Technical College, Farnborough

Thanks to an active student union, Farnborough Tech, as it is colloquially clept, held many memorable gigs over the years…particularly in the ’70s.

The earliest gigs at Farnborough Tech, Soundscene has uncovered to date, is on 26 September ’64, when the combined Farnborough Tech & RAE Rag Week kicked off with a ‘Jazz Rave’ at the Technical College featuring Trad ‘Dixieland’ Jazzers The Original Downtown Syncopators and the six-man line up of the Monty Sunshine Band. A potential earlier event, if we can pin a date down, featured The Bill Leru Quintet, who baritone saxophonist Peter Cauldwell recalls supporting Tubby Hayes, at what he believes may have been the college. On 12 February ’65, Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages were supported by The Stormsville Shakers. The three Savages were Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Arvid Andersen (bass) and Jim Evanson (drums). Apparently, per the recollection of some of the Shakers, Ritchie Blackmore wasn’t the guitarist that night but another famous player. They were joined by four saxophone players: Dick Errington, Noel McManus – previously with The Blues By Five, Ashton Tootell, and Reg Price. Dave Sherrington, saxophonist with the Shakers, recalls asking Sutch why the “4 Saxes” as they were called, who were all dressed in football shirts that night, had to share one microphone. “I like to see them all fighting to get near the mike” was Sutch’s response. The Soultones were the supporting act for The Yardbirds at the Technical College on either 20 March or 9 July ’65; which reportedly featured a brawl. On 19 June 1965, beat group The Muleskinners and rhythm and blues combo The Art Woods played. The college held a Jazz Dance in Assembly Hall on 25 September ’65 with The Temperance Seven, who specialized in 1920s jazz and local Dixieland jazz band The High Curly Stompers providing the rhythm, reeds, and brass.

Jazz was back at the Tech when the Michael Garrick Trio and Sextet performed in the Assembly Hall on 23 October ’65. This was recorded and later released as “Farnborough Technical College 1965 (feat. Joe Harriott, Ian Carr & Tony Coe)” on 25 February 2022, having been pulled from a private collection of recordings. The Nashville Teens were supported by The Cops and Robbers and Liverpool’s The Clayton Squares on 1 April ’66 and on 2 July ’66 the Graham Bond Organisation appeared at the College, with The Sands in support, but Jon Hiseman replaced Ginger Baker for the show. On 22 April ’67, Moon’s Train rolled in to entertain the students, returning on 15 December ’67 and 25 May ’68. R&B group The Flirtations, who had supported Tom Jones on his European tour in ’68, also appeared in the late 60’s. On 16 November ’68, The Ferris Wheel were supported by The Gods, who were touring the debut LP titled ‘Genesis’. As with many gig holding educational establishments, it wasn’t just the bands appearing that might go on to fame and fortune in the music industry, but also some of the inmates. In ’68 a young Alan Clayson, who edited the student mag and contributed three articles to the ‘Schoolkids’ edition of Oz while there, started at Farnborough Tech. He is better known by many as the figurehead of Clayson and the Argonauts, a band that crashed the bill of a pre-punk gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford and received a very positive review in NME. The Chronic rag mag for Farnborough Tech and RAE Apprentices’ Rag Week 1969 lists a number of balls with live bands over the Autumn semester, but only one – the Funny Ball – was at the college on 4 October 1969 featuring jazz from Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band and Sam Spoon’s Bumper Puzzle Band Kit, you may recall Spoon – aka Martin Ash – as the percussionist of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. Other events were held at the R.A.E. Hall, Farnborough.

In the early 70’s rock, prog’ and otherwise, dominated the student union. Starting the concert series for 1971 was the Hammond organ trio Jody Grind on 9 January. Having toured ‘Atom Heart Mother’ around Europe and the United States in 1970, Pink Floyd graced the Tech’s stage on 13 February ’71. A month later, Stray wander onto the campus for a gig on 13 March ’71. Country rock band Cochise were supported by folk rockers Gypsy on 25 September 71, the latter refrained from miming as they had the month prior on BBC One’s Top of the Pops. Patto supported by Bell & Arc, the blues rock group consisting of Graham Bell with heavy prog rock band ARC, were there on 9 October, and Heron performed eleven days after on 20 October, followed by Barclay James Harvest on 30 October ’71. The final stop on Argent, Climax Chicago, and Duffy Power’s 32 venue ‘Triple Grand Tour’ was Farnborough Tech on 13 November ’71. Spontaneous Combustion, having opened for Emerson Lake & Palmer several times, supported Home on 11 December ’71. The Tech’s Student Union placed an advert in the 11 December Melody Maker advertising this gig and one the following Friday, 17 December ’71, featuring Duster Bennett, Warm Dust and Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. Status Quo also rocked the venue, supported by Magic Alice, in ’71.

