The 2 ‘B’s Club, located at 2B Bank Street in Ashford, Kent, was a short-lived music venue that had previously hosted local bands when it was known as the Beat House.
However, in July 1966 it changed name and began advertising better known visiting groups such as The Birds (with Ron Wood on guitar) who opened the new venue, David Bowie & The Buzz, Bluesology (featuring future solo star Elton John) and The Gods (with Mick Taylor on guitar) among others.
I’ve started a list of acts, taken from the Kentish Express newspaper, which advertised gigs for Saturdays and Sundays, from its opening night on 16 July until its closure; the exact date is unclear, but the newspaper stopped advertising the venue around early May 1967.
Please leave comments with any memories and missing acts.
Photo may be subject to copyright
16 July 1966 – The Birds and The Oscar Brooke Bluesette
17 July 1966 – The Bo Street Runners and The Noyse
23 July 1966 – The Noyse
24 July 1966 – The Riot Squad and The Oscar Brooke Bluesette
Photo may be subject to copyright
30 July 1966 – The Stormsville Shakers and The Noyse
31 July 1966 – The Herd and The Noyse
Photo may be subject to copyright
6 August 1966 – The Downliners Sect and support
7 August 1966 – The Shades of Black
Missing dates here
Photo may be subject to copyright
27 August 1966 – The Fingers and The Pastel Shades
28 August 1966 – The Shades of Black
29 August 1966 – The Noblemen and The End (this is a Monday)
Photo may be subject to copyright
3 September 1966 – Cops ‘N’ Robbers
4 September 1966 – Chaos
10 September 1966 – Steve Darbyshire & The Yum Yum Band and Bobby Gibson & The 004s
11 September 1966 – The Stormsville Shakers and The Moral Set
Photo may be subject to copyright
17 September 1966 – Dave Anthony’s Moods
18 September 1966 – missing gig
Photo may be subject to copyright
24 September 1966 – David Bowie & The Buzz
25 September 1966 – Parker’s Mood (replaced by The Couriers)
1 October 1966 – The Fingers
2 October 1966 – Pastel Shades
Missing dates here
Photo may be subject to copyright
15 October 1966 – Bluesology and The Guests
16 October 1966 – The Suspect
21 October 1966 – The End (this is a Friday)
22 October 1966 – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers and The Shades of Black
23 October 1966 – The King Pins
Photo may be subject to copyright
29 October 1966 – Julian Covey & The Machine and The Noyse (featuring Mouse)
30 October 1966 – The Mixed Feelings
5 November 1966 – Philip Goodhand Tait & The Stormsville Shakers and The End
6 November 1966 – The Noyse (featuring Mouse)
Photo may be subject to copyright
12 November 1966 – The Majority (straight from the Playboy Club, London) with support
13 November 1966 – The Kult
Missing dates here
Photo may be subject to copyright
26 November 1966 – The [Mike] Stuart Span plus support
27 November 1966 – The Rebounce
Missing dates here
24 December 1966 – MI Five and Moral Set
Photo may be subject to copyright
26 December 1966 – The Savoy Brown Blues Band and Shades of Black
Photo may be subject to copyright
31 December 1966 – The Motivation (ex-Noblemen) and The Suspects
1 January 1967 – The Meantimers
Missing dates here
Photo may be subject to copyright
14 January 1967 – The Gods and The Roots of Evil
15 January 1967 – The End
21 January 1967 – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers and The Rebounds
22 January 1967 – The Poor Boys
Missing dates here
Photo may be subject to copyright
4 February 1967 – Motivation (ex-Noblemen) and Spectre Quin Team and Vaughan & Diana
5 February 1967 – Vaughan & Diana’s Spin
Missing dates here
Photo may be subject to copyright
18 February 1967 – The Warren Davis Monday Band with support
19 February 1967 – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
Missing dates here
4 March 1967 – Heinz & The Wild Boys and The Suspects and Vaughan & Diana
Photo may be subject to copyright
5 March 1967 – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
11 March 1967 – The Joyce Bond Show
12 March 1967 – Missing gig
Photo may be subject to copyright
18 March 1967 – The Gods
19 March 1967 – Heart & Soul
Photo may be subject to copyright
25 March 1967 – Long John Baldry Show and The Silhouettes
The entry below should be credited to David Jackson, Chris Stanbury, Mike Williams and Richard Goddard who own the copyright on the following.
The story of the Blue Moon Club, Cheltenham began lunchtime on the 25th December 1964 as the then twenty-year-old John Norman and his elder brother Eddie were eating their Christmas Day lunch in the Headstone Hotel in West London. For some time under the guidance of Eddie the pair had been running regular live music events in and around Middlesex, including The Fender Club, Kenton; The Memorial Hall, Harrow Weald; The Railway Hotel, North Harrow; The New Georgian Club, Cowley and the original Blue Moon Club in Hayes. In what would soon turned out to be a stroke of good luck for all concerned like-minded jazz musician and local music promotions rival Bill Reid was also in the restaurant that Christmas Day and overhearing Eddie and John’s conversation he made his way to their table saying to the brothers that he had often had similar thoughts of expansion.
Bill was well known to John and Eddie for his jazz-orientated promotions with fellow jazz enthusiast and business partner Jack Fallon. At the South Harrow Jazz Club, they would book such names as Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Bill said he would be interested in their new venture suggesting they join forces and follow up the advertisement with a trip out ‘West’ to check out the premises in Cheltenham’s High Street.
The club opened on the 17th July 1965 and closed its doors finally on 17th May 1967 and was probably one of best of a small band of regional Mod clubs outside of London
The Action appeared nine times, followed by Gary Farr & The T-Bones who appeared eight times lead the way for visiting bands from outside the local area; local group The Alan Walker Band, managed by the club owners appeared nine times. The club will be well remembered for appearances of Jimi Hendrix and Cream
The artists and performance dates were sourced via original club members and club management flyers along with advertisements placed in The Gloucestershire Echo and The Citizen newspapers held at the local Archive Offices in Cheltenham and Gloucester, John Norman Stephen Reid, son of the late co-owner Bill Reid and fellow Blue Moon book researchers David Jackson, Chris Stanbury, Mike Williams and myself Richard Goddard.
1965
17 July 1965 – The Bo Street Runners (Grand opening night)
18 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
21 July 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
22 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
23 July 1965 – Ups ‘N’ Downs
24 July 1965 – Ray Martin Combo (aka Ray Martin Group)
25 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
28 July 1965 – The Chessmen featuring Tony Knight
29 July 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
30 July 1965 – Alan Walker’s Roadhogs (says first appearance at the Blue Moon)
31 July 1965 – The London Crowd (says from the West’s End’s Marquee and Flamingo)
1 August 1965 – Dave Whittling (top London folk singer) plus discotheque
4 August 1965 – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
5 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
6 August 1965 – Sons of Fred
7 August 1965 – The Artwoods (says that sensational recording group from RSG)
8 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
11 August 1965 – The Who (says Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere!!!)
13 August 1965 – Mickey Finn & The Blue Men
14 August 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs
15 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
18 August 1965 – The Ram Jam Band featuring Geno Washington
19 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
20 August 1965 – The Strats (says the newest sound to follow “Them” from Ireland
21 August 1965 – The Bo Street Runners (says by fantastic demand –the return of)
22 August 1965 – Discotheque
25 August 1965 – Steam Packet featuring Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Rod Stewart & Julie Driscoll
26 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque
27 August 1965 – The Tyrants (says top group from the West)
28 August 1965 – The Shevelles
29 August 1965 – Discotheque
30 August 1965 – Discotheque
31 August 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett/discotheque & dance auditions
1 September 1965 –T-Bones (says great London sound of the)
2 September 1965 – Discotheque
3 September 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs (says fantastic demand, the return of)
4 September 1965 – Davy Jones & The Lower Third (says by request)
5 September 1965 – Discotheque
8 September 1965 – The Graham Bond Organisation
9 September 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque
10 September 1965 – The London Crowd (says from the West End those sensational)
11 September 1965 – The “0-0” Soul Show featuring Alex Harvey & Jimmy Cliff
12 September 1965 – Discotheque
15 September 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (says by fantastic demand)
16 September 1965 – Discotheque
17 September 1965 – Ram Jam Band featuring Geno Washington (says by fantastic demand the return of)
Photo from Richard Goddard
18 September 1965 – Boz & The Boz People (says sensational new sound)
19 September 1965 – Discotheque (says best record selection anywhere!)
22 September 1965 – Lou Johnson plus Sonny & The Cool School (says direct from the States)
23 September 1965 – Discotheque
24 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Nightimers (says from London’s West End)
25 September 1965 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (says by fantastic demand the return of)
26 September 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque
27 September 1965 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (says reckoned the absolute tops. Don’t dare miss this!)
30 September 1965 – Discotheque
1 October 1965 – Discotheque
2 October 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says sensational London group)
3 October 1965 – Discotheque
6 October 1965 – The Shevelles (says the fabulous and unique sound of)
7 October 1965 – Discotheque
8 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque
9 October 1965 – John Lee & The Groundhogs (says fantastic demand, the return of)
10 October 1965 – Discotheque
13 October 1965 – The Mike Cotton Sound (says sensational must be heard)
14 October 1965 – Discotheque
15 October 1965 – Discotheque
16 October 1965 – The Chessmen (says fantastic demand, the return of London’s top group)
17 October 1965 – Discotheque
20 October 1965 – Steam Packet featuring Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Rod Stewart & Julie Driscoll
21 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque
22 October 1965 – Discotheque
23 October 1965 – The Silence (says from London’s Flamingo & West End)
24 October 1965 – Discotheque
27 October 1965 – The Small Faces (says “Whatcha Gonna Do About It”) plus The Advocates
28 October 1965 – DJ Dave Bennett /discotheque
29 October 1965 – Discotheque
30 October 1965 – The Hellions (says west country’s top recording stars the sensational)
31 October 1965 – Discotheque
3 November 1965 – Zoot Money (says by fantastic demand the return of)
4 November 1965 – Discotheque
5 November 1965 – Discotheque
6 November 1965 – Blues Hounds (says Spencer Davis is raving about the sensational)
7 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group
10 November 1965 – The Graham Bond Organisation (says by fantastic demand)
11 November 1965 – Discotheque
12 November 1965 – Discotheque
13 November 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says by fantastic demand the return of)
14 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group
17 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (Alan Price advertised but did not play)
20 November 1965 – The Alan Bown Set (says Gent’s please note, Ties to be worn (Saturdays only)
21 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group
24 November 1965 – Advertised -From USA – ‘In the Midnight Hour” Wilson Pickett, did not appear.
26 November 1965 – The Alan Walker Group
27 November 1965 – The Action (says TV’s Disc-A-Go-Go tonight choosing 100 dancers for next Wednesday’s show.
28 November 1965 – Discotheque
2 December 1965 – Hedgehoppers Anonymous + The Alan Walker Group
3 December 1965 – Discotheque (Featuring Dave Bennett as your DJ)
4 December 1965 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll and Rod ‘The Mod’ Stewart
5 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group
9 December 1965 – The Spencer Davis Group plus The Hellions
10 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says only 14 more days)
11 December 1965 – The Downliners Sect (says, Sensational Recording and R & B Group …The Exciting)
12 December 1965 – Discotheque (Extra shilling charged on admission to go towards Children’s Party)
16 December 1965 – The Action (says, By overwhelming demand, the return of the…)
17 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says, Only 7 more days)
18 December 1965 – The Hellions plus The Advocates
19 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group (says, Getting Warmer)
23 December 1965 – Discotheque (says, Pre warm up for tomorrow)
24 December 1965 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christmas Party)
26 December 1965 – The Alan Walker Group plus The Advocates (says Boxing Day Bonanza)
27 December 1965 – Discotheque
30 December 1965 – Discotheque
31 December 1965 – John Lee and The Groundhogs (New Years Eve Party)
1966
1 January 1965 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, Start the New Year at the Moon)
2 January 1965 – Discotheque (says, Back to normal!! Whew, what a week!!!)
6 January 1965 – The Birds (says, Sensational London Group)
7 January 1965 – Discotheque (DJ Dave Bennett, in the cage)
8 January 1965 – The Shakedown Sounds (says, Birmingham and London top group, by demand the)
9 January 1965 – Discotheque
12 January 1966 – Fontella Bass plus Quiet Five (says, one sensational night only! “Rescue Me” From the USA)
13 January 1966 – The Alan Walker Group
14 January 1966 – Discotheque (DJ Dave Bennett)
15 January 1966 – The Fairies (says, sensational London Group – R S G -Thank Your Lucky Stars)
16 January 1966 – The Advocates
20 January 1966 – The Pretty Things (says, You may hate them, you may love them)
21 January 1966 – Discotheque
22 January 1966 – The Action (says, the group you’ve all been waiting for)
23 January 1966 – Discotheque
27 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey plus The Advocates (says, The Sensational ” Ride Your Pony” Man)
28 January 1966 – Discotheque
29 January 1966 – James Royal and The Hawks (says, the up and coming London group)
30 January 1966 – Discotheque
3 February 1966 – Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds (says, the one and only)
4 February 1966 – Discotheque
5 February 1966 – The Carnaby (says, the street and band the whole country is talking about)
6 February 1966 – Discotheque
10 February 1966 – Doris Troy (says, “What Gonna Do About It” “Heartaches”)
11 February 1966 – Discotheque
12 February 1966 – Jimmy Brown Sound (says, the only Band that could back Ben. E. King on his last tour)
13 February 1966 – Discotheque
17 February 1966 – Zoot Money and his Big Roll Band (says, The Showman himself)
18 February 1966 – Discotheque
19 February 1966 – The Alan Bown Set
20 February 1966 – Discotheque
24 February 1966 – John Lee’s Groundhogs (says, Moon’s most favourite group)
25 February 1966 – Discotheque
26 February 1966 – The Advocates
27 February 1966 – Discotheque
3 March 1966 – Jimmy Cliffs Dynamic All Soul Show, Pete Hodges New Generation featuring Ayesha.
4 March 1966 – Discotheque
5 March 1966 – The Statesides (says, top London group with a big line-up)
6 March 1966 – Discotheque
7 March 1966 – The Advocates (Yardbirds advertised, did not play)
10 March 1966 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, and Brian Auger Trinity.
11 March 1966 – Discotheque
12 March 1966 – Mickey Finn (says, by overwhelming demand – the sensational)
13 March 1966 – Discotheque
16 March 1966 – Discotheque
17 March 1966 – The Birds (says, by request, the return of the dynamic)
18 March 1966 – Discotheque
19 March 1966 – John Lee’s Groundhogs
20 March 1966 – Discotheque
23 March 1966 – Discotheque
25 March 1966 – Discotheque
26 March 1966 – The Rosco Brown Combo (says, big London line-up… from London’s Marquee)
27 March 1966 – Discotheque
30 March 1966 – Discotheque (says, your first drink on the house)
1 April 1966 – Discotheque
2 April 1966 – Steam Packet: – Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, and Brian Auger Trinity
3 April 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.
6 April 1966 – Discotheque
8 April 1966 – Discotheque
9 April 1966 – The Action (says, Sensational London Group)
10 April 1966 – Discotheque
11 April 1966 – The Alan Walker Group (says, After a long absence — from London’s Marquee & Flamingo)
13 April 1966 – Discotheque
15 April 1966 – Discotheque
16 April 1966 – The Crowd
17 April 1966 – Discotheque
20 April 1966 – Discotheque
22 April 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)
23 April 1966 – The Alan Bown Set (says, by demand, the sensational.)
24 April 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
27 April 1966 – Discotheque
29 April 1966 – Discotheque
30 April 1966 – Gary Farr and the T-Bones (says, sensational London Group)
1 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.
