Tag Archives: Warren Davis Monday Band

Categories: England, London

The Cromwellian, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington

6 Comments

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)

 

6 August 1965 (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

14 August 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

30 August 1965 (Monday) – The Mark Leeman Five (Martyn Hanson’s Hang on to a Dream: The Story of the Nice book)

According to Hanson’s book, this was keyboard player Terry Goldberg’s final gig with Mark Leeman’s band.

 

8 September 1965 (Wednesday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

11 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

15 September 1965 (Wednesday) – The Loose Ends (South East London Mercury)

16 September 1965 (Thursday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

23 September 1965 (Thursday) – Dave Anthony’s Moods (Kevin Cann’s research – thanks to Andy Neill for sharing)

Guitarist Tim Large says that Dave Anthony’s Moods had a regular Wednesday night gig at the Cromwellian but most of the 1965 gigs below are Thursdays.

25 September 1965 (Saturday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

 

1 October 1965 (Friday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

7 October 1965 (Thursday) – The Stormsville Shakers (website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

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.

15 January 1966 (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

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)

16 February 1966 (Wednesday) – Steampacket (website: http://thebritishsound.blogspot.com/2011/07/steam-packet-family-tree-performance.html)

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)

30 July 1966 (Saturday) – The Riot Squad (website: http://brunoceriotti.weebly.com/the-riot-squad.html)

 

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)

30 September 1966 (Friday) – The Brian Auger Trinity (Jimi Hendrix website)

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)

31 May 1967 (Wednesday) – The Web (Melody Maker)

 

11 June 1967 (Sunday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

13 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

20 June 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

Irish band Granny’s Intentions played around July 1967

4 July 1967 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Vince Edwards (Fabulous 208)

13 July 1967 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

18 July 1967 (Tuesday) – Vince Edwards (Del Paramor’s gig diary)

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)

8 February 1968 (Thursday) – Taste (Rory Gallagher’s Fandom site: https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/Rory_Gallagher)

14 February 1968 (Wednesday) – The Tremeloes (Fabulous 208)

15 February 1968 (Thursday) – Tuesday’s Children (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)

26 February 1968 (Monday) – Jethro Tull (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

4 March 1968 (Monday) – Fleetwood Mac (Melody Maker)

5 March 1968 (Tuesday) – The Mike Cotton Sound and Lucas (Melody Maker)

11 March 1968 (Monday) – Spirit of John Morgan (Melody Maker)

18 March 1968 (Monday) – Ten Years After (Melody Maker)

25 March 1968 (Monday) – Champion Jack Dupree (Melody Maker)

26 March 1968 (Tuesday) – Jethro Tull (Melody Maker)

 

22 April 1968 (Monday) – The Showstoppers (Melody Maker)

25 April 1968 (Thursday) – Nepenthe and Jigsaw (Melody Maker)

26 April 1968 (Friday) – My Dear Watson (Melody Maker)

29 April 1968 (Monday) – Duster Bennett (Melody Maker)

30 April 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

 

1 May 1968 (Wednesday) – O’Hara’s Playboys (Melody Maker)

2 May 1968 (Thursday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

3 May 1968 (Friday) – Duane Eddy with The Quotations (Melody Maker)

6 May 1968 (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

7 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Jeff Beck Group (Melody Maker)

8 May 1968 (Wednesday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

9 May 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

10 May 1968 (Friday) – Hopscotch (Melody Maker)

11 May 1968 (Saturday) – Merlin Q (Melody Maker)

13 May 1968 (Monday) – The Fantastics (with The House of Orange) (Melody Maker)

14 May 1968 (Tuesday) – The Embers (Melody Maker)

15 May 1968 (Wednesday) – O’ Hara’s Playboys (Melody Maker)

16 May 1968 (Thursday) – The New Formula (Melody Maker)

17 May 1968 (Friday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

18 May 1968 (Saturday) – Brass Tacks (Melody Maker)

20 May 1968 (Monday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

21 May 1968 (Tuesday) – Wishful Thinking (Melody Maker)

22 May 1968 (Wednesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

27 May 1968 (Monday) – Duane Eddy (Melody Maker)

 

