One of the top rock clubs on the English south coast during the 1960s, the Club Continental in Eastbourne played host to many of the leading acts of the day. Among the future stars to appear on its stage was David Bowie.
I’ve started to put together a list of artists that played at the club below and would welcome any additions and memories in the comments section below.
7 January 1966 (Friday) – Sons of Fred (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
14 January 1966 (Friday) – The Worrying Kynde (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
21 January 1966 (Friday) – The Artwoods (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
28 January 1966 (Friday) – Alexanders 4-Bidden, The Bootleggers, Breed, Nocturnal, System (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
2 February 1966 (Wednesday) – 4-Bidden (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
4 February 1966 (Friday) – Changing Times (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
5 February 1966 (Saturday) – Breed (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
6 February 1966 (Sunday) – Johnny Fine & The Ramblers (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
9 February 1966 (Wednesday) – System (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
11 February 1966 (Friday) – Plain and Fancy (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
12 February 1966 (Saturday) – The Aces (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
16 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Bootleggers (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
18 February 1966 (Friday) – Those Fading Colours (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker) Formerly The King Pins
19 February 1966 (Saturday) – The Candles (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
20 February 1966 (Sunday) – 4-Bidden (Melody Maker)
21 February 1966 (Monday) – Them (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker) This is the Van Morrison version
23 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Nocturnal (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
25 February 1966 (Friday) – Sons of Fred (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
28 February 1966 (Monday) – David Bowie (& The Lower Third) (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
2 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Black ‘N’ Tan (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
4 March 1966 (Friday) – The Fenmen (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
5 March 1966 (Saturday) – 4-Bidden (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
7 March 1966 (Monday) – Them (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker) This is the rival Them with the McAuley brothers
9 March 1966 (Wednesday) – System (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
11 March 1966 (Friday) – Alan Down Set (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) This is probably The Alan Bown Set
12 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Web (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
16 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Earl Richmond and The Confederates (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
18 March 1966 (Friday) – The Fairies (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
19 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Artwoods (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
21 March 1966 (Monday) – The Untamed (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
23 March 1966 (Wednesday) – Sons of Fred, The Majority and Lovin’ Kind (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
25 March 1966 (Friday) – Defiants (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
26 March 1966 (Saturday) – The Peeps (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Make)
30 March 1966 (Wednesday) – The Lower Third (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker) David Bowie’s band
1 April 1966 (Friday) – The Tribe (Melody Maker)
2 April 1966 (Saturday) – The Moody Blues (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
4 April 1966 (Monday) – The Riot Squad (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
8 April 1966 (Friday) – The Herd (Melody Maker)
9 April 1966 (Saturday) – The Fenmen (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Melody Maker)
10 April 1966 (Sunday) – Earl Richmond and Guest Artistes (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
16 April 1966 (Saturday) – The Alan Price Set (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
23 April 1966 (Saturday) – HT and The Rockbeats (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
24 April 1966 (Sunday) – The Roman Empire Show (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
30 April 1966 (Saturday) – 4-Bidden (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
1 May 1966 (Sunday) – Earl Richmond with guest artistes (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
4 May 1966 (Wednesday) – The Untamed (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
7 May 1966 (Saturday) – Graham Bonney (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
8 May 1966 (Sunday) – Ed Stewart (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
14 May 1966 (Saturday) – Emeralds (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
15 May 1966 (Sunday) – Earl Richmond (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
16 May 1966 (Monday) – The Riot Squad (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
21 May 1966 (Saturday) – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
22 May 1966 (Sunday) – Earl Richmond (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
27 May 1966 (Friday) – Gary Farr & The T-Bones, David and Jonathan and The 4-Bidden (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) This is held at the Winter Garden. The 4-Bidden changed name to St John’s Wood in 1967.
