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For anyone who vaguely recalls the Woking / GU postcode area music scene.

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  • Big Sun

    Big Sun

    (c’91-’92) Rod Pireira (guitar / vocals), Matthew Wheatley (drums / vocals) and Wil ? (bass vocals).

    Big Sun T-Shirt. Source: Graham Burgess

    Formed by Pireira, lead singer of Frantic, and managed by Sean Connor, who worked at Princes Hall, Aldershot; one of their earliest gigs saw them step in for Railroad Earth at Princes Hall on 1 May ’91 with Trousershock BC and Peachrazor in support. The next month, on 13 June, they entered The Buzz Club‘s Midsummer Madness Band Competition at the West End Centre, Aldershot; where they competed against Frayed Edge, Palmaviolet, Sliver, Who Moved The Ground?, and The Cesspit Rebels. Who made it to and won the final on 22 June is currently lost to the mists of time. More gigs with Trousershock BC followed, including a tense one on a Saturday in North Camp to a bunch of drunk squaddies. Their last local gig we have records for at this time was a headliner at Ragamuffins, Camberley on 6 August ’91. At the end of the year, on 11 December ’91, Big Sun supported The Shapes and Crystal Injection at Butterfly Evolution Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.

    Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release pack. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    During ’91 they released a promo 7″ single [BS 1] on Headfull Records called “Welcome to The Realm of Doctor POP (Pt. 1)” carrying “Toys and Television“, and “Elizabeth“ on the B-side; recorded at Jacob’s Studio, Farnham with Ken Thomas producing and engineering and The Music Room, Churt with Paul Travers producing and engineering. The B-side featured additional backing vocals by Jo Machin and Sean Connor on keyboards.

    Big Sun’s track “Ravachol” was included on Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 in 1992. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    In ’92 “Ravachol” was included on Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2, a track that receive a neutral review by The Gossville Arsonist fanzine standards.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

    B-side of Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single on Headfull Records. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    A-side of Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single on Headfull Records. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    Info sheet from Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release pack. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    Info sheet from Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release pack. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    Sleeve of Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    11 December ’91. Big Sun supported The Shapes and Crystal Injection at Butterfly Evolution Club. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
    The Gossville Arsonist fanzine’s one-line review of Big Sun track from The Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2
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  • The Vinegar Blossom

    The Vinegar Blossom

    (c’89-’92) Paul Maguire (bass), Alan Mansbridge (drums), Dave Driscoll (guitar), Gary Wollen (guitar) and Paul Haskell (vocals).

    The Vinegar Blossom’s first published track was “Quality Seems Totally Foreign…” on the ‘Something’s Burning In Paradise Again…’ shoegaze compilation put out on the Subtle label [Subtle 001] in November ’89. This was a numbered edition, released with an A5, 28-page fanzine, containing a feature page on each of the bands from the tape [Ed – If any one has a copy do send pic of the VB page]. That same year, the You Can’t Be Loved Forever No.2 fanzine came with a compilation cassette compiled by Phil and Malcolm Powell of Angel Talk that carried The Vinegar Blossom’s “Perfection Found In Good Health”.

    The following year, a possibly reworked “Quality Seems Totally Foreign…” appeared on the ‘Instants Of Pleasure’ compilation cassette released on the Blam-A-Bit label [BLAM 001] in 1990 in Germany as “Quality Is Foreign To Me”, for Fleet based The Vinegar Blossom were popular in Germany.

    But, before that The Vinegar Blossom’s second gig saw them supporting The Charlatans at The Buzz Club at the West End Centre, Aldershot. This was also the night that the band had asked Danny Hagan to manage them and The Charlatans asked Vinegar Blossom if they’d support them on a few dates later in the year. On the 29 May the band played the first of three dates with The Charlatans at Portsmouth Polytechnic, the next night they were at the Bierkeller, Bristol and on 1 June they supported at the Nelson Mandela Building, on the University of Sheffield campus. This was also the year they were supposed to support Flowered Up, with Here Comes Jordan, at The Buzz Club on 15 June. Flowered Up cancelled and Eusebio stepped in to headline.

    Sometime in ’91 “Perfection Found in Good Health” was included on the “It’s All About Love” compilation cassette on the Smuf label [SMUF 003]; and later that year – September ’91 – they released “Absence of A Choice”, a 7″ single in Germany on the A Turntable Friend label [TURN 06], having recorded it at Studio Poisson, Crondall, with Patch Hannon, who has also produced Bennet and The Audience, as Engineer. This was backed by “Perfection Found in Good Health” on which Steve Collings played drums.

    A local band night at the Buzz Club saw The Vinegar Blossom take to the stage with Slug, Phobia, The Rachel Papers and Flavour on 4 January ’92. Then on 28 March ’92 the band entered the Echoey Groove Studio at Bracknell Arts Centre and recorded a live demo which included “Don’t Go Raising Your Spirits Around Here”. It’s unclear if this was before or after the Andreas Hering compiled the “Everlasting Happiness” compilation cassette that included the band’s “Solstice”. After spending 16 months compiling the cassette, Hering released it in Germany sometime in ’92.

    Two more compilation inclusions appeared over the years including: The Eleanor Linwood compiled “Out Of The Blue” which included the bands “Virginia Court” and a bio in a 16 page self-styled ‘mini-booklet’ that only came with some of the cassettes [Ed – again any picture of that would be great]. The newest compilation, a six-sided A Turntable Friend retrospective, was released in 2017 in Germany and titled “The Test of Time”, as CD [TURN50CD] and LP [TURN50LP] carrying “Perfection Found In Good Health”.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

    The Vinegar Blossoms are featured on the ‘Out Of The Blue’ cassette fanzine. Source: Tom A Deakin via Mega City Four
    The Vinegar Blossoms “Virginia Court” is 5 on Side Two of the ‘Out Of The Blue’ cassette fanzine. Source: Tom A Deakin via Mega City Four
    15 June 1990: Flowered Up cancelled, but Vinegar Blossom and Here Comes Jordan supported Eusebio instead. Picture courtesy of Andy Mabbutt
    Vinegar Blossom – Everlasting Happiness compilation insert
    Vinegar Blossom on Instant Pleasures compilation 1990
    Vinegar Blossom on You Can’t Be Loved Forever No.2 compilation 1989
    Vinegar Blossom on You Can’t Be Loved Forever No.2 compilation 1989
    13 January 1990 and Vinegar Blossom play The West End Centre. Source: ipernity.com
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  • The Buzz Club

    The Buzz Club
    17 November 1985

    The Buzz Club, organized / promoted by Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan, lasted 7 years, mainly out of The West End Centre, Aldershot, but it started on 17 November 1985 at The Agincourt, Camberley with That Petrol Emotion supported by The Mighty Lemon Drops. This was followed by The Blow Monkeys, also at The Agincourt, with the promoters’ own band Go! Service and Zaz Turned Blue, named after a song from the 1983 Was (Not Was) album ‘Born to Laugh at Tornadoes’, supporting on 1 December. A few months later the headliners were in the charts with ‘Digging Your Scene‘.

    1 December 1985: Buzz Club ticket for The Blow Monkeys. Source: Karen Stratton via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia

    By early December ’85, The West End Centre had become the club’s home, with the first gig there being The June Brides on 7 December, again with Go! Service in support. The next gig, with Terry & Gerry and Inspector Tuppence & The Sexy Firemen moved to The Princes Hall, Aldershot as the heavy snow on the roof of The West End Centre on 16 February ’86 was deemed unsafe. The next month (15 March) the Skiff Skats were booked and The Buzz Club was back at The West End Centre. After a local band night, featuring Screaming Hearts, Inspector Tuppence and the Sexy Firemen, New Tennessee Waltz, and Zaz Turned Blue; The June Brides were back supported by The Dessert Wolves on 24 May. A Certain Ratio played on 14 June then The Pale Fountain in September. The next month Andy White (as seen on Whistle Test) was booked with support by New Tennessee Waltz and local band The Bridge. On 15 November ’86, Steel Bill and the Buffalos, supported by West One, FRA, and Second Balcony Jump, headlined a local band night. They were joined by The Jeremiahs.

    15 November 1986: Flyer for Steel Bill and The Buffaloes supported by West One, FRA, and Second Balcony Jump. Source: West One

    Then ’87 opened with The Brilliant Corners on Saturday 10 January, with Bluetrain (promoters new band) and Second Balcony Jump in support. 7 February bought Mighty Mighty to The West End Centre supported by The Jeremiahs and The Bridge. Primal Scream made their first visit to The Buzz Club, supported by Passmore Sisters and North Of Cornwallis, on the 5 December.

    5 December 1987: Primal Scream, Passmore Sisters, and North of Cornwallis at The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole.

