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Hot Vultures
(c’73-’79) Ian A. Anderson (guitar/slide guitar/vocals) and Maggie Holland (bass/banjo/guitar/vocals).
This Farnham based duo were popular on the UK and European folk scene and college circuits. They were often at The Copper Family’s Sussex folk nights and played early Cambridge Folk Festivals, and they released three LPs.
“Carrion On” was released in 1975 by Hot Vultures The duo were at Sheffield University’s Folk Club on 17 October ’74, billed as ian A. Anderson’s Hot Vultures. The next year “Carrion On” was issued in the UK and Belgium and was recorded with help from Dave Griffiths (fiddle/mandolin), Dave Peabody (harmonica), Al Jones (guitar) and John Pilgrim (washboard). Late in ’76, we find the pair at The Cob & Pen Folk Club, Swan Pub, Sherborne St. John on 10 December. “The East Street Shakes” [RRR 015] named for East Street, Farnham come out in ’77 on the Reg Rag Recordings label, having been recorded at Riverside Studio, London and engineered by John Gill. The duo returned to The Cob & Pen Folk Club on 20 January ’78 and were at Crofter’s Folk Club, The Wheatsheaf, Alton, along with Earthforce, and John Lathey, on 13 September ’78.
Early the next year there was another return visit, on 19 January, to the The Cob & Pen Folk Club. Also, in ’79, “Up the Line” LP [PLR 018] was released on the Plant Life label and by Sierra Briar Records [SBR 4212] in the US. It was once again engineered by John Gill, but recorded at Leader Studios, Halifax with Pete Coe (mandolin/vocals), Chris Coe (hammered dulcimer/vocals) and Martin Simpson (banjo/guitar/acoustic bass/vocals) making appearances.
In ’80 they were invited to the States by Al Stewart, not long before their third and final album was released in the US (a rare occurrence for English folk artists of the day). While stateside they appeared on the Folk Scene show on KPFK Santa Monica, where they played live and were interviewed by the host, the late Howard Larman, about their music and the UK folk scene of the day. shortly after their stateside sojourn Hot Vultures joined the Tannahill Weavers, on 22 March ’80, at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke.
Hot Vultures in Germany… Around this time Anderson and Holland had started performing with Simpson as The Scrub Jay Orchestra. In 1980 the Plant Life label carried “The Preacher’s Blues” [PLRS 002] 7″ vinyl single; taken from the “Up the Line” LP. Eventually the duo expanded into The English Country Blues Band with the addition of Rod Stradling, Sue Harris (who was later replaced by Chris Coe) and later the ’80s electric country dance band Tiger Moth and then Orchestre Super Moth. In ’98 the Hot Vultures best of anthology CD titled “Vulturama” [WEBE 9031] was released on Anderson’s own The Weekend Beatnik label, pitched as ‘The best 74 minutes of Hot Vultures, ever!’
Hot Vultures Latterly, Anderson has been in the duo The False Beards with Ben Mandelson. In ’82, he founded Farnham Folk Day, an annual event at The Maltings, Farnham running it until ’88. From ’87-’89 he directed the Bracknell Folk & Roots Festivals at South Hill Park, Bracknell and many other folk events in London and Bristol from ’87-’16. He organized tours for other artists and acted as agent for other folk and world music artists via his Farnham based Folk Music Services. Anderson also contributed to Blues Unlimited, the Western Daily Press, Melody Maker, Folk Review and Folk Scene. In ’79, he co-founded The Southern Rag, a local quarterly folk music magazine that grew to a 12,000 worldwide circulation. He founded an independent record label Rogue Records which became The Weekend Beatnik. Anderson presented a weekly folk, roots and world music show on County Sound in the mid ’80s and a weekly folk show on the BBC World Service for 12 years from 1987; and appeared on many other stations.
Holland pursued a successful solo and songwriting career with songs recorded by June Tabor and Martin Carthy. She released her first solo album, Still Pause, in ’83. In ’85 she was the female lead singer in the National Theatre’s three-month run of Tony Harrison’s Mysteries trilogy, and she toured the far east as a duo with Chris Coe. She moved from Farnham to Oxford in ’86. Holland won the BBC Folk Awards ‘Best Song of 1999’ with “A Place Called England” and was last heard playing in The Broonzies with Jez Lowe and living in Jez Lowe.
Radio:
Gallery:
17 October 1974: Hot Vultures played Sheffield University’s Folk Club 
Hot Vultures 
In 1977 Hot Vultures released the “East Street Shake” LP. 
