Quadrophenia Film 14th September 1979 – Hastings misses out on court scene.

by

quad

John Storer……Around 1978, a film production company rang Hastings Magistrates Court office and asked if they could use the court for a film they were making. Our boss agreed and several production assistants arrived to check the place out. They were dismayed to find a big concrete block of a court and told us it was not suitable. We asked what the subject of the film was and were told that they were making a film of the Who’s “Quadrophenia” and needed an old-fashioned courtroom for a scene after the riots. The boss was sympathetic (he’d actually clerked the special court that dealt with everyone arrested from the fighting) and sent them along to Lewes Magistrates Court. It was that court that was used for the courtroom scenes in the film.

Alan Esdaile… Andre, did I read somewhere that Lloyd was involved in supplying some of the clothes for the film?

Andre Martin… That is correct, amongst others he made the suits for Sting.

Janet Rennie… Love this film

Pete Fisher… love the film, but was disappointed that they didn’t use the original album tracks for the soundtrack – as far as I know all the music was re-recorded for the film, and in my opinion didn’t sound half as good…

Jan Warren… One of my all-time favourite films, love it!! 🙂

Robert Wren… Two local lads were extras in Quadrophenia, Ray Bowles and myself. I’m on the scooter with the L plate and Ray is on the white one next to me. Great fun and good money. Blink and you will miss us

14264814_1168039396602573_3761678956043997045_n

supplied by Robert Wren

Paul Chapman… Brilliant.! I love this film. When it came out. I watched it at the cinema back to back. You could in those days, stay in the cinema and watch it when it came back on.. the film is a classic

Rye and the Quarter Boys – anyone remember?

by

photo: https://www.discogs.com/artist/1855371-Rye-And-The-Quarter-Boys

Clive Richardson asks… does anyone remember Rye and the Quarter Boys? A great rock jazz group with brass section from the 1970’s?

Steve Boyce… I was the guitarist from 1981-1982. I appeared on the single “Fantasy / Private number”. I still have my copy (no, it’s not for sale). We weren’t so much jazz as soul, very much in the Stax mould.

Graham Bates… … and I was the drummer! If anyone has any live recordings, please let me know.

Kevin Williams… …..and that’s me singing. The production is very much of it’s time but I still love it’s ‘live’ sound.

Dave Nattress… Rye and the Quarterboys!! Just back-tracking a bit and found your single – Private Number. Now I thought the original was great – I still do, but yours is just wonderful – better. Love it. Won’t be the last time I play it.

Kevin Sheppard… In reply to Kevin Williams. Is that Kev who worked at the London hospital? I went to a few of your gigs at the college hall and the place down the canning town flyover long gone now

Karen Mc Kernan… I just found a copy of this belonging to my dad !

Mike Tomlin… ………… and I played keyboards. In the band from start to finish!

Vivien Mead… I remember watching you in the green rooms Bristol. Great band

Gareth Ward… Very disparaging towards the Q-Tips after a gig at QMC I recall

Gregory Brown… I played Saxophone in this band. (in reply to Kevin Sheppard) Yes Kevin worked at the London Hospital.

Ronnie… I used to be in a band which supported Rye and the Quarter Boys when they played at the Green Rooms in Bristol – more than once I think. I can remember them very cleary.

Ian Brazil… I saw R&QB several times between 1979 -80. Mainly at The Two Brewers pub in Clapham Common. Also a pub in Fulham (The King’s Head, I think) and a pub in Catford (The Tiger’s Head, or something like that). They were great. They had a few mods (I was one) who followed them because of the 60’s soul music. Many a find drunken night.

Gregory Brown… I was the sax player with Rye and The Quarterboys. We played in and around London and built up a very good following. I am still in touch with many of the members of the band: Kevin on vocals, Michael on keyboards, Del on Bass, Nick on Bass, Martin on guitar, Steve Boyce on guitar, Stewart on trumpet, Barney on sax. Graham on drums. The pub in Fulham was the Kings Head yes. Not sure about the Catford pub though. It was definitely soul based, not Jazz funk, some covers and some great original material.