    McCarthy, supported by The Dead Beats and The Aurbisons appeared on 9 January ’88. The Raw Herbs backed out of their 5 March ’88 appearance at Buzz (moving to a June date) and Bluetrain filled their spot. A couple of Brighton bands: Blow Up and 14 Iced Bears come up to Aldershot for the 2 April Buzz. As re-scheduled The Raw Herbs appeared on 4 June supported by Rodney Allen and Poke It With A Stick. On 18 June there was a farewell Buzz Club, as Bluetrain along with the club promoters and band members, Bartlett and Hagan, were off to the states. Along with Bluetrain, The Jeremiahs, Sugar Mountain, Crimplene Explosion, The Aubersons, and The Splendids took to the stage.

    After a short hiatus, for Blue Train’s US sojourn, The Buzz Club returned. On 11 March ’89, Madchester came to Aldershot in the form of The Stone Roses, who had just wrapped up recording, mostly at Battery Studios, London, their debut LP with producer John Leckie. They were ably supported by Jive Turkey and Reading based The Colour Mary. The following month, on 15 April, Morrisey’s ‘favorite band’, Bradford came to Aldershot. Farnborough’s Mega City Four, supported by Senseless Things and The Eclairs, at The Buzz Club on 24 June that year. International Resque’s ‘Butlins or Bust’ tour visited the Buzz Club on 9 September 1989. Then, almost two years after their first appearance, on 21 October ’89, Primal Scream were back with The Ruby Tuesdays and Something Pretty Beautiful in support. Now, If you were a little brassic and couldn’t afford the entry fee into the main Buzz Club you could hang in The West End Centre’s bar and catch recently released band videos and some bands doing acoustic sets on the Jim Jiminee “stage”.

    Fleet based The Vinegar Blossom‘s second gig saw them supporting The Charlatans at The Buzz Club on 13 January ’90. On 16 April ’90, After The Dream and This Witness supported The Deep Season. Two months later, on 15 June, Flowered Up were to be supported by The Vinegar Blossom and Here Comes Jordan. Flowered Up cancelled and Eusebio stepped in to headline at The Buzz Club.

    On 16 February 1991 the Buzz Club saw the Manic Street Preachers headline, supported by Phobia and The Hysterics. Ben Corbett, of Phobia, recalls Manic’s Ritchey Edwards asking if there was a coffee machine backstage. Jumping to 7 June ’91 and the Buzz Club hosted Levitation supported by The Spinning Jennies, and Fabtoo. From the 12 to 15 June ’91, The West End Centre hosted The Buzz Club’s MidSummer Madness qualifying rounds, for the final on 22 June. Four qualifying rounds of the best local bands saw: Hung Inverted, Big Wednesday, My Blue Heaven, Not Just A Pretty Face, and Something Religious competed on 12 June; Frayed Edge, Palmaviolet, Sliver, Who Moved The Ground?, Big Sun, and The Cesspit Rebels on 13 June; Red In Bed, Close Quarters, 33AD, Giant Arc, and Lou Sends on 14 June; and Scorpio Rising, Peachrazor, and Trousershock BC on 15 June. Who made it to and won the final on 22 June is currently lost to the mists of time. The Dylans, who were touring their Stephen Street-produced self-titled debut album, supported by Some Have Fins and Gyroscope, took to the West End Centre’s stage on 19 October ’91. A couple of months after they recorded their one and only Peel Session, Midway Still headlined the Buzz Club on 30 November ’91, with Milk and Apple Creation in support.

    A local band night at The Buzz Club saw Flavour, Slug, Phobia, The Rachel Papers and The Vinegar Blossom take to the stage on 4 January ’92.Local band night on 1 February ’92 saw The Ha Ha Men headline, with support from The River Thieves, Pretty Green and Peachrazor. The cousin of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, Rob and his band mates in Catherine Wheel played the Buzz Club on 14 March ’92, with support provided by Godmachine and The Werefrogs. Another local band night on 9 May ’92 saw The Deep Season supported by Flavour, Giant Arc, and Pomeroy. Adorable, having just released ‘I’l Be Your Saint’ gigged at The Buzz Club on 18 July ’92, when they were supported by local band Mayflower 20. Later in the year, and two days prior to the release of their a second single “Metal Mickey”, which reached number 17 in the charts, Suede headlined the club on 12 September 1992, with support from Arcade and Submarine. The last Buzz Club listing for ’92, that we have found, puts Trousershock BC, Slug, Sunriser and Who Moved The Ground? at the club on 21 November.

    On 30 January ’93 the Buzz Club had Poise and Flavour supporting Cornershop. The next month the club hosted Godmachine on 27 February ’93, supported by Medicine and Rosa Mota, shortly after their single “Home” peaked at No. 65 in the UK Singles Chart in January. On 12 June ’93 Kinky Machine took to the Buzz Club stage, supported by Elastica. Elastica were back on 2 October ’93; the Buzz Club had booked The Afghan Whigs, who reneged and were replaced by San Francisco-based power pop band, The Loud Family. Support on the night was supposed to be provided by Jacob’s Mouse and Poise. While Poise did appear, Jacob’s Mouse also went back on their promises and were replaced by Elastica. The final Buzz Club ran later that year, on 4 December ’93, and Barlett and Hagan’s Poise opened for Shed Seven and headliners Dodgy; just as their band Go! Service, along with Zaz Turned Blue, had opened for The Blow Monkeys, seven years earlier, at The Agincourt, Camberley on 1 December ’85.

    Ed – There will be more to come…

    Further Reading:
    Indie Through The looking Glass – Jo Bartlett’s own post, with fantastic pictures and recordings
    Highways, islands, and Magic Moments, The Jo Bartlett Interview – Malcolm Wyatt’s feature/interview with Jo Bartlett for WriteWyattUK

    Gallery:

    17 November 1985
    The Mighty Lemon Drops at Agincourt
    1 December 1985: Buzz Club flyer for The Blow Monkeys, supported by Go! Services and Zaz Turned Blue held at The Agincourt, Camberley. Source: Karen Stratton via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia
    Jo Bartlett booked The Blow Monkey’s for The Buzz Club, when it was still at The Agincourt. A few months later they were in the charts with ‘Digging Your Scene‘.
    McCarthy, supported by The Dead Beats and The Aurbisons, 9 Jan 1988
    1989 – The Stone Roses supported by Jive Turkey and The Colour Mary and Bradford at The Buzz Club
    24 June 1989: Mega City Four supported by The Eclairs at The Buzz Club…
    24 June 1989: Mega City Four with Senseless Things, and The Eclairs at Buzz Club, Aldershot. Source: Robert Horrocks via Mega City Four
    24 June 1989: Mega City Four with Senseless Things, and The Eclairs at Buzz Club, Aldershot.
    9 September 1989: International Resque hit the Buzz Club, Aldershot. Source: International Resque
    21 October 1989: Primal Scream, The Ruby Tuesdays and Something Pretty Beautiful were at The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    21 October 1989: Ticket for Primal Scream, The Ruby Tuesdays, and Something Pretty Beautiful at The Buzz Club, Wes End Centre, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    13 January 1990
    1990: A number of Buzz Club items on this West End Centre, Aldershot info sheet. Source: Who Moved The Ground?
    15 June 1990: Flowered Up were to be supported by Vinegar Blossom and Here Comes Jordan! Picture courtesy of Andy Mabbutt
    1991
    7 June 1991
    From the 12 to 15 June ’91, The West End Centre hosted The Buzz Club’s MidSummer Madness qualifying rounds. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter
    19 October 1991: The Dylans, supported by Some Have Fins and Gyroscope. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    30 November 1991 – Midway Still headlined, with Milk and Apple Creation in support, at The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    Catherine Wheel played the Buzz Club on 14 Mar 1992.
    14 March 1992: Catherine Wheel played the Buzz Club with Godmachine. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene 
    9 May ’92: The Deep Season supported by Flavour, Giant Arc, and Pomeroy. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene 
    Advert for Adorable’s single listing their gig at The Buzz Club on 18 July ’92, when they were supported by local band Mayflower 20
    12 September 1992: Suede with support from Arcade and Submarine., were at the Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: Alan Bush
    12 September 1992: Suede with support from Arcade and Submarine., were at the Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: Alan Bush
    12 September 1992: Suede with support from Arcade and Submarine., were at the Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    21 November 1992: Trousershock B.C., Slug, Sunriser, and Who Moved The Ground? played the Buzz Club and the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: Who Moved The Ground?
    Buzz Club Access All Areas pass from 16 Jan ’93. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter
    30 January 1993: Cornershop, Poise and Flavour were the Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot.
    27 Feb 1993: Buzz Club hosted The God Machine, supported by Medicine and Rosamota. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    June ’93 NME review of Elastica’s gig at The Buzz Club, at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Elastica were supporting Kinky Machine on tour. Picture courtesy of David Lapage
    2 October 1993: The Afghan Whigs were replaced by San Francisco-based power pop band, The Loud Family, and Jacob’s Mouse were replaced by Elastica. Poise still appeared. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    4 December 1993: Dodgy, Shed 7, and Poise. Source: Indie Through the Looking Glass
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  • J.C. Regulator

    J.C. Regulator

    (c’92-01) Kev Billing (bass), Dick(ie) Earll (drums), and Bruno Skrastins (guitar / vocals).

