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Garth Hewitt
(c’73-present) Garth Hewitt (guitar / vocal)
Local, or at least we could claim so from ’85 to the early ’90s, Christian singer / songwriter Hewitt released his first album ‘The Lion and the Lamb’ in 1973, with 43 other LP releases since then including the newest,’Easter Revolution’ in 2022 on GingerDog Records [GDCD0000132].
In ’73, Hewitt performed at the Billy Graham Organization’s Spre-e at Earls Court and Wembley Arena. He returned to the event the next year, the final Spre-e event, at Wembley Stadium to 22,000 strong attendees. This was recorded and mixed for Key, a New Malden based Christian record label, by R.G. Jones Studios and the compilation LP ‘Live at Spre-e Album’ was released later that year featuring Johnny Cash, Cliff Richard, Aleksander John, Choralerna, Malcolm & Alwyn, Graham Kendrick, The Advocates, and Hewitt.
The first Greenbelt was in ’74 and Hewitt played the event, going on to be one of the events Directors/Board Members for over 25 years. ’74 was also the year he released ‘I Never Knew Life Was in Full Technicolor’ on Myrrh. The success of Spre-e led to the Billy Graham Organisation organising Eurofest ’75 in Hevsel Stadium, Brussels at which Hewitt also appeared. After a two year wait, Hewitt released his third LP ‘Love Song For the Earth’ again on Myrrh in 76. The next year, Hewitt wrote the music for a film backed by the Christan relief agency, Tearfund, titled ‘A World of Difference’. This was the first of many collaborations with Cliff Richard who performed in the movie and which also featured Hewitt singing the title song. Then in ’78 Richard provided backing vocal’s to Hewitt’s “I’m Grateful” LP, another Myrrh label pressing. The year after Richard produced Hewitt’s “Did He Jump… or Was He Pushed?” LP, which was released by Patch/EMI, and went on to cover two of Hewitt’s tracks from that album. The first, “Did He Jump,” didn’t chart for Richard. Another Hewitt song, “That’s Why We’re Here” was selected as the theme for Granada TV’s Pop Gospel programme in ’79.
1980 saw Hewitt at both Cambridge and Oxford universities as part of Billy Graham evangelistic campaigns. This was also the year he was presenting the Pop Gospel show with Bernie Flint and when Myrrh put out ‘The Best of Garth Hewitt’ compilation album. He moved to Southern TV’s Reverend Roger Royale presented religious affairs show Royale Progress when it started in June ’81, but four weeks later the programme was axed. Another Hewitt song “Under the Influence”, from his LP of the same name released in ’81, was recorded by Richard, with Kenny Everett providing backing vocals, in ’82, using it as the B-side (except in the US and Canada) to his single “The Only Way Out”; which reach No.10 in the UK Singles Chart. Tearfund funded and was the label for Hewitt’s ‘Record of the Weak’ LP released in ’82. In ’83, the people of Uganda, nicknamed Hewitt “Namirembe” for the track of the same name, on his Indian and African influenced album, ‘Road to Freedom’; back on the Myrrh label, about a hill in Kampala, Uganda. Hewitt released two LPs in ’84, both on Scripture Union, titled ‘Mud on My Eye’ and ‘The Bride’. In ’85, Richard performed “A World of Difference” at The Live-Aid after-party. This was the second track from Hewitt’s “Did He Jump… or Was He Pushed?” LP covered by Richard. This was also the year Hewitt set up Godalming human rights charity Amos Trust and released ‘Alien Brain’ on Myrrh. Myrrh were also the label for the ‘Portfolio’ LP that hit the street in early ’87, followed later in the year by ‘The Greatest in the Land’ on Scripture Union. Hewitt was named International Artist of the Year at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards 1988 in Nashville. That same year he released ‘Scars’. In ’89 Hewitt performed a concert in the Manchester church Sri Lanken refugee Viraj Mendis was claiming sanctuary to avoid deportation, to highlight the issue. Later that year he began touring with Stewart Henderson and Geoffrey Stevenson. The show was called ‘Broken Image’ and sponsored by TearFund focused on the plight of poor people in the Philippines and ran into 1990.
At the very beginning of ’91 the De La Raiz label put out ‘Un Nino es el Futuro’. Then, having encountered street children in Brazil, Hewitt wrote his protest song “Little Outlaws, Dirty Angels”, which appeared on the ‘Lonesome Troubadour‘ album in April ’91.
Soundscene, 11th April 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. On the 12 April ’91 he appeared at St. Andrews Church, Goldsworth Park, 3 days after the release of the LP. In ’93, in response to the murder of Stephen Lawrence, Hewitt wrote “You Are Loved Stephen Lawrence” with the aim of raising awareness and protest against racism. Lawrence’s mother, Doreen, selected the track as one of her choices on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. A productive year saw Hewitt release three albums in ’92: ‘Memories’ on Myrrh, ‘Blood Brothers with Ben Okafor’ on What? Records, and ‘I Shall Be Made Thy Musique with Penelope Cave’ on Eagle. The next year ‘Walk the Talk’ was released. Hewitt was appointed the Guildford Diocesan World Affairs and World Mission Advisor in ’94, a roll he held until ’96. During this time he released ‘Stronger Than the Storm’ on Myrrh and ‘The Greatest Gift’ on Bible Lands. In ’96 Hewitt began his four-part Journeys series on Myrrh. ‘Journeys 1, The Holy Land’ and Journeys 2, Africa’ arrived in ’96, the next year ‘Journeys 3, Asia’ was released and the year after that ‘Journeys 4, Latin America’ completed the series. Hewitt’s final album release of the ’90s was ‘Gospel Singer’ on ICC in ’99.
ICC put out Hewitt’s ‘The Dalit Drum with Paul Field, Christian Aid’ in ’01. Then in 2002, Richard’s ‘Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” album re-release included Hewitt’s “Under the Influence”. The following year, continuing his lyrical activism he wrote “Light a Candle in the Darkness” for peace activist Rachel Corrie on her death in Gaza. He also released ’30’ a double album and ‘The Road Home with Artist Daniel Bonnell’, his only release on SPCK. Three years later, in ’06 ICC was behind the ‘Stealing Jesus Back’ LP. Then there was one release a year on Amos: ‘Journeys – Africa – Wings of Love Over Africa’ in ’07, ‘Bethlehem, Palestine’ in ’08, and ‘Gaza, Palestine’ in ’09.
