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The 1976 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 1976:
January ?
University of Surrey, Guildford: Stray w/ BlitzJanuary 25
Civic Hall, Guildford: Renaissance w/ Bob PeggJanuary 31
Civic Hall, Guildford: Gallagher & LyleFebruary ?
Technical College, Farnborough: Strife w/ Palantir
Civic Hall, Guildford: Edgar Broughton Band w/ Blitz
Technical College, Farnborough: Rocky Sharpe and the Replays w/ SaltFebruary 5
The Malting, Farnham: Stefan GrossmanFebruary 11
Civic Hall, Guildford: SailerFebruary 14
Marquee, London: Asylum
14 February 1976: Asylum played Marquee February 15
Civic Hall, Guildford: Kokomo w/ The Kursaal FlyersFebruary 27
University of Surrey, Guildford: Sutherland Brothers w/ QuiverFebruary 28
Civic Hall, Guildford: Alan Price w/ MoviesFebruary 29
Civic Hall, Guildford: Alan PriceMarch ?
Technical College, Farnborough: Starry Eyed and Laughing w/ Nutz
Civic Hall, Guildford: PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi) w/ Back Door
Civic Hall, Guildford: Budgie w/ Dirty TricksMarch 1
Civic Hall, Guildford: Alan PriceMarch 4
Cardiff University, Cardiff: Hawkwind w/ Unicorn
Advert from NME, 6 March 1976, listing Unicorn’s tour dates with Hawkwind and Steeleye Span. Source: Chris Knight via Unicorn – The English Band March 5
University of Salford, Manchester: Hawkwind w/ Unicorn
Sheffield University, Sheffield: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
5 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at Sheffield University 
5 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at Sheffield University March 6
Imperial College, London: Hawkwind w/ Unicorn
Dance Hall, Essex University, Colchester: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
6 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at Dance Hall, Essex University, Colchester March 7
The Marquee, London: Asylum
7 March 1976: Asylum were at the Marquee, and the following day The Stranglers supported Pink Fairies. Source: Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight March 8
Marquee, London: Pink Fairies w/ The StranglersMarch 9
Winter Gardens, Malvern: Hawkwind w/ UnicornMarch 10
Civic Hall, Guildford: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The RumourMarch 11
Town Hall, Cheltenham: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
11 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at Town Hall, Cheltenham
March 12
Civic Hall, Guildford: Colosseum
Winter Gardens, Bournemouth: Hawkwind w/ UnicornMarch 13
University of Sheffield, Sheffield: Hawkwind w/ Unicorn
March 14
Guildhall, Preston: Hawkwind w/ Unicorn
Civic Hall, Guildford: Caravan (cancelled due to equipment theft)
The Marquee, London: AsylumMarch 17
Friars, Aylesbury: Steeleye Span w/ Unicorn
St. George Hall, Bradford: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
17 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at St. George Hall, Bradford March 18
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton: Steeleye Span w/ Unicorn
City Hall, Newcastle: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
18 & 19 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at City Hall, Newcastle, then Free Trade Hall, Manchester March 19
Gaumont, Ipswich: Steeleye Span w/ Unicorn
Free Trade Hall, Manchester: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
19 March 1976: Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at Free Trade Hall, Manchester March 20
Civic Hall, Guildford: Yetties
Stadium, Liverpool: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
The Greyhound, Fulham: The Jam
20 March 1976: The Jam played The Greyhound, Fulham. March 21
Congress Hall, Eastbourne: Steeleye Span w/ Unicorn
The Marquee, London: AsylumMarch 22
Albert Hall, Nottingham: Steeleye Span w/ UnicornMarch 23
City Hall, Sheffield: Steeleye Span w/ UnicornMarch 24
Friars, Aylesbury: Steeleye Span w/ UnicornMarch 25
The Nashville, London: The Stranglers w/ The Snakes
The Stranglers, supported by The Snakes, were at The Nashville, London. Source Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight March 26
Brunel University, Uxbridge: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at Brunel University, Uxbridge March 28
The Marquee, London: AsylumApril 4
New Victoria Theatre, London: Thin Lizzy w/ Graham Parker & The Rumour
Graham Parker & The Rumour support Thin Lizzy at New Victoria Theatre, London April 7
Civic Hall, Guildford: Man
Bunters, Guildford: BlackbloodApril 18
Civic Hall, Guildford: Caravan w/ StarsApril 27
The Maltings, Farnham: Rick Wakeman (recorded for “Old Grey Whistle Test”)April 28
The Marquee, London: The Nashville TeensMay 2
Civic Hall, Guildford: BudgieMay 9
Civic Hall, Guildford: Judas PriestMay 14
University of Surrey, Guildford: StrappsMay 16
Civic Hall, Guildford: Pretty Things
The Roundhouse, London: Patti Smith w/ The Stranglers
May 17
The Roundhouse, London: Patti Smith w/ The StranglersMay 28
University of Surrey, Guildford: Back Street Crawler w/ AC/DCJune 4
University of Surrey, Guildford: SassafrasJune 6
Civic Hall, Guildford: Curved AirJune 7
The Marque, London: Graham Parker & the Rumour w/ Bank of England Brass, and Tooting FrootiesJune 8
The Marque, London: Graham Parker & the Rumour w/ Bank of England Brass, and Tooting FrootiesJune 26
Civic Hall, Guildford: AC/DCJuly 4
The Roundhouse, London: The Flamin’ Groovies, The Ramones, and The Stranglers
July 5
Dingwalls, Camden: The Flamin’ Groovies, The Ramones, and The StranglersJuly 13
Hope & Anchor, Islington: The StranglersJuly 14
Hope & Anchor, Islington: The StranglersJuly 15
Hope & Anchor, Islington: The StranglersJuly 16
Hope & Anchor, Islington: The StranglersJuly 17
Hope & Anchor, Islington: The StranglersJuly 19
Stagfolk, Shackleford Social Centre, Godalming: Dave Burland
July/August 1976 gig list flyer for Stagfolk club. Image courtesy of John Scott Cree July 26
Stagfolk, Shackleford Social Centre, Godalming: Curate’s EggAugust 7
Borough Hall, Godalming: The Albion Dance Band
Poster for the very first GBH Ceilidhs organized by StagFolk with The Albion Dance Band. Source: Lawrence Heath via Godalming Town Past & Present August 9
Stagfolk, Shackleford Social Centre, Godalming: Tony RoseAugust 16
Stagfolk, Shackleford Social Centre, Godalming: Wounded John Scott CreeAugust 23
Stagfolk, Shackleford Social Centre, Godalming: Steve TilstonSeptember 6
Stagfolk, Shackleford Social Centre, Godalming: Noel MurphySeptember 12
Civic Hall, Guildford: AC/DC
De Nieuwe Pul, Uden, Netherlands: CamelSeptember 28
Red Cow, Hammersmith: Nashville Teens
Nashville Teens were at Red Cow, Hammersmith. Source: Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight October 1
Erics, Liverpool: The Stranglers