    3 July 1995: J.C. Regulator playing outside the Princes Hall, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman

    This Aldershot / Farnham band formed in July ’92, as The Johnson County Regulators, a 4 piece comprising: Edwin Barnes (guitar/vocals), Earll, Billing and Skrastins; and rehearsing at The Workhouse Rehearsal Studios, Sebastopol Road, Aldershot. Barnes, who had worked in A&R at Blast First Records in London, wrote all the lyrics, suggested the name shortening, and was a major driving force in this early J.C. Regulator.

    The plan was to utilize Barnes’ network there to secure potential gigs with the labels roster of signed bands. Some dates playing with the American band Band of Susans were thought to be in the offing, so J.C. Regulator booked local gigs to prepare themselves for “the big time”. By the end of the year they had successfully completed two gigs, on the 4 and 30 December at The Fox & Hounds, Fleet and The George, Ash Vale; with Eskimo Shah, respectively. After playing 8 gigs and recording a 3 song demo cassette, it was clear by the Spring of ’93 that the Blast First plan was not going to happen.

    The band were occupying the carpet at The George once again on 26 January ’93, with Wicked Vicar. On 24 April ’93, the band spent the day recording at Washouse Studios, Brighton with Andy Neal (Jah Nellie), returning on 2 May for the mix. But all was not well. Earll wanted to leave and after auditions to find a replacement came up empty, the band folded 2 months after a charity gig at Farnham Art College on 15 May. Then, on 3 July 1995: J.C. Regulator played on the steps outside the Princes Hall, Aldershot.

    J.C. Regulator rehearsing c’92 at Workhouse Rehearsal Studios, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman

    In August, Billing, Earll and Skrastins got together for a jam at The Workhouse and decide to reform. They started writing new material and local promoters suggested they retain the name and so J.C. Regulator was reborn as a 3 piece. They also recommenced rehearsing at the Workhouse. On 30 October ’93 they were back recording at The Washouse, with additional recording on 7 November and vocals on 18 November; then mixing on 29 November.

    “Sold As Seen” demo cassette sleeve. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold

    1994 consisted of steady gigging with the likes of Suck Henry, Who Moved The Ground?, Big Boy Tomato, and Serious Plankton. Their appearance, on 14 April ’94, where they were joined by Redefining Beautiful, in supporting Suck Henry at The Shed, South Hill Park, Bracknell, saw the band described by the reviewer for Wokingham Times as ‘the highlight to my evening’. On 10 July ’94, J.C. Regulator performed at the Woking Raft Race held at Goldsworth Park. They also spent 6 days recording and mixing at their studio of choice, Washouse. The three-piece released the “Sold As Seen” demo cassette EP in early 1995 having recorded all 5 tracks at the Washouse, Brighton with Jah Nellie at the sound desk. The gigging increased across 1995. In April ’95 there was a short, 12-day tour of Germany and Poland with Who Moved The Ground?

    J.C. Regulator’s Bedford Bandwagon / European tour van, somewhere in Poland 1995. Source: Who Moved The Ground?

    Shortly before leaving, the Ford Transit van that was to be used by both groups was trashed in an accident. Billing saved the tour by finding and buying at very short notice a replacement Black and Yellow Bedford. Only Billing, Earll and Skrastins could get insurance at such short notice; so loaded with all seven people, instruments, backline amps and drums the three of them shared the driving of the Bedford. It was a tight fit; but the van was surprisingly good on fuel economy and ran fast and sweetly.

    On 18 April the bands played Leipzig; on 21 April the two bands played Kino Teatr Tecza, Warsaw with Polish crust/punk band Sanctus Iuda; and back for a repeat performance in Leipzig on the 25 April. All was going well until the Bedford Bandwagon’s engine died in the early hours of 27 April, about 8 miles short of the German/Swiss border, en route to Zurich for the final show of the tour. The gig was cancelled and both bands had to head back to the UK in hire cars, arriving home on 29 April. The van meanwhile was taken to a garage and deemed a write-off. The insurance company had it towed back to the UK, where it arrived, with both bands gear on board, two weeks later.

    Bedford Bandwagon breaks down just short of the German/Swiss border in April ’95. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman

    We also know from an Ashamed & Bored fanzine review that they supported Satellite Beach with DC Rhino at Aldershot’s West End Centre, pumping out “songs which had a throttled pop edge” with Bruno’s voice described as “cool…a distinctive, throaty garble.” The band’s track “Go For It” appeared on the B-side of Farnborough Groove Strikes Back (Vol.5) in ’95 and they appeared again in ’96 with “Paradise Found” on the A-side of The Best Farnborough Groove in the World – Ever! (Vol.6). Earll left the band in ’96 and was replaced by Adrian Pringle, but we are uncertain if that was before a headline spot, reviewed in the Gerfump! fanzine, back at The West End Centre on 22 March ’96, with Headnoise and Sandwhich Box in support, where they knocked out “New Horizons” and “Nice Try Julie” as part of their set. The night before they had played South Hill Park, Bracknell supporting Elevate, who were fresh from supporting The Flaming Lips and Papas Fritas. Later in the year, On 23 November ’96, J.C. Regulator performed at Farnham ’96; this one-day festival was presented by Shed Club and Bluefire/Snakebite City. and included Dweeb, Posh, Supermodel, Chuck, Inter, Redwood, The Hairy Things, The Bigger God, Pharmacy, PA Skinny, Twister, Avalanche and Snowball. The band were back in a supporting role again, on 10 October ’97, at The West End Centre, Aldershot, this time for Animals That Swim and Twister. The band closed out with an appearance at the Snakebite City New Years Eve Party, with Ex Boyfriends, Inter, Cornered, and Breaker.

    The bands’ cover of “Leaving on a Jetplane” was published on Bluefire Records’ “Snakebite’s Coming Home” compilation (released between volumes 8 & 9 of Snakebite City). In 1998, the German Meller Welle Produkte label put out a compilation CD titled ’25 – A Silver Jubilee’ [MEL 25] that included J,C. Regulator’s “There’s Always One”. In late ’98 the band went into hiatus; reconvening in ’99 with Paul Mackenzie on drums this time. Towards the end of the year, they spent several weekends recording in Studio 125 in Burgess Hill, Sussex. The result was the recording of a 16 track LP, titled “The Wyoming Cattle Wars (and other short stories)”. The album was never released, as the members work/life commitments forced the band into on/off intermissions.

    A couple tracks from these sessions did appear on Farnborough Groove and Snakebite City. “Barry & Cody Live in Leeds”, Vis The Spoon’s debut poetry album, featured a specially commissioned electronic reworking of a J.C. Regulator track from the Snakebite City compilations. The band reappeared on Farnborough Groove Vol.9 with “Mandy” in 2001. While their songs appeared on these compilations their gigging continued until 2001 with regular appearance at the West End Centre and Shed Club.

    J.C. Regulator c2002. Photo by Pete Cole and here courtesy of Bruno Bannerman

    In January 2002, the band got together with original drummer Earll and new recruit Patrick James Sullivan on lead guitar. Sullivan, a veteran of Soundscene area bands including West One, Blue Velvet, Ghandarva and others, was was a highly competent and technical guitarist and added significantly to J.C. Regulators’ sound. On 13 April, the new line up played their debut gig together supporting Vex Red with Mindwire and others at The Big Day In at the Civic Hall, Guildford.

    On the 13 April 2002 a reformed J.C. Regulator supported Vex Red with Mindwire and others at The Big Day In at the Civic Hall, Guildford.

    A few weeks later the band gave what was reportedly one of their best ever performances, playing a support slot at The Verge, Camden. That same year there was to be a 4-track vinyl EP (Ed – we can’t find it) and they were organizing the Bucket & Spade Experience tour. However, just as things began to look up, work and life got in the way again and the band broke up one final time.

    Skrastins had been in The F1-11s before J.C. Regulator.