4 May 1966 – Discotheque
6 May 1966 – Discotheque
7 May 1966 – The Action (says, by overwhelming demand)
8 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage.
11 May 1966 – Discotheque
13 May 1966 – Discotheque
14 May 1 966 – The Good Goods (formerly known as The Advocates)
15 May 1966 – Discotheque
18 May 1966 – Discotheque
20 May 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett
21 May 1966 – The Shotgun Express: – Rod Stewart, Beryl Marsden, Peter B’s Looners, (great new steam packet)
22 May 1966 – Discotheque
25 May 1966 – Discotheque
27 May 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)
28 May 1966 – The Deep Feeling (formerly The Hellions)
30 May 1966 – The Buzz
1 June 1966 – Discotheque
2 June 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says, back by popular demand)
3 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett
4 June 1966 – The Jimmy Brown Sound
5 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett
8 June 1966 – Discotheque
10 June 1966 – Discotheque
11 June 1966 – The Shevelles (says, from London’s Flamingo, the exciting)
12 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett
15 June 1966 – Earl Richmond (says, Radio London’s DJ)
17 June 1966 – Discotheque
18 June 1966 – The Falling Leaves (says, Oxfords top group)
19 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett
22 June 1966 – Discotheque
24 June 1966 – Discotheque (the weekend starts here)
25 June 1966 – Jimmy James and The Vagabonds (says, by absolutely overwhelming demand)
26 June 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett
29 June 1966 – Discotheque
1 July 1966 – Discotheque
2 July 1966 – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (says, don’t miss this)
3 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
6 July 1966 – Discotheque
8 July 1966 – Discotheque
9 July 1966 – David Bowie and The Buzz
10 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
13 July 1966 – Discotheque
15 July 1966 – Discotheque
16 July 1966 – The Alan Bown Set plus The Bo Street Runners (says, first birthday party night)
17 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
20 July 1966 – Discotheque
22 July 1966 – Discotheque
23 July 1966 – The Good Goods
24 July 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
27 July 1966 – Discotheque
29 July 1966 – Discotheque
30 July 1966 – James Royal and The Hawks (afternoon opening for staff and members to watch World Cup)
3 August 1966 – Discotheque
5 August 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
6 August 1966 – The Action
7 August 1966 – Discotheque
10 August 1966 – Discotheque
12 August 1966 – Discotheque
Photo from Richard Goddard
13 August 1966 – Cream (says, don’t dare miss this)
14 August 1966 – Discotheque
15 August 1966 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, back again by demand)
17 August 1966 – Discotheque
19 August 1966 – Discotheque
20 August 1966 – Keith Powell and Billie Davis plus top band.
21 August 1966 – DJ Dave Bennett – in the Cage
24 August 1966 – Discotheque
26 August 1966 – Discotheque
27 August 1966 – Gary Farr and The T- Bones (says, back again by demand, the fantastic sound of)
28 August 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
31 August 1966 – Discotheque
2 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
3 September 1966 – The Koobas (say’s, Latest Recording “Sweet Music)
4 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
7 September 1966 – Discotheque
9 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
10 September 1966 – The Graham Bond Organisation
11 September 1966 – Discotheque
14 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
16 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
17 September 1966 –The Shevelles
18 September 1966 – Discotheque
21 September 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
23 September 1966 – DJ Frankie & Rocky
24 September 1966 – The Action (says, don’t be late for this one, free admission with advert)
25 September 1966 – Discotheque
28 September 1966 – Discotheque
30 September 1966 – DJ Frankie & Rocky
1 October 1966 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones
2 October 1966 – Discotheque
5 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
7 October 1966 – Discotheque
8 October 1966 – Dace Anthony’s Mood (says, from London’s Marquee. the big sound of) This is Dave Anthony’s Moods
9 October 1966 – Discotheque
12 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
13 October 1966 – Discotheque
15 October 1966 – The Falling Leaves (says, knockout group, currently playing at Tiles
16 October 1966 – Discotheque
19 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
21 October 1966 – Discotheque
22 October 1966 – Alvin Robinson (‘Something You Got” “Searching “ and Down Home Girl”)
23 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
26 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
28 October 1966 – Discotheque
29 October 1966 – Ray King Soul Band featuring James Royal (says, from Tiles the big sound of)
30 October 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
2 November 1966 – Discotheque
4 November 1966 – Discotheque
5 November 1966 – The Artwoods (says, the awaited return of London’s)
6 November 1966 – Discotheque
9 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
11 November 1966 – Discotheque
12 November 1966 – Nepenthe and the Subterraneans (says, from America, the way-out sounds of)
13 November 1966 – Discotheque
Photo from Richard Goddard
18 November 1966 – Lee Dorsey plus supporting show (support band the Good Goods)
19 November 1966 – Cream (says, England’s top group)
20 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
26 November 1966 – Discotheque
27 November 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
29 November 1966 – The Alan Bown Set (says, the sensational)
1 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
2 December 1966 – Discotheque
3 December 1966 – The Koobas
4 December 1966 – Discotheque
7 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
9 December 1966 – Discotheque
10 December 1966 – Zoot Money and his Big Roll (says, that Raving Looner)
11 December 1966 – Discotheque
14 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
16 December 1966 – Discotheque
17 December 1966 – The Move (says, the Psychedelic Phenomena)
18 December 1966 – Surprise band
21 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
23 December 1966 –Surprise Band
24 December 1966 – Gary Farr and the T-Bones (Christmas Eve Party)
26 December 1966 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
28 December 1966 – Discotheque
30 December 1966 – Discotheque (says, warm up for tomorrows rave)
31 December 1966 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology
1967
1 January 1967 – Discotheque (says, phew its all over, back to normal, back to work tomorrow)
5 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
6 January 1967 – Discotheque (says, the weekend starts here)
7 January 1967 – Brian Auger Trinity Ft Julie Discoll
8 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
11 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
13 January 1967 – Discotheque
14 January 1967 – The Alan Bown (says, the awaited return of London’s)
15 January 1967 – The Good Goods
18 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
20 January 1967 – Discotheque
21 January 1967 – The Frame (from Birmingham, recorded “Doctor” “ I can’t go on” RCA Records)
22 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
23 January 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
27 January 1967 – Discotheque & Go Go Competition
28 January 1967 – Gary Farr and The T-Bones (says, after Christmas Eves fantastic rave)
29 January 1967 – Discotheque
1 February 1967 – Discotheque
3 February 1967 – Discotheque (says, phew its all over, back to normal, back to work tomorrow)
4 February 1967 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology
5 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky and the Moon Go Go Girls
8 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
10 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
11 February 1967 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
12 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
15 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
17 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (Says, the weekend starts here)
18 February 1967 – The Action (says, back again by demand. The fantastic sound of)
19 February 1967 – Discotheque
22 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
24 February 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (says, the weekend starts here)
25 February 1967 – Alan Bown (says, by demand, the return)
26 February 1967 – Discotheque
1 March 1967 – Geno Washington (says, one night only, on stage in person)
3 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
4 March 1967 – Sack’O’Woe
5 March 1967 – Discotheque and Go Go competition)
Photo from Richard Goddard
8 March 1967 – Lee Dorsey (says, by fantastic demand, the return of)
10 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
11 March 1967 – The Chessmen (says, London’s sensational)
12 March 1967 – Miss Go Go final discotheque.
15 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
17 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (Says, the weekend starts here)
18 March 1967 – Brian Auger Trinity Ft Julie Discoll
19 March 1967 – Discotheque
22 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
24 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
25 March 1967 – The Action (says, by fantastic demand)
26 March 1967 – Discotheque
27 March 1967 – Easter Egg Rave Discotheque
29 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
31 March 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky (says, the weekend starts here)
1 April 1967 – P.P.Arnold and The Mike Cotton Sound Ft Lucas (says, April fools rave)
2 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
5 April 1967 – Discotheque
7 April 1967 – Discotheque
8 April 1967 – John L Watson and The Webb (says, Americas….)
9 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
12 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
14 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Rocky
15 April 1967 – The Chessmen Ft Owen Gray (says, by fantastic demand – return of)
16 April 1967 – Top DJ’s (DJ’s from other clubs owned the Moon owners)
19 April 1967 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
21 April 1967 – DJ’s Frankie & Mad Jim (Jim Donovan, from the1600 club in Hereford)
22 April 1967 – Long John Baldry Show Ft Alan Walker & Stuart Brown & Bluesology
23 April 1967 – Top DJ’s
26 April 1967 – The Drifters (believed to be The Invitations)
28 April 1967 –Top DJ’s
29 April 1967 – The Soul Sisters (says, from America … The Dynamic Exciting.)
30 April 1967 – Discotheque
3 May 1967 – Discotheque
5 May 1967 – Discotheque
6 May 1967 – Cliff Bennett (an unannounced appearance)
7 May 1967 – Top DJ’s (Mad Jim, Tony Lott & Frankie used over the final club dates)
10 May 1967 – Discotheque
12 May 1967 – Discotheque
10 May 1967 – Discotheque
13 May 1967 – The Dual (the last band to play at the club)
14 May 1967 – The last Sunday discotheque at the Moon
Welcome to another posting of a series of gig listings for 1960s bands. None of these lists is exhaustive and my idea is to add to them in the comments section below over time. They are here for future researchers to draw on. I have also added a few interesting bits of information and will add images in time.
I’d like to encourage band members to get in touch to share memories, or for anyone to send corrections/clarifications to my email: Warchive@aol.com
Equally important, if you attended any of the gigs below or played in the support band, please do leave your memories below in the comments section for future historians to use. If you know of any missing gigs, please add them too, if possible, with the sources.
THE ATTACK:
Singer Richard Shirman and bass player Gerry Henderson were working in Earl’s Court-based group, The Soul System with guitarist Bob Taylor and keyboard player Dennis Hooker.
Guitarist David O’List who was working with The Richard Henry Sensation met Henderson at a supermarket in Earl’s Court and was invited to a Soul System rehearsal around early November 1966.
After joining The Soul System, O’List says he changed the name to The Attack, composed some new songs, changed the band’s set list and landed the group a record and agency contract.
Disc & Music Echo’s 12 November issue mentions Richard Shirman and The Attack so they had changed name by this point.
16 December 1966 – Hammersmith College, Hammersmith (Melody Maker)
According to Martyn Hanson’s excellent book Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice, Dennis Hooker had to leave to take his finals. Also, Bob Taylor left during this month to join The Downliners Sect.
The remaining trio recruited two musicians who had advertised in Melody Maker. Drummer Alan Whitehead had previously worked with Crispian St Peter and then The Loose Ends but left in September 1966 to work briefly with Epitaph Soul Band and The Cops ‘n’ Robbers.
Hammond organist Bob Hodges was with Walthamstow-based soul band, The New Jump Band and played his final gig with them on 16 December 1966.
Left to right: Richard Shirman, Bob Hodges, David O’List (front), Gerry Henderson and Alan Whitehead
Richard Shirman – lead vocals
David O’List – lead guitar
Bob Hodges – Hammond organ
Gerry Henderson – bass
Alan Whitehead – drums
In late December, The Attack recorded their debut single “Try It” c/w “We Don’t Know”, which was released on 27 January 1967. Whitehead, who had appeared in early promotional photos, had already secured a job with Marmalade and departed before any gigs were played.
Richard Shirman, Bob Hodges, Alan Whitehead, Gerry Henderson and David O’List
The Attack recruited a couple of drummers to fulfill live dates, starting with former Mark Leeman Five and The Habits member Brian Davison, who would reunite with David O’List in The Nice in August 1967. In the interim, he’d briefly work with Don Shinn’s band, Shinn and The Mike Cotton Sound.
7 January 1967 – Club Carnaby, Loughbourgh, Leicestershire (Bob Hodges’ diary)
14 January 1967 – Victoria Ballroom, Chesterfield, Derbyshire (Bob Hodges’ diary)
15 January 1967 – King Mojo, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Bob Hodges’ diary) Richard Shirman’s recollections confirm Davison was on drums for this gig
16 January 1967 – Hearbeat Club, Silver Blades Ice Rink, Birmingham, West Midlands (Bob Hodges’ diary/Birmingham Evening Mail)
21 January 1967 – Alexandra Hotel, Lancaster, Lancashire (Bob Hodges’ diary)
28 January 1967 – Pink Elephant Club, Aspull, Wigan, Greater Manchester (Bob Hodges’ diary)
28 January 1967 – Room at the Top, Wigan, Greater Manchester (all nighter) (Bob Hodges’ diary)
29 January 1967 – Casino Club, Wigan, Greater Manchester (Bob Hodges’ diary)
The original band pictured for Decca’s publicity with Alan Whitehead far left
3 February 1967 – PA at Witchdoctor Club, Catford, London (for Radio London) (Bob Hodges’ diary)
4 February 1967 – PA at Wimbledon Palais, Wimbledon, London with Tuesday’s Children (for Radio London) (Bob Hodges’ diary/Fabulous 208)
Around this time, Peter “Barney” Barnfield joined as full-time drummer. The new line-up was responsible for the band’s second single, “Hi Ho Silver Lining” c/w “Anymore Than I Do”, issued on 3 March 1967.
10 February 1967 – Alexandra Hotel, Lancaster, Lancashire (Bob Hodges’ diary)
10 March 1967 – Iron Curtain Club, St Mary’s Cray, near Orpington, London (Bob Hodges’ diary)
16 March 1967 – Ritz Club, Skewen, south Wales with The Alan Bown Set, The Eyes of Blue and Tony Rivers & The Castaways (South Wales Evening Post/Bob Hodges’ diary)
17 March 1967 – St Benedict’s Club, Sketty, Swansea, south Wales with The King Bees (South Wales Evening Post/Bob Hodges’ diary)
Richard Shirman left after the Lyme Regis gig on 18 March and the remaining quartet carried on until the 22 April gig in the West Midlands. In the meantime, Shirman put together a new Attack line-up behind the scenes.
Bob Hodges remembers the current version took on a singer with a name like G D’Amati, who fronted the band on the next three shows
25 March 1967 – Golden Torch, Tunstall, Staffordshire (Bob Hodges’ diary)
31 March 1967 – Locarno Ballroom, Sale, Greater Manchester with The Smoke (Bob Hodges’ diary/Manchester Evening News & Chronicle)
1 April 1967 Melody Maker
8 April 1967 – East Ham Technical College, East Ham, London (Bob Hodges’ diary)
Bob Hodges remembers that for the final three dates, the lead singer was Pete Hodges (no relation), a singer from Birmingham who had previously worked with Jimmy Cliff & The New Generation (and possibly the final version of The Mark Leeman Five).
15 April 1967 – Nottingham College of Further Education, Clifton, Notts (Bob Hodges’ diary)
20 April 1967 – James Finnegan Hall, Redcar, North Yorkshire (Bob Hodges’ diary)
22 April 1967 – Club Ponderosa, Bearley Holiday Centre, Snitterfield (near Stratford Upon Avon), Warwickshire (Coventry Evening Telegraph)
After this final gig, the musicians were told that Richard Shirman had formed a new band under the name The Attack and that their services were no longer needed. David O’List soon formed The Nice, who became PP Arnold’s backing band after she left The Blue Jays. Bob Hodges joined Tuesday’s Children later in the year
The Attack, left to right: Chris Allen, Richard Shirman, Kenny Harold, Geoff Richardson and George Watt. Photo from Phil Smee
In April, Shirman launched a new version of The Attack as follows:
Richard Shirman – lead vocals
Geoff Richardson – lead guitar
George Watt – Hammond organ
Kenny Harold – bass
Chris Allen – drums
This formation was responsible for the band’s third single, “Created By Clive” c/w “Colour of my Mind”.
