The Spectres, February 1964. Photo: South East London Mercury
The El Partido in Lewisham, southeast London was located at 8-10 Lee High Road and was a popular spot for young Jamaicans and local mods.
There is a gig for The Spectres (who later morphed into Status Quo) who played here on 10 February 1964 and every Monday (see very top) which reveals that the club had originally operated under different management and closed sometime during 1964. It looks like the club re-opened on 12 December with The Beasts playing that evening.
The excellent Transpontine website notes that King Ossie Sound played at the club regularly. Other guests included Jamaicans Jimmy Cliff and The Duke Reid Sound.
Local R&B outfit, The Loose Ends, who cut two singles for Decca, were also house band at some point in late 1965.
I have started a gig list and would welcome any additions plus any memories of the venue, which was closed down in April 1967.
12 December 1964 – The Beasts
19 December 1964 – The Loose Ends
26 December 1964 – The Beavers
27 March 1965 – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and Mankinde
28 March 1965 – Duke Lee
31 March 1965 – The Hubbubs
1 April 1965 – Group Survival
2 April 1965 – The King Bees
3 April 1965 – The Loose Ends
Photo: Melody Maker
4 September 1965 – The Eyes
Photo: Melody Maker
9 September 1965 – The Duke Lee Sound System
10 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (upstairs)
10 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)
11 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first session)
11 September 1965 – The Loose Ends (downstairs, first session)
11 September 1965 – Lou Johnson, Sonny Childe, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)
16 September 1965 – The Mixed Feelings (upstairs)
16 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)
17 September 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee
18 September 1965 – Duke Lee (upstairs, first and second session)
18 September 1965 – The Artwoods (downstairs, first session)
18 September 1965 – The Artwoods and The Loose Ends (downstairs, second session)
South East London Mercury has The Loose Ends with Lou Johnson on the above date
22 September 1965 – The Changing Times (upstairs)
22 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)
Photo: Melody Maker
23 September 1965 – The Plain Facts (upstairs)
23 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)
24 September 1965 – Memphis Chucks (upstairs)
24 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)
25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell (upstairs, first session)
25 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs, first session)
25 September 1965 – Guy Darrell, The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (second session)
26 September 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds
29 September 1965 – The Minor Birds (upstairs)
The Minor Birds morphed into Mr Mo’s Messengers in 1967
29 September 1965 – Duke Lee (downstairs)
Photo: Melody Maker
30 September 1965 – The Sons of Fred and Duke Lee
1 October 1965 – Duke Lee
2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, The Spectres and Duke Lee (first session)
2 October 1965 – Jesse Fuller, Loose Ends, The Spectres and Duke Lee (second session)
The Spectres later morphed into Status Quo
3 October 1965 – Duke Lee
6 October 1965 – Kiko 6 and Duke Lee
7-8 October 1965 – Duke Lee
9 October 1965 – Dave Anthony’s Moods, Next of Kin and Duke Lee (first session)
Photo: Melody Maker
9 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, Dave Anthony’s Moods, Duke Lee and Next of Kin (second session)
10 October 1965 – Duke Lee
13 October 1965 – Creeper’s Blues and Duke Lee
Photo: Melody Maker
14 October 1965 – Diddley Daddies and Duke Lee
16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers and Duke Lee (first session)
16 October 1965 – The Stormsville Shakers, Duke Lee and The Minor Birds (second session)
17 October 1965 – Bo Diddley and Duke Lee
20 October 1965 – Long, Short and Tall, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends
Photo: Melody Maker
21 October 1965 – Under-mined and Duke Lee Sounds
22 October 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds
23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends and Duke Lee (first session)
23 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Minor Birds and Duke Lee (second session)
24 October 1965 – Duke Lee
27 October 1965 – John Brown’s Bodies and Duke Lee
This version of John Brown’s Bodies were from Hammersmith and weren’t the same Brighton group that had Keith Emerson
28 October 1965 – Next of Kin and Duke Lee
29 October 1965 – Marshall Scott Etc and Duke Lee
30 October 1965 – The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee Sounds (first session)
Photo: Melody Maker
30 October 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Hamilton Movement and Duke Lee (second session)
31 October 1965 – Duke Lee
3 November 1965 – Blues Roots, Duke Lee and The Loose Ends
Photo: Melody Maker
4 November 1965 – Deacon Louis GP and Duke Lee
5 November 1965 – Duke Lee
6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres and Duke Lee (first session)
6 November 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)
7 November 1965 – Duke Lee
10 November 1965 – The Nature’s Boys and Duke Lee
Photo: Melody Maker
11 November 1965 – Lawlors Legs and Duke Lee
12 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds
Photo: Melody Maker
13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Duke Lee (first session)
13 November 1965 – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays, The Movement and Duke Lee (second session)
14 November 1965 – Duke Lee
17 November 1965 – The Links, The Fetish Crowd and Duke Lee
Photo: Melody Maker
18 November 1965 – Sounds Anonymous and Duke Lee
19 November 1965 – Duke Lee
20 November 1965 – Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (first session)
20 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, Guy Darrell, Winds of Change and Duke Lee (second session)
21 November 1965 – Duke Lee
24 November 1965 – The New Jump Band and Duke Lee
Photo: Melody Maker
25 November 1965 – Two Squared and Duke Lee
26 November 1965 – Duke Lee
27 November 1965 – The Panics and Duke Lee (first session)
27 November 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Panics and Duke Lee (second session)
28 November 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds
1 December 1965 – Group Survival and Duke Lee
Photo: Melody Maker
17 December 1965 – Duke Lee Sounds
18 December 1965 – The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (first session)
18 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, The Frank Sheen Sound and Duke Lee (second session)
19 December 1965 – Major Lance (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee
22 December 1965 – The Templars, The Cardinals and Duke Lee
24 December 1965 – The Loose Ends, Duke Lee and The Frank Sheen Sound
Photo: Melody Maker
25-26 December 1965 – Duke Lee
31 December 1965 – Duke Lee
Photo: Melody Maker
22 January 1966 – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound and Duke Lee
23 January 1966 – The Exciters and Duke Lee
26 January 1966 – The Just Blues, The Wild Set and Duke Lee
28 January 1966 – Lee Dorsey and Duke Lee
29 January 1966 – Deakin Lewis and Duke Lee
30 January 1966 – The Drifters
Photo: Melody Maker
11 February 1966 – Doris Troy (with Bluesology) and Duke Lee
12 February 1966 – The Panicks and Duke Lee
13 February 1966 – Duke Lee
16 February 1966 – Duke Lee and various groups
18 February 1966 – Inez and Charlie Foxx
Photo: Melody Maker
25 March 1966 – Wilson Pickett with King Ossie Sounds (Wilson Pickett didn’t show)
Photo: South East London Mercury
26 March 1966 – Time Box, The Raisins and King Ossie Sounds
1 April 1966 – Don Covay and King Ossie Sounds
8 April 1966 – Jimmy Cliff (backed by New Generation?) with The Raisons, King Ossie Sound and Duke Reid
9 April 1966 – The New Jump Band with The King Ossie Sound
10 April 1966 – Don Covey with The King Ossie Sound
11 April 1966 – Owen Gray and Jackie Edwards with The Raisons and King Ossie Sound
22 May 1966 – The Charmers (with Carl Douglas)
11 June 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Charmers
18 June 1966 – The Partizans
4 August 1966 – Jimmy Cliff
2 September 1966 – The James Royal Set
24 September 1966 – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede
1 October 1966 – Timebox
15 November 1966 – The Iveys
6 January 1967 – Duke Lee
7 January 1967 – The Soul Trinity
13 January 1967 – Duke Lee
14 January 1967 – The Mellow Notes
20 January 1967 – Duke Lee
21 January 1967 – Ossie Layne & The Red Hot Band
4 March 1967 – Alan Marsh(all) & The Loose Ends
Sources:
Southeast London Mercury, Marmalade Skies website, Melody Maker and poster
Located at 15 Perry Vale, the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill, Southeast London was a popular venue for Mods in the early-to-mid 1960s.