    Tracks:

    https://soundcloud.com/wokingsoundscene/go-for-it-jc-regulator
    https://soundcloud.com/wokingsoundscene/mandy-jc-regulator
    https://soundcloud.com/wokingsoundscene/new-horizons-jc-regulator
    https://soundcloud.com/wokingsoundscene/paradise-found-jc-regulator
    https://soundcloud.com/wokingsoundscene/sometimes
    https://soundcloud.com/wokingsoundscene/theres-always-one-jc-regulator

    Gallery:

    14 April 1994: Review of Suck Henry, Redefining Beautiful, and J.C. Regulator from Wokingham News 5 May 1994 issue. Image courtesy of Matt Harding.
    10 July 1994: J.C. Regulator performing at the Woking Raft Race, Goldsworth Park. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    JC Regulator c’94. L to R: Dick Earll, Bruno Skrastins, and Kev Billing. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator and Who Moved The Ground?’s Bedford Bandwagon outside the Leipzig venue where they played on the 18 and 25 April ’95. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    21 April 1995: Who Moved The Ground? and J.C. Regulator played Kino Teatr Tecza, Warsaw, Poland as part of a short tour of Germany and Poland. Source: Who Moved The Ground?
    21 April 1995: Who Moved The Ground? and J.C. Regulator played Kino Teatr Tecza, Warsaw, Poland as part of a short tour of Germany and Poland. Source: Who Moved The Ground?
    J.C. Regulator’s Earll, doing a stint driving the Bedford Bandwagon April ’95 on the first early morning shift based on the state of the Mohawk. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator’s “Go For It” appeared on the B-side of Farnborough Groove Strikes Back (Vol.5) in ’95
    Review of JC Regulator gig at the West End Centre, Aldershot on 22 March 96, in Gerfump fanzine. Picture courtesy of The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    In ’96 J.C. Regulator’s “Paradise Found” was on the A-side of The Best Farnborough Groove in the World – Ever!; Vol.6
    23 November 1996: Flyer for Farnham ’96 presented by Shed Club and Bluefire/Snakebite City. JC Regulator performed at this one-day festival. Source: Sarah Drover via Inter
    23 November 1996: Flyer for Farnham ’96 presented by Shed Club and Bluefire/Snakebite City. JC Regulator performed at this one-day festival. Source: Sarah Drover via Inter
    J.C Regulator appeared at the Snakebite City New Years Eve Party, with Ex Boyfriends, Inter, Cornered, and Breaker in 1996? (Need to confirm date). Picture courtesy of Simon McCormack
    10 October 1997: J.C. Regulator are supporting Animals That Swim and Twister.
    From 13 April 2002’s The Big Day out ‘brochure’. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    J.C. Regulator’s “Mandy” appeared on Farnborough Groove; Vol.9
    The bands cover of “Leaving on a Jetplane” was published on Bluefire Records’ “Snakebite’s Coming Home” compilation.
    A specially commissioned electronic reworking of a J.C. Regulator track, from the Snakebite City compilations, appeared backing a poem on Vis The Spoon‘s debut poetry album “Barry & Cody Live in Leeds”
    J.C. Regulator at The Workhouse, Aldershot. Photo by Dirty Dave and here courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator at The Workhouse, Aldershot. Photo by Dirty Dave and here courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator at The Workhouse, Aldershot. Photo by Dirty Dave and here courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator’s Barnes. Photo by Nick Higgins and here courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator’s Barnes. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    J.C. Regulator’s Adrian Pringle c’96/’97. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
    In 1998, the German Meller Welle Produkte label put out a compilation CD titled ’25 – A Silver Jubilee’ [MEL 25] that included J,C. Regulator’s “There’s Always One”.
    J.C. Regulator’s Paul Mackenzie c’99. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
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  • The 1991 Gig List

    The 1991 Gig List

    What follows is a list of gigs, with images of tickets, adverts and flyers where possible, either at GU postcode venues or featuring bands, listed in bold, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene in 1991:

    January 3
    The Cricketers, Westfield: The Ha Ha Men

    January 5
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Touch

    January 6
    Flicks, Guildford: The Ant Hill Mob

    January 8
    The George, Ash Vale: Backlash w/ Big Wednesday

    January 15
    The George, Ash Vale: Killing Faith w/ Warp Spasm (billed as The Funeral, this was Killing Faith’s last gig)

    January 16
    The Grey Horse. Kingston: Backlash w/ Big Wednesday, and The Staggerance
    The George, Ash Vale: Explodehead

    January 17
    The Grey Horse, Kingston: Big Wednesday w/ Backlash, and Staggerance

    January 18
    Labour Hall, Cove: Who Moved the Ground?

    January 25
    Rumble Club, Tunbridge Wells: Who Moved the Ground?

    January 30
    The Royal Standard, Walthamstow: Spin Doctors w/ Backlash

    January 31
    Art College, Farnham: Signet Rings w/ Peachrazor

    February 1
    Mean Fiddler, Harlesdon: Captain Sensible w/ Yellow Darkness
    The Cricketers, Westfield: The 68 Floods
    The White Lyon, Worplesdon: The Ant Hill Mob
    The George, Ash Vale: Touch

    February 2
    The George, Ash Vale: Said & Done
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Sweet Life
    Student Union Bar, Technical College, Farnborough: Slug w/ Explodehead

    February 3
    The George, Ash Vale: Midnight Blue

    February 4
    The George, Ash Vale: (Strawberry) Jam

    February 5
    The George, Ash Vale: Hung Inverted

    February 6
    The George, Ash Vale: Electric Icecream Productions

    February 7
    The Attic Club, London: Backlash
    Technical College, Farnborough: Who Moved the Ground? w/ The Becketts
    The George, Ash Vale: The Press

    February 9
    The Four Horseshoes, Camberley: Explodehead

    February 15
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Staggerance
    Marquee, London: Ruff, Ruff, And Ready w/ Back to the Planet, and Gallon Drunk
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Brain Language w/Big Wednesday

    February 16
    Buzz Club, The West End Centre, Aldershot: The Manic Street Preachers w/ Phobia and The Hysterics

    February 19
    Officer’s Club, Aldershot: Who Moved The Ground?

    February 20
    The George, Ash Vale: Explodehead

    February 23
    Half Moon, Herne Hill: Mamma Lukes w/ Zebedee Said, and Backlash

    February 25
    The Old Trout, Windsor: The Stranglers

    February 26
    Dingwalls, Camden: X-It w/ Newspeak, and Big Truth

    26 February 1991: Gig flyer. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle

    February 27
    The George Robey, Finsbury Park: Backlash w/ The Clockwatchers, Save Our City, and Native Son

    March 2
    Marquee, London: Boss Hog w/ God, and Gallon Drunk

    March 8
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: The Deep Season

    March 9
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Goldwater
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Milk w/ Thule, and Slug

    March 15
    The Compasses, Egham: Who Moved The Ground? w/ The Price

    March 16
    “Pop Club”, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Backlash w/ Treacle

    March 20
    The George, Ash Vale: Backlash w/ Big Wednesday

    March 22
    Buzz Club, The West End Centre, Aldershot: The Ruthless Rap Assassins

    March 23
    Buzz Club, The West End Centre, Aldershot: The Deep Season, w/ Who Moved The Ground?, The Cygnet Rings and Cow

    March 27
    The George, Ash Vale: Trousershock B.C.

    April 1
    The George, Ash Vale: Cesspit Rebels w/ Who Moved The Ground? (playing as The Creeks)

    April 2
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet w/ Sad Town

    April 3
    Officer’s Club, Aldershot: Who Moved The Ground?

    April 6
    The Cricketers, Westfield: X-It w/ Backlash (playing as The Laidback Brothers)

    April 9
    Paradise Club, Islington: Trousershock B.C.

    April 11
    The White Lyon, Worplesdon: The Ant Hill Mob
    The George , Ash Vale: FLR
    The Lion Brewery, Ash: Cold Sweat
    The Three Lions, Farncombe: Maid In England
    The Cricketers, Westfield: The Big Picture

    April 12
    St. Andrews, Goldsworth Park: Garth Hewitt
    The Ash Vale Hotel, Ash Vale: Brian Ranson
    The Lion Brewery, Ash: Time Square
    The Cricketers, Westfield: 94 In The Shade
    The George, Ash Vale: Slug w/ Trousershock BC

    April 13
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Explodehead
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Fat and Frantic
    The Lakeside Club, Frimley: Johnny Cash
    The George, Ash Vale: Warp Spasm w/ Diseased Deceased
    The Lion Brewery, Ash: Replay
    Flicks, Guildford: New Dimension

    April 14
    White Hart, Frimley: Electric IceCream Productions
    The Astolat, Guildford: The Ant Hill Mob
    The George, Ash Vale: The Press

    April 15
    The Cricketers, Wrecclesham: Rick Christian
    The George, Ash Vale: Pomeroy

    April 16
    Raggamuffins, Camberley: Slug
    The Fox & Hounds, Fleet: Country Hazard
    The George, Ash Vale: Vicious Affair
    The Rat’s Castle, Guildford: Lou Taylor
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Paul Weller

    April 17
    The Granby Tavern, Reading: After The Dream
    The George, Ash Vale: Static Erratic
    The Old Trout, Windsor: Something Religious w/ The Ha Ha Men, and Big Wednesday

    17 April 1991. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut

    April 18
    Technical College, Farnborough: Blue Velvet w/ Pretty Green
    Flicks, Guildford: Maid In England
    The George, Ash Vale: Taste 18
    The Lion Brewery, Ash: Final Word
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Hung Inverted

    April 20
    Flicks, Guildford: Big Town Playboys w/ Wildfire

    20 April 1991: Big Town Playboys, supported by Wildfire, were at Flicks. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    April 22
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, London: Who Moved The Ground?

