1973

The Pretty Things- Hastings Pier 4th August 1973

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supplied by Mick Mepham and Iain Cobby

Mark Sims….John from this band lives near me in Spain.

and from 1969 Norman Wisdom with the Pretty Things!

Andre Martin… This site is now getting just toooooooooooo serious !!!

Tony Davies….Ooooh !!! Sally Geeson !!

Phil Gill… Did you know that England’s guitarist Frank Holland plays guitar in The Pretty Things now?

Jan Warren… I saw them at The Carlisle, 26th April 2013, they were amazing, still hoping they’ll play there again soon!!

Gavin Martin… Superb!

Iain Cobby… I have a mono copy of “S F Sorrow” somewhere in the loft that Steve D encouraged me to buy in Woolly’s . One of the greatest concept albums, written before the Who’s “Tommy”.… and yes Phil re FH, it’s on the sleeve notes of England’s “Garden Shed” deluxe edition. Great prog album.

Peter Thomson… I was at the pier gig and seem to recall it was not that well attended. Shame, I thought it was a superb night.

Steve Merchant… I was at this gig in 1973. Memory almost totally shot on it but I do remember some hi jinks involving PA climbing by a long haired chap that was almost certainly Phil May. Not a great turn-out for it as I remember, probably too obscure for Hastings back then. I also remember watching a family with children arriving and fleeing very shortly after, god knows what they expected. Pretty things I expect…ha!

Peter Thomson… Blimey that’s a long time ago….

Dave Fuggle… I remember going to this gig. Still have that flyer knocking around.

Chicory Tip & Horslips – Hastings Pier 23rd June 1973

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poster supplied by Mick Mepham,         handbill supplied by Iain Cobby

Kev Towner… I remember seeing Chicory Tip in more recent years in The Standard – they were awful!!

Yvonne Cleland… My memories of them were that they were awful all the time in everything they ever did anywhere, as it goes, Kev!

Kev Towner… Oh no, I loved songs like Son Of My Father, Good Grief Christina and What’s Your Name. When I saw them they didn’t even have a synthesizer!!

Wendy Weaver… We saw them at a private do about 3 years ago playing mainly covers plus their hits. I think they are still going

Mick O’Dowd… Horslips were the better band and they are still going.

Chris Giles… Horslips we’re the they a Canterbury based band ?

Alan Esdaile… They were based in Ireland as far as I know Chris.

Mick O’Dowd…. Yeah your right  Alan.

Gary Kinch… I’m sure I’ve seen Horslips but I definitely wouldn’t have gone to see Chicory Tip. Did they appear more than once on the Pier?

Mick Burt… I saw Horslips in 1978 . Great band. They supported Thin Lizzy, A great folk rock band from Ireland

 

Steamhammer – Hastings Pier 13th July 1973

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supplied by Mick Mepham and Roger Carey

They originally came from Worthing and went on to be massive in Europe and tour with Led Zeppelin. Managed by Barry Taylor. Not so big in the UK but canny Clive Richardson realised the town was full of German students in July and I think he ended up with over 800 people.

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ticket & management letter supplied by Clive Richardson

Geoff Peckham….A great band in their time who preempted the Quo sound and were very popular overseas. Original bass player, Steve, still lives in Worthing and has some tales to tell!

Andy Qunta….1st Steamhammer album – excellent! Still listen to that quite often! This is a stand-out track though!

poster supplied by Clive Richardson

Pete Houghton… That was a great night both Band’s were excellent

Richie Worley…  I’m trying to find out any info with regards to the support band Crimson Earth in this article from 1973, band members, management that sort of thing, also another band from the same time/area called Orange, any info would be much appreciated. I believe my father managed both bands back in the day.

Clive Richardson… I promoted this gig and think I booked Crimson Earth direct from an advert. I remember the band were good with a singer with a great voice. I think I paid them around £40/£45. Sorry I don’t have anymore information.

Dave Nattress… Thought I recognised a name. Martin Quittington (sic), is I’m sure the same “Martin Quittenton” who co-wrote Maggie May and You Wear It Well by Rod Stewart. He also co-wrote other stuff with Rod at that time and played guitar on several tracks!!

Vinegar Joe & Gary Moore Band – Hastings Pier 23rd February 1973

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supplied by Roger Carey

Leigh Wieland-Boys….I was Secretary of the Students Union at Hastings College at the time & assisted in organising the event – can’t believe it was 44 years ago! It was a great evening 😊

Mick Mepham….Alan, who is AS?

Phil Gill….Andy Strickland probably.