The Who were regulars in the 1963-1964 period when they were known as The Detours and The High Numbers. Bobby King & The Sabres were also a resident band at the club throughout the mid-1960s.
I’ve started a list of artists that were advertised and would welcome any additions/corrections as well as any memories of the venue. I would also welcome any posters/band photos and will credit them accordingly.
1961
17 November 1961 – The Statesmen (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
1963
13 September 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
4 October 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
11 October 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
2 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
7 November 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
16 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
23 November 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
Thanks to Clive Chase for sending the photo
6 December 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
Poster suggests Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers played on 6 December
7 December 1963 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
13 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Federals (Clive Chase’s gig diary/poster/Beat Monthly)
Poster suggests only The Federals played on this date
20 December 1963 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
Poster suggests The Flintstones played on 20 December
21 December 1963 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
27 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
28 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
1964
3 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
Pete Carter says The Rolling Stones played on 3 January 1964 – see comments section below
17 January 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation
18 January 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bern Elliott & The Fenmen (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
24 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
John Warburg says The Hollies also performed on 24 January
31 January 1964 – The Detours (became The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
1 February 1964 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
7 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Tin Pan Alley Ball) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
14 February 1964 – The Detours (or now called The Who) (Andy Neill’s research)
17 February 1964 – The Searchers (Beat Monthly) Needs confirmation
21 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Bridget Bond & The Hysterics (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
6 March 1964 – The Paramounts with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
7 March 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
16 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
21 March 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
23 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
27 March 1964 – Graham Bond Organisation with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
3 April 1964 – The Who (this month they change name to The High Numbers) (Andy Neill’s research)
4 April 1964 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
6 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
10 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
13 April 1964 – Cilla Black with Sounds Incorporated and The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
This was before Jeff Beck joined The Tridents on lead guitar
17 April 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Redcaps (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
20 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
24 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
27 April 1964 – The Tridents (John and Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Jeff Beck didn’t join on lead guitar until early September.
2 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
4 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
8 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
11 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
15 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
16 May 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
18 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
25 May 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
29 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The High Numbers (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
1 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
6 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
8 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
15 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
19 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Shorty & Them (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
22 June 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
26 June 1964 – Jean & The Statesides (Jeff Sturgeon’s gig diary)
27 June 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
29 June 1964 – The High Numbers (revert back to The Who in November) (Andy Neill’s research)
10 July 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
18 July 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
31 July 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with Geno Washington (most likely with Les Blues) (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
8 August 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
21 August 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
29 August 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
4 September 1964 – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
18 September 1964 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
19 September 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
2 October 1964 – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary) Beat Instrumental suggests that The Undertakers may have played here on this date but needs confirmation
3 October 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
12 October 1964 – The Tridents (Paul Lucas’ gig diary)
Jeff Beck was lead guitarist with The Tridents by this point
16 October 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
26 October 1964 – The Yardbirds (Beat Instrumental) Needs confirmation
30 October 1964 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
6 November 1964 – The Hollies with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
I have The Graham Bond Organisation for 6 November but this may have been a different date
20 November 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres with The Federals (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
21 November 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
27 November 1964 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
4 December 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
Bobby King & The Sabres. Photo: Clive Chase
1965
8 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
16 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
22 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
30 January 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
12 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
20 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
26 February 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
6 March 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
19 March 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
27 March 1965 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
2 April 1965 – The Brian Auger Trinity with Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
Chislehurst Caves in the south eastern suburbs of London is a 22 miles long series of tunnels. During the 1960s, the caves were used as a music venue and many notable artists played there, including David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, to name a few.
I have started to compile a list of artists that played and would welcome any additions. Also, I would welcome any memories of the caves from that period.
Photo: Kent Messenger, 20 March 1964, page 4
14 March 1964 – The Lonely Ones, The Corvettes, The Maniacs, The Outcasts, The Rockabeats and Band Seven (Kent Messenger)
Gig in Melody Maker, 30 March 1963
14 May 1965 (Friday) – The Epitaph Souls, The Forerunners, Danny & The Torinos, The Two Squared, The Great Expectations, Hamilton King’s Blues Messengers and Brian Something and The What’s Its (Melody Maker)
11 February 1966 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect (South East London Mercury) (opened the caves as a music venue)
25 February 1966 (Friday) – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band (South East London Mercury)
4 March 1966 (Friday) – David Bowie & The Buzz (South East London Mercury)
11 March 1966 (Friday) – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)
18 March 1966 (Friday) – Deacon Lewis (South East London Mercury)
8 April 1966 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (South East London Mercury and Melody Maker)
29 April 1966 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)
6 May 1966 (Friday) – The Pretty Things (Melody Maker)
20 May 1966 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
1 July 1966 (Friday) – The Yardbirds (Record Mirror)
15 July 1966 (Friday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)
29 July 1966 (Friday) – The Action (Fabulous 208)
5 August 1966 (Friday) – The Graham Bond Organisation (Melody Maker)
28 October 1966 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
16 December 1966 (Friday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Melody Maker)
30 December 1966 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (Melody Maker and Disc & Music Echo)
6 January 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
27 January 1967 (Friday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (needs source but probably Melody Maker)
17 February 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
17 March 1967 (Friday) – The Amboy Dukes (Fabulous 208)
14 April 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
19 May 1967 (Friday) – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)
7 July 1967 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
11 August 1967 (Friday) – The Nervous System (Melody Maker)
6 October 1967 (Friday) – Eric Burdon & The New Animals (Kathy Doughty’s memories – see comments below)
14 October 1967 (Saturday) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Fabulous 208)
10 November 1967 (Friday) – The Foundations (Melody Maker)
8 December 1967 (Friday) –Pink Floyd (possibly Melody Maker but might be South East London Mercury)
9 February 1968 (Friday) – The Herd (South East London Mercury)
Located at 3 Cromwell Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, SW7, the Cromwellian Club was a notable London rock venue that was opened in late 1964 by entrepreneur Tony Mitchell and part owned and managed by Bob Archer, who later established the Pantiles club in Bagshot, Surrey. The club’s opening was reported in The Stage in its 8 October 1964 issue.
