Our Soundscene

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

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  • Actifed

    Actifed

    Actifed (c’80-’86) – Dave Rogers (lead guitar), John Bristow (bass), Rob Ryan (?), Al Burton (?) and Weasel (vocals).

    Originally called The What? and based in and around Guildford – Burton was from Jacobs Well – the band is listed as being from Hounslow around ’83 onwards when the ‘classic’ line-up was cemented. A tape of an early rehearsal also featured vocals by Phraser from Crisis, Weasel and Alan Smith (aka Alan/Gary ChChing).

    The band rehearsed for a short time, and only if the electric was on, in the basement of a squat on Epsom Road, Guildford. Their first outing was a wedding reception in 1980 with Smith and Weasel on vocals. Smith was dropped shortly after that. Issue No.4, the June/July ’80 issue, of Down in the Street, featured the band along with Crisis, Matrix, and Revolt. They gigged extensively in London through ‘81-’82, including supporting The Outskirts at Clarendon Hotel, Hammersmith on 23 June ’81, Killing Joke and The Dance Society at the Lyceum on 24 October ’81; and back at the Basement Bar at Clarendon Hotel, supporting Paradise of Pain with The Solicitors and The Pests on Christmas Eve ’81.

    The gigging continued through ’82, with The Greyhound hodsting the band on 12 February ’82 with UK Subs. Actifed hit Skunx on 24 March ’82 supporting Urban Dissidents; where they headlined on 14 May and 2 July ’82 with Chaos and Dirty Toilets, then just Chaos, respectively, in support. The 100 Club celebrated their 2nd anniversary with a mini punk festival on 29 June ’82 with Actifed, The Dark, Satellites, Erazerhead, and The Volcanos, and reportedly Hanoi Rocks. This was recorded and issued as a ‘Boots Tape’. The band were also regularly on stage at Klub Foot at the Clarendon in the latter half on ’82: on 12 August supporting UK Subs with Chaos; and 2 September supporting Scars with New Model Army. A side quest to the Lyceum Theatre, London saw the band share the stage with Wasted Youth, UK Decay, Erazerhead, March of Violets, Crown of Thorns, and Sex Gang Children on 19 September ’82. It was back to Klub Foot on 30 September supporting Sex Gang Children with Brigandage; then the 21 October ’82 supporting Erazerhead along with Escalators, and 30 December ’82 with Ritual to support UK Decay.

    The band also revisited the lyceum on 23 December ’82 to support Anti-Nowhere League along with The Adicts and King Kurt. They built an extensive following leading to a picture of Actifed gracing the cover of Sounds, despite having not released a single thing, and an interview in early ’82. This ultimately led to 3 Sounds awards at the end of the year: “Prettiest Faces and the Weirdest Cover of Sound Ever”, “In and Out” and “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow”.

    A contract with John Curd, of record label WXYZ (same at Anti-Nowhere League) and bad advice (and selective hearing on the bands part) from the Human League & Stray Cats’ solicitor, tied Actifed up. Then the owner of Actifed, the drug, shouted ‘cease’ and the group did; but on a brighter note for the band it scared off Curd. The case was eventually settled in the bands favor.

    On 1 March ’83 Weasel was asked to leave and Rogers took on vocals. That same year saw the release of the Tony James (ex Generation-X) produced 12 inch EP, “Dawn of a Legion” on Jungle (JUNG 7) with “Creation” and “Prophecy” on the A-side and “Innocent” and “Exit” on the back. Ira Robbins of Trouser Press said “Actifed pounds out powerful semi-bleak rock with dense guitar noise on this four-song 12-inch. Neither awesome nor awful…is muscular but undistinguished.” Later that year, just prior to a 31 date tour with the UK Subs – which included a gig at the Natural Disasters night held every Wednesday at Brannigans, Leeds on 23 November ’83 – they were interviewed for issue 11 (the last) of Punk Lives.

    Tony James also produced 1984’s “Crucifixion” 12” single on Jungle Records (JUNG 11), with “Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys” on the B-side. It reached #11 in the Indie Chart where it lived for 5 weeks. Shortly after the release of “Crucifiction”, Actifed were interviewed by Pat Sharp for The Sky-Fi Music Show. Their track “Prophecy” also appeared on the compilation “UK Tape 1984” put out by Pleasantly Surprised (PS003) along with Primal Scream, Cocteau Twins and 21 other bands. ’84 was also the year the band returned ‘home’ for a gig at the Kavern Club, The Royal, Guilford on 6 June and The Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 14 June. Four days later they were playing Heaven, Charing Cross along with Rubella Ballet, In Excelsis, and Bone Orchard. At some point in the mid-80’s the band split.

    Actifed were interviewed by Pat Sharp for The Sky-Fi Music Show in ’83

    Actifed reformed in late 2008. In 2009 they released the 14 track “Chains No More” album via Revelation (REV 507430), followed two years later (1 April 2011) by the 12 track “Rhythms of Mass Destruction” (REV 060606). By 2018, self proclaimed ‘reformed characters”: Stuart Hemphill , Mick White, Clinton Grace, and Rogers were banging out dub punk reggae under the Actifed UK moniker.

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  • Nashville Teens

    Nashville Teens

    (c’62 – ’73) Arthur Sharp (vocals), Ray Phillips (vocals), John Hawken (piano), Mick Dunford (lead guitar), Pete Harris/Shannon (bass) and Dave Maine (drums)

    Formed in Weybridge in the summer of 1962 they are best known for the 1964 single “Tobacco Road”. Roger Groome replaced Maine shortly after the band formed, but was in turn replaced by Barry Jenkins in ’63, in which year a third vocalist, Terry Crowe, who had led Terry Crowe & The Counts, joined briefly and Dunford left, to be replaced by John Allen. There was also another member, Derek Gentle (vocals), who was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1962 and had to leave the band. He subsequently died in June ’63. An earlier incarnation, called The Boot Hill Stompers supported The Vampires a couple of times; in fact both bands partook in a talent competition hosted at the Weybridge Hall, which was won by The Boot Hill Stompers. The band morphed and practiced at the Sheerwater Youth Club and gigged locally – Addlestone Co-op Hall being one venue.

    Just like The Beatles they played Hamburg and backed Jerry Lee Lewis for his “Live at the Star Club, Hamburg” album. Music critic Stephen Erlewine stating, “Live at the Star Club is extraordinary, the purest, hardest rock & roll ever committed to record.” Back home the band gained a residency at the Cellar Bar Club, Kingston, supporting Barron Knights with Duke Dimond on the 14 March ’64 for the ‘Grand Gala’ opening night of The Jazz Cellar Club, when the club moved from Ashdown Road to the High Street.

    They later backed Carl Perkins on his hit single “Big Bad Blues” in ’64, and played with Chuck Berry when he toured 22 British venues in May ’64, and while they received a page in the package tour program didn’t get a mention on the posters. Also in ’64, Mickie Most produced their debut single “Tobacco Road” which reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart (“Hard Day’s Night” was #1 that week – August 8th) and number 14 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Here’s a fact from “The Rough Guide to Cult Pop” – ‘this 1960’s quintet signed to Decca for seven-eighths of a penny per record sold, meaning if each member were to make a modest £1000, they needed to sell 1,600,000 records’. They didn’t, by all accounts.

    Tabacco Road advert. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Record

    In September ’65 the Robert Hartford-Davis directed musical sci-fi/fantasy film ‘Gonks Go Beat’ was released (it had been released in Australia five months earlier). Staring Kenneth Connor and Frank Thornton, one of the featured bands was the Nashville Teens who performed (mimed) ‘Poor Boy’

    In late September, after appearing on Ready, Steady, Go! on 25 September ’64, and October ’64, Nashville Teens were part of an Arthur Howes and Brian Epstein package tour, playing the venues The Kinks couldn’t, along with Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, The Ronettes, Yardbirds, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, and Bill Black’s Combo. They definitely performed at the Odeon, Southend on 24 September ’64. The follow-up to “Tobacco Road”, another Loudermilk song, “Google Eye”, reached number 10 in the UK in October. In support of the single they began touring with The Animals, Carl Perkins, Tommy Tucker, Elkie Brooks, The Plebs and Quotations. This 28-date package tour kicked off at the Odeon, Liverpool on 19 October ’64, swung near home on 3 November ’64 when it called in at the Odeon, Guildford, and wrapped up at the Winder Gardens, Bournemouth on 15 November ’64. In December ’64 they launched into a US Tour.

