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  • The 1962 Gig List

    The 1962 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 if we have an image, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene in 1962 (much more still to add):

    January 4
    Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Ken Sims Vintage Jazz Band

    Ken Sims Vintage Jazz Band Ad from Jazz News (4 Jan ’62)

    January 8
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Alan Elsdon and his Jazz Band

    Alan Elsdon and his Jazz Band Ad from Jazz News (4 Jan ’62)

    January 27
    Odeon, Guildford: Helen Shapiro w/ The Brook Brothers, The Four Jays, Red Price Band, The Dale Sisters, and Colin Day

    27 January 1962: Odeon Guildford hosts Helen Shapiro. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    February 13
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: The Gates of Eden

    Part of a poster for an “Atta” gig from ’62, the originals was for sale on peterice.com

    February 19
    Rex, Haslemere: The Temperance Seven

    February 24
    Odeon, Guildford: Adam Faith w/ John Barry Seven, Desmond Lane, Brad Newman, and Johnny Le Roy

    24 February 1962. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    March 19
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Ken Sims Vintage Jazz Band

    Ken Sims Vintage Jazz Band Ad from Jazz News (14 March ’62)

    April 7
    Odeon, Guildford: Billy Fury w/ John Leyton, Karl Denver, Eden Kane, and Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers

    May 7
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Forrie Cairn’s Clansmen

    June 28
    Agincourt, Camberley: Bruce Channel w/ Delbert McClinton, Frank Ifield, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Dick Charlesworth & His City Gents, Beryl Bryden, Jackie Lynn, Bobby Shafto, Jay & Tommy Scott, and Bobby Brown

    July 1
    Opera House, Blackpool: The Temperance Seven w/ Mark Wynter, Joan Regan, and The Southlanders

    July 14
    Cellar Club, Kingston: Nashville Teens

    July 21
    Cellar Club, Kingston: Nashville Teens

    July 28
    Cellar Club, Kingston: Nashville Teens

    September 17
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Dick Charlesworths City Gents w/ Jackie Lynn

    September 30
    Odeon, Guildford: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 1
    Rank Theatre, Rochester: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 2
    Rank Theatre, Bournemouth: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 3
    Rank Theatre, Cheltenham: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 4
    Rank Theatre, Wolverhampton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 5
    Odeon, Manchester: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 7
    De Montfort Hall, Leicester: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 8
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Dougie Richford’s London Jazzband
    Odeon, Sheffield: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 9
    Rank Theatre, Watford: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 10
    Rank Theatre, Southend: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 11
    Rank Theatre, Ipswich: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 12
    Rank Theatre, Brixton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 14
    Guildhall, Portsmouth: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 15
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Back O’Town Syncopaters

    October 19
    ?, Woking: Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated

    Ad from Jazz News 3 Oct ’62

    October 20
    Colston Hall, Bristol: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 21
    Empire, Liverpool: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 22
    Rank Theatre, Doncaster: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 23
    Gaumont, Bradford: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 24
    ABC Theatre, Wakefield: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 25
    Rank Theatre, Llandudno: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 26
    Rank Theatre, Derby: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 28
    Theatre, Coventry: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 29
    ABC Theatre, Dover: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 30
    ABC Theatre, Hastings: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    October 31
    ABC Theatre, Worthing: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 1
    Rank Theatre, Salisbury: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 2
    ABC Theatre, Northampton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 3
    Essoldo, Stoke: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 4
    ABC Theatre, Gloucester: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 10
    Essoldo, Brighton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 11
    Hippodrome, Birmingham: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 12
    ABC Theatre, Carlisle: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 13
    Rank Theatre, Sunderland: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 14
    ABC Theatre, Hull: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 15
    ABC Theatre, Cleethorpes: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 16
    ABC Theatre, Lincoln: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 17
    Theatre Royal, Norwich: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    17 November 1962. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    November 18
    ABC Theatre, Cambridge: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 19
    ABC Theatre, Southall: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 20
    ABC Theatre, Croydon: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 21
    ABC Theatre, Kingston: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 22
    ABC Theatre, Romford: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 23
    ABC Theatre, Plymouth: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 27
    Rank Theatre, St. Albans: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 28
    Rank Theatre, Colchester: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 29
    ABC Theatre, Southampton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    November 30
    Rank Theatre, Taunton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    December 5
    Rank Theatre, Worcester: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    December 6
    Rank Theatre, Halifax: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    December 7
    ABC Theatre, Stockton: Billy Fury w/ Marty Wilde, Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, and Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers

    Forward to
    The 1963 Gig List

    Back to
    The 1961 Gig List

  • The 1961 Gig List

    The 1961 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 if we have an image, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene in 1961:

    January 9
    Youth Club, Village Hall, Merrow: The Stormsville Shakers

    January 31
    Wood Street British Legion Club, Guildford: The Stormsville Shakers

    February 16
    Odeon, Romford: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 17
    Regal, Colchester: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 19
    Cecil, Hull: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 21
    Capital, Aberdeen: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 22
    Gaumont, Dundee: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 23
    Odeon, Glasgow: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 25
    Odeon, Guildford: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    February 26
    Theatre, Coventry: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 3
    Colston Hall, Bristol: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 4
    Gaumont, Taunton: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 5
    De Montfort Hall, Leicester: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers
    Empire Pool, Wembley: Adam Faith w/ Alma Cogan, Bert Weedon, Billy Fury, Bob Miller & The Millermen, Cliff Richard, Connie Francis, Emile Ford & The Checkmates, Jerry Lordan, The John Barry Seven, The King Brothers, Lonnie Donegan & His Skiffle Group, Mark Wynter, The Mudlarks, Russ Conway, The Shadows, and Ted Heath & His Music

    5 March 1961: Ad for The NME 1960-61 Annual Poll-Winners’ All-Star Concert. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    March 9
    Gaumont, Southampton: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 10
    Gaumont, Cardiff: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 11
    Gaumont, Cheltenham: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 12
    Gaumont, Ipswich: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 20
    Hippodrome, Birmingham: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 22
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Dick Morrissey and his Quartet w/ Hank Shaw

    Atalanta Ballroom advert from Jazz News on 29 March ’61

    March 27
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Mike Daniels Delta Jazzband
    Hippodrome, Manchester: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    March 29
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Eddie Thompson Trio w/ Vic Ash

    Atalanta Ballroom advert from Jazz News on 29 March ’61

    April 3
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Alex Welsh Band
    Theatre Royal, Hanley: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    April 5
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Tubby Hayes Quartet

    JAZZ NEWS — Tubby Hayes Quartet played the Atalanta Ballroom, Woking on Wednesday, April 5, 1961 (lifted from National Jazz Archive)

    April 10
    Empire, Newcastle: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    April 17
    New Theatre, Cardiff: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    April 22
    Odeon, Guildford: The Shadows w/Frank Ifield, Patti Brooks, Alan Randall, The Swinging Wiseguys, and The Nevitt Brothers

    22 April 1961: Handbill for The Shadows with Frank Ifield, Patti Brooks, Alan Randall, The Swinging Wiseguys, and The Nevitt Brothers. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records

    May 1
    Hippodrome, Bristol: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, The Four Kestrels, Georgie Fame, Vince Eager, Dickie Loader, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    1 May 1961. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    May 7
    Plaza Ballroom, Guildford: Gene Vincent w/ Sounds Incorporated

    May 8
    Hippodrome, Brighton: Billy Fury w/ Mark Wynter, Tommy Bruce, Joe Brown, Nelson Keene, Duffy Power, The Four Kestrels, Johnny Gentle, Georgie Fame, The Valentine Girls, and New Orleans Rockers

    July 5
    Haselmere Hall, Haselmere: Mike Cotton Jazzmen

    July 9
    Britannia Theatre, Great Yarmouth: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Terry Dene, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Georgie Fame, Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers, Terry Hale, and Dickie Loader

    July 17
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Mike Cotton Jazzmen

    July 23
    Haselmere Hall, Haselmere: Kenny Ball Jazzmen

    July 27
    The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Mike Cotton Jazzmen

    August 21
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Ken Colyer Jazzmen

    August 27
    Winter Gardens, Bournemouth: Mark Wynter w/ John Leyton, Eden Kane, Mike Preston, and Red Price

    27 August 1961. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    September 2
    Town Hall, Eastleigh: Phil Tone & the Midnighters

    September 4
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Kenny Ball Jazzmen

    October 13
    Youth Club, Farncombe: The Stormsville Shakers

    October 23
    Youth Club, Merrow: The Stormsville Shakers

    October 28
    Village Hall, Effingham: The Stormsville Shakers

    November 1
    Youth Club: Farncombe: The Stormsville Shakers

    November 12
    Essoldo, Banbury: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    November 13
    Essoldo, West Hartlepool: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    November 14
    Essoldo, Huddersfield: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    November 15
    Essoldo, Rotherham: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    November 16
    Essoldo, Cannock: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    November 17
    Essoldo, Bury: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    November 18
    Essoldo, Barrow: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)
    Youth Club, Farncombe: The Stormsville Shakers

    November 19
    Essoldo, Stockton: John Leyton w/ Gary Mills, Charles Blackwell & The Beat Boys, The Duettes, Jimmy Crowe, Mike Berry, Billy Davis, and The Tornadoes (replaced The Outlaws)

