Home

A WORK IN PROGRESS

[Ed] Followers of Soundscene Does Facebook will know the history: Facebook decided that many of that groups’ posts were spam and deleted content and it couldn’t be retrieved. The most demoralizing was the University of Surrey, Guildford venue post with over 150 images, videos, sounds, and countless memories. Below is our work in progress, it is raw, but we are gradually piecing together all the source material once again – I hope you enjoy the process and progress and do please contribute whenever and whatever you can via the Facebook group, comments below, or email – Thank you.

Previously known as Battersea College of Technology and located in Battersea Park, London. In 1965, the university-designate acquired a greenfield site in Guildford from Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Borough Council and the Onslow Village Trust. On 9 September 1966 the University of Surrey was established by royal charter. During the transition from Battersea to Guildford, the Battersea campus on 25 October ’68 hosted Led Zeppelin’s very first gig – which is often incorrectly listed as occuring on the Guildford campus. By 1970 the move from Battersea to Guildford was complete.

The early days of live music at the Guildford campus are not the clear. We have found a listing that puts Shirley Collins at the University of Surrey on 7 June 1967, but this could have easily been at Battersea, not Guildford. We also have a listing ten days earlier than the Led Zeppelin gig at Battersea, on 15 October ’68, The Yardbirds did perform on the Guildford campus and the following month, on 8 November, Barclay James Harvest appeared. The university had a thriving Folk Club and as well as invited acts local folk groups, such as Jumble, performed. Then, to the best of our knowledge Valentine’s Day 1969 saw Barclay James Harvest return to the campus. This was followed on 11 March by Feathers. It would take a while for the Student Bar and Great Hall to become the de facto indoor venues, and on 30 May the Mechanical Engineering Block was utilized for a gig by Cage; who the next month, on 6 June, found themselves performing at the Backchat Symposium – wherever that was – and at the Stag Hill Dance on campus on 21 June.

In that first full year on the Guildford campus the university’s Student Union ENTS team kicked it all off with Mott the Hoople supported by Champion Jack Dupree on 17 January. At the end of the month Grimsby Dyke opened for The Small Faces, on 31 January. Guildford Sanitation Authority paid the university a visit on 14 March ’70, who along with Horse and Barnabus, supported David Bowie.

Genesis appeared on 16 May ’70 and returned on 27 June to perform at the first Surrey Free Festival at the university along with Patto, May Blitz, Horse, Bridget St. John, CMU, Poppa Ben Hook, and Plinth. On 30 October ’70, Yes were on campus. The next month Tudor Lodge appeared on 4 November, Stray the next night, and Grail the night after that; with Jelly Bread, Marble Orchard, Poppa Ben Hook, Exhibit ‘A’, and The Paranoids wrapping up the four consecutive nights of live bands on 7 November ’70. A few days later, on 11 November the university was pulsing to the sounds of Jugular Vein. Two days later, on 13 November ’70, it was the Charter Ball with live music provided by Stoneground supported by Scaffold, Stan Faulkner Sextet, and Red Onions. Tinkers performed on 18 November, and Lindisfarne supported van Der Graaf Generator on 21 November ’70. On 25 November, the last listing we’ve found for 1970 to date, was singer-songwriter Harvey Andrews.

Jumping into 1971 and the University of Surrey hosted Colosseum on 13 February and Trees on 27 February. During the week long 1971 Guildford Festival, the Staff Bar was the venue for Howard Riley on 8 March; Lecture Theatre D hosted the Westminster Trio and Jasper Carrott performed in the Student Bar on 10 March; and on 12 March, University Hall saw High Tide and university band Cage support Osibisa. The poster for the 1971 Autumn term entertainments at the University of Surrey, puts Chicken Shack supported by Gypsy and Unicorn at the venue on 2 October. A week later The Who took to the stage, with Mick Greenwood, who also supported the Amazing Blondel on 15 October. The Rag Ball in 1971 was on 29 October and included Lindesfarne. The following month the SENT crew booked Stoneground to perform on 11 November and local blues-man Duster Bennett, listed as The Duster Bennett Band, to support Warm Dust, along with Swegas and Champion Jack Dupree on Saturday, 25 November ’71 in the Great Hall; however, that was a Thursday and other listings have Warm Dust and Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express playing there on the 27 November, without any mention of Duster. The 4-piece folk group, Purple Banana, started out at a Christmas party at the University with two female vocalists as the Keith Spillet Ensemble.