    In early ’65, Nashville Teens were front and centre in decrying the restrictions the US were imposing on British bands and singers. A further three top fifty singles, “Find My Way Back Home”, released on 19 February ’65 and recorded in New York; “This Little Bird” released on 30 April ’65, the same day as Marianne Faithfull release her single of the same name; and “The Hard Way” made a brief appearance the following year but three subsequent records: “I Know How It Feels To Be Loved”, “Forbidden Fruit” and “That’s My Woman”, all failed to chart.

    22 December 1965 at the Ice Rink, Paisley: Nashville Teens w/ The Blues Council, The Sabres, and The Fortune Tellers.

    In September ’65 the Robert Hartford-Davis directed musical sci-fi/fantasy film ‘Gonks Go Beat’ was released (it had been released in Australia five months earlier). Staring Kenneth Connor and Frank Thornton, the Nashville Teens were one of the featured bands. They performed (mimed) ‘Poor Boy’ in the musical competition staged annually between the factions who despise each other: the Beatlanders (House of Montague), hip and trendy, long haired people dressed in polo neck jumpers, jeans and sunglasses who listen to cool beat music and the residents of Ballad Isle (House of Capulet) with short and tidy hair, button-down shirts, pressed slacks, floral dresses, and twinsets who listen to crooners.

    Jenkins left in ’66 to join The Animals, and was replaced by his predecessor Roger Groome. Reportedly Phillips got an offer to join Cream in ’66 – he refused. In the late sixties the group returned to its old craft: backing other artists like Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry and Gene Vincent. On the 23 October ’66 they are at the ABC Cinema, Hull on the first of five package tour dates with The Hollies, The Small Faces, Paul Jones, Paul & Barry Ryan, Robb Storme & The Whispers, and Peter Jay & The New Jaywalkers. This package tour promoted by Kennedy Street Enterprises, Harold Davison, and Tito Burns would also take in the Odeon, Manchester (3 November), Odeon, Leeds (4 November), Odeon, Sheffield (5 November), and City Hall, Newcastle (6 November).

    In September ’68 Len Tuckey quits The Riot Squad and joined The Nashville Teens. On 26 October ’68, the band are supporting Grapefruit, with Mustang, at University College, London.

    In ’71 they released a single, “Ella James”, a Roy Wood penned song originally recorded by The Move, on the Parlophone label, again without success. Sharp (who used to work at Aerco Records in Woking) left in ’72 to join their one-time manager Don Arden in management, and Trevor Willams joined. On 26 May ’73: The Nashville Teens along with Wizzard, Neil Sedaka, Bryan Chalker’s New Frontier, Geordie, John Martyn, The Settlers, Southern Ramblers, Michael Blount, Country Fever, Ian Page, Wild Oats, Tim Allen, Thomahawk, and Steve Tilston performed at Soundscene ’73 (nothing to do with the Woking News & Mail music column) open air concert in West Wycombe aiding the New Chilterns Samaritan Centre. Despite Phillips’s efforts the Nashville Teens reportedly split in 1973, but we know the band with at least one original member appeared at Maxwell’s, Basingstoke on 25 April ’75 and at Red Cow, Hammersmith on 28 September ’76.

    They reformed in 1980, however, with Phillips as the only original member, joined by Peter Agate (guitar), Len Surtees (bass) and Adrian Metcalfe (drums). In ’84 there was further reformation. Dave Dee of Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich pulled together a concert at The Rainbow. London with Phillips, (vocals), Spud Metcalf (drums), Simon Spratley (keyboards), Colin Pattenden (bass) and Ian Campbell (lead guitar), giving the band a kick start. Campbell left at some point and was replaced by Ken Osborn. The band is still working. Phillips joined The British Invasion All-Stars in the 1990s and made three albums with the group. They did a cover of “Tobacco Road”. The current line-up is Phillips, Metcalfe, Pettenden, Spratley and Osborn, with the addition of Adam Russel who has played harmonica for the Nashville Teens in recent years. A ’93 EMI label compilation, Best of the Nashville Teens, contained a re-recording of their “Tobacco Road” hit which is the only version available on iTunes.

    A five CD compilation of remastered psychedelia was released by Rubble [RUBCDBOX2] on 9 March 2015, titled: A Herbal Mixture of Psychedelic Remedies and Freakbeat Fantoms. This carried I’m a Lonely One from the band’s LP on the New World label in ’72.

    Sadly, Dunford died of a cerebral hemorrhage on 20 November 2012. Crowe has also passed. Crowe and Dunford had formed The Plebs after leaving Nashville Teens, with Danny McCulloch, and were re-united with Hawken in Renaissance in 1970. Chris Brayne (drums), who went onto Mungo Jerry, Backhurst, The Famous Rondini Brothers, and Poker, also played with the band at some point. Tuckey would play with Suzi Quatro in the 70s.

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  • Shoot! Dispute

    Shoot! Dispute

    (c’83-86) Cathy Lomax (vocals), Mark Charles (drums), Steve Smith (bass, backing vocals), Denzil Daniels (percussion), Dylan ? (guitar, backing vocals) and Ian “Scampi” Fullwood (saxophone).

    This Guildford based New Wave Pop 5 or 6 piece were formed in mid ’83 by The Vapors bassist Smith, with the core of Shoot! Dispute coming from Pushmepullyou and UBz. On 21 July ’83, the band appeared at The Robin Hood, Standford. Their original four track demo, which might exist somewhere, got them a slot on the John Peel Road Show at the University of Surrey, with some shenanigans by their manager, “The Weasel”. This was on 27 January 84 and they shared the stage with the Geisha Girls – a performance that resulted in Peel coming to their dressing room and offering them the first of two Peel Sessions, produced and engineered by ex-Mott the Hoople members Dale Griffin and Pete Watts, respectively.

    27 January 1984: Ticket to the John Peel Roadshow featuring Shoot! Dispute and Geisha Girls

    The first Peel Session, as a 5-piece, was recorded at Maida Vale 5 and broadcast on 4 February ’84 and saw them play self penned “Lack Lustre”, “Can’t Believe” and “The Great Explainer” and cover Iggy Pop’s “Fun Time”. Peel said “Shoot! Dispute, a name to remember. The first time I heard the name of the band was when my rhythm pal mentioned them to me but he had to persuade his producer Mike Hawks to book them for a session… I think Hawksy was on his way down for a bucket of Singapore Slings with the Wham boys – remember them – and actually forgot all about it. But an excellent band as I say”.

    This got them invited back to Maida Vale on 6 June ’84 when they played “Monkey”, “Power Of Persuasion”, “Gatgun” and “Love For Sale”. They also supported Bruce Foxton‘s solo tour in ’84, playing the Civic Hall, Guildford on 3 May. On 17 September Shoot! Dispute appeared at Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, London; and the next month – having been personally selected by John Peel – on 5 Oct, they supported SPK (who weren’t allowed to play by the London Fire Brigade because of their onstage blowtorches, causing a bit of a riot) with Big Flame at the ”Putting The Fun Back In to Being Pretentious’ event at the The Institute Of Contemporary Arts, London. This aired on the 26 November ’84 John Peel Show. After which they went into Strawberry Studios, Dorking and released the John Buckley produced “Gatgun” single, backed by “Lacklustre” on their own Zanzibar label in a plain white die-cut paper sleeve in ’85. Originally only available at gigs or at Guildford’s original Collectors Records Shop, it was eventually distributed by SRT Distribution.

    Martin Choularton’s copy of Shoot! Dispute’s Gatgun 45. Source: Martin Choularton via Guildford Town Past & Present

    Another track, “On To The Wheel”, appeared on The Riverside Club compilation album “Laughing All The Way To The Banks”. This was a compilation of some of the artists who performed at The Riverside Club, Fetcham and only 1,500 pressed (Ian Watson didn’t think it would sell any more) and all the bands gave their tracks free on the basis that he would only do a small run. There was also a Janis Long session. On 6 December ’85 Shoot! Dispute supported Hoorah! Boys Hoorah! duo of Ade Orange, aka Adrian Crickmer,who the following year became Gary Numan’s keyboardist for 22 years, and Helene Muddiman; along with Rob’s Crocodile at the New Merlin’s Cave, London. Their final gig of ’85 was the “Gig For Africa” at The Dorking Halls on 21 December, with a plethora of other local bands including headliners Cardiacs, The Body Politic and Great Garden.