    December 2
    Odeon, Guildford: The Stormsville Shakers

    December 3
    Odeon, Romford: Jess Conrad w/ The Flee-Rekkers, Vince Eager, Nelson Keene, Johnny Gentle, Michael Cox, and Semitones

    3 December 1961: Advert. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    December 9
    The Palais, Aldershot: The Beatles w/ Ivor Jay & The Jaywalkers


    December 16
    The Palais, Aldershot: Rory Storm and the Hurricanes

    December 18
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: Mr. Acker Bilk’s Paramount Jazz Band

    December 23
    Friary Brewery, Guildford: The Stormsville Shakers

    December 30
    Friary Brewery, Guildford: The Stormsville Shakers

  • Girls on Dextrose, aka G.O.D

    Girls on Dextrose, aka G.O.D

    (c’91-95) Mark Horwell (?), John Edwards (?) & Julian Cotten (?)

    Formed some time in ’91, goth rock G.O.D. produced at least one demo. The ‘Weird Is Relative’ cassette feature 10 tracks: ‘Dark as Ever’, ‘Shimmer’, ‘All Our Sins’, ‘Obession to Doubt’, ‘The Note’, ‘Open Spaces’, ‘Paramour’, ‘Escape’, ‘Araucaria’ and ‘Taste’. By Oct ’91 the band have the dubious honor of getting turned off at two pubs, The Sovereigns, Woking and then The Cricketers, Westfield within a week. 1992 saw the band’s ‘Open Spaces’ and ‘Paramour’ appear on the German goth rock compilation cassette ‘Dragon’s Born Tonight’ [BT 38] on the Beton Tapes label.

    17 April 1992: Girls on Dextrose with Flowers of Sacrifice, Peachrazor, Giant Arc and Nuss are at Barney Rubbles at Lakeside Caberet Club, Frimley. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter

    In April that year G.O.D., with Flowers of Sacrifice, Peachrazor, Giant Arc and Nuss were at Barney Rubbles at Lakeside Cabaret Club, Frimley; then in May they supported Map of Africa and Who Moved The Ground? at Critical at the West End Centre, Aldershot. They returned to the West End Centre in February ’93 to support Sweet Hooligan with Fly Garrit. G.O.D’s ‘The Image Fades’ was on the B-side of Farnborough Groove 3 in ’93 and was released again as part of the Music & Elsewhere label’s anthology Decadion 2 (M&E 601) on August 10th ’13. G.O.D disappear around ’95. Members of G.O.D have been traced to the Aldershot / Farnborough 5-piece The Landings.

  • Orphic Soop

    Orphic Soop

    (c’93-’98) Arno Spires (guitar), Jake Spires (piano), Damian Wilson (vocals), Matt Webb (bass), Omar Hayes (drums).

    Formed in ’93 Orphic Soop gigged regularly on the local music scene through ’94. Around this time Wilson was replaced by Mick Hosie and they took the act national. After a gig at the Marquee (c’94) the band signed to Almo. They were back at the Marquee on 25 March ’95 opening for Dirty Strangers. In ’96 the Almo Sounds label released the ‘Groove Dictation’ EP featuring the title track, “Dead by Tomorrow”, “Denied”, and “All I Want to Do”.

    “Dead by Tomorrow” appeared on the Pinnacle Independent News label’s Upfront Pinup 2:4 compilation in 1996. In October ’96 they supported Reef for the first four gigs of the Glow tour. The opening track, Here & Now, to their yet to be released album appeared on Kerrang’s compilation CD: Radio Kerrang No.4 in ’97. That album, tiled “23” featured 11 tracks, was produced by David Bottrill, and went out on the Birth label in ’98. That same year the band toured with Deep Purple.

    In ’99 “Here & Now” was published in Spain on the Rock Sound Sampler – Volume 11 on the Rock Sound ‎[RSCDE011] and Freeway Ediciones [RSCDE011] labels. While the band are no more, they still get the occasional radio play: http://comeonletsrock.co.uk/2010/01/29/new-year-new-bands-31st-january-2010/.

    Tracks:

  • The 1960 Gig List

    The 1960 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 if we have an image, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene in 1960 (a year for which we have a lot of work still to do):

    February 6
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    February 13
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    February 20
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    February 27
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    March 4
    Hippodrome, Dudley: Johnny Kidd & The Pirates w/ Bert Weedon, Tommy Bruce, Vince Eager, Rolly Daniels, and Nelson Keene & The Echoes

    March 10
    Odeon, Guildford: Craig Douglas w/ The Avons, The Mudlarks, Roy Young, Bill Forbes, and The Trebletones

    March 13
    Charterhouse School, Godalming: Vivien Couling

    April 2
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 9
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 10
    Odeon, Guildford: Duane Eddy, Clyde McPhatter, Emile Ford and The Checkmates, Bob Miller and the Millermen.