28 May 1966 (Saturday) – Pete Budd & The Rebels (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
4 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Peeps (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
5 June 1966 (Sunday) – Earl Richmond (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
11 June 1966 (Saturday) – HT & The Rockbeats (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
18 June 1966 (Saturday) – The Four Pennies (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
25 June 1966 (Saturday) – Sons of Fred (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
2 July 1966 (Saturday) – Davey Sands & The Essex (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
3 July 1966 (Sunday) – Earl Richmond (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
9 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Artwoods (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle/Fabulous 208)
16 July 1966 (Saturday) – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band (Beat Instrumental/Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
23 July 1966 (Saturday) – Those Fading Colours (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
29 July 1966 (Friday) – The Fenmen (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Alley Cats (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
6 August 1966 (Saturday) – The Coloured Raisins (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
13 August 1966 (Saturday) – The Iveys (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
20 August 1966 (Saturday) – The Candy Dates (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
27 August 1966 (Saturday) – The HT (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
2 September 1966 (Friday) – The Artwoods (Fabulous 208)
3 September 1966 (Saturday) – Pete Budd & The Rebels (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
10 September 1966 (Saturday) – The Breed (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
17 September 1966 (Saturday) – Fading Colours (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
24 September 1966 (Saturday) – Helen Brailey (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
1 October 1966 (Saturday) – Wishful Thinking (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) Formerly The Emeralds
8 October 1966 (Saturday) – Boy’s Blue (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
15 October 1966 (Saturday) – The End (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) This may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead
22 October 1966 (Saturday) – Derek Savage Foundation (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
29 October 1966 (Saturday) – Those Fadin’ Colours (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
5 November 1966 (Saturday) – The Fleur De Lys (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
12 November 1966 (Saturday) – The End (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) This may not be the Surrey band that worked with Bill Wyman but a local group instead
19 November 1966 (Saturday) – The Fading Colours (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
25 November 1966 (Friday) – The Artwoods (Fabulous 208)
26 November 1966 (Saturday) – Winston G (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
3 December 1966 (Saturday) – Derek Savage Foundation (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
10 December 1966 (Saturday) – The Goodthings (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
17 December 1966 (Saturday) – The Kirkbys (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
7 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Sean Buckley Set (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
14 January 1967 (Saturday) – Winston G (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
21 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Variations (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
28 January 1967 (Saturday) – The Breeds Blue Band (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
4 February1967 (Saturday) – The Motion (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
11 February 1967 (Saturday) – The Derek Savage Foundation (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
18 February 1967 (Saturday) – The Five Proud Walkers (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
25 February 1967 (Saturday) – The Coloured Raisins (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
5 March 1967 (Saturday) – Missing entry
11 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Farm Band (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
18 March 1967 (Saturday) – Jo Jo Gunne (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
25 March 1967 (Saturday) – The Fadin’ Colours (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
1 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Idle Race (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
8 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Mad’ing Crowd (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
15 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Human Instinct (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
22 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Ourselves (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
29 April 1967 (Saturday) – The Lee Hawkins Group (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
6 May 1967 (Saturday) – The Odds On (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
13 May 1967 (Saturday) – The Hush (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
20 May 1967 (Saturday) – The Lee Hawkins Group (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
27 May 1967 (Saturday) – Stacey’s Circle (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
3 June 1967 (Saturday) – Missing entry
10 June 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
17 June 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
24 June 1967 (Saturday) – Soul supply show
1 July 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
8 July 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
15 July 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
22 July 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
29 July 1967 (Saturday) – The Earl Dee Group, The Target and Soul Supply Show (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
5 August 1967 (Saturday) – Urchins (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
12 August 1967 (Saturday) – Dr Marigold’s Prescription (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
19 August 1967 (Saturday) – Geranium Pond (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
26 August 1967 (Saturday) – Soul supply show
2 September 1967 (Saturday) – The Lee Hawkins Group (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
16 September 1967 (Saturday) – Dr Marigold’s Prescription (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
23 September 1967 (Saturday) – Mr Hip Soul Band (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
29 September 1967 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
30 September 1967 (Saturday) – The Clockwork Oranges (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
7 October 1967 (Saturday) – Eddie Singh and West Indian Tornados (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
14 October 1967 (Saturday) – Sunset Sound (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
21 October 1967 (Saturday) – The Fabulous Collection (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
28 October 1967 (Saturday) – Deep Purple (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle) This might be the version formed by Mick Wheeler after he left The All Night Workers and before joining Jo Jo Gunne but needs confirmation
4 November 1967 (Saturday) – The Living Daylights (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
11 November 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
18 November 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
25 November 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
2 December 1967 (Saturday) – Disco
9 December 1967 (Saturday) – Missing
10 December 1967 (Sunday) – The New Lee Hawkins Group (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
16 December 1967 (Saturday) – Missing
23 December 1967 (Saturday) – The Coloured Raisins (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
29 December 1967 (Friday) – The Coloured Raisins with King Ossie, Honey Darling and Earl Green (Eastbourne Herald Chronicle)
The Woodstock ‘Roadhouse’ Hotel in north Cheam, southwest London, the Prince of Wales in Kingsbury, north London and the Byron Hotel in Greenford, northwest London were all operated by the same promoter: The Arthur Forest Organisation (AFO). Many of the same groups performed at all three venues.