Chris Meachen…..Definitely Andy Strickland, god rest ‘im.. Somewhere in my attic I have a vinegar Joe poster with Elkie’s autograph written on her thigh.. She was a hot chick …..

Tony Qunta….That was a great gig! Both bands were fantastic. I am pretty sure Jim Mullen was playing 2nd guitar with Vinegar Joe!

Paul Sleet…..I remember this one. went backstage afterwards and met Elkie Brooks, courtesy of Chris Meachen who was doing his usual roadying.

Paul Edmonds… Missed this one, great days! Hi Phil and Chris.

Peter Thomson… Superb gig. Forgot I’d actually seen Gary Moore!

Yvonne Cleland… I was at the front for Gary Moore! x

Andy Qunta… I saw both these bands on the Pier, so I was probably at this gig!

Simon Walsh… Yes I was there too!

Gavin Martin… MMMmmm Smells good? The pier, the students , vinegar Joe??

Jennie Tocock…  I remember this one! Elkie Brooks was fabulous!

Mick O’Dowd… Used to love Vinegar Joe.

Peter Houghton… I remember seeing Vinegar Joe on the Pier, as i was at Hastings College then.

John Wilde… I was there also Pete.

Tony Court-holmes… so was I

Alan King… something about Robert Palmer used to make my skin crawl, can’t understand how Little Feat got involved with him

Yvonne Cleland… I was there. Front row for Gary Moore! x

Nick Silk… Pretty sure this is one of Graham Hows tickets/posters ( later of ACE PROMOTIONS) . I was SU president at some point around here and we used to sell tickets at the college in return for free entry… Graham H & Andy Strickland ‘s band “Pete Plastic and the chuck ups” used to practice at my parents house in Filsham Road. I recall organising a Melody Maker version of X Factor for bands – Elkie Brooks was one of the judges. I think Hastings band Stallion won the heat!

Chris Meachen… Poster was definitely done by Andy Strickland, as I was sitting with him while he was drawing it up.. Should still have an autographed copy of it somewhere

Andy Davies… What a memorable night Robert Palmer and Elkie Brooks (when she was good!!!) onlead vocals, brilliant…

Eric Harmer… Loved vinegar joe. With Elkies vocals

John McCormack… Would loved to have seen Gary Moore

Curved Air – Hastings Pier 6th April 1973

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6th april curved air 1973

Andre Palfrey-Martin Collection

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OCT 1971 DISC JOCKEY

Mick Knights….Yep, at this one too, the main attraction was probably Sonia!

Andy Qunta….Great band! Still listen to their stuff! I think maybe Factory supported them on the Pier once, but I know I definitely saw them there anyway. Stewart Copeland was on the drums.

Mick O’Dowd….Oh Sonia! Wherefore art thou Sonia!

Jim Hobbs….Back Street Luv is still up there with my favourite tracks. And yes Sonia was the main attraction!

Catherine Ireland… Oh I remember Stylus Records and Disc Jockey .

Jim Breeds… Phantasmagoria!

Andre Martin… Paul loved booking the top of the bill.

Jim Breeds… Me too.

Chris Stratton… They played the pier a few times. Remember seeing them twice there.

Chris Giles… One of the best concerts I saw on Hastings pier.

Andy Qunta… I have Air Conditioning too – another good ‘un!  I was hoping someone had some info on the opening band – Full Supporting Programme. I’ve often seen them advertised, but that’s all I know about them!

 Andre Martin… In true style of many agents, it was what ever bunch of musos were doing nothing that night and could get to the Pier for 6.00pm!!

Dennis Torrance… I saw them on pier with Stewart Copeland on drums thought what a good drummer he was

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Hastings Pier 28th March 1973

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Manfred Mann 28th March 1973

manfred mann write up

poster supplied by Mick Mepham

Andy Qunta… As I recall, although my timeline could be off, Factory had supported MMEB in Brighton not long before this. I thought they were interesting, but I wasn’t quite sure if I liked them that first time (the music, not the band – they were fine). This 2nd time, at the Pier, I decided I definitely liked them. They had a big hit with Joybringer at this time, and I think that due to what I have since learned is Manfred’s quirkiness, they did not play that song live!

Dave Nattress… From the sketchy memory….Joybringer was a nice single and partly based or maybe it “sampled” a classical piece – could it be from the Planets Suite? I did have the single. I also have “The Good Earth” vinyl LP which came with a certificate (I think) but anyway if not a certificate as such, some blurb about the band having purchased a plot of land in deepest Wales and that each owner of the album was the owner of a one square foot of this plot – a bit small for a house – unless it was a Lego House. “The Roaring Silence” was the next album which I have on vinyl which contains I think “Blinded by the Light” – I’ve forgotten who wrote it – was it “The Boss”. Am I right, Steve Kinch has been in the MMEB for some years? Just one more thing as a connection obviously, “The Manfreds” – who’ve done The White Rock a good few times and The Congress are excellent.