Brian Auger who played here with The Trinity claims that the Cromwellian is where Jimi Hendrix first jammed with his band after arriving in London in late September 1966, although others point to the Scotch of St James.
At its height in 1966-1967, it also hosted numerous jam sessions, featuring the likes of Chris Farlowe, Georgie Fame, Long John Baldry, Eric Burdon and Eric Clapton among others.
Like other exclusive clubs like Blaises and the Scotch of St James, the entrance fee was expensive and therefore catered less for music fans and more for the celebrities of the day and wealthy clientele.
The Cromwellian was rarely advertised in the music papers so it’s been difficult to find gigs. The list below is a start but I’d welcome any additions and corrections plus any photos of the venue and posters of advertised gigs as well as band photos (all credited accordingly).
1965
Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at the Cromwellian during 1965-1966:
Singer Jim Nairn (aka James Royal) says that James Royal & The Hawks and The James Royal Set played there throughout this period.
Tony Richard who drummed and sang with The Fetish Crowd says that his group performed there during 1965-1966.
Singer Alan Chamberlain says that The Just Four, which became The Guests, played at the venue in 1965-1966.
Guitarist/singer Stuart Cowell says he was working with Ralph Denyer’s Rockhouse Band when they performed at the Cromwellian in late 1965 before he left to join Gass.
Ray Lovegrove, who DJ’d at the venue, remembers seeing Stevie Wonder and also The Groundhogs at the club during 1965 when he was there. However, the Stevie Wonder gig could have been 26 January 1966 (see below).
The following list for 1965 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:
Photo: Melody Maker
1 April 1965 (Thursday) – The Drifters (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker, 10 April 1965
5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Soul Sisters (Melody Maker)
8 June 1965 (Tuesday) – Donnie Elbert (Melody Maker)
15 June 1965 (Tuesday) – Solomon Burke (Melody Maker)
23 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Doris Troy (Melody Maker)
Photo; Melody Maker
13 July 1965 (Tuesday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
23 July 1965 (Friday) – Inez & Charlie Foxx (Melody Maker)
London Life magazine for the week 9-15 October, and for subsequent issues running to December 1966 when it closed, notes that several groups played each week.
20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
28 October 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
Photo: West Surrey Advertiser
Boz & The Boz People played at the Cromwellian sometime before 4 November, according to the West Surrey Advertiser (see pic)
4 November 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
11 November 1965 (Thursday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
2 December 1965 (Thursday) – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Record Mirror)
9 December 1965 (Thursday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
10 December 1965 (Friday) – The Beatstalkers (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
13 December 1965 (Monday) – The Beatstalkers (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)
14 December 1965 (Tuesday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary – thanks to John Warburg for sharing)
15 December 1965 (Wednesday) – Major Lance (Record Mirror)
16 December 1965 (Thursday) – Bluesology (Melody Maker)
Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) was Bluesology’s keyboard player.
Photo: Record Mirror
20 December 1965 (Monday) – Joe Tex (Record Mirror)
1966
Although it’s not been possible to find exact dates the following musicians confirmed their bands played at the Cromwellian during 1966:
Keyboard player Stan Marut, who worked with Julian Covey & The Machine from late 1965-mid-1966 says the group had a regular Saturday night residency at the club in early 1966 (and also possibly late 1965 when John McVie was briefly a member when Jack Bruce filled his spot in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers). He remembers Sands were playing at the venue around the same time.
According to Chris Groom’s excellent book “Rockin’ and Around Croydon”, Croydon group The Kingpins played at the Cromwellian in early 1966.
Singer Alan Chamberlain says that The Guests played at the venue during 1966 (possibly with The Shevelles).
Jim Nairn (aka James Royal) says The James Royal Set played at the club this year.
Guitarist Frank Torpey, who later became an original member of The Sweet, confirms his group The Tribe played at the Cromwellian (most likely this year and possibly also 1967).
Guitarist Jim Cregan says that Blossom Toes performed at the venue (but this might have been 1967).
Ray Brown, who played bass with Jeff Curtis & The Flames from mid-1965 to late 1967 when they became The Kool, says that the band played at the Cromwellian a few times, most likely in 1966 (but also possibly early 1967).
Drummer Rocky Browne confirms that The Summer Set had a weekly residence at the Cromwellian during 1966.
Drummer Tony Richard says The Fetish Crowd played at the club during 1966.
The following list for 1966 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:
4 January 1966 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
11 January 1966 (Tuesday) – Pattie La Belle & The Bluebells with Bluesology (Melody Maker)
Elton John (then known as Reg Dwight) was Bluesology’s keyboard player.
13 January 1966 (Thursday) – The Exciters (Record Mirror)
Record Mirror originally billed this show for 19 January.
19 January 1966 (Wednesday) – Lee Dorsey (Record Mirror)
Record Mirror also listed this for 31 January so this may not have happened. Dorsey was most likely backed by The Krew featuring sax player Howie Casey. I also have The Sidewinders, so probably shared. They were back the following Wednesday to back Stevie Wonder.
26 January 1966 (Wednesday) – Stevie Wonder (Record Mirror)
Stevie Wonder was backed by The Sidewinders (confirmed by drummer Malcolm Penn).
31 January 1966 (Monday) – Lee Dorsey (Record Mirror and Rave Magazine)
Lee Dorsey was most certainly backed by The Krew.
5 February 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
This was 2-6am on the Sunday morning after a show at the Glenlyn Ballroom in Forest Hill on the Saturday night. Chase says The Searchers came in and watched them.
9 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Doris Troy (Record Mirror)
Record Mirror lists Rufus Thomas for 16 February. Steampacket did perform at the Cromwellian and it’s possible that Rufus Thomas shared the billing. Rod Stewart co-fronted Steampacket with Long John Baldry and Julie Driscoll.
19 February 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
23 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Record Mirror and Rave Magazine)
25 February 1966 (Friday) – The Nite People (Barry Curtis’ gig diary – thanks to John Warburg for sharing)
2 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Solomon Burke (Record Mirror)
3 March 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)
Future Deep Purple members Ian Gillan and Roger Glover were members.