Ken Samuels, who played with Flight One, very kindly provided these posters, both from 1965. We’d love to hear from anyone who played at this venue and can provide any more memorabilia and further information about their band. Email: Warchive@aol.com
Photo: Ken Samuels
1965
1 August (Sunday) – Combo 2000 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
4 August (Wednesday) – The Rivals and Surprise Group (Ken Samuels’ poster)
5 August (Thursday) – The Expressions (Ken Samuels’ poster)
6 August (Friday) – 5’s Company (Ken Samuels’ poster)
7 August (Saturday) – The Legends (Ken Samuels’ poster)
8 August (Sunday) – Flight One (Ken Samuels’ poster)
11 August (Wednesday) – Solomons Mines and Middlesex Group (Ken Samuels’ poster)
12 August (Thursday) – The Expressions (Ken Samuels’ poster)
13 August (Friday) – Unit 2 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
15 August (Sunday) – Rhythm 4 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
18 August (Wednesday) – Steve and What 4 and Guest Nite Group (Ken Samuels’ poster)
19 August (Thursday) – The Do Do’s (Ken Samuels’ poster)
20 August (Friday) – The Scepters (Ken Samuels’ poster)
22 August (Sunday) – The Reasons (Ken Samuels’ poster)
25 August (Wednesday) – The Tribe and Star Celebrities (Ken Samuels’ poster)
26 August (Thursday) – Earl Baron (Ken Samuels’ poster)
27 August (Friday) – The Proud Walkers (Ken Samuels’ poster)
28 August (Saturday) – The Centours (Ken Samuels’ poster)
29 August (Sunday) – The Orbits (Ken Samuels’ poster)
30 August (Bank Holiday Monday) – The Scepters (Ken Samuels’ poster)
Photo: Ken Samuels
1 September (Wednesday) – The Do Do’s and The 4 Inches (Ken Samuels’ poster)
2 September (Thursday) – The Deltons (Ken Samuels’ poster)
3 September (Friday) – NSG Group (Ken Samuels’ poster)
4 September (Saturday) – Generation 5 and Great Expectations (Ken Samuels’ poster)
5 September (Sunday) – 5’s Company (Ken Samuels’ poster)
8 September (Wednesday) – Steve and What 4, DJ Blues Band and The Tuxedos (Ken Samuels’ poster)
9 September (Thursday) – Earl Baron 5 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
10 September (Friday) – Unit 2 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
11 September (Saturday) – 5’s Company and The Arts Group (Ken Samuels’ poster)
12 September (Sunday) – Flight One (Ken Samuels’ poster)
15 September (Wednesday) – Rhythm 4 and Group 66 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
16 September (Thursday) – The Expressions (Ken Samuels’ poster)
17 September (Friday) – The Tuxedos (Ken Samuels’ poster)
18 September (Saturday) – The Deils and The Rollovers (Ken Samuels’ poster)
19 September (Sunday) – Rhythm 4 (Ken Samuels’ poster)
22 September (Wednesday) – Earl Baron 5 and The King Pins (Ken Samuels’ poster)
23 September (Thursday) – The Pinkerton Men (Ken Samuels’ poster)
24 September (Friday) – The Rivals (Ken Samuels’ poster)
25 September (Saturday) – The Proud Walkers and The Pitmen (Ken Samuels’ poster)
26 September (Sunday) – The Insect (Ken Samuels’ poster)
29 September (Wednesday) – The Maniacs and The Watch Committee (Ken Samuels’ poster)
30 September (Thursday) – Great Expectations (Ken Samuels’ poster)
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
18 December (Saturday) – Three groups (Caterham Weekly Press & Advertiser)
24 December (Friday) – The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) (Caterham Weekly Press & Advertiser)
The Artwoods and John’s Children, December 1966. Photo: Caterham Weekly Post
Originally called the Chuck Wagon and located in a corrugated iron hut at 22a Bridge Street in Leatherhead, Surrey, this notable music venue was renamed the Bluesette Club around March 1966. John’s Children, the group that once included Marc Bolan, owned the club at one point and performed regularly, initially under the name The Silence.
