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Thieves of Dreams
(c’90-’97) Rodney Shack (vocals / guitar), Ian Bridgeman (guitar), Nigel Morley (vocals / bass) and Mark Ellis (drums).
Thieves of Dreams at an unknown location. Picture courtesy of TOD Thieves of Dreams This Aldershot 4-piece, who were sometimes referred to as T.O.D or TOD, may have derived their name from the line ‘Play our music for the thieves of dreams” from Reluctant Stereotypes’ track “M.O.D.”. Ellis left in late ’90 to travel the world and was replaced by Simon Moore.
18 May 1991: Who Moved the Ground? supported by Thieves of Dreams appeared at The Four Horseshoes, Camberley. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams Our first recorded gig for the band is a support slot for Who Moved The Ground? at The Four Horseshoes, Camberley on 18 May ’91, which reportedly went down well with supporters of both. The Army & Navy, Aldershot was the bands home venue throughout ’91, hosting the band on the 16 and 30 June, and 14 July ’91. They ventured out to The Iron Duke, Crowthorne on 20 July and then, with Blue Velvet, hit The George, Ash Vale on 21 July; returning to The Army & Navy on 28 July. Only one appearance in the following month, again at Army & Navy, on 18 August ’91. Teaming up with Pretty Green on 22 September, TOD were back at The George, Ash Vale. The following week they returned to their home venue on 29 September. On 11 October the band traveled up to The Cleveland Hotel, London to perform at The Mojo Club. Thieves of Dreams and Blue Velvet were then at Army & Navy on 13 October and The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot on 9 November ’91; with the Thieves stealing the show at Dover Castle, London six days later, on 15 November ’91. By late ’91 Ellis had returned and rejoined the band. That same month, on 22 November ’91, they supported Who Moved the Ground? again, this time at Farnham Art College. In November ’91 they released the 4-track demo cassette “Florence Ain’t No Nightingale!”. This was recorded at Ghost Studios, Send and carried “Children of The Night”, “Smiling Game”, “Am I Happy Now?”, and “Shelter”. TOD recorded a further two demos at Ghost, including “We Were in Love”. “Florence Ain’t No Nightingale!” sold out within a fortnight, putting the band at the No.2 spot on County Sounds radio’s local artist chart.
Thieves of Dreams “Florence Aint No Nightingale!” Cassette demo inlay. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold TOD continued to gig once or twice a month throughout ’92. On 5 January ’92 they were once again at The Army & Navy, Aldershot. In February they were with The River Thieves at White Hart, Frimley on 6 February and then The Swan, Farnborough welcomed the band on 22 February ’92. Pretty Green were their collaborators again at The Four Horseshoes, Camberley on 14 March. Then there was a return visit to The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot on 11 April ’92. A ferry was needed to reach their next gig at Ryde Castle, Isle of Wight on 24 May ’92. The band had no gigs for almost two months, getting back on the horse at The Cricketers, Westfield, supporting Vox Pop, on 17 July ’92. The band then had two gigs at Bracknell Football Club. The first was with The Revs on 14 August, the next was the following month, on 19 September ’92, supported by The President’s Men. At this point the band started travelling up to ‘The City’ to play. There was a gig at St. Johns Tavern, London on 29 September ’92, with The Nerve; The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town with The Direction on 24 October; and back at St. Johns Tavern on 1 December with The Most. The bands “Give the Game Away” was included on Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 in ’92.
Thieves of Dreams “Give The Game Away” was included on Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 in 1992. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 1993 opened with a gig on the coast at The Railway, Gosport supporting Restless Natives on 2 January. St. John’s Tavern welcomed them back on 19 January ’93, a show that included The World and Direction on the bill. Another venue in Gosport, The Trade Union Hall, booked TOD for 30 January ’93 and so started a year of gigs on the northern shore of the Solent. The band teamed up with Restless natives at The Civil Service Club, Gosport on 5 February. A week later they were back at The Railway, Gosport followed by a gig at the Royal Navy’s engineering training establishment, HMS Sultan in Gosport on 6 April ’93. Thieves played two dates with My Mates a Hairdresser at well-known student and live music pub The Hobbit, in the Bevois Valley area of Southampton on the 10 July and 6 August ’93. On the 24 September ’93 they were back at The Railway Inn, Gosport. Farnborough Groove welcomed the band back in ’93, including “Shelter” on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3.
A six-month gap in live appearances ended on 16 April ’94 at The Swan, Farnborough followed several weeks later with an appearance at Wild Ridings, Bracknell on 3 June ’94. There were then three consecutive gigs at The Iron Duke, Crowthorne on 9 July, 6 August, and 10 September ’94. The next day TOD were in Aldershot at The White Swan. Six days later, on 17 of September ’94, TOD and Restless Natives were back at The Trade Union Hall, Gosport; with the band wrapping up their year with a performance at The Iron Duke on 8 October.
TOD’s first gig in ’95 was at The Fighting Cocks. Bagshot on 18 March. The next month they were at The Swan, Farnborough on 8 April, followed by a trip down to Gosport’s Olivers on 21 April ’95. Riser, Mandate and Thieves of Dreams all appeared at the Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell on 22 June 95; and TOD supported Restless Natives on 14 July ’95, at The Trade Union Hall, aka Trades Club, Gosport. TOD were back at Olivers on 22 September and at The West End Centre, Aldershot the next day. A trip out to East Suffolk on 7 October ’95 saw them at the Victoria Hotel, Lowestoft; before returning to The Swan, Farnborough on 11 November.
