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Wildfire
(c’88-’13) – Chris Turner (guitar) Ben Darnton (drums), and Kerry Bassett (double bass).
Wildfire at the Lion Brewery, Ash around ’89. Picture courtesy of Chris Turner The band, who often rehearsed in Collectors Records, Guildford; appeared at The White Hart, Farncombe in the late 80’s and played a Christmas gig at The Lion Brewey, Ash in ’89.
20 April 1991: Big Town Playboys supported by Wildfire were at Flicks. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records On 20 April ’91 the Aldridge brothers booked then to support Big Town Playboys at Flicks, Guildford – for which they were paid £60; and again on 3 June to support Manfred Mann’s Earthband. They also supported Chicken Shack at the venue. The band were last seen playing Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe on 25th May 2013.
Other members have included James Hammond and at least 3 other drummers. Ex-Dark Paradise bassist Turner and Darnton could also have be caught in The Flying Tigers, Rockit Men and Slapattack; while Darnton had also served as percussionist in The Bunkers.
Gallery:
WildFire played a Christmas gig at Lion Brewery, Ash in 1989. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Wildfire rehearsing at Collectors Records c’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Wildfire rehearsing at Collectors Records c’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Wildfire rehearsing at Collectors Records c’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Wildfire at The White Hart, Farncombe in late 80’s 
Wildfire, on stage at Flicks, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
20 April 1991: Wildfire got paid 60 quid for supporting Big Town Playboys at Flicks. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records -
The Four
(c’89) Ben Martyn (guitar), Dominic Coles (drums), Richard Hatcher (?), and David Bush (?).
The Four released a demo in August ’89, that they had recorded in New Orleans. In February ’89, while in New Orleans, they appeared at The Blue Nile on Frenchmen St.
Coles was also in Sugar Mountain at the same time. Both Martyn and Coles would join forces again in Something Religious. Cole went on to join The Outcast Band.
Gallery:
Martyn and Coles of The Four at The Blue Nile, Frenchmen St., New Oreans, in Feb ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben Martyn-Godfrey 
The Four get mentioned in PG Tips from August 1989. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks -
Guildford Jazz Club, Guildford
(c’82-08) The Guildford Jazz Club was held at The Stoke Hotel, Guildford and subsequently monikered Jazz at the Stoke for it’s first 5 years. The monthly gigs and club were run by husband and wife duo Colin and Heather Tipton, and it is believed that Bill Bruford met Django Bates and Iain Ballamy at the Guildford Jazz Club, going on to form Earthworks.
In October ’84 the club’s house band consisted of Martin Drew, John Critchinson, Dick Morrisey, Jim Mullen, and Ron Mathewson. They were joined by Iain Ballamy on 14 and 28 October ’84; and held their own on 24 October. On 24 April ’85 the Clark Tracey CT3+2 performed at The Stoke Hotel. The following year, British jazz saxophonist Art Theman, who’d featured in Channel 4’s documentary ‘Hoarded Dreams’ the year before, was supported by The Waite/Wickens Trio on 24 February ’86. A month later, on 28 March, the club held a Good Friday special featuring Meantime, previously known as Morrisey / Mullen; this was followed by the Cliff Burchell Simkins Quartet on the 25 April ’86.
24 April 1985: Clark Tracey’s CT3 + 2. Source: Heather Tipton’s post in Guildford Town Past & Present After about 5 years at the Stoke Hole, it moved to the bar at Guildford Civic Hall. On 10 February ’88, New York based singer Joe Lee Wilson was accompanied a Touch of the Blues, formed by Terry Seabrook (piano), Ron Parry (drums), Adrian Kendon (bass), Geoff Hearns (tenor sax), and Stevie Smith (harmonica). The following month, after not visiting the club for over two years, Guildford’s Iain Ballamy was joined on stage by the Geoff Rideout/Mark Ballamy Quartet. The Siger Band entertained club members on 14 April ’88, and The Jim Mullen Quartet followed suit on 4 May. In 1 June that year Julian and Steve Argüelles, both members of Loose Tubes at the time, formed The Julian Argüelles Quartet with Steve Watts and a pianist for a show in Guildford Civic Hall’s bar room. The club kicked off The Guildford Festival in ’88 with a performance by The Ronnie Scott Quartet on 13 July, followed two days later by ex-The Animals’ Alan Price Band on 15 July.
The Tina May Quartet palyed the Guildford Jazz Club on 3 April 1997. Source: Heather Tipton’s post in Guildford Town Past & Present The club moved to The Electric Theatre and starting using the Jazz at The Electric moniker. The Tina May Quartet played on 3 April 1997 and on 20 March 2001 the Clark Tracey Sextet – CT6 no less – dropped in. Here, at The Electric Theatre, it continued to programme live jazz gigs until 2008.
The Jazz Club was resurrected by Marianne Windham in 2012 with monthly jazz nights at The Freeholders pub in nearby Farncombe. When the pub changed hands in the Spring of 2014 the club moved to the Pavilion of the Guildford Rugby Club. Since 2012, Windham has also put on a monthly Jazz Cafe night at The Electric Theatre. Since its re-inception, Guildford Jazz has welcomed over 1700 musicians and 32,000 music lovers to a total of nearly 450 events.
Colin Tipton, who succumb to decades-long battle with MS in late November 2012, was a lecturer of political sociology at the University of Surrey. Heather Tipton is a former associate lecturer in Sociology at the University of Surrey, was a Labour Councillor for Stoke Ward for 13 years and a local artist. Windham is a professional jazz bassist.
Gallery:
20 March 2001 and the Clark Tracey Sextet played Guildford Jazz Club. Source: Heather Tipton’s post in Guildford Town Past & Present 
Source: Heather Tipton’s post in Guildford Town Past & Present 
February to July 1988’s Jazz at the Civic Hall season. Source: Heather Tipton’s post in Guildford Town Past & Present 
Source: Heather Tipton’s post in Guildford Town Past & Present Adrian Kendon, Alan Price, Alan Price Band, Art Theman, Bill Bruford, Channel 4, Civic hall, Clark Tracey CT3+2, Clark Tracey Sextet, Cliff Burchell Simkins Quartet, Colin Tipton, Dick Morrisey, Django Bates, Earthworks, Farncombe, Geoff Hearns, Geoff Rideout/Mark Ballamy Quartet, Guildford, Guildford Jazz, Guildford Jazz Club, Guildford Rugby Club, Heather Tipton, Iain Ballamy, Jazz at The Electric, Jazz at the Stoke, Jazz Cafe, Jim Mullen, Joe Lee Wilson, John Critchinson, Julian Argüelles, Loose Tubes, Marianne Windham, Martin Drew, Meantime, Morrisey / Mullen, Ron Mathewson, Ron Parry, Steve Argüelles, Steve Watts, Stevie Smith, Stoke Hole, Terry Seabrook, The Animals, The Electric Theatre, The Freeholders, The Guildford Festival, The Jim Mullen Quartet, The Julian Argüelles Quartet, The Ronnie Scott Quartet, The Siger Band, The Stoke Hotel, The Tina May Quartet, The Waite/Wickens Trio, Touch of the Blues -
Disruptive Patterns
(c’78-’81) Andy McInnes (vocals), Simon Raymonde (bass), Simon Godfrey (drums), Paul Cummins (guitar), and Adam Peters (keyboards).