The next decade opened for Hewitt with the release of ‘Moonrise’. Working with Kevin Meyhew ‘Justice Like A River’ was released in ’12. After Mike Sanders, a lecturer in nineteenth-century writing at The University of Manchester, discovered a Chartist hymnal from 1845, he presented it’s advocacy of egalitarian principles in 2012. Hewitt put music to the hymms and released them in 2013 at the “Liberty is Near!” LP. In ’14 a six album stretch with GingerDog Records began with ‘Something For the Soul’ and ‘Songs From the Fifth Gospel’ that first year. Two years past before ‘Peace at Christmas’, and another two until the ‘Against the Grain’ double LP. ‘My Name is Palestine’ released in ’19 wrapped the decade.
Here we are now and Hewitt has produced a legacy of 44 LPs, a mere seven singles, one musical, two DVDs, has 11 books to his credit and nine songbooks.
Gallery:
Aleksander JOhn, Amos Trust, BBC Radio 4, Bernie Flint, Bible Lands, Billy Graham, Broken Image, Brussels, Cambridge, Chartists, Choralerna, Christian Aid, Cliff Richard, Daniel Bonnell, De La Raiz, Desert Island Discs, Doreen Lawrence, Eagle, Earls Court, EMI, Eurofest, Garth Hewitt, Gaza, Geoffrey Stevenson, GingerDog Records, Godalming, Goldsworth Park, Gospel Music Association, Graham Kendrick, Granada TV, Greenbelt, Guildford Diocesan, Hevsel Stadium, ICC, Johnny Cash, Kampala, Kenny Everett, Kevin Meyhew, Key, Live-Aid, London, Malcolm & Alwyn, Mike Sanders, Myrrh, Namirembe, Nashville, Nrew Malden, Oxford, Patch, Paul Field, Penelope Cave, Pop Gospel, R.G. Jones Studios, Rachel Corrie, Roger Royale, Royale Progress, Scripture Union, Southern TV, SPCK, Spre-e, St. Andrews, Stephen Lawrence, Stewart Henderson, Tearfund, The Advocates, Uganda, University of Manchester, Viraj Mendis, Wembley Arena -
S.U.N.
(c’90-’92) Chris Andrews, Spencer Steel, Antoinette ? (vocals), and Dr Crippen as producer
Still from the video for “We Love You” S.U.N. were initially an electronic duo, with Steel having previously been with Mr. Ed. The founding pair saw their ‘We Love You’ reach #4 in Soundscene’s Top Ten Local Songs 1990. Released on Flat Records [OUT TS003], this was out of Panther Studios and later remixed by Doc Martin for the US market, where it was released in ’91.
In Jan ’91 the band searched for a new female singer, finding Antoinette ?, and released the 12″ version of their debut single “We Love You”, a cover of the Jagger / Richards song, again on Flat Records. S.U.N. supported The Candyskins, along with The Pocket Devils, at Splash, Water Rats, Kings Cross on 29 May ’91. In October that same year they released the “Results of Reasoning” E.P. which reached No.194 in the charts. They went on to release the “Hypnotiki” LP in ’92. This was recorded and mixed at Music of the Spheres, Reigate and featured Smudge of guitar, and scratching by DJ Modest.
Steel’s later work can be found on Soundcloud under the user name ‘Delete All Contacts’, he sadly passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Andrews is still writing music under the alias Acid Dog, having previously used Southern Hawker and Boss Drum.
(Editor’s Note: We are trying to confirm if Andrews and Chris Coppen (aka Dr. Crippen) are one and the same).
Tracks:
Gallery:
29 May 1991: SUN supported The Candyskins, along with The Pocket Devils at Splash, Water Rats, Kings Cross. Source: Wendy McNally via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
Ex-Big Wednesday guitarist Nathan Argonaut spins some local band vinyl… 
S.U.N’s “We Love You” was 4th in Soundscene’s Top 10 local songs of 1990. Clipped from 3 Jan ’91 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Soundscene’s review of ’91 published Jan 2nd ’92. 
. Crippen, Acid Dog, Boss Drum, Chris Andrews, Chris Coppen, Delete All Contacts, DJ Modest, Doc Martin, Flat Records, Keith Richards, King's Cross, Mick Jagger, Mr. Ed, Music of the Spheres, Panther Studios, Reigate, S.U.N., Soundscene, Southern Hawker, Spencer Steel, Splash, SUN, The Candyskins, THe Pocket Devils, Water Rats -
Something Religious
(c’91-93) – Ben Martyn (guitar/vocals), Dominic Coles (drums), Ray Goodsall (guitar), Wayne Arnold (bass).
This Bagshot based band played 100% original guitar indie, that showed influence from The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and The Charletons. Coles had just departed Sugar Mountain, but by March ’91 was with the band appearing at The Old Trout, Windsor, returning on 17 April with The Ha Ha Men and Big Wednesday in support.
17 April 1991. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut A couple of months later, across the 12 to 15 June ’91 the West End Centre, Aldershot hosted 18 bands for the first rounds of the Buzz Club’s MidSummer Madness Local Indie/Rock Band Competition. The first night saw Hung Inverted, Big Wednesday, My Blue Heaven, Not Just a Pretty Face, and Something Religious battle it out. Emile Martyn (keyboards) joined in late ’91 / early ’92. Then sometime in ’92 Emilie Martyn pick up the bass from Arnold, Drew ‘Chalkey’ Sayer took over his keyboard duties, Simon Pulling (drums) replaced Coles, and James Collins (guitar) did the same with Goodsall.
Cole went on to join The Outcast Band.
Gallery:
Something Religious get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
1991. Picture courtesy of Nathan 
Something Religious at The Cricketeres, Westfield. Picture courtesy of Emma Casey 
Ben Martyn-Godfrey of Something Religious playing his 1964 Gretch Chet Atkins Country Gent, with gold plated Bigsby tremolo at the Cricketers, Westfield. Picture taken by Emma Casey, courtesy of Ben Martyn-Godfrey. 