28 April 1967 – Top Spot Ballroom, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire with The Sombreros (Gloucester Citizen)
6 May 1967 – Hull College of Commerce Students’ Union, Hull, Humberside (Hull Daily Mail)
2 June 1967 – Witchdoctor, Catford, London with The Trailblazers (South East London Mercury)
3 June 1967 – Floral Hall, Gorleston, Norfolk (Yarmouth Mercury)
17 June 1967 – Royal Lido, Prestatyn, Clwyd, Wales with The Raynes (Rhyl & Prestayn Gazette)
24 June 1967 – Lewes FC Beat Rave, Lewes Town Hall, Lewes, East Sussex with The Nashville Teens and The Teen Team (Sussex Express)
Within days of the band’s third single being released on 23 June 1967, second lead guitarist John DuCann joined. George Watt and Kenny Harold left that summer. Geoff Richardson left soon after and later moved to the USA to play with The British Walkers while Chris Allen also departed to join The Syn (Disc & Music Echo, 8 July, page 14).
.
By August, the group’s line-up comprised:
Richard Shirman – lead vocals
John DuCann – lead guitar
Jim Avery – bass
Plug Davies – drums
16 September 1967 – Waggon & Horses, Wall Heath, West Midlands (Express & Star)
This formation recorded The Attack’s fourth single, which was released on 12 January 1968.
Around this time, Plug Davies introduced his friend from Wales, Keith Hodge, who in turn recommended Roger Deane on bass.
Richard Shirman – lead vocals
John DuCann – lead guitar
Roger Deane – bass
Keith Hodge – drums
21 February 1968 – Speakeasy, W1, London (Fabulous 208/Mick Capewell’s Marmalade Skies)
27 February 1968 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, London with The Move (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
11 March 1968 – Marquee, Wardour Street, Soho, London with The Nice (Tony Bacon’s book: London Live)
14 March 1968 – Middle Earth, Covent Garden, London with Family, Picadilly Line, Doc K’s Blues Band and Pete Brown’s Poetry (Melody Maker)
Melody Maker notes that The Attack played dates in Helsinki, Finland on 17-18 July 1968
The Attack 7 Sep 1968
Huge thanks to Bob Hodges for the use of his gig list and photos. Thanks also to David O’List for early insights. Thanks to Mike at Ugly Things and Phil Smee (for the photo of the third line-up by the River Thames).
February 1965 ad courtesy of Peter Cornwell of Phaethon’s Brethren
The Bromel Club was initially a jazz venue that was located in the Bromley Court Hotel on Bromley Hill in south east London. During the 1960s, it hosted most of the top British bands of the day, including Cream, Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
I’ve started to compile a gig list and would welcome any additions and corrections as well as memories of the venue. These are advertised gigs so it’s quite possible that artists may have changed at the last minute.
If you played in one of the group, it would be great if you could provide some history of your band too in the comments below.
Also, if you have any old posters you can share, I would love to hear from you and will ensure you are credited.
1964
I don’t have many gigs listed for this year and earlier and would welcome any contributions.
Judging by the gigs below, rock artists performed on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jazz artists played on Tuesdays (my list is incomplete).
The gigs are all from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.
3 January – The Moody Blues
4 January – The South West Five
6 January – Sonny Boy Williamson with Shorty & Them
7 January – Billy Woods Combo
Photo: Melody Maker
10 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
11 January – Their Lordships
13 January – The Stormsville Shakers
14 January – The Billy Woods Combo
Photo: Melody Maker
17 January – The Spencer Davis Group
18 January – Themselves
20 January – The Yardbirds
21 January – The Billy Woods Combo
Photo: Melody Maker
24 January – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
25 January – The Loose Ends
27 January – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band
28 January – The Copains
31 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
1 February – Phaethon’s Brethren
3 February – Long John Baldy
4 February – The Cheminoes
7 February – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
8 February – The Black Jacks
10 February – Ronnie Jones & The Night-Timers
11 February – The Second Thoughts
14 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
15 February – The Westsiders
17 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
18 February – Blues by Knight
Photo: Melody Maker
21 February – The Animals
22 February – The Britons
24 February – Alexis Korner Blues Incorporated
25 February – The Loose Ends
Photo: Melody Maker
28 February – The Falling Leaves
1 March – The Dissatisfied
3 March – The Spencer Davis Group
4 March – The Cops ‘N’ Robbers
7 March – Manfred Mann
8 March – Brothers Grim
10 March – Davy Jones & The Manish Boys
11 March – The Drovers
14 March – The Mike Cotton Sound
15 March – missing entry
17 March – Champion Jack Dupree with The Sheffields
18 March – missing entry
21 March – Alex Harvey Soul Band
22 March – missing entry
24 March – The Animals
25 March – missing entry
Photo: Melody Maker
28 March – The T-Bones (Gary Farr’s band)
29 March – The Ingoes
31 March – The Who
1 April – The Bumps in the Night
Photo: Melody Maker
4 April – The Pretty Things
5 April – Paul & The Travellers
7 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
8 April – The Tribe
11 April – The Spencer Davis Group
12 April – The Exits
14 April – Long John Baldry
15 April – The Pilgrims
Photo: Melody Maker
18 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
19 April – The Moaners
21 April – The Yardbirds
22 April – Isaiash’s Prophets
25 April – The Nashville Teens
26 April – The Toys
28 April – The Who
29 April – The Impacts
Photo: Melody Maker
2 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
3 May – The Vandals Blues
5 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
6 May – The Five Proud Walkers
9 May –The Moody Blues
10 May – The Lawlers Legs
12 May – John Lee Hooker (was this with The Cops ‘N’ Robbers backing?)
13 May – The Hammond K Four
16 May – The Loose Ends
17 May – The Heart and Souls
19 May – The Spencer Davis Group
Photo: Melody Maker
20 May – The Board Walkers
Photo: South East London Mercury
23 May – Manfred Mann
24 May – The Pineapple Chunks
26 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
27 May – The Bumps in the Night
Photo: Melody Maker
30 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
31 May – The CC Riders
2 June – The Soul Sisters with Brian Auger Trinity
3 June – The Solar Sounds
6 June – Alex Harvey (Soul Band)
7 June – The Peasants
9 June – Long John Baldry
10 June – The Desperados
Photo: Melody Maker
13 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Preachers
14 June – The Five Road Runners
16 June – Graham Bond Organisation
17 June – The Epitaph Soul Band
20 June – The Five Dimensions
21 June – The Trees
23 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
24 June – Modern Blues Six
27 June – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
28 June – The Doons
30 June – The Epitaphs with supporting group
Photo: Melody Maker
1 July – The Board Walkers
4 July – Graham Bond Organisation
5 July – The Planets
7 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
8 July – The CC Riders
11 July – The Artwoods
12 July – The Equals
14 July – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
15 July – The Spurleeweeves
18 July – Inez and Charlie Foxx with (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band
19 July – Red, Whites, Blues (according to Bob Hodges, this band soon changed name to The New Jump Band)
21 July – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
22 July – The Bo Bo Links
Photo: Melody Maker
25 July – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
26 July – The Brethren
28 July – The Spencer Davis Group
29 July – The Ancient Britains
Photo: Melody Maker
1 August – John Lee’s Groundhogs
2 August – The Medieval Sounds
4 August – The Mike Cotton Sound
5 August – The Eyes
8 August – missing entry
9 August – missing entry
11 August – missing entry
12 August – missing entry
15 August – Club is closed
Photo: Melody Maker
16 August – The Five of That
18 August – Steampacket
19 August – The Equals
21 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The Preachers (Saturday night)
22 August – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
23 August – The Prophets
25 August – The Graham Bond Organisation
26 August – The Planets
29 August – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
30 August – The Bungle Fins
1 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
2 September – Red, Whites, Blues
Photo: Melody Maker
5 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
6 September – The Worrying Kind
8 September – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
9 September – Red, Whites, Blues (according to Bob Hodges, this band soon changed name to The New Jump Band)
Photo: Melody Maker
12 September – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
13 September – The Creepers
15 September – The Graham Bond Organisation
16 September – Leslie Gantzer
19 September – (Geno Washington &) The Ram Jam Band
20 September – The Five Aces
21 September – Alan Elsdon Jazz Band (Tuesday night – does that mean jazz was on Tuesdays?)
22 September – The Spencer Davis Group
23 September – The Byrd-Herd
26 September – The Small Faces
27 September – Steve & The What 4
28 September – Terry Lightfoot (Tuesday night)
29 September – Bo Diddley
30 September – The Image
3 October – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
4 October – The Changing Times
5 October – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night)
6 October – The Alan Price Set
7 October – The Bumps in the Night
Photo: Melody Maker
10 October – The Graham Bond Organisation
11 October – The Five Road Runners
12 October – Alex Welsh (Tuesday night)
13 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
14 October – Planet Six
Photo: Melody Maker
17 October – The Herd
18 October – The Motivation (original version from Norbury, south London)
19 October – Chris Barber (Tuesday night)
20 October – The Graham Bond Organisation
21 October – The Bungle-Finns
24 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
25 October – The Prowlers
26 October – Eric Silk’s Southern Jazzband and Brian Green’s New Orleans Stompers
27 October – Steampacket
28 October – The Sons of Fred
31 October – Ben E King
1 November – The Classics
2 November – The Keith Smith Band (Tuesday night)
3 November – The Spencer Davis Group
4 November – The Changing Times
Photo: Melody Maker
7 November – The Train (aka Moon’s Train), The Preachers – Lew Rich with The Other Two
8 November – Junco’s Jump Band
9 November – Closed this week
10 November – The Alan Price Set
11 November – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers
Photo: Melody Maker
14 November – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
15 November – The Squires (this might be Tom Jones’ backing band)
16 November – Alan Elsdon (Tuesday night)
17 November – Wilson Pickett (with backing band)
The Riot Squad may also have played on 17 November but needs confirmation
18 November – Marshall Scott Etc
21 November – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
22 November – The End of Part One
23 November – Monty Sunshine (Tuesday night)
24 November – The Graham Bond Organisation
25 November – The Spectres (evolved into Status Quo)
28 November – The Mike Cotton Sound
29 November – The Minor Birds
30 November – Terry Lightfoot (Tuesday night)
1 December – Steampacket
2 December – The Prowlers
5 December – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
6 December – The Kingbeats
7 December – The Back O’Town Syncopants (Tuesday night)
8 December – Major Lance
9 December – The Squires (Tom Jones’ backing band?)
12 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
13 December – The Shylos
14 December – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night)
15 December – The Spencer Davis Group
Photo: Melody Maker
16 December – The Board Walkers
19 December – The Paramounts
20 December – The Name
21 December – Kenny Ball (Tuesday night)
22 December – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
23 December – The Alex Lane Group
24 December – The Train (aka Moon’s Train) and The Changing Times (Boyfriend magazine has The Paramounts on this date)
26 December – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
27 December – K N Star & The Ricochets
28 December – Eric Silk (Tuesday night)
29 December – Ronnie Jones (& The Blue Jays)
30 December – The Habits
Clive Chase, bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres notes in his diary that his group played here on 30 December
1966
Judging by the gigs below, rock artists performed on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jazz musicians played on Tuesdays.
The gigs are all from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.
