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  • The Vapors

    The Vapors

    (c’78-82) David Fenton (vocal & rhythm guitar), Steve Smith (bass), Edward Bazalgette (guitar) and Howard Smith (drums).

    Vapors outside Roundhouse Studios during recording of “Turning Japanese” in early 1980. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes

    Originally called the Big Box Band, then BBC3, then The Vapours; the band’s initial members were Michael Hedges (bass), Rob Kemp (guitar), Fenton (vocal) and Mike “Joe” Jordan (drums). The earlier BBC incarnations, when they rehearsed in Weydon Youth Club, also included Bob Wright (vocal). The band moved to rehearsing at Shalford Village Hall, with Colin Crew helping lug the gear; including Kemp’s 8×12 Marshall stack – erroneously reported to be one of only six made for The Who.

    The Vapors playing Farnham Malting in 1978

    It was the Kemp/Fenton/Hedges/Jordan incarnation, Vapors MkI, that recorded the original demo/s of “Turning Japanese” at Shalford Village Hall / Chestnut Studio, Churt in ’78. Reportedly, Kemp wrote one of the dominant guitar riffs in “Turning Japanese” but received no writing credit due to a falling out.

    The Vapors, reportedly outside Shalford Village Hall after recording their first demo in 1978. (LtoR) Michael Hedges, Rob Kemp, Dave Fenton, and Mike Joe Jordon. Picture by Colin Crew.

    In early / mid ’78 the band were performing three or four gigs a month at local venues such as the Coach & Horses, Farnham; Holly Bush. Addlestone; The Junction at The Star, Guildford and The Malting, Farnham. Reportedly a gig at The Laker Hotel, Redhill supporting The Cure, going by the Easy Cure moniker at the time, resulted in both bands’ roadies getting into a fight, supposedly triggered by Robert Smith saying to Rob Kemp, “You think you’re really good, but you’re not!” – or words to that effect.

    Fenton – who was working in Cliffs greengrocer down Market Street, Guildford – was the only original member to remain in ’79 when Bazalgette and Howard Smith (both ex-The Ellory Bops) and Steve Smith (ex-The Absolute drummer, who lived opposite The Royal and was once stabbed in The Royal Oak, just down from the music shop where he used to practice) joined. The rumor being that this replacement was at the instruction of the record company before the single was recorded and released. Bazalgette recalls, in an interview with Malcolm Wyatt posted to WriteWyattUK, having been in a band that had split and he, who was busy washing dishes at the Corona Cafe, Guildford during the day to pay for his walnut Gibson SG special during the day, and Howard Smith watching The Vapors. They’d formed a pick-up band together; possibly called The Parrots, that got pulled off stage after about three songs by Tony McManus, landlord at The Royal, Guildford, which Fenton had witnessed. Three months later Hedges called Bazelgette asking if he was interested in auditioning.

    Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes

    The Vapors MkII rehearsed above the launderette in Markenfield Road, Guildford, which was owned by one of the Smith’s fathers, where they could also leave their gear, in a room they’d egg crated to muffle the sound. Their first gig was reportedly at The Junction, at The Star, Quarry Street booked by Michael Coles having heard a tape Fenton had given him, stating “they would be the next big thing in town”. On 14 January ’79 they played The Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe and a National Union of Journalist benefit gig at the University of Surrey nine days later on 25 January ’79; there was also a reportedly ‘infamous’ gig at Godalming College – although we’ve still to discover why it was ‘infamous’. Discovered by Bruce Foxton, in April ’79 at Scratchers, Godalming, they were managed by Foxton and John Weller and accompanied the The Jam on the Setting Sons tour in late ’79, early ’80.

    May/June 1979: Vapors Passport Tour flyer

    But that was after the band, across May and June ’79, undertook their first tour, rather hopefully called the ‘Passport Tour’ as no passports were required, for their Southern UK sojourn’s most distant gig was at Colson Hall, Bristol on 21 May ’79. Local lad, Tim Cox was their roadie at the time and their first ‘tour bus’ was Steve Gunner’s Morris 1000, before upgrading to the Golden Age of Metro’s van which they borrowed with Sophie Good chauffeuring.

    While on tour Fenton sent a demo to John Peel who booked them for a session, which recorded “Turning Japanese”, “Trains”, “Waiting For The Weekend”, and “Cold War” on 4 July ’79, broadcast on 11 July 1979 then repeated on 20 August 1979 (of which Peel said “sounded better the second time around”) and 2 April 1980. They signed to United Artists and released their first single, “Prisoners,” [BP 321] with “Sunstroke” on the b-side at the end of 1979. It was about this time that Bazelgette was accepted to Goldsmith’s College, an entrance he declined following an ultimatum from Fenton (who’d given up his career for the band) along the lines of ‘if you accept you resign from The Vapors’. Also in ’79 they raised 200 quid, together with House, at a woman’s aid gig that same year. In November they appeared half naked in “Oh Boy!” magazine, and with The Beat at a John Peel Roadshow gig in Guildford.

    16 November 1979: Press ad for The Vapors appearance on the John Peel Roadshow at University of Surrey. Source: Vinny Webster via The Vapors UK

    Their second and best known single, “Turning Japanese” [BP 334] reach No.3 in the UK chart and top ten in Canada, New Zealand and Australia, and top 40 in the US was produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven who also produced The Jam. The cover design for “Turning Japanese” was done by Guildford musician / artist Andi McInnes, who was good friends with the band, who fought with the record company to allow him to do it instead of the in-house department.

    The band, who were too famous to put on the bill, were listed as The Japanese Prisoners, and back at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford on 9 February ’80 for a Barbed Wire benefit that saw Noit Otni & the Pits and UBz in support. Shortly after they undertook a short UK tour to promote the single. This kicked off at The Polytechnic, Wolverhampton on 13 February ’80, then onto JB’s in Dudley on 16 February and rolling back south to perform at the Marquee, London the next night with UBz opening for them. The tour rolled onto the University of Kent, Canterbury (18 Feb), Brunel University, Uxbridge (20 Feb), Huddersfield Polytechnic (22 Feb), University of Warwick (23 Feb), South Wales Newbridge Institute (24 Feb), Circles Club, Swansea (25 Feb), the Brunel Rooms, Swindon (26 Feb), and Routes, Exeter, where you could have seen the band for a quid on 27 February ’80. The last two dates rolled through the Dorset Institute of Higher Education, Weymouth on 28 February and the Marshall Rooms, Stroud on 29 February ’80. The album “New Clear Day” was released in June 1980 again on the United Artists Records label, followed by the singles “Waiting for the Weekend” [BP367] and “News at Ten” [BP 345]. On 12 June ’80, The Vapors played their hometown, at the Civic Hall, then dashed up to Sheffield to appear at Sheffield City Polytechnic the next night.