Something Religious at The Cricketeres, Westfield. Picture courtesy of Emma Casey 
Ben Martyn in Something Religious around ’92. Picture courtesy of Emma Cassy (nee Booker) via Ben Martyn-Godfrey 
Ben and Emile Martyn in Something Religious around ’92. Picture courtesy of Emma Cassy (nee Booker) via Ben Martyn-Godfrey 
Ben and Emile Martyn, with Drew ‘Chalkey’ Sayer on keyboards in Something Religious around ’92. Picture courtesy of Emma Cassy (nee Booker) via Ben Martyn-Godfrey 
James Collins and Emilie Martyn in Something Religious around ’92. Picture courtesy of Emma Cassy (nee Booker) via Ben Martyn-Godfrey 
Wednesday 17th April ’93 and Something Religious are at The Old Trout, Windsor; supported by Big Wednesday. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
12 June 1991: West End Centre info sheet covering the first rounds of the Buzz Club’s MidSummer Madness local band competition. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter -
The Nonkey Brothers
(c’86-’87 & ’89-’00) Pete Marshall (bass), and Steve Mann (vocals/guitar)
Pete Marshall met Nigel Groves of The Nonkey Brothers. Picture courtesy of Matt Harding This Yateley / Sandhurst band was formed from the ashes of X-pressure by Marshall and Mann in ’86, performing at The Rose and Crown, Sandhurst on 22 November ’86. A gig that was recorded and released on cassette as ‘Let’s Be Salad’. A month later, on 27 December they were supporting Split Into at Frogmore School, Yateley with the addition of Paul Rance on drums, and Graham ? on bass who the duo had know from early incarnations of Shoot The Moon.
The initial duo began writing songs, often with explicit comedic lyrics and approachable chord progessions; such as “Dateline” about a guy with a penchant for woman with big breasts, “The Birds and the Bees” and “Stickle”, developing a set perfect for foot-tapping sing-alongs. By ’87 the duo had written and recorded in Marshall’s bedroom, on a Tascam 4-track cassette portastudio with the aid of a Boss ‘Doctor Rhythm’ drum machine, 62 songs. These, in addition to ‘Let’s Be Salad’, were released over three cassettes: ‘Wind Ya Neck In’, ‘No Sleep ’til Chipping Norton’, and ‘Nightmare on Darby Green Lane’. This was followed by a best of cassette titled ‘The Second Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle’, which carried 29 tracks.
The band’s third and final gig was at the Sandhurst Carnival 1987. Andy Smith, formerly of “Which One’s Maurice?”, took over the sticks from Rance while Simon Leppard grabbed the bass. The band reportedly folded thanks to a girlfriend and religion, and Marshall moved onto to play with Night Train to Memphis.
The Nonkey Brothers ‘Studio’. Picture courtesy of Matt Harding Marshall met Nigel Groves, in ’89, who had an Amiga and some MIDI music software. Together they wrote a new set of explicit comedic tracks. The embryo of The [New] Nonkey Brothers was formed. They were joined by classically trained pianist Mike Auld (keyboards) who became the third Nonkey Brother. Later that year the band released 26 tracks as the ‘Now That’s What We Call Crap Too’ cassette LP. The following year The Nonkey Brother’s ‘Something’ hit the streets, packed with 23 tracks.
’91 was also the year the band decided to continue playing live. Leppard was back on bass and Richard “Dickie” Aitken, a work colleague of Groves, joined on drums. Cassette LP ‘Lionel Blair’ was released sometime during that same year followed by ‘Squat Diddley Poke’ in ’92 and ‘Stickerly On Garfield’ and ‘Santa Comes But Once A Year’ in ’93. We are also aware of an appearance on 17 July ’93 at Mr Bumbles, Blackwater.
Just as The Who, Genesis, and Pink Floyd before them, The Nonkey Brothers then wrote ‘Geek’ a rock opera / musical that was released in ’96; but it never made it to stage or film. After ‘Geek’, which took the band three years to write, they took a break, releasing the double cassette compilation LPs ‘Toilet Volume 1 (The First 10 Years)’ and ‘Toilet Volume 2 (The First 10 Years)’ in the interim. After a two year break they were back in ’98 with ‘Barsebuffknutt’, that included tracks recorded at No Machine Studios, Wokingham with the current line-up of Marshall, Auld, Dominic Brown on bass, and Andy Rowney on drums. The complete No Machine Sessions were released later that year as the ‘Pick a Finger’ demo on CD.
Late in ’98 the band recorded most of their 6 December appearance at Glen Events Comedy Night, Glen Eyre Halls of Residence, University of Southampton. This live recording was subsequently released as ‘Rooteetoot’. The last we know of The Nonkey Brothers is the year 2000’s 17 track ‘Large Tough Chicken’ CD.
Gallery:
Andy Rowney, Andy Smith, Blackwater, Dominic Brown, Frogmore School, Glen Events Comedy Night, Glen Eyre Halls of Residence, Mike Auld, Mr Bumbles, Nigel Groves, Night Train to Memphis, No Machine Studios, Paul Rance, Pete Marshall, Richard Aitken, Sandhurst, Sandhurst Carnival, Shoot The Moon, Simon Leppard, Split Into, The Nonkey Brothers, The Rose and Crown, University of Southampton, Which One's Maurice, Wokingham, X-pressure, Yateley -
Empyre
(c’84-’86) Steve Arnold (vocals), Dean Balchin (guitar), Mark Randon (guitar), Ian “Wez” Westley (bass), and Paul Stevens (drums)
Heavy metalers, Empyre played many a local gig, including a support slot for Southbound on 29 December ’84, The Queen’s Head, Horsham on 21 September ’85 and Chiddingfold Club on 17 January ’86. The band also ventured up into London, supporting Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts at the Marquee on 22 March ’86.