The Stranglers played Erics, Liverpool. Source: John Martin via Keep It Out Of Sight October 3
Top Rank, Sheffield: Graham Parker and the Rumour w/ Zenda Jacks, and 42nd StreetOctober 6
Sheffield City Polytechnic, Sheffield: Groundhogs w/ Unicorn
October 9
Leisure Centre, Basingstoke: HouseOctober 21
Mr Digbys, Birkenhead: Groundhogs w/ Unicorn
21 October 1976: Unicorn supported Groundhogs at Mr. Digbys, Birkenhead October 22
Hammersmith Odeon, London: Patti Smith & Her Group w/ The StranglersOctober 23
Hammersmith Odeon, London: Patti Smith & Her Group w/ The Stranglers
Recreation Centre, Farnborough: Alvin Stardust w/ Paper Lace
23 October 1976. Source: fincharie.co.uk October 24
Odeon Theatre, Birmingham: Patti Smith & Her Group w/ The StranglersOctober 26
The Marquee, London: Groundhogs w/ UnicornOctober 27
The Marquee, London: Groundhogs w/ UnicornOctober 28
The Marquee, London: Groundhogs w/ Unicorn
Free Trade Hall, Manchester: Patti Smith & Her Group w/ The StranglersNovember 4
University of Surrey, Guildford: MotorheadNovember 7
The Marquee, London: The StranglersNovember 11
Civic Hal, Guildford: AC/DC w/ Tyla GangNovember 14
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Steve Hillage BandDecember 3
Civic Hall, Guildford: Caravan w/ OscarDecember 8
Civic Hall, Guildford: Man w/ AlkatrazDecember 10
The Cob & Pen Folk Club, Swan Pub, Sherborne St. John: Hot VulturesDecember 19
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Sex Pistols w/ The Clash, The Damned, and Johnny Thunder & The Heartbreakers (CANCELLED)December 28
100 Club, London: Roogalator w/ The Jam
Roogalator, supported by The Jam are at 100 Club, London. Source: Steve Merry via Keep It Out Of Sight Forward to
The 1977 Gig ListBack to
The 1975 Gig List1976, 42nd Street, AC/DC, Alan Price, Albert Hall, Alkatraz, Alvin Stardust, Asylum, Aylesbury, Back Door, Back Street Crawler, Bank of England Brass, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Blackblood, Blitz, Bob Pegg, Borough Hall, Bournemouth, Bradford, Brunel University, Budgie, Bunters, Camden, Camel, Caravan, Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cheltenham, City Hall, Civic hall, Colchester, Colosseum, Congress Hall, Curate’s Egg, Curved Air, Dance Hall, Dave Burland, De Nieuwe Pul, Dingwalls, Dirty Tricks, Eastbourne, Edgar Broughton Band, Erics, Essex University, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Farnham, Free Trade Hall, Friars, Fulham, Gallagher & Lyle, Gaumont, Godalming, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Groundhogs, Guildford, Guildhall, Hammersmith, Hammersmith Odeon, Hawkwind, Hope & Anchor, Hot Vultures, Imperial College, Ipswich, Islington, Johnny Thunder & The Heartbreakers, Judas Priest, King Crimson, Kokomo, Liverpool, London, Malvern, Man, Manchester, Marquee, Motorhead, Movies, Mr Digbys, Netherlands, New Victoria Theatre, Newcastle, Noel Murphy, Nottingham, Nutz, Odeon Theatre, Old Grey Whistle Test, Oscar, Palantir, Paper Lace, Patti Smith, Patti Smith & Her Group, PFM, Pink Fairies, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Preston, Pretty Things, Quiver, Recreation Centre, Red Cow, Renaissance, Rick Wakeman, Rocky Sharpe and The Replays, Roogalator, Sailor, Salt, Sassafras, Shackleford Social Centre, Sheffield, Sheffield City Polytechnic, Sheffield University, St. George Hall, Stadium, Stag Folk, Stag Folk Club, StagFolk, Starry Eyed and Laughing, Stars, Steeleye Span, Stephan Grossman, Steve Tilston, Strapps, Stray, Strife, Sutherland Brothers, The Albion Dance Band, The Clash, The Damned, The Flamin’ Groovies, The Greyhound, The Jam, The Kursaal Flyers, The Maltings, The Marquee, The Nashville, The Nashville Teens, The Ramones, The Roundhouse, The Sex Pistols, The Snakes, The Steve Hillage Band, The Stranglers, Thin Lizzy, Tony Rose, Tooting Frooties, Top Rank, Town Hall, Tyla Gang, Uden, Unicorn, University of Salford, University of Surrey, Uxbridge, Winter Gardens, Wolverhampton, Wounded John Scott Cree, Yetties, Zenda Jacks -
The 68 Floods
(c’85-’91) Tony Nunn (guitar), John Ewens (trumpet/b. vocals), Luke Simmons (drums), Jim Smith (bass), Graham Wood (guitar), and Richard Wood (vocals).
The 68 Floods at The Cricketers, Westfield The Milky Bar Kids became the Byfleet based The 68 Floods, following a cease and desist letter from Nestle’s legal department, in early ’85. Named after the Byfleet/Woking/Guildford floods of ’68 they recorded seven demos, including 1989’s ‘Track Down’. They gigged all over the UK from Devon to Northamptonshire, including appearances at Thetford Live Aid ’87 and the 16th Greenbelt at Castle Ashby in August ’89.
In ’86, Andrew Brown was the band’s vocalist and featured on the cassette EP they release in March that year, which also carried his self-penned ‘Ego Overload’, along with the band’s take on Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer of ’69’, ‘No Love Tonight’ – which reportedly would not have been amiss on a Five O’Clock High EP – and ‘Going for a Ride in my Car’. The 68 Floods were the 6th band on at Showcase ’88, held at Centre Halls, Woking in Sept ’88. By this time singer Brown had been replaced by Richard Wood and drummer Steve King was replaced by Simmons, in all there had been nine line-up changes in just under three years. Once noted, by one Soundscene pundit, for “the amount of apathy…coming from the speakers” The 68 Floods came 4th in the Soundscene demo review of ’88. Around this time the band released the four track – ‘Sunshine Day’, ‘Another Girl (Another Sing)’, ‘My Biggest Weakness’ and ‘It’s Not For Me’ – cassette EP, titled ‘Flood-tide’ and produced by Tim Laws.
In August ’89 Phil Gibby pronounced them, along with Backlash, winners of the Cliff Richard award for longevity in his ‘Farewell Honors’. ’89 also saw the release of the ‘Down the Lane’ demo cassette and the aforementioned ‘Track Down’. This carried seven tracks, including: ‘Letter to Angel’, ‘I’m Feelin’ Free’, ‘I Just Wanna Rock n’ Roll’, ‘Stand Alongside’, and ‘No Time to Waste’. On the fringes of Greenbelt in ’89, they performed a cover of Lone Justice’s ‘I Found Love’ and ‘I Fought The Law’ originally by The Crickets (post Buddy Holly’s 1959 death). Their track ‘Letter To Angel’ was #7 in Soundscene’s Top Ten Local Songs 1990. A favorite with Elizabeth Lofting, wife of Woking’s incumbent mayor in ’91, the band raised 150 quid from a whip-round at a Cricketers, Westfield gig in April ’91 for the Mayor’s Hospice Appeal. Calling it a day in Dec’ 91 the band closed out their long run in January 1992 with a final gig at The Cricketers. “And then,” to quote Graham Wood, “despite nobody having shown any interest, we reformed not long after and carried on for another 20 years !”