22 September 1995: Thieves of Dreams were at Olivers, Gosport. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams The band were back at The Swan to open their ’96, with a gig on 20 January. A couple of months later, on 8 March, they were at The Wheatsheaf, Aldershot. North Wales beckoned the band in April with a booking at the Marina Hotel, Rhyl on the 6 April and back home for the 12 April and The Windmill, Four Marks. TOD performed three times in May ’96: On 3 May at Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough with Innocent, returning to the venue on 11 May, and onto The Wheatsheaf, Aldershot on 31 May.
In ’97 the band started work on releasing “I Could Be…” as a single. They got as far as designing the sleeve, but unfortunately it never came to fruition. As recently 2022 it was still a rumored possibility.
Tracks:
Gallery:
14 July 1995: Thieves of Dreams supported Restless Natives at Trades Club, Gosport. Source: Steve of Restless Natives via TOD Thieves of Dreams 
30 June 1991: Thieves of Dreams played Army & Navy, Aldershot. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Thieves of Dream’s set list from the 21 July 1991 gig at The George, Ash Vale. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
A brief piece from the 21 February 1992 ‘Off The Record’ column in The (Farnham) Herald on Thieve of Dreams “Florence Ain’t No Nightingale” demo tape. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
11 October 1991: THe Mojo Club at THe Cleeland, London hosted Thieves of Dreams. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
9 November 1991: Thieves of Dreams and Blue Velvet were at The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot. 15 November 1991: Dover Castle, London hosted Thieves of Dreams. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
22 February 1992: The Swan, Farnborough hosted Thieves of Dreams. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
22 June 1995: Riser, Mandate and Thieves of Dreams all appeared at the Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
29 September 1992: Thieves of Dreams and The Nerve were at St. Johns Tavern, London. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
16 June 1991: Thieves of Dreams were at Army & Navy, Aldershot. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
11 April 1992: Thieves of Dreams were at The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Sleeve back of the unreIeased “I Could Be…” single from 1997. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Sleeve front of the unreIeased “I Could Be…” single from 1997. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
19 September 1992: Thieves of Dreams, supported by The President’s Men, appeared at Bracknell Football Club. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
19 September 1992: Thieves of Dreams, supported by The President’s Men, appeared at Bracknell Football Club. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Thieves of Dreams at an unknown location. Picture courtesy of TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Thieves of Dreams at an unknown location. Picture courtesy of TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Thieves of Dreams at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town in 1992. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Incomplete Thieves of Dreams gig list 1991/92. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Incomplete Thieves of Dreams gig list 1993, 94, and 95. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Incomplete Thieves of Dreams gig list 1995/96. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
September 1994: Thieves of Dreams had three gigs between the 10th and 17th in Crowthorne, Aldershot and Gosport. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
Thieves Of Dreams promo flyer sent out with demos. Source: Thieves Of Dreams 
A Thieves of Dreams set list. Source: TOD Thieves of Dreams 
In ’93 Thieves Of Dreams’ “Shelter” was included on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
Side-B of Thieves of Dreams “Florence Aint No Nightingale!” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Side-A of Thieves of Dreams “Florence Aint No Nightingale!” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Thieves of Dreams “Florence Aint No Nightingale!” Cassette demo inlay (inside). Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
The Gossville Arsonist fanzine’s one-line review of Thieves of Dreams track from The Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 Aldershot, Army & Navy, Ash Vale, Bagshot, Blue Velvet, Bracknell, Bracknell Football Club, Bull & Gate, Camberley, Cellar Bar, County Sound, Crowthorne, Dover Castle, East Suffolk, Farnborough, Farnborough Groove, Farnham, Farnham College, Football Club, Four Marks, Frimley, Ghost Studios, Gosport, HMS Sultan, Ian Bridgeman, Innocent, Isle of Wight, Kentish Town, London, Lowestoft, Mandate, Marina Hotel, Mark Ellis, My Mates a Hairdresser, Nigel Morley, North Wales, Olivers, Pretty Green, Reluctant Stereotypes, Restless Natives, Rhyl, Riser, Rodney Shack, Ryde Castle, Send, Simon Moore, South Hill Park, Southampton, St. John's Tavern, T.O.D., The Civil Service Club, The Cleveland, The Cricketers, The Direction, The Fighting Cocks, The Four Horseshoes, The George, The Hobbit, The Iron Duke, The Mojo Club, The Most, The President’s Men, The Railway, The Revs, The River Thieves, The Swan, The Trade Union Hall, The Wheatsheaf, The White Swan, The Windmill, The World, Thieves Of Dreams, TOD, Trades Club, Tumbledown Dick, Victoria Hotel, Vox Pop, West End Centre, West Surrey College of Art & Design, Westfield, White Hart, Who Moved the Ground?, Wild Ridings -
The Flowers of Sacrifice
(c’88-93) Andy Clark (vocals / guitar), Pat Evans (guitar), Chris Wareham (bass) and Boris the drum machine.
The Flowers of Sacrifice on stage. Clark and Evans were in Neverland with Gary Henderson (guitar) and Mark Hopgood (keyboards). Following Hopgood’s death in a car accident the remaining three formed The Brethren. A difference in musical direction led to Henderson leaving in ’88 and the formation of Farnborough based 2-piece Goth band The Flowers of Sacrifice.
The band’s first gig was on 28 September ’90 at The George, Ash Vale supporting Explodehead; playing four songs – two originals (Midnight Red, and Nowhere Train), and two covers (New Model Army’s 51st State and Demolition Man by the Police) – between the headliners two sets. Their second gig followed six months later.
At some point in 1990 Krissi Gould (sax / guitar / backing vocals) and multi-instrumentalist Lee Rumble (bass) – he was the drummer with After the Dream, and Suck Henry – joined the band. They competed in the battle of the bands at the White Hart, Frimley – at which Mick Magic was one of the judges; another judge, who was purportedly a devout Christian, thought the band were Satanists and gave them zero points – they didn’t win. In ’91, Farnborough Groove Vol.1 published the bands track “16 Roses”.