Early in ’86 the band released “Hidden Powers”, a single-sided demo cassette; recorded at the 16- track Abbeydale Studios, London. The production run was so limited, but over 100, they were able to hand-number each cassette. Later in the year Empyre took the the first two tracks from “Hidden Powers” and self released, on the Monterrez label [EMP1], a 7″ double-A side single that carried “World’s Apart” and “Swordplay”. Engineered by Jeremy Freedman and privately pressed by SRT record company [SRT6KS774], this is currently the last information we have on the band.
Westley joined Trashqueen in ’88, although he is referenced as an ex-member of Monterey – a possible mix up with the Monterrez label. Towards the end of ’88, ex-Kyoto Rose / Trashqueen guitarist Phil Brookes pulled Calamity Sax together and roped in Westley. He went on to become General Manager of Mushroom Records where Garbage, Muse, Ash, Zero 7 and Paul Oakenfeld were launched and is now Hassle Records label manager and manages a number of bands. He is co-owner of Full Time Hobby (the holding company for Hassle) whose first release was Portland, Oregon based duo Viva Voce’s EP “Alive With Pleasure”.
Gallery:
Abbeydale Studios, Ash, Calamity Sax, Chiddignfold Club, Chiddingfold, Dean Balchin, Dumpy's Rusty Nuts, Empyre, Full Time Hobby, Garbage, Guildford, Hassle Records, Horsham, Ian Westley, Jeremy Freedman, Kyoto Rose, London, Mark Randon, Marquee, Monterrez, Muse, Mushroom Records, Paul Oakenfeld, Paul Stevens, Phil Brookes, Southbound, SRT, Steve Arnold, The Queen's Head, The Royal, Trashqueen, Viva Voce, Zero 7 -
The 1985 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 1985:
January 3
The Royal, Guildford: Tokyo BladeJanuary 4
The Royal, Guildford: Slow Motion w/ F-File, The Bar Flies and Dance on GlassJanuary 7
The Maltings, Farnham: Fairport ConventionJanuary 10
Assembly Rooms, Surbiton: Time UK w/ Dark Paradise
The Royal, Guildford: Chain Reaction w/ Tour De Force
Chain Reaction advert from Sounds 12 January 1985. image courtesy of Pete Cole January 11
Emmanuel Chapel, Woking: Salt Solution
The Royal, Guildford: Icemon
Advert for The Royal, Guildford from Sounds,12 January 1985. Image courtesy of Pete Cole January 12
The Royal, Guildford: Larry Miller BandJanuary 17
The Royal, Guildford: Jackie LyntonJanuary 18
Keyhole Club, St. John’s: Salt Solution
The Royal, Guildford: Eddie & The HotrodsJanuary 24
Woking College, Woking: Salt SolutionJanuary 25
University of Surrey, Guildford: Clint Eastwood and General SaintJanuary 26
Interaction, Kentish Town: Blythe Power w/ CardiacsJanuary 31
Rugby Club’s Drag Disco, University of Surrey, Guildford: Holy DurexFebruary 1
The Royal, Guildford: Flow Motion w/ by Siere Novar
Poster for Flow Motion supported by Siere Novar at The Royal, 1 Februsry 1985. Picture courtesy of Du Kane February 9
The Old Schoolhouse, Woking: Dark Paradise w/ F-FileFebruary 14
The Royal, Guildford: Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts
The Talbot, Ripley: Collective SoundFebruary 15
The Royal, Guildford: Private Patients
Hand and Spear, Weybridge: Nick Dow
The Blue Anchor, Staines: The TeaseFebruary 16
The Blue Anchor, Byfleet: Milky Bar Kids w/ FEG
The Royal, Guildford: KrewmenFebruary 18
The Royal, Guildford: Seconds OutFebruary 20
The Royal, Guildford: Here and Now
Club Royal advert from Sounds 23 February 1985 edition. Image courtesy of Pete Cole February 21
The Royal, Guildford: Backstage Pass w/ Terranova
The West End Centre, Aldershot: Spliff Riff w/ African Connexion
Englefield Green Social Hall: Geneva w/ Blank GenerationFebruary 22
The Royal, Guildford: Press Any Key
Hand and Spear, Weybridge: Allan TaylorFebruary 23
South Hill Park, Bracknell: Bryony
The Royal, Guildford: Joker’s Wild w/ F-FileFebruary 26
Southill Park, Bracknell: The Bill Brunskill Band
The Royal, Guildford: IcemonFebruary 27
The Royal, Guildford: SiegeFebruary 28
The Royal, Guildford: Jackie Lynton
Civic Hall, Guildford: JamesMarch 1
Hand and Spear, Weybridge: Sarah Morgan And Mary Eagle?