    On 16 February ’86 they headlined at The Riverside Club, with The Dubious Brothers in support. The final gig of which we are aware, before the band eventually split for musical and personal differences, was as headliners for the ‘Dance Your Rocks Night’ at the University of Surrey on 27 September ’86 with Press Any Key (ex-After The Fire), Buddy & The Bloodsuckers, Line Design, and Swivel Corps.

    Lomax is now an artist based in London and curator and director of the Transition Gallery. In 2016 she was announced winner of the inaugural ‘Contemporary British Painting Prize’ for her painting “Black Venus”. Smith can now be seen in The Shakespearos, and the reform The Vapors, before that he and Charles were in CUT. Scampi provided sax on recording by Lax Lifetime in ’87. Charles is currently recording with Natalya KD, in a new band: PerFect C#nTs.

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  • The 1980 Gig List

    The 1980 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 1980:

    January 1
    Gallagers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Impulse

    Gig advert for part two of the Tumbledown Dick’s Punk / New Wave Season in 1979/1980. Source: Tim Naylor via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia

    January 8
    Gallagers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Virginia Doesn’t

    January 12
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Mystery RAR Bop
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Fire Brigade

    January 14
    Bunters, Guildford: Spider
    Bellerby Theatre, Guildford: Keith James with his Band

    14 & 15 January 1980: Keith James with his Band played the Bellerby Theatre, Guildford.

    January 15
    Bellerby Theatre, Guildford: Keith James with his Band

    January 19
    Technical College, Farnborough: Landscape

    January 24
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Gang of Four
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Small Wonders

    January 25
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Osobisa

    January 26
    Magnum’s Wine Bar, Basingstoke: Gobi Desert Yachting Club w/ Muffin

    January 31
    Civic Hall, Guildford: 999
    City University, London: M.I.5 w/ The Different I’s

    31 January 1980: Ticket for M.I.5, supported by The Different I’s, Rock Against The Cuts concert at City University, London. Source: MI5


    February 1
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Capital Letters

    February 4
    Bunters, Guildford: Spiders
    The Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Polaris

    February 5
    Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: The Mode w/ The Torpedoes

    February 8
    Prince of Wales, Fleet: Snowbird

    February 9
    Prince of Wales, Fleet: Brain Ellis
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Noit Otni & The Pits, UBz, and The Japanese Prisoners (aka The Vapors)

    February 11
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Panther

    February 12
    The Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Thane
    Sports Hall, University of Kent, Canterbury: The Jam

    12 February 1980: Ticket No.375 for The Jam at Kent University.

    February 13
    The Polytechnic, Wolverhampton: The Vapors

    February 15
    Village, Newport: The Vapors
    YMCA, Woking: The Jam

    February 16
    JB’s, Dudley: The Vapors
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Sore Throat [cancelled]

    February 17
    The Marquee, London: The Vapors w/ UBz

    17 February 1980: The Vapors headlined at Marquee. Advert in Sounds 16 Feb ’80 issue.

    February 18
    University of Kent, Canterbury: The Vapors

    February 19
    Pantiles, Bagshot: Thane

    February 20
    Brunel University, Uxbridge: The Vapors

    February 21
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Beat w/ Dolly Mixture
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: UBz

    February 22
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Smirks w/ The Charlies Parkas (March of the Slobs)
    Huddersfield Polytechnic, Huddersfield: The Vapors

    February 23
    University of Warwick, Warwick: The Vapors

    February 24
    South Wales Newbridge Institute, Newbridge: The Vapors

    February 25
    Circles Club, Swansea: The Vapors

    February 26
    The Royal, Guildford: Noit Otni And The Pits
    Brunel Rooms, Swindon: The Vapors

    February 27
    Routes, Exeter: The Vapors

    27 February 1980: The Vapors played Routes, Exeter

    February 28
    Dorset Institute of Higher Education, Weymouth: The Vapors

    February 29
    Marshall Rooms, Stroud: The Vapors

    March 4
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Selector w/ Bodysnatchers and Holly and the Italians

    March 8
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Pirates
    Technical College, Farnborough: Doll by Doll w/ Baby and the Black Spots

    March 9
    Stoke Hotel, Guildford: Noit Otni And The Pits (lunchtime gig)

    March 13
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Stiff Little Fingers w/ Another Pretty Face
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Small Wonders

    March 20
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Genesis

    March 22
    Royal Oak, Passfield: The Manor Party Band w/ The Royal Hoax
    The Haymarket Theartre, Basingstoke: Tannahill Weavers w/ Hot Vultures
    Friars, Aylesbury: Genesis


    March 24
    Stag Folk Club, Guildford: Robin Williamson And The Merry Band

    March 26
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Chicken Shack

    26 March 1980: The Wooden Bridge hosted Chicken Shack.

    March 27
    The Duke of Wellington, London: Crisis
    West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: The Accidents

    April 2
    The Woodenbridge. Guildford: Sleeping Dogs

    April 3
    Stoke Hotel, Guildford: Raised on Robbery
    Electric Ballroom, Camden: Slaughter & The Dogs w/ Crisis

    April 8
    Rainbow Theatre, London: The Jam

    8 April 1980: Ticket# F20 for The Jam at Rainbow Theatre, London. Image courtesy of Julia Courtney

    April 11
    Routes, Exeter: The Vapors

    11 April 1980: The Vapors played Routes, Exeter

    April 12
    Music Machine, London: The Vapors w/ UBz

    April 14
    Bunters, Guildford: El Seven

    April 16
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Spectres w/ Blue Unction

    April 1980: Poster for the Spectres and Dana Gillespie gigs at the Woodenbridge, Guildford.

    April 17
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Judie Tzuke

    April 18
    Technology College, Farnborough: The Torpedoes w/ The Vulgar Bros

    18 April 1980: The Torpedoes and Vulgar Bros played Farnborough Tech. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew

    April 19
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Agents
    Picketts Lock, Edmonton, London: The Skatalites w/ The Mods, Squire, Gangster, Seventeen & The Step

    April 20
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Matchbox w/ The Shades

    April 21
    Stag Hill Folk Club, Shackleford: Dave Swarbrick

    April 22
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Richard Digance

    April 23
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Dana Gillespie and Her Band w/ support.
    Routes, Exeter: The Members

    April 24
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Undertones w/ Moondogs

    24 April 1980: Guildford’s Civic Hall hosted The Undertones. Advert from NME 19 April ’80. Image courtesy of Pete Cole

    April 26
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Roy Harper
    Recreation Centre, Farnborough: Ralph McTell w/ Jacques Ada and Michelle Haumont

    May 1
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Brand X w/ Bruford

    May 6
    Ruffles Night Club, Aberdeen: The Members w/ The Distractions, and The Steppes

    May 8
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Chords w/ The Cards
    Caledonian Hotel, Inverness: The Members
    Odeon, Edinburgh: Eric Clapton

    May 9
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Dr. Feelgood

    May 10
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Magazine. Bauhaus, and Crisis
    Marquee, London: The Vapors

    10 & 11 May 1980: The Vapors were at the Marquee, London. Source: Nic Pike via Keep It Out Of Sight

    R.A.E. Main Hall, Farnborough: Second Adam

    10 May 1980: Second Adam appeared in concert at R.A.E. Main Hall, Farnborough.

    May 11
    Marquee, London: The Vapors

    May 13
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Little Roosters

    May 18
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Eric Clapton

    May 21
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Dana Gillespie

    May 28
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Q-Tips

    May 29
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: MI5
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Toyah

    29 May 1980. Toyah played the Civic Hall, Guildford. Ad from Record Mirror 07 June ’80. Image courtesy of Pete Cole.

    May 31
    Church Hall, Woodham: Panther, M.I.5., and Hailey’s Vomit
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Gary Glitter w/ The Glitter Band

    June 4
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Dance Band
    University of Bradford, Bradford: The Vapors
    Victoria Hall, Hanley: The Jam

    4 June 1980: Ticket No. 1360 for The Jam at Victoria Hall, Hanley

    June 5
    Civic Hall, Camberley: The Enid
    University of East Anglia, Norwich: The Vapors