    The second album, “Magnets” [LBG 30324], was released the following year on the Liberty label (UA was taken over by EMI and the Liberty brand was revived in 1980, having become part of UA in ’71) after which Fenton left and may have been replaced by Dylan of UBz, ultimately breaking up in early ’82. Not before, however, the release of the single: “Jimmie Jones”. The Peel session recording of “Trains” was broadcast again to celebrate Peel’s 30 years on BBC Radio One. Peel also claimed on his 17 April 2002 show that he and Sheila were singing ‘Turning Japanese’, while touring Rajasthan. Fenton has said they tried to reform in 2001 but couldn’t find the time to rehearse.

    On 30 April 2016, Fenton and Bazelgette guested with Steve Smith’s band The Shakespearos at the Half Moon in Putney, playing “Turning Japanese” then leaving. On 10 June a short four-date tour in October and November was announced. Also in 2016, Steve Smith said “the Peel Session was a huge break for the band…it gave us credibility.” The reformed band are still touring today.

    After the split, Steve Smith joined Shoot!, Dispute. Fenton, who was erroneously rumored to have landlorded a Woking pub for a while, became a solicitor specializing in music law for the Musicians Union. Bazalgette went to Central London Polytechnic, focusing on editing which got him into the BBC; becoming a television director, including episodes of Doctor Who, Poldark, Class, Top Gear and EastEnders. Bazalgette’s old 4 x 12 Marshall cabinet, stenciled on back with ‘Vapors’ and ‘Reg’, which was his nickname, currently reside with another local musician, Adam Russel. Steve Smith along with Steve Jameson (ex-World Domination) formed CUT. Howard Smith ran People Records on Chapel Street, Guildford.

    Kemp formed Pozer with Bruce Richins and Ian Goral and owned Total Video, Farnham before moving to the US in 1986. He sadly died in 2016 as a result of a heart attack.

    Gallery:

    The Vapors playing Farnham Malting in 1978
    The Vapors playing Farnham Malting in 1978
    The Vapors’ Rob Kemp gigging at the Maltings, Farnham, 1978.
    Vapors gig list for 1978. Reportedly The Laker Hotel gig (date unlisted) was supporting The Cure (I believe they were called Easy Cure at the time), and both bands’ roadies got into a fight. Source: Malcolm Bond via Historic Farnham Town And Surrounding Villages
    Michael Hedges and Dave Fenton of The Vapors
    Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Dave Fenton at Scratchers (Three Lions), Farncombe; 14 January 1979. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    25 January ’79: NUJ Benefit gig poster
    Ticket for NUJ Beneft gig at University of Surrey in ’79. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Set list from Godalming gig
    8 July 1979: Mod night at The Marquee featured Secret Affair supported by The Vapors and Mandy H. Source: Neil Chippendale via Keep It Out Of Sight
    19 August 1979: The Vapors., along with Jerry Floyd, supported The Chords at The Marquee. Source: Neil Chippendale via Keep It Out Of Sight
    19 August 1979 Tha Vapors supported The Chords (Sounds 1st Sept ’79)
    1 September 1979: The Barbed Wire fanzine organized a coach from Guildford Station Yard to The Vapors gig at The Marquee. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Ed Bazalgette at an unknown venue, possibly The Marquee, c79. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Sounds 15th Sept ’79
    6 October 1979: A repeat performance for the Barbed Wire coach from Guildford Station Yard to see The Vapors at The Marquee. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Ed Bazalgette at an unknown venue, c79. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors signed to United Artists, releasing their first single, “Prisoners”, at the end of 1979, which regrettably failed to chart. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    1979’s “Prisoners” ‎on the United Artists Records label [BP 321] was The Vapors first 7″ single. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    “Prisoners” single slleve front, released at end of 1979
    16 November 1979: Ticket for the John Peel Road Show at University of Surrey, featuring The Vapors and The Beat
    The Vapors supported The Jam at Royal Hall, Bridlington Spa on 27 Nov 1979. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    2, 3 and 4 December 1979 (Melody Maker 13th Oct ’79)
    Dec 1979 clipping from Record Mirror. Source: Vinny Webster via The Vapors Fan Group
    The Vapors on the Setting Sons tour 1979.
    Ed Bazalgette at the Roundhouse Studios during recording of “Turning Japanese” in early 1980. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Barbed Wire benefit gig at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford.
    Barbed Wire Jan/Feb 1980 Vol 3 No 1 (issue 5). Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Barbed Wire Jan/Feb 1980 Vol 3 No 1 (issue 5). Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Barbed Wire Jan/Feb 1980 Vol 3 No 1 (issue 5). Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Fred reviews The Vapors latest 7″ in Barbed Wire Vol 3 No 1 Jan/Feb 1980. Pictre courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Vapors, back stage on The Jam’s Setting Sun tour in early 1980. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Clipped from Smash Hits 7 February ’80 issue. Image courtesy of Pete Cole
    17 February 1980: The Vapors headlined at Marquee. Advert in Sounds 16 Feb ’80 issue.
    27 February 1980: The Vapors played Routes, Exeter.
    Daniela Soave interviews The Vapors for Record Mirror (8 March 1980)
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    20 March 1980: The Vapors at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    11 April 1980: The Vapors played Routes, Exeter.
    Record Mirror 26 April 1980: “New Clear Day” tour dates.
    10 & 11 May 1980: The Vapors were at the Marquee, London. Source: Nic Pike via Keep It Out Of Sight
    Fred reviewed the Vapors LP for the May/June 1980 issue of Barbed Wires – Vol 3 No 2 (issue 6) – Picture courtesy of Fred
    Bonaparte was a regular supporter of the Barbed Wire fanzine. This ad is from page 13 of the very last ever issue – May/June 1980 Vol 3 No 2 (issue 6) – and features the Vapors “New Clear Day” LP and a possible personal appearance on June 11th 1980. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    12 June 1980: John Tobler reviews The Vapors gig at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Vinny Webster
    Advert from Record Mirror lists The Vapors gig at Civic Hall, Guildford on 12 June 1980
    13 June 1980
    1980’s Gig Poster for The Jam at Friars, Maxwell Hall, Aylesbury, with The Vapors in support. Source: Vinny Webster via The Vapors Fan Group
    The Vapors Howard Smith on Countdown Australia on 17 August 1980. Source: Vinny Webster via The Vapors UK
    Advert for The Vapors 1980 at Diplomat Hotel, New York. Source: Vinny Webster via The Vapors Fan Group
    19 December 1980: Ticket No.0718 for The Vapors, plus special guests, at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Vinny Webster
    Brett Wright spent a couple of days with The Vapors, at their Civic Hall, Guildford gig on 19 December 1980 and Sheffield Poly the following night. The result: This article in New Music News. Picture courtesy of Vinny Webster
    Possibly the smallest mention of The Vapors ever…from the 29th Jan 1981 Soundscene on the release of their 5th single “Spiders”. Picture courtesy of Chris Turner
    2 February 1981 – The Vapors in Concert-251 recorded by BBC Transcription Services [CN 3791/S] for the BBC In Concert series
    12 March 1981: The Vapors, supported by The Chords, played the Mandela Hall, University of Sussex. Source: Owen Carne via The Vapors Fan Group
    27 June 1981: The Vapors headlined The New Florentine Gardens, Hollywood with 20/20 and Code Blue in support. Source: Johnny Kardash
    Some friction with The Vapors via Soundscene 1st Oct 1981. Picture courtesy of Vis
    ‘News at Ten’ single, sleeve front
    ‘News at Ten’ single, sleeve back
    ‘News at Ten’ single, A-side
    ‘News at Ten’ single, B-side
    June 1980 – Advert for “News At Ten” single with tour dates.
    ‘Waiting for the Weekend’ single, sleeve front
    ‘Waiting for the Weekend’ single, sleeve back
    ‘Waiting for the Weekend’ single, A-side
    ‘Waiting for the Weekend’ single, B-side
    ‘Turning Japanese’ single A-side
    Turning Japaness poster. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    “Turning Japanese” single review from the Grinding Halt No.3 fanzine
    New Clear Days LP., sleeve front. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    New Clear Days LP., sleeve back. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    Taken from an unknown fanzine…
    1981 – Magnets LP front sleeve
    1981 – Magnets LP back sleeve
    The Vapors “Jimme Jones” single front released late ’81. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    The Vapors “Jimme Jones” single back released late ’81. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    Rebel Mantovani’s review of Jimmy Jones and The Magnets gig at The Royal, Guildford appeared on page 11 of Bitch Bitch Issue No.1 Picture courtesy of John Hudson
    A Vapors poster in background, over John Gielgud’s right shoulder, in still from 1984’s Scandalous. The shot was taken at The Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park. The Vapors played The Rainbow on 2nd – 4th December 1979 and 28th June 1980. Source: http://www.rainbowhistory.x10.mx/
    The pins for The Setting Sons Tour, on which The Vapors supported The Jam. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    It’s Malcolm Wyatt’s old badge collection, including example/s from The Vapors. Picture courtesy (I stole it) of Malcolm Wyatt
    A significant collection, possibly belonging to Rob Payne, of Vapors badges, with a UBz one too. Source: The Vapors UK
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors at Three Lions (Scrathers), Farncombe. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors in someone’s bedroom. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors in someone’s bedroom. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors in someone’s bedroom. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Vapors in someone’s bedroom. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
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  • The 1988 Gig List