Horse, Slough: GenevaMarch 2
Hand and Spear, Weybridge: Sheila March and Alison Muir
Village Hall, Hambledon: Cabina Telefonica w/ Why
2 March 1985: Cabina Telefonica at Hambledon Village Hall. Source: Mark Woolford March 5
Hand and Spear, Weybridge: George Melly w/ John Chilson’s FeetwarmersMarch 12
100 Club, London: Annie Anxiety, Current 93, D&V, and Death In JuneMarch 14
La Sébale, Paris, France: Death In JuneMarch 20
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: The Plague w/ 16 GunsMarch 22
Youth Club, Virginia Water: Salt Solution
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: Page ThreeApril 1
The Old Schoolhouse, Woking: Miss Woking Pop CabaretApril 4
Fashion, Trieste, Italy: Death In JuneApril 5
The Royal, Guildford: Suspect Tomorrow w/ Runestaff, and Page Three
Unknown venue, Venice, Italy: Death In June
The Cranley Hotel, Cranleigh: Kalibre
5 April 1985: Kalibre play The Cranley Hotel, Cranleigh. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter April 6
The Royal, Guildford: Function w/ Capricorn
Suburbia, Perugia, Italy: Death In JuneApril 7
Salt Peanuts, Florence, Italy: Death In JuneApril 8
Church Hall, Walton: The Tease
Unknown venue, Bologna, Italy: Death In JuneApril 11
The Royal, Guildford: Geneva w/ Chaser
Wilfred Noyce Youth Centre, Godalming: Cabina Telefonica w/ Technik
11 April 1985: Cabina Telefonica and Tecchnik played Wilfred Noyce Youth Centre. Image courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records April 12
Squash Club, West Byfleet: Mike Allen
The Royal, Guildford: Dirty Strangers w/ Neptune’s Oceans
Blue Anchor, Byfleet: Milky Bar Kids w/ Juniper TunesApril 13
The Royal, Guildford: Jackie Lynton w/ Lazy TrainApril 14
The Maltings, Farnham: The 4th Farnham Folk Day – Alistair Anderson, The Blades, The Boothill Foot-Tappers, Cluster Of Nuts Band, Eric, Dick Gaughan, Maggoe Holland & Chris Coe, Sarah & Dave Horne, Dave Hunt, Joe Hutton with Willie Taylor & Will Atkinson, Flaco Jimenez Tex-Mex Band featuring Peter Rowan, Debby McClatchy, The Oyster Band, Rogue Morros, The Seven Champions, Kathryn Tickell, Trubshaw’s Hawaiians, Eddie Upton, and Bob Walton.April 17
The Royal, Guildford: The Plague
Civic Hall, Guildford: Tears for FearsApril 18
The Royal, Guildford: Man & BuzzardApril 19
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: F-File
The Old Schoolhouse, Woking: LongPig w/ Joy of LifeApril 20
The Royal, Guildford: Mammoth w/ Suspect
The Canon, Guildford: Kalibre
20 April 1985: Kalibre play The Cannon, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Kevin Procter April 23
The Royal, Guildford: Robin George
Unknown venue, Perugia, Italy: Death In JuneApril 24
The Royal, Guildford: The Magic Mushroom Band
Stoke Hotel, Guildford: Clark Tracey’s CT3+2April 25
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: Joker’s Wild w/ Siere Novar
South Hill Park, Bracknell: What The CurtainsApril 27
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: Kolors Band
Pilgrim’s Wine Bar, Alton: Indigo SwingMay 1
Jazz Club, The Old Schoolhouse, Woking: Humphrey Lyttleton and the Mike Peters Famous Jazz Band
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: FungusMay 2
Club Royal, The Royal, Guildford: John Coghlan’s Diesel Band
Kavern Club, The Old Schoolhouse, Woking: Sang Froid w/ KURRU and 20 Flight Rockers
KURRU supported Sang Froid at the first Kavern Club night at the Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 2 May 1985, with 20 Flight Rockers. Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling May 4
University of Surrey, Guildford: Mama’s Boys
4 May 1985: Mama’s Boys played University of Surrey according to this advert from Sounds 30 March ’85 issue. Image courtesy of Pete Cole May 9
The Old Schoolhouse: Dark ParadiseMay 10
Blue Anchor, Staines: The TeaseMay 15
The Royal, Guildford: Violet White
May 1985: The Royal, Guildford, Sounds Advert. Source: Alan Thomas via Randy California Tribute May 16
The Royal, Guildford: The Randy California Band w/ Jokers WildMay 17
The Royal, Guildford: Larry Miller BandMay 20
The Bull and Gate, Kentish Town: The Self w/ XL and Five O’Clock HighMay 22
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Alarm w/ The Faith Brothers
The Royal, Guildford: Body PoliticMay 25
Brookwood Church, Brookwood: God in Action w/ Salt Solution
University of Surrey, Guildford: Geisha Girls w/ Holy Durex, Fantasy Lies, and Swivel CorpsJune 6
Civic hall, Guildford: The Cult w/ March VioletsJune 9
Civic Hall, Guildford: OMDJune 10
Tramshead Thearte, Woolwich: Five O’Clock HighJune 21
Blue Anchor, Byfleet: The 68 FloodsJune 28
Keyhole Club, St. John’s: Salt SolutionJuly 19
Frogmore Community College, Yateley: Split Into w/ Which One’s Maurice?, and X-pressure
19 July 1985: Split Into w/ Which One’s Maurice, and X-pressure at Frogmore Community College. Source: Daren Allder
July 20
Community Centre, Frimley: Sons Of Pride w/ Zad Turned Blue and Spike TeamAugust 12
Salvation Army Hall, Barrow-in-Furness: Blood & FireAugust 13
Congress Hall, Edinburgh: Blood & FireAugust 14
Salvation Army Hall, Perth: Blood & FireAugust 15
Salvation Army Hall, Whitley Bay: Blood & FireAugust 16
Salvation Army Hall, Lancaster: Blood & FireAugust 17
Private Party, Camberley: Spike Team w/ The CharlesAugust 19
Westborough United Reform Church: Salt SolutionAugust 26
Greenbelt Fringe, Stage 1: Salt SolutionAugust 31
Lentheric Morny Social Club, Camberley: Spike TeamSeptember 24
Civic Hall, Guildford: Paul Young
24 September 1885: Paul Young at Civic Hall, Guildford. Advert from Smash Hits 1-14 Sept 1983 Source Pete Cole (2) October 5
Community Centre, Frimley: Spike Team w/ Shadow Gallery, New Outrage, The Charles and Dear DepartedOctober 12
Mission, Emmanuel Chapel, Surbiton: Salt SolutionOctober 13
Clarendon (Upstairs), Hammersmith: Blythe Power w/ Cardiacs, and Tenpole TudorOctober 18
Emmanuel Church, Woking: Salt SolutionOctober 25
Civic Hall, Guildford: Everything But The Girl w/ The Apartments
23 October 1985: Everything But The Girl with The Apartments. Source: Diana Constantine via Guildford Town Past & Present October 30
Lower Bar, University of Surrey, Guildford: Rattlesnake
November 1
Main Hall, University of Surrey, Guildford: Eek-A-Mouse w/ Spliff RiffNovember 2
