex’s diary)

18 May (Monday) – The Soundsmen, The Downbeat Combo and Mystine (Harrow Weekly Post)

28 May (Thursday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

Future Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell played with The Soul Messengers during 1964 before joining The Riot Squad.

5 June (Friday) – The Soundsmen and Mystine (Harrow Weekly Post)

11 June (Thursday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

19 June (Friday) – The Soundsmen, The Preachers and The Mystic (Uxbridge Post) Harrow Weekly Post says Mystine rather than The Mystic

25 June (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

 

24 July (Friday) – Lee Paris & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

3 August (Monday) – Lee Paris & The Soundsmen (Harrow Weekly Post)

6 August (Thursday) – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

18 August (Tuesday) – The Soul Messengers (Middlesex County Times and West Middlesex Gazette)

 

17 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

24 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners and The Peeple (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

1 October (Thursday) – The Preachers and Senate Four (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

15 October (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners with The Paul Taylor Group (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

22 October (Thursday) – The RBQ and Kenny & The Shanes (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

29 October (Thursday) – The Light and The Beethovens (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

1965

7 January (Thursday) – The Vibratons (Melody Maker)

14 January (Thursday) – The Modern Blues Six (Melody Maker)

21 January (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary and Melody Maker)

Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan joined this west London band in early November 1964 and remained band until late April.

28 January (Thursday) – Mystic and The Colorados (Melody Maker)

 

4 February (Thursday) – The Fenmen (Melody Maker)

11 February (Thursday) – The Wackers (Melody Maker)

18 February (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

25 February (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

 

4 March (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

11 March (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens (Melody Maker)

18 March (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette says The Matadors

25 March (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens (Melody Maker)

 

1 April (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

8 April (Thursday) – The Birds (Ron Wood’s 1965 diary)

15 April (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

29 April (Thursday) – The Blue Ravens and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker) Ian Gillan had left  Wainwright’s Gentlemen after a gig on 26 April and joined Episode Six.

 

13 May (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

27 May (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

 

2 June (Wednesday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

By now, future Sweet drummer Mick Tucker had joined Wainwright’s Gentlemen.

3 June (Thursday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Melody Maker)

10 June (Thursday) – Tony Rivers &  The Castaways and Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

17 June (Thursday) – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)

24 June (Thursday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Melody Maker)

 

8 July (Thursday) – Felders Orioles (Melody Maker)

Drummer John Halsey went on to Timebox in August 1967.

22 July (Thursday) – The Turnkeys (Melody Maker)

29 July (Thursday) – The Flamingos (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Blue Ravens

 

12 August (Thursday) – The Reasons (Melody Maker)

19 August (Thursday) – The Sultans (Melody Maker)

26 August (Thursday) – The Flamingos (Melody Maker)

 

2 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Harrow Observer & Gazette)  Future Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood was with The Bo Street Runners at this point.

9 September (Thursday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)

16 September (Thursday) – The Modern Blues Six (Melody Maker) Harrow Observer & Gazette has The Alan Price Set but this may relate to next week

22 September (Wednesday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)

By this point, future Sweet singer Brian Connolly had joined the band. Sax player Dave Brogden was working with The Statesides by this point but helped out with this gig.

23 September (Thursday) – The Alan Price Set (Melody Maker)

30 September (Thursday) – The Olympics (Melody Maker)

 

7 October (Thursday) – Episode Six (Melody Maker)

Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan joined Episode Six in May 1965 after leaving Wainwright’s Gentlemen in late April.

14 October (Thursday) – The MI4 (Melody Maker)

This band became The Maze and featured original Deep Purple singer Rod Evans and drummer Ian Paice.

 

28 November (Sunday) – The Legends (Hayes Gazette)

 

12 December (Sunday) – The Legends (Hayes Gazette)

1966

Missing all of 1966 apart from this lone gig, so would welcome any additions to this year.