    June 6
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Enid
    Corn Exchange, Cambridge: The Vapors

    June 7
    University of Birmingham, Birmingham: The Vapors

    June 8
    The Royal, Guildford: Small Wonders

    June 9
    University of Bristol, Bristol: The Vapors

    June 10
    City Hall, St. Albans: The Vapors

    June 12
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Cavalry
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Vapors

    June 13
    Sheffield City Polytechnic, Sheffield: The Vapors

    June 17
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Jackie Lynton’s H.D. Band
    Ruffles Night Club, Aberdeen: The Vapors

    June 18
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Dangerous Girls
    College of Technology, Glasgow: The Vapors

    June 19
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Iron Maiden w/ Praying Mantis

    19 June 1980: Iron Maiden were at the Civic Hall, Guildford

    June 20
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Basic Essentials

    June 21
    University of Bath, Bath: The Vapors
    Cameron Bear Park, Loch Lomond: The Jam w/ Stiff Little Fingers, The Tourists, Third World, The Only Ones, Bad Manners, The Chords, Punilux, Cuban Heels & Ra Bears, and The Regent

    June 22
    Top Rank, Cardiff: The Vapors

    June 23
    Fiesta, Plymouth: The Vapors

    June 24
    Stateside Centre, Bournemouth: The Vapors

    June 25
    University of Leicester, Leicester: The Vapors

    June 26
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Steve Hackett
    Withernsea Grand Pavilion, Hull: The Vapors

    June 28
    The Rainbow, London: The Vapors w/ The Chords & 3 Minutes (Recorded by Polydor)

    June 30
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: M.I.5

    July 7
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Dexy’s Midnight Runners w/ The Black Arabs, and Upset

    July 8
    Civic Hall, Guildford: David Essex

    July 16
    Old Queens Head, Brixton: M.I.5


    Memorial Village Hall, Wonersh: Blank Expression

    16 July 1980: Blank Expression played the Wonersh Memorial Village Hall. Picture courtesy of Stuart Barnett.

    July 18
    The Cotteridge Hotel, Woking: M.I.5

    July 20
    Youth Centre, Guildford: Disruptive Patterns w/ Consenting Adults

    July 21
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Disruptive Patterns w/ Consenting Adults

    21 July 1980: Disruptive Patterns supported by Consenting Adults played The Wooden Bridge, Guildford.

    July 22
    ?, Guildford: The Jam

    July 23
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Jinx

    July 27
    Lyceum, London: The Stranglers w/ Hazel O’Connor

    July 28
    The Agincourt, Camberley: The E.F. Band

    28 July 1980: Sweden’s The E.F. Band appeared at The Agincourt, Camberley.


    July 31
    Snoopy’s, Richmond: M.I.5

    August 6
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: M.I.5

    August 9
    Sinatra’s Night Club, Basingstoke: Crosswinds

    August 11
    Bunters, Guildford: Crosswinds

    August 13
    Rock Garden, London: Mungo Jerry w/ Pozer

    August 15
    Bilzen Festival, Belgium: The Stranglers w/ Urban Heroes, Katchies, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Girlschool, The Lambrettas, The Kids, and The Shirts

    August 16
    Civic Hall, Guildford: White Spirit

    August 17
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Stranglers

    August 18
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The DS
    Pavilion, Bath: The Stranglers w/ Hazel O’Connor, and The Tea-Set

    August 21
    The Robin Hood, Standford: Crosswinds

    August 26
    Al’s Jazz Club, Aldershot: Crosswinds

    September 1
    The Mass Spit Club, Boston, USA: The Vapors

    September 11
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Secret Affair w/ The Step

    September 16
    Civic Hall, Guildford: White Spirit

    September 18
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Rory Gallagher w/ Rage
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Techniques

    September 25
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Gillan

    October 2
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Rick Wakeman

    October 4
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Voyager

    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: UBz w/ The Grenades

    4 Oct 1980: UBz, supported by The Grenades, were at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles

    October 8
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Controls w/ Prisoners of War

    A4 Poster for Woodenbridge, Guildford gig on 8th Oct 1980. The support band was Prisoner of War.

    October 11
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Famous Names

    October 13
    Bunters, Guildford: Pozer

    October 17
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Alvin Lee
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Splodgenessabounds w/ Lethal Dose
    The Star, Guildford: Jack Scott and the Cruisers

    The Star’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Club nights were rockin’…this ticket is from 17 October 1980. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    October 18
    Technical College, Bromley: The Jam w/ The Rebel Rousers
    Magnums, Basingstoke: The Larry Miller Band

    October 20
    Bunters, Guildford: Cavalry

    October 22
    Recreation Centre, Farnborough: B. T. Express

    22 October 1980: B T Express appeared at Farnborough Recreation Centre. Source: Suzanne Yeomans via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia

    October 23
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Rockpile w/ The Polecats

    October 24
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Blues Band w/ The Hitmen

    October 26
    Top Rank, Sheffield: The Jam w/ The Piranhas

    October 28
    ?, Newcastle: The Jam

    October 29
    The Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh: The Jam

    October 30
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Any Trouble, w/ Dirty Looks, The Equators, Joe King Carrasco and the Crowns, and Tenpole Tudor (Son of Stiff tour)

    October 31
    The Marquee, London: The Vapors
    Apollo Theatre, Manchester: The Jam

    31 October 1980: Ticket #Q161 for The Jam at Apollo Theatre, Manchester. Source: www.tracks.co.uk

    University of Surrey, Guildford: Hawkwind w/ Vardis

    November 1
    The Marquee, London: The Vapors

    November 3
    Bunters, Guildford: The Chevrons w/ B Film, and Red Box
    Queens Hall, Leeds: The Jam

    November 5
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Parallels
    Coach & Horses, Farnham: Home Brew

    November 6
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark w/ Fatal Charm

    November 7
    Technical College, Basingstoke: Mo-Dettes w/ Lethal Dose

    November 8
    Magnums, Basingstoke: The Larry Miller Band

    November 10
    Royal Oak, Hollywater: Home Brew

    November 12
    Bunters, Guildford: UBz

    November 13
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Captain Beefheart w/ The Associates
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Bullseye

    November 14
    Farnborough Tech R.U.F.C., Farnborough: Deadlock w/ Lethal Dose

    Deadlock – Flyer ’80

    November 15
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Girlschool w/ Angelwitch

    18 November
    The Wooden Bridge. Guildford: Dangerous Girls

    19 November
    University of Surrey (Rock Club), Guildford: Loaded Dice

    November 22
    ?, Gothenburg, Sweden: The Jam

    27 November
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Caravan

    29 November
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Black Slate
    Centre Halls, Woking: Panther
    The Royal, Guildford: UBz w/ The Rams and Zero Time

    29 November 1980: Zero Time supported UBz, along with The Rams, at The Royal, Guildford. Picture courtesy of David Norgrove

    December 2
    Civic Hall, Guildford: After The Fire

    December 3
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Prime Suspects

    December 6
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Roy Wood’s Helicopter w/ Trespass

    December 7
    Technical College, Guildford: Er Majesty’s Jolly

    December 9
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Matrix

    9 December 1980: Matrix played The Wooden Bridge, Guildford

    Pied Bull, Islington: Kidz Next Door w/ UBz

    9 December 1980: Flyer for Kidz Next Door supported by UBz at the Pied Bull, Islington.

    December 11
    Guildford Civic, Guildford: The Jam w/ Panther

    December 12
    Music Machine, Camden: The Jam

    12 December 1980: Ticket #640 for The Jam at Music Machine, Camden. Source: www.tracks.co.uk

    December 13
    The Greyhound, Fulham: The Jam

    13 December 1980: The Jam played Greyhound, Fulham.


    Farnborough Tech, Farnborough: John Otway w/ Wild Willy Barratt, with Eddie Stanton

    13 December 1980: John Otway and Wild Willy Barratt, with Eddie Stanton played Farmborough Tech. Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia

    December 19
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Vapors

    19 December 1980: Ticket No.0718 for The Vapors, plus special guests, at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Vinny Webster

    December 24
    Golden Lion, Fulham: Jackie Lynton’s HD Band

    24 December 1980: Jackie Lynton’s HD Band had the Christmas Eve slot at the Golden Lion, Fulham. Source: Len Lighthouse via Keep It Out Of Sight

    December 26
    Magnums, Basingstoke: The Larry Miller Band

    December 27
    Dingwalls, Camden Lock: The Flatbeackers w/ The Mighty Strypes

    Forward to:
    The 1981 Gig List

    Back to:
    The 1979 Gig List

  • Capricorn

    Capricorn

    (c’82-’86) Martin G. Stieb (drums), Darren “Wiz” Brown (vocals / lead guitar), Gerry Bryant (bass / backing vocal) and Danny Brown (rhythm guitar / backing vocals).