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes The band was initiated by Peters with Cummins and then Raymonde. Their first gig was at a Prior’s Field, the all-girls school in Godalming playing Sex Pistols covers. McInnes joined and Godfrey became the drummer. The band would often rehearse at The Manor, Tuesley Lane, Godalming; the home of Peter’s then girlfriend, Janet Astor – she now lives at Goodwood House and is the current Duchess of Richmond.
21 July 1980: Disruptive Patterns supported by Consenting Adults played The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. This new wave group are recalled for a song with the chorus refrain of “pleasure never hurt anyone”, which may have also been the name of the song. They gigged locally at venues such as The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; appearing there on 21 July ’80 supported by Consenting Adults. Late 1980 saw the band perform a demonstration gig at The Garden for record companies, at which an A&R man showed interest. There were also rumours of a German tour in early ’81.
In late ’81 McInnes was replaced by American Angela Jaeger (vocals) who was brought in to front the group, which also changed its name to Drowning Craze. Both changes possibly instigated by indie label Situation Two with whom the group had signed a record deal.
Raymonde went on to become a Cocteau Twin and now owns / runs the Bella Union label. McInnes went on to join Imperfect Hold and Peters joined Displayed.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Short piece from the Bitch Bitch fanzine on reformation of Disruptive Patterns as Drowning Craze. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
Disruptive Patterns c’80 at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns c’80 at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns c’80 at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns c’80 at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns c’80 at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns c’80 at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Disruptive Patterns rehearsing at The Manor. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes Adam Peters, Andy IcInnes, Angela Jaeger, Bella Union, Cocteau Twins, Consenting Adults, Displayed, Disruptive Patterns, Drowning Craze, Duchess of Richmond, Godalming, Goodwood House, Guildford, Imperfect Hold, Janet Astor, Paul Cummins, Prior’s Field, Simon Godfrey, Simon Raymonde, Situation Two, The Garden, The Maner, Wooden Bridge -
The Stormsville Shakers
(c’61-’67) Phillip Goodhand-Tait (keyboards / vocal), Paul Demers (drums), Ivor Shackleton (guitar), and Michael Francis ‘Kirk’ Riddle (bass)
Philip Goodhand-Tait and The Stormsville Shakers. Year and location unknown. Phillip Goodhand-Tait – who used to live on Bushy Hill Estate, Guildford and went to Pewley then George Abbot schools – joined forces with Demers, and Goldalming Grammar students Shackleton, and Riddle to form Phil Tone & The Midnighters. The band rehearsed at the Youth Club, Merrow, held at Merrow Village Hall, Guildford and played their first gig at the Town Hall, Eastleigh, Hampshire on the 2 September ’61.
Riddle was the band’s driver to these early gigs, getting them to venues like the Village Hall, Effingham; Youth Clubs in Farncombe, Merrow, and Charlotteville; the Congo Youth Club that was held on North Street, Guildford; the Odeon, Guildford; and Friary Brewery, Guildford.
In Dec ’62 the band, now going by The Stormsville Shakers or Phillip Goodhand-Tate and the Stormsville Shakers monikers, signed with the Michael G. Burton Agency to be represented by Mike Gee. The band graced the NAAFI Club, Aldershot on an almost weekly basis in ’63 and were hired by Brian Howard to appear on 21 September ’63, as Phill and the Stormsville Shaker at Peace Memorial Hall, Ashtead, supported by the Echolettes. They were at the Village Hall, Churt on 7 December ’63 and only advertised a few days later on 22 December ’63 the band performed at the Holy Trinity Hall, Guildford in aid of Oxfam. On 25 January and 8 May ’64 the group returned to the Village Hall in Churt and then went on to win The Surrey Rock Competition on 25 May ’63, held at Shalford Park. They also won the 1st heat of the All England Beat Competition, held at the Plaza Ballroom, Guildford on 24 Sept that year. The prize was a recording session at Decca, publicity in the Surrey Advertiser and the titles of “Surrey’s Top Group”. Towards the end of ’63 they were starting to get gigs further afield in Ipswich, London (inc. the Flamingo Club) and The Jazz Cellar, Kingston-Upon-Thames. Meanwhile they were still busy on the local circuit supporting the likes of The Yardbirds, John Mayall, Alexis Korner and The Rolling Stones at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. On 4 November ’63, Phil and The Stormsville Shakers headline opening night of the Rock & Twist Dances at the Civic Hall, Guildford, with The Original Dominos, The Condors and The Age Beaters in support.
Early January ’64 the band expanded with the addition of Steve Howard (tenor sax). The next month Dick Forcey (drums) replaced Demers. A few days later they had there first official recording session in West Hampstead. A couple of days after that there was a recording audition for Decca followed, within a few weeks, by a Recording Test in Studio 1. Brian Howard booked the band again, this time as support to Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated on 7 March ’64 at Epsom Baths Hall, Epsom. On 4 July ’64 they supported the Paramounts at the Civic Hall, Guildford and John Lee Hooker at the Ricky Tick Club, Windsor on 11 July. It was around this time that Patrick Martin of The Late approached Riddle and asked how he achieved the ‘really punchy sound’, with Riddle crediting “La Bella Flatwound” strings. Mid-July they became a 6-piece with the addition of Peter ‘Greg’ MacGregor (tenor sax).
It was around this time The Surrey Advertiser titled them the “Go ahead Generation – Number one group” and they became a regular feature at Ricky Tick, Guildford and Windsor. On 10 August they enter a studio again, this time Central Sounds, Denmark St, returning on the 18 August. Shortly after the first recording session Mick Douglas (guitar) ‘temporarily’ picks up the axe for Shackleton. In early September, duties change again when MacGregor leaves to be replaced Geoff Cooke (tenor sax). The band are now playing nationally including Stringfellows’ The Mojo Club, Sheffield; The Place, Stoke on Trent; ; Crawdaddy at The Star, Croydon; California Ballroom, Dunstable; Blue Moon Club, Hayes; and the Whisky A Go Go, Newcastle. On the 1 October ’64 the combined Farnborough Tech & RAE Rag Ball was held at R.A.E.’s Assembly Hall, Farnborough and featured The Art Woods, Reading based The Moquettes, and Phillip Goodhand-Tate and the Stormsville Shakers. Two weeks later they were at the Locarno Ballroom, Swindon supporting Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders on 15 October. On 13 December the band were the headliner at Ilkley D.J. Club at the Troutbeck Hotel, Ilkley, supported by Thimble Riggers, and in mid-December ’64 there was a 4-day tour of Scotland followed by a recording session at the Marquee Studios with Georgio Gomelski on the 23 December, with a gig at the Flamingo Club with Zoot Money straight after. To close out ’64 and hail in ’65 they played Ricky Tick, Windsor supporting Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames. A portion of Fame’s performance was introduced by Brian Matthew with June Imrat and broadcast live from Clewer Mead as part of BBC Radio’s “New Year Revels”, which also featured Mark Wynter.
15 October 1964: Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders with The Stormsville Shakers at Locarno, Swindon While signed to The Rik Gunnell Agency the band pretty much gigged every other day through ’64 and the schedule didn’t change entering ’65, which included touring with The Larry Williams Show. More recording in the first week of January ’65 at IBC Studios, London, but why waste a trip to town; getting booked to play the Marquee Club that night and running down to Reading the day after to join The Animals at the Olympia on the 7 January. Around mid-February ’65, David Sherrington (tenor sax) and Tony Hurley (tenor sax) join as Cooke and Howard leave. In March The Stormsville Shakers are recording again, this time at Regent Sound Studios, London. They were back on local turf on 31 March ’65 performing for The Guildford School of Art Students Union at the Village Hall, Merrow with The SmokeStakks in support.