On 8 January ’72 the Arthur Brown fronted Kingdom Come, performing much of the “Galactic Zoo Dossier” LP’s content, were supported by BB Blunder. Then on 29 January ’72 the Technical College hosted Hawkwind with Open Road, who’d been Donovan’s band, in support. A week later, on 5 February, Alan Bown supported Climax Chicago; followed by Lindisfarne, and Khan the week after that, on 12 February. In March you would have found Roger Ruskin Speare with Thunderclap Newman, and Tea & Symphony supporting. The following night, 12 March ’72, ex Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band saxophonist and robotic contraptionist, Roger Ruskin Speare was back, this time supported by singer-songwriter Bridget St. John, and Gordon Giltrap. Tony Hazzard appeared on 17 March and Steeleye Span, just before they set about recording the “Below The Salt” LP, supported by jazz prog band Ben, were performing on 24 March ’72.

Jumping to May ’72 and the SU had booked art rockers Audience and Truck (not the Ontario based Truck!) to appear on 13 May; Gypsy with Welsh Good Habit on 29 May; and on 27 May ex-student, Mike Rutherford’s band Genesis headlined, supported power pop from Nimbo – Genesis had actually played the venue on two earlier occasions as support to the supporting band on the first, then as the support the following time (details to be uncovered). The End of Term Rave was held on 8 July ’72 with live music from New York based rock and roll and doo-wop revivalist Sha Na Na, who had been touring the UK and Europe since May, supported by Swastika. The Climax Chicago Blues Band, just before they dropped the Chicago from their name, rolled through on 21 October and the Groundhogs kicked off a tour that year at Farnborough Tech, supported by Badger, on 11 November ’72.

Two weeks later, on 25 November ’72, the melodic, hook-laden hard rock of Stray was supported by Magic Muscle’s psychedelic / space rock – what we wonder is how the SU got along with Stray’s manager, Charlie Kray? Quo were due to return on 15 December ’72, with support provided by Snake Eye. The Francis Rossi and Bob Young written single “Paper Plane” had been released on 10 November and reached No.8 in the UK Singles Chart. The bands management decided to pull them out of the gig and elected to play the Guildford Civic Hall in March ’73. On 16 December 1972, the Stackridge “Treasure Island” Tour came to the college with The Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra supporting. The Wild Horses, Supercharge, Radio Stars, Moonraker, and Little Acre also appeared at the college. Around this time Ken Dudley, who would later open The Rock Box, Camberley; broke into the music industry thanks to a meeting at Farnborough Tech with a promoter who asked him to undertake some flyposting.

Anyone remember Hookfoot or Ange? They were at Farnborough Tech on 14 January ’73. A few days later, on 27 January, it was Snake Eye’s turn. There were a couple of, as yet, un-dated classic gigs in February ’73: The first saw Brinsley Schwarz and Ducks Deluxe on stage, the second had Savoy Brown supported by Saturnalia- who’s “Magical Love” LP was one of the first 3-D picture discs -, and Lloyd Watson. As best we can tell Snake Eye returned on 17 February ’73 to support Vinegar Joe, along with Bloss. Another as yet undated gig that dropped in April ’73 had Snow Leopard supporting Man. French progressive rock band Ange were back on 13 April ’73, this time sporting Wizzard. Good Habit and Lancer rolled onto campus in September ’73 and in October Ange headlined, supported by Camel. Jack the Lad filled the 13 October assisted by Byzantium and at some point, in November, Roger Ruskin Speare opened for Fumble. Mid-November ’73, on 10 November to be exact, Fruupp took the whole evening. They were followed two weeks later, on 24 November ’73, by Gong and Kevin Coyne; who may have both returned in December ’73. Wrapping up ’73 was Manfred Manns Earthband on 19 December, with Lancer.

Farnborough Tech regulars Fruupp performed in January ’74, supported by Brewers Droop. Home rocked it out on 12 January ’74; returning in February with Capability Brown. That was not on 9 February ’74 however as Principal Edwards and Highway were there. Two months later it was Groundhogs, on 5 April ’74, with Starry Eyed and Laughing warming up the crowd. The following month, on 4 May, Half Human Band opened for The Troggs on what was to be a memorable night for many, including students Nick Tarn, the SU treasurer, and the now journalist Sebastian O’Kelly. Members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club were aiming some abuse at The Troggs and spraying drink at, the lead singer, Reg Presley. Presley, after telling them to stop and if they wanted trouble to see them after, launched himself into the club members from the stage, ending the show. In the subsequent melee, guitarist Richard Moore was stabbed and rushed to hospital for emergency surgery for the wound to his lung, barely surviving; another bottled and Presley received a broken nose for his troubles. Calmer times ensued on 30 November, which witnessed Greenslade who returned in December ’74 with local band Asylum in support. Barclay James Harvest and Marvelous Kid also appeared in December that year.