1991’s poster that caused the Flowers a call from the police and the threat of legal action. ’91 was also the year the band got into a little bother thanks to a poster. Compiled by Giant Arc‘s Geoff Hawkes and based on a Blast magazine cover with white space for venue and date/s the band used it to promote their half a dozen or so gigs a month in the local area. However, the police intervened, and legal action threatened, for potentially inciting violent acts and the poster had to be changed, but not without a bit of local publicity out of all the furore. The band replaced ‘violence’ with ‘freedom’. On 29 October ’91, the band performed a special Halloween bash at Ragamuffins, Camberley; then two days later, on Halloween night they were at The George, Ash Vale. The following week they appeared in Aldershot’s Army & Navy. Around this time Gould and Rumble, who was starting work at Von’s Studio, Islington, left and Chris Wareham (bass) joined, after dabbling with Parmaviolet, bringing the group to the fully fledged 3-piece that gigged locally, with excursions to Southampton and Birmingham.
The Flowers of Sacrifice’s “Flower Power” cassette EP inlay. The following year the cassette EP: “Flower Power”, was released, carrying the six tracks “Word Politik”, “Dark Carnival”, “Never & Ever”, “Body Betrayal”, “Nowhere Train”, and “Monochrome”. ’92 also saw The Flowers of Sacrifice’s “Dark Carnival”‘ and “Monochrome” appear on the German goth rock compilation cassette ‘Dragon’s Born Tonight’ [BT 38] on the Beton Tapes label and “Asylum” included on Farnborough Groove Vol.2, of which The Gossville Arsonist was not overly complimentary. This was either side of Barney Rubbles at Lakeside Cabaret Club, Frimley on 17 April ’92, where The Flowers of Sacrifice appeared with Peachrazor, Giant Arc, Nuss, and Girls on Dextrose. Halloween, 31 October ’92, was spent at the Halloween Goth Spectacular at The George, Ash Vale, where the Flowers… were joined by Girls on Dextrose and Different Drummer.
Another year passes before their second cassette EP, “Never Loved Eldritch” is released. This included “Sometimes Cold”, “Asylum”, “Under” and “Don’t Drift Away”. Also in ’93 the band’s track “Never & Ever” is included on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3.
Somewhere there is a video titled “The Carnival of Darkness” and a third cassette titled “Succubus”. Towards the end of the band’s life, they played a gig at The Moonlight Club, London and their final performance was at Ragamuffins, Camberley. In July 2015 “Shadows to Whisper” was e-released via Jindivik’s Bandcamp page, compiling The Flowers of Sacrifice’s two cassette EPs and the track published on Farnborough Groove Vol.1.
Clark and Evans recently reformed the Flowers of Sacrifice as a 2-piece. On the 28 March 2021, Mick Mercer featured the bands’ “Midnight Red” as part of Mick Mercer Radio Broadcast 215.
Wareham, went on to play in a number of gothic and industrial bands: Cathedral Lung, Complicity, Killing Miranda, and The Faces of Sarah. He ended up in a Joy Division tribute band Shadowplay, portraying Peter Hook; and more recently plays in, female fronted, X Ray Love. Clark is in Jindivik.
Tracks:Gallery:
Adrian Creek’s Pop Scene article from 1991 on the Flowers poster problems 
n ’92 Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 included “Asylum” by The Flowers of Sacrifice. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
In ’91 Farnborough Groove Vol.1 published The Flowers of Sacrifice’s track “16 Roses”. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
Both cassette EPs by The Flowers of Sacrifice. Picture from Kodak Ghosts Run Amok courtesy of Matthew Faulkner. 
The Flowers of Sacrifice’s “Never Loved Eldritsh” cassette EP 
Side A and B of The Flowers of Sacrifice’s “Flower Power” cassette EP 
Page one of Donna Crow’s review of “Flower Power” and interview with The Flowers of Sacrifce for the Necroscope fanzine 
Page two of Donna Crow’s review of “Flower Power” and interview with The Flowers of Sacrifce for the Necroscope fanzine 
17 April 1992: Flowers of Sacrifice with Peachrazor, Giant Arc, Nuss, and Girls on Dextrose are at Barney Rubbles at Lakeside Caberet Club, Frimley. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
The Flowers of Sacrifice at The George, Ash Vale 
Flowers of Sacrifice, with Girls on Dextrose and Different Drummer, played the Halloween Goth Spectacular at The George on 31 October 1992 according to this unidentified fanzine gig list. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
The Flowers of Sacrifice at an unknown venue. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
In 1992 The Flowers of Sacrifice “Dark Carnival”‘ and “Monochrome” appeared on the German goth rock compilation cassette ‘Dragon’s Born Tonight’ [BT 38] on the Beton Tapes label 
In 1992 The Flowers of Sacrifice “Dark Carnival”‘ and “Monochrome” appeared on the German goth rock compilation cassette ‘Dragon’s Born Tonight’ [BT 38] on the Beton Tapes label 
1992 The Flowers of Sacrifice “Dark Carnival”‘ and “Monochrome” appeared on the German goth rock compilation cassette ‘Dragon’s Born Tonight’ [BT 38] on the Beton Tapes label 
Flowers of Sacrifice’s track “Never & Ever” is included on Return Of Farnborough Groove Vol.3. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
The Gossville Arsonist fanzine’s one-line review of The Flowers of Sacrifice track “Asylum” from The Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 After the Dream, Aldershot, Andy Clark, Army & Navy, Ash Vale, Barney Rubbles, Beton Tapes, Birmingham, Blast Magazine, Camberley, Cathedral Lung, Chris Wareham, Complicity, Different Drummer, Explodehead, Farnborough, Farnborough Groove, Flowers of Sacrifice, Frimley, Gary Henderson, Geoff Hawkes, Germany, Giant Arc, Girls on Dextrose, Islington, Jindivik, Joy Division, Killing Miranda, Krissi Gould, Lakeside Cabaret Club, Lee Rumble, London, Mark Hopgood, Mick Magic, Mick Mercer, Neverland, Nuss, Parmaviolet, Pat Evans, Peachrazor, Peter Hook, Ragamuffins, Shadowplay, Southhampton, Suck Henry, The Brethren, The Faces of Sarah, The Flowers of Sacrifice, The George, The Gossville Arsonist, The Moonlight Club, Von’s Studio, White Hart, X Ray Love -
Snide Line
(c’96-98) Jo Waghorn (vocals / guitar), Mark Ogden (guitar / keyboards), Clare ? (bass), Greg Ford (drums / vocals).