5 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)
10 March 1966 (Thursday) – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)
12 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)
19 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (needs confirmation)
Cromwellian, London, March 1966. Photo: Melody Maker
26 March 1966 (Saturday) – Julian Covey & The Machine (Melody Maker)
1 April 1966 (Friday) – The Sidewinders (Malcolm Penn’s gig diary)
5 May 1966 (Thursday) – Betty Everett (Record Mirror)
Christopher Hjort’s excellent book “Strange Brew: Eric Clapton & The British Blues Boom 1965-1970” notes that Eric Clapton attended the Cromwellian on 9 May after a gig at the Star Hotel in Croydon with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
The 9 May marks the inception of SLAGS (Society of Looning Alcoholic Guitarists) whose members include Jeff Beck, Stevie Winwood, Vic Briggs, Pete Townshend, Steve Marriott, Andy Somers, Alan Roskams and Dave Wendels. The members will meet regularly at the Cromwellian.
In early June Melody Maker prints a “Guide to Good Raving” which lists the “in” clubs of the London scene. The Cromwellian is featured and the magazine notes that Gary Farr & The T-Bones, The Mark Leeman Five, Dave Anthony’s Moods, The Shevelles, Sands and The Peter B’s (actually The Shotgun Express) have recently played at the venue (performing until 2am).
10 June 1966 (Friday) – Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Five Proud Walkers who play at the Beachcomber Club on 18 June came from the Cromwellian.
According to the Southern Evening Echo (Southampton), The Move, who play the Adam & Eve in Southampton on 12 July, came from the Cromwellian (see above)
According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Cromwellians who play at the Beachcomber Club on 23 July came from the Cromwellian.
Photo: London Life magazine
27 July 1966 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)
The Eyes of Blue, who have won Melody Maker’s National Beat Contest, celebrate with a party at the club on 7 August. Eric Clapton, Alan Price, Chris Farlowe and others attend.
According to the Nottingham Evening Post, The Coletrane Union, who play at the Britannia Rowing Club on 13 August came from the Cromwellian
According to this Moody Blues site, John Lodge’s band The Question were regulars at the Cromwellian during August/September 1966 before he took up the bass slot in The Moody Blues in October.
31 August 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
20 September 1966 (Tuesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Melody Maker)
Guitarist Tim Large says that Dave Anthony’s Moods had a regular Wednesday night gig at the Cromwellian but the gigs in September are Tuesday nights.
21 September 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
27 September 1966 (Tuesday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Melody Maker)
According to this site, Brian Auger was playing at the Cromwellian on a Friday night and had invited Jimi Hendrix to sit in with his band at this venue earlier in the week. Auger insists that this was the first place that Hendrix jammed with his band.
However, Auger did play at Blaises on Thursday, 29 September and Hendrix did sit in on that occasion, having arrived in the UK on Thursday, 22 September. According to Vic Briggs (and other sources), Hendrix also turned up and jammed with the band at the Scotch of St James on Wednesday, 28 September.
8 October 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
11 October 1966 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Fabulous 208)
It has been noted that The Paul Butterfield Blues Band jammed with Cream at the Cromwellian on 19 October (the alternative location was the Scotch of St James). However, according to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book on the British blues boom, “Strange Brew”, Cream are playing at the Blue Moon in Cheltenham this evening.
22 October 1966 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
2 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
Photo: London Life magazine
16 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
18 November 1966 (Friday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
According to Disc & Music Echo’s 26 November issue, Eric Burdon, Chas Chandler and Bill Wyman attended the club on this date.
30 November 1966 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
According to Bruno Ceriotti, Bluesology (featuring Reg Dwight aka Elton John) played at the Cromwellian regularly during December 1966, which is where Long John Baldry saw them and took them on as his new backing group.
7 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
14 December 1966 (Wednesday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
According to Disc & Music Echo, The Magic Lanterns visited the club the week starting 19 December but it is not clear whether they performed or just attended.
24 December 1966 (Saturday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
1967
According to Disc & Music Echo, Ray Hunter and Paul Lincoln, who had previously run The Two I’s Coffee Bar in Soho, co-ran the Cromwellian this year.
Rob Tolchard says his band Sands played the Cromwellian in January where they were spotted by Brian Epstein who hired them for his Saville Theatre show on 5 February.
Bass player Bruce Usherwood says The Warren Davis Monday Band performed at the venue several times between December 1966 and February 1967 just before they signed with Columbia Records.
The Warren Davis Monday Band’s guitarist Rob Walker concurs and notes that one of the gigs was when the band was called The Boardwalkers.
Disc & Music Echo, 14 January 1967 issue, talks about Georgie Fame’s fiancé Carmen’s 21st birthday fancy dress party, which was held at the venue on 8 January. The guests include Jane Asher, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Georgie Fame.
The following list for 1967 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:
17 January 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
28 January 1967 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
Disc & Music Echo reported that Del Shannon, Johnny Rivers, Edwin Starr and Dave Davies of The Kinks were guests at the club during the week starting 30 January.
According to Martyn Hanson’s excellent book Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice, Lee Jackson was part of the house band at the Cromwellian, The House of Usher during February and March 1967.
2 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s gig diary)
6 February 1967 (Monday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)
9 February 1967 (Thursday) – Long John Baldry & Bluesology (Fabulous 208)
11 February 1967 (Saturday) – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
Bobby King & The Sabres perform from 2am to 6am after playing at the Greenford Hotel, Greenford, west London on the Saturday night, so this would probably be the early hours of the Sunday, 12 February.
20 February 1967 (Monday) – Carl Douglas & The Big Stampede (Ken Baxter’s gig diary)
23 February 1967 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
25 February 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)
The Good Time Losers had a residency at the club around about now, according to Melody Maker. Disc & Music Echo reported that they were managed by the club. Pretty certain it was a Saturday but needs confirmation.
4 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)
11 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)
18 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)
25 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Good Time Losers (needs confirmation)
3 April 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
8 April 1967 (Saturday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Disc & Music Echo)
12 April 1967 (Wednesday) – Ben E King (Disc & Music Echo)
Disc & Music Echo report that Tom Jones attended. This may have been 5 April so needs confirmation
14 April 1967 (Friday) – Motivation with The James Garnet Soul and Roll Band (Swindon Advertiser) (cancelled)
Motivation (featuring future Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre) are advertised to play the venue. Keyboard player Mick Ketley says they did play the Cromwellian. However, sax player Chris Rodger confirms they were in Italy until mid-May before returning home so this didn’t happen.
16 April 1967 (Sunday) – Disc and Music Echo says that The Bee Gees hold a reception at the club today
18 April 1967 (Tuesday) – Bo Diddley with The Canadians (Melody Maker)
The Canadians feature future producer and music executive David Foster on keyboards.
Disc & Music Echo’s 22 April issue says that US actress Jayne Mansfield attended the Cromwellian the previous Tuesday but the date might have been 11 April instead.