The boys from Charterhouse called Genesis were at the university on 29 January ’72, and a few days later, on 4 February, John Martyn and Claire Hammill supported Bronco. On 12 May ’72 the New Riders of the Purple Sage took to the stage in the Main Hall. The 1 July was the date set for Guildford Free Festival, and we know that Capability Brown were booked. The Roy Young Band supported Hackensack on 6 October followed a week later, on 13 October, by Hardin & York with the Gary Moore Band in support. On 27 October Capability Brown supported East Of Eden and Skin Alley perform at the campus on 10 November ’72. Rare Bird appeared on 17 November and almost a month later, on 15 December, Fusion Orchestra wrapped up 1972.

On 19 January ’73, Camel dropped by. Paul Brett headlined with Hunter Muskett in support on 23 March. The Flying Aces provided the opening volley for Help Yourself on 8 June ’73. Ebling Mis were one of the local bands at 1973’s Free Festival that also included Roger Ruskin-Speare, Jonesy, Strider, Keith Christmas, Colin Scot, Byzantium and many more. On 5 October, Welsh professional touring band Good Habit headlined for once. A few days later, on 12 October, Man were supported by ex- and future-Man member Deke Leonard’s Iceberg. UFO let the university down on 19 October ’73, but were ably replaced by Ebling Mis who stood in at short notice and received support from Glyder, who ‘forced’ a band called Glider to change their name, and so Glider became Plummet Airlines. On 2 November Bronco were booked to perform. ’73 was also the year that Tiger supported Ellis, whose second LP “Why Not” wasn’t the success the band hoped for were on a final university circuit tour before breaking up.

Stackridge, supported by Henry Cow, opened ENTS bookings at the University on 18 January 1974; with the Spencer Davis Group appearing on 1 February. Two weeks later it was Strider’s turn, on 15 February, followed by Nektar on 22 February. Coast Road Drive supported Camel on the 1 March ’74, then jumping to 3 May, Caravan rolled onto campus, with Gong performing on 24 May. Almost a month later, on 21 June, French “Zeuhl” progressive rock band Magma performed at the university. The Surrey Free Arts Festival Surrey was held on 6 July ’74 and featured String Driven Thing, Starry Eyed and Laughing, Global Village Trucking Co, Narnia, and Gryphon. After the summer break the first concert listing we can find is for Cocky on 30 October ’74. In the second week of November, on 9 November, Hatfield & The North were supported by Lol Coxhill & Steve Miller, and Kevin Coyne. The following week, on 15 November, it was Procul Harum’s turn followed by Curved Air on 20 November as part of their Reunion Tour, supported by The Watt-Roy Turner Band, that consisted of Garth Watt-roy and ex-Cat Iron members Glen Turner and Kim Turner. We have unconfirmed reports that at some point in December Curved Air and The Watt-roy Turner Band returned to campus.

The University of Surrey hosted G.T. Moore and the Reggae Guitars sometime in January ’75, String Driven Thing on 24 January, and Al Stewart on 31 January. On 21 February the Great Hall rang to the sounds of popular French progressive rock band Ange – popular in France anyway – who were supported by West German krautrock group Ash Ra Tempel and the university’s own Moonmouse. Seven days later, on 28 February Cozy Powell’s Hammer performed. On 14 March ’75 Stephane Grappelli was supported by The Diz Disley Trio; and on 25 April, Fruupp were at the university. Well known Guildford band, The Stormsville Shakers performed on 2 May, ably assisted by Badge. The next week American Gypsy opened for Dr Feelgood on 9 May. Melody Maker’s 24 May edition carried a review of the 16 May gig at the university, which was headlined by John Martyn with supporting appearances by Danny Thompson, John Stevens and Wizz Jones, Clancy, Brand X, Tim Hardin, and Frogmorton. Cocky kicked off the Autumn semester on 30 September. October was a busy month for the university’s ENTS crew, on 8 October Curved Air performed; they returned on 10 October to support Squeeze, Van Der Graaf Generator dropped in on 16 October, followed by Gryphon on 24 October; and to close out the month Baker Gurvitz Army appeared on 31 October’ 75. On the 7 November, Ace arrived and Stackridge did the same two weeks later, on 21 November. To wrap up ’75, the ENTS department pulled in Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band – who were in the 28th iteration – towards the end of their European tour, with Danish prog rockers Secret Oyster in support on 27 November.