    Duane Eddy, Odeon, Guildford concert handbill & matching ticket stub. Imaged by Heritage Auctions ( www.HA.com )

    April 16
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 23
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 30
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 6
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 7
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers
    Odeon, Guildford: Gene Vincent

    Ticket for Gene Vincent at the Odeon, Saturday 7 May 1960. Eddie Cochran had died in a car crash on 17th April, hence his name being crossed out. Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records

    May 14
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 21
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 28
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    June 4
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    June 11
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    June 18
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    June 25
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    August 25
    ?, Camberley: Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

    September 24
    Adelphi, Slough: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    September 25
    Granada, Woolwich: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    September 27
    Granada, Maidstone: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    September 28
    Granada, Bedford: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    September 29
    Granada, Kettering: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    September 30
    Granada, Grantham: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 1
    Granada, Mansfield: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 2
    Granada, Rugby: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 4
    Granada, Aylesbury: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 5
    Granada, Dartford: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 6
    Granada, Harrow: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 7
    Free Trade Hall, Manchester: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 8
    Granada, East Ham: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    8 October 1960. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk


    Granada, Tooting: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    8 October 1960. Source: bradfordtimeline.co.uk

    October 9
    Trocadero, Elephant & Castle: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    Granada, Walthamstow: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and The Dale Sisters

    October 10
    Guildhall, Portsmouth: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 11
    Granada, Kingston: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 12
    Odeon, Guildford: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Southend: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 13
    Gaumont, Cardiff: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Edmonton: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 14
    Colston Hall, Bristol: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Plymouth: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 15
    Gaumont, Chester: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Taunton: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 16
    Empire, Liverpool: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Preston: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 18
    Astoria, Finsbury Park: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 19
    City Hall, Sheffield: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 20
    Odeon, Birmingham: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 22
    City Hall, Newcastle: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 23
    Odeon, Leeds: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 24
    Odeon, Glasgow: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 25
    ?, Sheffield: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 26
    Gaumont, South Shields: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Derby: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 27
    ?, Elephant & Castle: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 28
    Odeon, Manchester: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Cardiff: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 29
    T.A. Drill Hall, Woking: The Stormsville Shakers
    Gaumont, Bradford: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Cheltenham: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    October 30
    Gaumont, Worchester: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    October 31
    Gaumont, Taunton: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    November 1
    Victoria Hall, Hanley: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Sunderland: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 2
    Hippodrome, Stockton: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Hammersmith: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 3
    Granada, Dartford: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    November 4
    Granada, Kingston: Jimmy Jones w/ Mark Wynter, Michael Cox & The Hunters, Brook Brothers, Dean Rogers & The Marauders, Janet Richmond, Kenny Lynch, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones
    ?, Bournemouth: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 5
    ?, Ipswich: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 6
    Odeon, Leeds: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 7
    ?, Liverpool (for a week): Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 14
    ?, Manchester (for a week): Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 22
    Odeon, Romford: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 23
    Gaumont, Rochester: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 24
    Gaumont, Doncaster: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 25
    Gaumont, Chester: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 26
    Gaumont, Worcester: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 27
    Gaumont, Bradford: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 28
    Gaumont, Coventry: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November, 29
    Odeon, St. Albans: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    November 30
    ABC, Dover: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    December 1
    Odeon, Llandudno: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    December 2
    Granada, Shrewsbury: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    December 3
    Ritz, Cleethorpes: Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

    December 5
    Empire, Newcastle (for a week): Billy Fury w/ Joe Brown, Tommy Bruce, Nelson Keene, Dickie Pride, The Vernons Girls, Peter Wynne, The Viscounts, Dave Sampson, Johnny Gentle, Duffy Power, Georgie Fame, Billy Raymond, Johnny Goode, Red Price with Jimmie Nicol and his 15 New Orleans Rockers, The Valentine Girls, and Dale Sisters

  • Barbed Wire

    Barbed Wire

    (c’79-80) Guildford-based post-punk fanzine Barbed Wire was a feature for two years and ran for 6 issues, from early 1979 to mid 1980.

    Purchased from Bonaparte Records, Guildford these Barbed Wire fanzines form quite a collection. Source: Nick Hider

    Gus Garside came up with the name and all the covers and layouts and most photos were by Fred Pipes. As fanzine go it was often criticized for being too professional! Barbed Wire No. 0, January 1979 was printed by Guildford Print Centre; the rest were printed after hours at a local architects. The copy was typed by Sara Green or Christine Royal and pasted up. Film was made and the halftones stripped in with sellotape, they were then printed offset and folded and assembled by hand (using the back of a spoon). They were then sold in local record shops.