    Capricorn band promo flyer. Picture courtesy of Tanya Foster

    Farnborough (although some reports suggest Guildford Technical College) based Capricorn, named for the brothers shared star sign, formed in July ’82 when Wiz and Bryant left Stallion and got together with Wiz’s brother and could be heard rehearsing at the Railway Enthusiast’s Club. Wiz had briefly joined Quilp on Stallion’s demise. They were later joined by punk band Deathtrap’s ex-drummer, Stieb. The “First Demo” demo was recorded in Oct ’82, at Loose Leaf Studio, Liss and featured “Angeline’s Return” and “Turn The Radio Off”.

    This was quickly followed by the bands first gig together as Capricorn on 13 November that year. They proceeded to gig extensively locally at the likes of the Wooden Bridge and The Royal, Guildford for example, and in London over the next couple of years and became well know for wearing their suits and trench coats and Doc Martins.

    In January ’83 they supported The Normals, with Black Easter, Cry Havoc and Les Strawberries, at Basingstoke Technical College SU; a gig organized by Liz Hurley (the SU Entertainments Officer at the time). The gig started late and Capricorn were cut short so a ‘disco’ could be started resulting in a ‘falling out’ between Wiz and Hurley. By this time the band had already recorded “Angeline’s Return” and “Toys in the Attic”. The later being earmarked for a punk compilation album expected in the summer of ’83. They’d also started rehearsing once a week at a studio in Tadley.

    On 28 April ’83 the band were at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford supporting Greg and Phil Boynton’s Dagaband. Shortly after PLAGUE Promotions, run by Paul Lee and Alan Goff, pulled out of the Ad Lib Club, above The Kensington, London due to a disagreement with the brewery about admission charges, Capricorn secured a Monday night slot the first week of November. The band closed out ’83 with a headline slot, supported by Synth Taxi, at the Clarendon, Hammersmith on 20 December.

    The band were back at The Royal supporting neo-prog rockers Pendragon on 12 January ’84, then they supported After Dark on 8 March ’84 and were booked to support Jackie Lynton on 22 March at The Royal but were replaced by Berlin. May ’84 saw a small UK tour that included The Royal on 10 May, supported by Black Tiger, and the Dortmunder Bier Keller, Leeds on 16 May. Capricorn teamed up with The Angelic Upstarts at The 100 Club, London on 19 June ’84, then in August, Capricorn supported ADX – the Sire labels requested rebrand for The Adicts, a name they considered to have too much of a negative connotation – on home turf at The Royal, Guildford. At some point during the year the Farnborough four piece joined a number of other bands, including Edward The Confessor, Fashionable Living Dead, and Dougie and The Doughnuts for the Southern Amateur Rock Concert in Aid of the “Ethiopian Famine Appeal”. By this time the band were closing in on 100 gigs. They camped out in Fret Studios, Southampton over the 22/23 September and 20/21 October, lying down 15 tracks, all recorded ‘live’ on first take and engineered by John Glance on the 8-track recording equipment. The tracks represented a sampling two years of material and were released as “The Good News Tape”.

    1985’s The Good News Tape

    The 15-tracks of ‘The Good News Tape’ arrived in March ’85 and sold over 1000 copies. All the tracks except covers of “Back in the U.S.S.R” and “Don’t Dictate” were written by Wiz and included “Another Day Another Dollar”, “Old Bones in a Shallow Grave” and Good News, Good News”. That same year the band released the ‘Another Day Another Dollar’ demo cassette, recorded at South Hill Park in September, which also carried “Stick The Rules”.

    ‘Another Day Another Dollar’ demo cassette. Source: Tanya Foster via Mega City Four

    On 6 April ’85 Capricorn were at The Royal again, this time with Function. Tours of Germany and Holland followed. “Another Day Another Dollar” was getting considerable airplay in the Dutch market. Capricorn supported, the early incarnation of The Godfathers, The Sid Presley Experience at The Riverside Club, Fetcham on 30 August.

    Capricorn at The Marquee, London, Jan ’86. Source: Iain Davis via Mega City Four

    In January ’86 the band were at the Marquee, and later that month they were supporting London based hard rock / glam metal band The Grip. Then on 25 January they are listed by Record Mirror of appearing at the University of Hull. Stieb left and was replaced by Exit East and Moose Caboose drummer Chris Jones. The Grip found Capricorn in support again, with Monty Zero, at the Marquee on 5 March ’86. The band morphed and in ’87 the Brown brothers, Bryant and Jones went on to form Mega City Four.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

  • The Hype

    The Hype

    (c’89-91) – Toby Hounsham (keyboard), Tom Attah (drums), Paul Flannery (bass) and Rupert Middleton, aka Richard Douglas (vocals/guitar).

    Woking based The Hype released “The Disco Revolution” demo cassette in ’89, which carried six tracks: the quirkily spelt “Foetus and Chips”, “Television Girl”, “Time”, “Hey Girl”, “Disco Revolution”, and “Wine and Roses”. Prior to The Hype, Douglas had recorded a number of solo songs; some of these, notably “Time” and “Television Girl”, were assimilated into The Hype’s material.

    The band made regular appearance locally, notably at The George, Ash Vale. They also secured a slot in the ABC Music sponsored Showcase ’89 at the Civic Hall, Guildford with The Extremes, Calamity Sax, Wise Child, The Ha Ha Men, Forrest and The Choppers; Bitter Sweet, and Screw Loose.

    Their track “Wasting Time”, which didn’t appear on “The Disco Revolution” was included on Flat Records’ “Get This!” compilation LP released in ’89. Hype opened the Ballroom Blitz and were once described as a ‘poor man’s Doors’. The band split in January 1991. Post demise, The Farnborough Groove Vol.1 compilation cassette released in ’91, closing out Side 1 with the band’s “Wasting Time”.

    In around ’91 or ’92, after The Hype, Hounsham and Douglas formed an electronic duo called Soft Watches. Hounsham became the keyboard player with The Stranglers in 2021, and has worked with Rialto (c’97-’00) and Mungo Jerry (c’98 onwards). He is also a qualified music therapist.

    Tracks:

    Gallery:

  • Calamity Sax

    Calamity Sax

    (c’88-90) – Pete Bailey (vocals), Phil Brookes (guitar), Vince “Shagnasty” White (drums) and Ian “Wez” Westley (bass).

    Calamity Sax’s Bailey and White live at the Crix…date unknown. Picture courtesy of Carolyne Jackson.

    Ex-Kyoto Rose / Trashqueen guitarist Brookes pulled the band together at the end of ’88, with White and ex-Monterey and Trashqueen bassist Westley. After seeking a vocalist since August, Bailey come over from Van Gogh and the Earlobes in early ’89. The band rehearsed at a number of location, but could be regularly found perfecting or testing material at Horsell’s Village Hall. The band appeared at France Hill School, Camberley alongside Deceased Disease and Jeopardy (later to be known as Warp Spasm). In March ’89 the band appeared at The Devils Dance Party at the Civic Hall, Guildford with The Button Factory, Napalm Groove Squad, Too Many Cameras, and Van Gogh and the Earlobes; at which Metal Hammer / Metal Forces / Kerrang writer Dave Reynolds was reportedly present. They then toured for one month with Last of the Teenage Idols, sharing “One Man Show”; “Nobody Knows” and their cover on “Smoking In The Boy’s Room” with a broader audience. The ‘Keep on Smiling’ demo was released that same year.