At some point in January ’76, Stray were supported by Blitz. On 27 February Quiver were up first, preceding headlining Sutherland Brothers. Strapps appeared on 14 May, and a few days later, on 28 May, AC/DC supported Back Street Crawler at the university. Sassafras were up the following week, on 4 June ’76. The following semester, on 4 November, Motorhead rolled in. Also in ’76 local band House supported Liverpool Express – who incidentally had three singles mixed by Guildford born record producer and engineer David Tickle – at the University of Surrey.

On 3 February ’77, Osibisa were supported by John Miles. The next month, on 4 March, Procol Harum performed. On 7 May ’77, Godalming based band Jasmine Pie won the Surrey heat of Melody Maker’s Rock/Folk Contest 1977 held at the university, going onto the South of England heats held at the Marquee, London, Roy Harper and Chips were preceded on stage by Black Sheep on 23 April. Early the following month, the 6 May to be precise, Richard & Linda Thompson were joined by Richard Digance to warm up the audience. They were followed a few days later, on 19 May, by the John Mayall Band. The Free Festival held on the University of Surrey Campus on 2 July ’77 featured local Headwaiter along with Darts, Warren Harry, John Martyn and many others. After the summer break the first gig we can find at the university is on 13 October and featured Phil Manzanera. This was followed on 28 October by the The Stranglers with Dictators in the supporting role. Barbara Dickson may have performed “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” from Evita, which had became her second hit earlier in ’77 when she appeared on 11 November. A week later John Martyn found support in the form of The Brains Trust on 18 November ’77. The following week, on 25 November, it was Linda Lewis turn. This was followed by Frankie Miller and Meal Ticket on 3 December; Cousin Joe From New Orleans on 9 December ’77; and The Damned on 12 December.

Rumble Strips supported Darts on 3 March ’78 and The Enid played in 12 May. A few days later, on 27 May, Steve Hillage was supported by National Health featuring Miquette Giraudy. The 1978 Free Festival did feature Squire and on The Stranglers ‘return’ to Guildford for their 11 October ’78 appearance at the University of Surrey for the BBC TV program Rock Goes to College, the group walked off stage because an agreement to make tickets available to non-university students had not been honored. The gig still aired on 20 October ’78 as Episode 5 of Season 1. The band’s track “Social Secs” was written after that BBC “Rock goes to College” debacle. Seven days after The Strangles gig aired and 21 days after the release of non-charting “Rock ‘n’ Roll Bolero” single, Slade took to the stage at the University of Surrey. The 18 November ’78 saw Wreckless Eric, Lene Lovich, Rachel Sweet, Jona Lewie, and Mickey Jupp on stage.

The Vapors performed at a National Union of Journalist benefit gig at the University on 25 January ’79. Rock Goes to College returned to the university on 7 February with Pete Drummond presenting the Average White Band for Season 2 Episode 7, which was broadcast on 17 February ’79. On 2 March the Guildford campus was attended by Joe Public. The New Wave Society booked The Vapors who performed on 16 May, and three days later The Skids slid into the venue. Another three days passed before Misty took to the stage on 22 May ’79 followed by The Piranhas the day after. Iron Maiden headline on 26 May, with Samson in support, followed the next month, on 30 June, by Mungo Jerry. On 26 October ’79, The Ruts ‘Grin & Bare It’ tour visited the University, with The Flys and local band Crisis in support. John Martyn attended on 4 November and the U.K. Subs supported by The Last Word, and Lost Property rolled in on 9 November. The Vapors returned, supported by The Beat, on 16 November ’79 for an appearance at the John Peel Roadshow concert at the university.