    The 1988 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 1988:

    January 9
    The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: McCarthy w/ The Dead Beats and The Aurbisons

    9 January 1988: McCarthy, supported by The Dead Beats and The Aurbisons

    January 23
    Dingwalls, Camden Lock: Lax lifetime

    Image courtesy of Du Kane

    February 5
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Mighty Lemon Drops w/ The Wild Swans

    5 February 1988: The Mighty Lemon Drops played University of Surrey, Guildford. Ad from Record Mirror 20 Feb ’88 issue. Image courtesy of Pete Cole

    February 6
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Eric Clapton

    6 February 1988: Ticket #1953 for Clapton at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Chewtonia.com
    6 February 1988: Ticket #2235 for Clapton at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector’s Records


    Tunnel Club, Greenwich: Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band w/ West One

    West One Flyer listing 1988 gigs at Tunnel Club, Greenwich on 6 Feb (supporting Geno Washington); Mean Fiddler, Harlesdon on 15 Feb; and The Subway, Bracknell on 25 Feb. Source: West One

    February 7
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Eric Clapton

    February 15
    Mean Fiddler, Harlesdon: Norman Norman, w/ Grey by the Gun, West One, and The Big Weekend

    15 February 1988: West One supported Norman Norman and Grey by the Gun, along with The Big Weekend, at the Mean Fiddler, Harlesden. Advert from NME, 13 February 1988. Source: West One
    15 February 1988: West One were at Mean Fiddler, Harlesden. Source: West One

    February 18
    Tunnel Club, London: Jim Jiminee w/ Disguise, and Thrilled Skinny

    18 February 1988: Jim Jiminee headlined at the Tunnel Club, London, with Disguise and Thrilled Skinny in support; according to this advert clipped from NME, 20 February 1988. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    February 23
    The Cricketers, Vauxhall: Jim Jiminee w/ John Shuttleworth, and Green Gables

    February 25
    The Subway, Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell: West One

    25 February 1988: West One were at The Subway, Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell. Source: West One

    February 27
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Lax Lifetime (part of The Rak event)

    February 28
    Underground, Croydon: The Passmore Sisters w/ Jim Jiminee

    28 February 1988: Jim Jiminee supported The Passmore Sisters at Underground, Croydon according to this advert clipped from Melody Maker, 20 February 1988. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    March 5
    Buzz Club, West End Centre. Aldershot: Bluetrain
    The Greyhound, Fulham: World Domination Enterprises w/ UT, and 1ST

    5 March 1988: 1ST supported World Domination Enterprises, with UT, at The Greyhound, Fulham. Advert taken from NME, 5 March 1988. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    March 6
    Underground, Croydon: The Flatmates w/ The Jeremiahs

    6 March 1988: The Jeremiahs supported The Flatmates at Underground, Croydon according to this ad in Melody Maker, 27 February 1988. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    March 8
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Geno Washington

    March 18
    The Crypt, Deptford: Magic Moments At Twilight Time w/ The Pink Fairies

    1988 Flyer from The Crypt featuring MMATT supporting The Charles on 18 March. The Charles were replaced by The Pink Fairies. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic

    West End Centre, Aldershot: Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band w/ West One

    18 March 1988: Poster for West One at the West End Centre, Aldershot; the night they supported Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band. Source: West One
    18 March 1988: Poster for Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band, supported by West One at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: West One

    March 25
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Men They Couldn’t Hang w/ Fire Next Time and Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band

    25 March 1988: Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band supported The Men They Couldn’t Hang, along with Fire Next Time, at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat

    April 2
    Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Blow Up w/ 14 Iced Bears
    Red Lion, Milford: Piccadilly Mudmen w/ His Wooden Fish

    April 4
    Pews Wine Bar, Guildford: The Hog Valley Stompers

    April 6
    The Star, Guildford: His Wooden Fish

    April 7
    The Maltings, Farnham: Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band
    White Hart, Farncombe: Nicky Papas

    April 8
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Danny Thompson’s Whatever
    Hype, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: The Rosehips, The Popinjays, The Parachute Men & Mega City Four

    The MC4’s support Te Rosehips, The Popinjays and The Parachute Men at the Hype Club, Bull & Gate, London 8th April 1988. Picture courtesy of BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave

    April 10
    Redgrave Theatre, Farnham: The Tishamingo Jazz Band (lunchtime)