Drummer Phil Wainman, who later produced The Sweet and was playing with Jack Hammer & The Hammer Jammers in May 1967, says Jack Hammer played at the club, which would have most likely been this month.
1 May 1967 (Monday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Melody Maker, Fabulous 208 and Disc & Music Echo)
4 May 1967 (Thursday) – The Web with John L Watson (Melody Maker)
8 May 1967 (Monday) – Prince Buster & The Bees (Record Mirror)
Photo: Melody Maker
15 May 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
17 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)
22 May 1967 (Monday) – The Web (Melody Maker)
24 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
26 May 1967 (Friday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)
27 May 1967 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)
29 July 1967 (Saturday) – Tuesday’s Children (Fabulous 208)
31 July 1967 (Monday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
9 August 1967 (Wednesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
16 August 1967 (Wednesday) – Marmalade (Fabulous 208)
According to Disc & Music Echo’s 16 September issue, Long John Baldry keeps fit by running up the club’s stairs. Does this imply that he performed here with Bluesology during September?
1968
Guitarist/singer Paul Brett says that he played this venue during 1968, which was probably with Tintern Abbey but could have been with Elmer Gantry and/or Fire.
Drummer Paul Maher says that Jo Jo Gunne performed at the venue (possibly this year and/or 1969).
The following list for 1968 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions.
Judging by the dates below in January and February, it looks like jazz bands played on Mondays.
4 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)
Mike Eastman notes in his diary that his band Katch 22 played on 4 January.
8 January 1968 (Monday) – Bill Nile’s Delta Jazzmen (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
10 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Web featuring John L Watson (Melody Maker)
11 January 1968 (Thursday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
12 January 1968 (Friday) – Garnet Mimms (Melody Maker)
15 January 1968 (Monday) – The Red Onion Jazz Band (Melody Maker)
17 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)
18 January 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)
19 January 1968 (Friday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)
22 January 1968 (Monday) – Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen (Melody Maker)
23 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
24 January 1968 (Wednesday) – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
25 January 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Melody Maker and Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
26 January 1968 (Friday) – Jigsaw (Melody Maker)
29 January 1968 (Monday) – Spencer’s Washboard Kings (Melody Maker)
30 January 1968 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound and Lucas (Melody Maker)
31 January 1968 (Wednesday) – Wee Willie Harris and The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
1 February 1968 (Thursday) – The Web featuring John L Watson (Melody Maker)
Mike Eastman notes in his diary that his band Katch 22 played on 1 February.
2 February 1968 (Friday) – Clyde McPhatter and The Trend (Melody Maker)
5 February 1968 (Monday) – Alex Welsh & His Jazz Band (Melody Maker)
6 February 1968 (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)
23 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)
24 August 1968 (Saturday) – Scrugg (Melody Maker and Jack Russell’s gig diary)
27 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)
28 August 1968 (Wednesday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)
30 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
31 August 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)
6 September 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)
Photo: Melody Maker
7 September 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)
14 September 1968 (Saturday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)
16 September 1968 (Monday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)
17 September 1968 (Tuesday) – Little John & The Shaddocks (Melody Maker)
18 September 1968 (Wednesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)
19 September 1968 (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Melody Maker and Mike Eastman’s gig diary)
21 September 1968 (Saturday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)
19 October 1968 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)
16 November 1968 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)
21 November 1968 (Thursday) – The Nite People (Melody Maker)
5 December 1968 (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
19 December 1968 (Thursday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
1969
Sax player Geoff Glover says his band The All Night Workers played at the Cromwellian when Clyde Barrow took over lead vocals from Iain Pitwell, which would have been from early 1969.
Guitarist/violinist Mike Piggott says that his band Gass played here during 1969/1970.
The following list for 1969 is incomplete so I’d welcome additions:
20 January 1969 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)
8 February 1969 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)
1 March 1969 (Saturday) – The Maddening Crowd (Melody Maker)
3 November 1969 (Monday) – Sky (Melody Maker)
10 November 1969 (Monday) – She Trinity (Melody Maker)
The Witch Doctor in Catford was a notable rock venue in southeast London and was located above the Savoy Rooms. It opened in October 1965 and mainly hosted bands on Saturday nights (the other nights of the week are noted).
I’ve started a list of artists that were advertised to play at the venue. I would welcome any additions and any memories from anyone that attended the club. All of the entries are from the South East London Mercury unless otherwise noted.
Savoy Rooms’ gigs from March 1964. Photo: South East London Mercury
The gigs listed below from early August to mid-October were held at the Savoy Rooms before the Witch Doctor opened at the end of October 1965:
7 August 1965 – Johnny Cannon & The Shades with The Lonely Ones
14 August 1965 – The Gobbledegooks with Dave & The Strollers
21 August 1965 – The Trendsetters Ltd with Wainwright’s Gentlemen
28 August 1965 – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich with The Equals
4 September 1965 – The Bo Street Runners
11 September 1965 – The Bretheren
18 September 1965 – Bubbles & Company
25 September 1965 – The Mark Four
2 October 1965 – The Crowd with The Epics
9 October 1965 – Just Four Men
16 October 1965 – The Symbols
23 October 1965 – missing entry
The following gigs were held at the Witch Doctor, above the Savoy Rooms:
31 October 1965 – The Mighty Avengers
6 November 1965 – The Herd
13 November 1965 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
14 November 1965 – The Lonely Ones (says every Sunday night)
20 November 1965 – The Fenmen
21 November 1965 – The Lonely Ones (Sunday night)
27 November 1965 – The Objects
28 November 1965 – Alan Haren with Tony Crombie and The Lonely Ones (Sunday night)
4 December 1965 – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men
5 December 1965 – The Lonely Ones (Sunday night)
11 December 1965 – The Herd
12 December 1965 – The Washington DCs (Sunday night)
19 December 1965 – The Washington DCs (Sunday night)
24 December 1965 – The Lonely Ones, Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men and The Confederates (Friday night)
31 December 1965 – The Majority, The Beat Syndicate and The High Jackers (Friday night)
