Tag Archives: Neil Hubbard

Elton John and Bluesology

Today, Elton John is one of rock music’s most revered artists but during the early-mid 1960s he struggled for recognition, learning his trade as Reg Dwight with west London R&B outfit, Bluesology.

Below, I have started to piece together a timeline on this band’s history, including the period after Reg Dwight/Elton John left in March 1968 to start his solo career.

In particular, I need to credit the invaluable work carried out by Keith Hayward, who has written the excellent book, Tin Pan Alley: The Rise of Elton John, for some of this material. He has been a huge help. I have also reference below sources that I have drawn on for live dates.

I would welcome any additions and corrections in the comment box below.

Bluesology was formed in 1962 after Reg Dwight and Stu Brown had played in Pinner, Middlesex group, The Corvettes. The original line up comprised:

Stu Brown – guitar/vocals

Reg Dwight – keyboards/vocals

Geoff Dyson – bass

Mick Inkpen – drums

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2 April 1965 – St Alban’s Church, Northwood, Middlesex (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

13 April 1965 – 100 Club, Oxford Street, central London with The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)

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20 April 1965 – Elms Club, Corbins Lane, South Harrow, northwest London with The Dae-b-Four (Harrow Weekly Post)

29 April 1965 – Elms Club, Corbins Lane, South Harrow, northwest London with The Dae-b-Four (Greenford Weekly Post)

Photo: Melody Maker, 8 May 1965. Image may be subject to copyright

Circa April/May 1965 – Reg Dwight’s ‘Come Back Baby’ recorded

6 May 1965 – Elms Club, Corbins Lane, South Harrow, northwest London (every Thursday) (Harrow Weekly Post)

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13 May 1965 – Elms Club, Corbins Lane, South Harrow, northwest London (every Thursday) (Harrow Weekly Post/Harrow Observer & Gazette)

20 May 1965 – Elms Club, Corbins Lane, South Harrow, northwest London (every Thursday) (Harrow Weekly Post)

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27 May 1965 – Elms Club, Corbins Lane, South Harrow, northwest London with The CC Riders (every Thursday) (Harrow Weekly Post)

The newspaper stopped advertising after the above date

 

June 1965: Dyson leaves to join The Mockingbirds

+ Rex Bishop – bass

+ Terry Patterson – saxophone

Circa June 1965 – ‘Times Are Getting Tougher Than Tough’ recorded

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3 June 1965 – Elms Club, South Harrow, northwest London with The Equals (Harrow Observer & Gazette)

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15 June 1965 – 100 Club, Oxford Street, central London with The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)

 

23 July 1965 – ‘Come Back Baby’ c/w ‘Times Are Getting Tougher Than Tough’ released (http://www.45cat.com/artist/bluesology)

There is a great article on Bluesology in the Coventry Standard, dated 29 July 1965, page 20

Hillingdon Mirror, 24 August 1965, page 24. Image may be subject to copyright

 

4 September 1965 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)

Circa November 1965:

– Terry Patterson – saxophone

+ Pat Higgs – trumpet

+ Dave Murphy – saxophone

 

3-20 December 1965 – Major Lance tour with Bluesology 

3 December 1965 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London and In Place, central London  with The Rockhouse Band (Melody Maker) Doesn’t not mention Bluesology 

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4 December 1965 – Jigsaw, Manchester with Alex Harvey Mockingbirds (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle)

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4 December 1965 – Oasis, Manchester with The Crestas (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle)

5 December 1965 – Dungeon, Nottingham (website: https://dungeonmods.wordpress.com/) Billed as Bluesology Incorporated

6 December 1965 – Gig in Rochester, Kent (Melody Maker)

7 December 1965 – Birdcage, Southsea, Hants (Melody Maker)

8 December 1965 – Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley, southeast London (Melody Maker)

9 December 1965 – Paddington (most likely Cue Club), central London (Melody Maker)

10 December 1965 – Gig in Durham (most likely the university) (Melody Maker)

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11 December 1965 – Mr McCoys, Middlesbrough (Evening Gazette Middlesbrough)