    April 11
    Red Lion, Chobham: Nicky Papas

    April 13
    The Maltings, Farnham: Cuff Billet Jazz Band w/ Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band

    April 14
    Civic Hall, Camberley: Thirteen at Midnight w/ Forwards Going Backwards
    Technical College, Farnborough: The Visionaries
    Lion Brewery, Ash: Tarrow
    The White Hart, Farncombe: Nicky Papas

    April 15
    Woking College, Woking: Van Gogh and the Earlobes

    April 16
    Dingwalls, Camden Lock: Lax lifetime

    Image courtesy of Du Kane

    April 18
    Clarendon, Hammersmith: Mega City Four

    April 20
    The Maltings, Farnham: The Solent City Jazz Men

    April 21
    Jolly Boatman, Hampton Court: Mega City Four

    April 22
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Fat and Frantic w/ Dreaming In Colour
    Rising Sun, Aldershot: Zenno Reflex
    Woking College, Woking: Graham and The Gravediggers

    April 24
    The Maltings, Farnham: The 6th Farnham Folk Day – Martin Carthy, Michelle Shocked, Ali Farka Toure, Kathryn Tickell, Sileas, Jali Musa Jawara & Musicians, Malcolm’s Interview, Maggie’s Farm, Howlin’ Wilf & The Vee Jays, Gas Mark V, The Old Hat Concert Party, Calicanto, Ralph Jordan with Fi & Jo Fraser, Paul James & Nigel Eaton, Roger Wilson, and Broken Ankles.

    24 April 1988: Poster / Flyer for The 6th Farnham Folk Day. Source: Ian Anderson via Historic Farnham Town And Surrounding Villages

    April 27
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Leviticus w/ Force 3 and Trashqueen

    April 28
    Owens Park, Manchester University: Fat and Frantic w/ Dreaming In Colour

    May 1
    Dingwalls, London: Brian w/ Mega City 4, Fat Babies, Anonymes, The Ryecatchers, Bladder Bladder Bladder and Twiglet

    1 May 1988: Mega City 4 supported Brian at Dingwalls along with Fat Babies, Anonymes, The Ryecatchers, Blader Bladder Bladder and Twiglet

    May 4
    Princes Hall, Aldershot: West One, Paper Moon, UxB, and Rising Signs

    4 May 1988: Ticket for Battle For The Limelight at Princes Hall, Aldershot. The event feature West One, Paper Moon, UxB, and Rising Signs. Source: West One
    4 May 1988: West One played Princes Hall, Aldershot. Source: West One

    May 7
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Soup Dragons w/ Something Happens

    May 13
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Rhythm Sisters w/ Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band

    May 26
    The Maltings, Farnham: Blues Stew

    May 30
    Rock Garden, Covent Garden: Heaven Can Wait w/ The Persuaders, Pride and Prejudice, The Glasshouse, and The Visionaries

    June 1
    Tunnel; Club, The Mitre, London: Piccadilly Mudmen w/ Hill Stormers, and Cha Boom Cha


    1 June 1988: Piccadilly Mudmen, with Hill Stormers and Cha Boom Cha at the Tunnel Club. Advert from NME’s 4 June ’88 issue. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    June 3
    Clarenden Hotel, Hammersmith: The Mistreaters w/ Mega City Four

    3 June 1988: Mega City Four supported The Mistreaters at the Clarendon Hotel, Hammersmith. Advert from 4 June ’88 issue of NME. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    June 4
    Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: The Raw Herbs w/ Rodney Allen, and Poke It With A Stick

    June 8
    The Maltings, Farnham: Blues n’ Trouble

    June 18
    West End Centre, Aldershot: The Jeremiahs w/ Bluetrain, Sugar Mountain, The Crimplene Explosion, The Aurbisons, The Mulberry Ceilings, and The Splendids.

    18 June 1988: Framed Buzz Club Poster. Source: Dave Driscoll

    June 30
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Jo Jo Namoza

    July 7
    Dingwalls, Camdon Lock: Recluz w/ Playhouse and The Ghost Brothers
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Napalm Groove Squad

    July 8
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Sweat

    July 9
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Senno Reflex

    July 16
    Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Mega City Four
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Desmond Dekker w/ Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band

    16 July 1988: The West End Centre, Aldershot hosted Desmond Dekker, suported by Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat

    July 27
    Tunnel Club, Greenwich: Anhrefn w/ Sign on Valley Rangers, and Mega City Four

    27 July 1988: Mega City Four supported Anhrefn, along with Sign On Valley Rangers at the Tunnel Club. Advert from NME 30th July 1988. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    July 28
    Greyhound, Fulham: Lax Lifetime

    Image courtesy of Du Kane

    July 29
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Sweat

    July 30
    Surrey University Students Union, Guildford: Steel Bill & The Buffaloes
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Seven Ann’s Eye
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Otis Grand and the Dance Kings

    July 31
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Napalm Groove Squad

    August 5
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the Earlobes

    August 8
    The Anchor, Normandy: The Button Factory
    The Red Lion, Chobham: Nikki Papas

    August 10
    The Castle, Upper Hale: Nikki Papas

    August 17
    The Sir George Robey, Finsbury Park: Senseless Things w/ Perfect Daze, Mega City Four, Sperm Wails, and Reach.

    17 August 1988: Mega City Four played at The Sir George Robey, with Senseless Things, Perfect Daze, Sperm Wails, and Reach. Source: Tom A Deakin via Mega City Four

    August 21
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Napalm Groove Squad

    August 24
    Queen’s Head, Byfleet: Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band

    August 27
    West End Centre, Aldershot: The Blues Burglars w/ Pete Hogman

    August 29
    Red Lion, Chobham: Nicky Papas

    August 30
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Bucks Fizz

    August 31
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Bowser & Blue w/ Jokers Wild, and Haji Ahkba Band

    September 1
    White Lyon, Worplesdon: Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band

    September 2
    West End Centre, Aldershot: West One w/ Rising Signs, and F1-11

    2 September 1988: Poster for West One at the West End Centre, Aldershot. They were supported by supported by Rising Signs, and F1-11. Source: West One
    2 September 1988: Poster for West One supported by Rising Signs, and F1-11 at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: West One
    2 September 1988: Flyer for West One supported by Rising Signs, and F1-11 at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: West One

    September 3
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Big Boy Tomato with Jon Fit Beast, Donkey Nun, Fin Manson Slag DJ and Help Trumpton

    Big Boy Tomato headline on 3rd Sept 1988 at the Bull and Gate, with Jon Fit Beast, Donkey Nun, Fin Manson Slag DJ and Help Trumpton also on the bill. Source: BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave

    September 9
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Wildlife Tree, The Contenders, Mega City Four, Things, Jon Fit Beast, Donkey Nun and Spam Bastard
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Herbaceous Borders

    September 10
    The Falcon, Camden Town: Birdland w/ The Cannibals and Mega City Four

    10 September 1988: Birdland, supported by The Cannibals and Mea City Four, played The Falcon, Camden Town. Source: Steve Myers via Mega City Four

    September 14
    The Sir George Robey, Finsbury Park: Savage Opera w/ The Passengers and Ten Dead Men

    September 16
    The White Lyon, Worplesdon: Hot Club
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the Earlobes
    Odeon, Hammersmith: Belinda Carlisle w/ Breathe

    September 17
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Sugar Mountain
    The Hornpipe, Portsmouth: The Sect w/ Red Letter Day and Mega City 4

    17 September 1988: The Sect were at The Hornpipe, Portsmouth with Red Letter Day and Mega City 4 in support.

    September 19
    The Rock Garden, Covent Garden: Sugar Mountain

    October 5
    Sir George Robey: The Senseless Things w/ Mega City Four, Flag of Convenience, and The Worry Dolls.