Graham Bates… … and not forgetting… John Gifford on guitar and the late Chris Lawrence on ‘bone

Dave Nattress… It’s on now – beautiful- great vocal – well all of it. Plenty of space between all the instruments and voice. Nothing crowded. Just wonderful. Love to sing it but tonight a fearsome cold prevents it. As my previous post loved the original – still do but this is better. Just about to play it again. It’s on my evening playlist anyway!

Chris Newton… I went to see Rye And The Quarter Boys back in 1981/2. Great gig. Still have my copy of Private Number.

Des Harvey… I worked with Kevin Williams at the London Hospital in Whitechapel and would like to get in touch. information has passed on to Kevin.

Advert. 1981

Carol Anne… Ian Brazil my late father in law worked at the two brewers pub , would have been around that time.

Dawn Green… Great band…Friday nights at the Cranbrook in Ilford iirc! I remember one time the landlord turned the power off but they carried on anyway. Wonderfull band and memories.

 

 

The Flying Machine and The Sign Of The Fish coffee bar – Queens Hotel Hastings 1960s

by

Supplied by John Busbridge

John Busbridge… I think both of these clubs were under the Queens Hotel which later became Bonitas. It appears the Flying Machine was frequented by lots of Swedish girls as I have one address on the front and three more on the back!

Alan Esdaile… I don’t remember the Sign of The Fish coffee bar.

John Busbridge… It was a religious coffee bar /disco hence the name.

Dave Nattress… Ah, Swedish girls….I fell in love with one in the summer of 1971 and we were together for 2 weeks then she went back, was I heartbroken!  We wrote long airmail letters to each other every other day for a year or so.  I used to phone her occasionally from home – the old man moaning about the phone bill and also I’d go into the office where I worked, (in the evening when it was quiet), and use the office phone. I guess the international calls showed up on the bill but I never got checked on it!  There were a few of us it could have been.  Next summer was not the same, did see her briefly but it had fizzled out.  I think I met a Danish girl that summer.

Annie Stenberg… Ah, the Flying Machine! I was in Hastings when it opened in the summer of 1965. Some of us Swedish girls who were there on summer language courses spent most of our time there and had loads of fun!

Liz Bourn… I remember the Flying Machine well but it certainly wasn’t a Christian place – just a coffee bar where we all used to gather. Great days

Lesley Sutton… I used to go there with my 1st serious boyfriend Tony Veness. Happy days and summers.

Loyd Johnson… 1965…Sara and I…Me 19 years old, Sara from Sweden 16 years old. I met Sara in The PamDor. We got her a job in The Flying Machine because I helped decorate the club which was in the basement of The Queens Hotel. We built a stage from milk crates, sound proofed the stage area with egg cartons, cover the walls with foreign newspapers and wrote slogans in various forgiven languages on the walls in red paper…all this 10 years before Punk Rock…weird when I think of it now!…

 

 

Phil Gill has sadly passed away

by

Ann Gill… After 68 years filled with music, laughter, love and family, it is our sad duty to let you know that Phil passed away early this morning at St Michael’s hospice with us all alongside him. As some of you may already know, Phil had been on a journey with pancreatic cancer this year which he has now sadly reached the end of. One of his last wishes which he expressed to us over the past few weeks was that no one post or comment ‘RIP’ or ‘Rest in Peace’ in relation to his passing. In his words, “I will not be resting in peace – I will be stomping around, trying to find the entity that thought it would be a good idea to take me away from my children, my wife, my dog and my guitars.” Forever in our hearts ❤️  Ann, Elliot & Miles x

Allyson Breeds…I have always loved this quote from Phil, that was in the pier memories room when it reopened. I hope he has now joined the music wherever it went.  “We stood on the promenade and watched the starlings flying through the twisted shell of what was left of the ballroom… and it just looked to me like all the music that was contained in the ballroom, all the musical notes were flying out of the ballroom trying to find somewhere to go.”  Phil Gill

John Wilde… Allyson, thank you for sharing, it’s a good example of that sharp and gifted mind.

Alan Esdaile… So very sad.

Allyson Breed…I have always loved this quote from Phil, that was in the pier memories room when it reopened. I hope he has now joined the music wherever it went.