This Church Crookham based 4 piece, recorded the “Snide Tunes” 3-track demo at Monster Studios, Leatherhead, with Sid Stovold providing some additional percussion, with Chris Stevens producing. In ’97 the third track from the “Snide Tunes” demo, titled “Too Long”, appeared on Farnborough Groove Vol.7 (Geography Sucks).
The Maltings, Farnham hosted Farnham ’98, on 28 March ’98, and Snide Line joined Enertia, Vex Red, and Taxi Driver on the third.
On leaving Snide Line Ford and Ogden formed Dreyfus, which later became Coldharbour. Ogden currently resides in Aldershot, while Ford now lives in Teignmouth, Devon. Waghorn is somewhere on the south coast.
Tracks:Gallery:
Inlay for the “Snide Tunes” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
A-Side of the “Snide Tunes” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
B-Side of the “Snide Tunes” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
28 March 1998: Snideline played the Farnham 98, held at The Maltings. Source: Seafood 
Snide Line’s “Too Long” was the last track on Side 1 on Farnborough Groove Vol.7. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
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Half Moon Folk Club, Farncombe
The Half Moon Folk Club was held at the Half Moon, Meadrow, Farncombe on the periphery of Godalming – it was the first pub on the left as you entered Godalming from Guildford. It’s where Roger Learwood also ran the Godalming Singers Club in the early 70’s.
November / December 1975 at the Half Moon On the 9 December ’72 in partnership with Stag Folk, the Half Moon presented a charity folk concert, at the Wilfrid Noyce Centre, Godalming, in aid of G.O.P.W.A. for a drop-in centre for the elderly. In ’75, Julian High and John Gardner reopened and ran the Singers’ Club at the Half Moon, as a Stagfolk side project for a couple of years. Their re-opening night, on 20 November ’75, featured the rich, sonorous, baritone of Martin Winsor as the club’s special guest that month; with Johnny Collins – who’d released the LP “Johnny’s Private Army” earlier that year and loved to have the audience sing the choruses with him – filling the role the week before Christmas.
The Half Moon closed in 1984 and is now a commercial building called Capital House.
Gallery:
9 December 1972: Ticket for a Half Moon Charity Concert. Source: David Johnson’s post in Godalming Town Past & Present. 
M. Strong’s Half Moon Folk Club Membership Card. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector’s Records -
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.
SU Office. Supercharge play Farnborough Tech according to the poster on the left, Source: Mick Hughes via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 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.
13 February 1971 – Pink Floyd 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.
17 December 1971: Warm Dust supported by Duster Bennett and Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. Advert from Melody Maker. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 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.
11 November 1972: The Groundhogs, Farnborough Technical College. Source: Don West via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 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.
11 March 1978 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 Desotos on stage at the Technical College, Farnborough c’79. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 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.
15 February 92: Mega City Four with Phobia, Big Boy Tomato, and Pretty Green. Source: Pete Scott via Mega City Four 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”.
Video:
Gallery:
26 September 1964: The combined Farnborough Tech & RAE Rag Week kicked off with a ‘Jazz Rave’ at the Technical College featuring The Original Downtown Syncopaters and Monty Sunshine Band 
1 April 1966: The Nashville Teens supported by The Cops and Robber, and The Clayton Squares appeared at Farnborough Tech. 
4 October 1969: Robert Kerr and his Whoopee Band and Sam Spoon’s Bumper Puzzle Band Kit. 
25 September 1971: Cochise and Gypsy appear at Farnborough Tech. Source: Don West via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
9 October 1971. Source: www.specialauctionservices.com 
13 November 1971 
11 December 1971: Spontaneous Combustion were at Farnborough Tech. 
11 and 17 December 1971: Farnborough Tech’s Student Union placed an advert in the 11 December 1971 Melody Maker, advertising two gigs. The first featured Home and Spontaneous Combustion, the second Duster Bennett, Warm Dust and Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. 
January / February 1972. Source: Pink Floyd Archives 
27 May 1972: Genesis supported by Nimbo 
11 November 1972: Groundhogs’ tour kicked off at Farnborough Tech… 
25 November 1972: Poster for Stray, supported by Magic Muscle at Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
15 December 1972 – Status Quo supported by Snake Eye – Cancelled! 
16 December 1972: The Stackridge “Treasure Island” Tour came to Farnborough Tech, with The Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
22 March 1975: Farnborough College of Technology hosted Stackridge, supported by Shepstone & Dibbens. 
18 Feb 1978: The Automatics (pictured) supported The Vibrators at Farnborough Tech. Source: Paul Roberts via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
18 Feb 1978: The Vibrators at Farnborough Tech. Source: Paul Roberts via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
18 Feb 1978: The Vibrators at Farnborough Tech. Source: Paul Roberts via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
11 March 1978: Francis Lickerish of The Enid on stage at Farnborough Tech. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
R&B band RamRod
with little Stevie Smith on vocals at Farnborough Tech in 1978. Source: Paul Roberts via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia
19 May 1979: T. T. Transmission, supported by The Planets, headlined Farnborough College of Technology. Picture courtesy of Mark Terry. 