    5 October 1988: The Senseless Things, supported by Mega City Fours, Flag of Convenience, and The Worry Dolls, played the Sir George Robey. Source Neil Thompson via Keep It Out Of Sight

    October 13
    Lady Owen Arms, London: Mega City Four and The Contenders

    MC4 Flyer from September ’88

    October 15
    White Horse, Hampstead: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things

    October 22
    Sir George Robey, London: Mega City Four (3pm at an all-dayer)
    Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Mega City Four and Boys Wonder

    October 26
    The Moon Club, Bristol: Mega City Four and Groove Farm

    October 29
    Student Union, University of Surrey: Steel Bill & The Buffalos

    November 4
    Hype at Bull & Gate, Kentish Town – Mega City Four w/ No Corridor, Things, and Lipstick Killers (MC4’s 50th gig of ’88)

    Mega City Four played Hype, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town on the 4th and 19th November 1988. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
    Flyer from November 1988. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    November 5
    The Peacock, Peterborough: Mega City Four

    November 6
    Cod Club, Birmingham: Mega City Four w/ Rosehips

    November 10
    Greyhound, Fulham: Mega City Four w/ Cosmic Psychos

    November 12
    Chertsey Road Hall, Windlesham – Dross w/ Mariah

    Taken from Kerrang!’s Rekord & Tour Newz section sometime in late ’88 you’ll see a reference to Dross playing the Churchill Road Hall in Windlesham. It was actually Chertsey Road Hall (which is still there). Picture courtesy on Nick Holland.

    November 18
    Social Club, Hinkley Point: Mega City Four

    November 19
    Hype, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Mega City Four w/ Blind Mice, Swurve, Rose Patrol, One Arm Bandits, Lurv, and Nun’s Galore

    November 20
    Blues Festival, Maltings, Farnham: Ruthless Blues w/ Blues Burglars, Hot Club Plus Friends, Rolling Drunks, T Model Slim, Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band and Chuff Train Hot Dogs

    November 24
    Crypt, Hastings: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things

    November 25
    Tropic Club, Bristol: Mega City Four

    November 26
    Indian Queen, Boston: Mega City Four w/ V.S.S.M

    November 30
    Zoo Club, Hanley: Mega City Four
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Jazz Butcher

    December 1
    The Maltings, Farnham: Cryin’ Out Loud

    December 17
    Arts Centre, Bridgwater: The Parachute Men w/ Mega City Four, and Mousefolk

    December 19
    Woking College, Woking: Van Gogh and the Earlobes

    December 22
    Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things

    December 23
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the Earlobes

    December 24
    Sir George Robey, London: Mega City Four, Snuff, Shout, Thrilled Skinny, Savage Opera, The Guttersnipes, and Jellyfish Kiss

    24 December 1988: Savage Opera supported headliners Mega City Four at the Sir George Robey, London for a Paul Ronan Revue Bar Christmas Eve event along with Snuff, Shout, Thrilled Skinny, The Guttersnipes and Jellyfish Kiss.

    Forward to
    The 1989 Gig List

    Back to
    The 1987 Gig List

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  • Hot Club

    Hot Club

    (c’88) Steve Smith (guitar), and Darrel West (vocals & guitar).

    This rock / blues cover band played the likes of Clapton’s “Forever Man” and Chuck Berry’s “Promised Land”. We know they appeared at The White Lyon, Worplesdon on 16 September ’88.

    Gallery:

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  • Southbound

    Southbound

    (c.’83-’85) – Alex ‘The Gipsy’ Tedesco (bass), Wynne ‘The Tramp’ Parry, and Martyn Eyre (drums).

    A post gig Southbound

    This Pyrford based Southern boogie 3-piece covered the likes of ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin’” as well as performing their own material, such as “Last Train to Georgia” – Although the Soundscene reviewer at the time may not have been aware on Red, Whites & Blues 1971 single “Last Train to Georgia”. On 2 February ’84 Southbound were originally to appear at The Royal, Guildford, with Backstage Pass who had to pull out and were replaced by Jokers Wild. The band were back at The Royal on 27 April, 23 November, supporting Jackie Lynton courtesy of promoter Tom Sawyer, and 27 December ’84 with Empyre in support. The next month they were picking up the ‘100 per cent Egyptian Cotton Award’ in the 1985′ Soundscene New Year awards for the best band T-shirt.

    Back in ’79 Tedesco had been in West Byfleet Hawkwind wannabees Planetarium, more recently he has been seen in The New Hawleans Jug Band. In ’85 Eyre got together with a few others and formed 45 South, playing local pubs and clubs.

    Gallery:

    Advert from Sounds’ 28 January 1984 issue. Image courtesy of Pete Cole
    Clipping from 2 February ’82 Soundscene
    Southbound clipping from Soundscene 26 April 1984
    A mention of the award winning Sounthbound t-shirt. Soundscene 8th November 1984.
    Soundscene, 15th November 1984
    Soundscene, 29th November 1984
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  • Billy Liberator

    Billy Liberator

    (c’89-93) Paul Huggett (guitar / vocals)

    Woking based, ex-Public Warning member, Huggett went solo with his 12-string acoustic as singer / songwriter Billy Liberator and released the ‘Glebeland Blues’ demo in late ’89 / early ’90 which opened with ‘And How Daddy Loves You’, followed by ‘The Newtown Boys’, ‘A Love Like This’ and ‘She’s Just One Kiss Away’. Meanwhile, Huggett was still playing in Forrest & The Choppers.

    Glebeland Blues…

    Leeds and Reading Festival promoter Neil Pengelly agreed to give him a regular gig at the Mean Fiddler, Harlesdon. Liberator made his live debut at the acoustic room there in 1990 with a selection of his own material, a small smattering of Public Warning songs and Woody Guthrie and Alarm covers. This was the start of a successful run at the venue that lasted two years. He returned to the Mean Fiddler in ’91, accompanied by Trusting Quimberries. Three years after it’s original release ‘…Just One Kiss…’ appeared on the A-side of Revenge of Farnborough Groove Vol.4 in ’93.