3 June 1968 (Monday) – Bill Haley & The Comets (Melody Maker and New Musical Express)

14 June 1968 (Friday) – Ruby & The Romantics (Melody Maker)

18 June 1968 (Tuesday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

27 June 1968 (Thursday) – The Mike Cotton Sound with Lucas (Melody Maker)

 

8 July 1968 (Monday) – Ray King Soul Band (Melody Maker)

20 July 1968 (Saturday) – The Mooche (Melody Maker)

Photo: Melody Maker

2 August 1968 (Friday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

3 August 1968 (Saturday) – Timebox (Melody Maker)

8 August 1968 (Thursday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

9 August 1968 (Friday) – Moon’s Train (Malcolm Penn’s diary – thanks to Peter Gosling for sharing)

10 August 1968 (Saturday) – The Pathfinders (Melody Maker)

12 August 1968 (Monday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

15 August 1968 (Thursday) – Dave Davani Five (Melody Maker)

16 August 1968 (Friday) – Scrugg (Melody Maker and Jack Russell’s gig diary)

17 August 1968 (Saturday) – Alexander Bell & The Flies (Melody Maker)

20 August 1968 (Tuesday) – Timebox (Melody Maker and Fabulous 208)

22 August 1968 (Thursday) – Katch 22 (Mike Eastman’s gig diary)

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)

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

Categories: England, London

Silver Blades, Streatham, southwest London

62 Comments
Photo: Brian Wellsman

Silver Blades was a notable venue in Streatham, southwest London where many of the top UK bands played during the 1960s.

1963

I have only a few entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.

1 January – The Stormsville Shakers (Stormsville Shakers’ website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

 

1 February – Robb Storme & The Whispers (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

 

2-3 August – Jeff Curtis & The Flames (Streatham News)

1964

I have only a few entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.

Photo: Michael Pierce

10-11 January – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

15 January – The Mystic Voodoos (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

29 January – Ray Dell & The (Rocking) Deacons (Clapham Observer)

 

20 March – The Soul Messengers (Streatham News)

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

 

8 April – The Hi-Grades (Streatham News)

Future Sweet producer Phil Wainman played drums with The Hi-Grades.

 

22-23 May – The Henchmen (Streatham News)

27 May – Geoff Curtis & The Flames (aka Jeff Curtis & The Flames) (Streatham News and Clapham Observer)

 

5-6 June – Cyrano & The Bergeracs (Streatham News)

Photo: Michael Pierce

14-15 August – The Reapers (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

Photo: Michael Pierce

17 August – The Barron Knights and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Michael Pierce’s clippings)

21-22 August – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

 

4-5 September – Cyrano & The Bergeracs (Streatham News)

Photo: Michael Pierce

7 September – The Kinks and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Keith Preston’s recollections)

11-12 September – Mark Four (Streatham News)

16 September – The Muleskinners (Streatham News)

 

2-3 October – Four & One (Clapham Advertiser)

5 October – The Pretty Things and The Bo Street Runners (Record Mirror)

7 October – The Bad Boys (Clapham Advertiser)

9-10 October – The Fabulous Barbies (Clapham Advertiser)

14 October – The Forerunners (Clapham Advertiser)

16 October – The Stormsville Shakers (Stormsville Shakers’ website: http://www.stormsvilleshakers.com/bandhistory.html)

21 October – The Exiles (Clapham Advertiser)

23 October – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

24 October – The Blue Saints (Clapham Advertiser)

28 October – The Heebie Jeebies (Clapham Advertiser)

30 October – The Scorpions (Clapham Advertiser)

 

4 November – Satellite One (Clapham Advertiser)

Photo: Michael Pierce

9 November – The Mojos and Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Streatham News, Clapham News and Michael Pierce’s clippings)

13-14 November – The Mad Hatters (Clapham Advertiser)

18 November – The Condors (Clapham Advertiser)

20-21 November – The Peddlers (Clapham Advertiser)

25 November – The Objects (Clapham Advertiser)

27-28 November – The Others (Streatham News and Clapham News)