Osibisa launched 1980 on 25 January, followed by the Capital Letters of 1 February for a Legalize Cannabis Campaign Benefit gig. Sore Throat were booked to perform on 16 February ’80, but vocalist Justin Ward left the band abruptly on 15 January, the night they appeared on The Old Grey Whistle Test’s Stage B, while The Ramones were on stage A, causing the tour to be cancelled. The Smirks headlined with The Charlies Parkas in support for the ‘March of the Slobs’ at the university on 22 February ’80. The next month the Pirates grab the stage on 8 March ’80. The 22 April saw Richard Digance grace the union’s stage with Roy Harper doing the same 4 days later, on 26 April. On 9 May it was the turn of Dr. Feelgood followed the next night by Magazine, supported by Bauhaus, and Crisis. May came to an end, on 31 May, with Gary Glitter and The Glitter Band. The 1980 Freshers Ball was held on 4 October and featured Voyager, who’d had a turntable hit, heavily played on radio, without ever entering the charts, called “Sing Out (Love Is Easy)”. The following week, fresh from recording for Dennis Potter’s LWT production Cream In My Coffee (to be aired that November), Writz under the new moniker Famous Names turn up as part of their Circus Tour on 11 October ’80, then Alvin Lee rolled through on 17 October. Interestingly, we also show a listing for Splodgenessabounds with Lethal Dose in support on the same day. On 24 October The Blues Band were supported by The Hitmen. Vardis supported Hawkwind on 31 October ’80 at the Halloween Spectacular. Bullseye performed on 13 November, followed two days later by Girlschool and Angelwitch. On 19 November ’80 the university’s Rock Club booked Loaded Dice. Black Slate turned up ten days after, on 29 November, and Roy Wood’s Helicopter, supported by Trespass, arrived on 6 December ’80 for the Xmas Spectacular.

UFO landed at the university on 13 January ’81, followed by Slade with Export in support three days later, on 16 January. On 23 January ’81, the Au Pairs opened for Delta 5 and eight days later, on 31 January, you would have seen The Look. Hazel O’Connor’s Megahype rolled into the campaus on 6 February, with Prime Suspects in support. The Free Festival was held on 23 May ’81 and featured Squeeze, who were touring “East Side Story”. In June ’81, Just So Stories appeared at the Student Union Bar at the university. The Birthday Party appeared four months later, on 24 October ’81, supported by two local bands: The Sleep and Imperfect Hold, at which Nick Cave puked on stage. The next week, on 30 October, it was Nine Below Zero’s turn, followed seven days after that by Clint Eastwood with General Saint on 6 November ’81. Level 42 appeared on 13 November ’81, andThe Europeans and Wild Willy Barrett opened the show on 28 November ’81 for John Otway. The following week The Good, The Bad and The Ugly tour brought The Bureau, with The Mo-dettes, Roddy Radiation, and The Tearjerkers to the university on 5 December.

On 6 February ’82, Wishbone Ash rocked the University. A few months later, on 25 May ’82, those in love with a German film star rolled up to university to catch The Passions. The Free Fest fell in May ’82 and we know it featured Sheep in Fog on 29 May. The University’s Jazz Club welcome Sheep in Fog back on 22 June and booked Vanishing Point to support. On 24 November 1982, as part of the Corridors of Power tour, ex Thin Lizzy member Gary Moore rolled into town with Ian Paice (ex Deep Purple), Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake and Black Sabbath), and John Sloman (ex Lone Star and Uriah Heep).

Longpig played the May Bug Ball at the university on 7 May ’83, along with Creatures of Darkness, La Maison Du Chants, and Freedom Dance.

The Autumn term in ’83 kicked off with Haircut One Hundred (also known as Haircut 100), without Nick Heyward who’d left in January that year, on 13 October ’83. Two days later The Fall, supported on the night by Serious Drinking and Shadow Planet, got through twelve tracks despite a barrage of abuse from punks / skinheads in the crowd.

Towards the end of the opening track Mark E. Smith was assaulted and a pint was thrown; leaving him to towel beer off a keyboard and himself. The Fall continued with tracks intersperse with shouts of ‘sieg heil’ and ‘Hitler’ from the saluting skinhead contingent. “Totally Wired” was accompanied by a can-canning skins stage invasion addressed by a lone bouncer. The band, after walking off, did an encore.