“We stood on the promenade and watched the starlings flying through the twisted shell of what was left of the ballroom… and it just looked to me like all the music that was contained in the ballroom, all the musical notes were flying out of the ballroom trying to find somewhere to go.”
Phil Gill

Steve Vollrath… Rock on Phil

Linda Day… Such sad news he was such a lovely man I told him he reminded us of Gary Moore he’s was the mod of the band bless him

Peter Fairless… As instructed, then, let’s remember Phil as the gifted and talented, true gentleman we were fortunate to have known.

Pete Prescott… When I put Highway together there was only one guitarist for it. Phil was the only player that could play the songs the way they should be played. No one else. I’m playing in Stealer at the moment with Neil Roberts on guitar (I didn’t know him then). He’s from the same stable as Phil. Same style. We have talked about Phil sometimes as Neil liked and admired his playing. I remember Phil’s solo on Stormy Monday. Wonderful. If there a heaven he’s flying through his favourite songs and giving the singer hell about using a music stand.

Ricky Adelaide…Pete, so sad he was a great guitarist, but he was spot on about the music stands and these awful ipads learn the words or make them up x

Pete Fisher… Good old Phil! I’ve wanted to comment on the music stand plague so often Pete  but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’m afraid as soon as I see someone using one it says “amateur”..

Dave Weeks… That’s sad news . RIP Phil and love and condolences to all your family x

Jacquie Hinves… I am so very saddened Ann to hear of Phil’s death. He was without a doubt a brilliant musician and friend of many years. So many happy and memorable days and gigs together with Pete Prescott, Peter Millington, Wesley Magoogan, Andy and Tony Qunta, the late Kevin Hoad and Ray Fenwick, Phil Cordell the list is endless , but never , ever forgotten. The world is now a sadder place without Phil. May he rest in eternal peace. Xx

Earl Grey… One Hell of a Musician. Very generous with his knowledge to me when I started out. The Hastings music scene wouldn’t be what it’s become without Phil. Thoughts for his family and friends tonight x

Jan Warren… R. I. M (rest in music) Phil xx

Ricky Adelaide… So sad such a well respected local guitarist RIP

Bernard Goffredo… Very sad news, condolences to his family. we had known each other from our teenage years

Pete Fisher… I was lucky to know Phil from school and then from the Fiesta/Anchor/Pier scene when we were both teenagers in the early 70s and remember thinking I’d better watch out because this guy is seriously good – he was a whole year younger than me!! We actually did two gigs together in the latter stage of Pueblo, the band I had with Bern and Rog 73-74. Paul Waite came in as second drummer, then he did one gig on his own.

Sandra Francis… You will be missed Phil. Make as much noise as you can!

Iain Cobby… Oh Phil , you were such a snappy dresser, I remember your winklepicker boots back in the 70’s and wished I had a pair! A true muso from Hastings, rock on you crazy diamond!

Wesley Magoogan… That is very sad news

Brendan Bourne… Shocked and saddened to see this. Phil leaves a huge legacy to the Hastings music scene forged over the past five decades. His memory will not fade away. Condolences to his family and friends

Deb Hoad… I am so sorry Ann to hear about Phils passing.. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care , Debs xx

Steve Holland… Very Sad. Phil was an inspiration

Andy Bannister… Very saddened by the death of Phil Gill. For a long time spent warbling away at the front of the Jukes I relied on the rhythm section- Andy Knight and Phil – not really knowing that Phil was an absolute lead guitar wizard as well! ( I was often away playing in other towns at weekends and not hearing local bands). He once played me some home recordings- composing and playing everything- a very modest star.
He was also a friend, kind, thoughtful and very funny. His music goes on.

Peter Houghton… So very Sad to hear this

Wendy Weaver… Such sad news. Phil’s talent and presence will be greatly missed by so many. Condolences to Ann and family. Make some noise Phil.

Barry French… Such sad news. Phil was a brilliant guitarist. who could play anything from hard rock to soul ballads. His passing will leave a massive hole in the Hastings music family.

Michael Park… oh Phil , you were a shining star in our little class of 72, showed us all we did not have to be the numbskulls we were made out to be, a genuine inspiration and truly wonderful guy, thank you for being you

Pauline Richards… So sorry he had to suffer so long Ann

 

Fifty Eight Club Winchelsea Beach membership cards 1971 and 1972

by

Supplied by Keith Veness

Stuart Moir… Played there on many occasions with our band “Centre Page” fantastic times, loved every minute we were appearing there.