The Room at The Top, Haverstock Hill: The Housemartins w/ Go! ServiceNovember 3
Lower Bar, University of Surrey, Guildford: Namoza
November 5
Lower Bar, University of Surrey, Guildford: Dave Walters Band
November 15
University of Surrey, Guildford: Miller Family w/ FunctionNovember 17
The Buzz Club, Agincourt, Camberley: That Petrol Emotion w/ The Mighty Lemon Drops
17 November 1985 November 20
University of Surrey, Guildford: Captain SensibleNovember 22
The Royal, Guildford: Cannes
22 November 1985: Cannes at The Royal, Guildford. Ad from Sounds, 16 November ’85. Image courtesy of Pete Cole December 1
The Buzz Club, Agincourt, Camberley: The Blow Monkeys w/ Go! Service, and Zaz Turned Blue
1 December 1985: Buzz Club flyer for The Blow Monkeys, supported by Go! Services and Zaz Turned Blue held. Source: Karen Stratton via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia 
1 December 1985: Buzz Club ticket for The Blow Monkeys. Source: Karen Stratton via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia December 6
Keyhole Club, St. John’s: Salt Solution
Farnborough Tech, Farnborough: Squeals of Delight w/ West One, and Safety in Numbers
6 December 1985: Ticket for Squeals of Delight supported by West One, and Safety in Numbers at Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
6 December 1985: West One played Farnborough Tech. Source: West One December 7
University of Surrey, Guildford: The Pogues
The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: The June Brides w/ Go! ServiceDecember 8
University of Surrey, Guildford: Inspector Tuppence and the Sexy Firemen w/ CatfishDecember 13
Westborough United Reform Church: Salt SolutionDecember 20
Richard Barnes 21st Party: Salt SolutionDecember 21
– “Gig for Africa”, The Dorking Halls, Dorking: N.B.T., Screen Gems, Paint the Clown Red, 3rd Spiritual Foundation, Great Garden, Endless Party, Body Politic, Ob Jay Da, Line Design, The Rapids, Banned from Uncle, Best Behaviour, Hohokam, Shoot! Dispute, Hoorah! Boys Hoorah!, Cardiacs
The official programme and poster for “Gig For Africa” at Dorking Halls on 21 December 1985 Forward to
The 1986 Gig ListBack to
The 1984 Gig List100 Club, 16 Guns, 1985, 20 Flight Rockers, 3rd Spiritual Foundation, African Connexion, Agincourt, Aldershot, Alison Muir, Allan Taylor, Alton, Annie Anxiety, Assembly Rooms, Backstage Pass, Banned from Uncle, Barrow-in-Furness, Best Behaviour, Blank Generation, Blood & Fire, Blue Anchor, Blythe Power, Bob Walton, Body Politic, Bologna, Bracknell, Brookwood, Brookwood Church, Bryony, Byfleet, Cabina Telefonica, Camberley, Cannes, Capricorn, Captain Sensible, Cardiacs, Catfish, Chain Reaction, Chaser, Church Hall, Civic hall, Clarendon, Clark Tracey's CT3+2, Clint Eastwood and General Saint, Collective Sound, Cranleigh, Current 93, D&V, Dance on Glass, Dark Paradise, Dave Walters Band, Dear Departed, Death in June, Dirty Strangers, Dumpy's Rusty Nuts, Eddie & The Hotrods, Eddie Upton, Edinburgh, Eek-A-Mouse, Emmanuael Chapel, Emmanuel Chapel, Emmanuel Church, Endless Party, Englefield Green, Everything But The Girl, F-File, Fairport Convention, Fantasy Lies, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Farnham, Farnham Folk Day, Fashion, FEG, Five O'Clock High, Flow Motion, France, Frimley, Frogmore Community College, Function, Geisha Girls, Geneva, George Melly, Gigs, Go! Service, God in Action, Godalming, Great Garden, Greenbelt, Guildford, Hambledon, Hand and Spear, Haverstock Hill, Here and Now, Hohokam, Holy Durex, Hoorah! Boys Hoorah!, Horse, Humphrey Lyttleton, Icemen, Icemon, Indigo Swing, Inspector Tuppence & the Sexy Firemen, Interaction, Italy, Jackie Lynton, James, John Chilson's Feetwarmers, John Coghlan's Diesel Band, Joker's Wild, Jokers Wild, Joy of Life, Juniper Times, Kalibre, Kavern Club, Kentish Town, Keyhole Club, Kolors Band, KURRU, Lancaster, Larry Miller Band, Lazy Train, Le Sebale, Lentheric Morny Social Club, Line Design, London, LongPig, Lower Bar, Main Hall, Mama’s Boys, Mammoth, Man & Buzzard, March Violets, Mary Eagle, Mike Allen, Mike Peters Famous Jazz Band, Milky Bar Kids, Miller Family, Miss Woking, Mission, N.B.T., Namoza, Neptune's Ocean, New Outrage, Nick Dow, Ob Jay Da, OMD, Page Three, Paint the Clown Red, Paris, Perth, Perugia, Pilgrim's Wine Bar, Press Any Key, Private Patients, Randy California, Rattlesnake, Ripley, Robin George, Runestaff, Safety in Numbers, Salt Solution, Salvation Army Hall, Sang Froid, Sarah Morgan, Screen Gems, Seconds Out, Shadow Gallery, Sheila March, Shoot! Dispute, Siege, Siere Novar, Slough, Slow Motion, Social Hall, Sonny Black, Sons of Pride, South Hill Park, Spike Team, Spliff Riff, Split Into, Squash Club, Squeals of Delight, St. John's, Staines, Stoke Hotel, Suburbia, Surbiton, Suspect, Suspect Tomorrow, Swivel Corps, Tears for Fears, Technik, Tenpole Tudor, Terranova, That Petrol Emotion, The Apartments, The Bar Flies, The Bill Brunskill Band, The Blue Anchor, The Body Politic, The Buzz Club, The Cannon, The Charles, The Cranley Hotel, The Cult, The Faith Brothers, The Housemartins, The June Brides, The Magic Mushroom Band, The Maltings, The Mighty Lemon Drops, The Old Schoolhouse, The Plague, The Pogues, The Randy California Band, The Rapids, The Room at The Top, The Royal, The Talbot, The Tease, The Tramshed, Time UK, Tokyo Blade, Tour De Force, Trieste, University of Surrey, Venice, Village hall, Violet White, Virginia Water, Walton, West Byfleet, West End Centre, West One, Weybridge, What The Curtains, Which One's Maurice?, Whitley Bay, Why, Wilfred Noyce Centre, Woking, Woking College, Woolwich, X-pressure, Yateley, Zad Turned Blue -
Nikki Papas / Nicky Pappas
(c’58 – 14) Nikki Papas (guitar / vocals)
Papas was part of the Nicky Papas Trio who played Opportunity Knocks in 1974, competing against Lena Zavaroni. But let’s roll back to ’59 when he released “49th State Rock”, on Red Parlophone 7″ [R4590] with “Try Again” on the b-side. The A-side was also to appeared 56 years later on Smith & Co’s 2015 compilation album “Wide Skirts, Drape Coats & Brothel Creepers, Vol. 5”. This first single was co-written with Morgan ‘Thunderclap’ Jones and Bill Crompton, and Papas recorded songs with Jones in the 50’s and 60’s.