    An appearance at The Cricketers, Westfield, betwixt Christmas ’88 and New Year, was not – as rumoured – the band’s last according to the band; instead they were taking a break while Westley focused on his final year at university. They did appear again at the Civic Hall, Guildford for the the ABC Music sponsored Showcase ’89 on 15 July with The Extremes, The Hype, Wise Child, The Ha Ha Men, Forrest and The Choppers; Bitter Sweet, and Screw Loose; and again on 3 August ’89 at take Two, Sheffield where they stepped in to cover Rich Rags support slot for Last of The Teenage Idols, along with Dollar Babies. However, a proper re-grouping didn’t occur and at the groups ‘official’ demise, in January 1990, Brookes joined London based Scarlette, first appearing with the London band at Calamity Sax’s Westfield haunt: The Cricketers. Many years later Calamity Sax were described as “a long-forgotten combo ” in The Independent.

    White emigrated to the US and was managing a Guitar Center, but regrettably passed in 2017. Westley was General Manager of Mushroom Records where Garbage, Muse, Ash, Zero 7 and Paul Oakenfold 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”. Bailey now fronts folk rockers Leatherat.

    Brookes went on to become a guitar tutor in Woking before co-founding The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford. ACM is now affiliated with Guildford’s Electric Theatre, Guildford College, Middlesex University and University of Surrey. In May 2008 ACM was awarded the The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation (Technology) and in late 2009, with support from The University of Central Oklahoma, ACM opened up its first location outside of the UK in Downtown Oklahoma City. In August 2013, ownership of ACM was acquired by Kainne Clements, who also co-owns Metropolis Studios. The likes of Amelle Berrabah, member of The Sugababes; Joe Butterworth, drummer for Talanas and Ed Sheeran (although he dropped out) are all ex-ACM students.

    Gallery:

  • Longpig

    Longpig

    (c’82-85) Andy “D. Pig” Davis (bass, vocals), Gary “Gary Pig” Jackson (drums), Andy “R. Pig” Robertson (sax) and Michael “Ickabod Long” Ackroyd (vocals, synth).

    Guildford born LongPig (often listed as Long Pig) gigged extensively in the Woking and Guildford area, including nights at the University of Surrey, and notably opening The Old Schoolhouse’s “The Jailhouse” club night. The band ventured further afield to the likes of The Batcave, at Heaven, London. James “Coco” Essua, a bouncer at Bunters, Guildford, would sometimes join them on stage playing the bongos.

    Longpig played the May Bug Ball at University of Surrey on 7 May ’83, along with Creatures of Darkness, La Maison Du Chants, and Freedom Dance. The next month, on 6 June ’83, the band, along with Alien Sex Fiend and Sex Beat, supported Specimen at The Bat Cave, Heaven, London. At some point in ’83 they released their first vinyl; the self-released “Down To The Bone”, a 12″ featuring “The Batsong” on the A-side and “Darkboy” and “Primitive Sensibility” on the B.

    On 2 March ’84 they released the James T. Pursey – aka Jimmy Pursey, the Sham 69 frontman – produced nine track vinyl LP “Of Love and Addiction” on Anagram Record [GRAM 11] which featured the Venomettes on “Batsong” playing violin. This same year saw the single “Why Do People Find Each Other Strange?” backed by “Darkboy” hit the shelves. This was also on the Anagram label and could be found in 7″ (ANA 21) and 12″ (12 ANA 21) versions. On the 19 April ’84, Longpig performed at the opening of the Jailhouse Club, held at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking. Exactly a year after the May Bug Ball, on 7 May 1984, the band headlined the bill for a University of Surrey New Wave Society event supported by La Maison Du ChantsFreedom Dance, Funtime for Phillip and Dark Trio. This event got the band featured in The Werewolf fanzine. They were back at the University of Surrey for the June Jitterbug with Dark Paradise, D Fabulous, No Joy, Betrayed, and Asylum Sounds on 9 June ’84.

    9 June 1984: Ticket for the June Jitterbug at University of Surrey with Longpig, D Fabulous, Dark Paradise, No Joy, Betrayed, and Asylum Sounds

    In ’85 the band were part of Guildford Live Aid along with Steel Bill & The Buffalos and other bands. They were also to be found at the Sea Cadet Unit, Guildford on 13 April ’85 with Massacre Dive and Billy Gs.

    LongPig’s “Earthrobbers” appeared on the “Give Me Some Cherry” compilation vinyl LP produced by Fabelsound for the Music-Box (RED 56) and Cherry Red (B RED 86) labels. This also featured the likes of Alien Sex Fiend, Vice Squad and The Monochrome Set. Anagram still owns all the rights to Longpig’s catalog and they reissued “Of Love and Addiction” in 2006.

    Davis and Robertson also performed as Plan A

    Video:

    Gallery:

  • Page Three

    Page Three

    (c ’84-’85) Adrian Smith (drums), Rick Felt (bass) and Robert Frost (guitar).

    Forming in late ’84, Page Three self described their sound as “in the realms of Men at Work or The Police”. They reportedly used Woking’s Studio 12 to lay down a few songs in mid ’85 and appeared at Club Royal on 22 March ’85.

    Gallery:

  • The 1979 Gig List

    The 1979 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 1979:

    January 7
    The Three Lions, Farncombe: The Molesters

    January 8
    Music Machine, Camden: Jackie Lynton HD Band w/ Zorro

    8 January 1979: NME Ad puts Jackie Lynton HD Band, supported by Zorro, at Music Machine, Camden. Source: Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight

    January 19
    The Cob & Pen Folk Club, Swan Pub, Sherborne St. John: Hot Vultures

    January 25
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Vapors

    NUJ Benefit gig poster ’79

    February 7
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Average White Band (for “Rock Goes to College”)

    February 16
    University, Reading: The Jam w/ Secret Affair

    February 18
    Lyceum, London: 999 w/ The Members, and Pressure Shocks

    February 23
    R.A.R, Leeds Polytechnic, Leeds: Crisis

    February 24
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Wounded Scott John Cree

    March 1
    West Surrey School of Art & Design, Farnham: Crisis

    March 2
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Joe Public
    The Marquee, London: The Members

    March 3
    The Marquee, London: The Members

    March 5
    Princes Hall, Aldershot: Martha Reeves and her Vandellas

    5 March 1979: Martha Reeves and her Vandellas were at Princes Hall, Aldershot. Source: Pete Myles via Historic Military Aldershot

    March 12
    Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Straightshooter

    March 16
    North East London Polytechnic: Squire

    March 17
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Sweet Sensations
    Acklam Hall, Notting Hill: Crisis

    March 19
    Cockneys, London: Squire

    March 21
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: Tommy Hunt

    March 22
    Guild Hall, Southampton: Graham Parker & The Rumour

    March 23
    Top Rank, Sheffield: Eddie & The Hot Rods w/ The Members

    March 24
    The Star Inn, Guildford: The Volunteers

    March 26
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Eddie & The Hot Rods w/ The Magnets

    March 31
    Essex University, Colchester: Eddie & The Hot Rods w/ The Members, and The Magnets
    R.A.R, St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Croydon: Crisis

    April 1
    Hammersmith Odeon, London: Graham Parker & The Rumour

    April 3
    Hammersmith Odeon, London: Graham Parker & The Rumour

    April 4
    Regal Cinema, Handsworth, Birmingham: The Angelic Upstarts w/ Crisis

    April 6
    The Malibu Club, Nottingham: The Angelic Upstarts w/ Crisis

    April 14
    Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe: The Vapors
    Bridge House, Canning Town: Jackie Lynton’s H.D. Band

    14 April 1979: Jackie Lynton’s H.D. Band played Bridge House. Source: Neil Barker via Mods N Sods

    April 15
    Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe: The Vapors

    April 16
    The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio: The Jam w/ Dwight Twilley Band

    April 18
    Memorial Hall, Farnham: The Vapors

    April 20
    Oakland Auditorium Theatre, California: The Jam w/ The Dwight Twilley Band

    April 21
    Ragamuffins, Camberley: The Realistics

    April 24
    Upstairs at Ronnie Scotts, London: Squire w/ The Purple Hearts
    Barbarella’s, Birmingham: The Members

    April 25
    The Pegasus, London: The Vapors

    April 26
    Troubador, Port Talbot: The Members w/ Pinpoint

    April 27
    Cornet of Horse, Battersea: Crisis

    April 29
    Lyceum, London: The Members w/ The Mekons, and The Inmates

    May 1
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Rachel Sweet w/ Lew Lewis Reformer

    May 4
    The Royal Hotel, Guildford: The Vapors|
    Sheffield University, Sheffield: The Jam w/ Secret Affair The Records