I’ve started to compile a list of gigs, which are taken from the Caterham Weekly Press unless otherwise noted. There are significant gaps in the listings, so I’d welcome any additions, corrections and memories, including when the venue operated as the Chuck Wagon. Judging by the listings below, shows took place on Fridays and Sundays unless otherwise noted.
1966
25 February 1966 – Tony Jackson & The Vibrations (Boyfriend magazine)
1 April 1966 – Too Many Kooks (Poster from John Treais)
3 April 1966 – Sons of Fred (Poster from John Treais)
8 April 1966 – Paddy, Klaus & Gibson (Poster from John Treais)
10 April 1966 – The Ends (aka The End) (Poster from John Treais)
15 April 1966 – The A-Jaes (Poster from John Treais)
17 April 1966 – The (Five) Proud Walkers (Poster from John Treais)
Photo: John Treais
22 April 1966 – Eddie’s Crowd (Poster from John Treais)
24 April 1966 – The Paramounts (Poster from John Treais)
29 April 1966 – The Silence (Poster from John Treais)
Bookings for May included The Herd, Tony Rivers & The Castaways, Gary Farr & The T-Bones and The Fenmen (see above)
29 May 1966 – Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Poster from John Treais)
3 June 1966 – The Silence (Poster from John Treais)
5 June 1966 – The Herd (Poster from John Treais)
10 June 1966 – The Five Proud Walkers (Contract from Colin Forster)
Thanks to Colin Forster
12 June 1966 – The Rockhouse Band (Poster from John Treais)
17 June 1966 – Paddy, Klaus & Gibson (Poster from John Treais)
19 June 1966 – Gary Farr & The T-Bones (Poster from John Treais)
24 June 1966 – Eddie’s Crowd (Poster from John Treais)
26 June 1966 – Sons of Fred (Poster from John Treais)
3 July – John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers featuring Eric Clapton
8 July – Eddie’s Crowd (formerly The Five Aces)
10 July – The Silence
15 July – The Hounds
17 July – The Fadin’ Colours
22 July – The Fadin’ Colours
24 July – The Silence (just back from Nice, France)
29 July – The Worrying Kind
31 July – The Tea-Set
There is no listing for 5 and 7 August
12 August – Heinz & The Wildboys
14 August – The Five Proud Walkers (also confirmed by the Crawley Advertiser)
There is no listing for 19 August and after this but at some point around this time, the club closed and only re-opened in November
20 November – Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band (paper says club has reopened)
No listing for 25 November
27 November – John’s Children (ex-The Silence)
Photo: Caterham Weekly Post
2 December – The Mojos
4 December – The Iveys
9 December – The Tea-Set
11 December – The Fading Colours
16 December – The Fourmost
19 December – The Bunch
23 December – The Artwoods
24 December – John’s Children (switch from Sunday to Saturday)
30 December – Fading Colours
1967
1 January – Graham Bond Organisation (back to Sundays)
6 January – The Iveys
8 January – Winston’s Fumbs
13 January – Mike Stuart Span
15 January – The Bunch
20 January – The Fading Colours
22 January – The Fleur De Lys
27 January – The Creation
29 January – John’s Children
Photo: Caterham Weekly Post
3 February – Richard Henry & The Timebox
5 February – The Bunch
10 February – The Iveys
12 February – The Fenmen
17 February – Winston’s Fumbs
19 February – Savoy Brown
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
24 February – Cat Stevens
26 February – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
3 March – The (Five) Proud Walkers
5 March – Derek Savage Foundation
10 March – John’s Children with The A-Jaes
12 March – Graham Bond Organisation
17 March – Worrying Kind
19 March – Simon Dupree & The Big Sound
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
24 March – One In A Million
26 March – Mike Stuart Span
31 March – Heart and Souls
2 April – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
7 April – Rosco Brown Combo
9 April – The Night People (aka The Nite People)
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
14 April – The Tribe
16 April – The Fleur De Lys
21 April – Derek Savage Foundation
23 April – Ray King Soul Band
26 April – John’s Children (Wednesday)
28 April – The Click
30 April – The Bunch
3 May – John’s Children (Wednesday)
No more listings in the paper but the club continued as gigs below confirm
18 June – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ research)
10 September – The Iveys (Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ research)
17 December – The Iveys and John’s Children (Tom Brennan’s Iveys’ research)
Located at 120 Holland Park Avenue, the London Cavern was a short-lived club in West London that operated during the mid-1960s.