    Bruce Foxton reading a copy of Barbed Wire, backstage at Portsmouth Guildhall on 24th May 1979. Photo by Paul Spaughton and posted here courtesy of Fred Pipes

    Advertising paid for most of the costs, and Rough Trade bought 50 of each issue, but it inevitably lost money and the only perks were free review records and guest list appearances for bands. Take a look at Fred Pipes fantastic archive to see full issues:

    Barbed Wire No. 0, January 1979: Crisis, Jackie Lynton’s Band, The Volunteers, The Piranhas…

    Barbed Wire, issue 0

    Barbed Wire Vol2 No1, Feb/March 1979: Vapors, Andy Latimer, Golden Age of Metro

    Front Cover


    – Barbed Wire Vol2 No2, May 1979: Squire, House, The Jam, Volunteers…

    Barbed Wire Vol2 No3, Late Summer Special September 1979: Jimmy Pursey, After the Fire, Ray Dorset, The UBz, Receiver, Volunteers, Undertones, The Jam, The Vapors, Squire…

    Barbed Wire Vol3 No1, Jan/Feb 1980: The Vapors, Sid Vicious, Paul Weller, Jags, Mick Bryant, Peter Shelley, The Who…

    Barbed Wire Jan/Feb 1980 Vol 3 No 1 (issue 5)

    Barbed Wire Vol3 No2, May/June 1980: The Vapors, Crisis, Richard Ashworth

    bw6.jpg

  • Aerco Records

    Aerco Records

    (c’78-81) Woking-based Aerco Records started in 1978 as a custom-recording firm, making records for people who paid. Older Wokonian’s will recall the Aerco record and hi-fi store on Chobham Road, Woking. Steve Smith worked in the classical department and was into recording. Reportedly he started Aerco Productions Ltd as a legal entity on contracts with bands, such as Ribs.

    Over the next 2 years they produced a number of now rare but influential singles [AERS-100s], EPs [AERE-1100s] and LPs [AERL 80s]. These included New Wave Heavy Metal’ers Anniversary’s “Give Me A Smile” single and Prog Rockers Hieronymus Bosch who tried to infuse their sound with Punk themes, to produce New-Wave’ish “Rockin’ Rachmaninov” single [AERS-103]. Schoolgirl Bitch’s “Abusing The Rules” single while on the band’s own Garage label was recorded by Aerco and carries one of the label’s catalogue numbers. This was also true for the Photographs, the Record Players and Noit Otni and The Pits. There was no recording studio at the Aerco store and various studios and venues in the area were used, including the University of Surrey studios; where Smith attended the Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) course. The records were then sold in the Aerco shop. The label stopped producing in late ’81. The Aerco store had been sold to Bartlett’s Hi-Fi in 1980, shortly after it had moved to the Broadway, Woking where it remained until it’s demise in the late ’90s. Smith went on to Gimell Records.


    Ribs, “Man With No Brain” [AERS 101] Single, 1978
    A. Man With No Brains

    B. Long Time Coming


    Schoolgirl Bitch, “Abusing The Rules” [Garage Label / AERS 102] Single 1978 (this single was recorded by Aerco)
    A. Abusing The Rules

    B. Think For Yourself


    Hieronymus Bosch, “Rockin’ Rachmaninov” [AERS 103] Single 1978
    A. Rockin’ Rachmaninov
    B. Plaster Of Paris


    Anniversary, “Give Me A Smile” [AERE 102] 7″ EP 1978
    A1. “Give Me A Smile”

    A2. “Tales For A Tune”

    B1. “Prostutution”

    B2. “Excitement Overflow”


    The Record Players, “Double C Side” [Wreckords label / AERE 1104] 7″ EP 1978
    A1. “M.O.R.”

    A2. “Don’t Go Backwards”
    B1. “Wrong Song
    B2. “Ignore Us”


    Jack Blaize & Judi Blue, “Illusion” [JR label / AERE 1105] EP 1978
    A1. Illusion
    A2. Hey, Did You Know I Love You
    B1. Go To Leave L.A.
    B2. Where Were You Baby?

    The Talkies, “In My Life” [AERE 1106] 7″ EP 1978
    A1. “In My Life”

    A2. “Monday Morning”

    B1. ” Newsboy”

    B2. “Give It Back To Him”


    The Talkies, “Monday Morning” [AERE 1108] EP 1978
    A. ?
    B. ?