8 January 1966 – The Mark Four
15 January 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex
22 January 1966 – The Carnaby
29 January 1966 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
5 February 1966 – The Washington DCs
12 February 1966 – The Mark Four (advert says Mark VI’s)
19 February 1966 – The Loose Ends
26 February 1966 – Peter B’s Looners
In March gigs were advertised for Friday. Not sure if that means gigs also happened on Saturdays and they are missing
4 March 1966 – Big beat group (Friday night)
11 March 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex (Friday night)
18 March 1966 – The Carnaby (Friday night)
25 March 1966 – The Mark Four (Friday night)
1 April 1966 – The Loose Ends and The Lonely Ones (Friday night)
8 April 1966 – missing entry (if band due to play on Friday night)
9 April 1966 – missing entry (if band due to play on Saturday night)
10 April 1966 – The Loose Ends and The Lonely Ones (Sunday night)
15 April 1966 – The Majority (Friday night)
16 April 1966 – missing entry (if band due to play Saturday night)
23 April 1966 – The Washington DCs
28 April 1966 – The Who (Thursday night)
30 April 1966 – The Mark Four
7 May 1966 – Johnny B Great & The Quotations
14 May 1966 – The Loose Ends
21 May 1966 – The Plus Four
28 May 1966 – The Fenmen
4 June 1966 – The Gaylords
11 June 1966 – Washington DCs
18 June 1966 – The Majority
25 June 1966 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
2 July 1966 – The Riot Squad
7 July 1966 – Guy Darrell (Thursday night)
9 July 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex
16 July 1966 – missing entry
23 July 1966 – missing entry
30 July 1966 – missing entry
6 August 1966 – Tony Knight’s Chessmen (Sunday night) (Fabulous 208)
13 August 1966 – missing entry
20 August 1966 – Dave Anthony’s Moods
27 August 1966 – The Herd
3 September 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex
10 September 1966 – missing entry
17 September 1966 – The Loose Ends
24 September 1966 – The Gaylords (changed name to Marmalade soon after)
1 October 1966 – The Herd
7 October 1966 – The Tea-Set (Friday night)
8 October 1966 – David Bowie
12 October 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex (Wednesday night)
14 October 1966 – Kenny Everett (Friday night)
15 October 1966 – The Creation
22 October 1966 – The Quiet Five
28 October 1966 – Episode Six (Radio London night) (Brian Long’s research)
29 October 1966 – The Gaylords (aka Marmalade)
4 November 1966 – Pop group (Friday night)
5 November 1966 – Tony Jackson & The Vibrations
9 November 1966 – The Clockwork Oranges (Wednesday night)
10 November 1966 – Steve Darbyshire & The Yum Yum Band (Thursday night)
11 November 1966 – Episode Six (Radio London night) (Brian Long’s research)
12 November 1966 – The Epics
19 November 1966 – The Fleur De Lyes with The Clockwork Oranges (Keith Guster’s diary)
23 November 1966 – The Clockwork Oranges (Wednesday night)
26 November 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex
Clive Chase who played bass with Bobby King & The Sabres says that his group played on 26 November 1966 with Marmalade (see comments section below where he also lists Bobby King & The Sabres’ gigs at the Savoy Rooms for the years 1963-1965).
30 November 1966 – The Clockwork Oranges (Wednesday night)
2 December 1966 – Radio London night
3 December 1966 – The Gaylords (aka Marmalade)
10 December 1966 – missing entry
16 December 1966 – Radio London night
17 December 1966 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary –see comments section below)
23 December 1966 – Radio London night
24 December 1966 – The Mark Barry Groove and The Clockwork Oranges
30 December 1966 – Radio London night
31 December 1966 – Davey Sands & The Essex
The following are all Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. Most of the gigs had support but I did not list who they were.
7 January 1967 – missing entry
14 January 1967 – missing entry
21 January 1967 – The Lonely Ones
28 January 1967 – missing entry
4 February 1967 – The Stormsville Shakers
11 February 1967 – The Stormsville Shakers, The Coloured Raisins and The Heads
18 February 1967 – Guy Darrell and The Gnomes of Zurich
25 February 1967 – Dianne Ferris (aka Ferraz) and Nicky Scott & The New Images
4 March 1967 – Davey Sands & The Essex with supporting band
11 March 1967 – Davey Sands & The Essex
18 March 1967 – missing entry
25 March 1967 – missing entry
31 March 1967 – Davey Sands & The Essex (Friday night)
1 April 1967 – The Stormsville Shakers
7 April 1967 – The Washington DCs with supporting band (Friday night)
8 April 1967 – The Herd and Bobby King & The Sabres
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, confirms this gig from his diary – see comments section below.
14 April 1967 – The Symbols and The New Breed (Friday night)
15 April 1967 – The Lonely Ones with supporting band
21 April 1967 – The Creation with supporting band (Friday night)
22 April 1967 – The Flies with supporting band
28 April 1967 – (Simon K &) The Meantimers and The Groove (Friday night)
29 April 1967 – The Smoke with supporting band
5 May 1967 – The Coloured Raisins with King Ossie with supporting band (Friday night)
6 May 1967 – Episode Six with supporting band
12 May 1967 – The Next Issue and The Original Dyaks (Friday night)
13 May 1967 – The Fleur De Lyes with supporting band (Keith Guster’s diary)
19 May 1967 – The Human Instinct and The Jet Set (Friday night)
20 May 1967 – King Ossie and The Coloured Raisins with supporting band
26 May 1967 – John Watson & The Web and The Decision (recently The Showtimers but changed name) (Friday night)
27 May 1967 – The Fancy Bred
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 27 May – see comments section below.
2 June 1967 – The Attack with supporting band (Friday night)
3 June 1967 – Just Too Much (ex-members of Davey Sands & The Essex) with supporting band
9 June 1967 – The Knack (Friday night)
10 June 1967 – The H T
16 June 1967 – The Decision (formerly The Showtimers) and The Candy Choir (Friday night)
17 June 1967 – The Original Dyaks with supporting band
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 17 June – see comments section below.
23 June 1967 – The Fireballs and Jon (Friday night)
24 June 1967 – (Simon K &) The Meantimers with supporting band
30 June 1967 – The Power and The Original Dyaks (Friday night)
1 July 1967 – Episode Six with supporting band
7 July 1967 – The Skatellites and The Guns of Navarone (Friday night)
8 July 1967 – Washington DCs with supporting band
14 July 1967 – Coloured Raisins and King Ossie (Friday night)
15 July 1967 – The Creation and The Poor Boys
21 July 1967 – The Original Dyaks (Friday night)
22 July 1967 – Tony Jackson & The Garden (the ex-Searcher?)
28 July 1967 – The Stax (formerly The Heads) and Ruby James (Friday night)
29 July 1967 – The Robb Storme Group and The Amboy Dukes
4 August 1967 – The Iveys (Friday night)
5 August 1967 – Heinz & The Wild Boys
11 August 1967 – Washington DCs with supporting band (Friday night)
12 August 1967 – Episode Six with supporting band
18 August 1967 – The Original Dyaks with supporting band (Friday night)
19 August 1967 – The Marmalade with supporting band
25 August 1967 – (Simon K &) The Meantimers (Friday night)
26 August 1967 – Skip Bisserty (Skip Bifferty?)
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 26 August – see comments section below.
1 September 1967 – The Ebony Keys with supporting band (Friday night)
2 September 1967 – The Amboy Dukes with supporting band
8 September 1967 – The Fingers and Bobby King & The Sabres (Friday night)
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 8 September – see comments section below.