14 December 1965 – Gig in Harlow, Herts (Melody Maker)

16 December 1965 – Cromwellian, South Kensington, west London (Melody Maker)

16 December 1965 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Alan Price Set (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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17 December 1965 – Domino Club, Openshaw, Greater Manchester and Princess Theatre, Chorlton, Greater Manchester with Major Lance and Manchester Playboys and Jonathan Good Tweed (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle) Billed as Bluesology Incorporated

17 December 1965 – Gig in Stockport, Greater Manchester (most likely Tabernacle) (Melody Maker)

18 December 1965 – New All-Star Club, 9 Artillery Passage, E1, London (Melody Maker)

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19 December 1965 – El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London with Duke Lee (Melody Maker)

19 December 1965 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

20 December 1965 – Cooks Ferry Inn, Edmonton, north London (Melody Maker)

 

5-19 January 1966 – Patti La Belle & The Bluebelles first tour with Bluesology 

5 January 1966 – Scotch of St James, Mayfair, central London (Melody Maker)

6 January 1966 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London (Melody Maker)

8 January 1966 – Oasis, Manchester with The Checkpoints (Melody Maker)

9 January 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

11 January 1966 – Cromwellian, South Kensington, West London (Melody Maker)

14 January 1966 – New All-Star Club, 9 Artillery Passage, London, E1 and Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

15 January 1966 – Dungeon, Nottingham (Melody Maker)

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15 January 1966 – Mojo, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (according to The Star, the billing also included Fontella Bass, The Stormsville Shakers and The Just 5 x 2. Bluesology were credited as Bluesology Inc and Pattie La Belle was billed as Tattie Rebelle & Her Belles!)

16 January 1966 – Plaza, Birmingham, West Midlands (Handsworth?) (Melody Maker)

19 January 1966 – Dancing Slipper, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire (Nottingham Evening Post) Says Wilson Pickett’s backing group

22 January 1966 – Starlight Room, Boston Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire with Pinky & The Phellows and The Triads (Lincolnshire Standard) Billed as Bluesology Incorporated

 

February 1966 – Reg Dwight’s ‘Mr Frantic’ c/w ‘Every Day I Have The Blues’ released

February 1966 – Doris Troy tour with Bluesology

5 February 1966 – Club Cedar, Birmingham, West Midlands with The Move (Birmingham Evening Mail) Billed as Bluesology Incorporated

7 February 1966 – Cavern, Liverpool with Earl Preston’s Realms and The Fix (Liverpool Echo)

11 February 1966 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London with Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Melody Maker)

11 February 1966 – El Partido, Lewisham, southeast London with Duke Lee (Melody Maker)

12 February 1966 – Oasis, Manchester with The Manchester Playboys (http://www.manchesterbeat.com/features/gig_guides/gig_diary.php)

13 February 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Chessmen (Melody Maker)

18 February 1966 – Club West Indies, Stonebridge, northwest London with Caribbean Show Band (Melody Maker)

According to an article in the Neath Guardian, dated 11 February 1966, Bluesology Incorporated backed Ben E King on a tour that ran from 18 February through to 6 March 1966.

18 February 1966 – Golders Green Refectory, Golders Green, north London (Melody Maker)

19 February 1966 – New All-Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, London, E1 with Captain First (Melody Maker)

20-21 February 1966 – Club Cedar, Birmingham, West Midlands (Birmingham Evening Mail) Billed as Bluesology Incorporated

22 February 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Spencer Davis Group (London Live: Tony Bacon)

26 February 1966 – Beachcomber Club, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)

 

March 1966 – Bluesology travels to Hamburg to play Top Ten Club with Linda Laine & The Sinners

 

3 April 1966 – The Hive Club, Wooden Bridge Hotel, Guildford, Surrey (Surrey Advertiser)

9 April 1966 – Trinity Hall, Coventry (Coventy Evening Telegraph)

12 April 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Manfred Mann (London Live: Tony Bacon)

22 April 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, London with Sands (London Live: Tony Bacon)

 

Late April/early May 1966: Inkpen leaves

+ Paul Gale – drums

Late April/early May 1966: Bishop departs

+ Freddy Gandy (aka Freddie Wonder) – bass

 