Tracks:
Sunshine Day
Gallery:
Woking News and Mail – 20 Sept 1990 
Picture courtesy of The 68 Floods 
Picture courtesy of The 68 Floods 
Picture courtesy of The 68 Floods 
Picture courtesy of The 68 Floods 
Soundscene – July 28th 1988 
Soundscene Gigs Column, January 31st 1991 
Soundscene bids farewell to The 68 Floods in the 9th Jan 1992 column… Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
The 68 Floods get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
68 Floods share the Cliff Richard Award with Backlash in the Phil Gibby farewell awards from August ’89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
THe 68 Floods’ “Letter To Angel” was 7th in Soundscene’s Top 10 local songs of 1990. Clipped from 3 Jan ’91 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
The 68 Floods were the 6th Band on at Showcase ’88, held at Centre Halls, Woking in Sept ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks Andrew Brown, Backlash, Bryan Adams, Byfleet, Castle Ashby, Centre Halls, Cliff Richard, Cricketers, Elizabeth Lofting, Five O'Clock High, Graham Wood, Greenbelt, Guildford, Jim Smith, John Ewens, Lone Justice, Luke Simmons, Mayor's Hospice Appeal, Milky Bar Kids, Nestle, Phil Gibby, Richard Wood, Showcase '88, Soundscene, Steve King, The 68 Floods, The Crickets, Thetford Live Aid, Tim Laws, Tony Nunn, Westfield, Woking -
Killing Faith
(c’88-91) – Duncan Johnson (rhythm guitar), Gary Morton (bass), Curt “Virgin Angel” Evans (drums), Nick “The Brianchild” Holland (vocals/lead guitar).
Windlesham metal band Killing Faith formed around 1988, then known as Dross. April ’88 saw the release of the 4 track ‘For It Is Of Faith We Follow’ Demo followed by a headline show at Frimley Community Centre supported by Trousershock B.C.. The 6 track ‘101 Damnations’ Demo followed in the Summer of ’89. Around this time bassist Morton was replaced by Wayne “Big Vern” Lowe, who was also in Trousershock B.C. This new lineup, that was also without Johnson, entered a studio on London Road, Reading and hammered out ‘Over Your Dead Body’ featuring ‘Forever Beautiful’ and ‘Every Day I Die’, which was dedicated to Sarah.
Outer sleeve of the ‘Over Your Dead Body’ 2-track demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold The band was reportedly banned from the Cricketers, Westfield for alleged blasphemy, but in 1990 was receiving airtime on Radio 1. They disbanded following their final gig at The George, Ash Vale on 15th January 1991; where they were supported by Warp Spasm. This gig was euphemistically called ‘Cold Storage’ or ‘The Funeral’ depending on to whom you speak, as Holland doubled down on his other project: Slug. They get a very brief mention in Pete Frame’s Rockin Around Britain under Aldershot.
Evans went on to join Deceased Disease.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Inner sleeve of the ‘Over Your Dead Body’ 2-track demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
The ‘Over Your Dead Body’ 2-track demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Killing Faith get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
Soundscence – 11 April 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Woking News and Mail, September 20, 1990 
Soundscene, January 31st 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle -
Grapevine
(c’69-’72 & ’79-2000) – Brian Robinson (guitar / vocals), Ron Bushaway (bass / vocals), Alan Watkin (drums / vocals), and Simon Cohan (vocals).
The band formed in the Spring of 1969, when Bushaway, Watkins and Cohan met at Robinson’s house. 10 days later they played their first gig at The Millstream Club, Farnham; having learnt enough numbers and acquired a P.A. system and van. Said to be from Aldershot, they opened with “Ob La Di”. In the Autumn of ’69, Brain Moorland joined Grapevine on keyboards. By the middle of 1970, Bushaway had been replaced by Les Garrett on bass, and Mick Hogsden had stepped into Cohan’s shoes and they were now managed by ex-The Kool bassist Brian ‘Mr Whippy’ Hosking. Bushaway returned in Spring the following year, not on bass, but guitar replacing Robinson. In January ’72 the band split, all heading in different directions with Watkin joining The Embers.
In late ’79 a seven nights a week residency came up at the Lakeside Country Club, Frimley and the band reformed as a four-piece to fill the spot. Watkin was still on drums and as well as backing vocals he also now shared lead vocal duties with new member Pete Probert, who also carried a bass and provided backing vocals. The other two were past members Robinson on guitar and Moorland behind a Hammond organ. Probert was absent from the band for three months and Eric Brown stood in on bass. The band were still playing residency at Lakeside in the Winter of ’80, but down to just one night. Richard “Jet” Hodgins had replaced Moorland by this time. In the Summer of ’81 ex-Unicorn bassist Pat Martin replaced Probert with Mick “Dougo” Douglas taking on Robinson’s role in the following Spring.
A year and a half later they recorded four tracks in a studio in Hayes and produced the “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” 7″ vinyl EP, released in the Autumn ’83. Produced by Martin, the lacquer was cut by Geoff Pesche at Utopia Studios and is the only known release on Goldfish Records [GR.001], it carried the title track and “I Could Easily Fall”, “The Great Pretender” and “Don’t Let Go”.
For the next 17 years the bands line-up remained unchanged and then in the Summer of 2000 they performed their last concert.
After The Embers; Watkin joined agency band Rubber Duck, had the occasional appearance in House, joined Jackie Lynton and then become a Bloodhound. Before Grapevine, Hodgins had been in The Knack (not that Knack) and went on to join Threewheel and was last seen with Mick Douglas’s Bill Haley tribute band Razzle Dazzle. After Grapevine finished, Martin went on to form the Tamla Tigers.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Grapevine (L-R: Alan Watkin, Mick Douglas, Pat Martin, and Richard Hodgins Alan Watkin, Aldershot, Bloodhound, Brian Hosking, Brian Moreland, Brian Robinson, Eric Brown, Farnham, Frimley, Grapevine, House, Jackie Lynton, Lakeside Country Club, Les Garrett, Mich Douglas, Mick Hogsden, Pat Martin, Pete Probert, Razzle Dazzle, Richard Hodgins, Ron Bushaway, Rubber Duck, Simon Cohan, The Embers, The Knack, The Millstream Club, Threewheel, Unicorn -
X-It
(c’88-91) – Jason “Jay Farley” Orbaum (keyboard / vocal), James Davis (bass), Mark Johnston (guitar), & Steve Green (drums).
26th February 1991, X-it headlined at Digwalls in Camden. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle Formed from the ashes of Dark, Wise Child and The Button Factory; after Farley, Green and Harry Tuttle, met at a Steel Bill and the Buffalos gig at the Cricketers, Westfield. At one of X-It’s early gigs the band got The Button Factory to headline to get people in, but Factory were short a bass player and drummer, so Green and Johnston stepped in. The summer of ’89 saw the band enter JTI Studios, Brixton where they recorded the 11-track “Ticket to Destruction” demo cassette, in the presence of Phil Gibby. In April ’90 the band packed out The Cricketers, Westfield and the entered JTI again for their second cassette LP: “Long Way from Hollywood” a slick 12-track demo of original material. Subsequently, X-It’s ‘Right Side of Wrong’ was #3 and ‘Prejudice’ was #9 in Soundscene’s Top Ten Local Songs 1990 and notably “Grasp” and “Adult Love” stood out as critic and fan favorites; all of which appeared in their set in December at The Cricks. X-It, who were then managed by Jim ? and had a honorary “General Secretary” in Heather Kirkman, were one of the last unsigned bands to play Dingwalls, before it closed on March 5th 1991. In May ’91 they were at Guildford’s Flicks for a double header with The Ha Ha Men, by which time the backing vocals of Alison Orbaum and ? were a regular fixture. They were appearing almost monthly at The Cricketers, Westfield and The Red Lion, Sunningdale by this point, and had a very important gig at The Three Lions ‘Scratchers’, Farncombe in August ’91, not that we can recall why now.