1979’s “Up The Line” LP 
Hot Vultures’ “Preachers Blues” single from 1980 
Hot Vultures at Brewery Folk Club, Rochester, Kent. Source: Colin Reece via Brewery Folk Club Tribute 
Front cover of Hot Vultures’ 1998 compilation “Vulturama” Al Jones, Al Stewart, Alton, Basingstoke, BBC Folk Awards, BBC World Service, Ben Mandelson, Blues Unlimited, Bracknell, Bracknell Folk & Roots Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, Chris Coe, County Sound, Crofter’s Folk Club, Dave Griffiths, Dave Peabody, Earthforce, Farnham, Farnham Folk Day, Folk Club, Folk Music Services, Folk Review, Folk Scene, Halifax, Hot Vultures, Howard Larman, Ian A. Anderson, Jez Lowe, John Gill, John Lathey, John Pilgrim, June Tabor, KPFK Santa Monica, Leader Studios, Leith, London, Maggie Holland, Martin Carthy, Martin Simpson, Melody Maker, National Theatre, Orchestre Super Moth, Oxford, Pete Coe, Plant Life, Reg Rag Recordings, Riverside Studio, Rod Stradling, Rogue Records, Sheffield, Sheffield University, Sherborne St. John, Sierra Briar Records, South Hill Park, Sue Harris, Swan Pub, Tannahill Weavers, The Broonzies, The Cob & Pen Folk Club, The Copper Family, The English Country Blues Band, The False Beards, The Haymarket Theatre, The Maltings, The Scrub Jay Orchestra, The Southern Rag, The Weekend Beatnik, The Wheatsheaf, Tiger Moth, Tony Harrison, Western Daily Press -
Duke Of Wellington, Farncombe
We know that Innocent Bystanders had gigs at this Farncombe Street location in 1987. They had just lost their regular slot at The Talbot Hotel, Ripley and the band secured two or three gigs at the Duke after persuading the landlord at short notice. The Flying Tigers played the venue in 1988/89 – and a recording of one of these gigs exists somewhere – as did The Piccadilly Mudmen, many times a few years earlier (c’85-88).
1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson We know more about The Duke’s history than we do its live music pedigree: It was a beerhouse on Farncombe Street in 1841, having opened in the 1830s, as a direct result of an Act of Parliament passed by the Duke of Wellington’s government. In 1851 it was run by 27-year-old Alfold man, Charles Boxall and his wife Mary. The original pub burnt down in 1880 and was replaced by the building in the photo and was owned by the Guildford’s Friary Brewery. Pheasant Griffith was landlord here from 1898 or possibly slightly earlier. His license was transferred to George Smith in 1908. During the Second World War the local ARP wardens command post was situated in the pubs back yard.
The Flying Tigers at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records It closed in 1997, was demolished and replaced by houses.
Gallery:
1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
The Flying Tigers’ Chris Turner takes the mic at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
The Flying Tigers at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
The Flying Tigers at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
The Duke of Wellington, Farncombe was on the right as you headed up Farncombe Street. -
Chestnut Studios, Churt
The Surrey Sound Hub That Defined an Era (1976-1986)
Nestled in the Surrey countryside, Chestnut Studios became a cornerstone of the local, and broader, music scene during its decade of operation. Owned by Tim Wheatley—a musician and producer with ties to bands like Good Earth, Taggart, House, Gracious, Cryin’ Out Loud, and Poker, as well as being the engineer at Keynote Studios, Frensham—Chestnut Studios played a vital role in shaping the sounds of punk, new wave, and experimental music. Though frequently cited as being in Churt, the studio’s location has also been linked to Guildford, Frensham, and Farnham, adding an air of mystique to its storied history.
The Birthplace of Iconic Tracks
Chestnut Studios first rose to prominence in 1976 when Headwaiter recorded early demos featuring Camel’s Andy Latimer on guitar and flute. That same year, Anthony “Dyl” Meynell, under the moniker The Numbers, recorded ten tracks with his brother, catching the attention of Sniffin’ Glue fanzine founder Mark Perry. The Numbers however never made it onto Perry’s Step Forward label, as Meynell joined Squire. Worthing based punk band The Bats also entered Chestnut in ’77 to record a demo.
By 1978, Chestnut had become a haven for emerging punk and new wave acts. The Vapors, who would later achieve international fame with “Turning Japanese,” recorded their original demos at Chestnut and nearby Shalford Village Hall. The studio also contributed to Who Invited Them?, a compilation showcasing Guildford-area bands: Poker, Jackie Lynton’s H.D. Band, House, and Headwaiter, reinforcing its reputation as a creative nucleus. Squire would also record four tracks at the studio: ‘Modern Love’, Get Ready to Go’, Getting Better’ and ‘Living in the City’ during ’78.