    April 26
    Flicks, Guildford: Rockit Men

    26 April 1991: Rockit Men were at, the old cinema, Flicks, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    April 27
    Fox and Hounds, Fleet: Blue Velvet w/ Pretty Green, and Backlash

    April 30
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet

    May 1
    Princes Hall, Aldershot: Big Sun w/ Trousershock B.C. and Peachrazor

    1 May 1991: Big Sun replaced Rail Road Earth. Source: chewtonia.com
    1 May 1991: Big Sun replaced Rail Road Earth. Source: chewtonia.com

    May 3
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Warp Spasm w/ Severence, The Mourning After, and Asteroth

    May 13
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet

    May 15
    The Wheatsheaf, Farnham: Blue Velvet
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Who Moved the Ground?
    Broadway Boulevard, Ealing: Slug w/ Trousershock BC

    May 18
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Goldwater
    Four Horseshoes, Camberley: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Thieves Of Dreams

    May 21
    The George, Ash Vale: Who Moved the Ground?

    May 30
    Lemon Grove, Exeter: Mega City Four w/ Jamdown, The Love Children, and Blenderhead

    June 3
    Flicks, Guildford: Manfred Mann’s Earthband w/ Wildfire

    3 June 1991: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, supported by Wildfire, were at Flicks. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    June 4
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Backlash

    June 7
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Levitation w/ The Spinning Jennies, and Fabtoo

    June 8
    The George, Ash Vale: Slug w/ The Cesspit Rebels

    June 12
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet
    Powerhaus, London: The Family Cat w/ Gallon Drunk, and The Seers
    Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Hung Inverted, Not Just A Pretty Face, Big Wednesday, Something Religious and My Blue Heaven

    12 June 1991. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut

    June 13
    The Underworld, London: Frank Tovey w/ Fad Gadget, Gallon Drunk, and Moonshake
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Parma Violet w/ Frayed Edge, Sliver, Big Sun, Who Moved The Ground?, and The Cesspit Rebels

    Picture courtesy of Chewtonia
    Picture courtesy of Chewtonia
    From the 12 to 15 June ’91, The West End Centre hosted The Buzz Club’s MidSummer Madness qualifying rounds. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter

    June 15
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Scorpio Rising w/ Trousershock B.C., and Peachrazor

    Picture courtesy of Chewtonia

    June 16
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Thieves of Dreams

    June 19
    The Wheatsheaf, Aldershot: Who Moved The Ground?

    June 20
    The Falcon, Camden: Moonshake w/ Slug


    June 22
    Surrey Court, University of Surrey, Guildford: The Flowerpot Men w/ Railroad Earth, The Ha Ha Men, Redwood, and Trousershock BC

    Surrey University, Surrey Court Fun Fest ’91 advert from Barefacts 21 June 1991.

    June 23
    Summer Blues Bonanza Festival, Maltings, Farnham: Hot Club Plus Friends w/ The Hamsters, The Gutter Brothers, Mick Pini Band, Buick 6, Root Doctors, The Poorboys, Angelina & The Corn Babies, and The Ant Hill Mob

    June 28
    Mean Fiddler, Harlesden: Gallon Drunk

    June 29
    Borderline, London: Gallon Drunk

    June 30
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Thieves of Dreams

    July 1
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Who Moved The Ground? w/ Devoid and The Cane Toads

    July 3
    The North Camp, Farnborough: Blue Velvet w/ The Dragonflys

    July 5
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: The Deep Season w/ The Blue Birds, and The Ammonites

    July 14
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Thieves of Dreams

    July 17
    The North Camp, Farnborough: Who Moved the Ground?

    July 21
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet w/ Thieves of Dreams

    July 23
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet w/ The Boogiemen

    July 24
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Who Moved the Ground?

    July 26
    The Royal Oak, Passfield: Old Boy Network
    The George, Ash Vale: Close Quarters
    Lion Brewery, Ash: The Press
    The Compasses Inn, Gomshall: Jinn House
    Flicks, Guildford: Yellow Darkness w/ Rocket Men
    Three Lions, Farncombe: If 6 was 9

    July 27
    Union Building, Aldershot: Who Moved the Ground?
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Thrilled Skinny w/ The Galley Slaves, and Loaded

    July 28
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Thieves of Dreams

    July 29
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Shelley’s Children w/ The Price, and Phobia

    July 31
    The Old Trout, Windsor: Who Moved The Ground? w/ Never Before

    August 2
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Blue Velvet

    August 3
    The Cube, Ragamuffins, Camberley: Big Wednesday

    August 5
    The George, Ash Vale: Who Moved the Ground? w/ The Price

    August 7
    The Joiners Arms, Southampton: Who Moved the Ground? w/ One Dead Hunter, and Fruit

    August 9
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Warp Spasm

    August 10
    Four Horseshoes, Camberley: Blue Velvet
    The Cube, Ragamuffins, Camberley: Phobia

    August 13
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Backlash

    August 18
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Thieves of Dreams

    August 20
    The Cube, Ragamuffins, Camberley: Slug

    August 21
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Who Moved the Ground?
    The George, Ash Vale: Split Level

    August 22
    The Venue, Hindhead: Warp Spasm w/ Backlash

    August 24
    The George. Ash Vale: Inner X w/ Christ!

    August 27
    The Abinger Arms, Abinger: Nightshift

    August 28
    The George, Ash Vale: Slug w/ I Was A Tucker Jenkins Fan

    August 30
    British Legion, Fleet: Blue Velvet w/ Just for Kicks

    September 2
    Flicks, Guildford: Ozric Tentacles w/ The Flowerpot Men

    September 3
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet

    September 5
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Girls on Dextrose

    September 7
    The Railway Inn, Winchester: Who Moved the Ground?

    September 8
    The Venue, Hindhead: Big Wednesday w/ Backlash

    September 13
    The Compasses Inn, Gomshall: Nightshift

    September 16
    Pop Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Beneficial Gene w/ Who Moved the Ground? and Ground Swell

    September 17
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Blue Velvet

    September 21
    University of Manchester, Manchester: Who Moved the Ground?

    September 25
    Arts Centre, Salisbury: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Space Angels

    September 26
    Technical College, Farnborough: PJ Harvey

    September 28
    The Fountain, Deptford: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Splat

    September 29
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Thieves of Dreams

    September 30
    Pop Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Big Boy Tomato w/ Phobia and Plop

    October 4
    The George, Ash Vale: Backlash w/ Tumbleweed
    Pop Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: The Deep Season w/ Sugar House and Sweet Life

    October 6
    The Agincourt, Camberley: Thousand Yard Stare w/ Backlash

    October 7
    Municipal Hall, Colne: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk, and Nature Things

    October 8
    The Venue, Hindhead: Blue Velvet
    The George, Ash Vale: Backlash w/ Girls on Dextrose
    Irish Centre, Northampton: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 9
    Powys Square Tabernacle. London: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk, and Stereolab

    October 11
    The Mojo Club, The Cleveland, London: Thieves of Dreams

    October 13
    Army & Navy, Aldershot: Blue Velvet w/ Thieves of Dreams

    October 14
    The Escape Club, Southampton: Who Moved the Ground? w/ One Dead Hunter

    October 19
    The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: The Dylans w/ Some Have Fins and Gyroscope

    19 October 1991: The Dylans, supported by Some Have Fins and Gyroscope, appeared at the Buzz Club, West End Centre. Aldershot. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene

    October 21
    Bradford University, Queensbury: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 22
    Mayfair, Glasgow: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 23
    UMIST, Manchester: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 24
    Officers Club, Aldershot: Who Moved the Ground?
    The Richmond, Brighton: Backlash w/ Ever
    Sheffield University, Sheffield: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 25
    Essex University, Colchester: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 26
    Four Horseshoes, Camberley: Blue Velvet
    The Royal Oak, Passfield: Nightshift
    Junction, Cambridge: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 27
    Bierkeller, Bristol: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk


    The George, Ash Vale: Slug

    October 28
    Fox’s, Wolverhampton: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk

    October 29
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Blue Rider w/ Yellow Darkness, and The Gift

    Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth: Lush w/ Gallon Drunk, and Passing Clouds

    October 30
    T.J’s, Newport: Blue Velvet

    November 6
    Princes Hall, Aldershot: Slug w/ Who Moved the Ground?

    Source: Who Moved The Ground?

    November 9
    The Fighting Cocks, Bagshot: Thieves of Dreams w/ Blue Velvet

    November 12
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, London: Who Moved The Ground?
    The Old Trout, Windsor: Hate Syndicate w/ Big Wednesday, and The Rileys

    November 14
    The George, Ash Vale: Blue Velvet

    November 15
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Staggerance
    Dover Castle, London: Thieves of Dreams

    November 22
    Art College, Farnham: Who Moved The Ground? w/ Thieves Of Dreams
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Ludicrous Lollipops w/ The Revs, and Phobia

    November 30
    The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Midway Still w/ Milk, and Apple Creation

    30 November 1991 – Midway Still headlined, with Milk and Apple Creation in support, at The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene

    December 4
    Old Fire Station, Oxford: Blue Velvet

    December 7
    The Maltings, Farnham: Dr, Feelgood
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: The Direction w/ The Armitage Shanks, and Who Moved the Ground?