2 January – The Train (aka Moon’s Train)
3 January – The Partisans
3 January – Alex Welsh (Tuesday night)
5 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
6 January – Victor Brox Blues Band
9 January – The Mike Cotton Sound
10 January – The Deck Hands
11 January – Terry Lightfoot (Tuesday night)
12 January – Steampacket
13 January – The Minor Birds
16 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
17 January – The Disciples
18 January – Monty Sunshine (Tuesday night)
19 January – Lee Dorsey (with The Krew backing?)
20 January – The Showtimers
23 January – The Alan Price Set
24 January – The Way
25 January – Alan Elsdon (Tuesday night)
26 January – The Mark Leeman Five
27 January – KN Starr & The Ricochets
29 January – David Bowie & The Lower Third (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
30 January – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
31 January – The Breed (South East London Mercury)
1 February – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
2 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
3 February – The Alex Lane Group
6 February – The Untamed (South East London Mercury)
7 February – The Soul System (South East London Mercury)
8 February – The Back O’Town Syncopaters (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
9 February – The Action
South East London Mercury lists Crispian St. Peters for 9 February
10 February – The Board Walkers (South East London Mercury)
13 February – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds and The Alan Price Set (Beat Instrumental)
14 February – The Name (South East London Mercury)
15 February – Eric Silk & The Southern Jazz Band (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
16 February – The Soul Show (according to Record Mirror this was Elkie Brooks, Keith Powell, The Marionettes and The Excels) (South East London Mercury)
17 February – The Deck Hands (South East London Mercury)
Photo: Melody Maker
20 February – The Loose Ends
21 February – The Mixed Feelings
22 February – Spencer’s Washboard Kings (Tuesday night)
23 February – The Pretty Things
24 February – The Prowlers
27 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
28 February – L Henderson’s Soul Band (South East London Mercury)
1 March – Chris Barber (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
2 March – The Action (South East London Mercury)
3 March – The Subjects (South East London Mercury)
6 March – The VIPs (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Train (aka Moon’s Train for 6 March)
7 March – The In-Action
8 March – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
9 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
10 March – The Alex Lane Group
12 March – Them (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
13 March – The Alan Price Set (South East London Mercury)
14 March – System Four (South East London Mercury)
15 March – Alan Elsdon (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists Monty Sunshine for 15 March
16 March – The Loose Ends
20 March – St Louis Union (South East London Mercury)
21 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
22 March – Kenny Ball (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
23 March – Gary Farr & The T-Bones
24 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Objects for 24 March
26 March – The Kinks (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
27 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (South East London Mercury)
28 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Name for 28 March
29 March – Mike Daniels (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
30 March – The Action (South East London Mercury)
31 March – Group night (South East London Mercury)
3 April – The Graham Bond Organisation
4 April – The Keys
5 April – The Back O’Town Syncopants (Tuesday night)
6 April – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
7 April – Earl Henderson Soul Band
10 April – The Shevelles (South East London Mercury)
11 April – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Scuttlebugs for 11 April
12 April – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
13 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
14 April – Rachel’s Revenge (South East London Mercury)
16 April – The Candles (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
17 April – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
18 April – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists John Brown’s Bodies for 18 April
19 April – Brian Green (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
20 April – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds (South East London Mercury)
21 April – Deacon Lewis and The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (South East London Mercury)
24 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
25 April – The Kind (South East London Mercury)
26 April – Monty’s Sunshine (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
27 April – Steampacket (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Paramounts on 27 April
28 April – Rachel’s Revenge (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Board Walkers on 28 April
1 May – The Kinks (South East London Mercury)
2 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
3 May – Eric Silk & His Southern Jazz Band (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
4 May – The Dixie Cups with Alvin Robinson (South East London Mercury)
5 May – The Prowlers (South East London Mercury)
7 May – Earl Henderson’s Soul Band and The Coffee Set (Saturday night) (South East London Mercury)
8 May – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
9 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
10 May – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
11 May – The T-Bones (Gary Farr’s band) (South East London Mercury)
12 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
14 May – Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (Saturday night) (Nick Simper’s diary)
15 May – The Shevelles (South East London Mercury)
16 May – Group night (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Kenetis on 16 May
17 May – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
18 May – Steampacket (South East London Mercury)
19 May – The Board Walkers (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists John Brown’s Bodies for 19 May but this could actually refer to the following Thursday, 26 May
22 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (South East London Mercury)
23 May – C-Jam Blues (South East London Mercury)
23 May – The Temperance Seven (South East London Mercury)
24 May – Lucas and The Mike Cotton Sound (South East London Mercury)
26 May – John Brown’s Bodies (South East London Mercury)
29 May – The Bo Street Runners (South East London Mercury)
30 May – Miss Named (South East London Mercury)
31 May – Ken Colyer (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
1 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
2 June – Five Steps Beyond (South East London Mercury)
5 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
6 June – Dawn & The Rising Sons (South East London Mercury)
7 June – Back O’Town Syncopaters (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
8 June – Roy C (South East London Mercury)
9 June – In-Action (South East London Mercury)
Photo: Melody Maker
12 June – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
13 June – Luther Morgan Relationship (South East London Mercury)
14 June – Charlie Galbraith’s All Stars (South East London Mercury)
15 June – The Moody Blues (South East London Mercury)
16 June – Sammy Samwell’s Record Show (South East London Mercury)
19 June – Steampacket (South East London Mercury)
20 June – The Midnites (South East London Mercury)
21 June – Brian Green’s New Orleans Stompers (Tuesday night) (South East London Mercury)
22 June – The Action (South East London Mercury)
23 June – Sammy Samwell Record Show (South East London Mercury)
Photo: Melody Maker
26 June – The Shotgun Express (South East London Mercury)
27 June – The Bo-Men (South East London Mercury)
28 June – The Eyes (South East London Mercury)
29 June – The Yardbirds (South East London Mercury)
3 July – missing entry
4 July – The Classics (South East London Mercury)
6 July – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
Melody Maker lists The Squires (Tom Jones’ band?) for 6 July. Beat Instrumental meanwhile lists Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
7 July – Sammy Samwell Record Show (South East London Mercury)
10 July – The Downliners Sect (South East London Mercury)
11 July – The Outcasts (South East London Mercury)
13 July – The Loose Ends and The Good Things (South East London Mercury)
14 July – Raymond Hayes Record Show (South East London Mercury)
17 July – George Bean & Loopy’s Lot (South East London Mercury)
18 July – The Borough of Bedrock (South East London Mercury)
20 July – The Loose Ends and The Squires (South East London Mercury)
Beat Instrumental lists Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band for 20 July
21 July – missing entry
24 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
25 July – The Kind (South East London Mercury)
27 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
Fabulous 208 lists The Loose Ends on 27 July
28 July – Micket Nut Record Show (South East London Mercury)
31 July – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (South East London Mercury)
1 August – Group and records (South East London Mercury)
3 August – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (South East London Mercury)
4 August – Micket Nut Record Show (South East London Mercury)
7 August – The Tribe (South East London Mercury)
8 August – Lee Hawkins Four (South East London Mercury)
10 August – The VIPs (South East London Mercury)
11 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
12 August – Cream (South East London Mercury)
14 August – The Raisins (South East London Mercury)
Fabulous 208 lists The Downliners Sect for 14 August
15 August – Group and records (South East London Mercury)
17 August – The Alan Price Set (South East London Mercury)
18 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
21 August – The Subjects (South East London Mercury)
22 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
24 August – The Creation (South East London Mercury)
25 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
28 August – Wynder K Frog (South East London Mercury)
29 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
30 August – The Shotgun Express (South East London Mercury)
31 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
4 September – Lee Hawkins Group (South East London Mercury)
5 August – Records (South East London Mercury)
7 September – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (South East London Mercury)
8 September – Records (South East London Mercury)
Missing some entries for the rest of September. This is what I do have:
14 September – The Alan Bown Set and Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
18 September – The Amboy Dukes (South East London Mercury)
19 September – Ray Browns’ record show (South East London Mercury)
21 September – The VIPs (South East London Mercury)
22 September – Records (South East London Mercury)
25 September – The Combine (South East London Mercury)
26 September – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
28 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (South East London Mercury)
2 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (South East London Mercury)
3 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
5 October – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
6 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
9 October – Felders Orioles (South East London Mercury)
10 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
12 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (South East London Mercury)
13 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
16 October – Unit Four Plus 2 (South East London Mercury)
17 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
19 October – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and Bobby & The Crims (South East London Mercury)
20 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
23 October – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
24 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
26 October – The Crying Shames (South East London Mercury)
27 October – Records (South East London Mercury)
30 October – The Searchers (South East London Mercury)
31 October – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
2 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (South East London Mercury)
3 November – missing entry
5 November – The Tribe (South East London Mercury)
7 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
9 November – missing entry
10 November – missing entry
13 November – The Fortunes (South East London Mercury)
14 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
16 November – The Graham Bond Organisation (South East London Mercury)
17 November – missing entry
20 November – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
21 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
23 November – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
24 November – missing entry
27 November – The Good Thing (South East London Mercury)
28 November – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
30 November – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
1 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
4 December – Lee Hawkins Group (South East London Mercury)
5 December – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
7 December – The Shotgun Express (South East London Mercury)
8 December – missing entry
11 December – missing entry
12 December – missing entry
14 December – Cream (Christopher’s Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
15 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
18 December – EL Henderson’s Soul Band (South East London Mercury)
19 December – Ray Brown’s record show (South East London Mercury)
21 December – Eric Burdon & The Animals (South East London Mercury)
22 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
24 December – The Outrage and The New Jump Band (South East London Mercury)
26 December – The New Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
28 December – Long John Baldry and Bluesology (South East London Mercury)
29 December – Records (South East London Mercury)
1967
Judging by the gigs below, rock artists performed on Sundays and Wednesdays with gigs on other days occasionally.
I have very few gigs for 1967 so would welcome any additions.
1 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (South East London Mercury)
June 1969 listing at Revolution. Image from Don Powell’s website (see link below).
The Revolution Club was a popular rock venue in Bruton Place, Mayfair, central London that opened around January 1968. Yes were regulars and other notable outfits like Deep Purple also played there.
Jim Carter-Fea who managed Blaises and the Speakeasy also managed the Revolution.
I have started to compile a list of artists that performed there but would welcome any additions/corrections and photos.
1968
Melody Maker’s 27 January issue notes that Blues Train, The Downliners Sect, Monopoly and The Web were set to appear at the Revolution.
I think also Linda Lewis and Junior Kerr’s band White Rabbit may have played in February 1968.
Bass player Mo Umansky says his band Mr Mo’s Messengers played here too, most likely in 1968.
18 January (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
19 January (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
20 January (Saturday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
22 January (Monday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
25 January (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
26 January (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
17 April (Wednesday) – Delroy Williams (with The Sugar Band) (Melody Maker)
23 April (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
24 April (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
Drummer Keith Guster says that the group rehearsed at the venue over three days ahead of its performance at the Montreux Festival in Switzerland on 27 April.
25 April (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
According to Keith Guster this was the second day that The Fleur De Lys rehearsed at the Revolution before the Swiss festival.
26 April (Friday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
According to Keith Guster this was the third day that The Fleur De Lys rehearsed at the Revolution before heading to Switzerland for the Montreux festival on 27 April.
27 April (Saturday) – Ike & Tina Turner (Melody Maker)
22 May (Wednesday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
18 June (Tuesday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
19 June (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
24 June (Monday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
25 June (Tuesday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
26 June (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
Keith Guster says that The Web played this night after his group had rehearsed at the Revolution.
27 June (Thursday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
28 June (Friday) – Circus (Melody Maker)
11 July (Thursday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
12 July (Friday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
17 July (Wednesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
New Musical Express’ 3 August issue has a large spread on the club and notes that Ike & Tina Turner, Tim Rose and Eric Burdon & The New Animals had appeared recently. The music magazine says that Ben E King and O C Smith will appear soon.
New Musical Express adds that the club is open from Monday to Saturday every week. It notes that John L Watson & The Web, Terry Reid Fantasia and John Drevars’ Expression play regularly at the Revolution. When its reporters attended (presumably in late July), Pattie LaBelle & The Bluebells were performing.
8 August (Thursday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
14 August (Wednesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
16 August (Friday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
5 September (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
New Musical Express has Canned Heat performing on 5 September.
9 September (Monday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
24 September (Tuesday) – Glass Menagerie (Melody Maker, Time Out and Fabulous 208)
New Musical Express lists Sly & The Family Stone for 24 September but it is doubtful this happened.
25 September (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (rehearsal) (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
30 September (Monday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)
14 October (Monday) – Yes (Melody Maker)
15 October (Tuesday) – Julie Driscoll & The Brian Auger Trinity (New Musical Express)
17 October (Thursday) – The Grateful Dead (New Musical Express)
22 October (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
23 October (Wednesday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)
29 October (Tuesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
According to guitarist Peter Mizen, in an interview with Stefan Grandos, The Majority played at the Revolution shortly after he joined in October 1968.
Please note: this listing is not definitely November 1968 but a few of the dates e.g. Shy Limbs and Muddy Waters tally with below
1 November (Friday) – The Shy Limbs (Melody Maker)
12 November (Tuesday) – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)
13 November (Wednesday) – Yes (Melody Maker)
19 November (Tuesday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
25 November (Monday) – Yes (Melody Maker)
27 November (Wednesday) – Muddy Waters (Time Out)
30 November (Saturday) – The Idle Race (Time Out)
10 December (Tuesday) – The Isley Brothers with Art Regis & Brass Cannon (New Musical Express)
The Isley Brothers’ gig was cancelled at the last minute. It sounds like the entire tour may have been cancelled.
3 June (Tuesday) – The Marbles and The Majority (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
4 June (Wednesday) – Root and Jenny Jackson (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
5 June (Thursday) – Interstate Road Show (Melody Maker and gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
6 June (Friday) – The Flames (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
7 June (Saturday) – Arcadium (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
9 June (Monday) – King Crimson (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
10 June (Tuesday) – Three Dog Night and The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)
11 June (Wednesday) – Jo Jo Gunn (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
This was the original, UK Jo Jo Gunne, formed in Feltham in late 1965. Although advertised, the band didn’t appear as they were part through a three-month residency at the House of Lords club in the Bahamas.
12 June (Thursday) – The Ohio Express (Melody Maker)
The Majority may also have played on 12 June.
13 June (Friday) – Circus (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
16 June (Monday) – Samson (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
17 June (Tuesday) – Chris Barber (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
18 June (Wednesday) – Terry Reid (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
19 June (Thursday) – The Wallace Collection (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website and Time Out)
20 June (Friday) – Sk’boo (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
21 June (Saturday) – Heaven (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
23 June (Monday) – The Springfield Park (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
24 June (Tuesday) – The Web (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
25 June (Wednesday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
26 June (Thursday) – Sarolta (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
27 June (Friday) – The Flames (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
This is the South African band that recorded as The Flame (see below).
28 June (Saturday) – Deep Purple (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website and Time Out)
30 June (Monday) – The Majority (Gig poster for Revolution from Don Powell’s website)
2 July (Wednesday) – The Majority (possibly Melody Maker)
3 July (Thursday) – Jo Jo Gunne (possibly Melody Maker)
Although advertised, the band didn’t appear as they were part through a three-month residency at the House of Lords club in the Bahamas.
4 July (Friday) – Arrival (possibly Melody Maker)
5 July (Saturday) – Cressida (possibly Melody Maker)
7 July (Monday) – Babylon (possibly Melody Maker)
8 July (Tuesday) – Samson (possibly Melody Maker)
9 July (Wednesday) – The Majority (possibly Melody Maker)
10 July (Thursday) – The New York Public Library (possibly Melody Maker)
14 July (Monday) – Spirit of John Morgan (possibly Melody Maker)
16 July (Wednesday) – The Majority (possibly Melody Maker)
17 July (Thursday) – The Web (possibly Melody Maker)
19 July (Saturday) – Phase of Reality (possibly Melody Maker)
21 July (Monday) – Velvet Opera (possibly Melody Maker)
23 July (Wednesday) – The Majority (possibly Melody Maker)
24 July (Thursday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (needs source)
25 July (Friday) – Circus (Time Out)
28 July (Monday) – Entire Sioux Nation (possibly Melody Maker)
30 July (Wednesday) – The Majority (possibly Melody Maker)
31 July (Thursday) – Audience (possibly Melody Maker)
13 August (Wednesday) – Deep Purple (Melody Maker)
18 August (Monday) – Ashton, Gardner & Dyke (Melody Maker and Time Out)
20 August (Wednesday) – Deep Purple (Time Out)
Melody Maker lists Marsha Hunt & White Trash on 20 August so perhaps Deep Purple didn’t play as billed for the previous Wednesday.
22 August (Friday) – Audience (Melody Maker)
26 August (Tuesday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)
27 August (Wednesday) – The Wallace Collection (Melody Maker)
28 August (Thursday) – Barclay James Harvest (Time Out)
30 August (Saturday) – Freedom (Time Out)
2 September (Tuesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
4 September (Tuesday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)
7 October (Tuesday) – Ruby James (Time Out)
14 October (Tuesday) – Terry Reid (Time Out)
16 October (Thursday) – Members of Hair cast (Time Out)
17 October (Friday) – Lee Dorsey (Time Out)
23 October (Thursday) – Renaissance (Time Out)
24 October (Friday) – Skin Alley (Time Out)
25 October (Saturday) – Pink Cheeks (Time Out)
27 October (Monday) – Poet & The One Man Band (Time Out)
28 October (Tuesday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)
30 October (Thursday) – Rada Krishna Temple (Time Out)
31 October (Friday) – Audience (Time Out)
4 November (Tuesday) – Delaney & Bonnie (Time Out)
12 November (Wednesday) – Fat Mattress (John Warburg’s research)
13 November (Thursday) – Skin Alley (possibly Melody Maker)
20 November (Thursday) – Gene Vincent (John Warburg’s research)
22 November (Saturday) – Black Apple (Time Out)
27 November (Thursday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker and Time Out)
2 December (Tuesday) – Chicago Transit Authority (Time Out)
4 December (Thursday) – Billy Preston and Timebox (Time Out)
5 December (Friday) – Black Apple (Time Out)
8 December (Monday) – Gary Hamilton (Time Out)
Former lead singer with Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and part of the Hair cast.
9 December (Tuesday) – The Liverpool Scene (Time Out)
16 December (Tuesday) – Hawkwind (Melody Maker)
Time Out has Skin Alley on 16 December.
18 December (Thursday) – The Box Tops (Time Out)
The Box Tops’ UK tour may have been cancelled.
