Did Elton John (Reg Dwight) play Hastings Pier?

Clive Garrard… I remember reading somewhere that Elton John said the oddest gig he did was supporting The Who on the end of Hastings Pier. I’m surprised no one has mentioned it.

Alan Esdaile… Could it have been Bluesology? Anyone confirm?

Colin Bell… when I first started going into DJM in New Oxford Street he was Dick James teaboy/session player etc and played in loads of odd bands that were put together, like Mr Bloe etc, so maybe he was in a supporting band to The Who at some stage but I have no personal knowledge of any appearances on the Pier, but Bluesology could well be it.

Jim Breeds… He was also the performer on many of the Hot Hits LPs cover versions.

Colin Norton… His best session has to be The Hollies “He ain’t heavy….”

Clive Garrard… I did not read the comment about Elton John.He actually said this himself in a documentary tv programme “the strangest gig that i ever played was as support to “the Who” on the end of Hastings Pier”.

Pete Fairless… Was asked this very question today in Bands On Hastings Pier. After a quick check of t’interweb, here’s my reply… In 1966, Reg was playing with Bluesology. In April, they supported The Who at a gig at the Links International Club in Boreham Wood. That makes sense, because it’s near Reg’s home and, apparently, at the time his Mum drove him to their gigs. This appears to be a one off support gig, not a tour. It’s also recorded that John had a chat with Reg in the bar where Reg was complaining that the other members of Bluesology wouldn’t let him sing. Now, The Who played Hastings Pier on 21st August 1966. I guess it’s possible Bluesology supported but I’ve seen nothing to confirm that. It would be odd. However, Sir Reg appears to claim he was there!

Colin Norton… I just found this Bluesology Gig list: http://www.garagehangover.com/elton-john-and-bluesology/

Pete Fairless… No mention of either gig there!

1 thought on “Did Elton John (Reg Dwight) play Hastings Pier?”

  1. Hi Alan,

    Was asked this very question today in Bands On Hastings Pier. After a quick check of t’interweb, here’s my reply…

    In 1966, Reg was playing with Bluesology. In April, they supported The Who at a gig at the Links International Club in Boreham Wood. That makes sense, because it’s near Reg’s home and, apparently, at the time his Mum drove him to their gigs. This appears to be a one off support gig, not a tour.

    It’s also recorded that John had a chat with Reg in the bar where Reg was complaining that the other members of Bluesology wouldn’t let him sing.

    Now, The Who played Hastings Pier on 21st August 1966. I guess it’s possible Bluesology supported but I’ve seen nothing to confirm that. It would be odd. However, Sir Reg appears to claim he was there!

    Reply

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