1959 and the 1960’s “49th State Rock” In May the next year he released the 7″ single “By The River”, again on Parlophone [R4652] which carried “Don’t Leave Me Alone” on the B-side. As a solo performer he could be seen in many of the local pubs and clubs, as well as the odd wedding. Sing-a-long’s with Nikki were an almost nightly occurrence starting in about ’71 through the late ’80s, by which time his name was being written Nicky. The Red Lion, Chobham; Castle, Upper Hale; Crimea, Aldershot; The Golden Fleece, Elstead; New Forest Inn, Holt Pound; and Claremont, West Byfleet all hosted Papas; along with many others.
In December ’87 he ended a 16 year weekly residency at the Golden Fleece, Elstead. In ’89 the Joe Methuselah Award in the Phil Gibby farewell honors was his. Most recently, on 14 February 2012, he appeared on Dell Richardson’s Good Rocking Tonight on Radio Caroline and in 2014 released “The Pitch and Toss (And The Doublecross) 7” on Fury UK [F1000] with The Fireballs UK taking the B-side with “Cherokee War Dance”. “The Pitch and Toss” was recorded by Papas in ’59 and written by Crompton and Jones, and featured Jones on piano. Sadly, Nicky Papas pass away in 2017.
Tracks:
Gallery:
1st page of manuscript for an unpublished song written by Papas, Crompton and Jones 
Soundscene Gig List, 1st Oct ’87 
Soundscene, 22nd October 1987 
Soundscene, 15th October 1987 
Soundscene’s Gig List from 1 October 1987 
18 August 1988 Gigs Column from Soundscene 
2014’s “The Pitch and Toss (And The Doublecross) 7” on Fury UK [F1000] 
2014’s “The Pitch and Toss (And The Doublecross) 7” on Fury UK [F1000] 
Dell Richardson (L) with Nikki Papas in 2012 
Soundscene Gigs column, August 4th, 1988. 
Nicky ends a 16 year residency at the Golden Fleece, Elstead – Soundscene 17 Dec 1987. 
In 1989 Nikki Papas was award the Joe Methuselah Award in the Phil Gibby farewell honors. Picture courtesy of Dan Hiscocks 
Nikki Papas “By The River” Aldershot, Bill Crompton, Castle, Chobham, Claremont, Crimea, Dell Richardson, Elstead, Fury UK, Golden Fleece, Good Rocking Tonight, Holt Pound, Lena Zavoroni, Morgan Jones, New Forest Inn, Nicky Papas, Nicky Papas Trio, Nikki Papas, Opportunity Knocks, Parlophone, Radio Caroline, Smith & Co's, THe Fireballs UK, The Red Lion, Thunderclap Jones, Upper Hale, West Byfleet -
The Charles
(c’85-88) Chris “Charles Remix / Count Five” Carter (vocals), Ben “Benedik Charles” Williams (guitar), Ian “Jacob” Merrick (bass) and Shawn “Tarquin Experiment” Parlour (drums).
22 August ’87: The Charles & MMATT’s joint encore at Heatherside. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic Formed by, ex-members of The Activities, Williams and Merrick, in early ’85 they were joined by Parlour shortly after, followed by former Lethal Dose and Panzer Korps vocalist Carter in August ’85. Over the next two years three demo cassettes were released and a collaborative release with Magic Moments at Twilight Time (MMATT). The first was ‘A View From A Boiler’ in May ’86, the 6 track (including “Knob”. Ides of March” and “Helter Skelter”). Then, released on 6 May ’87, ‘The Charles with Magic Moments A.T.T.’ carried the track “Mick & Chris On Acid”, the first collaboration MMATT did with The Charles. The Community Centre, Frimley hosted the band and MMATT on 27 June ’87 and a month later ‘The Whirligig Cassette’ came along. On 22 August that year The Charles and Magic Moment at Twilight Time were at Heatherside Community Centre, with The Charles hitting The Bridge House, Bracknell seven days later. The collaboration known as The Grain, of which The Charles were a part, organized an outdoor festival at Highlands Farm, Frimley Green on 20 September to raise funds for Greenpeace. Along with The Charles, MMATT, Slack Bladder; Momentum Mori, Greed and At Twilight Time appeared. Then in November ’87 the 8 track cassette album ‘As Far As The Eye Can See’ hit the streets. Three of the bands tracks were feature on “Mick & Chris On Acid…The Album!” and a live set was released, on cassette and given away free to compensate fans for a cancelled gig, called ‘Live…and Sorry’.
They gigged at venues around Camberley and up into London, including The Agincourt and Dingwalls. Some interest was show in the band by the Screaming Marionettes with a possible slot on their tour and The Stringrays manager also reportedly sniffed around. The band’s last gig was at The Crypt, Deptford, supporting The Magic Mushroom Band, in December ’87, officially breaking up a few months later and pulling out of a second headlining gig at The Crypt on 18 March ’88 with MMATT supporting; MMATT still got the support slot, but for The Pink Fairies instead. The poster artwork for this cancelled gig was created by the award winning “H Is For Hawk” author, Helen MacDonald; who was dating Parlour at the time. A number of factors lead to the demise of The Charles: The theft of Parlourn’s drum kit before Christmas and the departure of Williams, who was replaced by an ill-fitting Jason Grey, amongst them.