    December 11
    Butterfly Evolution Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: The Shapes w/ Crystal Injection, and Big Sun

    December 13
    Rumble Club, Tunbridge Wells: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Walk On Water

    December 14
    Granby Tavern, Reading: Blue Velvet

    December 15
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Bleach w/ Trousershock B.C., and The Frogs

    December 16
    The Venue, Hindhead: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Peach Razor, and Splat

    December 17
    Leadmill, Sheffield: Mega City Four w/ Equations, Midway Still, and Dr Phibes and the House of Wax George, Ash Vale: Slug w/ Trousershock B.C.

    December 20
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash

    December 21
    The Railway Inn, Winchester: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Splat
    Philipshalle, Dusseldorf, Germany: New Model Army w/ Mega City Four

    December 23
    The George, Ash Vale: Who Moved the Ground? w/ Splat
    The Cube’s Xmas Do, Ragamuffins, Camberley: Trousershock B.C. w/ Backlash

    December 30
    Rock Garden, Covent Garden: Who Moved the Ground?

    December 31
    Royal Oak, Hollywater: Captain Pike

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  • Kalibre

    Kalibre

    (c’84-’86) John Rice (vocals / guitar), Kevin Procter (bass), and Phil Ekins (drums).

    This Godalming based three piece rock band started out as Caliber 360, which was soon shortened and updated to Kalibre. Ekins decided to depart and Procter moved across to drums, which he preferred to bass, and vocals. An ad in the local paper for a bass player got the attention of Nick ‘H’ Potter who joined the lineup. He’d actually been a school friend of Procter, but they had lost touch in the intervening time. The band were also joined, although he never made a live appearance with the combo, by rhythm guitarist Graham Nunn for a brief period.

    Kalibre at Catch 44 Studios, Godalming. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter

    They rehearsed in the small studio space of Catch 44 Studios, Godalming and recall meeting Liza Goddard, the wife of Alvin Stardust who also used Catch 44 Studios facilities at the time, on a couple of occasions at the studio. The band also used a rehearsal studio in Reading a couple of times, which may have been owned by Larry Miller’s manager at the time.

    The band recorded a EP demo cassette of original material at the Catch 44 Studios. The demo did the rounds of local venues, securing a number of bookings. A copy was also sent to national press and Melody Maker printed a review that included the line ‘masturbatory lyrics and guitar’.

    The band played around the local Godalming / Guildford area, and into Aldershot and further afield occasionally. Kalibre’s live set list consisted of mostly original material, but also included a few covers such as Hendrix’s ‘Foxy Lady’, ‘Somebody’ by Bryan Adams and rock band staples like of ‘Johnny B Goode’. On 24 February ’84, Kalibre supported local alternative dance / funk band Zugang, along with Cow, at a charity gig for the Red Cross, held at the Borough Hall, Godalming. The following month, on 17 March ’84, Kalibre opened for Station 360 at The Royal, Guildford. Later in the year; Rice, who had been part of the road crew for The Larry Miller Band for some years – there is a credit to Rice on the back of Larry’s first album, ‘Right, Chaps’ – managed to secure Kalibre a support slot at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford on 10 August ’84. As the band held the note at the end of ‘Johnny B Goode’, Procter ran around from behind the drums and took a photo of the audience (below).

    10 August ’84: An unsuspecting Wooden Bridge audience at Kalibre’s Larry Miller support. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter

    In April ’85, Kalibre embarked on the ‘Load n’ Live’ tour encompassing numerous local venues, including The Cranley Hotel, Cranleigh on 5 April ’85 and fifteen days later The Cannon, Guildford.

    5 April 1985: Kalibre play The Cranley Hotel, Cranleigh. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter

    The exact circumstances of the bands demise are lost to the mists of time. Rice continued to played guitar. Potter reportedly was taking a musical degree at the University of Surrey, Guildford. Procter played bass in a number of bands on and off, culminating in gigs at Liverpool’s ‘Cavern Club’ and the recording of an album in 2019 and continues to write with a friend for a local band, or just for pleasure.

    Gallery:

    10 August ’84: Kalibre outside The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter
    24 February 1984: Charity gig covered in local paper, featured Zugang, Kalibre and Cow. Picture courtesy of Kevin Phillips
    20 April 1985: Kalibre play The Cannon, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter
    Kalibre ‘Loud ‘n’ Live’ tour 1985 badge. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter
    17 March 1984: Kalibre supported Station 360 at The Royal, Guildford.
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  • Circus

    Circus

    (c’67-’69) Alan Bunn (drums), Kirk Riddle (bass / guitar), Phillip Goodhand-Tait (keyboard / vocals), Ian Jelfs (guitar) and Mel Collins (flute / sax).

    In September 1967, The Stormsville Shakers renamed, becoming Circus. They released the Mike D’Abo produced single “Gone Are The Songs of Yesterday” on Parlephone Records [R5633] on the 8 September ’67 as Circus, with David Sherrington providing extra sax, followed by a gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford the next day; before a short tour of Northern Ireland and Scotland. The band entered Dick James Studio, London before the month end, recording “Love Was In Her Eyes”, “Where Shall We Go” and “A Day Without Love”. The heavy gig schedule continued including Guildford on 28 October and 23 December at The Stoke Hotel, Guildford and Godalming on 18 December; interrupted only by studio time at EMI Studios, London on 8 and 15 November, laying down “House of Wood” and “Do You Dream”. A few days later on November 22 they were at Romanos, Belfast supporting The Foundations, along with Interns, and Taste.

    1968 kicked off with time at R.G. Jones Studio, Morden followed by a relatively light January gig schedule for the band. February continued the same way including a date at Guildford’s Civic Hall on 10 February, and a Melody Maker review. On 8 March the “Do The Dream” single, back by “House of Wood”, again produced by Mike D’Abo, was released on Parlophone Records [R5672] four months after their recording. In March, Circus spent 3 days recording back at R.G Jones, Morden; returning again on 3 April. All the time the steady gigging didn’t stop, with appearances at Agincourt Ballroom, Camberley on 6 April and the Civic Hall, Guildford on 20 April in the mix. April also saw Circus at BBC 7 recording for The John Peel Show to be broadcast the next day, closing out the month with another day at R.G. Jones Studio, where they were again on 19 June and 27 August. Another appearance at the Civic Hall on 6 May featured in the gigging that continued through to early November, as well as Anchor Inn, Godalming on 21 June, and Atalanta Ballroom, Woking on 16 July, supporting The Equals.

    During these early years Bob Wiles was one of their roadies and recalls supporting Taste in Belfast. After Circus’ set, the MC, in a thick Irish brogue, introduces the headliners with “Now, here’s our answer – Taste”. According to Wiles they were outstanding! Circus’ “Gone Are the Songs of Yesterday”, written by Goodhand-Tait, came to the attention of The Love Affair and it was chosen as the B-side of their “Everlasting Love” release. The single was a huge success and Goodhand-Tait decided to leave Circus on 1 January ’69 to launch his solo singer/songwriter career, and Jelfs picked up vocals. Circus continue by supporting The Who at a London School of Economics (LSE) Benefit Concert on 23 February ’69, an event rescheduled from 9 February, along with Cat Stevens, Pete Brown’s Battered Ornaments, and Occasional Word Ensemble at The Roundhouse, London; and in April they began a residency at The Marquee, organized by The Marquee’s manager, John Gee.

    The Marquee residency saw them supporting Emanon, aka Manfred Mann, on 13 May ’69 and Jon Hiseman’s Colosseum on the 26 May ’69. A few months later they gained representation from The Paragon Agency and the group’s popularity came to the attention of Transatlantic Records who signed the group to the label. Two weeks prior to recording for Tranatlantic drummer Bunn decided to leave and was replaced by ex-Rey Anton and The Pro Form’s Chris Burrows. The new line-up entered Morgan Studios with ex-Nirvana guitarist Ray Singer as producer. On 28 September Circus’ eponymously titled LP was released on Transatlantic Records [TRA 207], having been engineered by Andy Johns.

    Front cover of Circus’ only LP

    This LP’s cover had been shot in the early morning at Hayling Island with group member Bunn before he had departed. The bands only album it has subsequently been reissued 10 times. Collins had written “Pleasures of a Lifetime” for the album and requested his father’s participation in the album. Derek Collins, who’d just finished a session with the Top of the Pops Orchestra at the BBC, ended up contributing an uncredited alto flute backing on “Pleasures of a Lifetime”.

    Circus retired to a cottage in the country to work on a follow-up. Their debut included a number of covers and the group were expected to produce all original material for the second, and Collins and Jelfs began songwriting. The group spent a couple of days in a studio but the sessions did not pan out.