Carol Arnold… Still have my card somewhere!!! Aaaahhh had great times there!!! Remember the pies!!!

Keith Veness… Carol, I remember the pies too

Eric Harmer… Keith, shepherd pies . I use to go there too

Gary Payne… Good times

Gerry Fortsch… Think of the all those pies?

Christine Swaine… My sister and her husband started The 58 club. It was a great place to go. Sadly both passed away now. But wonderful memories.

 

Samantha’s Club – New Burlington Street. What clubs and venues do you remember in London? Tiffanys Club and Gullivers People chat.

by

img245

All images supplied by Colin Bell

Colin Bell… I was looking for something in my archives (I must organise them one day!) and came across this. I was struck by the artwork and how creative it was then. Samantha’s was in a basement off Regent Street and I was introduced to it on a night out with Clem (from the Foundations) and Jimmy James, from memory  it was around late 1969 early 1970. A great place with soul bands appearing and the D.J. ‘booth’ was the body of an E Type Jag (very swinging sixties). Drinks 2/6d! You could get well pissed for a coupla quid! I was lucky enough at that time to have the use of a mate’s flat in Berwick Street Soho, ideally placed to go to all the great clubs. Many hours spent at the Marquee, Whisky-a-go-go, the Flamingo, Middle Earth and Hatchetts in Piccadilly, a great club over 3 floors with a chill out bar level, a restaurant with a glass wall overlooking the ‘disco’ floor. I’d be interested to hear any memories of this period from other Smart members? Great times and great memories…………..

Alan Esdaile… Happy days in Wardour Street at The Marquee. Also the Speakeasy. Also remember auditioning bands at Tiffanys nightclub in Shaftesbury Avenue and a club in Piccadilly with the disco on the top floor, mirrored lift and the club had records stuck to the wall. 100 club, Roxy, Ronnie Scotts etc.

Peter Fairless… Went to some dodgy, some good clubs in London. Some were very dodgy but very good! Can’t remember all the names but most of those listed above.

Steve Gage… My mate Ray was a bouncer at Samanthas where are you now mate??? 🙂

Mick O’Dowd… Went to The Q Club in Paddington after seeing James Brown at The Rainbow in the 70’s I think. JB turned up after we got there and jammed with the band. Awesome!

Wendy Weaver… I went to Samantha’s in the 70s, loved the E Type jockeys booth. I worked in offices above La Valbonne in Regent Street for a few years. It had a large glass tank where people went for a dip – sometimes with their clothes on !

Eugene Hughes… I went to the Valbonne Wen. And Skindles in Maidenhead. Louis Brown has them both. Kingley St was la Valbonne.

Lena Jansson… Tiffany´s in Shaftesbury avenue was my favourite disco in 1977-1979, I remember the live band Gullivers people and the two DJ:s Ken Norton and the other one I can´t remember the name of, Dave? David? Would be great to hear from someone else who used to dance the nights away at Tiffany´s!!

858262_10152541434135063_806465174_o

Gullivers People. photo source: http://paulrobinsondrummeronline.com/bio/

Lena Jansson… I only remember the female singer of  Gullivers People, I think her name was Kim or something like that, a name that both women and men use. She was quite tall with dark curly hair and a very strong voice. Their best cover was Alright now, a great song by Free.

Read more

Woolworth Devonshire Road Bexhill around 1978

by

shared from Kevin Ayers https://www.facebook.com/groups/260919245017086/user/540459132

 photo © Bexhill Museum

Andy Maby… Gamleys..!!

Chris Meachen… I have a Japanese Acer in my garden, bought as a twig from that Woolies,- it’s now 20ft tall.

Carol Anne… Longley bros across the road, an old family owned store, happy memories

 

Acker Bilk And His Paramount Jazz Band – White Rock Pavilion 12th September 1971.

by

acker-bilk-12th-sept-1971

acker-bilk-best

Terry Hardwick… Stranger On The Shore . What a beautiful song that fills me with lots of warm nostalgic thoughts.

Paul Morfey… He also played the beer festival, on a Sunday, not sure which year?? About 15 years ago. That tune brings childhood flooding back.

Sue James… Saw him in Hastings, and my parents had stranger on the shore, I was only a few years old but loved listening to it