3 May-circa 21 May 1966 – Patti La Belle & The Bluebelles second UK tour 

3 May 1966 – Birdland, London (Melody Maker)

4 May 1966 – Scotch of St James, Mayfair, central London (Melody Maker)

5 May 1966 – Ram Jam, Brixton, south London (Melody Maker)

6 May 1966 – Ricky Tick, Windsor, Berkshire (Melody Maker)

7 May 1966 – New All-Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, E1, London (Melody Maker)

8 May 1966 – Oasis, Manchester with Patti La Belle & The Bluebelles and Polecatz (http://www.manchesterbeat.com/features/gig_guides/gig_diary.php)

9 May 1966 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

13 May 1966 – Flamingo, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Gass (Melody Maker)

14 May 1966 – Twisted Wheel, Manchester with Patti La Belle & The Bluebelles and The Ram Jam Band ( http://manchestersoul.co.uk/TWheel/1966.htmlManchester Evening News & Chronicle has Alan Bown instead of Bluesology for this gig

17 May 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Patti La Belle & Her Belles) and The Clayton Squares (London Live: Tony Bacon) (probably with Bluesology backing Patti La Belle)

 17 May 1966 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

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19 May 1966 – Rocky Rivers’ Top 20 Club, Conservative Club, Bedford with Patti LaBelle & Her Belles and John Williams & Tomorrow’s People (Ampthill News & Weekly Record)

21 May 1966 – Cue Club, Paddington, central London  (Melody Maker)

 21 May 1966 – Rhodes Centre, Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire (Patti La Belle & The Bluebelles with Bluesology) and The Ultimates (The Day Before Yesterday: Steve Ingless)

 

3-19 June – Ink Spots tour

3 June 1966 – RAF West Ruislip, northwest London (Melody Maker)

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4 June 1966 – Assembly Hall, Aylesbury, Bucks with The Ironsides (Bucks Advertiser)

4 June 1966 – US servicemen’s club, Douglas House, Lancaster Gate, west London (Melody Maker)

4 June 1966 – New All-Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, E1, London with Admiral Ken Sound System (Melody Maker)

5 June 1966 – Plaza Ballrooms, Birmingham, West Midlands (Melody Maker)

7 June 1966 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)

10 June 1966 – Orchid Ballroom, Purley, Surrey (Melody Maker)

10 June 1966 – New All Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, E1, London with Admiral Ken Sound System (Melody Maker)

11 June 1966 – Twisted Wheel, Manchester (Inkspots with Alan Bown Set) (Source: http://manchestersoul.co.uk/TWheel/1966.html)

12 June 1966 – Riverboat, Gainsborough, Salford, Greater Manchester (Melody Maker)

13 June 1966 – US servicemen’s club, Douglas House, Lancaster Gate, west London (Melody Maker)

15 June 1966 – Riverboat, Gainsborough, Salford, Greater Manchester (Melody Maker)

16 June 1966 – Streatham Locarno, Streatham, southwest London (Melody Maker)

17 June 1966 – Royal Tottenham, Tottenham, north London (Melody Maker)

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18 June 1966 – Plaza Ballroom, Old Hill, West Midlands (Express & Star) Billed as Bluesology Incorporated and backing Billy Stewart

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18 June 1966 – Marcam Hall, March, Cambridgeshire (Lynn News/Melody Maker)

The Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Gazette notes that Bluesology played at the White Hart in Southall, west London during June 1966.

Circa June 1966:

+ Neil Hubbard – guitar (joins around this time)

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25 June 1966 – Mojo Club, Sheffield, South Yorkshire with The Soul Agents and introducing Ian LeRoy and His Spring Collection (Melody Maker/Sheffield Star) Backing Billy (Fat Boy) Stewart

25 June 1966 – Latin Quarter, Leicester with The Train (Leicester Mercury)

25 June 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (London Live: Tony Bacon)

 

3 July 1966 – Rivertboat Club, Salford, Greater Manchester (Manchester Evening News & Chronicle) Backing Fat Boy Billy Stewart (says by public demand)

8 July 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The VIPs (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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9 July 1966 – Assembly Hall, Aylesbury, Bucks with The Gates of Eden (Bucks Advertiser) Backing The Orlons