Melody Maker lists The Dukehounds as regular Thursday band during May/June 1965. The following dates are all from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted.
18 May 1965 – Initial 4 (every Tuesday)
25 May 1965 – Initial 4 (every Tuesday)
1 June 1965 – Initial 4 (every Tuesday)
3 June 1965 – Dukehounds (every Thursday)
8 June 1965 – Initial 4 (every Tuesday)
15 June 1965 – Initial 4 (every Tuesday)
22 June 1965 – Initial 4 (every Tuesday) Not listed after this date for a while
2 July 1965 – Initial 4 Kensington Post also lists The Dae ‘B’ Four
3 July 1965 – The Cardinals (Kensington Post)
4 July 1965 – Top group (Kensington Post)
5 July 1965 – Themselves and The Effect (Kensington Post)
6 July 1965 – Dae ‘B’ Four and The Tribe (Kensington Post)
9 July 1965 – Initial 4
12 July 1965 – Bern Elliott & The Klan with Initial 4
16 July 1965 – Initial 4
18 July 1965 – Dave Whittling & Uncalled Four plus John Spencer and Guest Artists
19 July 1965 – The Five Dimensions and Initial 4
20 July 1965 – Group Survival
According to the Kensington Post, 3 September issue, Marshall Scott Etc played every Sunday, so presumably that includes 5 September 1965.
The Middlesex County Times on 24 September and 1 October both list The Eyes as resident band on Tuesdays. That would include 28 September 1965 and 5 October 1965.
According to Boyfriend magazine, The Four Pennies played at the club on 11 October 1965.
I’d be really grateful if anyone can add their own confirmed shows at this club plus any memories. Please get in touch as well if you know any local papers that advertised shows here as Melody Maker didn’t advertise the gigs very often. The following (incomplete list) is from 1966 and was taken from Melody Maker:
3 March 1966 – Blues Ad-Lib
4 March 1966 – The Lincolns with supporting group
5 March 1966 – Marshall Scott Etc with supporting group
6 March 1966 – Fives Company
10 March 1966 – Blues Ad-Lib
11 March 1966 – Hamilton King & The Blues Messengers with supporting group
12 March 1966 – The Pieces Fit and Blues Ad Lib
13 March 1966 – Fives Company
17 March 1966 – C-Jam Blues
18 March 1966 – Five’s Company with supporting group
19 March 1966 – Jo Jo Gunne with supporting group
20 March 1966 – The Peasants
24 March 1966 – C-Jam Blues
25 March 1966 – The Lincolns
26 March 1966 – Hamilton King & The Blues Messengers
27 March 1966 – The Peasants
29 March 1966 – The Syn
30 March 1966 – The Pieces Fit
1 April 1966 – The Pieces Fit and The JRS
3 April 1966 – The Syn
7 April 1966 – The Herd
8 April 1966 – Sky Fever
9 April 1966 – Norman St John Show and Hamilton King & The Blues Messengers
10 April 1966 – Marshall Scott Etc
11 April 1966 – Jo Jo Gunne
22 April 1966 – Dee Dee Warwick and The Sloane Squares
Back row left to right: Alan Marshall, Alan White and Kenny Craddock. Front row, left to right: Peter Kirtley and Brian Rowan. Photo: Peter Kirtley
Alan Marshall – lead vocals
Peter Kirtley – lead guitar
Kenny Craddock – organ
Brian Rowan – bass
Alan White – drums
Happy Magazine was soul/R&B band that was formed during August 1967 by singer Alan Marshall and lead guitarist Peter Kirtley and was managed and produced by former Animals keyboard player/singer Alan Price.
The two musicians have previously played together in Southeast London R&B group, The Loose Ends from around July 1965 to October 1966 when Kirtley departed to join The Alan Price Set.
Alan Marshall meanwhile formed a new version of The Loose Ends, drawing on Croydon, Surrey band, The Subjects, which featured Malcolm Rudkin (vocals); Alan Griffin (lead guitar); Phil Lanzon (organ); John Manderson (bass); and Roy Manderson (drums).
After a short while, John Manderson and Malcolm Rudkin, who did not want to turn professional, departed and the band’s manager Bryan Mason recruited sax player/guitarist Mick Patel, who had previously worked with Carl Douglas and bass player Colin Pullen from Kent band, Bob ‘N’ All. Not long after, Roy Manderson was succeeded by another Bob ‘N’ All member, Tony Glyde.