Cover of 1979’s Dogs, Women and Walnut Trees LP In September ’79, Graham Cooper entered Chestnut Studios and ably assisted by Greg Terry-Short on drums and fellow Soho member Terry Campbell on bass, who split those duties with engineer Wheatley, recorded nine rock and blues tracks, including Cupcakes Boogie. There were also backing-vocals provided by Tammy and Teri Collins on the title track, with the Bloodhound‘s Mick Hogsden, along with Greg Watkins and Terry-Short doing the same on Lar-De-Dar. These would be released as the solo vinyl LP: Dogs, Women and Walnut Trees on Fat Toad Records [FTR001]. There were also two bonus tracks on the B-side: Rollover Beethoven and Tamel recorded live with The Jackie Lynton Band and the Golden Lion, Fulham on 18 November ’78.
Camberley punk band, Lethal Dose received their master tape from Wheatley in the control room at Chestnut Studio an image that made the local press in 1980.
A Studio for All Genres
Beyond punk, Chestnut Studios supported a diverse array of artists:
- Richard Ashworth: The singer-songwriter’s M3 Revisited EP (1978) was produced by Sev Lewkowicz, a frequent collaborator in Ashworth’s backing band White Dub, at the studio.
- Warrior: Their Trouble Maker LP (1980) featured Lewkowicz on keyboards and was produced by David Clifton, who later worked with Tanita Tikaram and Julia Fordham.
- The Cast: Their album In Order of Appearance [CS 001], which was partly mastered at the studio, became the first release on Chestnut Studios’ label in 1981.
- Voltz: Laid down most of the “Knight’s Fall” LP there in 1982; which was re-released in 2019.
- The Click: Recorded three demos at the studio in 1982, and while there got the call from manager John Glover that they were being signed to A&M records.
Tim Wheatley’s connections also extended to custom pressings. Under the “NUT” label series, the studio released Twenty Flight Rock [NUT-1] by Starchase, and Sounds of The Penthouse Dance Band [NUT-2] by The Penthouse Dance Band. In early ’81, Tumbling Dice’s Thing Called Love [NUT-4] and Hipnosis’ Shaping Up [NUT-5A] were produced. This practice appears to have stopped toward the middle of ’81 with the Round Tower [NUT-6] by Truffle.
Front cover of Louise Tucker and Charlie Skarbek’s Midnight Blue (1982) After the demise of Soho, Tim Smit and Charlie Skarbek got together with opera singer Louise Tucker. Tucker’s Midnight Blue (1982) became a European chart-topper, co-produced by Wheatley and Smit. The album also featured Guildford sax player David Sherrington.
A Hotbed for Talent
The 6-piece Bloodhound spent time in Chestnut Studios in late ’79 early ’80 with Tim Wheatley producing their demo cassette. Polaris are also known to have recorded tracks at Chestnut, as are Out of Order, Matrix, T. T. Transmission, The Desotos, Pushmepullyou (produced by The Vapors Steve Smith there), The Linx, Panther, and Umpty’s Balcony / UBz who invoked a plague of frogs, that leapt about the live room, on their second visit.
T. T. Transmission, outside Chestnut Studios. Picture courtesy of Mark Terry. Throughout its run, Chestnut Studios attracted an eclectic mix of artists. Folk musicians Maggie Holland and Jon Moore recorded the A Short Cut EP in 1986. Twickenham Streaker, Erika Rowe recorded a single “Remember Then” [PVR/CM/1] in November ’82 with Joker. The Soul Agents produced their independently released single Red Car / The Way I Feel, marking one of the studio’s final projects before its transformation into The Music Room in Farnham.
Also recorded at Chestnut in ’82 was “The Fishing Song” – Theme From “Go Fishing with Jack Charlton” issued on EMI [5286]. Written by Smit, it featured ex-The Rivals singer Stuart Reffold (vocals), Dick Middleton [guitar / banjo] and was co-produced by Smit and Lewkowicz, under the ‘band’ name Banjax (after a word used by Terry Wogan). Smit and Skarbek also produced The Reactors “Walking Wounded” at Chestnut, and photographer Herbie Knott used the studios’ location as the backdrop for a photo shoot of the duo.