20 December (Saturday) – Black Apple (Time Out)
22 December (Monday) – Linda Kendricks (Time Out)
23 December (Tuesday) – Pavement (Time Out)
26 December (Friday) – Murray Head and Salt & Pepper (Time Out)
29 December (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Time Out)
1970
15 January (Thursday) – Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (Melody Maker)
22 January (Thursday) – The Web (Time Out)
24 January (Saturday) – Cressida (Time Out)
27 January (Tuesday) – Lucas & The Soul Sounds (Melody Maker)
28 January (Wednesday) – Marsha Hunt (Time Out)
10 February (Tuesday) – The Rainbow People (Time Out)
17 February (Tuesday) – Cressida (Time Out)
19 February (Thursday) – Freddy King (Melody Maker)
20 February (Friday) – Skin Alley (Melody Maker)
25 February (Wednesday) – Genesis (Melody Maker and Time Out)
5 March (Thursday) – The Graham Bond Initiation (Melody Maker)
24 March (Tuesday) – The Wild Angels (Time Out)
25 March (Wednesday) – The Shy Limbs (Time Out)
26 March (Thursday) – Heavy Jelly (Time Out)
27 March (Friday) – Freedom (Time Out)
28 March (Saturday) – The New Arrivals (Time Out)
30 March (Monday) – Rada Krishna Temple (Time Out)
14 May (Thursday) – Lord Sutch (Time Out)
18 June (Thursday) – Terry Reid (Time Out)
24 June (Wednesday) – Mirrors (Melody Maker)
26 June (Friday) – Black Velvet (Time Out)
29 July (Wednesday) – Crazy Mabel (Time Out)
8 August (Saturday) – Flare (Time Out)
10 August (Monday) – Kingdom (Time Out)
12 August (Wednesday) – Paladin (Time Out)
14 August (Friday) – Osibisa (Time Out)
15 August (Saturday) – Cressida (Time Out)
17 August (Monday) – Deep Joy (Time Out)
18 August (Tuesday) – Crazy Mabel (Time Out)
19 August (Wednesday) – Mirrors (Time Out)
20 August (Thursday) – Terry Reid (Time Out)
21 August (Friday) – Anno Domini (Time Out)
25 August (Tuesday) – Elton John (Time Out)
27 August (Thursday) – Anno Domini (Time Out)
29 August (Saturday) – Mirrors (Time Out)
4 September (Friday) – Cressida (Melody Maker)
5 September (Saturday) – Deep Joy (Time Out)
19 September (Saturday) – Osibisa (Time Out)
13 October (Tuesday) – Kiss (Melody Maker)
28 November (Saturday) – The Flame (Melody Maker)
This was the South African band, The Flames (see above)
Blaises was located in the basement of the Imperial Hotel at 121 Queen’s Gate in Kensington, west London, SW7 (now demolished) and was a magnet for musicians, agents, managers and writers.
Jim Carter-Fea, who later managed the Speakeasy and Revolution, was involved with the club.
The Byrds played here on their debut UK tour in 1965 and many top acts of the day performed on the stage in the mid-late 1960s, most notably Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Yes, to name just a few.
Blaises wasn’t consistently advertised in the music papers throughout the 1960s so it’s been difficult to find gigs.
The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).
Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at Blaises during 1965-1966:
James Nairn (aka James Royal) says that his groups James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set played at Blaises; the former during 1965-1966 and the latter from 1966-1968.
Drummer/singer Tony Richard says that his band The Fetish Crowd performed at the club during the 1965-1966 period.
1965
6 August 1965 (Thursday) – The Byrds (Record Mirror)
London Life magazine’s 30 October to 5 November 1965 issue notes that there is a live group changing weekly.
1966
London Life magazine notes in its 8-14 January 1966 issue that there is a different live group every night at the club. This is the same for every issue until the final London Life magazine issue is published on 31 December 1966.
4 February 1966 (Friday) – John Lee Hooker (Melody Maker)
24 March 1966 (Thursday) – Wilson Pickett (backed by The Statesiders) (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
6 April 1966 (Wednesday) – Martha & The Vandellas (Melody Maker)
10 May 1966 (Tuesday) – John Lee Hooker (Record Mirror)
Julian Covey & The Machine were probably Hooker’s backing band as they provided support for the blues legends on a tour this month.
Keyboardist Stan Marut, who left just before the tour, says his place was taken by Dave Greenslade, who then joined Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds.
30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
3 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Creation (Fabulous 208 and London Life magazine)
22 August 1966 (Monday) – The Artwoods (needs confirmation)
8 September 1966 (Thursday) – The In Crowd (they became Tomorrow in early 1967) (Fabulous 208 and Marmalade Skies website).
9 September 1966 (Friday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
23 September 1966 (Friday) – The Knack (London Life magazine)
Paul Gurvitz went on to The Gun while Graham Clay joined The New York Public Library (see below). Brian Parrish went on to Badger.
27 September 1966 (Tuesday) – She Trinity (Fabulous 208 and London Life magazine)
29 September 1966 (Thursday) – The Brian Auger & The Trinity (Melody Maker)
This is the date that Jimi Hendrix sat in with The Brian Auger Trinity.
According to the Hendrix website (and Vic Briggs and Kathy Etchingham’s recollections), The Brian Auger Trinity had played at the Scotch of St James the previous night where the waiter told Trinity guitarist Vic Briggs about an amazing black guitarist who had sat in with The VIPs the night before (27 September).
Chas Chandler and Hendrix walked in shortly afterwards and were introduced to the band who were playing a warm-up gig without singer Julie Driscoll. Brian Auger let Hendrix jam with the group and, impressed, invited the American guitarist to sit in at Blaises the following night.
On 29 September, Chandler and Hendrix arrived at Blaises after drinking at the Kilt Club where they met French singer Johnny Halliday. Auger introduced Hendrix to the crowd for a jam after the interval.
London Life has Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers for this date but it is possible that this was actually Friday, 30 September after a show at the California Ballroom in Dunstable.
3 October 1966 (Monday) – Robert Parker (Melody Maker)
4 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The Artwoods (Fabulous 208)
Future Deep Purple keyboard player Jon Lord was a member of The Artwoods.
5 October 1966 (Wednesday) – Robert Parker and Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)
11 October 1966 (Tuesday) – Garnet Mimms (Fabulous 208)
12 October 1966 (Wednesday) – Ike & Tina Turner (London Life magazine)
29 October 1966 (Saturday) – The Hush (London Life magazine)
Keith Fairhurst, singer with The Chosen Few, says the band played this venue about six times after moving down from Manchester and changing their name to The Hush. They also frequented the club on other occasions and he was there on 29 September when Jimi Hendrix sat in with The Brian Auger Trinity (see above).
Fairhurst adds that Blaises was only a small club and was an exclusive venue, which meant that normal club goers that frequented many of the other London clubs would not have attended; it was too expensive and licensed. Management insisted that they set up by 9pm and they never started before 9.30pm.
8 November 1966 (Tuesday) – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (Melody Maker)
9 November 1966 (Wednesday) – Jerry Lee Lewis (Melody Maker)
17 November 1966 (Thursday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Tatler)
21 November 1966 (Monday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208)
22 November 1966 (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Tatler)
30 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Young Rascals (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
Melody Maker also has The Brian Auger Trinity on 30 November (see advert above). The two bands probably used the same equipment.
Guitarist Vic Briggs, who had moved on to join Eric Burdon’s New Animals by this point, says that all of the “in-clubs” were so small that you had to get your gear in before people arrived and wait until they left to move out. Also, they could not afford to pay more than one band per night. There may have been exceptions but that was the general rule.
1 December 1966 (Thursday) – The In Crowd (became Tomorrow) (London Life magazine) Nick Simper’s website has Bobby Hebb playing from 11.30pm
8 December 1966 (Thursday) – The In Crowd (became Tomorrow) (London Life magazine)
13 December 1966 (Tuesday) – The Farinas (became Family) (Record Mirror)
14 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Little Richard (John Warburg’s research)
20 December 1966 (Tuesday) – The Artwoods (needs confirmation)
21 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)
30 December 1966 (Friday) – Deep Feeling (Melody Maker)
Deep Feeling featured future members of Traffic, Family and Spooky Tooth
1967
Jim Cregan, guitarist with Blossom Toes, says his band played at the club during 1967.
Chris Hunt, drummer with The Good Time Losers, says that his group performed at Blaises during 1967.
Mick Ketley, keyboard player with Bognor Regis version of The Motivation which became The Penny Peep Show in September 1967, says that his group played at Blaises which would have been after May 1967.
Pete Cole, bass player with The Trend, says that he played the venue. The most likely time frame is after September 1967 and may have been when the group backed visiting US soul acts.
Jim Carter-Fae, who managed the club, took over the management of Hull band, The Majority and the group played this venue during 1967.
7 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Knack (Melody Maker)
Paul Gurvitz went on to The Gun while Graham Clay joined The New York Public Library (see below). Brian Parrish went on to Badger.
13 January 1967 (Friday) – The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Melody Maker)
17 January 1967 (Tuesday) – Family (Melody Maker)
18 January 1967 (Wednesday) – Wynder K Frog (Fabulous 208 – needs confirmation)
Still from the film The Sorcerers showing a band playing live (in January 1967 or earlier). Poster on the wall lists Inez & Charlie Foxx. Thanks to Christopher Matheson for providing
25 January 1967 (Wednesday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (Poster on wall in film the Sorcerers)
26 January 1967 (Thursday) – Jimmy McGriff (Disc & Music Echo)
According to Flashback magazine, Keith West and Steve Howe’s band The In Crowd were residents at Blaises around late January/early February and soon changed name to Tomorrow.
8 February 1967 (Wednesday) – Maxine Brown & The Q-Set (Disc & Music Echo)
The Q-Set will link up with Ronnie Jones after its tour with Maxine Brown.
Disc & Music Echo’s 11 February issue notes that Ike & Tina Turner had played at the club recently.
14 February 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Fabulous 208)
According to Melody Maker in April 1967, Herbie Goins had a regular Tuesday night residency at Blaises so there may be more Tuesday dates between this one and the one below that they played. Future Bob Marley guitarist Junior Marvin was the keyboard player with the band at this time when he used the stage name Junior Kerr.
23 February 1967 (Thursday) – Chuck Berry (backed by The Canadians) (Melody Maker)
The Canadians’ keyboard player was future record producer and music executive David Foster.
28 February 1967 (Tuesday) – Pink Floyd and The Majority (Melody Maker)
If both bands indeed played on this evening, it would have been one of the rare occasions when more than one group played.
7 March 1967 (Tuesday) – Keith (Disc & Music Echo and Melody Maker)
18 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Hush (Melody Maker)
Singer Keith Fairhurst says that on one occasion when The Hush played Blaises on a Saturday night, a Canadian television crew filmed them but he’s never seen the footage.
Still from the film The Sorcerers. Thanks to Christopher Matheson for supplying. Judging by the gig poster on the wall, this performance was January 1967 or earlier.
Fairhurst adds that the inside of Blaises appears in the 1967 film The Sorcerers.
17 April 1967 (Monday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
19 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Bo Diddley (backed by The Canadians) (Melody Maker)
David Foster was the keyboard player in The Canadians (see above).
1 May 1967 (Monday) – The Web (Melody Maker)
9 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers with The Satin Dolls (Melody Maker)
Future Bob Marley guitarist Junior Marvin was the group’s keyboard player at this time (see above).
11 May 1967 (Thursday) – The Coloured Raisins and Jack Hammer & His Hammer Jammers (Melody Maker)
Future Sweet producer Phil Wainman was the drummer with The Hammer Jammers. If both bands played, this would have been one of the rare occasions when two groups performed.
16 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers and The Web (Melody Maker)
If both bands played, this would have been one of the rare occasions when two groups performed.
23 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Melody Maker)
30 May 1967 (Tuesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)
Record Mirror says Herbie Goins’ band has a Tuesday residency so may have shared the bill. They may also have continued to play more Tuesday nights as they appear again below on 12 September.
5 June 1967 (Monday) – Amen Corner (Melody Maker)
8 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Turtles (Disc & Music Echo, Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
14 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Cliffons (needs source)
20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Coloured Raisins, King Ossie, Honey Darling and Earl Green (Melody Maker)
25 June 1967 (Sunday) – Jose Feliciano (Melody Maker)
6 July 1967 (Thursday) – Jefferson Airplane (cancelled) (needs source)
7 July 1967 (Friday) – Denny Laine’s Electric String Band (Disc & Music Echo and Fabulous 208)
14 July 1967 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Fabulous 208)
25 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Amen Corner (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
1 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Donnie Elbert (Melody Maker)
16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Ten Years After (Fabulous 208)
18 August 1967 (Friday) – Granny’s Intentions (needs source)
26 August 1967 (Saturday) – Chicken Shack (Melody Maker)
6 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)
12 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Melody Maker)
14 September 1967 (Thursday) – Big Maybelle & The Majority (Melody Maker)
20 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)
26 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Ten Years After (Fabulous 208)
4 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)
5 October 1967 (Thursday) – Vanilla Fudge (Melody Maker)
Disc & Music Echo has this gig down for 8 October, not 5 October.
18 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Max Collier’s Rhythm Aces (Melody Maker)
19 October 1967 (Thursday) – Freddie King (Melody Maker)
23 October 1967 (Monday) – Vanilla Fudge (Disc & Music Echo)
24 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)
2 November 1967 (Thursday) – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)
3 November 1967 (Friday) – Deuce Coup (Melody Maker)
4 November 1967 (Saturday) – The Mike Stuart Span (Melody Maker)
6 November 1967 (Monday) – The Majority (Melody Maker)
7 November 1967 (Tuesday) – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)
8 November 1967 (Wednesday) – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)
9 November 1967 (Thursday) – Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation (Melody Maker)
10 November 1967 (Friday) – The Maze (Melody Maker)
11 November 1967 (Saturday) – Dr K’s Blues Band (Melody Maker)
14 November 1967 (Tuesday) – The Downliners Sect (Melody Maker)
25 November 1967 (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
28 November 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas and Chris Clark (Melody Maker)
1 December 1967 (Friday) – Gladys Knight & The Pips (Melody Maker)
12 December 1967 (Tuesday) – The Vibrations (Melody Maker)
14 December 1967 (Thursday) – Eddie Floyd (Melody Maker)
31 December 1967 (Sunday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)
1968
Guitarist Paul Brett says that he played this venue during 1968, which would have been with Tintern Abbey.
4 January 1968 (Thursday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
17 January 1968 (Wednesday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
20 January 1968 (Tuesday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
30 March 1968 (Saturday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)
3 April 1968 (Wednesday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)
5 April 1968 (Friday) – Dr K’s (Blues Band) (Melody Maker)
24 April 1968 (Wednesday) – The Warren Davis Monday Band (Del Paramor’s gig diary)
30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
Melody Maker’s 4 May issue notes that a fire gutted the Speakeasy on Saturday night (27 April), causing £20,000 worth of damage. Roy Flynn, co-owner, said that the club couldn’t reopen for about three months (it ended up being mid-December) and that gigs would be transferred to Blaises and billed as ‘Speakeasy at Blaises’. These are noted below.
Ike & Tina Turner were billed to play on Sunday, 28 April and Bill Haley & The Comets on 30 April. These may have been cancelled or transferred to Blaises. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any further details.
1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Bobby Goldsboro (Melody Maker)
This was billed to take place at the Speakeasy and may have been transferred to Blaises or alternatively cancelled.
5 May 1968 (Sunday) – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band (Melody Maker)
Captain Beefheart was originally billed for the Speakeasy so most likely it was transferred to Blaises as the dates match.
8 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
13 May 1968 (Monday) – The Byrds (Melody Maker)
This was originally billed for the Speakeasy so most likely it was transferred to Blaises.
23 July 1968 – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)
Paul Griggs notes in his diary that Jimi Hendrix and Eric Burdon were in attendance that night. This was a 1 am show so probably early hours of 24 July.