1979: Judie Tzuke on stage at Farnborough Technical College Farnborough. Source: Paul Roberts’ photo via Steve McKeown’s Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia post. 
The Desotoes backstage at the Technical College, Farnborough c’79. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
The Desotoes on stage at the Technical College, Farnborough c’79. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
The Desotoes on stage at the Technical College, Farnborough c’79. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
The Desotoes on stage at the Technical College, Farnborough c’79. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
18 April 1980: The Torpedoes and Vulgar Bros played Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew 
14 November 1980: John Jerrom of Deadlock at Farnborough Tech 
14 November 1980: John Jerrom of Deadlock at Farnborough Tech 
14 November 1980: Deadlock at Farnborough Tech 
14 November 1980: Paul Firth of Deadlock at Farnborough Tech 
14 November 1980: Richard Rusling of Deadlock at Farnborough Tech 
14 November 1980: Mark Ferris of Deadlock at Farnborough Tech 
13 December 1980: John Otway and Wild Willy Barratt, with Eddie Stanton played Farnborough Tech. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
27 March 1981 – The Human Beings supported by Deadlock 
30 October 1981: The Human Beings gig list includes an outings to the Technical College, Farnborough. Picture courtesy of Steve Everett. 
14 November 1980: Deadlock’s Playlist for Farnborough Tech 
17 December 1982: Black Easter 
6 December 1985: Ticket for Squeals of Delight supported by West One, and Safety in Numbers at Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
6 December 1985: West One played Farnborough Tech. Source: West One 
Tracy Taylor (nee Darlington) of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Tim Naylor of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Jon Monks of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Richard Jennings of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
15 March 1986: West One played Farnborough Tech. Source: West One 
Magic Moments At Twilight Time (aka Psychotron) at Farnborough Tech, 1988. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Magic Moments At Twilight Time (aka Psychotron) at Farnborough Tech, 1988. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Magic Moments At Twilight Time (aka Psychotron) at Farnborough Tech, 1988. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
Magic Moments At Twilight Time (aka Psychotron) at Farnborough Tech, 1988. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
2 Feb 1991: Slug with Explodehead at Farnborough Tech SU Bar, Farnborough. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
2 Feb 1991: Slug with Explodehead at Farnborough Tech SU Bar, Farnborough. 
2 February 1991: Explodehead, at Farnborough College of Technology. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
21 March 1991: Bubble-Eyed Dog Boy played the Technical College, Farnborough as part of the 1991 Tour. Advert from NME, March 1991. 
15 February 92: Mega City Four on stage at Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
18 April 1992: Pretty Green played Farnborough Technical College. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
11 February 1993: Sweet Hooligan played Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor Alan Bown, Alan Clayson, Ange, Arc, Argent, Arthur Brown, Arvid Andersen, Ashton Tootell, Asylum, Audience, Automatics, Badger, Barclay James Harvest, BB Blunder, BBC One, Bell & Arc, Ben, Big Boy Tomato, Black Easter, Blackfoot Sue, Bloss, Blue Velvet, Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band, Bob Young, Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Brewers Droop, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, Bridget St. John, Brinsley Schwarz, Bubble Eyed Dog Boys, Budgie, Byzantium, Camberley, Camel, Capability Brown, Charlie Kray, Civic hall, Clayson and the Argonauts, Climax Chicago, Climax Chicago Blues Band, Cochise, Controls, Cuban Heels, Cutting Edge, Dave Sherrington, Deadlock, Deaf School, Dick Errington, Donovan, Ducks Deluxe, Duffy Power, Duster Bennett, Eddie Stanton, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Enid, Explodehead, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Flight 59, Francis Rossi, Fruupp, Fumble, Genesis, Ginger Baker, Gong, Good Habit, Gordon Giltrap, Graham Bell, Graham Bell & Arc, Graham Bond Organisation, Greenslade, Groundhogs, Guildford, Gypsy, Half Human Band, Hawkwind, Hells Angels, Heron, Highway, Home, Hookfoot, Ian Carr, Jack the Lad, Jim Evanson, Jim Jiminee, Jody Grind, Joe Harriott, John Otway, Jon Hiseman, Judie Tzuke, Ken Dudley, Kevin Coyne, Khan, Kingdom Come, Lancer, Landscape, Lethal Dose, Lindisfarne, Little Acre, Lloyd Watson, Lopez & the Waveriders, Magic Alice, Magic Moments at Twilight Time, Magic Muscle, Man, Manfred Mann's Earthband, Martin Ash, Marvelous Kid, Mega City Four, Melody Maker, Michael Garrick Sextet, Michael Garrick Trio, Mike Ashworth, Mike Rutherford, Monty Sunshine Band, Moon’s Train, Moonraker, Nashville Teens, Nick Tarn, Nimbo, NME, Noel McManus, Nutz, Open Road, P.J. Harvey, Palantir, Patto, Paul Sheldrick, Peter Cauldwell, Phobia, Pink Floyd, Pozer, Pretty Green, Principal Edwards, R.A.E. Hall, Radio Stars, RAE, Rag Week, Ramrod, Redefining Beautiful, Reg Presley, Reg Price, Richard Ashworth, Richard Moore, Ritchie Blackmore, Rob Kemp, Rocky Sharpe and The Replays, Roger Ruskin Speare, Rory Gallagher, Safety in Numbers, Salt, Sam Spoon's Bumper Puzzle Band Kit, Saturnalia, Savoy Brown, Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages, Sebastian O’Kelly, Sha Na Na, Shepstone & Dibbens, Slug, Snake Eye, Snow Leopard, Spontaneous Combustion, Squeals of Delight, Stackridge, Starry Eyed and Laughing, Status Quo, Steeleye Span, Stevie Smith, Stray, Strife, String Driven Thing, Studio 45, Stupid Rabbit Tapes, Supercharge, Swastika, Sweet Hooligan, T. T. Transmission, Tainted Grace, Tea & Symphony, Technical College, The Art Woods, The Bandits, The Becketts, The Bill Leru Quintet, The Blues By Five, The Chronic, The Clayton Squares, The Cops and Robbers, The Desotos, The Enid, The Fabulous Poodles, The Ferris Wheel, The Flirtations, The Gods, The Guildford Stranglers, The Hairy Things, The High Curly Stompers, The Human Beings, The Muleskinners, The Original Downtown Syncopators, The Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra, The Planets, The Rock Box, The Sands, The Soultones, The Stormsville Shakers, The Stranglers, The Temperance Seven, The Torpedoes, The Troggs, The Vibrators, The Vulgar Bros, The Wild Horses, The Yardbirds, Thunderclap Newman, Tom Jones, Tony Coe, Tony Hazzard, Top of the Pops, Truck, Tubby Hayes, Vinegar Joe, Warm Dust, Wax Promotions, West One, Who Moved the Ground?, Wild Willy Barratt, Wizzard -
Controls
(c’78-85) Tim Naylor (bass / vocals), Melvin Crawford (guitar / vocals), John/Jon Monks (guitar / vocals) and Kerry “Captain” Kirk (drums).