X-It “Are We Having Fun Yet?” demo cassette was released in ’91 via Porty Bruford’s Two Sheds Records Productions. Source: Corrina Meyer X-It’s final release was the “Are We Having Fun Yet?” cassette demo via Porty Bruford’s Two Sheds Records Productions [SHED III], the third release on Two Sheds. After a couple of years together as X-It, university called and the members went off to ‘study’ calling it a day in Nov ’91 and playing a farewell gig at the Cricketers on 7 December. Some members of the band regrouped in January ’92 as Track 29.
Gallery:
Clipping from Soundscene, February 21, 1991, posted earlier. Source: Corrina Meyer 
X-It get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
Long haired Jim, the X-It manager, at Dingwalls, 26th February 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
26th February 1991, X-it headlined at Digwalls in Camden. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
26th February 1991, X-it headlined at Digwalls in Camden. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
26th February 1991, X-it headlined at Digwalls in Camden. Picture courtesy of HarryTuttle 
26th February 1991, X-it headlined at Digwalls in Camden. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
26th February 1991, X-it headlined at Digwalls in Camden. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Clipping from Soundscene, February 21st, 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Picture courtesy of Harry Tutt;e 
Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
X-It at The Cricketers, Westfield in December 1990. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
X-It at The Cricketers, Westfield in December 1990. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
X-It at The Cricketers, Westfield in December 1990. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
X-It at The Cricketers, Westfield in December 1990. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
X-It (or maybe they were still called Dark then) at The Cricketers, Westfield in April 1990. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
X-It (or maybe they were still called Dark then) at The Cricketers, Westfield in April 1990. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
Gig flyer from 1991 – Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
It’s X-It. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Orbaum’s vocal’s for X-It were compared favorably to Elvis Costello. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
X-It’s Orbaum in the groove. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
X-It bassist Davis with backing vocalists. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Soundscene – 23rd July 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Soundscene – 11th April 1991. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Two articles on X-It in the January 9th 1992 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
7 Dec 1991:1A busy night at The Cricketers Westfield. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Promotional poster for X-It’s “Are We Having Fun Yet?” Demo. Note: Under the name X-it it says “Shed III”, it was the third release of Two Sheds Records Productions. A reference to Monty Python. And of course produced by the legendary Porty Bruford. ..Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
X-It’s “Right Side Of Wrong” was 3rd and “Prejudice” was 9th in Soundscene’s Top 10 local songs of 1990. Clipped from 3 Jan ’91 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks Alison Orbaum, Brixton, Cricketers, Dark, Dingwalls, Flicks, Guildford, Hether Kirkman, James Davis, Jason Orbaum, Jay Farley, JTI Studios, London, Mark Johnston, Phil Gibby, Porty Bruford, Scratchers, Soundscene, Steel Bill & the Buffalos, Steve Green, Sunningdale, The Button Factory, The Ha Ha Men, The Red Lion, Track 29, Two Sheds Records, Westfield, Wise Child, X-It -
Big Boy Tomato
(c’88-’94) – Penny ? (vocals), Andy ‘Bladz’ Selway (drums), John Spencer (guitar), ? ‘Ditch’ ? (guitar) and Susan ? (vocals) and Nik ? (bass).
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal waveTheir “Weekend” and “Duck” tracks appeared on Snakebite City – the release of which Big Boy Tomato and their record company delayed with ‘contractual difficulties’; and “Jack” on Snakebite City Two. They appeared in and around Aldershot on a regular basis and did well on the US college radio network in the early days. Their ‘New Wave of New Wave’ sound saw them supporting bands like UK Subs, Stiff Little Fingers, New Model Army and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, as well as headlining at the Mean Fiddler and Borderline. The Tomatoes managed a couple of EPs, including ‘Acton Baby’ and the four track CD ‘Hormones and Hangovers.’
Infamously, Radio 1 started receiving unexplained boxes of tomatoes, one of which was delivered by a window cleaner abseiling down the BBC building. The source? Big Boy Tomato, of course. They never got air play.
One of the bands earliest gigs, on 29 August 1988, saw them play the Hellfire Club’s Bank Holiday All Dayer at The George Robey with Trash County Dominators, Zoo Doll, Chas Is Sex, Destroy The Boy, Brian, Sex Bitch Goddesses, The Levellers, If, Glass Knots, King Conehead, Johnny UFO, Mela Rooney Daddy, and Junior Manson. A few days later, on 2 September ’88, they were supporting Snuff at the L.M.S. Club, Hendon. The following night they headlined at the Bull and Gate, Kentish Town with Jon Fit Beast, Donkey Nun, Fin, Manson Slag, and Help Trumpton also on the bill. A brief review by Mick Mercer in Melody Maker’s 10 September ’88 issue, of one of the bands recent live performances, wasn’t too kind.
But, that didn’t stop them securing headlining slots, which were becoming common place, and the 5 Jan ’89 saw them doing just that at The Cricketers, Kennington. The Hellfire Club, at Sir George Robey, hosted BBT again on 15 May ’89 with Hard Options, The Wild Bunch, Lemon, Another Cuba, and Mutant Frogs.
The Bull & Gate became a relatively regular haunt for the band, who on 30 September ’91 played the Pop Club night with Phobia and Plop. BBT found themselves gigging with Phobia again on 5 February ’92, this time supporting Mega City Four, along with Pretty Green, at the University of Surrey’s Main Hall. Ten days later Mega City Four’s tour had reach the Technical College, Farnborough with Phobia, Big Boy Tomato, and Pretty Green still in support. Big Boy Tomato then headlined at the Bull & Gate again in June ’92. BBT secured a support slot at The Grand, Clapham Junction on 18 July 1992 with The Cropdusters. At some point in ’92 the EP “Acton Baby” was released on Damaged Goods [Damgood 5] on 7″ red vinyl carrying three tracks: “Head”, “Smash” and “Rosemary”.
At the time of the release of “Acton Baby” the band were listed as being Penny, Susan, Richard,Tom, Nik, Gian Franco; with some additional help fro Arturo Bassick. In January ’93 Paul Talling organized a launch party for Snakebite City at The West End Centre, Aldershot featuring: Peachrazor, Pretty Green, Pomeroy, Backlash, Phobia and Big Boy Tomato – no doubt “Weekend” and “Duck” were played. To continued the promotion of Snakebite City, Talling went on to organize an appearance for Big Boy Tomato, supported by Backlash, at the Totally Wired Club, The Powerhaus, London on 9 April ’93. The next month, on 8 May, the band were at the Venue, London for Toy Dolls headlining slot along with O.U.T.; and BBT supported by Angel Interceptor and Zen Grenade played Creation 2010 back at the Bull & Gate.