31 March ’65: Poster, designed by William Neal, for gig at Merrow Village Hall. Finally, on the 5 and 6 April ’65, they enter the studios to record an LP with Larry Williams at Decca Recording Studios and Marquee Studios, London respectively. The bands time with The Larry Williams Show and these recording sessions led to their appearance on the snappily title “The Larry Williams Show Featuring Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson With The Stormsville Shakers” LP, the cover of which carries an image taken at The Plaza, Guildford. On 19 April ’65, The Stormsville Shakers were supporting Downliner’s Sect at the Rendezvous Club at Oddfellows Hall, Portsmouth, shortly before the club stopped operating. THe band arrived at The Scotch of St.James, Mayfair at 7:30pm on 7 May ’65, performing three 35 minute long spots across the night and finished at 2:00am. They were subsequently booked to appear at the venue on both the 14 and 15 May. Jammed between their constant gigs come more recording sessions: 18 May at Regent Sound Studios, London they lay down “Long Live Love” and “I’ll Do The Best I Can” with Chris Andrews; 23 June at Regent Sound Studio, London for “Do What You Wanna Do” and “There You Go”; 4 August and 13 September recording at Rayrick Studios, London; 15, 27 and 30 September and 1 October at Advision Studios, that included recording “It’s A Lie”; and 23 December at R.G. Jones Studio, Morden, to record “Number One” and “There You Go”. In late ’65 Ian Jelfs (guitar) replaces Shackleton. As a result Shackleton misses out on the bands first international gigs on the 18 and 19 December at La Locomotive, Paris before returning to The Wooden Bridge, Guildford for a Christmas Eve gig.
A Stormville Shakers promo card. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records The band returned to R.G. Jones Studio in January ’66 to finish “There You Go” and “Number One” and again on the 4 February for “I’ll Do The Best I Can” and “Gonna Put Some Hurt On You”, again on the 14, and once more on 17 February when they worked on “Gonna Put Some Hurt On You” again, but this time with The Marionettes vocal group and Gus Galbraith on trumpet. They were still playing, almost every other day, and sometimes twice a day, everywhere from pubs, clubs, colleges/polytechnics and wedding receptions up and down the country. On 29 January ’66, The Stormsville Shakers appeared with Lee Dorsey at the Flamingo Club, Wardour Street in the evening staying on to re-appear supporting Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band at the Allnighter Club at midnight. Then on 20 February they began a tour of France starting off in Paris with a gig at the Weekend Club (which was recorded), two at the Sims Club, and the Locomotive Club on the first day alone. Over the next five days they played eight gigs at the Palladium, Poparama, Television, Top Ten, New Palladium and a private party. The crazy schedule didn’t stop when they moved onto Nantes, with four performances on the 26 February and another on the 27 February. Back to Paris and another private party on 1 March and eleven more club gigs over the next five days at Top Ten, La Plantation, Whisky A Go Go, Potel Etoile, Le Club, Weekend, Locomotive and Les Chateaux. Mid tour they return to London for recording sessions at Rayrick Studios laying down “The Bear” and Advision Studios, London for more work on “Gonna Put Some Hurt On You”, then it’s back off to Paris for the rest of March and all of April, with a quick trip to Marseilles’ Club L’Omnibus on 26 and 27 March. On 1 April they take on a month long residency at Paris’ Palladium, playing every night of the month through 1 May.
Released in 1966, “Gonna Put Some Hurst On You”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records On 6 May ’66 “Gonna Put Some Hurt On You” backed with “It’s A Lie” is released on Parlophone Records [R5448]. As their single hits the charts in early May ’66 they are back gigging in the UK. Mid-May saw Goodhand-Tate signing a publishing contract with Dick James Music and the band engaged Tony Brainsby as Publicist; Mel Collins (sax) also joined the band. The single enters the Melody Maker Pop 50 chart by 21 May and they close out the month with The Who at Morecambe, Winter Gardens. By 4 June the single has reached No.40 in the Melody Maker Pop 50 chart and the almost daily gigging continues. In June, news breaks of Sherrington having an incident with a British Rail policeman. On 15 July they find time to hit the studio – R.G. Jones Studio again – and record “No Problem”, “What More Do You Want”, and “Where Were You”. “No Problem” is assigned to Dick James Music on 1 August and the band work on the track at R.G. Jones Studio the next day. Towards the end of August ’66 “No Problem”, produced by Chris Cassup, who also managed the band in the early to mid-sixties, backed by “What More Do You Want” is released on Parlophone Records [R5498].
Poster promoting 1966’s “No Problem” by Phillip Good-Hand Tait and the Stormville Shakers. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records A meeting with producer Roy Pitt in September results in a number of recording sessions at Maximum Sound Studios on: 11 and 12 October “You Can’t Take Love” is initially laid down; on the 19 October, with The Carols as backing, they work on the track some more; and then on 2 and 9 November ’66 they wrap it up. In the middle was another one week tour of France. On 2 December, Parlophone Records released “You Can’t Take Love” backed by “J.C. Greaseburger” [R5547]; and “I’m Gonna Put Some Hurt On You” appeared on a compilation by Columbia [SX6062].
Early ’67 and the gigging schedule continues at it’s usual rapid rate, including two week long trips to Belfast in March and April. There’s a break in the gigging on 30 January to record “The Society For The Protection Of Love” at R.G. Jones Studio. The 13 February ’67 sees the band at the Marquee, London supporting The Herd, a role they repeated at the venue a month later on 13 March. The 30 March is used recording “One And One Is Two” and “There You Go” at CTS Studio; 4 April back at R.G. Jones Studio, 18 April at IBC Studios, London, 17 May at City of London Recording Studios recording “Sink Or Swim” and “Gone Are The Songs Of Yesterday”.
Then in April ’67 rumors started of a name change. In ’67 we know that Doreen Pettifer, of Godalming, was the official secretary of The Stormsville Shakers Fan Club and Chris Cassap from Guildford was their manager. On 28 July ’67, The Stormsville Shakers closed out the month with a gig in Ostend, Belgium on then took a break before hitting Switzerland mid-August en-route to Italy to play the Piper Club, Rome on the 15 August, then the Piper Club, Viareggio on the 21 August. They finished out August back in Rome recording a scene playing “You Got Me Humming” for the Italian movie titled “Main City”. On 1 September ’67 the band changed their name to Circus.
In June 2003: Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers, The Switch, The Phantom Four and Razzle Dazzle got together and played a final gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford. 2015 saw the release of “One And One Is Two – The Stormville Shakers and Circus with Phillip Goodhand-Tait, Complete Recordings 1965 – 1967” [RETRO967] which carries 27 tracks including the five Parlophone singles. This was also the year that John Reed and Paul Robinson of Cherry Red Records worked with 23 Ears to compile the CD that accompanied the June 2015 issue of MOJO Magazine titled ‘My Generation – 15 Tracks of ’60s Beat-Filled Teenage MOD Angst‘ that included The Stormsville Shakers ‘Number One’ as the fifth track.