    In ’95, Forrest was invited to put the Choppers back together for a mini festival in Chertsey. The band has gigged sporadically ever since doing weddings, parties, working men’s clubs & the like, with a line-up that includes Huggett. After an extended sabbatical Liberator returned in September 2020 digitally releasing a 4-track EP titled “Your Heart Wears It Well”.

    September 2020’s “Your Heart Wears It Well” EP

    “Your Heart Wears Well” was produced by Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard, and comprises “Evelyn”, “What Needed To Be Said”, “Stand Up For Your Love” and the title track. Billy Liberator is now gigging solo and as frontman to The Orbiteers with Jakey Miller (guitars), Andy Lodge (drums), Mike Veness (bass) – who Huggett has known since Public Warning c’84 and Forrest & the Choppers c’88 onwards – and Al Zarth (keyboards). Post lockdown, Liberator and his ensemble have been busy gigging and releasing LPs and singles.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

    Billy Liberator appeared on the A-Side on Revenge of Farnborough Groove Vol.4. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    Glebeland Blues photoshoot at Brookwood Cemetery, 1989. Taken by Papa Brian
    Glebeland Blues photoshoot at Brookwood Cemetery, 1989. Taken by Papa Brian
    Glebeland Blues photoshoot at Brookwood Cemetery, 1989. Taken by Papa Brian
    Glebeland Blues photosoot at Brookwood Cemetery, 1989. Taken by Papa Brian
    Glebeland Blues photoshoot at Brookwood Cemetery, 1989. Taken by Papa Brian
    Soundscene 89/90?
    Soundscence reviews Billy Liberator’s debut live gig at The Mean Fidler’s acoustic room 1990-ish?
    Mean Fiddler, 1991
    Mean Fiddler, with Thrusting Quimberries, in 1991
    Billy Liberator. Picture courtesy of Paul Huggett
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  • Kilter

    Kilter

    (c’96-’19) William Ballintyne (guitar), Barney Jeavons (bass), Anthony Read (drums) and Inga Leru (vocals).

    Kilter out back of the West End Centre in ’97. Picture courtesy of Inga Leru-Kelly

    Kilter is the phoenix of Summersalt. Leru, who’d previously been in Three Times The Crow, joined the Summersalters after auditioning for the band in an auditorium at the University of Surrey, Guildford. Their first gig was supporting Jolt at the West End Center, Aldershot in ’97, when they were billed as Snowball.

    The bands track “Solar” got included on The Best Of Splatch! CD compilation released in ’97 on the Mother Stoat Recording Co. label [STOAT 006] as the 16th, hidden, track and on The Farnborough Groove Vol.7 (Geography Sucks). The seventh volume of Farnborough Groove was launched at The West End Centre, on 20 September ’97, at which Kilter performed.

    Kilter’s “Solar” was included on Farnborough Groove Vol.7 (Geography Sucks). Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    On 11 October ’97 Kilter supported Dream City Film Club at the West End Centre, and a couple of months later they were back at the venue, wrapping up ’97 on the same bill as Enertia, Disturbing Guests and Spillage on 20 December. On 22 May ’98, Kilter played the Cranleigh Arts Centre with Jetpak & Vex Red. Then three days later, on 25 May ’98, “Solar” was released as a double A side 1,000 copy limited run, with “Call The Day” on the flipside via the Shifty Disco [DISCO.9805] label, that resulted in some airplay with Peel and Lamacq. On 30 October ’98 Kilter, along with Scapegoats, supported headliners Stony Sleep at Splatch!, held at the H.G. Wells Suite, Woking. Late that same year the band toured with Dream City Film Club, supporting them at Bristol, Bedford, Southampton, London and on 14 November ’98 locally at Cranleigh Arts Center. They were back at H.G. Wells Suite on 18 December ’98 for The Christmas Best of Splatch! that also featured Redwood, Jetpak, and Enertia.

    14 November ’98: Kilter toured with Dream City Film Club, supporting them at Bristol, Bedford, Southampton, London & Cranleigh. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene

    The next year the CD compilation “It’s A Shifty Disco Thing – Volume Two” [SHIFTY 9902] included “Call The Day”, as did two further Shifty Disco compilation in ’99 and ’02. Also in ’99, Bluefire Records Snakebite City compilation series added “Snakebite’s Coming Home” [BLU13] which featured Kilter, as did the following years Snakebite City Nine [BLU15]. In March ’01, Jeavons got together with Pete Cole and Ric Melia to compile “Please Take Off Your Shoes Before Entering”; a compilation of mostly soundscene bands, on Badmusic [BMCD004] that included Kilter’s “Sunday”.

    Kilter c’2014

    Ballintyne and Jeavons were replaced by Stu Crawford-Browne (guitar) and DJ Pennell (bass) and several years later, in October ’12, “Catching My Breath” was included on the Vive Le Rock compilation “Music for Pleasure” and described as “a sleazy rumble slightly reminiscent of Garbage (the band)”. Two months later “Kilter ‎– A History Of” was self-released as MP3 and distributed by CD Baby. Two after that, on 25 November ’14, the CD album “We’re All Waiting To Be Alone” was self-released, having been recorded at The Rooms and mastered at Close To The Edge, with distribution once again handle by CD Baby. In September ’19 the band e-released the “Wolves Will Come” EP. This was followed shortly by the news that Kilter were wrapping things up in October after over 20 years.

    Jeavons was the West End Centre director between 2001 and 2019, the former manager of Reuben, a member of a number of local bands himself, and promoter of Spaltch and other events. In 2019 Jeavons set up Kick Arts UK working across artist management, tour booking and one-to-one arts consultations. There have also been four successful Arts Council funded projects. He was also Music Venue Trust’s Regional Coordinator for the South East and is an Associate Lecturer in Music Business at University for the Creative Arts.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