The Reactors outside Chestnut Studios in 1984 by Herbie Knott. The Legacy of Chestnut Studios
Susie Wadey and local journalist / songwriter, Dave Reading laid down some very 80’s sounding tracks – now lost to time; and John Hine recorded Silver and White, his only LP, in 1984.
In ’85, after adding real-time duplication, two Yamaha DX7’s, a Linn 2 and Linn 9000, and air conditioning, the studio started offering full residential facilities in the farmhouse adjacent. As much as Chestnut Studios symbolized a specific moment in British music history, it also served as a launchpad for significant careers. Tim Smit, who co-produced several projects at the studio, would later achieve global recognition for founding the Eden Project. Artists like Lewkowicz and Clifton carried the studio’s spirit into their future endeavors, contributing to its enduring influence.
While its doors closed in 1986, the echoes of Chestnut Studios remain, enshrined in the records and memories of those who passed through its hallowed rooms. From punk anthems to folk ballads, its contributions to the Surrey music scene—and beyond—are undeniable.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Chestnut Studios cassette inlay. This one is for a copy of Squire’s Original Chestnut Studios Demo c’78. 
1978’s various artist compilation [TR001] on the Thumb label recorded at Chestnut Studios. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
1978’s various artist compilation [TR001] on the Thumb label recorded at Chestnut Studios. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Front cover of 1978s “M3 Revisted” by Richard Ashworth, produced at Chestnut Studios. 
Back cover of 1978s “M3 Revisted” by Richard Ashworth, produced at Chestnut Studios. 
UBz’s master tape from a recording session at Chestnut Studios on 26 September 1979. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles. 
Back cover of 1979’s Dogs, Women and Walnut Trees LP 
Side 1 of 1979’s Dogs, Women and Walnut Trees LP 
Side 2 of 1979’s Dogs, Women and Walnut Trees LP 
Lethal Dose in the control room at Chestnut Studio receiving a master from Tim Wheatley, owner and engineer at Keynote Studios. and Liz Wheatley in 1980. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic 
Warrior recorded their 1980 LP “Trouble Maker” at Chestnut. 
The Cast mastered most of “In Order of Appearance” in December ’81 
Also recorded at Chestnut in ’82, Banjax’s “The Fishing Song” 
Voltz entered Chestnut in ’82, laying down most of the “Knights Fall” LP there. 
Back cover of Louise Tucker and Charlie Skarbek’s Midnight Blue (1982) 
Twickenham Streaker, Erika Rowe recorded a single “Remember Then” [PVR/CM/1] in November ’82 with Joker. 
“Silver and White, John Hine’s only LP, was recorded at Chestnut in ’84. 
Article on Chestnut Studios from Page 40 of Music Week 18 August 1985 
Advert for Chestnut Studios from Page 40 of Music Week 18 August 1985 
Soul Agents worked on their 7″ single, “Red Car / The Way I Feel”, at Chestnut c’86 
Maggie Holland & Jon Moore recorded 6-track EP “A Short Cut” in 1986. 
Starchase’s Twenty Flight Rock 
Penthouse Dance Band’s The Sounds of… 
Hipnosis’ Shapping Up 
Truffle’s 7″ double A-side A&M Records, Andy Latimer, Anthony Meynell, Banjax, Bloodhound, Camel, Charlie Skarbek, Chestnut Studios, Churt, Cryin’ Out Loud, David Clifton, David Reading, David Sherrington, Dick Middleton, Eden Project, EMI, Erika Rowe, Farnham, Fat Toad Records, Frensham, Fulham, Golden Lion, Good Earth, Gracious, Graham Cooper, Greg Terry-Short, Greg Watkins, Guildford, Headwaiter, Herbie Knott, Hipnosis, House, Jackie Lynton H.D. Band, John Glover, John Hine, Joker, Jon Moore, Julia Fordham, Keynote Studios, Lethal Dose, Louise Tucker, Maggie Holland, Mark Perry, Matrix, Mick Hogsden, Out of Order, Panther, Poker, Polaris, Pushmepullyou, Richard Ashworth, Sev Lewkowicz, Shalford, Sniffin' Glue, Soho, Squire, Starchase, Step Forward, Steve Smith, Stuart Reffold, Susie Wadey, T. T. Transmission, Taggart, Tammy Collins, Tanita Tikaram, Teri Collins, Terry Campbell, The Bats, The Cast, The Click, The Desotos, The Jackie Lynton Band, The Linx, The Music Room, The Numbers, The Penthouse Dance Band, The Reactors, The Rivals, The Soul Agents, The Vapors, Tim Smit, Tim Wheatley, Truffle, Tumbling Dice, UBz, Umpty’s Balcony, Village hall, Voltz, Warrior, White Dub, Worthing -
Burst Out Laughing
(c’82-’84) Alan Neve (vocals) Tim Avory (drums) Grahame Monty (bass) and ? Solomon (guitar).