9 September 1967 – Robb Storme Group and The Fireballs
15 September 1967 – The Original Dyaks (Friday night)
16 September 1967 – The Skatallites
22 September 1967 – The Riot Squad and The New Breed (Friday night)
23 September 1967 – The Coloured Raisins
29 September 1967 – Robb Storme Group and Outrage (Friday night)
30 September 1967 – The Stormsville Shakers and The Soul Kings
6 October 1967 – The Love Affair with supporting band(Friday night)
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 6 October – see comments section below.
7 October 1967 – The Original Dyaks with supporting band
13 October 1967 – missing entry
14 October 1967 – missing entry
20 October 1967 – The Amboy Dukes with supporting band (Friday night)
21 October 1967 – Junior Smith
27 October 1967 – missing entry
28 October 1967 – Episode Six with Bobby King & The Sabres
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 28 October – see comments section below.
4 November 1967 – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
11 November 1967 – The Gaff and The All Coloured Soul Sensation
18 November 1967 – The Love Affair
25 November 1967 – The Skatallites
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 25 November – see comments section below.
2 December 1967 – Marmalade
9 December 1967 – missing entry
16 December 1967 – missing entry
23 December 1967 – missing entry
30 December 1967 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary)
I am missing most of 1968’s entries so would welcome any additions/corrections
17 February 1968 – Marmalade
24 February 1968 – The Amboy Dukes
1 March 1968 – Coloured Raisins
2 March 1968 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary)
16 March 1968 – The Gass
20 April 1968 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary)
1 June 1968 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary)
29 June 1968 – Sweet Rain
Clive Chase, the bass player with Bobby King & The Sabres, says that his group also played on 29 June – see comments section below. It is the debut gig for the band’s new drummer Geoff Britton who will later go on to join Wings.
6 July 1968 – The Coloured Raisins
17 August 1968 – Funky Fever
14 September 1968 – The Amboy Dukes (Savoy, Catford)
9 November 1968 – The Fleur De Lys (Keith Guster’s diary)
7 December 1968 – The Amboy Dukes (Savoy, Catford)
1969
11 January 1969 – The Dream Police (Savoy, Catford) Melody Maker entry says this was formerly the Witch Doctor
Photo: Melody Maker
25 January 1969 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds and Justin Tyme
1 February 1969 – Amboy Dukes
8 February 1969 – The Skatelites
15 February 1969 – The Coloured Raisins and The Electric Sun
22 February 1969 – Justin Tyme
1 March 1969 – US Flattop with The Cat Road Show (Savoy, Catford) (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
8 March 1969 – The Skatelites
22 March 1969 – Desmond Dekker & The Aces
4 April 1969 – Bandwagon
Photo: Melody Maker
5 April 1969 –Billie Davis (Savoy, Catford) (Melody Maker)
12 April 1969 – The Carnival
19 April 1969 – The Globe Show
26 April 1969 – Simon K & The Meantimers and Lee Hawkins (Savoy, Catford)
Photo: Melody Maker
3 May 1969 – Johnny James & The Swamp and Archimede’s Principle (Savoy, Catford) (Melody Maker)
10 May 1969 – The Greatest Show on Earth
17 May 1969 – The Pyramids and The Soft Sensation
31 May 1969 – Prince Buster
7 June 1969 – The Globe Show
14 June 1969 – The Cats
28 June 1969 – Purple Globe and The Skatelites
Photo: Melody Maker
2 August 1969 – The Pyramids (Savoy, Catford) (Melody Maker)
9 August 1969 – Simon K & The Meantimers (Savoy, Catford)
23 August 1969 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary)
30 August 1969 – Purple Globe
6 September 1969 – Dave Amboy Big Band (Amboy Dukes) (Savoy, Catford)
13 September 1969 – The Amboy Dukes (Savoy, Catford)
20 September 1969 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s diary)
4 October 1969 – Simon K & The Meantimers (Savoy, Catford)
The Goldhawk Social Club, located at 205 Goldhawk Road in Shepherd’s Bush, west London is perhaps best known as being the venue where The Who regularly played during their formative years (as The Detours).
Unfortunately, very little has been documented about this important club so I would really welcome any additions in the comments below.
I do know from various sources that Adam Faith, Shane Fenton, The Birds (with Ron Wood), The Macabre (with Peter Vernon-Kell, a former member of The Detours), Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages, The Clique, The Undertakers, The Herd, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Jeff Curtis & The Flames, The Dae-b-Four, The Meantimers and John Brown’s Bodies played at the venue at some point.
This is an incomplete list. I would welcome any additions and corrections as well as memories. If you happen to have any posters, I would be happy to add them with credits.
26 April 1963 – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages (Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Gazette)
7 June 1963 – The Detours (became The Who in 1964) (Andy Neill’s research)
5 July 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
12 July 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
16 August 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
6 September 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
25 October 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
8 November 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
22 November 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
29 November 1963 – The Detours (Andy Neill’s research)
6 December 1963 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
10 January 1964 – The Detours and Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
17 January 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
31 January 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
7 February 1964 – The Kinks and The Who (needs source)
8 February 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
28 February 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
6 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
20 March 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
27 March 1964 – The Who (Andy Neill’s research)
Between April and November, The Who worked as The High Numbers
10 April 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
11 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
17 April 1964 – The High Numbers (Andy Neill’s research)
1 May 1964 – Bobby King & The Sabres (Clive Chase’s gig diary)
Together with St Mary’s Hall, also in Putney, the Pontiac Club was a popular venue in southwest London in the early-mid 1960s.
Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds were resident band there at one point as were The Action, formerly The Boys and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
The club was located at 200 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, near the main railway station.
I have started a gig list below and would welcome any additions as well as memories in the comments below. If you have any memorabilia, including posters for the club, I would be happy to include them with a credit.
1963
28 December 1963 (Saturday) – Manfred Mann and Mark Leeman Five (Greg Russo’s research)
1965
Initially billed as the New Pontiac Club
27 May 1965 (Thursday) – Donovan with full supporting groups (Kingston & Malden Borough News)
28 May 1965 (Friday) – Alex Harvey Soul Band with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
29 May 1965 (Saturday) – The Peddlers with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
30 May 1965 (Sunday) – Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
Photo: Melody Maker
2 June 1965 (Wednesday) – Alexis Korner with support (Melody Maker/Kingston & Malden Borough News)
4 June 1965 (Friday) – The Downliners Sect and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
5 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants, The Billy Woods Combo and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
6 June 1965 (Sunday) – Mike Berry & The Outsiders with support (Melody Maker)
9 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Muleskinners with support (Melody Maker)
Future Small Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan played with The Muleskinners.