28 January (Friday) – The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)

By this point the band comprised Jean Hayles (lead vocals), Jeff Sturgeon (lead guitar), Bill Stemp (keyboards/sax), Dave Hovington (rhythm guitar), Dave Brogden (sax), Mick Bloomfield (bass) and Ian Walker (drums).

1967

8 February (Wednesday) – The Beachcombers (Ealing Weekly Post)

 

15 April (Saturday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

16 April (Sunday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)

 

10 June (Saturday) – Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)

 

7 July (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

21 July (Friday) – Episode Six (Harrow Weekly Post)

28 July (Friday) – The Moody Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)

Rupert’s People were also advertised originally but considering the gig on 11 August, they probably didn’t appear.

 

4 August (Friday) – The Syrian Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)

6 August (Sunday) – Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)

11 August (Friday) – Rupert’s People (Harrow Weekly Post)

Disc & Music Echo reports that this was Rupert’s People’s debut gig.

17 August (Thursday) – Unit 4 Plus 2 (Harrow Weekly Post)

25 August (Friday) – Robert Hirst & The Big Taste (Harrow Weekly Post)

 

1 September (Friday) – Episode Six (Harrow Weekly Post)

8 September (Friday) – The Syrian Blues (Harrow Weekly Post)

The Original Drifters were booked originally for this date.

22 September (Friday) – James & Bobby Purify with The New York Public Library (Harrow Weekly Post)

29 September (Friday) – Studio Six (Harrow Weekly Post)

 

6 October (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Harrow Weekly Post)

13 October (Friday) – Whistling Jack Smith and The Quiet Five (Harrow Weekly Post)

17 October (Tuesday) – The Original Drifters (Harrow Weekly Post)

24 October (Tuesday) – The Symbols (Harrow Weekly Post)

31 October (Tuesday) – The Isley Brothers (Harrow Weekly Post)

 

14 November (Tuesday) – The Fabulous Temptations with The House of Orange (this is The Fantastics) (Harrow Weekly Post)

25 November (Saturday) – The Army (Melody Maker)

Future Sweet bass player Steve Priest was a member of The Army.

28 November (Tuesday) – The Electric Prunes (Fabulous 208)

The visiting Californian band was on a short UK tour and surprisingly played this small venue.

 

23 December (Saturday) – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Frank Torpey’s gig diary)

Three of the original Sweet members (Brian Connolly, Mick Tucker and Frank Torpey) were part of Wainwright’s Gentlemen at this point.

1968

1 June (Saturday) – Baron Richthofen’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

 

9 August (Friday) – The Group Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

11 August (Sunday) – Smokey Orange (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

16 August (Friday) – Advance Rate (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

18 August (Sunday) – The Beatstalkes (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

23 August (Friday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

25 August (Sunday) – The Sweetshop (aka The Sweet) (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

30 August (Friday) – Late Night Love (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

1 September (Sunday) – Freddie Fingers Lee (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

13 September (Friday) – The House of Lords (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

15 September (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

18 September (Wednesday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

21 September (Saturday) – The Cast (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

22 September (Sunday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

25 September (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

28 September (Saturday) – The Market (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

29 September (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

 

2 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

5 October (Saturday) – The Fresh Windows and The Outside Toilet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

6 October (Sunday) – Marmalade and Coconut Ice (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

9 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

12 October (Saturday) – Two top groups (Harrow Weekly Post)

13 October (Sunday) – Timebox (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

16 October (Wednesday) – Merlin Q (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

19 October (Saturday) – The Tracts (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

20 October (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

Episode Six were replaced by The Tremeloes plus support band.