The 2015 released “One And One Is Two – The Stormville Shakers and Circus with Phillip Goodhand-Tait. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records Other members not yet slotted into the timeline are Graham “Cupcake” Cooper (guitar) who went on to play in Strange Brew and Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days Band, and Chris Brayne (drums) who would later join Backhurst, Manhole, and Cryin’ Out Loud. Copper would be later found performing solo under the Graham “Cupcake” Cooper moniker, and some recall Eric Clapton joining him and other local musicians onstage at The Royal, Guildford for a charity gig in the early ’80s with Bruce Foxton of The Jam in the audience. Chris Cassup, who is listed as the producer on the “No Problem” single and was the band’s manager opened the Unit Three burger bistro in Jeffries Passage, Guildford around 1974, opposite the Horse and Groom. Cassup was working the night that the bomb went off, he was unhurt. He went on to run a guest house on the coast and died around 2006. Riddle, who lately played in the Staubanzee skiffle band, sadly passed away November 2017. Dick Forcey was last heard of in Australia. Sax player Sherrington passed in early March 2022 with sax all set up just 6 feet away.
Gallery:
The Stormsville Shakers ‘horn section’ 
The Stormsville Shakers 
Ivor Shackleton and Kirk Riddle of The Stormville Shakers at the Plaza, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Pat Conroy 
21 September 1963: Phill and the Stormsville Shaker with Echolettes. Image courtesy of Brian Howard 
7 March 1964: Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated with Phill and the Stormsville Shaker. Image courtesy of Brian Howard 
1 October 1964: The combined Farnborough Tech & RAE Rag Ball at RAE’s Assembly Hall eatured The Art Woods, The Moquettes, and Phillip Goodhand-Tate and the Stormsville Shakers. 
Rik Gunnell Agency advert from Melody Maker (29 Jan 1966) listing The Stormsville Shakers as one of their ‘exclusive’ bands. 
29 January 1966: The Stormsville Shakers appeared with Lee Dorsey at the Flamingo Club, staying on to re-appear supporting Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band at the Allnighter Club. Advert from Melody Maker 29 Jan 1966 issue. 
Towards the end of August ’66 “No Problem” is released on Parlophone Records [R5498] 
13 February 1967: Philip Goodhand-Tate and The Stormsville Shakers supported The Herd at the Marquee, London (Advert from Melody Maker 11 Feb 1967) 
8 June 2003: Poster for “Let The Good Times Roll” featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait with The Stormville Shakers, The Switch, The Phantom 4, and Razzle Dazzle played the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Record Mirror, 2 January 1965: The Stormville Shakers, along with Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, played the Ricky Tick, Windsor New Year’s Eve Party. 
Record Mirror, 16 January 1965: The Stormville Shakers played the Rick Tick, Windsor on 20 January. 
Record Mirror, 17 October 1964: The Stormville Shakers are at Rick Tick, Windsor on 18 October. 
22 December 1962 – This handwritten ticket got you in to see the band at Holy Trinity Hall, Guildford. Ticket from the collection of Mary Fereday, picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
In 1965 The Larry Williams Show featuring Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson with The Stormsville Shakers LP was released. The cover picture was taken at the Ricky-Tick Club at The Plaza Ballroom, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
August ’66 release “No Problem” backed by “What More Do You Want”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
August ’66 release “No Problem” backed by “What More Do You Want”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
The Stormville Shakers with Phillip Goodhand-Tait. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Stormsville Shakers “What More Do You Want”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Stormville Shakers in 1960’s 
15 & 22 November 1964: Stormsville Shakers at the Ricky Tick, Windsor. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
19 April 1965: Stormsville Shakers supporting Downliner’s Sect at the Rendezvous Club at Oddfellows Hall, Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
The Stormville Shakers backing Screamin’ Jay Hawkins at a Ricky Tick on 10 Feb 1965. Source: rickytick com 
8 June 2003: Page 1 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 
8 June 2003: Page 2 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 
8 June 2003: Page 3 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 
8 June 2003: Page 4 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 
8 June 2003: Page 5 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 
8 June 2003: Page 6 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 
13 December 1964: Ilkley D.J. Club, Troutbeck Hotel, Ilkley. Source: www.bradfortimeline.co.uk 
June 2015 MOJO magazine compilation CD included The Stormsville Shakers ‘Number One’ 
June 2015 MOJO magazine compilation CD included The Stormsville Shakers ‘Number One’ 
June 2015 MOJO magazine compilation CD included The Stormsville Shakers ‘Number One’ 23 Ears, Advision Studios, Aldershot, Alexis Korner, Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, All England Beat Competition, Allnighter Club, Ashtead, Assembly Hall, Backhurst, BBC Radio, Belfast, Belgium, Blue Moon Club, Brian Matthew, Bruce Foxton, Bushy Hill Estate, California Ballroom, Central Sounds, Charlotteville, Cherry Red Records, Chris Andrews, Chris Brayne, Chris Cassup, Churt, Circus, City of London Recording Studios, Civic hall, Clewer Mead, Club L’Omnibus, Columbia, Congo Youth Club, Crawdaddy, Croydon, Cryin’ Out Loud, David Sherrington, Decca, Decca Recording Studios, Dick Forcey, Dick James Music, Doreen Pettifer, Downliners Sect, Dunstable, Eastleigh, Echolettes, Effingham, Epsom, Epsom Baths Hall, Eric Clapton, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Farncombe, Flamingo Club, Friary Brewery, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, Geoff Cooke, George Abbott, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, Georgio Gomelski, Godalming, Godalming Grammar, Graham Cooper, Guildford, Guildford School of Art, Gus Galbraith, Hayes, Holy Trinity Hall, Horse and Groom, Ian Jeffs, IBC Studios, Ilkley, Ilkley D.J. Club, Ipswich, Italy, Ivor Shackleton, Jackie Lynton's Happy Days Band, John Lee Hooker, John Mayall, John Reed, Johnny Watson, June Imrat, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Kirk Riddle, La Locomotive, La Plantation, Lacarno Ballroom, Le Club, Lee Dorsey, Les Chateaux, London, Manhole, Mark Wynter, Marquee Club, Marquee Studios, Marseille, Maximum Sound Studios, Mayfair, Mel Collins, Melody Maker, Merrow, Michael G. Burton, Michael Riddle, Mick Douglas, Mike Gee, Mojo, MOJO Magazine, Morden, Morecambe, NAAFI Club, Nantes, New Palladium, Newcastle, Oddfellows Hall, Odeon, Olympia, Ostend, Oxfam, Palladium, Paramounts, Paris, Parlophone Records, Patrick Martin, Paul Demers, Paul Robinson, Peace Memorial Hall, Peter MacGregor, Phil and The Stormsville Shakers, Phil Tone & The Midnighters, Phill and the Stormsville Shakers, Phillip Goodhand-Tate, Phillip Goodhand-Tate and the Stormsville Shakers, Piper Club, Plaza Ballroom, Poparama, Portsmouth, Potel Etoile, R.G. Jones Studio, RAE, RAE Assembly Hall, Rayrick Studios, Razzle Dazzle, Reading, Regent Sound Studios, Rendezvous Club, Ricky Tick Club, Rome, Roy Pitt, Scotland, Shalford Park, Sheffield, Sims Club, Staubanzee, Steve Howard, Stingfellow, Stoke-on-Trent, Strange Brew, Studio 1, Surrey Advertiser, Swindon, Switzerland, Technical College, Television, The Age Beaters, The Animals, The Art Woods, The Carols, The Condors, The Herd, The Jam, The Jazz Cellar, The Larry Williams Show, The Marionettes, The Mojo Club, The Moquettes, The Original Dominos, The Phantom Four, The Place, The Rik Gunnell Agency, The Rolling Stones, The Scotch of St.James, The Smokestakks, The Star, The Stormsville Shakers, The Stormville Shakers, The Surrey Rock Competition, The Switch, THe Who, The Yardbirds, Thimble Riggers, Tony Brainsby, Tony Hurley, Top Ten, Town Hall, Troutbeck Hotel, Unit Three, Village hall, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Weekend, Weekend Club, West Hampstead, Whisky A Go Go, William Neal, Windsor, Winter Gardens, Youth Club, Zoot Money -
Combo A Go Go
(c’63-’66) – Freddie Green (lead guitar/vocals), Alan Willis (bass/vocals), Jim “Jock” Edmunds (drums), Chris Minnet (rhythm guitar), Arthur Trussler (alto sax), and Pete Styles (trumpet)
Combo A Go Go, sometimes listed as Combo Agogo, were a local band, with members mainly emanating from Aldershot, that played R&B, Stax Soul & early Motown. In 1965 they secured a weekly residency at the Harvest Moon, Guildford.