 

2 December – Danny & The Torinos (Clapham Advertiser)

4-5 December – The Fabulous Solitairs (Clapham Advertiser)

9 December – John L Watson & The Hummelfugs (Clapham Advertiser)

11-12 December – The Magic Moments (Clapham Advertiser)

16 December – The Nature’s Boys (Clapham Advertiser)

18 December – Johnny Wells & The Voodoos (Clapham Advertiser)

19 December – Kris Ryan & The Questions (Clapham Advertiser)

24 December – Dave Curtiss & The Tremors (Clapham Advertiser)

26 December – The Mark Four (Streatham News)

1965

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

1-2 January – The League of Gentlemen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

6 January – The Drovers (Streatham News)

8-9 January – The Juniors (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

13 January – The Solitairs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15-16 January – The Roosters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

18 January – The Fourmost and Julie Grant (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

20 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

22-23 January – The Sassenachs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

27 January – missing entry

29-30 January – Hamilton & His Blues Messengers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

3 February – The Types (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

5-6 February – Clouds (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

10 February – The Soundtrekkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

12-13 February – The Skorpions (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

17 February – The Four Zodiacs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

19-20 February – Christian’s Crusaders (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

24 February – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26-27 February – The Puppets (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

1 March – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

3 March – The Forerunners (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

5 March – G L Watson & The Hummelfugs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

6 March – The Silver Dollars (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

10 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

12-13 March – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

17 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

19-20 March – The Primitives (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

24 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26-27 March – The Rockin’ Eccentrics (Streatham News)

29 March – The Ivy League (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

31 March – The Universal Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

Photo: Michael Pierce

2-3 April – The Downtown Seekers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

7 April – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

9-10 April – The Essex Showband (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

14 April – Herman’s Hermits (Streatham News and Melody Maker)

16 April – missing entry

17 April – The Solitaires (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

21 April – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

23-24 April – Keith Conway & The Aristokats (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

28 April – The Vikings (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

30 April – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

1 May – Brian Diamond & The Cutters (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

3 May – Manfred Mann (Greg Russo’s Manfred Mann research)

5 May – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

Streatham News lists The Moody Blues on 5 May

7-8 May – Jeff Curtis & The Flames (Streatham News and Ray Brown’s diary)

12 May – The Soundtrekkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

14-15 May – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

19 May – The Rockin’ Chairs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

21-22 May – Plain & Fancy, The Five & Fancy, Five To One (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26 May – Warren & The Walkers (this is probably Warren Davis & The Board Walkers) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

28-29 May – The Fairlanes with Linda Lou (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

2 June – Danny & The Torinos (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

4-5 June – The Woodlanders (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

9 June – missing entry

11-12 June – The Conchords (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

The Conchords featured Ray Dorset who later found fame with Mungo Jerry.

14 June – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

16 June – missing entry

18-19 June – The Buckinghams (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

23 June – missing entry

Jaymes Venda & The Vulcans on the venue’s stage, 1965. Thanks to Alf Fripp for providing the image. Left to right: Colin Delaney, John Ford, Alf Fripp, Keith Preston and Jaymes Venda (real name Michael Pierce).

25-26 June – Jaymes Fenda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

30 June – missing entry

 

2-3 July – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

7 July – missing entry

9-10 July – Fernando & The Hideaways (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

14 July – missing entry

16-17 July – The Mirage (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

21 July – missing entry

23-24 July – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

28 July – missing entry

30-31 July – The Sovereigns (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

4 August – missing entry

6-7 August – missing entry

11 August – missing entry

13-14 August – The Druids (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

18 August – missing entry

20 August – The Big Bossmen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

The Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser has Dave Berry & The Cruisers on 20 August

21 August – The Big Bossmen (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

25 August – missing entry

27-28 August – The Boston Crabs (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

1 September – missing entry

3-4 September – The Thee (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

8 September – missing entry

10 September – The Cops ‘N’ Robbers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

11 September – The Hysterics (replaced The Cops ‘N’ Robbers) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15 September – missing entry

17-18 September – Johnny Gustavson (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