23 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

26 October (Saturday) – The Bobcats (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

27 October (Sunday) – The New Formula with support (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

30 October (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

 

2 November (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

3 November (Sunday) – Tony Rivers & The Castaways and Acceleration (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

6 November (Wednesday) – Pop group (Harrow Weekly Post)

9 November (Saturday) – The Colours (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

10 November (Sunday) – Little John & The Shadrocks (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

13 November (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

16 November (Saturday) – Top groups (Harrow Weekly Post)

17 November (Sunday) – Vanity Fair (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

20 November (Wednesday) – The Forbidden Fruit (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

24 November (Sunday) – The Paradox (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

27 November (Wednesday) – The Sweet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

30 November (Saturday) – Andy Cannon Quartet (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

 

1 December (Sunday) – The Tremeloes and Coconut Ice (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

4 December (Wednesday) – The Tremeloes (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

7 December (Saturday) – The Craven Brothers and Cabaret Show (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

8 December (Sunday) – Marmalade (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

14 December (Saturday) – The Four Sounds (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

15 December (Sunday) – Locomotive (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

18 December (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

22 December (Sunday) – The Dream Police (Uxbridge Weekly Post and Harrow Weekly Post)

29 December (Sunday) – The Tremeloes (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Harrow Weekly Post reports that New Formula replaced The Tremeloes

1969

19 January (Sunday) – The Youngblood (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

26 January (Sunday) – The Formula (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

2 February (Sunday) – Danny Diaz & The Checkmates (from Hong Kong) (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

2 March (Sunday) – Harmony Grass (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

9 March (Sunday) – Justin Marhyr (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

16 March (Sunday) – Red Beans & Rice (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

23 March (Sunday) – Joyce Bond Revue (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

30 March (Sunday) – John L Watson & The Web (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

26 April (Saturday) – The Cats (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

 

4 May (Sunday) – The Nights (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

11 May (Sunday) – Episode Six (Uxbridge Weekly Post)

Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.

Categories: England, London, Middlesex

The Army

45 Comments
The Army at the Grange Club February 1968
The Army, mid-February 1968 at The Grange Club in Hayes, left to right: Richard Herring, Steve Priest, Alan Bennett, Anita (surname? – our go-go dancer), Richard Bennett, George Russell, Ron Lewingdon, John Barter and Dennis White. Photo: Richard Bennett

 

Richard Bennett – lead vocals

Tony Tacon – lead guitar

Ian Orton – keyboards 

John Barter – tenor sax

George Russell – tenor sax

Ron Lewingdon – trumpet 

Steve Priest – bass/vocals 

Alan Bennett – drums

West London R&B/soul connoisseurs The Army have the distinction of being the group that spawned future Sweet bass player/singer Steve Priest.

The Army’s roots can be traced as far back as 1962 when cousins Richard Bennett (lead vocals) and Alan Bennett (drums) decided to form their first band, The Satellites in Hayes, west London.

The Satellites in Hillingdon Mirror, 16 November 1965

Joined by Dave Harris (bass) and siblings Ian Orton (lead guitar) and Mick Orton (rhythm guitar), The Satellites had an early brush with fame when they appeared on the set of the James Bond movie Goldfinger in 1964.

The Satellites 1960
The Army was formed from this band, The Satellites, formed in 1960. Left to right: Richard Bennett, Dave Harris, Alan Bennett, Ian Orton and Mick Orton. This photo was taken at the opening scene of Goldfinger, The James Bond movie with Sean Connery. Photo: Richard Bennett

Around mid-July 1966, however, The Satellites underwent a significant reshuffle, starting with the addition of lead guitarist Tony Tacon, whose main claim to fame is that he had been a member of local rivals, The Javelins with future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan during 1962-1964.

Gillan left to join Wainwright’s Gentlemen in November 1964 (Ed: future Sweet drummer Mick Tucker joined during late 1965) and Tacon joined Ealing band, Four Jacks and a Joker before hooking up with West Drayton outfit, The Ways & Means for a few months.

“I got a knock on my door from Clem [Clemson] who had been a part-time manager of The Javelins,” remembers Tacon. “He said that The Satellites were looking for a new lead guitarist if I was interested. I went down to Uxbridge for an audition and joined.”

With Tacon’s arrival, Ian Orton moved on to keyboards. At the same time Mick Orton dropped out. The following month, the band decided to remodel itself on Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers by bringing in some horn players.