The Consenting Adults‘ Neve, Soloman and Avory coalesced with Monty to form Burst Out Laughing, who played at The Royal, Guildford and Cricketers, Westfield. Clive Searle joined the band on guitar, possibly replacing Solomon, at some point.
Managed by Nils Stevenson, who also managed Siouxsie and the Banshees, one of their gigs at the Cricketers saw Rob Pursey (Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69’s younger brother) take a dislike to Avory’s drum kit and ‘wrestled’ with it. Their ‘3 Titles’ demo cassette carried a 7″ and 12″ version of “Love Intervention” and a third track titled “Medley”.
Searle and Monty would form Indigo Swing in March ’84, out of the ashes of Burst Out Laughing. Avory is the nephew of The Kinks drummer Mick Avory. Neve, who went on to work as an auditor at the Performing Right Society (PRS), is sadly no longer with us following a traffic accident in London on 15 July 2013.
Gallery:
Short piece on Burst Out Laughing from the Bitch Bitch fanzine, Issue No1, Pg3. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
Burst Out Laughing demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Alan Fred Pipes -
Aitch’s Wine Bar, Godalming
Aitch’s, which made it into the 1994 edition of the Good Beer Guide, was situated close to the site of the old Gin Mill Club and The Angel, Godalming, in Angel Court, and was known by many a name over the years: Cafe Mila, Angels Wine Bar, Aitch’s Bar Café, JR’s (c’79-’81), Cheers Wine Bar (c’88), Harlequins, Carl’s Wine Bar (c’85-’87), Cobwebs (c’88), Glasshouse, The Grapevine, etc. It is now closed and was converted into a yoga studio with cafe in 2011.
Its heyday as a, paying, music venue was the early 90’s, when the likes of The Four Marys and The Sugar Plums appearing there, with the painting of Jimi Hendrix / Derek Griffiths (If you have seen it, you know what we mean) behind them on the stage.On 19 September ’92 we found Backtracks filling the void with sound, followed by Ritch n’ Famus the next night. While this Soundcene writer was at The Cricketer’s, Westfield for Backlash and Peachrazor, Aitch’s Wine Bar welcomed Kambium on 9 October ’92, and Ritch n’ Famus would return on 22 November. FIB were on form on 21 February ’93, and Who Moved the Ground? made an appearance a few days later on 27 February. The Trifecta of Backlash, Summersalt, and Kambium made for a memorable night on 2 June ’93. Summersalt returned on 17 July that year to support Vox Pop.
On 5 January ’94, Aitch’s hosted Who Moved the Ground? with support provided by Backlash; and Crazy Face performed at the venue ten days later, on 15 January, then Nitch on 19 January. Bananafish traveled up from Portsmouth on 26 February and on 12 and 14 September ’94, b.l.o.w. (ex-Little Angels), who were regulars at The Anchor Inn, Godalming, where they also played, blew through. It was on the itinerary for Who Moved the Ground?’s promo tour for their second single, “The Chase”/”What’s That”, on 21 September ’94, when they were supported by Skipper.
10 May 95: Serious Plankton support Kava Kava (colour version) at Aitch’s, Godalming. Source: GuilFin It was also the location for a Guilfin fund raiser with Kava Kava – who had just released the “You Can Live Here” LP – and Serious Plankton on the bill on 10 May ’95. But it wasn’t just local bands who appeared at the upstairs venue; Bracket from the US, and China Drum from Ovingham also gigged there. There is also an as yet unverified tale that Doctor and The Medics were rocking there one night.
Gallery:
21 September 1994: Who Moved The Ground? released their 2nd single: “The Chase”/”What’s That”. This clipping, from an unknown mag, lists the promo tour dates. Source: Who Moved the Ground?