Combo A Go Go at Harvest Moon, Guildford c’65/’66. Picture courtesy of Georgina and Fred Green via Guildford Town Past and Present Enugu, Nigeria-based guitarist and producer Goddy Oku bought his band The Hygrades to the Harvest Moon on 12 March ’66, where they were supported by Combo A Go Go, while the band held their own a couple of weeks later, in the evening of, 27 March ’66.
Gallery:
March 1966: Press Ad for The Harvest Moon Club, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
March 1966: Press Advert -
Camel
(c’71-date) Andrew Latimer (guitar), Andy Ward (drums) and Doug Ferguson (bass)
Camel, post Ferguson, with Caravan’s Richard Sinclair taking his place. Source: The Guitarists The trio started out as Guildford based The Brew when they auditioned to be the back-up band to Phillip Goodhand-Tait on 20 Feb ’71. In August that year, the resulting album, “I Think I’ll Write a Song” was released on DJM Records. After this less than successful release the band decided to regroup, placing an ad in Melody Maker. As a result Peter Bardens (keyboards), formerly of Shotgun Express and Them, joined and they played a gig as Peter Bardens’ On on 8 Oct ’71 in Belfast.
They then became Camel with a first gig supporting Wishbone Ash at Waltham Forest Technical College, London on 4 December ’71. On 10 March ’72 they backed Mungo Jerry at Goldsmith College, London and latyer in the year, on 23 July ’72, the band supported Stackridge at the Civic Hall, Guildford. By August that year they were signed with MCA Records and their debut album “Camel” was released in February ’73. It flopped and the band moved to Deram Records. That didn’t stop BBC 2’s The Old Grey Whistle Test including a recording of Camel’s ‘Never Let Go‘ from their performance at the Civic Hall, Guildford in March ’73 in the show broadcast on 22 May. Later that year the band appeared at the Windsor Free Festival, and at Fletcher Hall, Leicester on 24 October ’73.
25 August 1973: Camel played the Windsor Free Festival. On 1 March ’74 they released “Mirage” on which Latimer played flute. A few months later, 23 August ’74, Camel played opening day of the 1974 Reading Festival with Nutz, Johnny Mars, Hustler, Beckett, 10cc, Fumble and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. “Mirage” hit the mark in the U.S. leading to a three-month tour that kicked off on 19 November at Ladyland, New York City. Then came “The Snow Goose” in May ’75.
On 6 July ’75 Camel played the New London Theatre, Drury Lane, supported by The Mike Storey Band; and Winter Gardens, Malvern on 25 August 1975. The Snow Goose LPs success led to a sell out concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London, with the London Symphony Orchestra on 17 Oct ’75. With the success came a lawsuit from Paul Gallico, the author of the short story of the same name that inspired the concept album. As a result, later versions of the album have the prefix ‘Music inspired by…’ on the front cover and the story notes removed from the back cover. That didn’t stop the promoters of Friars, Aylesbury using the introduction to Gallico’s story on the flyer promoting the appearance of Camel, with support by local band Gasworks, on 8 November ’75 at the venue.
Post lawsuit version of the back cover of Camel’s “The Snow Goose”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records The next year they released their fourth album, “Moonmadness” which continued the success. Ex-Circus saxophonist / flutist Mel Collins’ joined the band for the subsequent tour and stayed involved with the group on and off for eight years. Ferguson departed in early 1977 and was replaced by Caravan bassist Richard Sinclair. This new line-up released “Rain Dances” in ’77 and “Breathless” in ’78. The band also appeared at the Rider Open Air Festival, Scheeßel, Germany on the 3 or 4 September ’77, along with two other local talents, namely The Stranglers and Graham Parker, back by The Rumour. The release of “Breathless” also saw the departure of Bardens, who was replaced by two keyboard players from Caravan: Dave Sinclair (Richard’s cousin) and Jan Schelhaas for the album tour. Both Sinclairs left the band after the Breathless tour, replaced by Kit Watkins (keyboards) and Colin Bass (bass). The success of Camel didn’t stop Latimer returning to his local roots and jamming with the likes of House at The Three Lions, Farncombe.
Latimer jamming with Tony Backhurst of House at Scratchers, Farncombe, 20 December 1978. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes. The 70’s closed out with the release of “I Can See Your House from Here”. On 6 October ’79, Camel played at the Recreation Centre, Farnborough. The band had been booked to play at Farnborough Tech months earlier, but had cancelled at the very last minute. Having been burnt once, the college’s Social Secretary did not want to book the band again. As a result Cris Savill, unable to find anyone else to take it on, booked the band himself and went down to the Recreation Centre and put down the deposit. Camel’s agency charged him £1500 for the band to play, which Savill recalls as being half what Thin Lizzy charged at the time. The band lived up to expectation and reportedly performed “ICE”, from “I Can See Your House from Here”, live for the very first time – If only the venues acoustics could have done the performance justice. Tim Naylor worked on the stage crew that night and remembers the head roadie telling the crew to “Move this…but watch out…it’s heavy…”; and amazingly being right every time. On 18 October ’79, Camel play Friars, Aylesbury followed by the Apollo, Glasgow on 22 October.
Validated ticket for Camel at Farnborough Rec. Picture Courtesy of Martin Davies via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 1981’s “Nude” saw their return to the concept album; based on the story of Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier found on an island many years after World War II had ended. Duncan Mackay provided most of the keyboards in lieu of Watkins and Schelhaas, who were involved in other projects, but returned for the tour. This was the first album to feature lyrics by Latimer’s future wife Susan Hoover. The Nude Tour was followed by the band’s 10th Anniversary tour over May and June ’81.
