1973 – SMART

Jon Hiseman’s Tempest – Hastings Pier 12th October 1973

October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

supplied by Mick Mepham and the 3rd one supplied by Roger Carey

photos from the pier gig by Roger Carey

Jon Hiseman soloing and Ollie Halsall taking a synthesizer solo. Ollie Halsall guitar & vocals and Mark Clarke bass & vocals.

and from 1974

Phil Gill…..Brilliant gig – Ollie Halsall, what a player. And they did a storming version of Paperback Writer too. How about you Pete Fisher?

Mick Knights….If I’m not mistaken Jon Hiesman introduced himself as Ginger Baker!

Glenn Piper… I remember this one 🙂

Chris Meachen…. Brilliant gig;- I remember Hiseman juggling during his solo, sticks spinning in the air above his head while others bounced off drums.. Ollie Halsall also impressed by switching from left-handed guitar to right-handed bass for one number….

Pete Fisher… Remember having the album for sure…I have a list of concerts I remember going to, but don’t have the ticket, and this isn’t on it…but I must have been there…hazy days….

David Miller… Great to see the splendid Ollie Halsall in those pics on keys and especially guitar.

Pete Fisher… shared this to the Ollie Halsall and Patto Fan group Facebook page, and what a small world it is Roger Carey and Iain Cobby, as Tobias Van De Peer asked if the Roger I mentioned was you, and said he’s in Iain’s band!

Martyn Baker… I definitely went to this one. Cannot remember much about it though.

Factory & Daisy – Hastings Pier – 5th October 1973

October 5, 2020October 5, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

poster supplied by Mick Mepham and advert supplied by Nick Prince

Phil Gill….Wasn’t Will T in Daisy?

Yvonne Cleland….Yep, he was, along with Mr. Terence Corder, Tony Barraclough, and young Kevin Hoad. I was Will’s gf and did the sound. Wes Magoogan had joined them, by this time, and Marion did the lights.

supplied by Yvonne Cleland

Yvonne Cleland….Here’s one of me and Will when he was in Daisy

Andy Qunta…Daisy were a great band, & we had some great gigs together! Daisy were really good!

Terry Pack….One of the first gigs I went to featured these two bands, at the youth club in Bexhill, pre Wesley.

Phil Thornton….I remember that one ! I was there ! 2 great local bands !!

Paul Dove….Great band Factory played with them on a few dates with, ( muller & 3 on ice,) great days.

Geoff Peckham….Great days indeed, didn’t you keep a diary, Andy? If you did I’d love to see it – I’m sure I’ve forgotten half of what I got up to!

Nick Prince… Electric Ray when he was the last landlord of the New Clive Vale. hahaha, I still laugh at his antics more than a quarter of a century on

Yvonne Cleland… RIP Electric Ray x

John Wilde… Let us raise our glasses to Electric Ray (Wickham). A beautiful Soul.

Phil Thornton… funnily enough I bumped in to Tony Barraclough today !!

Lyn Humphrey… Yvonne Cleland–I worked with thee, in ’73! (Ashdown House, Works Bills).

The Pretty Things- Hastings Pier 4th August 1973

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

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

June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

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

June 5, 2020June 5, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

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.

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!!

Skin Alley & Longdancer – Hastings Pier 5th May 1973

May 5, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

flyer supplied by Mick Mepham

Michael Mepham.….10p discount! It meant summat then.

Pete Fisher….I was there!

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

April 18, 2020April 18, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

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

April 6, 2020April 6, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

Andre Palfrey-Martin Collection

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

March 28, 2020March 28, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

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

January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 by Alan Esdaile

poster supplied by Mick Mepham. Leaflet supplied by Iain Cobby

coloured photos supplied by Eddie Hazell Estate

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!