10 May 95: Serious Plankton support Kava Kava (mono version) at Aitch’s, Godalming. Source: GuilFin Aitch’s, Aitch’s Bar Cafe, Aitch’s Wine Bar, Angels Wine Bar, b.l.o.w., Backlash, Backtracks, Bananafish, Bracket, Cafe Mila, Carl’s Wine Bar, Cheers Wine Bar, China Drum, Cobwebs, Crazy Face, Doctor and The Medics, FIB, Gin Mill, Glasshouse, Godalming, Guilfin, Harlequins, Kambium, Kava Kava, Little Angels, Nitch, Peachrazor, Ritch n’ Famus, Serious Plankton, Skipper, Summersalt, The Anchor Inn, The Angel, The Cricketers, The Four marys, The Grapevine, The Sugar Plums, Vox Pop, Westfield, Who Moved the Ground? -
Midnight Circus
(c’77) Paul Rainbird (guitar), Ron D “Boz” Bowes (bass/vocals) and Martin Vasey (drums).
This Farnborough based three-piece rock band played Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough; Fleet Country Club, Fleet (which was originally called Baroque Rock Club); and the Town Hall, Farnborough, where they supported Straightshooter. The band played original tracks with a smattering of covers, such as John Lennon’s “Instant Karma”, Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe” and The Rolling Stone’s “Brown Sugar”. Mervin George organized the Charity Rock Christmas ’77’ event at the Agincourt on 17 December ’77 and booked Straightshooter to headline with Eclipse and Midnight Circus in support.
17 December 1977: Straightshooter, Eclipse, and Midnight Circus at Agincourt. Source: Dominic O’Riley via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia On the demise on Midnight Circus, Bowes and Rainbird formed Gambler with Steve Porter (guitar) and Doug Hay (drums). In the 70’s Bowes was also in Palantir, Stag, and Sneak Preview and played bass for Van Der Graaf Generator’s David Jackson on some demo work. In the 80s he was a member of Shoot the Butler and Flix. He has since released 7 LPs and 3 Singles as Ron D Bowes. Social worker Vasey is resting in peace.
Gallery:
Midnight Circus at the Fleet Country Club in 1977. Source Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Midnight Circus at the Fleet Country Club in 1977. Source Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Midnight Circus at the Fleet Country Club in 1977. Source Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Midnight Circus at the Fleet Country Club in 1977. Source Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Pop Scene article c’77 by David Reading include image of Midnight Circus. Source: Ron D. Bowes Agincourt, Baroque Rock Club, Camberley, Country Club, David Jackson, Doug Hay, Eclipse, Farnborough, Fleet, Fleet Country Club, Flix, Gambler, Martin Vasey, Mervin George, Midnight Circus, Palantir, Paul Rainbird, Ron Bowes, Ron D Bowes, Shoot the Butler, Sneak Preview, Stag, Steve Porter, Town Hall, Tumbledown Dick, Van Der Graaf Generator -
Ebling Mis
(c’72-’73) Steve Bayfield (guitar / vocals), Paul Coaker (bass), and John Bland (drums).
In ’72 Bayfield, who’d been in the Farnham Wall of Sound, and Coaker put together a combo with “The Baron” (not legendary jazz drummer John Von Ohlen as far as we can tell) on drums to play the 1st Windsor Free Festival. It worked well, but “The Baron” was just a temporary solution. Bayfield and Coaker had met Bland, the DJ who fronted the Plastik Rock Disco and ran the Cosmic Amoeba Lightshow, when he was mixing sound for Rocharch. Eventually Bland, joined the band that was to be called Ebling Mis; after an Isaac Asimov character from the Foundation series, as their drummer.
Ebling Mis at the Windsor Free Festival 1973. The band all lived in rented house in Fleet, they called Planet Oa or The Planet. Living together enabled them to rehearse / jam solidly for the first three months. There first gig was in early ’73, and the appearances that year included the University of Surrey, Guildford‘s Free Festival, and the 2nd Windsor Free Festival.
The Arts Centre, Church Crookham hosted the band on 23 February and 17 March ’73. The following month, on 21 April, they venture north to the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, West Byfleet, where they were supported by Virjin. Back on home turf the band performed at the British Legion Hall, Fleet on 5 May ’73. The Bedford Festival, held on Bedford Hill, Balham welcomed Ebling Mis on 2 June ’73, along with Everyone Involved, and Half Human Band. The first two weeks of July ’73 were busy for the band: They returned to the Church Crookham Arts Centre on 1 July, and four days later, on 5 July, they were at a Guildford College of Art’s event held at the Chapel Street Hall, Guildford with Wedje, Sphinktra, and Phoenix. The University of Surrey’s Free Festival was held on 7 July and Ebling Mis joined Roger Ruskin-Speare, Jonesy, Strider, Keith Christmas, Colin Scot, Byzantium and many more at the all-day event. The band travelled to Devon for the Whole Earth Fayre in Trentishoe, another free festival that also included Hawkwind, Pink Fairies, Global Village Trucking Co, and Clancy. On 14 July ’73, The Crown Hotel, Alton kicked the band out for being too loud. Ebling Mis returned to Windsor Great Park, performing on 25 and 27 August ’73 at the 2nd Windsor Free Festival joining fellow local band Camel as well as, the Pink Fairies, Fang, Nicky James, Coastroad Drive, Void, Shame Lady, Milton, Stiltz, Kraan, Ayup, Stormbringer, Gemini, Hawkwind, Raw Sienna, Global Village Trucking Co, Budgie, and Ahimsa. Then, when UFO let the University of Surrey down, on 19 October ’73, they were ably replaced by Ebling Mis who stood in at short notice and received support from Glyder. Our final showing for Ebling Mis in ’73 was, six days after, at Hatch Mill, College of Art, Farnham on 25 October.