    Collins joined King Crimson in early 1970, leading to the end of the band. Riddle later formed The Train Set and then joined the Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days Band, and Fugitives in the ’90s. He regreatably passed away on the 14 November 2017. Burrows began following Buddhism in ’69 and was ordained as a Zen monk in ’83. He now teaches Buddhism and Zen drumming. Jelfs joined French progressive rock band Alice, then French band’s M.O.T.U.S and Mama Joe’s Connection.

    In 2009 Span TV released “When Circus Came to Stormsville 1969”, a collection of recordings made in 1967.

    Gallery:

    Cover of 2009 release of songs recorded in ’67.
    Back cover of Circus’s only LP
    Circus’ “Do You Dream”
    Circus’ “Gone Are THe Songs of Yesterday”. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records.
    13 May 1969: Circus support Emanon at the Marquee, London
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  • Big House

    Big House

    (c’86-’88) Tony Taylor (guitar / percussion / vocals), Rob Varley (guitar) “Jacko” (bass) and Jem French (drums / vocals).

    Camberley based Big House released the ‘Get Wise’ demo tape in 1986, featuring “Get Wise”, “Tonight Tonight” and “Sooner or Later”, which they had co-produced with Chris Broderick in Reading. On 19 July ’86 the band joined West One and Steve Mann at St. Marks Hall, North Camp, and couple of years later, on 3 June ’88, Big House, along with State of the Art and LTD were part of a new bands night at The Tunnel Club. London.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

    Big House’s Get Wise Tape Sleeve. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold.
    19 July 1986: West One, Steve Mann, and Big House played St. Marks Hall, North Camp. Source: West One
    19 July 1986: West One, Steve Mann, and Big House played St. Marks Hall, North Camp. Source: West One
    Advert from NME’s 4 June 1988 issue. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

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  • Odeon, Guildford

    Odeon, Guildford

    Located on the corner of Epsom Road and Jenner Road, The Odeon, Guildford opened on 13th May 1935, with 1,145 seats in the stalls and 478 in the circle.

    In the early to mid-60’s it grew in prominence as a music venue, only to be superseded by the Civic Hall, Guildford. In the mid/late ’50s it hosted Big Band Jazz and the next decade saw the Odeon play host to many of the Larry Parnes’ Package Shows and others featuring the likes of Marty Wilde, Tommy Steele, Duffy Power; and Georgie Fame.

    On 6 March ’55, Jack Parnell and His Orchestra, with Dennis Hale and Irene Miller were at Odeon and later that year, on 11 September, Ted Heath and his Music was the feature. The Eduard Eady Collection contains a program for 8 April 1956 featuring The Ronnie Scott Orchestra with Tony Crombie and Joey Burnett along with Janie Marden, Robert Earl and Desmond Lane at Odeon, Guildford. A few weeks later on 28 April ’56 Chris Barber’s Jazz Band were at the Odeon Guildford with Ottili Patterson, with Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group in the afternoon and The Eric Delaney Band in the evening. In January and February ’58, Jack Good produced The Six-Five Stage Show, a spin-off live show from The 6.5 Special, which toured the UK, promoted by Harold Fielding. The shows featured performers were joined by a different “local skiffle group” in each venue. Terry Dene visited on 24 November ’57 with The Dene-Aces and Ronnie Aldrich & The Squadronaires. He and The Dene-Aces returned on 16 February ’58 thanks to the 6.5 Special which also presented the Worried Men Skiffle Group, Les Hobeaux Skiffle Group, The Cossacks, Terry Kennedy and his Sidemen, and Wee Willie Harris to Guildford. Jerry Lee Lewis was scheduled to wrap up a UK tour at the Odeon Guildford on 29 June ’58, however bigamy and the age of his new bride didn’t sit well with British audiences and he returned to the US early. He was replaced by the Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group and Terry Wayne.

    16 Feb 1958: Odeon, Guildford. Source: David Simpson via Cinema Treasures

    Jimmy Tarbuck compered The Cliff Richard Show on n 11 January ’59; at which Richard was backed by The Drifters (who’d rename themselves The Shadows in July ’59), and supported by Joy & Dave Adams, Mike Preston, Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys, and Johns and Kennedy. Richard returned to the Odeon on 15 March ’59, again backed by The Drifters, and accompanied by the Four Jones Boys, Daley & Wayne, Betty Smith Quintet, and Chas McDevitt & The Freight Train Boys with Shirley Douglas. He’d be back again on 26 September ’59 with the renamed backing band and Al Saxon, Peter Elliot, The Jones Boys, Roy Young, Bill & Brett Landis, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones. Sixteen year old Isle of Wight native Craig Douglas headlined on 15 November ’59 with The Mudlarks, Cherry Wainer with Don Storer, Jimmy Lloyd, The Wiseguys, and David Conway.

    Promoter Bunny Lewis bought Craig Douglas to the Odeon on On 10 March ’60, supported by The Avons, The Mudlarks, Roy Young, Bill Forbes, and The Trebletones. Gene Vincent was to appear with Eddie Cochran at the Odeon on Saturday 7 May 1960. Cochran had regrettably died in a car crash on 17 April, which – with no time to reprint ticket – resulted in his name being crossed out on tickets. Local lad Mark Wynter was second billing on the 23 date “Good Timing” package tour behind Jimmie Jones. This tour visited the Odeon Guildford on 12 October ’60 and included Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones.

    On 25 February ’61, the Odeon, Guildford was the seventh stop for Larry Parnes’ “Jack Good’s Rock ‘n’ Trad Spectacular – 2nd Edition” headlined by Billy Fury and with Woking born Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Farnborough born Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and the New Orleans Rockers. The Shadows played the Odeon a couple of months later, on 22 April ’61, with the handbill including Frank Ifield, Patti Brooks, Alan Randall, The Swinging Wiseguys, and The Nevitt Brothers.

    22 April 1961: Handbill for The Shadows. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records

    On 27 January ’62, Helen Shapiro headlined just such a show at Guildford Odeon with The Brook Brothers, The Four Jays, Red Price Band, The Dale Sisters, and Colin Day. The following month, on 24 February, Adam Faith was joined by John Barry Seven, Desmond Lane, Brad Newman, and Johnny Le Roy. Billy Fury headlined another on 7 April ’62 with John Leyton, Karl Denver, Eden Kane and Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, returning to the venue again on 30 September ’62. This time Fury was headlining Larry Parnes’ 49 town, 2 shows a day in each, “The Mammoth Star Show of 1962” that also featured Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers.

    Mid-’63, The Beatles visited Guildford, their one and only gig in the town, atop the bill of a Jimmy Crawford Package Show on 21 June ’63; performing at two shows on the same day along with Lance Fortune, The Messengers, The Vampires, Rocking Henri, The Hayseeds and The Vikings.

    21 June 1963: Handbill for The Beatles at Odeon, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records

    Also in ’63 the Odeon hosted The Rolling Stones on 4 October, the fifth date on their British Tour; but the headline of this Don Arden package tour was The Everly Brothers, with Little Richard, and Bo Diddley with The Duchess and Jerome Green all billed above the Rolling Stones, who were joined by The Rattles, Mickie Most, Julie Grant, and The Flintsones. It was at this Guildford show that Brian Jones played some Elmore James numbers backstage with Bo Diddley. On 18 October, Frankie Vaughan & The V Group visited the Odeon accompanied by Australian singer Dorothy Baker, comedian Gordon Peters, and The Jeridale Three who’d just signed to Telestar, Billy Fury’s Autumn Tour listed a show at Guildford Odeon on 29 November ’63.

    4 October 1963

    The Stones returned on February 12, on the All Stars ’64 tour, headlined by John Leyton, along with Mike Sarne, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Don Spencer, Billy Boyle, Mike Berry and The Innocents, Billie Davis and the Le Roys, and Jet Harris. Larry Parnes bought Joe Brown and his Bruvvers to the Odeon on 5 March ’64 along with The Crystals, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, Heinz and the Saints, Manfred Mann, Daryl Quist, Mike Preston, Al Paige, and Kevin Kirk. Sixteen day later, on 21 March ’64, Howe and Epstien put Billy Kramer and The Dakotas in the headline spot with Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Billy Burden, The Remo Four, The Escorts, and The Hollies also on the bill. On 19 April ’64, The Dave Clark Five Show took to the Odeon’s stage. The Winter season began with a return by the Stones on 29 September ’64 as part of their “4th British Tour” when they did two shows as the headliners of The Rolling Stones Show with Inez and Charles Foxx, Mike Berry and The innocents, Simon Scott and The Le Roys, and The Mojos in support. On 15 October ’64 the The Billy J. Kramer Show came to the Odeon. A few weeks later, on 3 November, The Animals Show provided a performance at 6:15pm and a second at 8:30pm, that featured Carl Perkins, Nashville Teens, Tommy Tucker, Elkie Brooks, The Plebs, and The Quotations. Brenda Lee headlined at the Odeon on 17 November ’64 as part of a two month long package tour – a show that included The Soul Sisters, Wayne ‘Kelly’ Gibson with the Dynamic Sounds, Spencer Davis Group, Mark Leeman Five, The Condors, Downliners Sect, Bob Bain, Bern Elliott, and Manfred Mann. A few days later, on 21 November ’64, The Shadows returned, this time backing Cliff Richard with support provided by Faye Fisher and Johnny Hawkins & His Orchestra.