May/June 1981: Camel’s 10th Anniversary Tour. Source: Jim Jones In mid-’81, Ward stopped playing drums as a result of alcohol and drug abuse and Camel quietly disbanded. Years later it was revealed that Ward had attempted suicide. However, there was still a contract to fulfill and pressure from Decca lead to Latimer being joined by guest and session musicians, including David Paton (bass), Chris Rainbow (vocals) and Anthony Phillips (guitar / keyboards). The band continued touring through ’82 and produced “The Single Factor” album and the Tenth Anniversary Tour, featuring Paton, Rainbow, Watkins, Stuart Tosh (drums) and Andy Dalby (guitar) accompanying Latimer. Royalty disagreements lead to a five year legal battle with their former manager. For ’84s “Stationary Traveler” Latimer was joined by Kayak keyboardist Ton Scherpenzeel and ex-10cc drummer Paul Burgess. Bass returned for the tour, which also included Rainbow. Shows at the Hammersmith Odeon were filmed and included additional keyboardist Richie Close and guest appearances by former members Bardens and Collins.
Camel’s “The Collection” compilation double LP was released 1985 on the Castle Music label. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records The release of the live album “Pressure Points” in late ’84 wrapped up the the contract with Decca. Then in ’85 “The Collection” a double LP compilation was released on the Castle Music label. But, unable to interest other British record companies Camel quietly disappeared and Latimer moved to California when the aforementioned management lawsuit ended in his favor.
Seven-year later, Latimer revived Camel, releasing “Dust and Dreams”, in ’91. Partly recorded before Latimer’s move stateside it was inspired by John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath and released under Latimer’s own label Camel Productions. Mickey Simmonds (keyboards) joined Latimer, Bass and Burgess for the 1992 “comeback” world tour from which the live double CD, recorded in the Netherlands, “Never Let Go”, was released in ’93.
The next year, former members Bardens and Ward formed Mirage with members of Caravan. Their set list included numerous Camel tracks, but this quickly faded as Barden left and the band dropped all the other Camel or Caravan alumni. Inspired by the death of his father, Latimer and Hoover wrote “Harbour of Tears” under the Camel name, released in 1996. They toured again in ’97 with Latimer, Bass, Dave Stewart (drums), and Foss Patterson (keyboards) releasing the “Coming of Age” live double-CD and VHS in ’98.
In ’99 Latimer, Stewart, Bass and Scherpenzeel, recorded “Rajaz”. Stewart left to manage a drum store in Scotland and was replaced by Denis Clement (drums). This was quickly followed by Scherpenzeel’s departure, who was replaced by Guy LeBlanc (keyboards). In 2002 this new quartet released “A Nod and a Wink”, dedicated to Bardens, who died in January 2002. Latimer’s Camel Productions announced that the 2003 tour would be Camel’s ‘Farewell Tour’. LeBlanc quit shortly before the tour due to the illness of his wife, and was replaced by Tom Brislin in the US and Scherpenzeel for the European leg.
In May 2007, Hoover announced through Camel Productions that Latimer has suffered from polycythaemia vera since ’92 which had progressed to myelofibrosis. Latimer underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant in November 2007. He responded well, but has suffered fatigue and severe joint pain since, as recovery progresses.
In March 2013, Camel Productions confirmed a ‘Retirement Sucks Tour’ with the announcement of a concert at the Barbican Arts Centre, London on 28 October, where Camel would perform The Snow Goose “in its entirety for the first time since the Royal Albert Hall concert in 1975” (the last full performance was actually at Reading Town Hall on 18 December 1975) with other dates across Europe. The band also released a new and extended re-recording of The Snow Goose album on 4 November 2013, “dedicated to the memory of Peter Bardens (1945-2002)”, and also thanks Ferguson and Ward for their contributions to the original music and album.
Shortly after the 2013 tour, Camel announced a further 14 dates in 2014. Ill health prevented LeBlanc taking part, and was replaced by Scherpenzeel. LeBlanc died in April the next year. In October 2017, Camel announced a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London for the following September; and 30 more dates in Japan, Turkey, Israel, Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Spain, Portugal and England, where the band would perform ‘Moonmadness’ in its entirety.
When Ferguson left in ’77 he formed Headwaiter and later became a property developer.
Gallery:
10 March 1972: Camel supported Mungo Jerry at Goldsmiths College. 
23 July 1972: Stackridge w/ Camel 
Cover of Camel’s Camel, their debut studio album, released on MCA Records in February 1973. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
25 August 1973: Camel played the Windsor Free Festival. 
24 October 1973: Camel play Fletcher Hall, Leicester 
Camel played the 1974 Reading Festival on Saturday, 23rd August. Source: John Berry’s post in The Reading & Thames Valley Area “Memories of another day” 
25 June 1975: Camel played the Town hall, Torquay. Source: www.tracks.co.uk 
25 August 1975: Ticket to see Camel at Winter Gardens, Malvern. Source: www.malvernrockarchive.org.uk 
6 July 1975: Advert for Camel, supported by The Mike Storey Band, playing the New London Theatre, Drury Lane. Source: Mark Stang vis Keep It Out Of Sight 
8 November 1975: Handbill (front) for Camel at Friars, Aylesbury. Source: www.track.co.uk 
8 November 1975: Handbill (back) for Camel at Friars, Aylesbury. Source: www.track.co.uk 
3 & 4 September 1977: Camel, Stranglers, and Graham Parker all on the bill for Rider Open Air Festival in Scheeßel, Germany. Source: www.omegaauctions.co.uk 
Barbed Wire cover featuring Andy Latimer of Camel. Gus Garside interviewed Latimer for this Feb/March 1979 issue of the fanzine. Picture Courtesy of Fred Pipes 
First page of Gus Garside’s interview with Andy Latimer of Camel on page 4 of the Feb/March 1979 issue of the Barbed Wire fanzine. Picture Courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Second page of Gus Garside’s interview with Andy Latimer of Camel on page 5 of the Feb/March 1979 issue of the Barbed Wire fanzine. Picture Courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Third page of Gus Garside’s interview with Andy Latimer of Camel on page 6 of the Feb/March 1979 issue of the Barbed Wire fanzine. Picture Courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Forth and final page of Gus Garside’s interview with Andy Latimer of Camel, covering the first column of page 7 of the Feb/March 1979 issue of the Barbed Wire fanzine. Picture Courtesy of Fred Pipes 
18 October 1979, Friars, Aylesbury: 
22 October 1979: Camel play the Apollo, Glasgow 
16 February 1981: Camel played the Guild Hall, Preston. Source: www.tracks.co.uk 
2 June 1981: Camel played the Gaumont, Ipswich. Source: www.tracks.co.uk 
15 May 1982: Camel at West Runton. Source: West Runton Pavilion…Gone But Not Forgotten 
15 May 1982: Camel at West Runton.. Source: Robert Coleman via West Runton Pavilion…Gone But Not Forgotten 
Camel’s “The Collection” compilation double LP was released 1985 on the Castle Music label. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Cover of Camel’s “MoonMadness”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Interior gatefold of Camel’s “MoonMadness”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Cover of Camel’s “Naked”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Camel featured in Oct 2019 issue of Prog. Picture courtesy of Sev Lewkowicz 
Camel’s “Lunar Sea, An Anthology 1973-1985” CD. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Camel’s “Cameleon The Best of Camel”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Camel’s “Mirage”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 
Camel’s “Mirage” inner sleeve. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records 10cc, Andrew Latimer, Andy Dalby, Andy Ward, Anthony Phillips, Apollo, Aylesbury, Barbican Arts Centre, BBC 2, Beckett, Belfast, Camel, Camel Productions, Caravan, Castle Music, Chris Rainbow, Circus, Civic hall, Colio Bass, Cris Savill, Dave Paton, Dave Sinclair, Dave Stewart, Decca, Denis Clement, Deram Records, DJM Records, Doug Ferguson, Duncan Mackay, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Fletcher Hall, Foss Patterson, Friars, Fumble, Gasworks, Gaumont, Germany, Glasgow, Goldsmiths College, Graham Parker, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Guild Hall, Guildford, Guy LeBlanc, Hammersmith Odeon, Headwaiter, Hiroo Onoda, House, Hustler, Ipswich, Jan Schelhaas, John Steinbeck, Johnny Mars, Jon Benns, Kayak, Kit Watkins, Ladyland, London, London Symphony Orchestra, Malvern, MCA Records, Mel Collins, Melody Maker, Mickey Simmonds, Mirage, Mungo Jerry, New London Theatre, New York City, Nutz, Old Grey Whistle Test, Paul Burgess, Paul Gallico, Pavilion, Peter Bardens, Peter Bardens On, Phillip Goodhand-Tate, Preston, Reading, Reading Festival, Recreation Centre, Richard Sinclair, Richie Close, Rider Open Air Festival, Royal Albert Hall, Scheeßel, Shotgun Express, Stackridge, Stuart Tosh, Susan Hoover, Technical College, The Brew, The Mike Storey Band, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, The Stranglers, Them, Thin Lizzy, Tim Naylor, Tom Brislin, Ton Scherpenzeel, Torquay, Town Hall, Waltham Forest, West Runton, Windsor Free Festival, Winter Gardens, Wishbone Ash -
Drowning Craze
(c.’81-’82) – Paul Cummins (guitar), Simon Raymonde (bass), Simon Godfrey (drums) and Angela Jaeger (vocals).