    22 May 1998: Kilter played the Cranleigh Arts Centre with Jetpak & Vex Red. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    Kilter’s “We’re All Waiting To Be Alone”
    Kilter’s “A Histoy Of…”
    Page 1 of a letter from Barney Jeavons to Splatch! attendees. When Splatch! could no longer be held at the Civic Hall, Guildford the folks at Farnham Maltings step up. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    Page 2 of a letter from Barney Jeavons to Splatch! attendees. When Splatch! could no longer be held at the Civic Hall, Guildford the folks at Farnham Maltings step up. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene
    Kilter played the West End Centre on 11th October 1997, supporting North Londoners Dream City Film Club. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    The Best Of Splatch! was a CD compliation released in ’97 on the Mother Stoat Recording Co. label [STOAT 006] and features Kilter’s “Solar” as the 16th, hidden, track.
    The Best Of Splatch! was a CD compliation released in ’97 on the Mother Stoat Recording Co. label [STOAT 006] and features Kilter’s “Solar” as the 16th, hidden, track.
    The Best Of Splatch! was a CD compliation released in ’97 on the Mother Stoat Recording Co. label [STOAT 006] and features Kilter’s “Solar” as the 16th, hidden, track.
    The Best Of Splatch! was a CD compliation released in ’97 on the Mother Stoat Recording Co. label [STOAT 006] and features Kilter’s “Solar” as the 16th, hidden, track.
    The Best Of Splatch! was a CD compliation released in ’97 on the Mother Stoat Recording Co. label [STOAT 006] and features Kilter’s “Solar” as the 16th, hidden, track.
    Kilter c’2016. Picture courtesy of Inga Leru-Kelly.
    30 October 1998: Stony Sleep headlined Splatch! with Kilter and Scapegoats in support. Picture courtesy of David Lapage.
    30 October 1998: Stony Sleep headlined Splatch! with Kilter and Scapegoats in support. Picture courtesy of David Lapage.
    18 December 1998: The Christmas Best of Splatch! featured Redwood, Jetpak, Kilter and Enertia. Picture courtesy of David Lapage.
    20 September 1997: Kilter performed at The Farnborough Groove Launch at The West End Centre, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of David Lapage.
    Kilter’s “Call The Day” / “Solar” double A-side single on the Shifty Disco label.
    Kilter, (L-R: Anthony Read, Barney Jeavons, Inga Leru and William Bazlintyne) backstage at the West End Center, Aldershot after their first gig, supporting Jolt. Picture courtesy of Inga Leru-Kelly
    Kilter t-shirt on a member of Vex Red with John Peel at BBC Radio 1. Source: Vex Red
    Kilter were featured in the ‘Up & Coming’ section of the January 2013 issue of Viva Le Rock, 16 years after forming. Picture courtesy of Inga Leru-Kelly


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  • The Bohemians

    The Bohemians

    (c’83) Victor Kaye (drums), Peter Ryan (bass), Maria Lennard (vocals) and ?

    This Sheerwater / New Haw based band played a couple of gigs in Kingston, then split in late ’83.

    Gallery:

    Soundscene, 19th January ’84
    Soundscene 12th Jan 1984
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  • COW

    COW

    (c’83-84) James Johnston (guitar), Paul Dempsey (bass), Jo Byfield (vocals), Paul Bellchamber (guitar) and Kevin ? (drums)

    This Cranleigh / Guildford 5-piece band appeared at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 14 January ’84 supporting Screaming Lullabies, along with Dark Paradise and The Spin Dolls. Nine days later, on 25 January, they headlined the ‘Animal House’ at The Royal, Guildford, with Ruff Justice in support. The following month, on 24 February they were supporting Zugang and Kalibre at the Borough Hall, Godalming. At some point Mike Delanian may have played with the band on bass and there was at least one demo on TDK cassette.

    14 January 1984: Old Schoolhouse ticket for Screaming Lullabies, Dark Paradise, Cow, and Spin Dolls.

    Three months after their first appearance at The Schoolhouse, they were back at the venue with No Joy, Screaming Lullabies, and The Spin Dolls, this time supporting goth rock band In Excelsis, formed by former UK Decay guitarist Steve Spon, on 26 April ’84. Members of COW went on to form Gallon Drunk in ’88.

    Johnston was a touring member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in 1994, filling in for Blixa Bargeld during the band’s Lollapalooza stint. He was a full-time Bad Seed from 2003 to 2008, contributing to the albums “Abattoir Blues”, “The Lyre of Orpheus” and “Dig Lazarus Dig”. He has also recorded and toured with the likes of Lydia Lunch, Ulan Bator, Barry Adamson, Faust, and PJ Harvey. Delanian has a writing and piano credit on Holly Golightly’s 1998 “Serial Girlfriend” LP.

    Gallery:

    Flyer for 14 Jan 1984 COW gig with Dark Paradise, Screaming Lullabies and Spin Dolls at The Old School House. Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling.
    Soundscene, 19th January 1984
    Flyer for Schoolhouse gig with Screaming Lullabies, Dark Paradise, COW, and Spin Dolls.
    COW, along with Dark Paradise and The Spin Dolls, supported Screaming Lullibies headlining gig at the Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 14th January 1984. Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling
    COW with Screaming Lullibies and No Joy supported In Excelsis the Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 26th April 1984. While not listed The Spin Dolls appeared too, Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling
    COW at the Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 26 April 1984. Picture courtesy of Debra Harris
    24 February 1984: Charity gig covered in local paper, featured Zugang, Kalibre and Cow. Picture courtesy of Kevin Ph
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  • Atalanta Ballroom, Woking

    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking

    The Atalanta Ballroom, owned by Bob Potter (post-war dance band drummer, band leader and Surrey farmer’s son – Grove Farm, Ash), stood on Commercial Road, Woking and was the place, if you couldn’t afford to go up to London, to be seen. The building was originally the Sunday school and Manse of the Wesleyan Chapel. In WWI it was a recreation hall for soliders and after a period of disuse, the hall became the Atalanta Ballroom in 1935.On Wednesday 8 May ’35 it was the venue for a ‘George V Jubilee Dance’ with the proceeds given to the Woking Victoria Hospital.

    In the 50’s Geoffrey/Geoff Boniface lead a dance band out of the “Ata”; as it was often called, and the youth of the day also “got down” to the Bob Potter Band. Sheerwater based skiffle band the Mid Westerners also played at the Ata and Terry Lightfoot’s Jazzman were there on 13 December ’57. There would be a queue outside waiting for the doors to open and Bob Potter would stand just inside the door to greet you in his dinner jacket and bow tie, as Dot took your coat. The local lads would have to vie with soldiers from Pirbright for the local ladies’ attention with nights kicking off with a “Paul Jones” dance which paired you with whomever was opposite when the music stopped.

    19 Sept 1958: The Jazz Couriers supported by the David James Trio were at the Atalanta Ballroom, Woking. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    Potter also DJ’d (another Ata DJ was Dave the Rave West) and ran the Bob Potter Agency (later I.E.A or International Entertainment Agency) representing bands like The Bandits, who frequently played at the Agincourt Ballroom, one of Potter’s other clubs, and Atalanta Ballrooms.

    Friday nights at the Ata were legendary. When packed with 800 plus teenagers the acoustics, thanks to thick walls, traditional ballroom design and floor, were great. The Ata was famous for it’s “best in Surrey” (if not the South-East) sprung dance floor – with the rumour being it was built over a pool – and was used as a dancing school during the day in the late 50’s / early 60’s.

    Bob Potter talks about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones at The Atalanta

    The floor really bounced when hundreds of teenagers were rockin’ and rollin’ to a who’s who of early 60s bands. Potter’s own bands: The Emeralds, Wishful Thinking, The Late, The Onyx, Mike Raynor and the Condors, The Embers and Chunk’s Jump Band all enjoyed playing the Ata. Along with resident and/or represented bands, the Flamingo Club, based at the Ata, focused on Jazz in the early 60’s.