In early December 1966, Bryan Mason expanded the formation by adding another Bob ‘N’ All member – singer Bob Saker and the group played regularly at the Playboy Club.
The Loose Ends then landed a residency at the Bang Bang Club in Milan’s San Guiliano district, which kicked off in the third week of January but Alan Griffin departed just before the group left for Italy and Colin King from Bob ‘N’ All took his place.
During early March 1967, The Loose Ends returned to London and played at the Scotch of St James and the Speakeasy. At one of the venues, Otis Redding spotted Alan Marshall and Bob Saker and invited them to Muscle Shoals to record, and during May/June the singers cut two tracks – “Johnny B Goode” and “Keep on Pushing”, which were never released. Marshall and Saker then returned to the UK.
By this point, Peter Kirtley was ready to leave The Alan Price Set to team up with Alan Marshall and around August the pair formed Happy Magazine. Initially, Marshall’s friend Bobby Sass was going to play keyboards but he departed after initial rehearsals.
Kirtley, who was originally from Tyneside and had played with Shorty & Them during the early 1960s, introduced his old friends from Jarrow, the late Kenny Craddock on organ from Tyneside bands The Elcorts and New Religion, and Brian Rowan on bass from Shorty & Them. He also recruited drummer Alan White, formerly a member of Tyneside outfits, The Bluechips and The Gamblers.
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Kicking off with Alan Price’s excellent “Satisfied Street”, backed with “Beautiful Land” in December 1967, featuring a horn section that may well be Amboy Dukes members Buddy Beadle and Steve Gregory (also ex-Alan Price Set), the label re-issued the track three months later coupled with the Dan Penn/Spooner Oldham soul classic “Do Right Woman – Do Right Man”. During this time, the group also became regulars at Rasputin’s club in Bond Street.
During 1968, Alan Price recruited Alan White for his backing band, and Malcolm Wolffe from West London bands, The Tribe and Dream took over. The band then cut its third and final outing, a brilliant reading of the Dee/Potter collaboration, “Who Belongs To You” (again with horns), coupled with the previously available “Beautiful Land”. Issued on 14 February 1969, the single should have catapulted the band into the charts.
With the single failing to grace the charts, Alan Marshall departed to form the experimental jazz/funk/blues band, One, who cut a brilliant lone album for Fontana later that year.
Left to right: Peter Kirtley, Brian Rowan, Kenny Craddock, Malcolm Wolffe and Alan Marshall
Joined by lead guitarist Kevin Fogarty (originally a member of Southport R&B group, Timebox); his old friend and keyboardist Bobby Sass; bass player Brent Forbes from Salford bands, The Rogues and Sunshine; sax and flutist Norman Leppard; and drummer Conrad Isidore, One should have been a huge success but the album (which featured Peter Kirtley on lead guitar) sank without a trace.
Peter Kirtley, Kenny Craddock and Alan White meanwhile brought in two friends from Newcastle – ex-Skip Bifferty members, singer Graham Bell and bass player Colin Gibson, and signed to Bell Records for a one-off single as Griffin.
Produced by Alan Price and issued on 25 September 1969, the Kirtley-Gibson-Craddock collaboration, “I am The Noise in Your Head,” coupled with Kirtley’s “Don’t You Know” was an impressive outing but failed to trouble the charts.
Griffin soon splintered and Kirtley went on to record with several notable bands, including Riff Raff, Radiator and Pentangle. Later he appeared on albums by Liane Carroll and Bert Jansch.
Kirtley has also issued two solo albums, Peter Kirtley and Bush Telegraph as well as the charity single, “Little Children”, for Jubilee Action, to raise money for street children in Brazil and featuring Paul McCartney.
Having fronted new versions of One, Alan Marshall surfaced as a solo artist on Fontana in 1970. In France, the label issued a rare single that coupled One’s excellent cover of Richie Havens’s “Don’t Listen To Me” with a solo outing – “How Much Do You Know”, adapted from “Adagio Royal” by F de Boivallee.
When that single failed to chart, Marshall ended up joining Strabismus, which subsequently changed its name to Riff Raff when the singer’s former band mate from The Loose Ends/Happy Magazine, Peter Kirtley joined. However, Marshall quit before Riff Raff’s debut album was recorded and pursued a solo career before recording with Zzebra. He then joined Gonzalez in the late Seventies in time for their 1979 release, Move It To The Music. Marshall continues to perform in London.
Alan White became a top session player, working with John Lennon and George Harrison among others and later joined Yes, with whom he continues to play.