    Fizzler, “Brill Plus (You Know Us)” [AERS 105] Single 1979
    A. Brill Plus (You Know Us)
    B. Margys Song

    Photographs, “Second Best” [Do Not Bend Label / AERS 106] Single 1979
    A. Second Best

    B1. Seas
    B2. Here I Go Again


    Noit Otni & The Pits, “A Heart Can Only Be Broken Once” [Automotive label / AERS 107] Single 1979
    A. A Heart Can Only Be Broken Once

    B. Moving Target


    E.F. Band, “Night Angel / Another Day Gone” [E.F.1] Single 1979 (this single was marketed & distrubuted by Aerco)
    A. Night Angel
    B. Another Day Gone


    Elite, “Take Away” [LAS 102] Single 1979
    A. Take Away
    B. Part Of My Life


    Gateways, “Now She’s Gone Away” [EXIT 1] Single 1981 (this single was manufactured by Aerco)
    A. Now She’s Gone Away
    B. Walk On By / Look Of Love


    Charles Camilleri Piano Concerto No.1 “Mediterranean” / Malta Suite / Andante Religioso [AERL 81] LP 1981
    A1. Country Dance: Allegra Moderato
    A2. Waltz: Tempo Moderato
    A3. Nocturne: Lento
    A4. Village Festa: Allegro Vivace
    A5. Andante Religioso For Strings
    B1. Allegro Moderato – Moderato – Allegro
    B2. Adagio
    B3. Allegro Molto Vivace – Andante Con Moto – Allegro – Coda

    Gallery:

  • Black Barn Studios, Ripley

    Black Barn Studios, Ripley

    (c’85-present) The location of choice for the Manic Street Preachers, The Who and Paul Weller, who now owns the studio and recorded “22 Dreams” and many other releases there; Black Barn Studios, Ripley is not to be confused with a studio of the same name in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire.

    In ’89 local band Phone the Pope recorded their second EP cassette at Black Barn, with Robin Black producing the 3 songs: “Don’t You Love It”, “Sugar Daddy”, and “Chills”. Weller bought Black Barn Studio’s in 1996 after Virgin sold The Manor Studios Oxford, where he recorded both Wild Wood and Stanley Road. It also serves as his office and is the location for Solid Bond Productions.


    It was also in ’96 that Roy ‘Jonn Ross’ Villaniz – guitarist, bassist and vocalist with local duo Azizi – appeared on Jive Nation’s album “Under African Skies”, which was recorded at Black Barn. Early ’80’s English goth/post-punk rocker’s, The Skeletal Family recorded 19 songs at Weller’s Black Barn Studios during the Covid-19 pandemic, selecting 10 to form their 5th studio LP: “Light From the Dark”, Released 22 April ’23 by Chapter 22 Records.

    Ultimately, this studio, has recorded over 230 singles, EPs and Albums (and is still active) by After Hours, Angel Dust, PP Arnold, Bad Company, Barricada, Steve Brookes, Camouflage, Roger Chapman and The Shortlist, Chrome Molly, Steve Cradock, Simon Cummings, Cutting Crew, Rhoda Dakar, Disturbing Guests, Kyle Falconer, Family Go Town, Bruce Foxton & Russel Hastings, Albert Hammond, Michael Horovitz, Miles Kane, Jethro Tull, Les Wampas, Andy Lewis & Wesley Doyle, Lionsheart, Manic Street Preachers, Mollie Marriott, John Martyn, Mega City Four, Ocean Colour Scene, Old Town Souls, Paco Ortega E Isabel Montera, New Jordal Swingers, Gary Numan, Procol Harum, Quatro Scott & Powell/QSP, Redwood, Ride, Frank Ryan, SAS Band, Side Bou Said, Skeletal Family, Snowy White and The White Flames, Stone Foundation, Matt Taylor, Tetes Raides, The Dylans, The Charlatans, The Moons, The Rifles, The Rutles, The Songbook Collective, The Spitfires, The Wondertoys, Therapy?, UFO, Antonio Vega, Paul Weller, Val Wiseman & The L.S.T.B. Orchestra

  • The Pre-1960 Gig List

    The Pre-1960 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 if we have an image, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene from 1900 thru 1959:

    1913

    May 2
    New Borough Hall, Guildford: Madame ‘Nellie’ Melba

    Madame ‘Nellie’ Melba appeared at the New Borough Hall, Guildford; courtesy of Clark’s Ltd who reportedly paid 500 guineas (~£31,000 today) for her performance. Source: Guildford & surrounding area history

    1916

    February 5
    Borough Hall, Guildford: Madam Clara Butt

    Madam Clara Butt appeared at the Borough Hall, Guildford; courtesy of Clark’s Ltd. Source: Guildford & surrounding area history

    March 18
    Guard’s Camp, Pirbright: The Dennis Orchestra

    1920

    February 20
    Church Room, Stoughton, Guildford: Co-Operative Concert Company

    February 25
    Borough Hall, Guildford: Co-Operative Concert Company

    1922

    May 7
    Borough Hall, Guildford: The Salvation Army Silver Band and Songster Brigade