On 3 September ’94 at the Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell with The Love Family were supported by Big Boy Tomato and Skipper. A debut album was recorded in 1994 but was not released, ultimately causing the end of the band. About the same time the CD EP “Hormones and Hangovers” was put out on Dojo Limited division Up Not Down [UPXCD1] carrying both the tracks featured on Snakebite City, plus “Anything” and “Jack”
A splinter group – Sugar Snatch – emerged that included Spencer and Selway. You’ll find BBT listed on page 710 of Dave Thompson’s 3rd edition of Alternative Rock and in Butterfly Evolution ’92 by Mick Mercer. Then in 2017 the album, titled “Glaswegian Kiss” [FOOFCD0001], was finally released on Foof Records.
Big Boy Tomato recorded a debut album in 1994, but it was not released. Then in 2017 the album, titled “Glaswegian Kiss”, was finally released on Foof Records Penny went on to work with Country punk band Some Dogs. Spencer went on to join The Lurkers for a European tour and formed The YoYo’s with Danny McCormack (ex-Wildhearts bassist), guitarist Neil Phillips (B-Movie Heroes) and Selway in ’98. A UK tour supporting The Backyard Babies led then to sign with US label Sub Pop in 2000. Break up, reform, break up followed. In 2006 The Loyalties formed with Spencer on vocals. In 2008 The Loyalties toured the UK with The New York Dolls, Loaded, Black Lungs and The Wildhearts. Spencer’s projects included Banjoey Ramone, a skiffle/punk outfit consisting of ex and current Loyalties, Demented Are Go!, Grit and Urban Voodoo Machine members. He has also been a one time member of Ginger Wildheart and Friends, The Dogs D’Amour, The Vincent Razorbacks, and Swill and The Swaggerband. He plays banjo with The Men They Couldn’t Hang and The Feral Family Collective, as well as in his family band Fastlane Roogalator with brothers Syd and Will. Selway also toured Europe as part of The Men They Couldn’t Hang, then becoming one of the founding member of The YoYo’s. In 1996 he became the drummer for Pig and toured Japan as part of Schwein. Before joining KMFDM in 2002. Still an active member of KMFDM, Selway also performs with The Dwarves, Genitorturers and Spittin’ Cobras.
Tracks:
Weekend
Links:
Glaswegian Kiss (Big Boy Bonus Edition) – http://bigboytomato.bandcamp.com/album/glaswegian-kiss-big-boy-bonus-editionGallery:
4 May 1993: Big Boy Tomato w/ Angel Interceptor and Zen Grenade played Creation 2010 at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Rick Lennox via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
2 September 1988: Big Boy Tomato supported Snuff at L.M.S. Club, Hendon. Source: Neil Thompson via Keep It Out Of Sight 
9 April 1993: Big Boy Tomato and Backlash played the Totally Wired Club, The Powerhaus, London as promoted by Paul Talling. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
29 August 1988: Big Boy Tomato played the Hellfire Club’s Bank Holiday All Dayer at The George Robey with Trash County Dominators, Zoo Doll, Chas Is Sex, Destroy The Boy, Brian, Sex Bitch Goddesses, The Levellers, If, Glass Knots, King Conehead, Johnny UFO, Mela Rooney Daddy, and Junior Manson. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
30 September 1991″ Big Boy Tomato played the Pop Club night at The Bull & Gate with Phobia. Source: Miles Jacobson via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
June ’92: Big Boy Tomato were at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.
Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
The white vesion… 
BBT played The Grand on 18 July 1992 supporting The Cropdusters. 
Big Boy Tomato headline on 3rd Sept 1988 at the Bull and Gate, with Jon Fit Beast, Donkey Nun, Fin Manson Slag DJ and Help Trumpton also on the bill. Source Bull and Gate memories page 
5th Jan ’89 and Big Boy Tomato are playing The Cricketers, Kennington. 
There can’t be many of these around… 
Mick Mercer wasn’t too kind to Big Boy Tomato in the 10th Sept ’88 issue of Melody Maker. Picture courtesy of BULL & GATE MEMORIES. 
BBT supporting MC4 at Surrey University in 1992… Picture courtesy (well, I stole it) off Ben’s Collectors Records 
The four track CD “Hormones and Hangovers” 
Big Boy Tomato delayed the Snakebite City release date. Clipping from 1992, but the paper and date are unknown. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Snakebite City flyer c’92. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
30 September 1991: Big Boy Tomato with Phobia and Plop at Pop Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
15 February 92: Mega City Four with Phobia, Big Boy Tomato, and Pretty Green. Source: Pete Scott via Mega City Four 
15 May 1989: Big Boy Tomato were at the Hellfire Club at Sir George Robey, London with Hard Options, The Wild Bunch, Lemon, Another Cuba, and Mutant Frogs 
1993 press release from Bluefire Records launching the Snakebite City compilation with Big Boy Tomato, along with Backlash, Peachrazor, Pomeroy, Pretty Green, Trousershock BC and Mama Cain (aka Phobia). Picture courtesy of Steve Porter. 
8 May 1993: Big Boy Tomato played Venue, London Aldershot, Alternative Rock, Andy Selway, Angel Interceptor, Another Cuba, Arturo Bassick, B-Movie Heroes, Backlash, Banjory Ramone, Big Boy Tomato, Black Lungs, Borderline, Bracknell, Brian, Bull & Gate, Butterfly Evolution '92, Cellar Bar, Chas Is Sex, Clapham Junction, Creation 2010, Cricketers, Damaged Goods, Danny McCormick, Dave Thompson, Demented Are Go!, Destroy The Boy, Dojo Limited, Donkey Nun, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Fastlane Roogalator, Fin, Foof Records, Genitorturers, Gian Franco, Ginger Wildheart and Friends, Glass Knots, Grit, Guildford, Hard Options, Hellfire Club, Help Trumpton, Hendon, If, John Spencer, Johnny UFO, Jon Fit Beast, Junior Manson, Kennington, Kentish Town, King Conehead, KMFDM, L.M.S. Club, Lemon, Loaded, London, Manson Slag, Mega City Four, Mela Rooney Daddy, Melody Maker, Mick Mercer, Mutant Frogs, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Neil Phillips, New Model Army, O.U.T., Paul Talling, Peachrazor, Phobia, Pig, Plop, Pomeroy, Pop Club, Pretty Green, Radio 1, Schwein, Sex Bitch Goddesses, Sid Spencer, Skipper, Snakebite City, Some Dogs, South Hill Park, Spittin' Cobras, Stiff Little Fingers, Sub Pop, Sugar Snatch, Swill and The Swaggerband, The Backyard Babies, The Cropdusters, The Dogs D'Amour, The Dwarves, The Feral Family Collective, The George Robey, The Grand, The Levellers, The Love Family, The Loyalties, The Lurkers, The Mean Fiddler, The Men They Couldn't Hang, The New York Dolls, The Powerhaus, The Vincet Razorbacks, The Wild Bunch, The YoYo's, Totally Wired Club, Toy Dolls, Trash County Dominators, UK Subs, University of Surrey, Up Not Down, Urban Voodoo Machine, Venue, West End Centre, Wildhearts, Will Spencer, Zen Grenade, Zoo Doll -
The 1975 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 1975:
January ?