28 July 1968 (Sunday) – Terry Reid & The Fantasy (Melody Maker)
17 August 1968 (Saturday) – Juniors Eyes (Melody Maker)
20 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
21 August 1968 (Wednesday) – Free (Alessandro Borri research – see comments section below)
27 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Greg Russo’s research)
Huge thanks to Paul Kane for supplying this
1 September 1968 (Sunday) – Mickey Finn (Poster from Paul Kane)
2 September 1968 (Monday) –July (Poster from Paul Kane)
3 September 1968 (Tuesday) – The Village (Poster from Paul Kane)
4 September 1968 (Wednesday) – East of Eden (Poster from Paul Kane)
5 September 1968 (Thursday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Poster from Paul Kane)
6 September 1968 (Friday) – Juniors Eyes (Poster from Paul Kane)
7 September 1968 (Saturday) – London (Poster from Paul Kane)
According to Melody Maker and New Musical Express, Sly & The Family Stone were billed to play Blaises on 15 September. Apparently, they didn’t show and Roy Flynn asked The Nice’s manager Tony Stratton-Smith for help and he recommended Yes. Poster confirms Sly & The Family Stone were originally due to play
20 February 1969 (Thursday) – Majority Sun (Hounslow Post)
23 February 1969 (Sunday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)
24 February 1969 (Monday) – Pendulum (Hounslow Post)
25 February 1969 (Tuesday) – Cymbaline (Hounslow Post)
26 February 1969 (Wednesday) – The New York Public Library (Hounslow Post)
2 March 1969 (Sunday) – Affinity (Kensington Post)
4 March 1969 (Tuesday) – Sarolta (Kensington Post)
5 March 1969 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Kensington Post)
9 March 1969 (Sunday) – Terry Reid (Melody Maker)
11 March 1969 (Tuesday) – The Committee (Melody Maker)
12 March 1969 (Wednesday) – The Web (Marylebone Mercury)
16 March 1969 (Sunday) – The Pretty Things (Hounslow Post)
17 March 1969 (Monday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post)
In an interview with Stefan Granados for Shindig magazine, guitarist Pete Mizen says that The Majority were playing here when they were approached to move to France and record with the Pink Elephant label.
18 March 1969 (Tuesday) – The New York Public Library (Hounslow Post)
19 March 1969 (Wednesday) – The Spirit of John Morgan (Hounslow Post)
23 March 1969 (Sunday) – Marv Johnson (Hounslow Post)
24 March 1969 (Monday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)
25 March 1969 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Hounslow Post)
28 March 1969 (Friday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post)
29 March 1969 (Saturday) – Trifle (Hounslow Post)
30 March 1969 (Sunday) – Joynt (Kensington Post)
31 March 1969 (Monday) – The Flames (Hounslow Post)
4 April 1969 (Friday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)
6 April 1969 (Sunday) – Explosive (Watson T Browne?) (Hounslow Post)
7 April 1969 (Monday) – Circus (Hounslow Post)
9 April 1969 (Wednesday) – Steamhammer (Time Out)
10 April 1969 (Thursday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Time Out)
12 April 1969 (Saturday) – Black Velvet (Hounslow Post)
13 April 1969 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Nightimers (Hounslow Post)
14 April 1969 (Monday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post)
18 April 1969 (Friday) – Springfield Park (Hounslow Post)
19 April 1969 (Saturday) – Pure Gold (Hounslow Post)
20 April 1969 (Sunday) – The Flames (Hounslow Post)
21 April 1969 (Monday) – Jerome Arnold (Hounslow Post)
22 April 1969 (Tuesday) – The Web (Hounslow Post)
26 April 1969 (Saturday) – Village (Time Out)
28 April 1969 (Monday) – Village (Time Out)
4 May 1969 (Sunday) – King Crimson (Hounslow Post)
5 May 1969 (Monday) – Affinity (Hounslow Post)
6 May 1969 (Tuesday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Hounslow Post)
8 May 1969 (Thursday) – The Committee (Melody Maker)
9 May 1969 (Friday) – The Shades (Melody Maker)
10 May 1969 (Sunday) – Bob & Earl (Marylebone Mercury)
11 May 1969 (Sunday) – Black Velvet (Marylebone Mercury)
19 May 1969 (Monday) – Jerome Arnold (Time Out)
20 May 1969 (Tuesday) – The Majority (Time Out)
21 May 1969 (Wednesday) – The Milwaukee Coasters (Time Out)
22 May 1969 (Thursday) – The Committee (Melody Maker)
24 May 1969 (Saturday) – Belle Sebastian (Hounslow Post)
25 May 1969 (Sunday) – The Gods (Hounslow Post and Time Out)
26 May 1969 (Monday) – The Majority (Hounslow Post and Time Out)
10 July 1969 (Thursday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Hounslow Post)
Although advertised, Jo Jo Gunne may not have appeared as they returned from a three-month residency at the House of Lords club in the Bahamas in early-to-mid July.
11 July 1969 (Friday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Hounslow Post)
The Black Prince Hotel in Bexley, southeast London was a popular live music venue during the 1960s. I’ve started to compile a list of artists that performed there and would welcome any additions and corrections as well as any memories of the pub. This is an incomplete listing
1964
12 April – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)
17 May – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)
31 May – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)
21 June – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)
5 July – The Pretty Things (Record Mirror and Beat Monthly)
23 August – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)
12 September – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)
18 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)
29 October – The Graham Bond Organisation (Bruno Ceriotti’s research)
6 December – The Downliners Sect (Beat Monthly)
1965
All of the listings below for 1965 are from Melody Maker unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.
I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.
Peter Hicks, who was a member of The Down & Outs, has a newspaper clipping of his band in the scrapbook section of his website which notes that the band opened for The Animals, The Mark Leeman Five and The Moody Blues at this venue (most likely 1965).
3 January – The Graham Bond Organisation
10 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
17 January – Tony Knight’s Chessmen
24 January – The Downliners Sect
31 January – The Spencer Davis Group
7 February – The Moody Blues
14 February – The Animals
21 February – The Graham Bond Organisation with The Epitaph Soul Band (confirmed by article in Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)
28 February – Buddy Guy with Rod Stewart and The Soul Agents (with Rod Stewart)
7 March – The Mark Leeman Five
14 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
21 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
28 March – The Downliners Sect
4 April – The Moody Blues
The Just Blues appeared on one occasion when The Moody Blues played here (see John Farrier’s comment below)
Photo: Jeff Brook-Smith’s family
11 April – Long John Baldry
18 April – Alex Harvey Soul Band
25 April – The Graham Bond Organisation
2 May – The Five Dimensions and The Loose Ends
9 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
16 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
23 May – Memphis Slim and Alex Harvey Soul Band
30 May – The Mark Leeman Five
6 June – Jack Dupree with The Mike Cotton Sound
13 June – The Graham Bond Organisation
20 June – The Artwoods
19 June – Jazz & Blues Festival with Dutch Swing College, Solomon Burke, Zoot Money, Unit 4 Plus 2, The Spencer Davis Group, The Downliners Sect, Alan Elsdon Jazzband, Brian Green New-O-Stompers, Epitaph Soul Band and The Loose Ends (Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times)
Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12Bexley Heath & Welling Observer and Kentish Times, 25 June 1965, page 12
27 June – The Five Dimensions
4 July – Long John Baldry and Rod Stewart
11 July – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
18 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
25 July – The Spencer Davis Group and The Epitaphs Soul Band
The Epitaphs Soul Band featured Mick Fletcher on keyboards who went on to The New Generation (briefly Jimmy Cliff’s backing band), The Hamilton Movement (1966-1967) and The Amboy Dukes (1969-1970).
Earlier in their career, guitarist Del Grace was a member. He went on to The Big Wheel before joining Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede.
Andy Clark also played sax with them in late 1965 before switching to organ and joining The Big Wheel in spring 1966. He later played with The Fenmen (aka Kindness), Sam Gopal, VAMP and Clark-Hutchinson among others.
1 August – (Gary Farr &) The T-Bones
8 August – Alex Harvey Soul Band
15 August – The Graham Bond Organisation
22 August – The Blond Bombshell (from the US)
29 August – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
5 September – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
12 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
19 September – Steampacket
26 September – The Graham Bond Organisation
3 October – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds
10 October – Alex Harvey Soul Band
17 October – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
24 October – The Spencer Davis Group
31 October – T-Bone Walker
7 November – Steampacket
14 November – The Graham Bond Organisation
21 November – The Shevelles
28 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
5 December – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
12 December – missing
19 December – missing
26 December – missing
1966
All of the listings below for 1966 are from South East London Mercury unless otherwise stated. Judging by the gigs below, rock bands performed on Sundays.
I have not included the other artists, including jazz players, who performed on Monday evenings.
2 January – missing
9 January – The Alan Price Set (Beat Instrumental)
16 January – missing
23 January – missing
30 January – The Spencer Davis Group
6 February – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band
13 February – The Graham Bond Organisation
The Big Wheel Soul Band opened for Graham Bond’s group at some point
20 February – missing
27 February – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
6 March – The Action
13 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
20 March – Melody Maker notes “Great blues singer from the US” (could this be John Lee Hooker?)
27 March – Steampacket
3 April – missing
10 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
17 April – Geno Washington’s Ram Jam Band
24 April – The Moody Blues
1 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds
8 May – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound
15 May – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
22 May – missing
29 May – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
5 June – The Downliners Sect
12 June – Steampacket
19 June – The Shotgun Express
26 June – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Record Mirror)
3 July – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and Eric Silk’s Stompers
10 July – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
17 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
24 July – The Alan Price Set (Fabulous 208 and Record Mirror)
30 July – The Graham Bond Organisation
7 August – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208)
14 August – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound
21 August – The Shotgun Express
28 August – missing
4 September – The Moody Blues
11 September – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
18 September – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band
25 September – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers
2 October – The Shevelles
9 October – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
16 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
23 October – The Mike Cotton Sound
30 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
6 November – missing
13 November – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays
20 November – The Downliners Sect
27 November – Guy Darrell
4 December – missing
11 December – Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)
18 December – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers
Fabulous 208 has Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band on 18 December
24 December – Mike Cotton Sound with support
1967
Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz.
I have listed the sources next to the entries. There are indications from some of the dates below that rock gigs occasionally happened on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well.
1 January – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)
8 January – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
15 January – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)
22 January – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)
29 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
5 February – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)
12 February – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
19 February – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
26 February – Long John Baldry with Bluesology (Melody Maker)
5 March – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)
12 March – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
14 March – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)
19 March – Cliff Bennett’s Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)
26 March – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)
2 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
9 April – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)
16 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
23 April – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
25 April – Jimmy Cliff & The Shakedown Sound (Melody Maker – this was a Tuesday)
30 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
7 May – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Melody Maker)
14 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)
21 May – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
28 May – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Melody Maker)
30 May – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’s diary – this was a Tuesday)
4 June – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary) South East London Mercury has The Coloured Raisins
11 June – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Phil Mackie’s diary)
18 June – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)
25 June – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
2 July – The Coloured Raisins with Honey Darling and Earl Green (Phil Mackie’s diary)
9 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
16 July – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)
23 July – Mike Cotton with Lucas (Phil Mackie’s diary)
30 July – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)
6 August – Long John Baldry Show (aka Bluesology) (Phil Mackie’s diary)
13 August – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)
20 August – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
27 August – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)
3 September – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)
10 September – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
17 September – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Phil Mackie’s diary)
24 September – Freddie Mack Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)
1 October – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)
8 October – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)
15 October – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)
22 October – Ben E King (Phil Mackie’s diary)
29 October – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
4 November – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
7 November – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s diary – this was a Tuesday)
12 November – Dantalion’s Chariot (Phil Mackie’s diary)
19 November – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
26 November – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)
3 December – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)
10 December – The Gass (Phil Mackie’s diary)
17 December – Peter’s Green Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)
24 December – The Shevelles and Terry Lightfoot Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)
31 December – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Alan Elsdon’s Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)
1968
Phil Mackie, who very kindly provided gigs for 1967 and 1968, recalls that Sunday was R&B night and Monday was mainstream jazz. I have listed the sources next to the entries.
7 January – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
14 January – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Phil Mackie’s diary)
21 January – The Freddie Mack Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)
28 January – Jimmy McGriff Quartet (Phil Mackie’s diary)
4 February – The Cliff Bennett Show (Phil Mackie’s diary)
11 February – The Savoy Brown Blues Band (Phil Mackie’s diary)
18 February – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
25 February – Lucas & The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)
3 March – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
10 March – The Amboy Dukes (Phil Mackie’s diary)
17 March – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (Phil Mackie’s diary)
24 March – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)
31 March – The Impressions (Phil Mackie’s diary)
7 April – The Jeff Beck Group featuring Rod Stewart (Phil Mackie’s diary)
14 April – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
15 April – The Piccadilly Six (Swiss band) (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)
21 April – The Showstoppers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
28 April – The Cliff Bennett Band
5 May – Spooky Tooth (Phil Mackie’s diary)
9 May – The Counts (Melody Maker – this was a Thursday)
12 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary)
16 May – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)
19 May – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
23 May – The Rebel Rousers (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)
26 May – The Peddlers (Phil Mackie’s diary)
30 May – The Shevelles (Phil Mackie’s diary – this was a Thursday)
2 June – Lucas with The Mike Cotton Sound (Phil Mackie’s diary)
9 June – Brian Auger Trinity with Julie Driscoll (Phil Mackie’s diary)
16 June – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers with The Satin Dolls (Phil Mackie’s diary)
23 June – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)
30 June – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Melody Maker)
7 July – Diane Ferraz & The Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)
14 July – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker)
21 July – Tony Gregory & The Counts (Melody Maker)
28 July – Traffic (Melody Maker)
4 August – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)
11 August – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)
18 August – The Rebel Rousers (Melody Maker)
25 August – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
1 September – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)
8 September – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)
15 September – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)
22 September – Timebox (Melody Maker)
29 September – The Drifters (Melody Maker)
6 October – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)
12 October – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker – this is a Saturday)
20 October – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
27 October – Joe Cocker (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
3 November – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
10 November – Inez and Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)
17 November – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)
24 November – Ferris Wheel and Nepenthe (Melody Maker)
1 December – Garnet Mimms with Village Green (Melody Maker)
2 December – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker – this was a Monday)
8 December – Bandwagon (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
10 December – Simon K & The Meantimers and Olaf Grumps Kneed (Melody Maker/South East London Mercury – this was a Tuesday)
15 December – Timebox (Melody Maker)
22 December – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)
28 December – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
1969
Judging by the gigs below, rock bands continued to play on Sundays with occasional gigs on other days of the week.
5 January – Paul Williams Set (Melody Maker)
12 January – Root and Jenny Jackson (Melody Maker)
19 January – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)
26 January – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
2 February – Spooky Tooth (Melody Maker)
South East London Mercury has The Nice not Spooky Tooth
Photo: South East London Mercury
9 February – Happy Magazine (Melody Maker)
16 February – The Fantastics (Fabulous 208)
Melody Maker has Timebox for the 16 February gig as does South East London Mercury
23 February – Freddie King and Steamhammer (Melody Maker)
Martin Coller got in touch and noted that The Nice were billed to play on 23 February according to Martyn Hanson’s book “Hang on To Dream: The Story of The Nice”.