10 July 1966 – Toft’s, Folkestone, Kent (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald) Backing Rufus Thomas

14 July 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Move (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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15 July 1966 – Beachcomber Club, Nottingham with Ralph Denyer’s Uptown Band (Nottingham Evening Post) Backing Solomon Burke

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21 July 1966 – Thorngate Ballroom, Gosport, Hampshire (Portsmouth News) Replaced Summer Set

The Kent Messenger‘s 22 July 1966 (Friday) issue, page 12, lists the band appearing at Coronation Hall in Ramsgate today and refers to Freddy Gandy as Freddie Wonder on bass! It says they are off to the South of France in August

Photo: Kent Messenger, 22 July 1966. Image may be subject to copyright

23 July 1966 – Cellar Club, Latin Quarter, Leicester with The Amboy Dukes (Leicester Mercury)

30 July 1966 – The Co-op, Rainbow Suite, Birmingham, West Midlands with Raynor’s Secrets (Birmingham Evening Mail)

31 July 1966 – 6th National Jazz and Blues Festival, Windsor, Berkshire with Georgie Fame, The Action, Cream, Dick Morrissey, Stan Tracey, Diane and Nicky, Ernestine Anderson, Alan Brown, Ronnie Scott and Harry South Orchestra (Reading Evening Post)

 

6 August 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Soul Agents (London Live: Tony Bacon)

11 August 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Move (London Live: Tony Bacon)

Mid-August-mid-September, Bluesology travels to St Tropez for a month (Papagayos).

 

17 September 1966 – Britannia Rowing Club, Nottingham with The Broodley Hoo (Nottingham Evening Post)

18 September 1966 – Britannia Rowing Club, Nottingham with The Summer Set (Nottingham Evening Post)

26 September 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (London Live: Tony Bacon)

 

7 October 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with Gary Farr & The T-Bones (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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8 October 1966 – Lion Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire with The Fix, The Connoisseurs and The Tabs (Warrington Guardian)

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15 October 1966 – 2 ‘B’s Club, Ashford, Kent with The Guests (Kentish Express)

20 October 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Move (London Live: Tony Bacon)

21-22 October 1966 – ISOW’s restaurant, Brewer Street, central London (Fabulous 208)

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28 October 1966 – Midnight City, Digbeth, West Midlands (Birmingham Evening Mail)

29 October 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Herd (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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29 October 1966 – Shoreline, Bognor Regis with Long John Baldry, The Action and David Bowie & The Buzz (Bognor Regis Post/Melody Maker)

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5 November 1966 – Flamenco, Folkestone, Kent (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

5 November 1966 – Starlight Ballroom, Crawley, West Sussex with Deadly Nightshade (billed as Long John Baldry – not sure if they have linked up with Baldry yet?)  (Crawley Advertiser)

12 November 1966 – Beachcomber Club, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)

12 November 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Herd (London Live: Tony Bacon)

Mid-November 1966: 

– Neil Hubbard departs

In mid-late November – Bluesology travel to Sweden for a mini tour where they met The Zombies (see comments) 

Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper

17 November 1966 – Gyllene Cirkeln, Stockholm, Sweden with Bernt Rosengren Kvartett (Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper)

Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper

19 November 1966 – Gyllene Cirkeln, Stockholm, Sweden Bernt Rosengren Kvartett, Carla Bley and Mike Mantler Quintet (Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper)

Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper

20 November 1966 – Nalen, Stockholm, Sweden with Sooner or Later, Few, Crowds, Lynx (Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper)

Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper

21 November 1966 – Hit-House, Stockholm, Sweden with The Wizards, The Quints, Guards, Sooner or Later, Tumble Downs (Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper)

22 November 1966 – Gyllene Cirkeln, Stockholm, Sweden (Thanks to Mats Jarl for research from Dagens Nyheter newspaper)

Late November 1966: 

– Paul Gale departs while the band is in Sweden

+ Pete Gavin – drums (ex-Soul Pushers)

1 December 1966 – Burton Manor, Stafford, Staffordshire (Stafford Newsletter)

Around this time, Bluesology become Long John Baldry’s back-up band

+ Long John Baldry – vocals

+ Alan Walker – vocals (ex-Roadhogs)