Bland, who was one of Fleet Music Workshop’s “Famous Four” along with Carole and Keith Lewis and Sue Fletcher would go on to play in the Oa Band, formed by Bayfield, from ’75-’76, and then Earthforce. He also worked as a songwriter.
Gallery:
Ebling Mis’ John Bland. Source: www.stevebayfield.blogspot.com 
Ebling Mis’ Steve Bayfield. Source: www.stevebayfield.blogspot.com 
Ebling Mis’ Paul Coaker. Source: www.stevebayfield.blogspot.com 
Ebling Mis at the Windsor Free Festival 1973. Source: www.stevebayfield.blogspot.com 
Ebling Mis at the Windsor Free Festival 1973. Source: www.stevebayfield.blogspot.com 
Ebling Mis listed to play the Windsor Free Festival 1973. Ahimsa, Alton, Arts Centre, Ayup, Balham, Bedford Festival, Bedford Hill, British Legion Hall, Budgie, Byzantium, Camel, Carole Lewis, Chapel Street Hall, Church Crookham, Clancy, Coastroad Drive, Colin Scot, College of Art, Cosmic Amoeba Lightshow, Devon, Earthforce, Ebling Mis, Everyone Involved, Ex-Servicemen's Club, Fang, Farnham, Farnham Wall of Sound, Fleet, Fleet Music Workshop, Free Festival, Gemini, Global Village Trucking Co, Global Village Trucking Co., Glyder, Guildford, Half Human Band, Hatch Mill, Hawkwind, John Bland, Jonesy, Keith Christmas, Keith Lewis, Kraan, Milton, Nicky James, Oa Band, Paul Coaker, Phoenix, Pink Fairies, Planet Oa, Plastik Rock Disco, Raw Sienna, Rocharch, Roger Ruskin-Speare, Shame Lady, Sphinktra, Steve Bayfield, Stiltz, Stormbringer, Strider, Sue Flecther, The Crown, The Planet, Trentishoe, UFO, University of Surrey, Virjin, Void, Wedje, West Byfleet, Whole Earth Fayre, Windsor Free Festival -
The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot
Sitting on the junction of the A30 and High Street, let’s hit you with a little pub history first: The current building was built around 1925, but there’s been a pub on this site since the Elizabethan period. Then it was called Blackboy. Its name changed, no later than the mid-16th century, to The Running Deer. It then changed to The Bull, and finally to The Fighting Cocks in the early 18th century.
The Fighting Cocks hosted the Thieves of Dreams and Blue Velvet, on 9 November ’91, with TOD returning on 11 April ’92. The Outcast Band appeared at The Fighting Cocks on 19 February ’93, and the following month, on 6 March, Who Moved the Ground? performed, returning on 17 December that year. Who Moved the Ground? would return again on 17 September ’94, when they included the pub on the promo tour for their second single, “The Chase”/”What’s That”. Three years after their last visit to the pub Thieves of Dreams’ first gig in ’95 was at The Fighting Cocks on 18 March.
The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot is now owned by Heineken and called The Cedar Tree. There used to be live music weekly, but no evidence of that since mid-2022.Gallery:
9 November 1991: Thieves of Dreams and Blue Velvet were at The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams
11 April 1992: Thieves of Dreams were at The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 17 September 1994: Who Moved The Ground? released their 2nd single: “The Chase”/”What’s That”. This clipping, from an unknown mag, lists the promo tour dates. Source: Who Moved the Ground? 
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The River Bottom Band
(c’68) – Chandler “Roy St. John” Holmes (guitar / vocals), Peter “Jug” Mallett (jug), Pete Farr (?) and John Lathey (guitar/vocals).