The Drowning Craze, from Sounds Magazine Prior to Jaeger ‘joining’; Cummins, Raymonde – the son of Dusty Springfield hit writer and arranger for The Walker Brothers, Ivor Raymonde – and Godfrey had been in Guildford based Disruptive Patterns with Andy McInnes (vocals). Situation Two label founder Peter Kent heard their instrumental demo – Raymonde worked below the office of this Beggars Banquet label offshoot at Beggars Banquet Record shop in Earls Court – and decided they would make a great vehicle for a singer on their books. Kent introduced the band to New Yorker Jaeger. Who knows who broached what with McInnes, but the band become Drowning Craze and were now fronted by Jaeger. Both changes instigated by Situation Two with whom they had now signed joining The Associates, and New Asia as the labels first recording artists.
Drowning Craze’s 1981 “Storage Box” 7in single The next week they recorded their debut single in the Alvic Studios, produced by Nick Raymonde, “Storage Case” [SIT 3] which was released on 24 June ’81, becoming Paul Morley of NME and Melody Maker’s “Single of the Week”. Jaeger undertook that recording session and only one live gig with the band before leaving for the US, and was replaced by another Kent contact, Frank Nardiello (vocals) from Chicago.
18 September 1981: The Birthday Party with Drowning Craze and Animal Answer. Source: UK Mag dated Sept ’81 from collection of http://www.fromthearchives.org In September ’81, Drowning Craze, along with Animal Answer, supported The Birthday Party at Action Space in London with subsequent music press reviews ignoring Nick Cave’s tales of violence and perversion and focusing in on the support. They also support visited Heaven, under the arches at Charing Cross to support Divine, with Dead or Alive. “Trance” [SIT 13], their second single, was released on 17 October ’81. In November ’81, an excerpt of “Trance” was included on the third issue of Morrocci Klung!; a C60 audio magazines.
Flyer from 1981 for a CND benefit gig at the Wooden Bridge. Friary Red was a misprint – the band was actually Ferrari Red. That same month, on 7 November, they headlined a benefit gig at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford for CND, with The Frotteurs, and Ferrari Red in support. They recorded a Peel Session that aired on 13 Jan ’82, featuring: “In the Heat”, “Keep Fit”, “Out of Order” and “He Was”. During this time they could also be seen supporting the likes of Bauhaus, and Modern English. The group disbanded after a third single, “Heat” [SIT 16]; released 3 March ’82. Raymonde is reported as saying “Artistic differences and the guitarist qualifying as an accountant led to the band’s demise, probably a blessing in disguise”.
Raymonde went on to become a Cocteau Twin and now owns / runs the Bella Union label that he set up. Jaeger did backing vocals for Billy MacKenzie, Monochrome Set, and Pigbag. Nardiello, aka Groovie Mann, became the lead singer of Thrill Kill Kult in the late 80s. Godfrey subsequently appeared in Freefall, Tinyfish, and – after moving to the US – Valdez. Cummins became an accountant.
2004’s “1981” compilation Jumping ahead to 2003, three Drowning Craze tracks: “The Heat”, “He Was”, and “Trance” were included on the limited Thrill Kill Kult fan club release “My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult [Groovie 13]. The next year, the band’s “Storage Case” appeared on the nine CD and 251 MP3 compilation titled “1981”. “Storage Case” also appeared on the Cherry Red Records ‘To The Outside Of Everything (A Story Of UK Post Punk 1977-1981)’ compilation released in 2017. In 2018, Raymonde’s label, Bella Union, announced the release of a Drowning Craze compilation album, Singles ’81-’82, collecting all three singles as well as the Peel Session tracks.
Gallery:
Short piece from the Bitch Bitch fanzine on formation of Drowning Craze. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
Drowning Craze’s 1981 “Trance” 7in single sleeve front 
Drowning Craze’s 1981 “Trance” 7in single sleeve back 
Drowning Craze’s 1981 “Trance” 7in single side-A 
Drowning Craze’s 1981 “Trance” 7in single side-B 
Drowning Craze’s 1981 “Trance” 7in single’s poster insert 
Drowning Craze’s 1982 “Heat” 7in single sleeve front 
Drowning Craze’s 1982 “Heat” 7in single sleeve back 
The 3rd issue of Morrocci Klung! 
Front sleeve of Thrill Kill Kult fan club release “My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult [Groovie 13] 
Back sleeve of Thrill Kill Kult fan club release “My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult [Groovie 13] 
The Cherry Red labels ‘To The Outside Of Everything (A Story Of UK Post Punk 1977-1981)’ compilation released in 2017 – Front Cover 
the Cherry Red labels ‘To The Outside Of Everything (A Story Of UK Post Punk 1977-1981)’ compilation released in 2017 – Track Listing 
the Cherry Red labels ‘To The Outside Of Everything (A Story Of UK Post Punk 1977-1981)’ compilation released in 2017 
28 September 1981: Divine with Drowning Craze and Ded or Alive. Action Space, Alvic Studios, Andy McInnes, Angela Jaeger, Animal Answer, Bauhaus, Beggars Banquet, Bella Union, Billy MacKenzie, Charing Cross, Cherry Red Records, Cocteau Twins, Dead or Alive, Disruptive Patterns, Divine, Drowning Craze, Dusty Springfield, Ferrari Red, Frank Nardiello, Freefall, Groovie Mann, Guildford, Heaven, Ivor Raymonde, London, Melody Maker, Modern English, Monochrome Set, Morrocci Klung!, New Asia, Nick Cave, Nick Raymonde, NME, Paul Cummins, Paul Morley, Peel Session, Peter Kent, Pigbag, Simon Godfrey, Simon Raymonde, Situation Two, The Associates, The Birthday Party, The Drowning Craze, The Frotteurs, The Walker Brothers, Thrill Kill Kult, Tinyfish, Valdez, Wooden Bridge -
Ricky & The Rhythmics
(c’60-’67) – Peter “Ricky Clayton” Arthur (vocals), Errol “Lew / Lou” Newman (bass), Chris “Butch” Butcher (guitar), Tom O’Looney (guitar) and Geoff Salmon (drums).