20 September – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

22 September – missing entry

24-25 September – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

29 September – missing entry

 

1-2 October – The Board Walkers (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

6 October – missing entry

8-9 October – The Factotums (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

11 October – The Fortunes (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

13 October – missing entry

15 October – Giorgio & Marco’s Men (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

16 October – missing entry

20 October – missing entry

22 October – Jaymes & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

23 October – missing entry

27 October – missing entry

29-30 October – The Plain & Fancy (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

 

3 November – missing entry

5-6 November – The Hideaways (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

10 November – missing entry

12-13 November – Country folk (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15 November – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser and Melody Maker)

17 November – missing entry

19 November – Platform Six (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

20 November – The Summer Set (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

24 November – missing entry

26-27 November – missing entry

 

1 December – missing entry

3-4 December – David Bowie & The Lower Third (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

8 December – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ diary)

10-11 December – missing entry

13 December – Hedgehoppers Anonymous (Monday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

15 December – missing entry

17 December – The Powerhouse Six (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

18 December – The Insect (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

22 December – missing entry

24 December – James Venda & The Vulcans (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

26 December – James Venda & The Vulcans (Sunday night) (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

29 December – missing entry

31 December – The Checkmates (Peckham & Dulwich Advertiser)

1966

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

1 January – missing entry

5 January – missing entry

7-8 January – The Roosters (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

12 January – The Plain & Fancy (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

14-15 January – missing entry

Photo: Dave Harwood

17 January – The Kinks (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Melody Maker)

Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Kinks on 17 January – see comments section below

19 January – missing entry

21-22 January – The Just Five (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

The Balham and Tooting News & Mercury lists The Bipeds on 21-22 January

26 January – The Plain & Fancy (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

Photo: Dave Harwood. The Blades promotional photo (taken in the foyer of Streatham Silver Blades in late January 1966) with reference to East Anglian Scene in February suggesting the groups that appeared that month were from East Anglia.

28-29 January – The Blades (Dave Harwood’s memories)

 

2 February – missing entry

4-5 February – The High Set (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

According to Dave Harwood’s photo above, The High Set were most likely from East Anglia

6 February – Young at Heart (Sunday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

9 February – missing entry

Photo: Dave Harwood of The Blades showing Peter & The Spectres lined-up for 11-12 February 1966 (see Dave’s comments below)

11-12 February – Peter & The Spectres (Dave Harwood photo above)

According to Dave Harwood’s group photo above, Peter & The Spectres were most likely from East Anglia

14 February – The Overlanders (Melody Maker)

Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Overlanders for 14 February – see comments section below

16 February – Episode Six (Brian Long’s research)

I am missing many gigs over the following months and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible. This is what I do have:

14 March – Tom Jones & The Squires (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

28 March – Johnny Howard Band Show (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

 

6 April – Search for Sound (Four bands) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

18 April – The Small Faces (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

29-30 April – Some Other Guys (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)

2 May – The Alan Price Set (Monday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

Dave Harwood says that The Blades opened for The Alan Price Set on 2 May – see comments section below

 

3-4 June – The Second City Sound (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

10 June – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

11 June – The Soundtrekkers (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

18 June – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Carl Ross’ gig diary)

24-25 June – The New State Jazz Band (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

 

30 July – Search for Sound contest – winners were The Planet Set. Others included The Embers, The Low Limit and Sister Jill & The Bretheren and The Motivation (the original Norbury, south London version) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

 

4 August – The Monopoly (Thursday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

6 August – The Soul Survivors (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)

11 August – The Associates (Thursday) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser and Lewisham Borough News)

12 August – The Waikiki Beach Boys (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

13 August – The Associates (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

26 August – The Second City Sound (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

12 September – The Troggs (Fabulous 208 and Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

16-17 September – Steve Brett & The Mavericks (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

Lewisham Borough News lists Steve Brett & The Mavericks for 15 and 17 September (Thursday and Saturday rather than Friday and Saturday)

21 September – The Tea Set (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and Lewisham Borough News)

23-24 September – Giorgio & Marco’s Men (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