Flight 59 opened for String Driven Thing on 18 January ’75. Ten days after, on 28 January ’75, Mike & Richard Ashworth, as Wax Promotions, put on The Guildford Stranglers at Farnborough Tech; where they played several standards, including Johnny B Goode while supporting 50’s retro group Fumble. A matter of days later, on 1 February ’75, The Stranglers were back supporting, the returning, Fruupp. The next week it was Gordon Giltrap upon the stage and Asylum supported Budgie on 20 February ’75. March ’75 welcome Blackfoot Sue. That same month, Stackridge returned to Farnborough College of Technology, on 22 March ’75, supported by Shepstone & Dibbens. Deaf School and The Fabulous Poodles also appeared in the 70’s, and we know that Strife supported by Palantir, and Rocky Sharpe and the Replays supported by Salt all played the venue some time in February ’76. The next month, on a date yet to be confirmed, Nutz supported Starry Eyed and Laughing. The Automatics supported The Vibrators at Farnborough Tech on 18 Feb ’78, seven days later The Vibrators would be performing “Automatic Lover” on Top of the Pops. The month after, on 11 March, The Enid were on stage.

Ramrod, a spin-off of SALT and the Rory Gallagher band, with Stevie Smith on vocals also performed there in ’78. On 19 May ’79, T. T. Transmission headlined and were supported by The Planets (who would soon rename to Lopez & The Waveriders) – a purposeful juxtaposition where the Waveriders well performed opening was incongruous to the audience’s prog-rock leanings. In addition, at some point that year Judie Tzuke was on stage as well as local band The Desotos, although not on the same night. Camel had been booked to play at Farnborough Tech earlier in ’79, but had cancelled at the very last minute. Having been burnt once, the college’s Social Secretary did not book the band again.

The college’s first gig of ’80 was held on 19 January and featured synth-pop band Landscape, who’d be better known the following year after releasing Einstein a Go-Go and Norman Bates. Two local bands rolled onto campus on 18 April ’80: The Torpedoes and The Vulgar Bros. Farnborough Tech’s Rugby Union Football Club hosted Lethal Dose, along with headliner Deadlock, on 14 November ’80, after the cancellation of a gig at the venue on 31 October due to licensing issues. Then on 13 December ’80: John Otway and Wild Willy Barratt, with Eddie Stanton played Farnborough Tech. By the early 80’s gigs by progressive rockers, such as The Enid, were few and far between and punk was appearing with the likes of Aldershot’s Human Beings taking the stage on 27 March ’81 with Deadlock in support. Pozer, without guitarist Paul Sheldrick due to a horrendous car accident, played as a four piece at Farnborough Tech in ’81. In the words of fellow guitarist and band member Rob Kemp, “It was awful”. Human Beings returned, on 30 October ’81, seven months after their first appearance; and another local band to appear at the college in this time frame were Cutting Edge, there on 29 January ’82. The next week Cuban Heels were accompanied by Studio 45, on 6 February. Black Easter played on 17 December ’82, apologizing for the high admission fee (£2.00) and ban on boots via their flyers. Squeals of Delight were supported by West One and Safety in Numbers on 6 December ’85; and when Controls played the college later that month they recorded the gig and released the live recording under the title “Let’s All Bark Like Labradors” on Stupid Rabbit Tapes in ’86. West One came back to college on 15 March 1986; Jim Jiminee couldn’t ‘Do It on Thursday’, performing on 25 February ’87 in the Student Union Bar, and Magic Moments At Twilight Time performed their set in ’88 at the SU Bar.

We have a very fragmented record for the ’90s, although our contributors recall going to gigs on the regular at Farnborough Tech. The mad pop, ska, punk, folk guitar thrash out of Who Moved The Ground? and Bubble-Eyed Dog Boys came to college on 8 November ’90. The heavier tunes of Explodehead and Slug undertook an ‘Official Rob Night’ on 2 February ’91, and five days on Who Moved The Ground? returned to performed with The Becketts. The following month Bubble-Eyed Dog Boys played the Tech again, as part of their ‘1991 Tour’, on 21 March ’91. Blue Velvet and Pretty Green showed the audience how they did it on 18 April ’91. P.J. Harvey was there on 26 September ’91.

Five months later, Pretty Green returned, on 15 February ’92, this time supporting Mega City Four along with Phobia, and Big Boy Tomato, only to return again, on 18 April ’92, exactly a year after their first performance, to play the SU Bar. The college hosted Who Moved The Ground? on 4 February ’93 with the entire gig recorded for posterity (see video section below) and Sweet Hooligan appeared on 11 February ’93. We are also aware that at some point in ’93, Redefining Beautiful played with Fleet based The Hairy Things at Farnborough Tech.

What happened to live music after ’93 we are still researching at this time, but I’m sure we’ll uncover more gems as we compile The Gig Lists. There was certainly a ‘Battle of the Bands held at Farnborough Tech in the new century at which Tainted Grace performed “Catatonic” and “The Rapture”.

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