andre martin – Page 2

The Worrying Kind & The Confederates – Sat 17th Oct 1964 by Andre Martin

October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

supplied by Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Andre Martin… Something is going to happen – I just know it will, but until then, we find ourselves in the Happy Ballroom on Hastings Pier, on Saturday17 October 1964, and what a month this has been, do you realise that we have just had a General Election? Thursday last, when Harold Wilson and the Labour Party won, buy a whisker – if I recall only a 3 seat majority. But enough of that, the first thing I want to address is about last week, several people have asked me, did I have the correct listing, based on the Pier advertisement in the Observer, I would have said yes, but on further research, I do feel they were wrong and it should have been Guy Darrell & The Midnighters as top of the Bill. But that will remain one of life’s little mysteries.
This week should be clearer – Top of the bill – from the North-East – The Worrying Kind, supported by our own The Confederates, 7.45pm – 11.45pm and all for 5/- – what value.
The Worrying Kind had made several visits to the Happy Ballroom in the past, the last was in July of this year, and they had been well received with their mix of Soul, R&B and what we would today call chart covers. The group had been known at one time a Brian Howard & The Silhouettes but changed to Worrying Kind a couple of years ago, they had had a couple of releases and it was rumoured that a Jimmy Page had played on these sessions, although there is little mentioned, he glosses over many of the bands he played sessions with in his autobiography so we can neither confirm or deny. The Confederates, a likely bunch of local lads, under the watchful eye of “ Spike “ Millington – that Pete’s dad, if you did not know, giving their best for the patrons of the Happy Ballroom. So this was another good night, OK not any name attractions, but good all-round entertainment and giving the patrons just what they wanted. Rumour was that Spike and Bob Knights – The General Manager of the Pier, would spend most of the evening putting the world to rights in the Long Bar !
So let’s have a look at what else is keeping the young people of the town entertained during this week, we would have had Friday nights – Ready Steady Go which this week included an interview with – Mick Jagger by Ellen Grehan. Scheduled guest:–Dionne Warwick – “Reach Out For Me. Obviously Mick Jagger was being given plenty of air time on that Night.
At The Witch Doctor – on Saturday Night it was 4+1 backed by Second Thoughts, Sunday Club that week would have been a cracker featuring Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames. And to end the week – Friday nights offering – Shane & The Shane Gang.
I thought that I would also have a quick look at what was on BBC – Saturday Club [BBC Light Programme] Matt Monro, The Pretty Things, Inez and Charlie Foxx, The Rockin Berries and Spencer Davis Group – all introduced by Brian Matthews. Sunday Swing [2.00pm] features Lulu & The Luvvers, Clinton Form, Julie Grant and The Fortunes.
BBC TV that Saturday night on Juke Box Jury Des O’Connor, Mary Wells and Jimmy Young plus one other panel member, and in the chair David Jacobs.
Later that evening – The Billy Cotton Band Show – featured Matt Monro and Gerry and The Pacemakers.
And not to be left out – Radio Caroline was flying the Pirate Radio Flag out there off the Frinton Coast, with at least one household name having survived the weather, after 3 months Tony Blackburn was still broadcasting – it was believed that he had taken a break at some point to gather breath !!
So you can see it had been a interesting week. One thing that I have forgotten to mention, is that the Pier is starting to run generic advertisements for the Ballroom being available for Hire…………so what have they up their sleeves…..time will tell. Andre Martin

Jim Breeds… Always fascinating 🙂

Peter Millington… Remember it well

The Yardbirds – Hastings Pier 10th July 1966

July 10, 2023July 10, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

Andre Palfrey-Martin Collection

Andre Martin….Somebody asked about The Yardbirds/Zoot Money on the Pier – well as area as chickens teeth here is an advertisement from Hastings Observer July 1966 – which might give some information

Here they are in the film ‘Blow Up’

Jim Breeds…..Marvellous stuff! Though with the exception of one couple the audience has less movement in it than the terracotta army! At least until the guitar neck got thrown. I assume that Pete Townsend must have watched this, lol.

Andre Martin… Also they play on October 6, 1965 at The Witch Doctor, Hastings. This date does not appear in any listings of WD acts, but I can recall such.

Yvonne Cleland… The YARDBIRDS?!!!

Alan Esdaile… Would have loved to have seen The Yardbirds. Who remembers seeing the film Blow Up?

Yvonne Cleland… I remember seeing it, but a lot later than when it first came out!

Colin Norton… I remember seeing the Yardbirds with Eric on board in November, 1964. They were supporting Jerry Lee Lewis in Brighton. Great show!

Ricky Long… Thanks Alan & Andre,I played on some of the Tony Strudwick Band gigs but can’t
remember which ones.

Colin Norton… I remember seeing the Yardbirds with Eric on board in November, 1964. They were supporting Jerry Lee Lewis in Brighton. Great show!

Will Cornell… Blow Up had Jane Birkin too, but I forget which one of the girls the photographer romps with she was. That was a unneeded, gratuitous, stupid scene they could have cut out…but the Yardbirds gig and his study of the body in the photo, way cool.