    May 5
    The Bull, Hornchurch: The Vapors
    Sheffield University, Sheffield: The Jam w/ Secret Affair The Records
    Columbo Street Hall, Waterloo: Crisis w/ Whizz Kids

    May 6
    City Hall, Newcastle: The Jam

    May 7
    The Bridge House, Canning Town: Secret Affair, The Mods, Beggar, The Small Hours, Squire, The Merton Parkas

    May 8
    University of Salford, Manchester: The Jam

    May 10
    The Rainbow Theatre, London: The Jam
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Penetration w/ Cowboys International, and Danger Signs

    10 May 1979: The Civic Hall, Guildford hosted Penetration. Ad from Record Mirror 21 April 1979. Image courtesy of Pete Cole

    May 11
    The Rainbow Theatre, London: The Jam w/ The Chords & The Records
    Southbank Polytechnic, London: Amber w/ Crisis

    May 12
    Loughborough University: The Jam

    May 13
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Squire
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Dave Kelly’s Wild Rats
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Members

    13 May 1979: The Members at Civic Hall. Source: Jonathan Piers Butler via Guildford Town Past and Present

    May 14
    Exeter University: The Jam

    May 15
    Liverpool University: The Jam
    Technical College, Godalming: The Vapors

    Vapors Passport Tour flyer from 1979

    May 16
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Vapors
    Liverpool University: The Jam
    Village Hall, Milford: White Gold

    May 17
    Strathclyde University: The Jam
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Bloodhound

    May 18
    The Royal, Guildford: The Vapors
    Strathclyde University, Glasgow: The Jam

    May 19
    Marshall Rooms, Stroud: The Vapors
    Strathclyde University, Glasgow: The Jam
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Skids
    The Star, Guildford: Soho
    Technical College, Farnborough: T. T. Transmission w/ The Planets

    19 May 1979: T. T. Transmission, supported by The Planets, headlined Farnborough College of Technology. Picture courtesy of Mark Terry

    May 20
    The Triad Centre, Bishops Stortford: The Purple Hearts, The Crooks, Back To Zero, The Mods, Squire & The Washing Machines
    Wooden Bridge, Guildford: House
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Night Rider

    May 21
    Colston Hall, Bristol: The Jam w/ Secret Affair & The Vapors

    May 22
    The Richmond, Brighton: The Piranhas w/ The Vapors
    Odeon Theatre, Birmingham: The Jam
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Misty
    The Royal, Guildford: Small Wonder
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Pop Group

    22 May 1979: The Pop Group plays Guildford’s Civic Hall

    May 23
    Coal Bin, Dublin Castle, Camden: Squire w/ Sta Prest & The Details
    University of Surrey,Guildford: The Piranhas

    May 24
    Wellington, Waterloo: Squire
    Guildhall, Portsmouth: The Jam w/ The Vapors
    Three Lions, Farncombe: White Gold

    May 25
    The Royal, Guildford: Last Orders
    Ewshott Village Hall, Ewshott: Bright Young Things

    25 May 1979: Originally called Bright Young Things, this A4 poster is for Controls first ever gig at Ewshott Village Hall

    Red Lion, Leytonstone: Back To Zero w/ Squire and Sta Prest

    25 May 1979: Squire, along with Sta Prest, supported Back To Zero at the Red Lion, Leytonstone.

    May 26
    Guildhall, Portsmouth: The Vapors
    The Old Hat, Ealing: Squire w/ The Mods
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Iron Maiden w/ Samson
    The Rock Garden, Middlesbrough: The Members w/ Pinpoint
    The Star, Guildford: Dealer
    Rock Festival, Loch Lommond: The Stranglers, Dr. Feelgood, Sneaky Pete, The Skids, UK Subs, The Dickies, and Third World

    26 May 1979: The Stranglers headlined the first day of the Loch Lomand Rock Festival. Source: Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight

    May 27
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Undertones w/ The Chords (not The Purple Hearts as originally billed)
    Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Bloodhound

    May 28
    Ruskin Arms, East Ham: The Vapors
    Notre Dame Hall, Leicester Square: The Purple Hearts w/ The Mods, Back To Zero, and Squire

    28 May 1979: Squire were added to the bill at the last minute and had a 25 minute slot supporting The Mods, Back To Zero and The Purple Hearts at Notre Dame Hall, Leicester Square. Source: Neil Barker

    May 29
    Memorial Hall, Farnham: The Vapors

    May 31
    Three Lions, Farncombe: The Volunteers

    June 1
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Squire
    The Royal, Guildford: The Piranhas

    June 3
    Wooden Bridge, Guildford: The Vapors
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Out of Order
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Dr. Feelgood

    3 June 1979: Civic Hall, Guildford hosted Dr Feelgood. Ad from Record Mirror 19 May ’79. Image courtesy of Pete Cole

    June 4
    Tracey’s, Ipswich: The Vapors

    June 7
    The White Horse, Shepherd’s Bush: The Vapors
    Three Lions, Farncombe: John Thomas

    June 8
    The Royal, Guildford: Nicky & The Dots

    June 10
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Little Jimmies

    June 11
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Police w/ The Cramps, and Bobby Henry

    June 14
    The White Horse, Shepherd’s Bush: The Vapors
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Bloodhound

    June 15
    The Marquee, London: The Chords w/ The Mods & Squire
    The Royal, Guildford: Last Orders

    June 17
    Three Lions, Farncombe: House

    June 19
    Greyhound, Fulham: The Vapors
    The Marquee, London: The Chords w/ The Purple Hearts, Squire, The Mods, Les Elite & The Little Roosters

    June 20
    Music Machine, Camden: Secret Affair w/ Merton Parkas and Squire

    20 June 1979: Squire, along with Merton Parkas, supported Secret Affair on Mod Night at Music Machine, Camden. Picture courtesy of Neil Barker

    June 22
    Moonlight Club, West Hampstead: Squire

    June 23
    The Green Man, Plumstead: Squire
    Borough Hall, Godalming: Rodeo w/ Jackal

    23 June 1979: Rodeo, supported by Jackal, played the Borough Hall, Godalming.

    June 24
    Lakers Hotel, Redhill: The Vapors
    The Two Brewers, Clapham: Squire

    June 25
    The Bridge House, Canning Town: The Mods w/ Squire

    June 26
    Sheffield University, Sheffield: The Members

    June 27
    Locarno, Bournemouth: Squire

    June 28
    Archery Tavern, Eastbourne: The Vapors
    The Wellington, Waterloo: Squire

    June 29
    The Marquee, London: Squire
    R.A.R, Acklam Hall, London: Beggar w/ The Vapors, Crisis & The Samaritans

    June 30
    Brilig Arts, Bath: The Vapors
    Oscars, Liverpool: Squire
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Mungo Jerry

    July 1
    The Locarno, Bristol: Squire

    July 8
    The Marquee, London: Secret Affair, The Vapors, and Mandy H

    The Vapors on July 1979’s Marquee Flyer. Source: Neil Chippendale via Keep It Out Of Sight

    July 13
    Gaumont, Southampton: The Stranglers

    July 14
    Bridge House, Canning Town: Jackie Lynton’s H.D. Band

    July 22
    The Marquee, London: Secret Affair w/ Squire & The Little Roosters

    July 23
    The Bridge House, Canning Town: The Small Hours w/ The Vapors

    July 24
    The Marquee, London: The Purple Hearts w/ Squire

    July 26
    The Duke Of Lancaster, London: The Vapors

    July 27
    Moonlight Club, West Hampstead: The Teenbeats w/ Les Elite & Squire
    Music Machine, Camden: The Vapors

    July 28
    The Wellington, Waterloo: Squire

    July 29
    Two Brewers, Clapham: Squire

    July 30
    The Bridge House, Canning Town: Secret Affair w/ Squire
    Vespas, Global Village, Charing Cross: The Name w/ The Teenbeats, Squire, Speedball & The Small Hours

    July 31
    Hope & Anchor, Islington: Squire w/ The V.I.P’s

    August 1
    Music Machine, Camden: The Lambrettas w/ Squire & The Merton Parkas

    August 9
    Music Machine, Camden: The Vapors w/ The Records
    The Castle, Tooting: Squire