For the proposed horn section, Tacon recommended his friend, sax player John Barter, who had played alongside the guitarist in Four Jacks and a Joker. Barter in turn introduced his friend, fellow sax player George Russell, a former member of Twickenham-based R&B outfit, Jeff Curtis & The Flames.

Not long after Dave Harris departed and future Sweet bass player Steve Priest took his place.

“Steve Priest joined as our new bass player,” continues Tacon. “I remember us going around to see him at his parents’ house in Hayes. I was familiar with him from his Countdowns days but someone else in the band had made contact with him.”

According to Steve Priest’s book Are you Ready, Steve?  it was Richard and Alan Bennett who approached him to join. Priest would later recruit future Army members, guitarist Richard Herring and organist Dennis White from his former group The Countdowns.

Tacon remembers one of his first gigs with the group (still billed as The Satellites) was in south Wales.

“I remember playing Afan Lido (Port Talbot) probably in their gym. It was early on after I joined The Satellites. Straight down the M4 and back the same day. Beautiful sunny day (so not winter) and I remember us relaxing on the nearby beach until the gig started. I reckon it was a regular dance venue as girls told us that they came down each week.” (Ed. The Port Talbot Guardian lists this as 23 July 1966 with Something Else in support)

Photo: Tony Tacon

Renamed The Army, in view of the increased number of personnel in the band, Richard Bennett, who worked as a sign writer, painted the new moniker, surrounded by instruments, on the sextet’s new purchase, an old 30cwt van.

“The van was so big that we used to have to take it in turns to have it for a week and park it outside our homes,” says Tacon.

From the outset, The Army’s repertoire was entirely comprised of cover material, mixing popular US R&B/soul numbers like Lee Dorsey’s “Ride Your Pony”, The Four Tops’ “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, Larry Williams’s “Slow Down” and Wilson Pickett and Steve Cropper’s “In the Midnight Hour” (which Steve Priest sang) with British classics, such as Zoot Money’s “Big Time Operator”.

At first, the revamped and renamed outfit found gigs at its local haunt – the Grange Club in Hayes. Interestingly, they were also invited to perform at several garden parties for the Tory party.

“I was impressed by the sort of gigs that we did,” recalls Tacon. “The band was well in with the Young Conservative Association, how I don’t know, and played at many of the functions in London and the Home Counties.”

Tacon remembers the band playing at the Bell House Hotel in Gerrards Cross, a venue in Harpenden with a Liverpool band that might have been The Undertakers and also at an RAF base at Dawes Hill near High Wycombe.

During this time, the guitarist also remembers the band landing a gig at the Queen’s Building in the centre of London (Heathrow) Airport and sharing the dressing room with Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen.

In late October, The Army played at a Halloween Party at a hotel opposite the airport, which was put on by a film producer.

Photo: Tony Tacon

More significant, the sextet started performing on London’s busy club scene, including shows at the Starlite Ballroom in Greenford and the 100 Club (Ed: this might have been Tiles) on Oxford Street.

“One night we played a dance hall in the Amersham area… then went straight off to the centre of London where we played [at Tiles] in the early hours of the morning. The Birds may have been on before us,” recalls Tacon.

“I remember that Steve [Priest] had some friends with him at that gig and one of them was robbed on the dance floor. My fiancée (now my wife) saw it happen and says that the gang turned Steve’s friend upside down to empty his pockets.”

Priest’s book doesn’t mention this incident but does note that the venue the group played after the Amersham area gig was Tiles on Oxford Street. Interestingly, The Army did play the Legion Hall in Amersham on 25 February 1967 and later that evening appeared at Tiles on Oxford Street (see selected gig list below).

As the band’s popularity grew, The Army ventured further afield, including shows in Cardiff (3 February 1967), Dunstable, Birmingham and Nottingham among others.

Cardiff gig, 3 February 1967

Tacon remembers the sextet playing a converted warehouse in Birmingham and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers were in the dressing room when they arrived [Ed: this was Midnight City on 19 November 1966, although the group is not advertised in Birmingham Evening Mail].