Poster, designed by Helen MacDonald, for The Charles, 18 March ’88h gig at The Crypt, that never happened…. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic In July 2015 a “Live At The Grain Festival” MP3 was released, carrying 4 tracks over 18 minutes of the band on the only surviving recording from The Grain Festival, staged at Highland Farm in Frimley Green on 20th Sept ’87.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Flyer for The Crypt, listing a 18 March ’88 gig for The Charles with Magic Moments At Twilight Time. The Charles spilt before this gig, being replaced by The Pink Fairies. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic 
Review of The Charles from Aldershot News, 21 August 1987. Picture courtesy of Mick Magic 
Picture courtesy of Mick Magic 
This demo, released on 6 May ’87, carried the track “Mick & Chris On Acid” – The first collaboration MMATT did with The Charles. “Live..and Sorry” was a live set released and given away free to compensate fans for a cancelled gig. 
Picture courtesy of Mick Magic 
Gig poster from 1987 
Inner sleeve of The Charles’ Whirligig Cassette, released in ’87 
Outer sleeve of The Charles’ Whirligig Cassette, released in ’87 
22 August 1987: The Charles and Magic Moment at Twilight Time were at Heatherside Community Centre. Picture courtesy of The Grain Agincourt, Ben Williams, Benedick Charles, Bracknell, Bridge House, Camberley, Charles Remix, Chris Carter, Community Centre, Count Five, Deptford, Dingwalls, Frimley, Frimley Green, Greed, Greenpeace, H is for Hawk, Heatherside Community Centre, Helen MacDonald, Highland Farm, Highlands Farm, Ian Merrick, Jason Grey, Lethal Dose, London, Magic Moments at Twilight Time, MMATT, Momentum Morae, Panzer Korp, Screaming Marionettes, Shawn Parlour, Slack Bladder, Tarquin Experiment, The Activities, The Charles, The Crypt, The Grain, The Magic Mushroom Band, The Pink Fairies, The Stringrays -
Ribs
(c’77-78) Ian Balchin (guitar / vocals), Butch Beagley (guitar / lead vocals), Richard “Taff” Evans (drums) and Duncan Redpath (bass)
All the members of this four piece attended Woking Grammer School. They released one 7″ on Woking based Aerco Records (AERS 101) in ’78, featuring the Ribs logo designed by Jeremy Evans and carrying “Man With No Brain” on the A-Side and “Long Time Coming” on the flipside, with both tracks produced by Steve C. Smith and engineered by John Reddie; who are both better known for their engineering and production work for classical and medieval music. Smith attended the Tonmeister course at the University of Surrey, and it is believed that Ribs’ single was recorded at the university’s studios.
Ribs had signed the recording contract following a gig in The Albion, Woking. The Albion was one of the many local venues they played, a list that included the Centre Halls, Woking, on 1 December ’77 supported by Outpatients. Unfortunately, Sounds and Melody Maker were not particularly positive about “Man With No Brain”.
Balchin, of Byfleet, was known to News & Mail staff as one of five Woking Grammer boys who came to the paper’s offices to complain about the schools “get your hair cut” ultimatum. Evans went on to join Annual Leave.
Tracks:
Gallery:
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Noit Otni & The Pits
(c’79-80) – Robert “Noit” Jacob (guitar), Bev Lillywhite (keyboards), “Valentine Orson” (bass), and Charles “Lofty” Lawton (drums).
When The Volunteers wrapped things up in ’79, Jacob pulled together Noit Otni & The Pits. Managed by the spurious Sydney Arbor-Bridge – it’s unclear if all the band member names above are real – the band could be seen regularly gigging in Woking and Guildford. Noit Otni released the “A Heart Can Only Be Broken Once” double A-side single in December of ’79 on Automotive Records (AERS 107) with “Moving Target” on the “B-side”.
Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes Automotive was a one-off DIY label; Aerco Records, of Woking, were responsible for the recording, from where it gets its catalog series. Under the slogan ‘Rock Against Rock’ on the 18 December ’79 there was a launch party for the record at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. The band were back at The Wooden Bridge on 9 February ’80 for a Barbed Wire benefit that saw Noit Otni & the Pits and UBz support The Vapors, who were too famous to put on the bill so were listed as The Japanese Prisoners.
In 1980, the Barbed Wire fanzine Issue #5, Vol.3 No.1 featured the band who later changed their name to Square One. Jacob went on to join The Alligators and had his Aquamass production featured on Granada television in 2000:
You could catch Jacob every Thursday at Griffin Bar’s jazz night at HG Wells Suite or with his partner Beverly Chadwick, of Casual Sax fame, at Hugo’s. Jacob died suddenly on April 11, 2005 following a stroke.
Tracks:
Gallery:
18 December 1979: Noit Otni and The Pits appeared at The Wooden Bridge. Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Barbed Wire benefit gig poster, Wooden Bridge, Guildford 9 February 1980 – Featured Noit Otni & the Pits with UBz and The Vapors. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Noit Otni released the “A Heart Can Only Be Broken Once” single in ’79 on Automative Records (AERS 107). This is the B-side cover in the rare white. 
Noit Otni released the “A Heart Can Only Be Broken Once” single in ’79 on Automative Records (AERS 107). This is the B-side cover in red. 
Noit Otni released the “A Heart Can Only Be Broken Once” single in ’79 on Automative Records (AERS 107). This is the A-side cover in red. 
Taken from the Barbed Wire fanzine (issue #5 – vol 3 no 1 – 1980) “Fragments of Volunteers” introduces Noit Otni’s manager Sydney Arbor-Bridge… Image courtesy of Still Unusual Aerco Records, Aquamass, Automotive Records, Barbed Wire, Bev Chadwick, Bev Lillywhite, Casual Sax, Charles Lawton, Granada, Griffin Bar, Guildford, H.G. Wells Suite, Hugo's, Noit Otni & The Pits, Noit Otni and The Pits, Robert Jacob, Square One, Sydney Arbor-Bridge, The Alligators, The Vapors, UBz, Velentin Orson, Woking
Our Soundscene 
Human beings takes me back to 1981. Followed them all over the Surrey reading area for a year a great band and 3 good guys playing well written songs of the era. I wish john Tim and steve well what ever they are doing now. Should reform for a few shows just like Oasis but do the wooden bridge.
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