Later that month, on 27 October, The Fall performed at the Concord Bar, Brighton and amended the lyrics to ‘English Scheme’ to “Down pokey quaint streets in Guildford was our distant mongol heritage. It’s dull red, round head, Army career, Actifed. If we were smart, we’d emigrate. Down pokey quaint corridors and channels crawl mobile lords, ladies, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts…”

Six days prior, on 21 October ’83, to The Falls dig at Guildford, Black Roots performed and The Bloomsbury Set appeared on 28 October. John Martyn took to the stage on 4 November, with Steve Hackett booked for 12 November and Pallas, Solstice, and Trilogy closing out November as the Brave New World Tour visited the university. Osibisa visited on 3 December ’83

[Ed – Roll in material from https://indiethroughthelookingglass.com/2019/05/28/the-fall-interview-and-photos-1983-previously-unseen/ and backlink.]

On 27 January ’84 the John Peel Road Show visited the university and featured local band Shoot! Dispute – thanks to their demo and some shenanigans by their manager, “The Weasel” – and Geisha Girls. Shoot! Dispute’s performance resulted in Peel coming to their dressing room and offering them the first of two Peel Sessions. Sometime in March ’84 both Longpig and Dark Paradise performed in the Student Union bar. Dark Trio joined LongPig, La Maison Du Chants, Freedom Dance and Funtime for Phillip at the University’s New Wave Society’s event on 7 May ’84 in the Great Hall. Dark Trio’s performance received a brief review in The Werewolf fanzine. Both Longpig and Dark Paradise were back on 9 June, for the university’s June Jitterbug, with D Fabulous, No Joy, Betrayed, and Asylum Sounds. A week later Hanoi Rocks were supported by Pet Hate, and Asylum Sounds at the venue. The first gig we’ve found for the Autumn Semester in ’84 was on 27 October featuring Shoot! Dispute with Press Any Key, Buddy & the Bloodsuckers, Line Design, and Swivelcorps. We also know that Lifespan performed at the university in December ’84, after which their vocalist left the band.

On 25 January ’85, Clint Eastwood and General Saint were supported by local reggae band Spliff Riff. Northern Irish hard rockers, Mama’s Boys wrapped up the UK leg of their tour promoting their fifth album ‘Power and Passion‘ at the university on 4 May ’85. The prior couple of years of Free Fest had not been overly successful, to the point that there was to be no event in ’85. A number of enthusiasts however had other ideas and independently organize Not The Free Fest, across the 24 and 25 May ’85. On the Friday, 24 May, the Bouncing Czecks performed as part of an initial cabaret night. On 25 May ’85, Holy Durex and two other bands, Fantasy Lies and Swivel Corps, qualified in the afternoon heats of the University of Surrey Student Band Competition to appear at the finale that night. After extended sets both Holy Durex and Fantasy Lies lost out to Swivel Corps, before the evening was headlined by the Geisha Girls. While not winning the competition, Holy Durex did go on to appear at the University’s Blues All-Dayer later in the year. The Blow Monkeys supported Lloyd Cole & The Commotions on 13 October ’85; later in the month Rattlesnake returned to the university, playing in the Lower Bar on 30 October, and Voodoo Child were supported by Steel Bill and The Buffalos on 31 October. The next day Eek-A-Mouse were supported by Spliff Riff in the Main Hall, and Namoza occupied the Lower Bar on 3 November, followed by the Dave Walters Band on 5 November. Ten days later the Miller Family were supported by Function at the university; with Captain Sensible appearing on 20 November. The next month, on 7 December, The Pogues were at the university followed by Inspector Tuppence and the Sexy Firemen, supported Catfish, the next day.

On 26 January ’86, Swivel Corp (it was to be their penultimate gig) and The Larks opened up for The Higsons, at the University of Surrey’s No-Wave Society’s main hall gig. Record Mirror’s gig listing for the day before, 25 January, had The Higsons and The Larks supporting Nick Kershaw at the university. Holy Durex headlined the university’s Rugby Club Drag Disco on 31 January ’86. Later that year Holy Durex performed at the University’s Royal Charter Disco, supporting Bad Manners along with Inspector Tuppence & the Sexy Firemen; with the event starting at 8:00pm on 27 June and ending at 6:30am the following morning. There was reunion gig for Holy Durex at the University, involving the four main members, on 3 July ’86. Shoot! Dispute’s final gig of which we are aware was as headliners for the ‘Dance Your Rocks Night’ at the university on 27 September ’86 with Press Any Key (ex-After The Fire), Buddy & The Bloodsuckers, Line Design, and Swivel Corps. Towards the close of ’86, Cutting Crew were touring to promote their Broadcast LP appearing at the university on 22 November.