“I remember John Mayall sitting there smoking a spliff. The window at the end of the room looked out on to a large intersection and bang opposite was Digbeth police station,” continues the guitarist.

“We left our gear and all went off to the Bullring for something to eat, missing the Bluesbreakers’ set. I have often wondered if Eric Clapton was in the room that night, but after comparing notes with Steve Priest; he assures me that it was the first gig [sic] for Peter Green, who he saw frantically practising in readiness having just taken over from Clapton.”

Tacon adds that The Army played at the Dungeon Club in Nottingham the next evening, a venue that he recalls playing at least twice during his time with the band. [Ed: this would have been 20 November 1966. Again, the local paper, The Nottingham Evening Post does not list them, but rather The Amboy Dukes]

Another notable gig took place on Christmas Eve when The Army opened for their idols, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers at Burton’s in Uxbridge.

“I must have left in my own van earlier than the others after the gig because the next morning (Christmas Day), two of the band, probably Richard and Alan turned up with my share of the money,” recalls the guitarist.

“They were good lads in that band. I went all over the place with them and do not remember any upsets at all.”

The Army, Dungeon, Nottingham, 5 March 1967
The Army, Dungeon, Nottingham, 5 March 1967

During January 1967, Tacon introduced trumpet player Ron Lewingdon and The Army became a seven-piece act.

“He approached me about joining when he saw me driving the band’s van one day in the company car park,” explains the guitarist. “I was working in the tool room at the same company at the time. I put it to the others and he was in.”

With Lewingdon on-board, The Army played at the Adelphi Ballroom in Slough (18 March 1967) and Tacon’s old mate from The Javelins, Ian Gillan turned up and ended up taking photos of the group performing from the side of the stage.

“Ian came with me in my car to see the band for the first time,” continues the guitarist. “I had been going to see him in Episode Six, so he repaid the compliment. He was best man at my wedding later that year.”

The Army at the Adelphi Club
At The Adelphi Ballroom in Slough, above the cinema. Left to right: Steve Priest, Tony Tacon, Richard Bennett on lead vocals,  Ron Lewingdon and George Russell. Photo: Richard Bennett

On this particular night Richard Bennett’s PA played up and the singer remembers borrowing one from Ian Gillan. Tacon adds that the future Deep Purple singer also took the photo.

However, not long after, Tony Tacon handed his notice. The guitarist was indeed engaged and got married soon after; it was time to hang up his rock ‘n’ roll boots. In fact, Tacon didn’t play in a band again until The Javelins reformed in the early 1990s to record a CD. He currently plays with Lincoln band, Something Else.

The guitarist remembers that his last gig with The Army took place at the California Ballroom in Dunstable on 25 March 1967.

“There were three bands on that night,” he says looking back. “The Troggs were top of the bill and we shared the dressing room with them. I remember being impressed that they arrived in an Austin Princess and brought a portable black and white TV with them that was set up in the dressing room.”

The Army at the Adelphi Ballroom, 18 March 1967. Photo: Tony Tacon

With former Countdowns guitarist Richard Herring taking over on lead guitar and ex-Countdown Dennis White subsequently replacing Ian Orton on electric organ, The Army cut two tracks in late 1967 that were shelved until 2014 when this author helped secure the release of the band’s cover of the Joe Tex hit, “Sugar” on Acid Jazz’s Rare Mod Volume 5. The band’s cover of the Sam & Dave hit “You Don’t Know Like I Know” remains unreleased.

On 14 October, The Army returned to the California Ballroom to support Georgie Fame. Two months later, they played two shows at Burton’s in Uxbridge, the latter on New Year’s Eve, opening for Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers.

Sometime around this period, the group turned up at Chelsea Barracks to audition for Opportunity Knocks.

The Army continued to gig during early 1968, playing venues like Walton Hop. However, behind the scenes, Steve Priest began rehearsing with The Sweetshop (aka Sweet) on the side.