University of Surrey, Guildford: G.T. Moore and the Reggae GuitarsJanuary 12
Civic Hall, Guildford: Dr Feelgood w/ Chilli Willi and KokomoJanuary 17
Brunel University, Uxbridge: Ox w/ Unicorn
January 1975: Melody Maker advert listing Unicorn as supporting John Entwistle’s OX. Source: Patrick Martin via Unicorn – The English Band January 18
Technical College, Farnborough: String Driven Thing w/ Flight 59January 22
Liverpool University, Liverpool: Ox w/ UnicornJanuary 23
Leicester University, Leicester: Ox w/ UnicornJanuary 24
East Anglia University, Norwich: Ox w/ Unicorn
University of Surrey, Guildford: String Driven ThingJanuary 25
Civic Hall, Guildford: Argent w/ Marvelous Kid
University of London, WC1: Byzantium w/ Zorch
25 Jan 1975: Byzantium, supported by Zorch, at the University of London. Janaury 30
Civic Hall, Guildford: IsotopeJanuary 31
The Marquee, London: Jackie Lynton’s Grande
University of Surrey, Guildford: Al StewartFebruary
Civic Hall, Guildford: Caravan w/ AsylumFebruary 1
Technical College, Farnborough: Fruupp w/ StranglersFebruary 2
Civic Hall, Guildford: Lindisfarne w/ Kursaal FlyersFebruary 8
Civic Hall, Guildford: SuperTramp w/ Gallagher & Lyle, and Chris de Burgh
Technical College, Farnborough: Gordon GiltrapFebruary 12
Civic Hall, Guildford: Barclay James Harvest w/ Julian BrookFebruary 15
Civic Hall, Guildford: SuperTrampFebruary 20
Civic Hall, Guildford: Chick Corea w/ Zzebra
Technical College, Farnborough: Budgie w/ AsylumFebruary 21
Great Hall, University of Surrey, Guildford: Ange w/ Ash Ra Tempel, and Moonmouse
21 February 1975: Ange, supported by Ash Ra Tempel and Moonmouse, played the Great Hall at University of Surrey, Guildford: Picture courtesy of Jon Downing February 23
Civic Hall, Guildford: HawkwindFebruary 26
Civic Hall, Guildford: Curved Air w/ TraceFebruary 28
University of Surrey, Guildford: Cozy Powell’s HammerMarch ?
Civic Hall, Guildford: Dr Feelgood w/ Chilli Willi, and Kokomo
Technical College, Farnborough: Blackfoot SueMarch 2
Showgrounds, Sydney, Australia: Freddie King and his Band, Alexis Korner, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, Duster Bennett, Captain Matchbox, Phil Manning, Matt Taylor, and Four Day Riders
Duster Bennett was part of the Levi’s Blues Australian Blues/Rock Festival Tour. This poster lists Freddie King and his Band, Alexis Korner, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, along with Bennett playing dates from March 2 to 12, 1975. Each of the four cities then had a different set of ‘local’ supporting bands. Source: Rod Stroud March 5
Apollo Stadium, Adelaide, Australia: Freddie King and his Band, Alexis Korner, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, Duster Bennett, Phil Manning, Matt Taylor, and Smokestack LighteningMarch 6
Edgley Centre, Perth, Australia: Freddie King and his Band, Alexis Korner, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, Duster Bennett, Renee Geyer & Sanctuary, Phil Manning, and Flying DoctorMarch 8
Recreation Centre, Farnborough: Pallantine, Odd-Sox, and White as White (and Twice as Dirty)
8 March 1975: Pallantine, Odd-Sox, and White as White (and Twice as Dirty) were the Triple Band Spectacular put on by The Hard Rock Club at Farnborough Recreation Centre. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew March 9
Civic Hall, Guildford: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band w/ ClancyMarch 10
Showgrounds, Melbourne, Australia: Freddie King and his Band, Alexis Korner, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, Duster Bennett, Renee Geyer & Sanctuary, Captain Matchbox, Matt Taylor, Phil Manning, and DingoesMarch 12
Festival Hall, Brisbane, Australia: Freddie King and his Band, Alexis Korner, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, and Duster BennettMarch 14
University of Surrey, Guildford: Stephane Grappelli w/ The Diz Disley TrioMarch 22
Technical College, Farnborough: Stackridge w/ Shepstone & Dibbens,
22 March 1975: Farnborough College of Technology hosted Stackridge, supported by Shepstone & Dibbens March 25
Civic Hall, Guildford: Camel w/ RenaissanceApril 15
Civic Hall, Guildford: Rory Gallagher and his Band w/ Folk ArtistApril 25
University of Surrey, Guildford: Fruupp
Maxwell’s, Basingstoke: Nashville TeensApril 27
Civic Hall, Guildford: CamelApril 31
The Marquee, London: AsylumMay 2
Grand Hall, University of Surrey, Guildford: Stormsville Shakers w/ BadgeMay 9
University of Surrey, Guildford: Dr Feelgood w/ American Gypsy
Stadthalle, Bremen, Germany: GenesisMay 11
Civic Hall, Guildford: PilotMay 13
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Flying Burrito BrothersMay 16
University of Surrey, Guildford: John Martyn w/ Danny Thompson, John Stevens and Wizz Jones, Clancy, Brand X, Tim Hardin, and Frogmorton. (reviewed Melody Maker 24th May.)May 18
Civic Hall, Guildford: KokomoMay 31
Civic Hall, Guildford: Loudon WainwrightJune ?
Town Hall, Farnborough: White as White (and Twice as Nasty)June 1
Civic Hall, Guildford: Be Bop DeluxeJune 2
Dingwalls, Camden: Unicorn
2 June 1975: Unicorn payed Dingwalls. Source: David DiSanzo via Unicorn – The English Band June 25
Town Hall, Torquay: Camel w/ The Mike Storey band
25 June 1975: Handbill promoting Camel’s appearance at the Town Hall, Torquay, Source: www.tracks.co.uk July 4
Technical College, Basingstoke : Savoy Brown w/ White as White (& Twice as Dirty)August 8
Recreation Centre, Farnborough: White as White w/ Johnny Odd-Sox, Wooden Lion, Palantir, and Narziss
8 August 1975: Flyer for a Windsor Fesitival Benefit gig at Farnborough Recreation Centre, for White as White, Johnny Odd-Sox and Wooden Lion; also featuring Palantir and Narziss. Picture courtesy of Paul Trew August 23 – 31
Watchfield Free Festival, Wiltshire: The Stranglers w/ Hawkwind, Gong, Global Village, Traffic, Strife, White as White, Zorch, 101ers, Tibet, Arthur Brown and Half Human BandAugust 25
Winter Gardens, Malvern: Camel
25 August 1975: Ticket to see Camel at Winter Gardens, Malvern. Source: www.malvernrockarchive.org.uk Hope & Anchor, Islington: Unicorn
25 August 1975: Unicorn played the Hope & Anchor, Islington. Source: Ulrich Wegener via Keep It Out Of Sight August 27
The Star, Guildford: Tony RoseAugust 30
The Guildford Show, Guildford: (Stag Folk Free Concert) Mountain Line w/ Cocky, Grass Roots, Derek Serjeant & Hazel King, Don & Sarah Morgan, Dave Tarn, Rod Bayton, Julian High.September 23
Civic Hall, Guildford: ShawaddywaddySeptember 27
Reithalle, Cloppenburg, Germany: CamelSeptember 30
University of Surrey, Guildford: CockyOctober ?