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4 December 1966 – Redcar Jazz Club, Coatham Hotel, Redcar with The Bluecaps (Billed as Long John Baldry with Alan Walker, Stewart Brown and Bluesology) (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

8 December 1966 – Thorngate Ballroom, Gosport, Hants (Portsmouth News)

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9 December 1966 – Flamenco, Folkestone, Kent (Folkestone, Hythe & District Herald)

11 December 1966 – Saville Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue, central London with Little Richard and Alan Price Set (Melody Maker)

14 December 1966 – Bolton College of Arts Ball, Rivington Barn, Horwich, Bolton, Greater Manchester with Mike Stevens & The Big Tickle, The Chasers and The North Side Six (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) (Bolton Evening News)

18 December 1966 – Beau Brummell Club, Alvaston Hall Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire with The Raynes (The Chronicle)

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20 December 1966 – Guildford Civic Hall, Guildford, Surrey with The Alan Price Set (Surrey Advertiser)

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24 December 1966 – White Bicycle, Maple Ballroom, Northampton (billed as Long John Baldry Show plus Bluesology) (Northampton Chronicle)

27 December 1966 – Concorde, Basset Hotel, Southampton, Hants (Southern Evening Echo)

30 December 1966 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as Long John Baldry Show) with The Good-Goods (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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31 December 1966 – Blue Moon, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (billed as Long John Baldry featuring Alan Walker, Stuart Brown & Bluesology) (Gloucestershire Echo/Gloucester Citizen)

 

1 January 1967 – Hotel Leofric, Coventry (billed as Long John Baldry and His new group Bluesology) (Coventry Evening Telegraph)

7 January 1967 – Glastonbury Town Hall, Glastonbury, Somerset with Deep Line (billed as Long John Baldry and his fabulous backing group Bluesology with Alan Walker and Stewart A Brown) (Western Gazette)

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7 January 1967 – Matlock Bath Pavilion, Matlock, Derbyshire with Memphis Blues (billed as Long John Baldry with Alan Walker, Stewart Brown and Bluesology) (Derby Evening Telegraph)

8 January 1967 – Union Rowing Club, Nottingham (billed as Long John Baldry with Alan Walker, Stewart Brown and Bluesology) (Nottingham Evening Post)

Circa early January 1967:

Pat Higgs and Dave Murphy both leave with Higgs joining Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement

+ Marsha Hunt – vocals

+ Elton Dean – saxophone (ex-Soul Pushers)

+ Marc Charig – saxophone (ex-Sidewinders and Sonny Childe & The TNT)

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15 January 1967 – Gyro Club, Troutbeck Hotel, IIlkley, West Yorkshire (billed as Long John Baldry with Bluesology) (Yorkshire Evening Post)

31 January 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (billed as Long John Baldry) (Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek: Dick Weindling and Marianne Colloms)

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4 February 1967 – Blue Moon, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (billed as Long John Baldry Show featuring Alan Walker, Stuart Brown and The Bluesology) (Gloucester Citizen)

10 February 1967 – Il Rondo, Leicester (billed as Long John Baldry with Bluesology) (Leicester Mercury)

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12 February 1967 – Kirklevington Country Club, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire (billed as Long John Baldry plus The Bluesology) (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

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18 February 1967 – Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, Norfolk with The Soul Concern (North Norfolk News)

19 February 1967 – Oasis, Manchester (billed as Long John Baldry and Bluesology) (Manchester Evening News)

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25 February 1967 – Glastonbury Town Hall, Glastonbury with The Generation (billed as Long John Baldry with Bluesology featuring Alan Walker and Stuart A Brown) (Western Gazette)

26 February 1967 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (PACE magazine)

 

3 March 1967 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)

9 March 1967 – New Locarno Ballroom, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (The Star)

12 March 1967 – Union Rowing Club, Nottingham (billed as Long John Baldry Show featuring Stewart A Brown, Alan Walker with Bluesology) (Nottingham Evening Post)

17 March 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London with The Long John Baldry Show and Timebox (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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19 March 1967 – Redcar Jazz Club, Coatham Hotel, Redcar with The Panthers (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