    A free concert in aid of Feed the Children Fund was held at Borough Hall, Guildford with the Salvation Army Silver Band and Songster Brigade performing. The following week there was a concert directed by Mr. Leslie Fly. Picture courtesy of Philip Hutchinson

    November 29
    ?, Ward Street, Guildford: The Regent Orchestra

    December 1
    Dennis Athletic Club, Guildford: The Dennis Orchestra

    December 8
    Dennis Athletic Club, Guildford: The Dennis Orchestra

    December 13
    R.A.E. Concert Hall, Farnborough: The RAE Orchestral Society

    13 December 1922: The RAE Orchestral Society, played at R.A.E. Concert Hall


    1930

    July 26
    The Common, Portsmouth: Haselmere Town Brass Band w/ Ardingley Brass Band

    1945

    December 26
    Lion Hotel, Guildford: Keys of Swing


    1949

    February 9
    Melody Maker Southern Counties Dance Band Championship, Bath Halls, Cheam: Keys of Swing 

    September 22
    Melody Maker South Britain Area Finals, Town Hall, Wimbledon: Johnnie Moss and His New Music, w The Top Five and Their Music, Eric Wakefield and his Band, and Keys of Swing


    1951

    February 10
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Johnny Dankworth Seven

    March 3
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Graeme Bell’s Australian Jazz Band

    March 24
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Freddy Randall

    September 22
    Town Hall, Farnborough: The New Stars

    September 26
    Town Hall, Farnborough: Raymond and his Music

    1953

    April 25
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Carl Barritfau’s Band

    April 27
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    June 2
    Elizabeth II Coronation, The Common, Cranleigh: The Merrymakers Band

    June 22
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    August 24
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    November 2
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers w/ Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music

    December 14
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    December 19
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Ray Ellington Quartet

    New Ballroom Guildford Advert. NME, 18 Dec 1953

    December 24
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Freddy Faulkner and His Band w/ Johnny Lawrence

    December 26
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Freddy Faulkner and His Band w/ Johnny Lawrence

    December 31
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Freddy Faulkner and His Band w/ Johnny Lawrence

    1954

    January 2
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Vic Lewis and his Orchestra

    April 24
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Kenny Baker and his Quartet

    May 1
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Gracie Cole and her All Girls’ Orchestra

    May 8
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Sid Phillips and his Band

    May 10
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    May 15
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Freddy Faulkner and His Band

    May 29
    New Ballroom, Guildford: The Squadronaires w/ Harry Bence Orchestra

    July 5
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    December 31
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    1955

    March 5
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Frank Wier Orchestra w/ Ric Richards, Jean Hudson, Lisa Ashwood, and Russ Hurren

    5 March 1955: Advert for Frank Wier Orchestra dates list New Ballroom, Guildford. NME, 25 Feb 1955

    March 6
    Odeon, Guildford: Jack Parnell and His Orchestra, with Dennis Hale and Irene Miller

    Advert for Jack Parnell and His Orchestra, with Dennis Hale and Irene Miller at Odeon, Guildford from NME, 25 Feb 1955

    March 7
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    March 19
    New Ballroom, Guildford: Nat Temple Orchestra

    June 20
    The Savoy, Southsea: High Curley Stompers

    September 11
    Odeon, Guildford: Ted Heath and his Music

    Advert for Ted Heath and his Music at Odeon, Guildford from NME, 2 Sept 1955

    1956

    March 12
    The Ritz, Woking: Billy Cotton and his Band w/ Terry O’Neil and Peggy Haig, Bea & Zelda Marvi, Kendor Bros., Fred Atkins, and Pierre Bel.

    Billy Cotton and his Band, Terry O’Neul and Peggy Haig, Bea & Zelda Marvi, Kendor Bros., Fred Atkins, and Pierre Bel were at The Ritz, Woking. Picture courtesy of Celia Reed

    April 8
    Odeon, Guildford: The Ronnie Scott Orchestra with Tony Crombie, Joey Burnett, Janie Marden, Robert Earl and Desmond Lane

    Flyer for The Ronnie Scott Orchestra with Tony Crombie and Joey Burnett along with Janie Marden, Robert Earl and Desmond Lane at Odeon, Guildford from the Eduard Eady collection. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    April 29
    Odeon, Guildford: Chris Barber’s Jazz Band w/ Ottilie Patterson and The Lonnie Donegan Skiffle Group in the afternoon and The Eric Delaney Band in the evening.

    1957

    April 6
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 13
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 20
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 27
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 4
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 11
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 18
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 25
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    November 24
    Odeon, Guildford: Terry Dene & The Dene-Aces w/ Ronnie Aldrich & The Squadronaires
    Hippodrome, Aldershot: The Freight Train Boys, Chas McDevitt and his Skiffle Group, Johnny Parker and his Band, and The Skeleton Skiffle Group.