Civic Hall, Guildford: Argent w/ Dirty TricksOctober 2
Civic Hall, Guildford: CamelOctober 8
University of Surrey, Curved AirOctober 10
University of Surrey: Squeeze w/ Curved AirOctober 16
University of Surrey, Guildford: Van der Graaf GeneratorOctober 21
Civic Hall, Guildford: Dr Feelgood w/ G.T. Moore & The Reggae GuitarsOctober 24
University of Surrey, Guildford: GryphonOctober 31
University of Surrey, Guildford: Baker Gurvitz Army
November 3
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Heavy Metal KidsNovember 7
University of Surrey, Guildford: Ace
Technical College, Basingstoke: Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias w/ White as WhiteNovember 8
Friars, Vale Hall, Aylesbury: Camel w/ Gasworks
8 November 1975: Handbill (front) for Camel at Friars, Aylesbury. Source: www.track.co.uk 
8 November 1975: Handbill (back) for Camel at Friars, Aylesbury. Source: www.track.co.uk November 9
Civic Hall, Guildford: Gong w/ Clear Light
November 16
Civic Hall, Guildford: John CaleNovember 21
University of Surrey, Guildford: StackridgeNovember 23
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea: Osibisa w/ The Famous Rondini Brothers, and Quadraphonia Road Show
November 27
University of Surrey, Guildford: Captain Beefheart w/ Secret OysterNovember 29
Technical College, Guildford: Thin LizzyDecember 2
Civic Hall, Guildford: Andy Fraser w/ Strange DaysDecember 18
Nashville Rooms, Kensington: Albert Y Los Trios Paranoias w/ The Stranglers
18, 19 and 20 December 1975: Albert Y Los Trios Paranoias were supported by The Stranglers at the Nashville Rooms. Source: Malcolm Wyatt via a Stranglers Forum December 19
Nashville Rooms, Kensington: Albert Y Los Trios Paranoias w/ The Stranglers
Technical College, Basingstoke: Racing Cars w/ White as WhiteDecember 20
Nashville Rooms, Kensington: Albert Y Los Trios Paranoias w/ The Stranglers
Hastings Pier Pavilion: Stallion w/ The Famous Rondini Brothers, and Sounds
101ers, 1975, Ace, Adelaide, Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias, Alexis Korner, American Gypsy, Andy Frazer, Ange, Apollo Stadium, Argent, Arthur Brown, Ash Ra Tempel, Asylum, Australia, Aylesbury, Badge, Baker Gurvitz Army, Barclay James Harvest, Basingstoke, Be Bop Deluxe, Bexhill-on-Sea, Blackfoot Sue, Brand X, Bremen, Brisbane, Brownie McGhee, Brunel University, Budgie, Byzantium, Camden, Camel, Captain Beefheart, Captain Matchbox, Chick Corea, Chilli Willi, Chris de Burgh, Civic hall, Clancey, Cloppenburg, Cocky, Cozy Powell's Hammer, Curved Air, Danny Thompson, Dave Tarn, De La Warr Pavilion, Derek Serjeant, Dingoes, Dingwalls, Dirty Tricks, Diz Disley Trio, Don & Sarah Morgan, Dr Feelgood, Duster Bennett, East Anglia University, Edgley Centre, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Festival Hall, Flight 59, Flying Doctor, Folk Artist, Four Day Riders, Freddie King and his Band, Friars, Frogmorton, Fruupp, G.T. Moore & The Reggae Guitars, Gallagher & Lyle, Gasworks, Genesis, Germany, Gigs, Global Village, Gong, Grass Roots, Gryphon, Guildford, Half Human Band, Hastings, Hastings Pier, Hawkwind, Hazel King, Hope & Anchor, Hound Dog Taylor and his Houserockers, Islington, Isotope, Jackie Lynton's Grande, John Cale, John Martyn, John Stevens, Johnny Odd-Sox, Julian Brook, Julian High, Kensington, Kokomo, Kursaal Flyers, Leicester, Leicester University, Lindisfarne, Liverpool, Liverpool University, London, Loudon Waineright, Malvern, Manfred Mann's Earthband, Marvellous Kid, Matt Taylor, Melbourne, Moonmouse, Mountain Line, Narziss, Nashville Rooms, Norwich, Odd-Sox, Osibisa, Ox, Palantir, Pallantine, Pavilion, Perth, Phil Manning, Pier Pavilion, Pilot, Quadraphonia Road Show, Racing Cars, Recreation Centre, Reithalle, Renaissance, Renee Gever and Sanctuary, Rod Bayton, Rory Gallagher and his band, Savoy Brown, Secret Oyster, Shawaddywaddy, Shepstone & Dibbens, Showgrounds, Smokestack Lightening, Sonny Terry, Sounds, Squeeze, Stackridge, Stadthalle, Stag Folk, Stallion, Stephane Grappelli, Stormville Shakers, Strange Days, Strife, String Driven Thing, Supertramp, Sydney, Technical College, The Famous Rondini Brothers, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Heavy Metal Kids, The Marquee, The Mike Storey Band, The Star, The Stranglers, Thin Lizzy, Tibet, Tim Hardin, Tony Rose, Torquay, Town Hall, Trace, Traffic, Unicorn, University of London, University of Surrey, Uxbridge, Vale Hall, Van Der Graaf Generator, White As White, Winter Gardens, Wizz Jones, Wooden Lion, Zorch, Zzebra -
The Ant Hill Mob
(c’91) – Glyn Edwards (drums), Gavin George (bass), David “Sammy Rat” Rose (vocals), Keith Wallond (lead guitar), Steve “Stevie Ray” Moore (guitar), and Mark Harris (harp).
The Ant Hill Mob at The Cricketers, Westfield. Picture and courtesy of Jacky Stevens Five months after departing Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band, ex-member Rose got together with remaining Blues Band members Edwards and George; Wallace, formerly of T Model Slim and catalyst for the bands formation; Moore and Harris to form The Ant Hill Mob. The band’s debut gig was at The White Lyon, Worplesdon on 31 January 1991; they also appeared at the Farnham Folk and Blues Festival later that year. May ’91 saw the band record their second demo in Send. The Sovereigns, Woking was a regular gig spot for the band, as was The Cricketers, Westfield. The University Surrey Student Union’s Crab Feast (Rag Week) on 23rd Nov 1991 is the final gig of which we are currently aware.
Harris was killed in Summers Road, Farncombe in February 2015 by his brother.
Gallery:
The Ant Hill Mob at The Cricketers, Westfield. Picture and courtesy of Jacky Stevens 
The Ant Hill Mob at The Cricketers, Westfield. Picture and courtesy of Jacky Stevens 
Soundscene clipping c’91 of The Ant Hill Mob before their first gig at The White Lyon, Worplesdon on January 31st 1991 (l-r Mark Harris, Steve Moore, Keith Wallond, Gavin George, David Rose,and Glyn Edwards). Picture courtesy of Jacky Stevens 
The Ant Hill Mob get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
A fleeting reference in this 23rd July ’91 Soundscene article. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle 
Soundscene Gigs Column, January 31st 1991. 
University Surrey Student Union Crab Feast – 23rd Nov 1991 (Rag Week magazine) -
The Sack
(c’90-91) – ? “Splat” ? (vocals / guitar), Brian “Wedge” ? (guitar), Paul ? (drums / vocals), Chas “Chuck” ? (bass / vocals).