White’s replacement Malcolm Wolffe meanwhile joined Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band.
Notable gigs:
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2 September 1967 – Iron Curtain Club, Small Heath, West Midlands with Erskine T (Birmingham Evening Mail)
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9 September 1967 – Upper Cut, Forest Gate, east London with The Tremeloes (Melody Maker)
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9 September 1967 – Tiles, Oxford Street, central London with Winston G & Heart and Souls (Melody Maker)
13 January 1968 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
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17 February 1968 – Nuneaton Parish Hall, Nuneaton, Warwickshire with Arnham Bloo (Nuneaton Evening Tribune)
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24 February 1968 – Windsor Ballroom, Redcar with The Skyliners (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
7-9 March 1968 – Hatchetts Playground, central London (Melody Maker)
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7 April 1968 – Tower Ballroom, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (Yarmouth Mercury)
13 April 1968 – Club A Go Go, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
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15 April 1968 – Queen’s Ballroom, Wolverhampton with Tony Rivers & The Castaways and Glass Menagerie (Express & Star)
28 April 1968 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
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8 June 1968 – Clockwork Orange, Chester, Cheshire with Tamca Band and Watson Brown Band (Wrexham Leader)
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19 July 1968 – Redcar Jazz Club, Redcar, North Yorkshire with The Easybeats and Rivers Invitation (Dennis Weller, Chris Scott Wilson and Graham Lowe’s book, Backstage Pass: RedcarJazzClub/Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
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20 July 1968 – Windsor Ballroom, Redcar, North Yorkshire with The Skyliners (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
22 July 1968 – Winter Gardens, Cleethorpes with Ferris Wheel and Glass Showband (Grimsby Daily Telegraph)
1 August 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Melody Maker)
8 August 1968 – Bag O’Nails, Kingley Street, Soho, central London (Fabulous 208)
Image may be subject to copyright
9 August 1968 – El Grotto, Ilford, east London (Redbridge & Ilford Recorder)
Image may be subject to copyright
10 August 1968 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
7 September 1968 – Rainbow Suite Co-op, Birmingham with The Baron (Birmingham Evening Mail)
11 September 1968 – Summerhill House Hotel, Kingswinford, West Midlands (Express & Star)
19 September 1968 – Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead, north London (Melody Maker)
Image may be subject to copyright
29 September 1968 – The Tent Club, Swan Hotel, Billingham with The New Blues Revue (Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
Image may be subject to copyright
19 October 1968 – Lion Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire with Earl Preston’s Reflections (Warrington Guardian)
Image may be subject to copyright
20 October 1968 – Carlton Club, Warrington, Cheshire (Warrington Guardian)
Image may be subject to copyright
26 October 1968 – Cheltenham Spa Lounge and Ballroom, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (Gloucester Citizen)
Image may be subject to copyright
3 November 1968 – Redcar Jazz Club, Redcar, North Yorkshire with The New Formula (Dennis Weller, Chris Scott Wilson and Graham Lowe’s book, Backstage Pass: Redcar Jazz Club/Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)
3 November 1968 – Surrey Rooms, Kennington, south London (South East London Mercury) This seems very unlikely unless it was another date
8 November 1968 – Pantiles, Bagshot, Surrey (Surrey Advertiser)
Image may be subject to copyright
9 November 1968 – El Grotto, Ilford, east London (Redbridge & Ilford Recorder)
Image may be subject to copyright
16 November 1968 – Stage Club, Oxford (Oxford Mail)
30 November 1968 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
Image may be subject to copyright
22 December 1968 – City Hall, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear with The Animals, Grapefruit, The Paul Williams Set, Barry St John, Long John Baldy, Kim Davis & The Beginning, Noble Forde and The Tempo Set (Newcastle Evening Chronicle) Original Animals’ reunion gig/Geno Washington was billed but cancelled
Image may be subject to copyright
27-28 December 1968 – Quay Club, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
3 January 1969 – The Place, Hanley, Staffordshire (Evening Sentinel)
19 January 1969 – Redcar Jazz Club, Redcar, North Yorkshire with The Paul Williams Set (Dennis Weller, Chris Scott Wilson and Graham Lowe’s book, Backstage Pass: RedcarJazzClub)
Image may be subject to copyright
25 January 1969 – Beachcomber, Nottingham (Nottingham Evening Post)
8 February 1969 – Swan, Yardley, West Midlands with The Locomotive and Magazine (Birmingham Evening Mail)
9 February 1969 – Black Prince Hotel, Bexley, southeast London (South East London Mercury)
22 February 1969 – The Factory, Birmingham (Birmingham Evening Mail)
1 March 1969 – The Factory, Birmingham (Birmingham Evening Mail)
11 March 1969 – Club Domino, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
11 March 1969 – Club Domino, Bedlington, Northumberland (Sunday Sun)
Thanks to Alan Marshall, Peter Kirtley, Alan Griffin, Phil Lanzon, Bob Saker and Colin Pullen for helping piece the story together. Thanks to Peter Kirtley for the photos.