    August 11
    The Wellington, Waterloo: Squire

    August 16
    White Hart, Acton: Squire w/ The Name

    August 17
    The Duke of Wellington, London: Squire

    August 19
    101 Club, Clapham: Squire
    The Marquee, London: The Chords w/ The Vapors

    The Vapors on August 1979’s Marquee Flyer. Source Neil Chippendale via Keep It Out Of Sight

    August 21
    The Greyhound, Fulham: The V.I.P’s w/ Squire
    Moonlight Club, West Hampstead: The Vapors

    August 22
    The Nags Head, High Wycombe: The Merton Parkas w/ Squire

    August 23
    White Hart, Acton: Squire

    August 27
    The Paddocks, Canvey Island: Secret Affair w/ Back To Zero, Squire & The Purple Hearts

    August 28
    Upstairs at Ronnie’s, London: Panther

    Free ticket for Upstairs at Ronnie’s to see Panther on 28th August 1979. Picture courtesy of Keith Knowles

    August 29
    Klooks Kleek, West Hampstead: The Vapors

    August 31
    The Nashville, Kensington: The Vapors

    September 1
    The Wellington, Waterloo: Squire
    The Marquee, London: The Vapors

    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

    September 5
    Music Machine, Camden: Squire w/ The V.I.P’s

    September 6
    Adam and Eve, London: The Small Hours w/ Squire

    September 8
    Friars Hall, Aylesbury: Secret Affair w/ Madness, Squire & The Stowaways

    September 10
    The Bridge House, Canning Town: Squire w/ SW1

    September 15
    The Marquee, London: The Vapors
    The Wellington, Waterloo: Squire

    September 16
    Greyhound, Fulham: The Vapors
    Civic Hall, Guildford: XTC w/ The Yachts, and Viva

    16 September 1979: XTC, supported by The Yachts and Viva played Civic Hall, Guildford.

    September 20
    Hope and Anchor, Islington: Squire
    The Marquee, London: The Members

    September 21
    White Lion, Putney: Squire
    The Marquee, London: The Members
    The Odeon, Taunton: The Stranglers

    September 22
    The Wellington, Waterloo: Squire

    September 24
    The Greyhound, Fulham: The Vapors

    September 30
    Nashville, London: The Vapors

    October 1
    Greyhound, Fulham: The Vapors
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Gary Numan w/ Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

    October 3
    Music Machine, London: The Vapors

    October 5
    Goldsmiths College, London: Squire
    Arts Centre, Poole: Camel

    October 6
    Music Machine, Camden: Secret Affair w/ Squire
    Farnborough Recreation Centre, Farnborough: Camel

    Validated ticket for Camel at Farnborough Rec. Picture Courtesy of Martin Davies via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia

    Marquee, London: The Vapors w/ The News

    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

    October 7
    Apollo, Glasgow: The Stranglers

    October 8
    101 Club, Clapham: Squire
    The Greyhound, Fulham: The Vapors

    October 12
    Moonlight Club, West Hampstead: Squire

    October 14
    Top Rank, Sheffield: The Stranglers

    October 17
    Gaumont, Southampton: Camel

    October 18
    Friars, Aylesbury: Camel w/ Nigel Mazlyn Jones

    October 20
    Electric Ballroom, London: The Purple Hearts w/ Squire, Dolly Mixture & The Teenbeats

    October 22
    Apollo, Glasgow: Camel

    October 23
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Angelic Upstarts

    Tumbledown Dick 1979. Source: Ian Bridgeman

    October 26
    Crystal Palace Hotel, London: Squire
    The Music Machine, Camden: The Vapors
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Ruts w/ The Flys, and Crisis

    October 27
    The Marquee. London: Squire
    Royal Oak, Hollywater: The Royal Hoax

    October 30
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Classic Nouveux

    November 1
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Buzzcocks w/ Joy Division

    November 3
    Rainbow Theatre, London: The Jam

    November 4
    University of Surrey, Guildford: John Martyn
    The Marquee, London: The Vapors

    November 5
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Lene Lovich w/ Jane Aire and The Belvederes, and Meteors

    November 6
    Ruffles Night Club, Aberdeen: Squire w/ The Cuban Heels & The Numbers
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: The Vapors

    November 7
    Technical College, Glasgow: Squire

    November 8
    Wellington Club, Hull: Squire
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Gang of Four w/ The Au Pairs, Delta Five, and Red Crayola

    November 9
    The Sandpiper, Nottingham: Squire
    University of Surrey, Guildford: U.K. Subs w/ The Last Word, and Lost Property

    9 November 1979: Record Mirror Advert from 20 Oct issue for UK Subs tour. Image courtesy of Pete Cole.

    November 10
    Town Hall, Rhyl: Squire w/ Seventeen & The Fixations

    November 11
    Stoke Hotel, Guildford: The Famous Rondini Brothers

    November 12
    Bunters, Guildford: Rockola w/ UBz

    November 13
    The Music Machine, Camden: Squire
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: The Piranhas

    November 15
    West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: The Accidents

    November 16
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The Vapors w/ The Beat (The John Peel Show)

    16 November 1979: Ticket for the John Peel Road Show at University of Surrey, featuring The Vapors and The Beat

    November 17
    Friars, Aylesbury: The Jam

    November 18
    Arts Centre, Poole: The Jam w/ The Vapors

    November 19
    Unity Hall, Wakefield: Secret Affair w/ Squire

    November 20
    Polytechnic, Manchester: The Vapors
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Cowboys International

    November 21
    Polytechnic, Manchester: The Vapors

    November 24
    Manchester University: Secret Affair w/ Squire

    November 25
    Bingley Hall, Birmingham: The Vapors

    November 27
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: The Purple Hearts

    November 29
    Deeside Leisure Centre, Queensferry: The Jam w/ The Vapors

    29 November 1979: Poster for The Jam and The Vapors at Deeside Leisure Centre Queensferry. Source: www.tracks.co.uk

    December 2
    Tiffany’s, Glasgow: Secret Affair w/ Squire
    The Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park: The Vapors

    December 3
    The Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park: The Vapors
    Tiffany’s, Edinburgh: Secret Affair w/ Squire

    December 4
    Ayr Pavilion: Secret Affair w/ Squire
    The Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park: The Jam w/ The Vapors

    4 December 1979: Ticket #W40 for The Jam, and The Vapors, at Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park. Source: www.tracks.co.uk

    Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: The Mode w/ Between Pictures

    4 December 1979: The Mode supported by Between Pictures played Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough

    December 5
    Polytechnic, Sheffield: Secret Affair w/ Squire
    Prince of Wales, Fleet: Controls

    A4 poster for Prince of Wales, Aldershot gig on 5th Dec 1979

    December 8
    Apollo Theatre, Glasgow: The Vapors

    December 10|
    Odeon Theatre, Edinburgh: The Jam w/ The Vapors

    December 11
    Queens Exhibition Hall, Leeds: The Jam w/ The Vapors

    4 December 1979: Ticket #842 for The Jam, and The Vapors, at Queens Hall, Leeds. Source: www.tracks.co.uk

    Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Lonesome No More w/ Controls

    Controls’ A4 Poster for 11th Dec ’79 gig at Tumbledown Dick. Source: Europunk

    December 13
    Sophia Gardens, Cardiff: The Jam
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Secret Affair w/ Squire

    December 14
    VIth Form Christmas Party, Royal Grammar School, Guildford: Approved Men w B.J and the Mars Bars

    Picture courtesy of Chris Try.

    December 16
    Windsor Castle, Maida Vale: Crisis
    The Guildhall, Portsmouth: The Jam

    December 17
    Bunters, Guildford: Kama Sutra w/ ?

    December 18
    Gallaghers, Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough: Lopez and the Waveriders w/ Matrix Numbers

    18 December 1979: Lopez and the Waveriders supported by Matrix Numbers up at the Tumbledown Dick.

    The Wooden Bridge. Guildford: Noit Otni and The Pits

    18 December 1979: Noit Otni and The Pits appeared at The Wooden Bridge. Guildford. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes

    December 19
    De Montfort Hall, Leicester: The Jam

    19 December 1979: Ticket #H22 for The Jam at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. Source: www.tracks.co.uk

    December 21
    The Acklam Hall, Notting Hill: Squire w/ The Face

    Forward to:
    The 1980 Gig List

    Back to:
    The 1978 Gig List

One thought on “Home

  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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