Lewisham Borough News lists Giorgio & Marco’s Men for 22 and 24 September (Thursday and Saturday rather than Friday and Saturday)

30 September – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ diary)

1 October – The Ways and Means (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

5 October – The Little People (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

10 October – The Robb Storme Group (Jim St Pier’s gig diary)

13 October – The Boys Blue (Thursday night) (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

21 October – Napoleon XIV (Balham and Tooting News & Mercury)

 

2 December – The Bossmen (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

17 December – Five Steps Beyond (Paul Quinton’s gig diary and website:  http://five-steps-beyond.simplesite.com/)

19 December – The Spencer Davis Group (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser)

31 December – The Escorts (Sutton & Cheam Advertiser, Balham and Tooting News & Mercury and also Lewisham Borough News)

1967

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided, where possible.

12 January – The Night Revels and The Second City Sounds (Thursday night) (Clapham Advertiser)

13 January – Timebox with Richard Henry (Clapham Advertiser)

14 January – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Clapham Advertiser)

20 January – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)

21 January – The End (Clapham Advertiser)

27-28 January – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)

 

3-4 February – The Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)

11-12 February – The Images (Clapham Advertiser)

13 February – Wayne Fontana (Monday night) (Clapham Advertiser)

17 February – The Second City Sound (Clapham Advertiser)

18 February – The New Jump Band (Clapham Advertiser)

24-25 February – The Mud (Clapham Advertiser)

 

4 March – The Fireballs (Clapham Advertiser)

11 March – The London area final of the National Search for Sound contest with four groups: The Mud and others, including Solomon’s Mines and The Next Collection (Allan Devon’s recollections and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

17 March – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)

18 March – The Next Move (Clapham Advertiser)

24-25 March – The Pebbles (Clapham Advertiser)

31 March – The Second City Sound (Clapham Advertiser)

 

1 April – National Group Final of the Search for Sound (eight finalists from over 1,000 entries with £1,500 prize money) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

7 April – The Jet Set (Clapham Advertiser)

8 April – Brian Something and The What’s Its (Clapham Advertiser)

14-15 April – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)

21 April – The Bystanders (Clapham Advertiser)

22 April – The City Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)

29 April – The Images (Clapham Advertiser)

8 May – The Move (Monday night) (Fabulous 208 and Croydon Advertiser)

12 May – The Fire of London (Croydon Advertiser) who replaced The Ways and Means (Clapham Advertiser)

13 May – The Count 4 (Croydon Advertiser and Clapham Advertiser)

19 May – Edwick Rumbold (Clapham Advertiser)

20 May – The City Smoke (Clapham Advertiser)

26 May – The Mud (Croydon Advertiser)

There is a possibility that The Next Collection also played on 26 May

27 May – The Next Generation (Clapham Advertiser)

29 May – The Herd (Monday night) (Fabulous 208)

 

5 June – The Dixielanders (Monday night) (Clapham Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

9 June – The Fireballs (Clapham Advertiser)

10 June – The Hububs (Clapham Advertiser)

12 June – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Fabulous 208)

16 June – The End (Clapham Advertiser)

17 June – John Collier Night (Clapham Advertiser)

23-24 June – The Bobcats (Clapham Advertiser)

30 June – The Pitiful (Clapham Advertiser)

The Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser lists The Formula 4 for 30 June

 

10 July – The Original Drifters (Monday night) (Croydon Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

24 July – The Herd (Monday night) (Fabulous 208, Croydon Advertiser and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

 

7 August – The Tremeloes (Monday night) (Croydon Advertiser)

13 August – The Konrads (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

26 August – The Ironsides (Croydon Advertiser)

28 August – The Human Instinct (Croydon Advertiser)

4 September – The Move (Croydon Advertiser)

The Beckenham & Penge Advertiser has The Herd on 4 September 

15 September – Camino Real (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

16 September – The Uglies (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

2 October – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

DJ Brian Wellsman says The Small Faces did not appear despite being advertised – see comments below