On 22 February ’87, Pop Will Eat Itself played the university. A week later, on 1 March ’87, The Stage, who were touring to promote their new single Nothing Stranger Than Today performed in the main hall. Rolling forward the university also hosted The Mighty Lemondrops, supported by Bluetrain, on 9 May ’87. The next month The Christians took to the stage, supported by Danny Wilson, on 13 June ’87. In ’86 Julian Lennon and Yoko Ono agreed that the University of Surrey’s new recording studio be named in memory of John Lennon. By November ’87 it was ready to use and to officially mark its opening and pay tribute to John Lennon the university held a concert in the Main Hall, on 22 November, that featured David Essex and Alvin Stardust, along with Beatles tribute band Cavern, compered by Mike Reid.

On 5 February ’88 The Wild Swans were supported by The Mighty Lemon Drops. On 7 May, The Soup Dragons with Something Happens. The following month, on 30 June, Jo Jo Namoza took to the stage. A month after that on July 30 the Students Union hosted Steel Bill & The Buffaloes, who returned on 29 October. The Jazz Butchers appeared on 30 November,

The next year, Pop Will Eat Itself were on patrol in mid solar spring calling in at the University of Surrey on 12 May ’89. Bonfire Night, 5 November ’89, Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine. A few days later, on 10 November, The House of Love, who had just released their I Don’t Know Why I Love You single appeared at the university. Two days later, on 12 November ’89, Bliss performed in the main hall before trekking over to Cardiff the next night.

On 15 January ’90, Energy Orchard released the debut single ‘Belfast’ and arrived at the University of Surrey on 21 January as part on a national tour to promote it. Rag Week that year was in late February, with the All-Evening Greeny/Blues event, featuring Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band, going down on 24 February. Later in the year, neo-psychedelic rock band Stress visited the university on 17 October ’90, as part of their Beautiful People Tour. The next month, on 12 November, Railroad Earth played the SU Bar and Sammy returned on 1 December to join Yellow Darkness, The Hamsters, Gypsie Fiddler, Big Belief, Ample Cleavage, The Ant Hill Mob, and Dr. Brown on stage.

On 22 June ’91 Surrey Court at the University hosted The Flowerpot Men with Railroad Earth, The Ha Ha Men, Redwood, and Trousershock BC in support. Around the 23 November ’91 the university’s Student Union held a Crab Feast at which The Ant Hill Mob – their final gig of which we are aware -, Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band, Big Belief and Yellow Darkness performed.

On 5 February ’92, Mega City Four headlined at the University of Surrey’s Main Hall, along with Big Boy Tomato, Pretty Green, and Phobia. Trousershock BC supported Railroad Earth on 10 May ’92

Midwest Flower opened for The Outcast Band on 31 January ’93 at the university and returned three days later to do the same for The Amazing Mr. Smith at the USSU Folk Club on campus. A few months later, on 19 June ’93, another local band, Redwood took to the stage. The university’s Student Union’s All-Day Blues event on 19 November ’94 featured Sister Wendy, Wildwood, Eat the Sofa, The Hamsters, Winterfall, and The Bogus Brothers.

On WOB‘s return to the UK we found him supporting Who Moved the Ground?, on 12 May ’96, at the University. Semester One 96’s itinerary began on 22 September with SubCircus, a week later it was David Devant and his Spirit Wife. 6 October saw The John Mizarolli Band take to the main stage in the SU, followed by Salad on 13 October, and My Life Story a week later; Vent 414 closed out the month’s roster on 27 October. The following month opened with Oliver’s Army storming in on 3 November, Wildwood on 10 November, The Egg on 17 November, and University regulars Redwood on 24 November.

Gallery:

Thank you to following for helping us to build a brand new University of Surrey post: Daren Thorpe, Fraser Donachie, Fred Pipes, Fruitier Than Thou, Rob Bamford