2 March – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)
9 March – Interstate Road Show (Melody Maker)
16 March – The Symbols (Melody Maker)
23 March – The Fantastics (Melody Maker)
30 March – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
2 April – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker – this was a Wednesday)
6 April – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)
13 April – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)
20 April – Timebox (Melody Maker)
27 April – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)
4 May – The Symbols (Melody Maker)
11 May – Toast (Melody Maker)
18 May – Howlin’ Wolf (Melody Maker)
25 May – The Riot Squad (Melody Maker)
1 June – No listing in Melody Maker
8 June – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)
15 June – John Lee Hooker with The John Dummer Blues Band (Melody Maker)
22 June – Consortium (Melody Maker)
29 June – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
6 July – Timebox (Melody Maker)
13 July – The Platters (Melody Maker)
20 July – The Joyce Bond Show (Melody Maker)
27 July – The Symbols (Melody Maker)
3 August – The Brian Auger Trinity (Time Out)
10 August – Trapeze (Melody Maker)
17 August – The Globe Show (Melody Maker)
24 August – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)
31 August – Timebox (Melody Maker)
7 September – The Amboy Dukes (Melody Maker)
14 September – The Cliff Bennett Show (Melody Maker)
21 September – Linda Lewis and Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)
28 September – The Dave Amboy Big Band (Melody Maker)
5 October – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker)
12 October – Zoot Money (Melody Maker)
19 October – The Greatest Show on Earth (Melody Maker)
25 October – The Brian Auger Trinity (Melody Maker)
2 November – Marv Johnson (Melody Maker)
9 November – Timebox (Melody Maker)
16 November – Freddie King (Melody Maker)
23 November – No entry in Melody Maker
30 November – The Coloured Raisins (Melody Maker)
7 December – The Dave Amboy Band (aka The Amboy Dukes) (Melody Maker and Keith Guster’s diary)
According to Keith Guster, this was the reformed version featuring Keith Guster and Tago Byers from The Fleur De Lys and former Hamilton Movement keyboard player Mick Fletcher.
14 December – Ferris Wheel (Melody Maker)
16 December – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)
21 December – The Peddlers (Melody Maker)
28 December – Simon K & The Meantimers (Melody Maker)
1970
8 February – The Amboy Dukes (Keith Guster’s diary)
27 September – Black Widow and Amazing Grace (Poster from Roy Saxby)
Photo: Roy Saxby
4 October – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)
11 October – Caravan (Poster from Roy Saxby)
18 October – Chicken Shack (Poster from Roy Saxby)
25 October – The Greatest Show on Earth (Poster from Roy Saxby)
1 November – Blodwyn Pig (Poster from Roy Saxby)
Photo: Roy Saxby
6 December – The Faces featuring Rod Stewart with Daniels Band (Poster from Roy Saxby)
13 December – Steamhammer (Poster from Roy Saxby)
20 December – Toe Fat with Albuquerque-Riccoti (Poster from Roy Saxby)
24 December – The Greatest Show on Earth with Tony Simon’s Progressive Show (Poster from Roy Saxby)
The Scotch of St James, situated at 13A Masons Yard, Mayfair, London was a notable music venue in the 1960s and a popular hang out for rock musicians, notably The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Jimi Hendrix also made his first UK appearance at the Scotch in September 1966.
Scotch of St James, 31 December 2023
The Scotch of St James was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find confirmed gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue/posters of advertised gigs/photos of bands who appeared there (all credited accordingly).
This exclusive Mayfair establishment was primarily a late night members club with gambling but did put on live music occasionally (see The Stormsville Shakers gigs immediately below). It was officially opened as a late night club offering regular live music from 14 July 1965.
1965
Drummer Tony Richard says that his band The Fetish Crowd played at the Scotch of St James, which would have been the 1965-1966 period.
Singer James Nairn (aka James Royal) notes that his bands James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set both performed at the club.
Phillip Goodhand-Tait kept diaries from 1961 onward and notes that his band The Stormsville Shakers were paid to play the Scotch on the above date. They arrived at 7.30pm and finished at 2am on the Saturday morning after playing three spots of 35 minutes. They were re-booked at the Scotch for the two dates below.
According to London Life magazine’s 9-15 October issue, The Marionettes were the resident band during this week. They were also listed for 16-22 October, 23-29 October and 30 October-5 November.
The Krew (who backed Beryl Marsden and Steve Aldo) played at the Scotch of St James around the middle-to-end of the first week of November, according to keyboardist Alan Reeves’ book. The Krew featured sax player Howie Casey who later did sessions for Paul McCartney & Wings.
9 November (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (backed either by The Links or The Maroons) with The Krew (Alan Reeves’s book Sex, Booze & Blues)
Bruno Ceriotti says that Wilson Pickett’s guitarist Jimmy Owen was joined by three members of The Animals.
3 December/4 December (Friday/Saturday) – The Krew (an advert in the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette has the band playing at Kirklevington Country Club on Sunday, 5 December and says the band came direct from the Scotch Club)
8 December (Wednesday) – Major Lance (Record Mirror)
21 December (Tuesday) – Joe Tex (Melody Maker)
Record Mirror lists the Joe Tex gig as 16 December.
1966
Sometime during January 1966, The Krew backed US soul singer Fontella Bass for one night, according to Alan Reeves’s book Sex, Booze & Blues.
5 January (Wednesday) – Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells with Bluesology (Melody Maker)
Bluesology’s keyboard player was Reg Dwight, who became famous as Elton John.
11 January (Tuesday) – The Exciters (Record Mirror)
3 February (Thursday) – Stevie Wonder (probably backed by The Sidewinders) (Melody Maker)
According to an advert in the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette for a show at the Kirklevington Country Club on 13 February, it says The Gass were residents at the Scotch of St James around this time.
According to the South East London Mercury, The Loose Ends began playing at the Scotch of St James three times a week for three months in the week starting 21 February (see clipping above).
The Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser lists a gig for The Manchester Playboys at the Club Creole in Wilmslow, Cheshire on 25 February 1966 and says the band are direct from the Scotch of St James.
30 March (Wednesday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary)
Melody Maker and Record Mirror both report that Martha & The Vandellas played at the Scotch of St James on 30 March.
1 April (Friday) – Episode Six (audition) (Brian Long’s research)
According to London Life magazine from 14-20 May, the three resident bands for this week were The VIPs, Gass and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)
20 May (Friday) – Ben E King (London Life magazine)
According to London Life magazine for the week 28 May to 3 June, the three resident bands for this week were The VIPs, Gass and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)
The same magazine notes that the three resident bands for the week 11-17 June were The VIPs, The Loose Ends and The Chavelles (The Caravelles?)
26 June (Sunday) – The Loose Ends (Fabulous 208)
This may be July not June so needs confirmation. However, The Loose Ends played in Stockton-on-Tees on Saturday, 25 June according to the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette and the advert notes they came from the Scotch of St James so it’s possible they played the week leading up to 25 June.
7 July (Thursday) – Norma Tanega (Record Mirror)
26 July (Tuesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
29 July (Friday) – Joe Tex (London Life magazine)
According to London Life magazine, The Loose Ends, together with The VIPs and The Paramounts were the three resident bands playing at the Scotch of St James during the week 30 July to 5 August.
10 August (Wednesday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
Guster says that Alan Price invited him to join his band at this gig.
The Westminster & Pimlico News’ 12 August 1966 issue notes that Gass played the club 6-7 nights a week around this time.
18 September (Sunday) – The Vibrations (needs source and confirmation but probably Melody Maker)
22 September (Thursday) – Jimi Hendrix solo (needs source and confirmation)
Apparently on the evening he’d arrived in the UK, Jimi Hendrix played a couple of songs as a solo act at the club.
23 September (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
24 September (Saturday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
26 September (Monday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
Jimi Hendrix sat in with The VIPs on 26 September – see Terry Ellis comment in the comments section below.
27 September (Tuesday) – The VIPs (needs confirmation)
28 September (Wednesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)
Guitarist Vic Briggs says that Chas Chandler and Jimi Hendrix came into the Scotch of St James and sat in with the band. Brian Auger invited the American guitarist to sit in with the band at Blaises the following night, 29 September.
30 September (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
The Derby Evening Telegraph’s 1 October 1966 issue notes that Pepper’s Machine played the club recently.
3 October (Monday) – The Raylettes (London Life magazine)
7 October (Friday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)
Robin Trower had left The Paramounts in late June/early July and formed The Jamm, so Martin Shaw (no relation to the actor) was on lead guitar.
8 October (Saturday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)
13 October (Thursday) – The Trend (London Life magazine)
14 October (Friday) – The Trend (London Life magazine)
15 October (Saturday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
17 October (Monday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
18 October (Tuesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
19 October (Wednesday) – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jams with Cream (needs source and confirmation)
It has been noted that The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jammed with Cream at the Scotch of St James on 19 October (the alternative location was the Cromwellian). However, according to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book on the British blues boom, “Strange Brew”, Cream were playing at the Blue Moon in Cheltenham on this day.
According to London Life magazine, Tony & The Defenders played at the Scotch of St James during the week 22-28 October.
24 October (Monday) – Edwin Starr (possibly backed by The Guests) (London Life magazine)
29 October (Saturday) – The Paramounts (London Life magazine)
This was one of the band’s final gigs before splitting in November 1966. Gary Brooker formed Procol Harum the following spring.
31 October (Monday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (London Life magazine)
1 November (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (London Life magazine)
2 November (Wednesday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
3 November (Thursday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
4 November (Friday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
5 November (Saturday) – The Loose Ends (London Life magazine)
11 November (Friday) – Ben E King (London Life magazine)
18 November (Friday) – The Impressions (London Life magazine)
The Impressions featured future soul star Curtis Mayfield.
According to Disc & Music Echo on 26 November, Deep Feeling made their debut at the Scotch of St James around the week starting 21 November. Chris Curtis, Giorgio Gomelsky, Robert Stigwood, Speedy Acquaye and Beryl Marsden were among the guests.
According to Melody Maker, Bobby Darin sat in with Deep Feeling around early-to-mid December and played the drums.
London Life magazine reports that The Checkmates played at the Scotch of St James during the week 3-9 December.
The Manchester Independent notes that Manchester band The Powerhouse played at the venue during December.
7 December (Wednesday) – The Vibrations (London Life magazine)
8 December (Thursday) – The Young Rascals (Disc & Music Echo)
The magazine reports that Paul McCartney, Chas Chandler, Eric Burdon, Keith Moon, Brian Epstein and Bill Wyman are among the guests.
13 December (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)
14 December (Wednesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)
15 December (Thursday) – Bobby Hebb (Record Mirror)
The magazine says that Bobby Hebb came on at 1am. This is confirmed by London Life magazine, which notes the 14 December so it looks like Hebb came on stage after The Brian Auger Trinity had finished. Future Deep Purple bass player Nick Simper was in his backing band.
19 December (Monday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)
20 December (Tuesday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Fabulous 208)
21 December (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
22 December (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
23 December (Friday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
24 December (Saturday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (London Life magazine)
28 December (Wednesday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
29 December (Thursday) – The VIPs (Fabulous 208)
31 December (Saturday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Disc & Music Echo and London Life magazine)
1967
Guitarist Doug Ayers says that The All Night Workers played at the Scotch of St James (most likely in early 1967).
Jim Cregan, guitarist with Blossom Toes, remembers playing at the club and The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were there on the same night to catch his band performing.
Drummer Chris Hunt says The Good Time Losers played the club in the first half of 1967.
Tony Glyde remembers playing at the Scotch of St James with Simon K & The Meantimers in 1967-1968.
2 February (Thursday) – Edwin Starr (Evening Standard)
The Loose Ends were playing at the venue in late March/early April when the Stax-Volt show tour came in. This is where Otis Redding picked up singers Alan Marshall and Bob Saker and took them back to the US to record tracks at Fame Studios during June.
23 April (Sunday) – The Wages of Sin (Melody Maker)
28 April (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
Drummer Phil Wainman, who went on to produce The Sweet, remembers playing the club in May 1967 with Jack Hammer & The Hammer Jammers.
Keyboard player Mick Ketley says The Motivation/Penny Peeps played at the Scotch of St James on two occasions which would have been from May 1967 onwards.
7 May (Sunday) – The Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
The Loose Ends were performing at the Scotch of St James in early June 1967 when former Ram Jam guitarist Pete Gage brought singer Kenny Bernard into see the musicians. This led to the formation of Cats Pyjamas with some of the group members.
16 June (Friday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)
The Manchester Playboys performed at the Scotch of St James and July seems the most likely period as they were in London gigging. Also Peter Simensky, who had joined the band recently, was a member at the time and he recalls singer Billie Davis working at the Scotch at the time.
Frank Torpey, who was lead guitarist with London band, The Tribe (and would go on to become the original lead guitarist in The Sweet), says that when the group was playing regular Saturday nights at the Marquee in Wardour Street between July-September, the Marquee’s owner John Gee would get a call from the Scotch of St James asking what band was on and would they like to double up? He says The Tribe always said yes as it was a great top up. Torpey adds that they never had another band on with them. He thinks they may have played at the Scotch maybe three or four times.
It sounds like The Tribe may have played the Scotch in the early hours of the Sunday morning after finishing up at the Marquee but this would need confirmation.
This insight is interesting as it might mean other groups that played the Marquee went on and played the Scotch of St James after finishing up.
1 July (Saturday) – The Tribe (Tony Bacon’s book, London Live)
The Tribe (which changed name to The Dream in late August 1967) played at the Marquee every Saturday from 1 July to 30 September according to Tony Bacon’s excellent book on the London music scene and its Marquee listings, so it’s impossible to know what Saturday evenings/early Sunday mornings The Tribe went on to play at the Scotch of St James afterwards. It’s also quite possible that the other band sharing the billing at the Marquee with The Tribe may have been asked as well (see Torpey’s recollections above).
7 July (Friday) – Vince Edwards (Fabulous 208)
8 July (Saturday) – The Manchester Playboys (Graham Sclater’s diary)
1 August (Tuesday) – The Manchester Playboys (Graham Sclater’s diary)
Timebox played at the Scotch of St James during August 1967. They had a Tuesday night gig at the Marquee so possibly played afterwards. Former Felders Orioles drummer John Halsey advertised in Melody Maker for a new band on Thursday, 17 August and auditioned with Timebox shortly afterwards at the Scotch.
29 August (Tuesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
According to the poster below for the Gloucester YMCA, The Official Receivers played at the Scotch of St James around October 1967.
31 October (Tuesday) – Ben E King (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website and Disc & Music Echo)
1 November (Wednesday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website – see above)
2 November (Thursday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
3 November (Friday) – The Anglians (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
4 November (Saturday) – Mud (Melody Maker)
6 November (Monday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.
7 November (Tuesday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.
8 November (Wednesday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.
9 November (Thursday) – Ben E King (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
10 November (Friday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
Melody Maker lists The Downliners Sect.
11 November (Saturday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
13 November (Monday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
14 November (Tuesday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
15 November (Wednesday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
16 November (Thursday) – Timebox (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
17 November (Friday) – Mud (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
18 November (Saturday) – Mud (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
20 November (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
21 November (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
22 November (Wednesday) – Wishful Thinking (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
23 November (Thursday) – The Web (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
24 November (Friday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
25 November (Saturday) – The West Coast Consortium (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
27 November (Monday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
28 November (Tuesday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
29 November (Wednesday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
30 November (Thursday) – The Bystanders (Poster from Barry Monks on Patto website)
30 December (Saturday) – Kaleidoscope (Melody Maker)
1968
Iain Pitwell, Brian Mansell and Geoff Glover confirm that The All Night Workers played at the Scotch of St James regularly during the 1968-1969 period.
Mo Umansky says his band Mr Mo’s Messengers played at the venue, most likely in 1968.
26 January (Friday) – The Magic Roundabout (audition) (Geoff Chinnery’s gig diary)
3 February (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
6 February (Tuesday) – James & Bobby Purify (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
8 February (Thursday) – Edwin Starr (New Musical Express)
According to Melody Maker, Rupert’s People played at the Scotch of St James around the week starting 19 February.