Holmes was an American living in Farnham and pulled together The River Bottom Band with a few work colleagues at Shattaline and others. They played a number of local gigs and had a residency at the Bush Hotel, Farnham playing a repertoire of jug and country rock; covering the likes of “Proud Mary” along with their own compositions, “Met You Down in Moretonhamstead” among them.
The band supported Farnham Wall of Sound at the Civic Hall, Guildford on 8 April ’70, then on 7 August that year Holmes formed a duo with Steve Bayfield to perform at the Church House, Farnham, at which The River Bottom Band also played. They returned to the Civic Hall on 5 November and along with September Tree and Zynthoid supported Don Partridge.
Holmes went on to join the Farnham Wall of Sound. Under the stage name Roy St. John, Holmes later recorded on Virgin Records, notably “The Way You Look Tonight” in 1976 and led Pub Rockers “Phoenix”. He later moved back to the US. We would rediscover Lathey at Crofter’s Folk Club, The Wheatsheaf, Alton, on the bill with Hot Vultures and Earthforce on 13 September ’78. He would also support the latter’s headline slot at Bellerby Theatre, Guildford on 23 November that year. His composition for guitar, “Just a Little Something for Goldfish to Dance to” appeared in 2009 on Mikkel Andersen’s LP “El Llanto De La Guitarra” (The Lament of The Guitar) on the Helikon label [HCD 1057]. Farr went into the movie industry after Falmouth Art College. Worked on Alien and The Meaning of Life amongst others. Now retired he does some sculpting and has started making acoustic guitars. Mallet would also perform as a duo with Bayfield, appearing at the Arts Lab held at the Library Hall, Aldershot on 25 July ’70. He moved to Cornwall in the mid 70’s then to Devon, where he sadly died at the turn of the century.Gallery:
The River Bottom Band… Source: Mike Andrews via Historic Farnham Town And Surrounding Villages Aldershot, Alien, Alton, Arts lab, Bellerby Theatre, Bush Hotel, Chandler Holmes, Church House, Civic hall, Crofter’s Folk Club, Don Partridge, Earthforce, Falmouth Art College, Farnham, Farnham Wall of Sound, Guildford, Helikon, Hot Vultures, John Lathey, Library Hall, Mikkel Andersen, Pete Farr, Peter Mallet, Phoenix, Roy St. John, September Tree, Shattaline, Steve Bayfield, The Meaning of Life, The River Bottom Band, The Wheatsheaf, Virgin Records, Zynthoid -
Farnham Wall Of Sound
(c’69-’70) Mike “Heba” Evans (guitar/vocals), Chandler “Roy St. John” Holmes (guitar/vocals), Steve Bayfield (guitar/vocals), and Terry Murphy (drums).
The band started rehearsing in ’69 and called themselves, ironically, the Farnham Wall of Sound due to their lack of kit. They are known to have played the Civic Hall, Guildford on 8 April 1970, with The River Bottom Band, of which St. John was a member.
Evans is sadly passed. Bayfield, who’d played a few folk clubs solo, teamed up with St. John, and the duo appeared at North Camp Hotel, Farnborough a couple of times in early ’71. St. John later co-wrote lyrics for four Unicorn tracks with Kevin Smith. He later recorded on Virgin Records, notably “The Way You Look Tonight” in 1976 and led Pub Rockers Phoenix and then Klondike Pete & The Huskies; Smith, Pete Perryer, and Pat Martin of Unicorn would often stand in with them. In addition, St. John was best man at John Peel’s wedding. After moving back to the US in the 80’s – He came to UK in the 60’s with his parents, his dad was with Pan American Airlines – he DJ’d on USA FM radio, now lives in St. Louis and still gigs with his current band Rocky & The Wranglers.
Gallery:
The guitarists of the Farnham Wall of Sound guitarists (L-R: Evans, St John, and Bayfield). Source: www.stevebayfield.blogspot.com Chandler Holmes, Civic hall, Farnborough, Farnham Wall of Sound, Guildford, John Peel, Kevin Smith, Klondike Pete & The Huskies, Mike Evans, North Camp Hotel, Pat Martin, Pete Perryer, Phoenix, Rocky & The Wranglers, Roy St. John, Steve Bayfield, Terry Murphy, The River Bottom Band, Unicorn, Virgin Records
Our Soundscene 
Human beings takes me back to 1981. Followed them all over the Surrey reading area for a year a great band and 3 good guys playing well written songs of the era. I wish john Tim and steve well what ever they are doing now. Should reform for a few shows just like Oasis but do the wooden bridge.
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