11 June 1965 (Friday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-Timers (New Musical Express)
Photo: Melody Maker
16 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters and The Blues Messengers (Melody Maker)
18 June 1965 (Friday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
19 June 1965 (Saturday) – Alex Harvey’s Soul Band (Melody Maker)
20 June 1965 (Sunday) – The Hollies and Rey Anton & The Peppermint Men (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
25 June 1965 (Friday) – The Boston Dexters and Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men (Melody Maker)
26 June 1965 (Saturday) – The Mark Leeman Five (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
27 June 1965 (Sunday) – Phil Ryan & The Crescents (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays may also have been on the bill for this date
30 June 1965 (Wednesday) – The Artwoods and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
2 July 1965 (Friday) – The Mark Leeman Five and Platform 6 (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
3 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Comanches and The Primitives (Melody Maker)
4 July 1965 (Sunday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (Melody Maker)
7 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
Photo: Melody Maker
9 July 1965 (Friday) – The Beat Merchants and The Comanches (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
10 July 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
11 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters and The Fetish Crowd (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
14 July 1965 (Wednesday) – Manfred Mann and The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
16 July 1965 (Friday) – The Checkmates and The Thoughts (New Musical Express)
17 July 1965 (Saturday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays and Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders (New Musical Express)
18 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
Photo: Melody Maker
21 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Classmates and Group Survival (Melody Maker)
23 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The Five Proud Walkers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
24 July 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Peter Fenton & The Tasty Mob (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
The Action were recently billed as The Boys.
25 July 1965 (Sunday) – The Thoughts (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
28 July 1965 (Wednesday) – The Who and surf band in support (New Musical Express/Melody Maker) (see comments section below) This could have been The Summer Set
30 July 1965 (Friday) – Gerry L Thompson & The Sidewinders and The RBQ (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
31 July 1965 (Saturday) – John Lee’s Groundhogs (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
1 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (New Musical Express)
Photo: Melody Maker
4 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers started a regular (two month) Wednesday night residency on this date.
6 August 1965 (Friday) – Tony Knight’s Chessmen and The Fetish Crowd (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
7 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers and Soul Survival (Melody Maker/New Musical Express)
Later this same evening The Byrds played at the Pontiac Club. According to author Don Hughes, The Dae-b-Four were the support band.
8 August (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
11 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
13 August 1965 (Friday) – Guy Hamilton & The Senators (Melody Maker)
14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Primitives and The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
15 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Boston Dexters (Melody Maker)
18 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
20 August 1965 (Friday) – The Fenmen (New Musical Express)
21 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Action and Sonny Childe & The Cool School (New Musical Express)
22 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Truth (New Musical Express)
25 August 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express)
According to Christopher Hjort’s excellent book Strange Brew, this was the last gig by The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton who left and was replaced by a succession of fill-in guitarists before returning in November.
Photo: Melody Maker
27 August 1965 (Friday) – Ronnie Jones & The Blue Jays (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
28 August 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
29 August 1965 (Sunday) – The Ingoes (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
The Ingoes morphed into Blossom Toes.
1 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (New Musical Express/Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Weider, who has previously played with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates among others, covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
3 September 1965 (Friday) – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (New Musical Express)
4 September 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (New Musical Express)
The VIPs band morphed into Spooky Tooth.
5 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
The Action had a regular Sunday residency at this venue for a while. Some sources also note that The Objects played in support on this date.
8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, John Slaughter from Chris Barber’s band covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
10 September 1965 (Friday) – The Crowd (Melody Maker)
11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Rick ‘N’ Beckers (Melody Maker)
12 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
Photo: Melody Maker
18 September 1965 (Saturday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
19 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
22 September 1965 (Wednesday) – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (Melody Maker)
According to Christopher Hjort’s book, former Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions guitarist Geoff Krivit covered for Eric Clapton in The Bluesbreakers for this gig.
This is the band’s final show at the Pontiac and Hjort notes that Peter Green approached Mayall at this venue to ask if he could take over from Krivit as permanent guitarist.
Photo: Melody Maker
24 September 1965 (Friday) – Tony Colton’s Big Boss Band (Melody Maker)
25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Beat Merchants (Melody Maker)
26 September 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Bo Street Runners (Melody Maker)
2 October 1965 (Saturday) – The VIPs (Melody Maker)
3 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
9 October 1965 (Saturday) – Five Proud Walkers (Info from John Treais)
10 October 1965 (Sunday) – Jimmy Witherspoon (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
15 October 1965 (Friday) – Them (Melody Maker)
Them was Van Morrison’s Belfast band. Around this time, former members began gigged in a rival Them.
16 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Arthur Brown Union (Info from John Treais)
17 October 1965 (Sunday) – Gary Farr & T-Bones (Melody Maker)
20 October 1965 (Wednesday) – T-Bone Walker and The Blue Jays (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
22 October 1965 (Friday) – Dean Ford & The Gaylords (Melody Maker)
This band morphed into Marmalade.
23 October 1965 (Saturday) – The Vectors (Melody Maker)
24 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
30 October 1964 (Saturday) – Victor Brox (Info from John Treais)
31 October 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
6 November 1965 (Saturday) – J C & The Machine (aka Julian Covey) (Melody Maker)
After John McVie was sacked from John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers on 3 October, he found work with Julian Covey’s band until he returned to Mayall in early January 1966.
7 November 1965 (Sunday) – The Action (Melody Maker)
9 November 1965 (Tuesday) – Wilson Pickett (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
17 December 1965 (Friday) – The Carnaby (Melody Maker)
18 December 1965 (Saturday) – The High Society (Melody Maker)
This group had recently been The Arthur Brown Union but when Arthur left earlier this month, singer Dave Terry (aka Elmer Gantry) took over. They soon became The Union.
19 December 1965 (Sunday) – The Crowd with Peter Fenton (Melody Maker)
24 December 1965 (Friday) – The Army (Melody Maker)
Emerging out of Hampton R&B band, The Others, this group soon changed name to Sands.
26 December 1965 (Sunday) – Herbie Goins & The Night-timers (Melody Maker)
27 December 1965 (Monday) – The Mickey Finn (Melody Maker)
1966
17 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Loose Ends and support (Melody Maker)
19 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Checkers and support (Melody Maker)
20 March 1966 (Sunday) – The In Crowd (Melody Maker)
The In Crowd morphed into Tomorrow in early 1967.
23 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
24 March 1966 (Thursday) – The Mickey Finns (Melody Maker)
26 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Basic 5 (Melody Maker)
27 March 1966 (Sunday) – The Shevells (Melody Maker)
5 May 1966 (Thursday) – The Carl Douglas Set (poster from Ken Baxter)
7 May 1966 (Saturday) – Dracken Lewis 5 (most likely Deakin Lewis) and Front Line (poster from Ken Baxter)
28 May 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)
4 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Drag Set (Melody Maker)
18 June 1966 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Melody Maker)
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