“I was a fan of smaller bands like Cream,” says Priest on his decision to explore new avenues. “The Army and Wainwright’s Gentlemen played at Ealing Town Hall on the same night. Mick [Tucker] was fired that night and Brian [Connolly] resigned.”

Left to right: Ron Lewingdon, George Russell, John Barter, Richard Bennett and Steve Priest. Opening for Marmalade (circa late 1967/early 1968). Photo: George Russell

Not long after playing a show at the Grange Club in Hayes in mid-February (see date stamped top picture), Priest announced his decision to leave The Army, playing his debut gig with The Sweetshop (subsequently shortened to The Sweet) on 9 March at Hemel Hempstead Pavilion.

Taking on a new bass player called Chris from Ealing, The Army continued to gig, including a clutch of shows at the New Pink Flamingo in Soho, Cooks Ferry Inn in Edmonton, north London and also opened for The Easybeats at St Albans City Hall.

By this point, Richard Herring had also departed and former Casuals’ lead guitarist Geoff Foster had joined. Not long after Dennis White left to join Merlin Q.

The group continued to pick up gigs, playing venues like Samanthas in New Burlington Street in London

Then, around September 1968, Pete Burt took over the drum stool from Alan Bennett. Burt had worked with George Russell in Jeff Curtis & The Flames during 1965 and had stuck with the group when it became The Kool. Bennett’s departure prompted Ron Lewingdon to also drop out.

Alan Bennett and Ron Lewingdon stuck together. Reunited with former member, the late Ian Orton on rhythm guitar and lead vocals and siblings Ray Spiteri (lead guitar) and Bob Spiteri (bass), they formed The Occasions and landed a prestigious gig at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane the early 1970s.

The remaining members continued into early 1969 before splintering. Pete Burt briefly gigged with Bob Brittain and then formed Hogsnort Rupert, the house band at the Clay Pigeon in Eastcote.

Geoff Foster joined soul band, The Orange Rainbow (John Barter and George Russell both guested). Russell (and later Richard Bennett) emigrated to Australia but Russell subsequently returned to the UK.

Notable gigs:

3 September 1966 – New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Hampshire with The Simon Dupree Sound (billed as The Satellites)

9 September 1966 – Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, west London with The Jimmy Brown Sound (billed as The Satellites)

27 October 1966 – Royal Ballrooms, Boscombe, Dorset (billed as The Satellites)

 

19 November 1966 – Midnight City, Digbeth, Birmingham with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Tony Tacon’s memories: they must have replaced either Wynder K Frog or The Times who were also advertised)

20 November 1966 – The Dungeon, Nottingham (Tony Tacon’s memories: they must have replaced The Amboy Dukes who were advertised in Nottingham Evening Post)

24 November 1966 – Stereo Club, Wycombe, Bucks (billed as The Satellites)

25 November 1966 – Wy-Key Club, Burnham Lane, Slough, Berkshire (billed as The Satellites)

26 November 1966 – New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Hampshire with The Blackout (billed as The Satellites)

 

10 December 1966 – Harpenden Public Hall, Harpenden, Herts with The Riot Squad (Tony Tacon confirmed)

24 December 1966 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers

Thanks to David Else for providing the scan

4 February 1967 – Thames Hotel, Windsor, Berkshire (replaced The All Night Workers)

11 February 1967 – Kookoo-Byrd Discotheque, Cardiff, Wales

25 February 1967 – Legion Hall, Amersham, Bucks

25 February 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Gamblers and The Essex Five

 

5 March 1967 – Dungeon, Nottingham

18 March 1967 – At the Union, Manchester with St Louis Union and Sound Venture (Tony Tacon doesn’t recall this gig at all, even though it was advertised)