This 4-piece from Fleet formed as the Bright Young Things from the remnants of punk bands The Grunties, Keine Namen, Incredible Mounties, and The Fastnets around Christmas ’78. Original vocalist Tim Freeman left early due to musical differences, later joining Frazier Chorus. Grunties’ Crawford took on the vocals, and Kirk covered drums. Keine Namen’s Naylor joined making it a trio. Their first gig was at Ewshott Village Hall on 25 May ’79.
Originally called Bright Young Things, this A4 poster is for Controls first ever gig at Ewshott Village Hall on 25 May 1979 A few private parties / gigs followed. Ex-Fastnets Monks added the second guitar and they became Controls in July ’79. A few rehearsals / performances at Basingbourne Pavillion were recorded over July / August ’79 and released as “Rampant Silliness At The Pavilion” on Stupid Rabbit Tapes. This included covers of “Rebel, Rebel” and “Public Image!” The band then secured slots at The Albert Social Club, Fleet and on 5 December ’79, the Prince of Wales, Fleet. They also and supported Lonesome No More at Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough later in the month, on 11 December ’79. Controls weren’t the first or last band to have the power pulled on them, but notably the regulars at The Albert Social Club got them shut down after just 4-numbers followed by Naylor getting into a fight and the band walking home with an escort of locals.
11 December 1979: Controls supported Lonesome No More at the Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor Once described as Joy Division on whizz they released the “Sock It To ‘Em, Dave” cassette EP on Stupid Rabbit Tapes [SRT001] in April ’80 with tracks ‘So Soon I Forget’, ‘Secrets’, ‘Nobodies Daughter’ and ‘Invited Few’. Late the prior year, Naylor had written to Sounds announcing the release of Controls’ “Sock It To ‘Em” cassette; even though it didn’t exist. Sounds ran it in the New Year and offers for distribution, publishing, fanzine interviews and payments for the cassette started rolling in.
Short snippet that appeared in Sounds in 1980. Source: Die or DIY Naylor and Monks spent a Sunday gathering 4 tracks from old rehearsal tapes and made up the “Sock It To ‘Em, Dave” cassette EP. Monks then produced the copies using two Philips portable cassette recorders. The band eventually sold around 500 cassettes at a quid each; thanks to Sounds and positive fanzine coverage in the likes of Cultural Revolution and Stick It In Your Ear.
“Don’t Adjust The Controls” on Stupid Rabbit Tapes [SRT002] was recorded live on 21 June ’80; eventually releasing as this cassette LP in July. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes The band recorded their second cassette “Don’t Adjust The Controls” live on 21 June ’80; eventually releasing it as a cassette LP in July, again on Stupid Rabbit Tapes [SRT002]. Shortly after Monks stepped down and the band continued as a trio. Their June gig at Crondall Village Hall, headlined by The Mental and supported by Men Like Gods, ended with the audience wrecking the place before attacking the village green, stealing band kit and a car or two. It was reported in the Aldershot News as the ‘Crondall Village Hall Riot’ (Ed- We need to get hold of that clipping). This line-ups final gig was an unofficial appearance on Aldershot Lido’s cafe roof; after which the band split up.
Over the following weeks Naylor held auditions to reform the band; as result Mark Pendelton (guitar) and Jim Rump (vocals) were recruited in August ’80. Over September ’80 Controls had a three week residency at the Fox and Hounds, Fleet. A recording of one gig at the Fox and Hounds was released by Stupid Rabbit in November ’80 as “Late Night Love Songs” [SRT 003]. The Wooden Bridge, Guildford had Controls headline on 8 October ’80, with Prisoner of War in support.
20 March 1981: Quality Drivel, supported by The Poles, Controls, and Dig Dig Dig were up at The X Club, Drayton Labour Club. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes On 20 March ’81, Quality Drivel headlined The X Club at Drayton Labour Club, supported by The Poles, Dig Dig Dig, and Controls. This new line-up was taken on by Reading based X-Cassettes, who re-released “Late Night Love Songs” as “Dance” [X-003] in April ’81. They also appeared on X-Cassettes “Anything Could Happen In The Next Half Hour” [X-002] and “Bits” [X-005] compilations.