This Farnborough based band gigged heavily in the early 90’s covering Wonder Stuff, REM, U2, The Smiths, Julian Cope, Depeche Mode and other indie fan favs with a handful of original tunes. They released a six track demo cassette titled “Oh, No!”, in ’90; which had been recorded and mixed at Ghost Studios, Send over three days in July. In ’91, their track “One Small Cut” was on Side 1 of The Farnborough Groove Vol.1. and they appeared at Parafornia ’91, also making an appearance on the events compilation cassette.
Tracks:
I Want To Go To Bed With You:One Small Cut
1 September 1990: Bubble-Eyed Dog Boys with Who Moved the Ground? and The Sack played Cove Labour Hall, Farnborough. Source: Who Moved The Ground? 
1990 
1990 
1990 
1990 
1990. The Plough is now an Indo-Chinese fusion restaurant & bar and has been renamed Blue Ginger… 
In ’91, The Sack’s track “One Small Cut” was on Side 1, The Farnborough Groove Vol.1. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole. 
Side 1 of The Sack’s “Oh No!” cassette EP. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Side 1 of The Sack’s “Oh No!” cassette EP. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Side 2 of The Sack’s “Oh No!” cassette EP. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
31 March 1990: Who Moved The Ground?, supported by Fear, The Sack, and Frantic, were at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: Who Moved The Ground? Bletchley, Bubble Eyed Dog Boys, Cove, Cricketers, Depeche Mode, Farnborough, Farnborough Groove, Frogmore, Ghost Studios, Greatham, Julian Cope, Labour Hall, Lady Owen Arms, North Camp, Parafornia '91, Rayzels, REM, Send, The Bell Inn, The George Robey, The Park Royal, The Plough, The Sack, The Silver Birch, The Smiths, U2, Westfield, Who Moved the Ground?, Wonder Stuff -
Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band
(c ’81-’94) – David ‘Ego Whelk’ Collins (lead guitar), Neil ‘Sid Steinway’ Dewey (keyboards), Glyn ‘The Wild Man of Stuffton’ Edwards (drums), Gavin ‘Thunder Thumbs Delaney’ George (bass) and Dave ‘Sammy Rat’ Rose (vocals).
The band used to rehearse in the scout hut opposite The Queen Victoria, Shalford; popping into the pub where you could find Phil Collins from time to time. They’d been together and rehearsing for a while when they got their first gig, after which they were a regular feature on the local scene. The Cricketers, Westfield hosted in July ’86. In Oct ’87 they released the eight track “Juke Joint” cassette demo of R&B covers.
They performed at Miss Woking ’87 and at Farnham Maltings on 29th October ’87. The next month, with Sonny Black’s Blues Band and T Model Slim, they openned at the West End Centre. Aldershot. Then as part of their Christmas Tour, they appeared at Capstan’s on the 18 December ’87 and The White Lyon, Worplesdon on Christmas Eve, without the ‘Big Big Blues’. Early the next year because Rose knew Guildford Civic Hall Manager, Martin Dodd, they supported The Men They Couldn’t Hang on 25 March 1988. On 7 April ’88 the band played The Maltings once again, rolling up to the venue once more, five days later, on 13 April, to open for the Cuff Billet Jazz Band.
25 March 1988: Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band supported The Men They Couldn’t Hang, along with Fire Next Time, at the Civic Hall, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat This led to other supporting slots at the Civic, including Julia Fordham, The Supremes and The Blues Band. The Talbot, Ripley became a regular Sunday evening gig for the band and was always well attended. May saw the boys back at the West End Centre supporting The Rhythm Sisters. In July that year, the band also secured a supporting slot for Desmond Dekker at The West End Centre, Aldershot. That same month it was rumored that Sammy Rat would be on the bill for Showcase ’88 to be held at Centre Halls, Woking; but it wasn’t to be, consoling themselves with a headliner at Queens Head, Byfleet. Their latest eight track demo however was well received by Soundscene reviewers, labeling the band ‘the notable R’n’R heroes of our time’ and the demo ‘of the usual quality and distinction.’ On 1 September ’88 the full band played The White Lyon, Worplesdon.
1990 was the beginning of a raft of changes, except The Rats regular sound man Graham ‘Chalks’ Collins, but also saw them supporting The Blues Band at the Civic. Larry ? (sax) joined, followed by a full brass section. George left to go to college and was replaced on bass by Bubs Reid. Reid disappeared and was replaced by Gareth Morgan. Rose left in 1990 and was replaced by, non-relative, Phil Rose. Several more line up changes followed and the band finally split in about the mid 1990s. The band’s “Waterfront” cassette LP was selling well from Collectors Records Centre, Guildford in late 1990.
In the Summer of 2003 a line-up of David Rose, Collins, Dewey, Morgan, and Jon Coles, plus a couple of guests played a garden party in Witley. Reforming in 2005, David Rose (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo), Allison Collins (vocals, percussion), David Collins (lead guitar, vocals) Gareth Morgan (bass, vocals), Dewey (keyboards) and Tim Burgess (drums) appeared at Guilfest 2006 and 2007 and now go by Sammy Rat and The Resonators.
Gallery:
16 July 1988: The West End Centre, Aldershot hosted Desmond Dekker, supported by Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat 
Soundscene, 22 October 1987 
27 November 1987: Dino’s Blues Bar presented Sonny Black’s Blues Band, T Model Slim and Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band at the West End Centre. Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat 
18 December 1987: Sammy Rat’s Big “Christmas” Blues Band were at Capstans. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat. 
24 Dec 198?: The White Lyon, Worplesdon hosted The “Special” Sammy Rat Band. Picture courtesy of Sammy Rat 
Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band clipping from Farnham Herald, Sept 1990. Picture courtesy of Steve Hack. 
Soundscene, 22nd October 1987 
August 18th 1988 Gigs Column from Soundscene 
July 28th, 1988 Soundscene sparks rumours of Body Politic reformation, and suggests Sammy Rat will be part of Woking Showcase gig 
Soundscene – July 28th 1988 
A little mention of Sammy Rat in this July 7th ’88 
Sammy Rats supports The Blues Band, Feb 1990 
PG Tips – May 26 1988 See less 
Woking News and Mail – 20 Sept 1990 
University Surrey Student Union “Crab Feast” (Rag Week Magazine) 23 Nov 1991 
Sammy Rat’s played Surrey University Rag Week in ’90 
The Cricketers, Westfield used to place ads in the local papers – Sammy Rats played on Thursday, 23 July ’86. Picture courtesy (I stole it) of Ben 
“The Wild Man of Stuffton” on drums for Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band c’86. Source: Glyn Edwards via Guildford Town Past & Present Aldershot, Allison Collins, Bubs Reid, Byfleet, Capstan's, Centre Halls, Civic hall, Collectors Records Centre, Cricketers, Cuff Billet Jazz Band, Dave Collins, Dave Rose, David Collins, Desmond Dekker, Farnham, Gareth Morgan, Gavin George, Glyn Edwards, Graham Collins, Guildford, GuilFest, Jon Coles, Julia Fordham, Martin Dodd, Miss Woking, Neil Dewey, Phil Collins, Phil Rose, Queens Head, Ripley, Sammy Rat and The Resonators, Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band, Scout Hut, Shalford, Showcase '88, Sonny Black's Blues Band, T Model Slim, The Blues Band, The Maltings, The Men They Couldn't Hang, The Queen Victoria, The Rhythm Sisters, The Supremes, The Talbot, The White Lyon, Tim Burgess, West End Centre, Westfield, Witley, Woking, Worplesdon
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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