18 March 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, Slough, Berkshire

25 March 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with The Troggs

1 April 1967 – Walton Hop, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

23 April – Adelphi Ballroom, Slough, Berkshire

29 April 1967 – Legion Hall, Amersham, Bucks

29 April 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Lemon Line and The Penny Blacks

11 May 1967 – Upper Cut, Forest Gate, east London with The Jokers and The Afex

28 May 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, Slough, Berkshire

 

2 July 1967 – Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, west London with The Toys

15 July 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, Slough, Berkshire

16 July 1967 – Carlton Ballroom, Slough, Berkshire

29 July 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with The Gass and The Fraternity

 

19 August 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Coloured Raisins and Tiles Big Band

20 August 1967 – Upper Cut, Forest Gate, east London with The Maze and The Art Movement

23 August 1967 – Drayton Hall, West Drayton, west London

23 August 1967 – Town Hall Park, Hayes, west London

3 September 1967 – Adelphi Ballroom, Slough, Berkshire

 

14 October 1967 – California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire with Georgie Fame & Four Point Five

 

24 November 1967 – Private engagement (according to Melody Maker)

25 November 1967 – Clay Pigeon, Eastcote, northwest London

26 November 1967 – Starlight Ballroom, Crawley, West Sussex with Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set

27 November 1967 – Private engagement (according to Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

30 November 1967 – RAF Northwood, Hertfordshire

 

1 December 1967 – Private engagement (according to Melody Maker)

2 December 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London

3 December 1967 – Starlight Ballroom, Crawley, West Sussex with The Temptations (this was The Fantastics not the Motown group)

31 December 1967 – Burton’s, Uxbridge, northwest London with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (this requires confirmation)

 

5 January 1968 – The Hub, Marlow, Bucks

13 January 1968 – Walton Hop, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

20 January 1968 – Starlight Ballroom, Crawley, West Sussex with Radio Disc Show with Stuart Henry

According to Frank Torpey’s diary, Steve Priest was rehearsing with The Sweetshop (aka The Sweet) by 5 February and would have left a few weeks later. 

Frank Torpey’s final gig with Wainwright’s Gentlemen was 20 January and Mick Tucker was fired shortly afterwards so the Ealing Town Hall gig where Wainwright’s Gentlemen and The Army both appeared was probably in the last week of January 1968.

10 February 1968 – The Ritz, Bournemouth, Dorset

Mid (13?) February 1968 – The Grange, Hayes, west London (picture has Steve Priest in it, so one of his final gigs with the band)

 

3 March 1968 – Slough Adelphi, Slough, Berkshire (Priest may have played this but very unlikely)

10 May 1968 – Dunstable Civic Hall, Dunstable, Beds with Spectrum

25 May 1968 – Nags Head, Motown Club, Wollaston, Northamptonshire with Alfred The Great

26 May 1968 – New Pink Flamingo, Wardour Street, central London

Photo credit: Geoff Foster

30 May 1968 – St Andrew’s Hall, Uxbridge, northwest London

 

2 June 1968 – New Pink Flamingo, Wardour Street, central London with The All-Nite Workers (billed as Army Soul Show)

14 June 1968 – Ritz, Bournemouth, Dorset

21 June 1968 – St Albans City Hall, St Albans, Hertfordshire with The Easybeats and The Hello

6 July 1968 – Flamenco Club, Folkestone, Kent

Photo credit: Geoff Foster

10 August 1968 – Styx Discotheque, Luton, Bedfordshire

23 September 1968 – Penny Farthing Club, Southend-on-Sea, Essex with Kingsize Keen and His Rockin’ Machine

I would like to thank Tony Tacon, Richard Bennett, Alan Bennett, Ron Lewingdon, Steve Priest, John Kerrison, Geoff Foster, George Russell, John Barter and Keith Kendall for providing some information about this band. Thanks to Richard Bennett, George Russell and Tony Tacon for providing images.

Gigs were sourced from various national newspapers and Melody Maker (some sources are noted in the comments below).

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.

I have tried to ensure the accuracy of this article but I appreciate that there are likely to be errors and omissions. I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who can provide any additions or corrections. Email: Warchive@aol.com