    The Freight Train Boys, Chas McDevitt and his Skiffle Group, Johnny Parker and his Band, and The Skeleton Skiffle Group played at the Hippodrome. Aldershot. Source: Tony Robson via Historic Aldershot Military Town

    1958

    16 February
    The Odeon, Guildford: Terry Dene and his “Dene Aces” w/ Worried Men Skiffle Group, Les Hobeaux Skiffle Group, The Cossacks, Terry Kennedy and his Sidemen, and Wee Willie Harris.

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

    June 29
    Odeon, Guildford: The Treniers w/ Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group, Hedley Ward Trio and Terry Wayne

    July 26
    ?, Guildford: Wee Willie Harris w/ The Most Brothers, and Tony Crombie & His Rockets

    September 19
    Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: The Jazz Couriers w/ David James Trio

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

    1959

    January 11
    Odeon, Guildford: Cliff Richard & The Drifters w/ Joy & Dave Adams, Mike Preston, Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys, and Johns and Kennedy

    February 7
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    February 14
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    February 21
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    February 28
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    March 7
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    March 14
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    March 15
    Odeon, Guildford: Cliff Richard & The Drifters, and the Four Jones Boys, Daley & Wayne, Betty Smith Quintet, and Chas McDevitt & The Freight Train Boys with Shirley Douglas.

    March 21
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    March 28
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 4
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 11
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 18
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    April 25
    St. Peters Hall, Frimley: High Curley Stompers

    May 17
    ?, Guildford: Marty Wilde w/ Billy Fury, Wee Willie Harris, The Rockets, The Bachelors, and Joanne Scoon

    September 26
    Odeon, Guildford: Cliff Richard & The Shadows, Al Saxon, Peter Elliot, The Jones Boys, Roy Young, Bill & Brett Landis, and Johnny Wiltshire & The Trebletones

    November 1
    The Odeon, Guildford: Andre Navarra

    November 14
    Technical College, Guildford: Bryan Drake

    November 15
    Odeon, Guildford: Craig Douglas w/ The Mudlarks, Cherry Wainer with Don Storer, Jimmy Lloyd, The Wiseguys, and David Conway

    November 29
    The Odeon, Guildford: Fou Ts’ong

  • Forrest & The Choppers

    Forrest & The Choppers

    (c’88-’95) Andy Forrest (guitar), Chris Brewer (keyboards), Mike Warrington (vocals / harmonica), Kevin Whitchurch (tenor sax), Will Rowland (alto sax), Michael Quill (drums), Dan Beard (trumpet #1), Robin Walker (trumpet #2), Paul Huggett (rhythm guitar) and Mike Veness (bass).

    Forrest & The Choppers from the 90-91 Woking College Yearbook...

    Possibly the largest band of any on the local scene, Forrester & the Choppers featured a rotating list of band members that maxed out at 11 for one memorable Christmas gig at the Cricketers, Westfield in ’88. Other choppers between ’88 and ’92 were Adam Wolters (?), and Catherine and Heather Webb (backing vocals) who helped boost the bands blues / rock & roll that included ‘Route 66’, ‘Shake Your Money Maker’, ‘When Love Comes To Town’, ‘Jackpot’, and ‘Johnny B. Goode’. The band formed around Forrest, who’d previously been in Boogie Chillen, for Woking College’s Rag Week in ’88, from a nucleus of a college theatre bands, and then opened ABC Music’s Showcase ’89 at Guildford’s Civic Hall. Huggett, who was also performing as singer / songwriter Billy Liberator, stopped playing with the band in ’92.

    In ’95, Forrest was invited to put the Choppers back together for a mini festival in Chertsey. The band proceeded to gig sporadically, doing weddings, parties, working men’s clubs & the like. The line-up was Forrest (vocal/guitar), Veness (bass) Huggett (guitar/vox) Jonny Grew (drums) and whoever else can be roped in on the night to beef up the sound!

    One of the bands last gigs was in 2012 for Veness’ 40th, featuring Forrest, Huggett, Mike Palmer (guitar / keyboards) – who’d previously been music-tech teacher at Woking College and is now music composer and arranger for Mike Palmer Music – Grew and Gavin Peake-Jones sharing drum duties and Chris Brewer (harmonica). There was a notable attempt to get all the original members together a few years back, including a Facebook group called ‘Bring Back Forrest and the Choppers’.

    Walker would later appear in The Soul Band/Soul Intentions. Forrest, who’d moved to Eastbourne, was struck by a car and killed just a week before his 76th birthday on 26 July 2023.

    Gallery:

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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