Gerry Fortsch…I saw this line up on many occasions at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, I cant remember why not on the pier?

Andy Qunta… I was at this gig. Wasn’t sure if I liked them or not, although it was interesting. They didn’t play Joybringer as I recall. However I kept thinking about it. Shortly afterwards, Factory supported them in Brighton. After that I was a big fan & still am. Later on they recorded my song “Tribal Statistics” on their Somewhere in Africa album. I got to know the singer, Chris Thompson, & we started writing songs, eventually including You’re The Voice, which we wrote with Keith Reid & Maggie Ryder. At some point Chris told me MMEB were going have auditions for a new bass player. I played keyboards with the band for them at the auditions as Manfred was busy or didn’t want to. Of course I told Steve Kinch he should try out. He came in & was his usual fabulous self & got the job, beating out many other top notch players!

Ernest Ballard… Great piece of rock history there Andy.

Fusion Orchestra – Hastings Pier 21st April 1973

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poster supplied by Mick Mepham. Leaflet supplied by Iain Cobby

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coloured photos supplied by Eddie Hazell Estate

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Pier photo by Chris Meachen

Autograph poster supplied by Peter Houghton

Robin Trower is listed on the poster buy pretty sure he did not turn up. Any ideas who replaced him?

Mick Knights… Here we go again, Jilly and the mike stand, memories are made of this!

Phil Thornton… excellent band, brilliant gig !

Alan Esdaile… Agree Phil, brilliant gig.

Yvonne Cleland… yep!

Tony May… Fantastic pics Alan. I heard so much about this lot from Simon and these shots put meat on the bones.

Phil Thornton… another gig I was at ! if memory serves a spendid event !

Jan Warren… Oh WOW, brilliant pics, thank you, I saw this band many times and they had such a big impact on me!! – I’ve seen many “famous” bands over the years but Fusion Orchestra have always remained most in my head and my heart – their performances were amazing, the song-writing was genius and Jill Saward’s vocals and multi-instrumental talents were (and still are) the best ever!! – I am sooooo happy for the recently released cd “Fusion Orchestra Live at the Marquee 1974” – I woz there, I cant stop playing this cd, it takes me right back there, its amazing, I love you Fusion Orchestra, always and forever!

Andy Qunta… Great photos!

 

Mungo Jerry – Aquarius Club Hastings 10th November 1973

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posters supplied by Mick Mepham

Tim Elms….I was at the Aquarius for Mungo Jerry. Their set was loud and heavy but the punters were there for the hits

Leigh Wieland-Boys… I was at the Aquarius on the Mungo Jerry night, was it that long ago!!

Karen Sweatman Was Blackman… I always thought Mungo Jerry was a person. Think it was because there was just a photo of the singer next to the name on my Mum’s 1972 K-Tel hits compilation!

Tony Court-holmes… i think i was there

Jim Breeds… I was.

Yvonne Cleland… I remember them on the pier.

Monica Bane… He lived just along the road from me!

Peter Houghton… I remember seeing them on Hastings Pier what a great night

Geordie plus Bitch or Moonstone?? and Colin Bell – Hastings Pier 26th October 1973

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poster supplied by Mick Mepham

Pete Prescott….after Brian Johnston left the reformed Geordie to join ac/dc i was briefly in the band that struggled to continue (with a different name – the DUDES ) they tried terry slesser from crawler.i replaced him.i recorded three tracks with them at Luxembourg studios.they wanted me to re locate to newcastle.i couldn’t do that.nice guys.

Yvonne Cleland….Great band, Geordie! Saw them on the pier! it was a good gig!

Pete Fairless….The best Slade record Slade never made!

Pete Prescott….i sang love if you want it another night in the city and the last one escapes me.i think i have the versions of terry slesser singing them as well as mine.brian sang nutbush city limit at the ac/dc audition and got the job instantly.i was told he is a nice guy.

Andy Qunta…..singer of Geordie was Brian Johnson, who later joined AC/DC, and still with them now! After Factory’s gig with them in Torquay, I met him in the motorway services Gent’s (accidentally, not pre-arranged, before your minds start working overtime!). He was very flustered! He had been driving their truck, it was one of those where the cab tipped forward to get to the engine. After checking the oil or something, apparently the cab wasn’t locked properly, so when he got to some traffic lights, the whole cab tipped forward, and he was properly freaked out! Geordie almost lost his liggy!

Peter Howard… I know one of Bitch