6 October – The Dove(s) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

7 October – Jon (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

13 October – Keith Golden & The News Boys (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

14 October – The Calgary Stampede (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

20 October – Warren Davis Monday Band (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

23 October – The Move (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

DJ Brian Wellsman says The Move were booked after The Small Faces didn’t turn up on 2 October – see comments below

28 October – Mud (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

3-4 November – Derek Savage Foundation (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

6 November – Cream (Monday night) (Fabulous 208 and Clapham Advertiser)

10 November – The Krisis (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

11 November – The Next Collection (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

17 November – The New Jump Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

18 November – Cameron’s Impact (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

24 November – The Herd (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

Beckenham & Penge Advertiser has Dr Marigold’s Prescription on 24 November

25 November – The Konrads (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

1 December – The Mint Tulip (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

2 December – The Purple Dream (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

4 December – The Foundations (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

24 December – The Herd (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

1968

Judging by the gigs below for this year, rock artists played every Wednesday night. It also looks like (in most cases) another rock artist performed on both the Friday and Saturday nights later in the same week. Major stars were booked for Monday nights.

I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible.

1 January – The Bobcats (Monday night) (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

5-6 January – Mr Hip Soul Band (Clapham News)

12-13 January – Pandamonium (Clapham News)

 

2-3 February – Geranium Pond (Clapham News)

Keyboardist Steve Webber said that Geranium Pond played here a few times but Silver Blades was where the band played its final gig. They were just beginning to build a fan following when they disbanded.

9-10 February – Dr Marigold’s Prescription (Clapham News)

26 February – The Small Faces (Monday night) (Clapham News)

 

1-2 March – Skye Wine (Clapham News)

8-9 March – Jackson’s Overdrive (Clapham News)

18 March – Whistling Jack Smith (Monday night) (Clapham News)

22 March – Sunset Harp (Clapham News)

 

 

8 April – The Move (Monday night) (Clapham News)

22 April – The Small Faces (Clapham News)

29 April – Manfred Mann (Clapham News)

 

20 May – Bill Haley & The Comets (Clapham News and Melody Maker)

 

21 June – Miston Tuac (Clapham News)

22 June – Fire (Clapham News)

 

6 July – The Dove(s) (Clapham News)

12-13 July – The Code (Clapham News)

22 July – The Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)

26-27 July – British Mad (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

2 August – Raw Material (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

3 August – Jackson’s Playground (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

16 August – Toast (Clapham News)

17 August – Eight Miles High (Clapham News)

26 August – The Mindbenders (Monday night) (Clapham News)

 

6-7 September – Tangerine Jam (Clapham News)

9 September – The Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)

23 September – The Equals (Monday night) (Clapham News and Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)

 

4-5 October – Renaissance Fair (Clapham News)

11 October – Mint Tulip (Clapham News)

12 October – Tekneek (Clapham News)

21 October – Amen Corner (Monday night) (Clapham News, Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser and NME)

25 October – Toast (Clapham News)

11 November – Greatest Show on Earth (Monday night) (Clapham News)

15-16 November – Avlon (Clapham News)

22-23 November – Killing Floor (Clapham News)

2 December – The Love Affair (Monday night) (Clapham News)

1969

I am missing a lot of entries for this year and would welcome any additions with sources provided where possible

2 February – Forever Changes (Barry Sinfield recollections)

3 February – The Move (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

21 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

25 April 1969 – Bell Sebastian (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

26 April 1969 – Candy Bus (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

5 May – Amen Corner (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

4 July 1969 – The Pentagon (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

5 July 1969 – The Karl-G-Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

11 July 1969 – The Raw Material (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

18 July 1969 – The Fire (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

19 July 1969 – The Zoo (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

31 August 1969 – Bill Haley & The Comets (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser) Vanity Fayre replaced Bill Haley

 

5 September 1969 – Sir Percy Quintet (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

6 September 1969 – Pussy Foot Train (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

12 September 1969 – See Saw (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

13 September 1969 – Diary (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

11 October 1969 – The Arrival (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

24 October 1969 – Heatwave (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

25 October 1969 – John Graham Band (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

26 October 1969 – Memphis (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

 

10 November 1969 – Desmond Dekker & The Aces (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)

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