24 March 1967 – Sinking Ship Clubland, Stockport, Greater Manchester (billed as Long John Baldry plus Bluesology) with Baron (Manchester Evening News)

25 March 1967 – 2 ‘B’s Club, Ashford, Kent with The Silhouettes  (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Kentish Express)

26 March 1967 – Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (billed as Long John Baldry Show with Stuart Brown, Alan Walker and Bluesology) (Staffordshire Newsletter)

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1 April 1967 – Matlock Bath Pavilion, Matlock (Nottingham Evening Post)

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3 April 1967 – Feathers, Ealing, Middlesex (billed as Long John Baldry & Bluesology) (Melody Maker)

7 April 1967 – Il Rondo, Leicester (billed as Long John Baldry and Bluesology) (Leicester Mercury)

8 April 1967 – Spa Royal Hall, Bridlington, North Yorkshire with The Sons of Witch (billed as Long John Baldry and Bluesology) (Hull Daily Mail)

16 April 1967 – Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, West London (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Melody Maker)

21 April 1967 – Marquee,  Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) with Timebox (London Live: Tony Bacon)

22 April 1967 – Blue Moon, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (billed as Long John Baldry featuring Alan Walker) (Gloucester Citizen)

24 April 1967 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Express & Star)

 

2 May 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (billed as Long John Baldry) (Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek: Dick Weindling and Marianne Colloms)

11 May 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (billed as Bluesology) (Decca Studios and Klooks Kleek: Dick Weindling and Marianne Colloms)

12 May 1967 – The Cavalier Club, Golders Green, north London (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Melody Maker)

21 May 1967 – Co-op, Warrington, Cheshire (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Manchester Evening Post)

 

1 June 1967 – Clouds, Derby ‘for Derby College Students’ Rag Week’ (billed as Long John Baldry Show with Bluesology and Pepper’s Machine) (Derby Evening Telegraph)

5 June 1967 – Quaintways, Chester, Cheshire with The Waterboard, The Chymes and Wall City Jazzmen (billed as Long John Baldry with Stewart A Brown, Alan Walker and Bluesology) (Chester Chronicle)

9 June 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldy Show) with C-Jam Blues (London Live: Tony Bacon)

12 June 1967 – Broadway Club, Dudley Zoo, West Midlands (billed as Long John Baldry Show, Bluesology, Stewart A Brown, Alan Walker) (Express & Star)

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17 June 1967 – Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, Norfolk with Soul Concern (billed as The Long John Baldry Show with Alan Walker, Stuart A Brown and Bluesology) (North Norfolk News)

17 June 1967 – Union Rowing Club, Nottingham (Billed as Long John Baldry with Bluesology featuring Stewart A Brown and Alan Walker) (Nottingham Evening Post)

 

1 July 1967 – Wulfrun Halls, Wolverhampton, West Midlands with Th Chequers and Boston (billed as Long John Baldry) (Express & Star)

16 July 1967 – Starlite Ballroom, Greenford, west London (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Melody Maker)

28 July 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) with The Workshop (Melody Maker)

 

11 August 1967 – Bluesville ’67, Manor House, north London (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Melody Maker)

14 August 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) with Jimmy Powell & The Dimensions (Melody Maker)

20 August 1967 – Carlton Ballroom, Erdington, West Midlands (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Birmingham Evening Mail)

26 August 1967 – New All Star Club, 9a Artillery Passage, E1, London (Melody Maker)

29 August 1967 – Nottingham Blues Festival, Sherwood Rooms, Nottingham with Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound and Wynder K Frog (Derby Evening Telegraph)

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2 September 1967 – Leas Cliffe Hall, Folkestone, Kent (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) (Folkestone & Hythe Gazette)

3 September 1967 – Beau Brummel Club, Nantwich, Cheshire (billed as Long John Baldry, Bluesology, Stewart A Brown, Marsha Hunt and The Scorpions) (Northwich Chronicle)

10 September 1967 – Hotel Leofric, Coventry, West Midlands (billed as Long John Baldry Show with Stuart A Brown and Marsha Hunt and Deuce Coupe) (Coventry Evening Telegraph)