    The next year, on 15 March ’65, the Odeon hosted an Eric Easton Package Tour featuring the Rolling Stones with The Hollies, Goldie and the Gingerbreads, Dave Berry and the Cruisers, The Checkmates, and The Konrads. The Walker Brother’s headlined a similar package tour with Small Faces, Peter Quinton, Johnny B. Great and the Quotations, The Jet Set, and Beryl Marsden & The Crewcats on 28 November ’65 at the Odeon, Guildford.

    A shuttered Odeon, Guildford in ’99

    The Odeon closed in 1996 and was demolished in 2002.

    Gallery:

    Odeon Guildford in 1949. Source: Ken Roe
    Guildford Odeon’s auditorium. Source: Cinema Treasures
    Guildford Odeon’s auditorium. Source: Cinema Treasures
    6 March 1955: Advert for Jack Parnell and His Orchestra, with Dennis Hale and Irene Miller at Odeon, Guildford from NME, 25 Feb 1955
    11 September 1955: Advert for Ted Heath and his Music at Odeon, Guildford from NME, 2 Sept 1955
    8 April 1956: Programme for The Ronnie Scott Orchestra from the Eduard Eady collection. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    29 April 1956: Handbill for two concerts at the Odeon, Guildford: Chris Barber’s Jazz Band with Ottilie Patterson and The Lonnie Donegan Skiffle Group in the afternoon and The Eric Delaney Band in the evening. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    29 April 1956 – Program for Chris Barber’s Jazz Band at the Odeon Guildford with Ottili Patterson and Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    29 April 1956 – Program for Chris Barber’s Jazz Band at the Odeon Guildford with Ottili Patterson and Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    Ticket for Gene Vincent at the Odeon, Saturday 7 May 1960. Eddie Cochran name was crossed out. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    Gene Vincent at the Odeon, Guildford in 1960 with Georgie Fame on piano behind. Fame was in the Beat Boys who were Gene’s backing group for this tour. Picture “borrowed” from David Else
    27 January 1962: Odeon Guildford hosts Helen Shapiro. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk
    The Beatles Concert Poster, Odeon, Guildford 21 June 1963 with Lance Fortune, Jimmy Crawford, The Messengers, The Vampires, Rocking Henri, The Hayseeds, and The Vikings with Michael London. Source: Track Records Ltd
    21 June 1963: The Beatles at Odeon Guildford. Source: Keith Burnett, via Godalming Town Past & Present
    4 October 1963: The Everly Brothers, headlined a Don Arden package tour at the Odeon, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    4 Oct ’63: Everly Brothers with Bo Diddley, Rolling Stones, Bob Bain, The Flintstones, Julie Grant and Mickie Most.
    Extract from “True Adventures of the Rolling Stones” by Stanley Booth talking about backstage at Odeon, Guildford.
    Billy Fury Autumn Tour List showing Guildford Odeon on 29 Nov 1963, taken from the Billy Fury Monthly, Year 1, Issue 6, August 1963.
    29 November 1963: The Larry Parnes’ Package Tour arrived at the Odeon, Guildford with: Billy Fury, Freddie and The Dreamers, The Tornados, Karl Denver Trio, Dickie Pride, Daryl Quist, Larry Burns, Marty Wilde, and The Ramblers. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    29 November 1963: The Larry Parnes’ Package Tour arrived at the Odeon, Guildford with: Billy Fury, The Tornados, Karl Denver Trio, Dickie Pride, Daryl Quist, Larry Burns, and The Ramblers. Source: Pat Conroy via Guildford Town Past & Present
    12 Feb 1964: John Leyton w/ Mike Sarne, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Don Spencer, Billy Boyle, The Rolling Stones, Mike Berry and The Innocents, Billie Davis and the Le Roys. and Jet Harris
    Advert for the 1964 All Stars Package Tour with John Leyton, Mike Sarne, The Rolling Stones, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Bern Elliott & The Fenmen, The Hollies, Jet Harris, Mike Berry, and Billie Davis from Pop Weekly, 15 Feb 64
    5 March 1964: Odeon Guildford hosted Joe Brown and his Bruvvers. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    Odeon, Guildford tickets for various package tours in the early to mid 60s. Source: Rambling Ron Halls via Guildford Town Past & Present
    Saturday, 21st March 1964: Billy Kramer and The Dakotas, Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Billy Burden, The Remo Four, The Escorts, and The Hollies. Source Peter Winning via Guildford Town Past & Present
    19 April 1964: Tickets for The Dave Clark Five Show at the Odeon, Guildford. Source: Graham Clark via Guildford Town Past & Present
    19 April 1964: Ticket No.L39 for The Dave Clark Five Show at 8:15PM, Odeon, Guildford. Source: www.fincharie.co.uk
    19 April 1964: Ticket for the Odeon, Guildford and The Dave Clark Five Show Ticket for . Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    Dave Clark leaves Odeon, Guildford on 19 April 1964. Photographed by Jackie Ryan and courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    29 September 1964: Odeon, Guildford hosted The Rolling Stones, Inez and Charles Foxx, Mike Berry and The innocents, Simon Scott and The Le Roys, and The Mojos. Source: Ben’s Collector Records
    29 September 1964 – Ticket to see The Rolling Stones show at Odeon, Guildford. Source: Peter Winning via Guildford Town Past & Present
    29 September 1964: Ticket for The Rolling Stones Show at the Odeon, Guildford. Source: Graham Clark via Guildford Town Past & Present
    It’s blurry, but the ticket is for The Rolling Stones gig at the Odeon, Guildford on 29 Sept, 1964. Picture courtesy of Peter Winning.
    15 October 1964: Ticket for The Billy J. Kramer Show at the Odeon, Guildford. Source: Graham Clark via Guildford Town Past & Present
    3 November 1964: Odeon Guildford hosted The Animals, Carl Perkins, Nashville Teens, Tommy Tucker, Elkie Brooks, and The Quotations. Source: Ben’s Collector Records
    3 November 1964: Tickets for The Animals Show at the Odeon, Guildford. Source: http://www.bradfortimeline.co.uk
    3 November 1964: Tickets for The Animals Show at the Odeon, Guildford. Source: Graham Clark via Guildford Town Past & Present
    17 November 1964: Brenda Lee headlined at the Odeon. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector Records
    15 March 1965: Odeon, Guildford hosted an Eric Easton Package Tour featuring Rolling Stones. Source: Robert Jones via Guildford Town Past & Present
    The Walker Brothers with Small Faces, The Soulmates, Peter Quinton, Johnny B. Great and the Quotations, The Jet Set and Beryl Marsden & The Crewcats handbill for 28 November 1965 gig at Odeon, Guildford.
    Odeon photographed in May 1971. Source: Ken Roe
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  • Vixen

    Vixen

    (c’80-’83) Cliff Turner (guitar/vocals) John Suddick (bass), Mark Booth/O’Dowd (rhythm guitar / keyboards / vocals), and Mick Hulme (drums).

    Vixen at the Freer Music Talent Competition, Farnborough Sports / Recreation Centre.

    Farnborough based Vixen joined other local bands: Lynx, The Torpedoes, The Vulgar Bros., Human Beings, Blue Unction, Roosta Boots, Larry Miller Band, Animal, and Magic Pictures to play the Stonehenge Festival in 1980. Some of the costs were covered by the sale of t-shirts designed and printed by Tim’ Rockin Timbo’ Freeman, Martin Freeman’s brother, who also performed. The next year they competed in and made the final of the Freer Music Talent Competition held at the Sports / Recreation Centre, Farnborough.

    In February ’81 Vixen recorded a demo at Multium Studios, Wokingham and later that year, on 11 June they supported Ginger Baker’s Trimmer & Jenkins at the Three Tuns, Kingston. They also supported The Fix at the Marquee, London. At some point Suddick was replaced on bass by Alex Forsyth (bass / flute) and Mick Pankhurst joined, also on rhythm guitar. There was also talk of a recording deal with Bronze Records, with the label funding studio time. This may have been the recordings made at the BBC.

    Prior to Vixen, Booth was a session Musician, working on records for Kiki Dee and Olivia Newton-John. Turner went on to co-form Tried and Tested and was seen in Ten Thousand Revs in 2013/14. 

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

    Pop Scene Clipping for Vixen. Picture courtesy of Cliff Turner
    Vixen at the Freer Music Talent Competition, Farnborough Sports / Recreation Centre.
    Vixen at the Freer Music Talent Competition, Farnborough Sports / Recreation Centre.
    Image on one of 300 t-shirts, designed by Tim Freeman, and printed at the shop he work at on Lynchford Rd. Source: Paul Trew via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia
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  1. 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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