The band were managed by ex-Keine Namen member Dave Mallins, who sometimes stepped in on drums, and Mark “Willy” Whitehead was their roadie. The band reappeared in late ’83 with Tracy Taylor on vocals. On 23 March ’84 they performed at the West End Centre, Aldershot with The Waltons, and The Service, and In Hill House. This was ‘Fast Pop Friday’, the opening night of West End Centre’s first Aldershot Rock Weekend, that featured 20 local bands across the 23-26 March. At some point in ’84 they issued the “Searching For The Perfect Partner” Live cassette LP on Stupid Rabbit Tapes, recorded at Farnborough Sixth Form and held a short residency in the Spring of that year at Fleet Country Club‘s Alternative Night. Splinters was a club held at the Cambridge Hotel, Camberley and Controls played there on 3 October ’84.
At Christmas ’85 Controls played at Farnborough Tech. This was also recorded and issued as a live cassette album titled “Let’s All Bark Like Labradors” on Stupid Rabbit Tapes in ’86.
Naylor and Monks would later team up with Richard Jennings in Beating Hearts. Taylor (tka Corbin) would lose her battle with cancer in August 2024.
Tracks:
Gallery:
31 May 1979: Bright Young Things (later called Controls) at Ewhurst Village Hall. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
31 May 1979: Bright Young Things (later called Controls) at Ewhurst Village Hall. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
31 May 1979: Bright Young Things (later called Controls) at Ewhurst Village Hall. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
A4 poster for Prince of Wales, Aldershot gig on 5th Dec 1979 
Controls’ A4 Poster for 5th and 11th Dec ’79 gigs at Prince of Wales, Fleet and Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough respectively. Source: Europunk 
Controls at Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough in ’79 
Controls at Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough in 1979. 
Controls info sheet from 1980. Source: Die or DIY 
Controls at The Fox and Hounds, Church Crookham in the Summer of 1980. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Controls at The Fox and Hounds, Church Crookham in the Summer of 1980. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Controls at The Fox and Hounds, Church Crookham in the Summer of 1980. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Controls at The Fox and Hounds, Church Crookham in the Summer of 1980. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
A4 Poster for Woodenbridge, Guildford gig on 8th Oct 1980. The support band was Prisoner of War. 
8 October 1980: Controls gig poster for The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; sign-written by guitarist Mick Pendleton’s dad. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Controls; “Late Night Love Songs” recorded at The Fox and Hounds, Church Crookham in the Summer of 1980. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Stupid Rabbit Tapes Catalogue c’83, featuring Controls and Beating Hearts. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
Info sheet for Controls’ “Don’t Adjust The Controls” on DIY label Stupid Rabbit Tapes. Source: Die or DIY 
Controls manager Dave Mallins 
The “Dance” cassett, on X-Cassettes, was a re-release of “Late Night Love Songs” 
Controls “Searching For The Perfect Partner” live cassette LP released in ’84. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
23 March 1984: Controls with The Waltons, and The Services played the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
25 April 1984: Controls played Fleet Country Club. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
In the Spring of ’84, Controls held a short residency at Fleet Country Club’s Alternative Night. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
3 October 1984: Controls played Splinters, Cambridge Hotel, Camberley. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
Controls live. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Tracy Taylor (nee Darlington) of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Tim Naylor of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Richard Jennings of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Jon Monks of Controls (Mk3) at Farnborough Tech’, Christmas 1985. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
The Controls. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Page 15 of Obsession No.1 fanzine, and the first page of the Controls interview. Picture courtesy of Tim Naylor 
Control appeared on the “Bits” cassette compilation from X-Cassette 
Controls appeared on the “Anything Could Happen In THe Next Half HOur!” cassette compilation from X-Cassette 
Controls appeared on the “Bits” cassette compilation from X-Cassette 
Sleeve for Controls’ “Don’t Adjust The Controls” cassette 
Control appeared on the “Anything Could Happen In THe Next Half HOur!” cassette compilation from X-Cassette 
Sleeve for Controls’ “Late NIght Love Songs” cassette LP from 1980 
Sleeve for Controls’ “Rampant Silliness At The Pavilion” cassette 
“Sock It To ‘Em, Dave” cassette EP. Source: Die or DIY Aldershot, Aldershot News, Basingbourne Pavillion, Beating Hearts, Bright Young Things, Cambridge Hotel, Controls, Crondall, Cultural Revolution, Dave Mallins, Dig Dig Dig, Drayton, Ewshott, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Fleet, Fleet Country Club, Frazier Chorus, Grunties, Guildford, In Hill House, Incredible Mounties, Jim Rump, John Monks, Jon Monks, Keine Namen, Kerry Kirk, Labour Club, Mark Pendelton, Melvin Crawford, Men Like Gods, Prince of Wales, Prisoners of War, Quality Drivel, Reading, Richard Jennings, Sixth Form, Sounds, Splinters, Stick It In Your Ear, Stupid Rabbit Tapes, The Albert Social Club, The Fastnets, The Mental, The Poles, The Services, The Waltons, The X Club, Tim Freeman, Tim Naylor, Tracy Corbin, Tracy Taylor, Village hall, West End Centre, Wooden Bridge, X-Cassettes -
Keine Namen
(c’78) Dave Mallins (drums), Nevil Ede (Guitar), and Tim Naylor (guitar / vocals).
This Fleet based punk band rehearsed in Mallins parents’ garage and while they were on vacation held a gig at this ‘venue’. They released just 10 copies of “The Living Room Tapes” cassette, carrying 8 tracks – 5 about girls they’d dated, covers of Buzzcocks “Sixteen” and PILs “Theme”, and the Nayler solo “White Cars” – on self labelled Superbun Tapes [no.1] in September ’78.
“The Living Room Tapes” was reissued in 2012 on Year Zero Records [YEAR018] after it was licensed from Stupid Rabbit Tapes, with the track ‘Hawaiian Stomp Pt.1’ receiving airtime on WFMU’s Undancing In The Dirt with Thomas Storck on 9 December 2012 and ‘(Shut Up) David’ on Radio Panik 105.4FM (show #316) in 2014.