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)
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)
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)
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)
Not far from Twickenham’s more famous Eel Pie Island, the Nurses Club, based in the Jolly Gardeners pub in Isleworth, was a popular music venue with local bands.
I would be interested to hear from anyone that can add any further dates or memories below.
18 February 1964 – Two groups
3 March 1964 – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated
17 March 1964 – Two groups (possibly one was The Tridents, see comments below)
1 April 1964 – Two groups
5 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
12 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
19 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
26 May 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
2 June 1964 – The Bo Street Runners, The Soul Messengers and The Mark Leeman Five
9 June 1964 – Two groups
16 June 1964 – Two groups
23 June 1964 – The Bo Street Runners
30 June 1964 – The Mark Leeman Five and Frankie Reid & The Casuals
14 July 1964 – The Bo Street Runners and The Others
28 July 1964 – The Mark Leeman Five and Ray Martin & The Corvettes
4 August 1964 – The Bluebottles
11 August 1964 – The Senators
18 August 1964 – The Habits
25 August 1964 – The Tramps and The Miston-Tuac
1 September 1964 – Group isn’t listed
8 September 1964 – The Second Thoughts
29 September 1964 – The Birds and The Wailbones with Flat-top
6 October 1964 – The Bo Street Runners and The Celts
13 October 1964 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with Preacher Brown & The Witnesses
3 November 1964 – The Peeple
10 November 1964 – The Roosters and The Coveners
17 November 1964 – Lester Square & The GTs
24 November 1964 – PM2 and Sheiks of R&B
1 December 1964 – The Modern Blues Six and The Little People
5 January 1965 – The Modern Blues Six
12 January 1965 – The Second Thoughts
19 January 1965 – The Runaways (ex-Bo Street Runners)
26 January 1965 – The Modern Blues Six
2 February 1965 – Johnny Smith & Co and Raving Flat-top & The Big Boss Men
9 February 1965 – Beaux Oddlot
16 February 1965 – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated
2 March 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Impalas
9 March 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Just Blues
16 March 1965 – Brothers Grimm and The Turnkeys
30 March 1965 – The Mark Leeman Five and The Tribe
13 April 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Peeple
20 April 1965 – The Tramps and The Muscrats (Peter Green was guitarist for a while)
27 April 1965 – The Mark Leeman Five and Group Survival
4 May 1965 – The Blue Ravens and Jeff Elray & The Boys Blue
11 May 1965 – The Diaks and The Eyes
18 May 1965 – The Dillingers and The Crowd
1 June 1965 – The Modern Blues Six and The Senate Four
8 June 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Ones
13 July 1965 – The Crowd with The Blues Etc
20 July 1965 – The Blue Ravens (Harrow Observer & Gazette) (Needs confirmation) Says Tuesdays
27 July 1965 – The Blue Ravens
3 August 1965 – D J Blues Band with The Minor Birds
10 August 1965 – The Senate Four
17 August 1965 – The Characters
24 August 1965 – The Dae-b-Four
31 August 1965 – The Kiko Six
7 September 1965 – Brothers Grimm
14 September 1965 – The Bo Street Runners and The Blue Ravens
21 September 1965 – The Blue Ravens and The Shondells
28 September 1965 – The Modern Blues Six and The Ikon
5 October 1965 – Jo Jo Gunne with The Road Agents
12 October 1965 – Norman & The Conquers and Blues Etc
26 October 1965 – Blues Folk with The Ferinos
2 November 1965 – The Nature Boys
18 January 1966 – The Miston-Tuac with The In-Tacks
25 January 1966 – The Flamingos with The Uncertain
1 February 1966 – The Sultans with The Debtors
The above gigs are from the Middlesex County Times & West Middlesex Gazette, Melody Maker and the Middlesex Chronicle (Hounslow Edition)
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