    The Merseybeats (c’63) with fans at Atalanta Ballroom. Source: Maggie Froud via WOKING when we were young

    You could have seen Kenny Ball Jazzmen (4 Sept ’61), The Rolling Stones (19 Aug ’63 – a week before appearing on ‘Ready, Steady, Go’), Spencer Davis Group (18 Jan ’65), Hedgehoppers Anonymous (8 Nov ’65), Jerry Lee Lewis (in ’65 – who had to play on a Hammond organ as the piano was broken), Gary Farr & the T-Bones (21 Mar ’66), .

    Peter Howard, of ICE magazine and Contributing Editor for Rolling Stone, talks about a 1963 Atalanta Posters that includes The Rolling Stones

    Steam Packet appeared in ’66 – with Rod Stewart on vocals; Acker Bilk (5th Sept ’67), The Turtles, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, The Who, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Graham Bond Organisation, Screaming Lord Sutch, Geno Washington And The Ram Jam Band, The Temperance Seven, Tornadoes, Wilson Pickett, The Equals (16 July ’68) and many other sixties headliners such as Tom Jones (16 February ’65 – and earlier in ’63 – was paid 100 quid) supported by one of Bob’s bands, Rampant from Portsmouth. The image used on the front cover on Tom Jones and the Squires’ 1965, 7″ 4-track vinyl “Tom Ones On Stage” was taken at The Atalanta, Woking. Of course, the local bands kept the place alive; local bands like The Late.

    16 February 1965: Tom Jones on stage at the Atalanta, Woking. Source: Richard Knotek via WOKING when we were young

    Two notable 60’s headliner were Cream (19 September ’66) and Pink Floyd (sometime in ’67). Cream had come directly from recording their slot for 30 December broadcast of Guitar Club for the BBC Home Service show. The venue was packed for them, but down the front of the crowd was a gent yelling at Eric Clapton, “Oi, Eric you’re useless. Can’t play at all. Rubbish…!” One of the bouncers pulls this heckler aside and held him against the wall, to whom Clapton shouted out “Put my uncle down!”. Well, that’s how the story went when Adrian Clapton told it to Adam Russel. Pink Floyd launched into their set, which likely opened with Interstellar Overdrive, with their infamous live lightshow designed by Peter Wynne Willson. This visual bombardment so displeased Potter that he stopped the show.

    Many a band member would nip next door to the Schooner Club bar. The Schooner was a great little club, entering to the left of the Ata building via the foyer, where Stan would greet you on the Door, then along a dark passage that opened up into the Schooner to be welcomed by Dougie & Doris (Potter’s sister and brother in law) behind the Bar. Potter’s agency bands would turn up and jam when the DJ was late. In fact, on Saturday and Sunday nights the Schooner was often open until 2am and Potter’s bands would finish their other booking/s and then travel back and do a session there. Les Reed‘s, (he co-wrote ‘It’s Not Unusual” for Tom Jones) mother used to wax that dance floor and she used her position as the venue’s caretaker to introduce Potter to piano playing Reed. The Daleks also made an appearance one Saturday in ’66-ish, if you collected enough vouchers from the Woking News and Mail you could get a free ticket.

    The Atalanta Ballroom was demolished in 1972

    In 1970, the venue hosted a benefit concert for the disaster in Pakistan at which Genevieve played. It was demolished, despite a long petition to retain the Atalanta, in 1972 (or ’74, ’78 and ’79 depending on the source, but readers do say it was definitely after ’72). The Peacocks / Wolsey Walk now occupies the site. Potter went on to build Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green

    Bob Potter OBE, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness on 14 April 2023. He was 94.

    Gallery:

    13 June 1966: The Gass played the Atalanta, Woking. Advert from the Aldershot News & Camberley News from June 1966
    16 July 1968: The Equals played the Atalanta, Woking. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
    Ticket for the Schooner Club at the Atalanta, Woking. Source: Ann Morris via WOKING when we were young
    Hedgehoppers Anonymous clipping from NME 29 Oct ’65
    Parts of posters for “Ata” gigs, the first from ’66 the othe ’62; both originals are/were for sale on peterice.com
    JAZZ NEWS — Tubby Hayes Quartet played the Atalanta Ballroom, Woking on Wednesday, April 5, 1961 (lifted from National Jazz Archive)
    This is part of a photograph that used to be on the ceiling above the dentist’s chair at the Woking Dental Practice in Oriental Road. The “Ata” can be seen circled.
    The Atalanta in 1958
    Atalanta
    The Atalanta at the centre of Woking postcard
    Tom Jones in the dressing room after performing at the Atlanta ballroom, 16th February1965
    Tom Jones performing at the Atlanta ballroom, 16th February 1965
    This 7″ 4-track vinyl of Tom Jones and the Squires, titled “Tom Ones On Stage” was released in 1965. The cover picture of Tom on stage was taken at The Atalanta, Woking.
    The Atalanta Ballroom, Woking
    Atalanta Ballroom
    Melody Maker 29 April 67: Prince Buster and The Bees played the Atalanta, 15 May 1967
    Melody Maker 13 May 67: The Turtles played the Atalanta (mistakenly called the Atalantic, which was common) on 5 June 1967.
    Terry Lightfoot’s Jazzman were at the Atalanta, Woking on 13 December 1957 (clipping from NME 13 Dec ’57)
    Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers appeared at the Atalanta, Woking on 19 October 1964 (Record Mirror 10 Oct 64)
    Atalanta and Agincourt Membership Card. Source: Marion Holloman Straver via Woking Old and New (Doing it together)
    1966/7 Atalanta Dancing Club membership card. Source: June Gilbert via WOKING when we were young
    Released in 1967, “Prince Buster On Tour” lists the Atalanta, Woking on the cover.
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  • Chez Ed

    Chez Ed

    (c’87-88) Al ? (guitar, sax and vocals), Jason Orbaum (keyboards and vocals), Bruce ? (bass) and Matt Edmonds (drums).

    Named in tribute to the bands own Edmunds, not for then Woking College student president Eddie Thorn as reported in Soundscene, this 4-piece was a by-product of Orbaum and Edmonds’ comedy double-act. They started as a covers band with “Shout”, “Careless Whisper”, “Up the Junction”, and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” in their repertoire.

    Woking College’s inaugural Fresher’s Ball in ’87 was the band’s coming out party and they reportedly had shows lined up in Teddington. By December ’88 they were collecting the “Memorial Award for Absent Friends” from PG Tips, which they shared with Steel Bill & The Buffalos and Dance Factor. Orbaum went onto to a project called Dark.

    Gallery:

    Soundscene, 15th October 1987
    Chez Ed share the “Memorial Award to Absent Friends” in the PG Tips December 1988 honors list. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks
    Chez Ed clipping from Soundscene (date unknown). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks
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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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