Naylor went on to form / join Controls.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Keine Namen’s “The Living Rooms Tapes” cassette -
Beating Hearts
(c’81-82) Tim Naylor (bass / vocals), Kerry Kirk (?), Simon Baggelley (guitar), Richard Jennings (drums) and Jon Monks (keyboards).
After the demise of Controls, Naylor, Kirk and guitarist Tina ? formed Heartbeats. A few rehearsals down and Naylor left, joining Spod from Farnborough. Following this 6 week hiatus with Spod, Naylor used ads and some word of mouth at Fleet’s Kingfisher Music to schedule a few auditions for post punk Beating Hearts.
Beating Hearts “First Three Hours” demo cassette. Source: Die or DIY Beating Hearts issued their “The First Three Hours” demo cassette in late ’81. This was literally the recordings from the first few hours of their rehearsal time. The demo reached X-Cassettes’ Chris Green (who later joined the Criminal Damage label) and secured them a spot on the “Beyond the River” [OD001] vinyl, Reading area, compilation on Green’s Open Eye Records label – they just had to pick and record a track.
B-side of “Beyond the River” [OD001] vinyl compilation on which Beating Hearts “Wrap Me Up” appeared. This agreement coincided with their debut gig at Recreation Centre, Farnborough. The track “Wrap Me Up” was so well received that they recorded it and submitted it for the compilation. But, it was the wrong format for mastering; so, it was re-recorded at Matinee Music, Reading – a studio Dark Paradise would also later use – in April 82, with engineering by Chris Broderick. The next month, on 11 May ’82, saw the band performing at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. The band split in late ’82.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Stupid Rabbit Tapes Catalogue c’83, featuring Controls and Beating Hearts. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
The Beating Hearts. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
Cover of “Beyond the River” [OD001] vinyl compilation on which Beating Hearts “Wrap Me Up” appeared. 
Back of cover of “Beyond the River” [OD001] vinyl compilation on which Beating Hearts “Wrap Me Up” appeared. 
Beating Hearts’ page from the information leaflet that came with the “Beyond the River” [OD001] vinyl compilation on which their track “Wrap Me Up” appeared. 
Flyer for the “Beyond the River” vinyl compilation, featuring Beating Hearts. Source: Stupid Rabbit Tapes 
11 May 1982: Poster for Beating Hearts gig at The Woodenbridge, Guildford. Source: Die or DIY Beating Hearts, Chris Broderick, Chris Green, Controls, Criminal Damage, Dark Paradise, Farnborough, Fleet, Guildford, Heartbeats, Jon Monks, Kerry Kirk, Kingfisher Music, Matinee Music, Open Eye Records, Reading, Recreation Centre, Richard Jennings, Simion Baggelley, Spod, Tim Naylor, Wooden Bridge, X-Cassettes -
Wreckage
(c’96-2000) Damien Kay (vocal / banjo / guitar), Richard Hyde (bass), ? “Ezzy” ? (organ), Mark Darrah (drums), and Adrian Berger (guitar)
Kay had previously been front and center of The Outcast Band, before forming Wreakage with Hyde, Darrah, and Berger. On 15 and 16 July ’98, Wreckage recorded three tracks at The Studio in The Park, Bracknell, with engineering by Mike Sparks. These three tracks: “Souvenirs”, “Her Winter Song”, and “Seventeen Days” were to become the eponymous “Wreckage” EP cassette demo.
Sleeve to 1998’s “Wreckage” demo cassette. At a later, unknown date, with fellow ex-The Outcast Band member Ryan Daniel replacing Hyde on bass and Jon Reeves replacing Darrah on drums; and without Berger, they also self released “Black Crow, Black Crow” in Australia. This CD EP, listed in the Folk, World, and Country genre; carried “Bones”, “Blood and Soil” and “Black Crow, Black Crow”.
In November 2010, having reformed, The Outcast Band released the Phil Tennant produced ‘The Longest Mile’ album. This carried a track titled ‘Wreckage’.
Gallery:
The “Wreakage” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold -
Panzer Korps
(c’80-’84) Chris Carter (vocal), ? (guitar), Martin Dyson (bass), and Jamie Abethell (drums).
Woking based Panzer Korps, or was it Panzer Division as reported in Soundscene (although do not confuse them with Panza Division, the British NWOBHM band from Sheffield), were a spin-off of Lethal Dose. Their first gig was at Godalming’s Save Our Services fete on 5 July 1980. A some point a video was made with a bus load of fans from Guildford coached in.
Clipping from News & Mail Soundscene column 12 June 1980. The Prince Alfred, Farnham hosted the band on 16 September ’83 as they opened for Black Easter. On 25 February ’84 Panzer Korps appeared at Caird Hall, Camberley with The Plague, Black Easter, and Maxi Puch & The Macho Moped Men. The following month they were one of the local punk bands at the Aldershot Rock Weekend. Held at the West End Centre, Aldershot the punk session was in the afternoon of 24 March ’84 and saw The Plague, Black Easter, Panzer Korp, and Maxi Puch and the Macho Moped Men take to the stage.
Heroin led to the demise of Dyson. Carter went on to play in The Charles. Abethell was a founding member of Black Easter.
Aldershot, Black Easter, Caird Hall, Camberley, Chris Carter, Farnham, Godalming, Jamie Abethell, Lethal Dose, Martin Dyson, Maxi Puch and the Macho Moped Men, NWOBHM, Panza Division, Panzer Division, Panzer Korps, Prince Alfred, Save Our Services, Sheffield, Soundscene, The Charles, The Plague, West End Centre, Woking
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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