12 September 1967 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (billed as Long John Baldry) (Melody Maker)

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15 September 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldry Show with Marsha Hunt, Stuart Brown and Bluesology) (Melody Maker)

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16 September 1967 – Glastonbury Town Hall, Glastonbury (billed as Long John Baldry Show with Bluesology) (Somerset County Gazette)

27 September 1967 – Liverpool College of Building Students’ Union, Grafton Rooms, West Derby, Liverpool with The Fix, The Undertakers and Magic Lanterns (billed as Long John Baldry with Bluesology) (Liverpool Echo)

 

5 October 1967 – ‘Since I Lost My Baby’ c/w ‘Just A Little Bit’ released (http://www.45cat.com/record/56195)

8 October 1967 – Warmingham Grange Country Club, Warmingham, Cheshire with  Life ‘N’ Soul and Harry Brown Sound with Val (The Chronicle)

19 October 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) with Timebox (London Live: Tony Bacon)

 

3 November 1967 – G-Ranch Discotheque, Maidstone, Kent (billed as The Long John Baldry Show with Marsha Hunt, Stuart Brown and Bluesology) (Maidstone Gazette)

6 November 1967 – Staffordshire Yeomen, Stafford, Staffordshire (billed as Long John Baldry and Marsha Hunt) (Staffordshire Newsletter)

Early-mid November 1967: 

– Stu Brown leaves around this time to record as solo artist

+ Caleb Quaye – lead guitar/vocals

23 November 1967 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as The Long John Baldry Show) with The Nite People (London Live: Tony Bacon)

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14 December 1967 – Ritz Club, Skewen, south Wales (South Wales Evening Post) Billed as Long John Baldry & Show

14 December 1967 – Penthouse, Birmingham, West Midlands with Skip Bifferty (Express & Star)

16 December 1967 – Imperial, Nelson, Lancashire with Granny Intentions and The Ways & Means (Burnley Express & Burnley News) Does not list Bluesology

 

4 January 1968 – Tito’s, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside (billed as Long John Baldry) (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

 

17 February 1968 – Pier Pavilion, Felixstowe, Suffolk with Sheridan Eight (Ipswich Evening Star) Does not list Bluesology

23 February 1968 – Clockwork Orange, Chester, Cheshire (billed as Long John Baldry and the Long John Baldry Show and Soul Finger) (Northwich Chronicle)

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3 March 1968 – Redcar Jazz Club, Coatham Hotel, Redcar with The Skyliners (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

Just before Reg Dwight and Caleb Quaye left, Bluesology may have played at the Top Ten in Hamburg again

March/April 1968:

– Reg Dwight and Caleb Quaye leave Bluesology

+ Bernie Holland – guitar (ex-Jam)

(Source: Georgie Fame – There’s Nothing Else To Do. Life and Music: Uli Twelker)

+ Jimmy Horowitz – keyboards (ex-Five Proud Walkers and Robert Hirst & The Big Taste) 

Image may be subject to copyright

16 March 1968 – George Ballroom, Hinckley, Leicestershire with Pandora’s Box, The Sun Trolley and Tommy T & Scrubby (billed as Long John Baldry plus The Bluesology) (Leicester Mercury)

23 March 1968 – Locarno, Derby (billed as Long John Baldry Show) (Derbyshire Evening Telegraph)

26 March 1968 – Mr Smith’s Club, Winsford, Cheshire (billed as Long John Baldry) with Look Twice (Northwich Chronicle)

 

1 April 1968 – Matlock Bath, Matlock, Derby with The Screen (billed as Long John Baldry Show: Alan Walker, Stuart Walkers (sic) and Bluesology) (Derbyshire Evening Telegraph)

30 April 1968 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (billed as Long John Baldry (London Live: Tony Bacon)

In late 1968 the group backed The Paper Dolls before splintering.

Image may be subject to copyright

16 November 1968 – Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, Norfolk with Music Hath Charms and Barries Magazine (North Norfolk News) This was The Paper Dolls backed by Bluesology

Huge thanks to Keith Hayward for help with some of the narrative. 

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 authors.

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