Ricky & The Rythmics (L-R: George Trask (roadie), Butcher, Salmon, O’Looney, Arthur and Ted Cassell (bass guitar). Picture courtesy of Peter Arthur Guildford based Ricky & The Rhythmics were sometimes seen under just The Rhythmics or fuller Ricky Clayton and the Rhythmics monica at gigs around Guildford, Woking, Horsham, Lymington, etc. They played every weekend and up to three week nights – including the Social Club, Farncombe; Village Hall, Merrow, Civic Hall, Guildford and T.A. Centre, Guildford – in fact just about every club within a 60 mile radius of Guildford is likely to have hosted the band at least once. They were also house band at The Tunsgate Club, Guildford for a while.
Ricky & the Rhythmics (R-L: Butcher, Erroll Newman, Tom Terny, Arthur, Salmon) on the Tunsgate Club roof over Russell & Bromley. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records Arthur, who joined the O’Looney led band about a year after they were formed by Butcher, only recently revealed that the Ricky Clayton name is a combo of his second name ‘Richard’ and a pin in a list of names that blindly landed on ‘Clayton’. Arthur had previously been in The Leopard Spots and The Canal Street Ramblers. O’Looney had replaced Tom Terny (guitar). Newman had attended the Royal Grammer School where he picked up the nickname Lew, and was not the bands first bassist; that was Ted Cassell, who was O’Looney’s neighbour on Hillspur Close, Westborough. The band could be heard practicing at Onslow School.
The Village Hall, Merrow hosted the band on 18 May ’63 and on 27 November ’63, The Rhythmics took part in a charity gig at Civic Hall, Guildford for Oxfam along with Humphrey Lyttleton, Cyril Davis All Stars, Long John Baldry and the Velvettes, and The Yardbirds.
At some point Penny Collins, from Aldershot, joined the boys as a vocalist. George Trask, on leaving the Navy in ’61, used to roadie for the band while Salmon drove the band’s 40-seat coach. Prior to the coach the band had their own van owned and driven by Richard “Sim / Simo” Simpson.
Ricky and the Rythmics first transport in the early 60s. Richard “Sim / Simo” Simpson (with guitar alongside Arthur) owned and drove the van. Picture courtesy of Peter Arthur. O’Looney moved to America and became a pilot, flying out of Newark, NY. He still lives in New York. Newman sadly passed away in 2016/17 at his home in North Somerset after being diagnosed with cancer. Arthur moved to France where he passed in September 2019. Collins also sadly left us in 2017. Salmon now lives in Ross-on-Wye. Butcher was contacted by Arthur c’2018 and was still in Fairlands.
Gallery:
Press clipping of Ricky & The Rythmics (date unknown). The photo was taken at Tunsgate Square in front of Boxers coffee house. Picture courtesy of Peter Arthur 
Clippings (date/s unknown) covering the ‘Guildford and Godalming Times’ pop dance featuring Ricky Clayton and the Rhythmics. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 
18 May 1963: Handbill for Ricky Clayton & The Rythmics gig at Merrow Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 
Ricky & The Rhythmics in early special effect picture taken at The Tunsgate Club, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 
27 November 1963: Flyer for charity gig at Civic Hall, Guildford featuring: Humphrey Lyttleton, Cyril Davis All Stars, Long John Baldry and the Velvettes, The Yard Birds and The Rhythmics. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 
Ricky and the Rythmics (L-R O’Looney, Butcher, Arthur, Salmon, and Newman). Picture courtesy of Peter Arthur Aldershot, Chris Butcher, Civic hall, Cyril Davis All Stars, Errol Newman, Erroll Newman, Farncombe, Geoff Salmon, George Trask, Guildford, Horsham, Humphrey Lyttleton, Long John Baldry and the Velvettes, Lymington, Merrow, Penny Collins, Peter Arthur, Richard Simpson, Ricky & The Rhythmics, Ricky and the Rhythmics, Ricky Clayton, Ricky Clayton & The Rhythmics, Social Club, T.A. Centre, Ted Cassell, The Canal Street Ramblers, The Leopard Spots, The Rhythmics, The Yardbirds, Tom O’Looney, Tom Terny, Tunsgate Club, Village hall, Woking -
The Phantom Four
(c’64-’68) – Richard Over (rhythm guitar), Ian Latimer (bass / vocal), Andrew Latimer (guitar) and Alan Butcher (drums).
Started by Butcher and the Latimer brothers – Andrew was 15 at the time – this 4-piece beat/harmony/blues group formed in ’64. They gigged in and around their Guildford hometown developing a positive notoriety with appearances at the Civic Hall, Guildford and supporting the likes of Artwoods, Savoy Brown, John Mayall, Graham Bond, and Alan Bown at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. In addition to guitar, Andrew Latimer had learnt to play the piano with Mrs Shoebridge, but this skill was never used in The Phantom Four.
On 17 December ’64, the band, along with Smokestakks, supported Hogsnort Rupert and His Band at the End of Term Dance organized by Guildford School of Art Student Union and held at the school. They won a Battle of the Bands at Charlotteville Youth Club were the Primevals were runners-up. When Over left he was replaced by Graham Cooper and they became Strange Brew. Then, in summer 1968, Ian Latimer and Cooper departed, leaving the remaining Latimer brother and Butcher to form The Brew.
In June 2003: Phillip Goodhand-Tait and the Stormsville Shakers, The Switch, The Phantom Four and Razzle Dazzle got together and played a final gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford.
Gallery:
The Phantom Four: Richard Over (rhythm guitar), Ian Latimer (bass / vocal), Andrew Latimer (guitar) and Alan Butcher (drums). 
17 December 1964: The Phantom Foiur and Smokestakks supported Hogsnort Rupert and His Band. Image courtesy of William Neal 
8 June 2003: Poster for “Let The Good Times Roll” featuring The Phantom Four at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records 8 June 2003: Page 1 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring The Phantom Four. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 8 June 2003: Page 2 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring The Phantom Four. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 8 June 2003: Page 3 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring The Phantom Four. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 8 June 2003: Page 4 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring The Phantom Four. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 8 June 2003: Page 3 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring The Phantom Four. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present 8 June 2003: Page 6 of the programme for the ”60’s Return” gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford featuring The Phantom Four. Source Tina Lambley via Guildford Town Past & Present Alan Bown, Alan Butcher, Andrew Latimer, Artwoods, Battle of the Bands, Charlotteville, Civic hall, Graham Bond, Graham Cooper, Guildford, Guildford School of Art, Hogsnort Rupert and his Band, Ian Latimer, John Mayall, Mrs Shoebridge, Phillip Goodhand-Tate, Primevals, Razzle Dazzle, Richard Over, Savoy Brown, Smokestakks, Stormville Shakers, Strange Brew, The Brew, The Phantom Four, The Switch, Wooden Bridge, Youth Club
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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