27 February (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker)
According to Melbourne music magazine, Go-Set, Australian band The Groop played the Scotch of St James between early March and mid-April.
8 March (Friday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
23 March (Saturday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
4 April (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
1 May (Wednesday) – Ike & Tina Turner and Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
2 May (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
9 May (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
16 May (Thursday) – Edwin Starr & The State Express (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
20 May (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
5 June (Tuesday) – The Coasters (New Musical Express)
17 June (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
18 June (Tuesday) – Ruby & The Romantics (New Musical Express)
30 June (Sunday) – The Crystals (New Musical Express)
16 July (Tuesday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
20 July (Saturday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
3 August (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)
5 August (Monday) – The Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)
6 August (Tuesday) – Tim Rose (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
Rose’s gig was cancelled.
13 August (Tuesday) – Elmer Gantry (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
19 August (Monday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)
21 August (Wednesday) – The Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)
22 August (Thursday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
26 August (Monday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
7 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)
10 September (Tuesday) – Ben E King (New Musical Express)
14 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)
27 September (Friday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)
28 September (Saturday) – Scrugg (Jack Russell’s gig diary)
16 October (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
The New Musical Express lists Brook Benton for the 16 October.
12 November (Tuesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
18 November (Monday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
28 November (Thursday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)
12 December (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
17 December (Tuesday) – Bandwagon (New Musical Express)
18 December (Wednesday) – The Barrier (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
1969
Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott confirms that Gass played the Scotch of St James during the 1969-1970 period.
21 January (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
31 January (Friday) – The N’ Betweens (later became Slade) (Don Powell’s website)
24 February (Monday) – Ben E King (Melody Maker)
New Musical Express reports that Ben E King is backed by Chris Shakespeare Globe Show for his UK tour in February 1969.
10 March (Monday) – The Tymes (Melody Maker)
29 March (Saturday) – Ben E King (Time Out)
14 April (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Fabulous 208)
21 April (Monday) – Turnstyle and Steamhammer (Fabulous 208)
19 May (Monday) – Bob & Earl (John Warburg research)
21 July (Monday) – Jimmy Ruffin with Sweet Blindness (New Musical Express)
25 August (Monday) – JJ Jackson (Time Out)
1 September (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
4 September (Thursday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)
8 September (Monday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)
9 September (Tuesday) – Sir Percy Quintet (Melody Maker)
11 September (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
1970
28 January (Wednesday) – Lucas & The Soul Sounds (Melody Maker)
28 October (Wednesday) – Tear Gas (Melody Maker)
29 October (Thursday) – Czar (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
5 November (Thursday) – Legend (Melody Maker)
6 November (Friday) – Charge (Melody Maker)
7 November (Saturday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)
8 November (Sunday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)
9 November (Monday) – Calum Bryce (Melody Maker)
Ted Hare’s gig diary for bands he managed, including Calum Bryce, have this group listed at the Scotch of St James on 10 November not the 9 November so possible there is a mistake here.
10 November (Tuesday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)
12 November (Thursday) – Fairfield Parlour (Melody Maker)
13 November (Friday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)
14 November (Saturday) – Renea (Melody Maker)
16 November (Monday) – UFO (Melody Maker)
17 November (Tuesday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)
18 November (Wednesday) – Bubastis (Melody Maker)
19 November (Thursday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)
20 November (Friday) – Mataya (Melody Maker)
23 November (Monday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)
24 November (Tuesday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)
25 November (Wednesday) – Aquila (Melody Maker)
26 November (Thursday) – Dave Davani (Melody Maker)
27 November (Friday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)
30 November (Monday) – Nick Twilley (Melody Maker)
1 December (Tuesday) – Merlin (Melody Maker)
2 December (Wednesday) – Clear Blue Sky (Melody Maker)
1971
15 April (Thursday) – Octopus (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)
6 May (Thursday) – Octopus (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)
Besides the town’s Cellar Club, another a noted live venue that put on gigs into the late 1960s was Coronation Hall in Denmark Road. Quite a few notable acts played there and I’ve started a list. I would be grateful for any additions:
12 January 1963 – The Nashville Teens and The Corvettes (Surrey Comet)
19 January 1963 – The Nashville Teens and Gerry Brown’s Jazzmen (Surrey Comet)
23 February 1963 – The Avengers and The Corvettes (Surrey Comet)
2 March 1963 – The Nashville Teens and The Avengers (Surrey Comet)
9 March 1963 – Bobby Angelo & The Tuxedos and The Corvettes (Surrey Comet)
23 March 1963 – Bobby Angelo & The Tuxedos and The Avengers (Surrey Comet)
13 April 1963 – Mike Berry with group and The Avengers and The Corvettes (Surrey Comet)
11 January 1964 – The Fleerekkers and The Puppets (Melody Maker)
18 January 1964 – Gene Vincent (Kingston & Malden Borough News) Melody Maker lists The Strollers
25 January 1964 – The Blue-Tones (Melody Maker)
3 February 1964 – The Yardbirds (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
8 February 1964 – Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions (Melody Maker)
11 February 1964 – The Yardbirds (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
15 February 1964 – The Tornados (Melody Maker)
22 February 1964 – The Cervezeas and The Niteshades (Melody Maker)
29 February 1964 – The Zombies and The Cheynes (Melody Maker)
3 March 1964 – The Yardbirds (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
31 October 1964 – The Cosmic Sounds (featuring Linda Crane) and Tempests (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
12 December 1964 – Lulu and Cosmic Sounds (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
24 December 1964 – Jimmy Powell & The Dimensions and The MI4 (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
16 January 1965 – The Downliners Sect and The MI4 (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
27 February 1965 – The Trojans and Group 5 (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
23 October 1965 – The Downliners Sect with The Hi-Jackers (Surrey Comet)
30 October 1965 – Cosmic Sounds featuring Lynda Crane and The Pastel Shades (Surrey Comet)
6 November 1965 – The Tuxedos and The Images (Surrey Comet)
11 December 1965 – The Board Walkers and Lawlors Legs (Surrey Comet)
18 December 1965 – Cosmic Sounds and The Impalas (Surrey Comet)
1 December 1967 – P P Arnold and The Kool (may be a different date in December 1967/January 1968) (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
According to Don Craine of The Downliners Sect fame (who played there as the original Downliners in 1962 and as The Downliners Sect in 1963), the Boathouse at Kew was run by the Jones brothers and was considered to be one of the best southwest/west London gigs, along with Hounslow Baths, the Capital R Feltham, and Southall Community Centre.
Craine adds that the club had two stages. He remembers that at one gig, The Mark Leeman Five played on the other stage when The Downliners Sect were there.
Kew Boathouse was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).
1961
11 February 1961 (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
25 March 1961 (Saturday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
22 December 1961 (Friday) – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1962
11 June 1962 (Monday) – Frankie Reid & The Casuals (Brian Mansell’s gig diary)
Photo: Peter Wright. Peter’s father designing a poster for the venue – see comments section below.
1963
Rhythm guitarist Keith Gardiner says that his band Jeff Curtis & The Flames played at Kew Boathouse in 1963 on a bill headed by Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers.
John Plumer, who played with The John Dee Combo, says that they played regularly at the club on Friday nights when he was doing his ‘A’ levels.
As well as Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, he also remembers Pat Cresswell & The Crescents playing here whose guitarist was future Hot Chocolate member Harvey Hinsley.
The Packabeats, 1963. Photo from Malcolm Lenny.
Malcolm Lenny says that Tony Holland & The Packabeats played here in the early days.
30 November 1963 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Photo: Peter Wright
1964
14 February 1964 (Friday) – The Tridents (Lindsay Bex’s gig diary)
18 April 1964 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Jeff Beck didn’t join on lead guitar until early September 1964.
10 October 1964 (Saturday) – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Jeff Beck was the band’s lead guitarist now.
1966
25 August 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)
1967
There are lots of gaps in this year and I would welcome any additions, clarifications and corrections.
According to Gray Newell, The Locomotion played at the venue during 1967-1968.
24 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
31 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
9 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
20 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
22 February 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
23 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 February 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 February 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
Dave Martin Group gig list. Thanks to Geoff Chinnery
1 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
7 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
9 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
22 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
23 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 March 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 March 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 March 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 March 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
3 April 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
4 April 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
5 April 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 April 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
Jack’s Union. Left to right: Paul Gardner, Terry Sullivan and Dave Mann. Photo: Paul Gardner
8 May 1967 (Monday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
9 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
10 May 1967 (Wednesday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
11 May 1967 (Thursday) – Jack’s Union (Melody Maker)
Guitarist Paul Gardner got in touch (see comments below). This power trio, based on The Who, morphed out of The Select and would later changed name to Rainbow Reflection. Later, Gardner and drummer Terry Sullivan formed Dry Ice. Gardner later recorded with Pluto while Sullivan joined Renaissance.
19 May 1967 (Friday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 May 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
30 May 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
31 May 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
1 June 1967 (Thursday) – Marshal Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
5 June 1967 (Monday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
6 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
7 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
8 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Patch (Hounslow Post)
12 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
19 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
22 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
26 June 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 June 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 June 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
3 July 1967 (Monday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
4 July 1967 (Tuesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
5 July 1967 (Wednesday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 July 1967 (Thursday) – The Dave Martin Group (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
10 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
12 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
13 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
17 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
19 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
20 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
24 July 1967 (Monday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
25 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
26 July 1967 (Wednesday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
27 July 1967 (Thursday) – Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
14 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
15 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
17 August 1967 (Thursday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
21 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
22 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
23 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
24 August 1967 (Thursday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
28 August 1967 (Monday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
29 August 1967 (Tuesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
30 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Atmosphere (Hounslow Post)
31 August 1967 (Thursday)– Marshall Scott Etc (Hounslow Post)
4 September 1967 (Monday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
5 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
6 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
18 September 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
19 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
20 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
Future Genesis drummer John Mayhew played with Milton’s Fingers in 1968-1969.
Thanks to Mick Grant for providing the image
25 September 1967 (Monday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
26 September 1967 (Tuesday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
27 September 1967 (Wednesday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
28 September 1967 (Thursday) – Respect (Hounslow Post)
Respect at the Boathouse. Photo: Mick Grant
2 October 1967 (Monday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
3 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
4 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
5 October 1967 (Thursday) – Impulse (Hounslow Post)
9 October 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
10 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
11 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
12 October 1967 (Thursday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
16 October 1967 (Monday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
17 October 1967 (Tuesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
18 October 1967 (Wednesday) – Milton’s Fingers (Hounslow Post)
24 November 1967 (Friday) – The Washington DCs (Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Gazette)
27 November 1967 (Monday) – The Washington DCs and The Motives (Thames Valley Times and Hounslow Edition of Middlesex Chronicle)
4 December 1967 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
5 December 1967 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
6 December 1967 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
7 December 1967 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
8 December 1967 (Friday) – The Hummingbirds (Thames Valley Times and Hounslow Edition of Middlesex Chronicle)
31 December 1967 (Sunday) – The Arrows (Thames Valley Times)
Alan Box of Locomotion at the Kew Boathouse. Thanks to Gray Newell for photo.
1968
The Thames Valley Times reports that the club puts on gigs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Considering that some groups had residencies from Monday-Thursday, it looks like there may have been live music every night of the week. There are lots of gaps for 1968. I would welcome any additions, clarifications and corrections.
Ray Brown who played with The Kool until December 1967 and then formed Champagne remembers both groups appearing on the same bill during 1968.
According to the Crawdaddy Blues Band website, the band Sudden Change played at Kew Boathouse during 1967-1968.
1 January 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
3 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
4 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
Photo: Gray Newell
2 February 1968 (Friday) – The Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Poster from Gray Newell)
3 February 1968 (Saturday) – Sudden Change (Poster from Gray Newell)
4 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
9 February 1968 (Friday) – The New Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Hounslow Post) Poster has Evolution on this date
10 February 1968 (Saturday) – The King Cossaks (Poster from Gray Newell)
11 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
The Hounslow Post says that the group Fire played recently.
12 February 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
13 February 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
14 February 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
15 February 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 February 1968 (Friday) – The Frinton Bassett Blues Band (Poster from Gray Newell)
17 February 1968 (Saturday) – The Bluesville Band (Poster from Gray Newell)
18 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
23 February 1968 (Friday) – Katch 22 and The Arrows (Thames Valley Times)
24 February 1968 (Saturday) – Locomotion (Poster from Gray Newell)
25 February 1968 (Sunday) – Rosemarys E Motion (Poster from Gray Newell)
15 March 1968 (Friday) – Time & Motion (Thames Valley Times)
25 March 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 March 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
28 March 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
29 March 1968 (Friday) – The Astronauts (Thames Valley Times)
12 April 1968 (Friday) – Carnival Special (Thames Valley Times)
14 April 1968 (Sunday) – Bob Wallis (Thames Valley Times)
Thames Valley Times notes that jazz started this Sunday
21 April 1968 (Sunday) – Alan Elsdon (Thames Valley Times)
28 April 1968 (Sunday) – Terry Lightfoot (Thames Valley Times)
29 April 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
2 May 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
21 June 1968 (Friday) – One group plays (Thames Valley Times)
22 June 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)
24 June 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
25 June 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
26 June 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
27 June 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
Magic Roundabout gig list. Thanks to Geoff Chinnery
30 June 1968 (Sunday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
12 July 1968 (Friday) – Episode Six (Thames Valley Times)
19 July 1968 (Friday) – Appearance (Thames Valley Times)
21 July 1968 (Sunday) – The Equals (Thames Valley Times)
26 July 1968 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
29 July 1968 (Monday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
30 July 1968 (Tuesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
31 July 1968 (Wednesday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
1 August 1968 (Thursday) – The Magic Roundabout (Geoff Chinnery’s gig list – thanks to Roger Flavell for sharing)
16 August 1968 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Thames Valley Times, Fabulous 208 and Melody Maker)
25 August 1968 (Friday) – The Joyce Bond Revue (Melody Maker)
13 September 1968 (Friday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)
14 September 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)
15 September 1968 (Sunday) – The Foundations ((Thames Valley Times)
22 September 1968 (Sunday) – Cliff Bennett & His Band (Thames Valley Times)
27 September 1968 (Friday) – The Skatalites (Thames Valley Times)
28 September 1968 (Saturday) – Two groups play (Thames Valley Times)
29 September 1968 (Sunday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
2 October 1968 (Wednesday) – Ferris Wheel (Fabulous 208)
8 October 1968 (Tuesday) – The Pretty Things (Time Out)
11 October 1968 (Friday) – The Move (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)
20 October 1968 (Sunday) – Fleetwood Mac (Christopher Hjort’s book Strange Brew)
25 October 1968 (Friday) – Pink Floyd (Melody Maker and Thames Valley Times)
8 November 1968 (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Thames Valley Times)
22 November 1968 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Thames Valley Times)
13 December 1968 (Friday) – Trifle (Thames Valley Times)
27 December 1968 (Friday) – The Jon James Swamp (Thames Valley Times)
1969
Martin Samuel, the drummer with Heatwave, says that the band’s debut performance was a four-night stand at Kew Boathouse in 1969 for which they were paid a total of £40.
This site is a work in progress on 1960s garage rock bands. All entries can be updated, corrected and expanded. If you have information on a band featured here, please let me know and I will update the site and credit you accordingly.
I am dedicated to making this site a center for research about '60s music scenes. Please consider donating archival materials such as photos, records, news clippings, scrapbooks or other material from the '60s. Please contact me at rchrisbishop@gmail.com if you can loan or donate original materials
THE ATTACK:
