source.. Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksfotoarchief: Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands.
Mick O’Dowd… Nuff said. A floor filler guaranteed for all discos and a way to get the punters back on the floor! Never failed!
Alan Esdaile… Another classic track that Steve Maxted always played.
John Wilde… Excellent dance track
Alan Esdaile… Some great tracks on this, just scanned this cover. Anyone got this album?
Mick O’Dowd… Got Alan. (As you probably knew I would).
Alan Pepper… Yes I have it and I think its one their best in my opinion. Love Bernadette and they even do a good version of Associations Cherish Every tracks a winner !!
Nick Prince… Dennie’s Night Club Dummy Run (c1989). Well we were all a lot younger once. This was a cutting from the Hastings News/Citizen. Karen Holroyd (Im sure she took money on Rennie’s and Dennie’s door, I seem to believe), Mick Calverley (disc jockey), and Nick Prince, on a charity pub crawl in Hastings Town Centre and Hastings Old Town, raising money for various things needed by the children’s ward at the old St Helens Hospital in Frederick Road, Hastings. I was quite a party animal then. I remember getting involved with quite a lot of publicity bits with Rennies/Dennie’s. I recall my association with the Hastings DJ completion, which I arranged with the club and myself to coincide with the release of Good Morning Vietnam and it was at the time that the club was becoming Dennie’s. At the time I was Assistant Manager at the Cannon Cinema and the club, where I was a regular, needed some good publicity. It was enough to earn me a Dennies Platinum pass, in fact pass number 001. Which I never used as I found Denny Flannigan and the staff such nice people, I thought it was wrong to as I got something out of it myself. (A Cannon Cinemas Citation of Merit). The Good Morning Vietnam thing is a story in it’s own right so I will find and share pics of the heats at the Old Golden Cross and the final at the cinema at some point in the future. Something for me to hunt out..
Jules Stretton… Yes yes more pics xx
Nick Prince… Maybe we should save poor Alan and his excellent page and its members from that. If they are of interest like this one, I’ll post em. Xx
Alan Esdaile… Good Morning Vietnam Film is always great to talk about. Then it gives me an excuse to post some brilliant music.
Alan Esdaile… Tommy Quickly recorded the Wild Side Of Life in the 60’s. Later a hit for Status Quo.
Mick O’Dowd… He also disappeared quite quickly. He was being hyped as a big star but never really made the grade. His Wild Side of Life was really his only time at bothering the chart compilers.
Peter Fairless… It’s a 1950s country song
Martin Page… I was lead guitarist with Tony Burns and The Niteshades who played at the Witch Doctor Club on Saturday 20th February 1965. I’m still in contact with all the other band members.
Tony (Anthony) Davis…. new band Mania who will be playing at Beatles day ….. Look out for Mania, a band bringing together youth and experience. Experience in the shape of long time local musician Iain Cobby and Sol Buckner and the youth provided by 15 year old vocalist Caitlin Merison, 16 year old drummer Zoe Bisson and 13 year old guitarist Benjamin Davis. See you there. Above photo of them playing on Queensway at Sundays half marathon. Mania will be on the Main Stage at 12.15pm, then on the acoustic stage at 3pm. They will be doing different sets on each stage.
Claire Davis… Very proud of Benjamin Davis and the rest of the band, well done MANIA
Alan Esdaile… Just reading through the programme and as always, lots of great musicians are playing. Have highlighted these to see so far. Mania, Mick Bolton & Friends, Centre Page (in honour of Paul Burton), Martin Blackman, The Kytes, Claire Hamill, Liane Carroll, Phil Gill’s Abbey Rodeo Band, The Pete Prescott Band, The 1066 Rockitmen, The Dan Large Band, Grundy, The Beagles, Titus, and who’s this Factrio with Lol Tony & Geoff! Plus loads more, its going to be a GREAT DAY.
Yvonne Cleland… If anyone records Factrio, please would they do a copy for me?
Saturday 2nd May 2015
St Clements Church, High Street, Hastings Old Town Doors open at 7:30pm for 8:00pm. Admission £8.00. Shirley’s show based on the field recordings made in Southern England in the 1950s by Peter Kennedy and Bob Copper, with excerpts from those recordings, slides, and contributions from actor Pip Barnes
The HiFi Sneakers will be playing at The Royal Standard, East Beach Street, in Hastings Old Town, on Saturday 18th April, KO 9pm. The following evening kicking off at 6pm at The Anchor in George Street.
Alan Esdaile… Thursday nights used to be a big night out with Steve Maxted, not sure how we managed to make work or school! on a Friday? Getting back home late was a problem. Have you been drinking alcohol, no honest it was only Corona dandelion & burdock or something else. Smoking was a bit more difficult you couldn’t get away with the excuse of walking past a bonfire more than once.
Mark Edir… Exactly no idea how I did it back then , I know today it would take me 2 days to recover. Remember George the non stop dancer , I think he was called George.
Alan Esdaile… Yes it was George. Remember him, he came from Bexhill.
John Wilde… George was a lovely fella, always smiling and quite well dressed too. Where are you George? Ahh Tamla Motown sunday club. Wonderful memories. Dance dance dance! Very proud and amused to remember I won the Steve Maxted dance off 3 times at the Cobweb. “Uptight” by Stevie Wonder, “How sweet it is”Junior Walker and my favourites go on…
Mick O’Dowd… The Pyramids were a good reggae band was it Train Tour To Rainbow City their single. I believe they also rearranged their name to become Syramip to record Skinhead Moon Stomp.
Alan Esdaile…. Your right on both Mick but the big hit was All Change For The Bakerloo Line.
Mick O’Dowd… Great to see the pictures of the great man. He influenced me alot in the early days and Thursday nights were a must. I won two tickets to see the Yardbirds from him one night but couldn’t find a bird( sorry lady) to go with me so had to sell one of them! DOH!
Caz Simpson… I loved George, always had a slow dance with him. I wonder where he is now.
Tony Davis… You jogged a memory about George. Not only did he dance all night but it was rumoured he used to walk to and from Bexhill. Had some great nights watching and listening to Steve Maxted.
Mark Edir… Yes I believe he did walk home to bexhill now you say it
Caz Simpson… He told me he did, I was amazed at his stamina. To this day I wonder what made him shake so.
Very sad news, John Storer passed away last Friday after a short illness. Much loved with many friends in this group. It was always a joy to read and share his many happy memories. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. His brother Gary, can be contacted at garystorer@me.com
Phil Gill… Oh that’s very sad news indeed. I’m extremely sorry to hear it.
Andy Qunta… Sorry to hear that, Alan. Rip John!
Sarah Harvey… I am so deeply sadenned by this news. I had some wonderful times with John in my younger years. He will remain in my fondest memories forever. Rest in peace John xxx
Lucy Pappas… Oh no! I can’t believe it. After 40 years not seeing each other, some of you will know that we were recently in touch again. He told me of his wonderful family who will miss him so much. Such sad news. RIP John xxx
Terry Huggins… Blimey I can remember him as a kid.
Chris Meachen… Seems like just the other day we were all enjoying sharing his memories;- John was a classmate at school for many years, & I’m truly saddened by this news..
Andre Martin… Sad news whenever anybody passes away RIP John.
Peter Thomson… I shared many good times with John when younger. Fond memories. Very sad news.
Colin Norton… RIP John.
Colin Bell… I didn’t know John, but I enjoyed reading his comments on here. A sad loss R.I.P.
Tony (Anthony) Davis… I used to work with John for many years and he was always up for a discussion about anything musical. He was a guy who always had a smile on his face and time for others. Mine and Claire’s sympathy go out to his family.
Sarah Harvey… I recall one of the many evenings at John’s house….. we spent one evening playing cards, chatting and listening to albums, 1973 I think…. one of the albums was Queen’s first album. I was still living at home and my parents told me to be home by midnight. No watch, no clocks….. it was a great evening. I said to John, I really need to be getting home (on my pushbike) because I had to get home by midnight. It was one of those ‘Only Fools and Horses’ moments….. I put my coat on and opened the door….. it was light outside. With the curtains closed, the music playing and the lights on and engrossed in cards and chat…. we hadn’t noticed time passing…. it was 4.30am. John burst out laughing although I was rather concerned what my parents might think. I must have overtaken about 4 milk floats on my cycle from Montgomery Road to Downs Road! What great times I had with John! He remains close to my heart! xx
Peter Thomson… John, Graham Barrett and myself went to see Dr Feelgood at the Congress. Stupendous gig at the height of the band’s popularity, and we got suitably inebriated during the evening. The late train home was one of those things with sealed carriages and ours, predictably, had no loo. John was busting and couldn’t manage to get it through the window, so someone suggested he did it in the ash tray(!) – I can remember piss and fagends flying everywhere. John had started so he had to finish while Graham and myself nearly wet ourselves at the spectacle unfolding before us. What a laugh and, shit, I’m the only one left…
Eric Cawthraw… I’ve only just got back from Italy, so this is the first opportunity I’ve had to pay tribute to John Storer – one of my oldest and dearest friends – as is his wife Jo. Alan, I know you were tormented as to whether to phone me on the first day of my holiday – but you did the right thing, yes I needed to know and my thanks goes to you for the sympathetic way you broke the news. It is nearly 28 years since John and Jo moved to Lincolnshire and John made his career move from the Magisterial Service to become a solicitor. Despite the years, we always kept in touch – the odd e-mail, phone call and Christmas card. My wife Maggie and I introduced Jo to John – so you could say we played an important part in his life – as over the years he has done to Maggie and me. John’s birthday was 5th May, mine is the 12th, as is my brother-in laws, so the 3 of us would have a fair old bash with a shared celebration – you know the sort of thing – vol-au-vents and sherry! John’s health had not been the best for a number of years – ever since he got stabbed about 20 years ago. Some of you may now the story but I’ll tell it anyway; the solicitors’ office was about to close – I think it was for lunch, a complete stranger was at the door and asked for legal advise. John was the only one around, so instead of turning him away to close, he invited him in. John turned around to lead him upstairs and got stabbed in the back! The incident made the BBC national news and was prominently featured in the national papers at the time. It was just a random attack! Ever since this incident, he had recurring bouts of ill health, so when he felt unwell, about a month ago, he thought it was the same old thing – but it wasn’t and turned out to be advanced cancer! John’s passing was still a great shock – as it was all so quick, he didn’t even get time to start chemo! John had a sharp mind, a great wit and a passion for music – from prog to punk and many a style in between and very knowledgeable on the subject as well. We went to many a gig and party together, but it was the all-night mah-jong sessions with the rest of the crew that really stand out with. There is only one story I’ll tell here about John. It was a party at Malcolm Hutchisons in Roosevelt Court, the usual sort of thing, ales and wine flowing – I seem to remember Motorhead and Gracious belting out. It was quite a riotous night and as often, people crashed out on furniture, kitchen appliances bog-seats etc. The point was, that by later the following morning everybody had gone – apart from John…… he was totally flaked out in the middle of the lounge carpet, not a small landmark by any means! And here’s the best bit – the following morning, Malc’s mum continued with her ritual of daily housework and vacuumed the lounge carpet and just hoovered around him – and there he stayed! It just showed his enjoyment of life – well while conscious anyway. Ultimately, we are all influenced by our close friends and loved ones – it makes us who we are and I will always have many a fond memory of John, but knowing he is not around is still like having part of you wrenched away. I have spoken at length with Jo and also asked her if it is OK for me to mention the charity that John wanted donations to go to and Jo thinks it a good idea, so here are the details:
Funds should be sent to: Carr Funeral Service, 2 Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincs. PE21 9DA. Payment in favour of: St. Barnabas Hospice. The funeral service is for relatives only.
Nick Prince…. I love this. The Monkees, well Mike and Pete on guitar and Micky singing, Purple Haze, after Jimi Hendrix, somewhat peeved by being booed off stage by adolescent Monkees fans, stormed off and referred to his experience; “The Monkees. They’re dishwater, I hate them!”
However, prior to this, The Monkees, The Beatles and Hendrix had the most amazing jamming session, covering each others songs. The outcome was amazing. I have heard Hendrix do, A Little Bit Me a Little Bit You, and it is something to for.
There is enough material for a double album but I have always been led to believe that there is so much argument over copyright, mainly from Neil Diamond, Carol King and Yoko Ono, that it has not been possible to release. Let’s hope it is in our life time.
John Lennon on the Monkees; “I love them, they have the greatest comic talent since the Marx Brothers, I never miss an episode!”
Alan Esdaile… Not a big Monkees fan but the theme tune still sounds great and what about the excellent film ‘Head’.
Nick Prince… Wash your mouth out Alan! I sent this in because I think in light of the postings about Jimi Hendrix, it will be great to share. Hendrix was the support act to The Monkees on their 1967 US tour. It was a less successful marriage than that of George and Mildred. I don’t know how many of you are aware but before Hendrix was booed off stage by adolescent Monkees fans. Jimi left the tour proclaiming; “The Monkees. Dishwater. I hate them”. However, prior to this, one of the greatest jamming sessions in music history came about in which The Monkees, The Beatles and Hendrix covered each others songs. There is enough material for a double album but alas Neil Diamond, Carol King and Yoko Ono, have all put spanners in the works re copyright and percentage of sales. Rhino Records, a division of Warner, I believe have wanted to release this for years. I have been lucky enough to have heard Hendrix cover, A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You, and it is to die for……. Let’s hope this it is released in our life time. On The Monkees John Lennon said; ” They are the greatest comic genius since the Marx Brothers, I never miss an episode. In my opinion The Monkees could act and Dolenz could sing, and very well, Hendrix could play, and very well, and Lennon and McCartney, could write, and very well. Oddly enough, I am not a big Beatles fan until 1967 and from then on I love their catalogue. It would be boring if we all liked the same…..
Chris Giles… Having been of that era I loved The Monkees and as time has shown Mike Nesmith was very talented as well…
Jane Hartley… I didn’t like the Beatles either, the 3 remaining Monkees are all talented musicians, Peter and Mike particularly!
Chris Giles… I quite agree Jane. I’ve got all the Monkee LP’s I saw them live at Wembley in 1967 with Lulu… I couldn’t speak for days after…but my generation of music is very varied now..
Nick Prince… In 1967 (The Summer of Love) The Monkees outsold the Beatles and the Stones put together. They were also responsible for finally knocking The Sound of Music (Film Sound Track) off the number one spot in the UK album chart, with their first album, the self titled, The Monkees. Okay, after seven weeks, The Sound of Music was back, only to be knocked off by the follow up album, More of The Monkees. 1967 saw just four albums make number one, two of which were by the Pre Fab Four. A third album, Headquarters, stalled at number two, due to the groups own success. The forth album, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones Ltd, got to number five, held up by the first three and the Sound of Music. Pisces is of extreme importance as it was the first release to use a synthesiser. The current line up is Dolenz, Tork and Nesmith. It has been mooted the Peter Noone will join them. Only Tork and Dolenz are partaking in the forthcoming Canadian tour although Nesmith has not left. He has other projects at this time. The surviving trio are likely to play the UK late 2015/early 2016. I’ve seen various line ups of the original four members and god do they give a great performance. Never knock them! They’re still here.
Phil Thornton… I love the Monkees and I love the Beatles. There are no words to describe how I feel about Jimi.
Nick Prince… Just to add, Peter Tork has confirmed a UK tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Monkees in 2016. Nesmith is currently on leave from the group for this year but the line up for the UK is set to be Dolenz, Tork and Nesmith. There have been no further press releases confirming Peter Noone in the line up.
Chris Giles… Interesting I might go just out of interest…
Nick Prince… They give a very good show. TBH, Micky was the main vocalist. The group counteract the Daydream Believer issue by playing the original video on big screens and hand it over to the audience with the remaining three joining in the chorus. In addition to the 2016 UK Monkees tour, Dolenz has announced that he and Peter Tork are headlining the Moseley Folk Festival in September this year as The Monkees. I can understand Peter Tork being there as his roots are with folk but even I am a little miffed at Dolenz or The Monkees being there.