Mick O’Dowd… I definately can confirm that they played the Witchdoctor as I won 2 tickets from our old friend Steve Maxted so he can confirm it as well

Jan Colley… Managed to get their autographs

The Worrying Kind in the Happy Ballroom Sat 27th June 1964 by Andre Martin

July 6, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Here is this week’s edition of The History of the Happy Ballroom, we are at the end of June – its Saturday Night 27th June 1964 – and tonight’s show will be topped by The Worrying Kind and supported by Frankie Roy and the Sandcoasters. So it’s all out of the long bar into the ballroom to see the show, you can go back for a lemonade if your good in the band changes.

I recognise the name of the top of the bill, but have little knowledge of their pedigree other than they started in the early 1960s in and around Hull, after winning an audition for a midlands agency they ended up working in London, and have to their credit supporting roles with The Rolling Stones, The Who, Georgie Fame and Zoot Money. Their line up included brass & keyboards and the music would fall roughly into the Soul/Dance genre. They made 2 recording for Marquee Studios. And that I am sorry to say is about all I could find.
The supporting act – Frankie Roy and the Sandcasters – this 5 piece have their roots in the Wantage/Swindon area, and first turned professional in 1964, in their time they played a lot of gigs in the west country and supported The Stones on their first appearance in Swindon earlier this year.
So it’s a little thin of detail this week – let us hope for more next month.
For the Friday Night RSG brigade, this would have been a good week with presentations from The Rolling Stones – plugging “It’s All Over Now”, The Mersey Beats with the Bacharach and David classic Wishing and Hoping “, Millie Small “ My Boy Lollipop” to add to the entertainment Janice Nicholls of ” Oi’ll Give It Foive” fame “.
Till next week in the Happy Ballroom ………………. Andre Martin

Suzie… They were called the frankie Roy and the Soundcasters and had Dave Balfe on guitar.

Sandy Max… Blimey, I was five!

Sam Carter… My dad Bob Carter was a member of the Soundcasters

David Balfe… I was the bass player in The Soundcasters? The 60’s was a great time for young musicians and groups, if you were up for it you could play 6 or 7 nights a week.

John Warner… Were the Worrying Kind from Kent?

Bruce Bosley… How are you Dave I come to see you play many times in the 60s, are you still playing?

Martin Harris… Is this the same group that changed their name to Willys lot with Wilber Wallice on vocals.These played at the Swan in Wantage in the 60’s plus other venues in the area. Did anybody see “Willys Lot” at the Swan pub in Wantage.I was a regular there 66/70.

Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers – Hastings Pier 30th May 1964 by Andre Martin

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

all cuttings Andre Palfrey-martin collection

We have now reached the end of May in the History of the Happy Ballroom, and on Saturday 31st would have played host to DECCA recording artistes –Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers. The group was formed around 1960 by Peter Jay, the son of Jack Jay who owned and managed the Windmill Theatre together with several cinemas and nightclubs in Great Yarmouth. Peter formed the group while studying at Norwich College. He played drums; other band members were Pete “Buzz” Miller (lead guitar – previously a member of rival local group the Offbeats), Tony Webster (rhythm guitar), Mac McIntyre (tenor sax and flute), Lloyd Baker (piano and baritone sax), Geoff Moss (bass guitar) and Johnny Larke (bass guitar). From about 1962, the group were also noted for their use of coordinated Vox Phantom guitars on stage. Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers signed a recording deal with Decca Records in 1962. Their first record, a rocked-up version of the can-can music from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, produced by Joe Meek at Decca’s studios in Hampstead and entitled “Can Can 62”, rose to 31 after entering the UK chart in November 1962.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrgRagR24sQ&feature=youtu.be

The group released several further singles on Decca in 1963 and 1964, but none became hits. Nevertheless, the group were a popular live act and were chosen as a support act to the Beatles on their UK tour in November and December 1963. They also appeared on national TV shows including Ready Steady Go! and Thank Your Lucky Stars. Completing the show by supporting Peter and the boys, were another of the regular support acts for the Happy Ballroom – from London Patrick Dane and the Quiet Five. So as Bob Knight would have undoubtedly said – “there you are boys and girls another great evening for you on Hastings Pier in the Happy Ballroom”. Until next week, when we reach June, and hopefully the sun will be shining even more by Andre Martin

Pauline Lindsay… Everything used to finish at 11.45pm, wasn’t allowed to go into a Sunday. Saw this group also at The Ritz in 1962.

Mick O’Dowd… I saw them at the ABC/Ritz as well Pauline. They were on the bill with the Tornadoes, Jimmy Justice and headlined by Billy Fury. Great band and a great show too!

Pauline Lindsay… Also Mick there was Joe Brown, Mark Winter, Carl Denver, The Tornadoes, Marty Wilde – got most of their autographs after waiting at the stage door for what seemed like hours.

David Edwards… Good to be reminded of Terry Reid, an absolutely wonderful singer who has lived in the States for years and is still touring and singing

History of the Happy Ballroom The Kinks – Hastings Pier 23rd May 1964

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

all cuttings….. Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Andre Martin….Its that time of the week for the next chapter in the History of the Happy Ballroom – Hastings Pier. Dateline 23rd May 1964, not a very eventful weekend, other than it was to be the first time that an up an coming group from Croydon were to make an appearance – a group that were to become very popular in coming years – The Kinks. Supported by a regular outfit that had appeared many time before over the years Earl Sheridan and the Housebrakers.

This was a few weeks before the third release from the Kinks – “ You Really Got Me “ and would establish them in the recording world, this was to reach no 1 in early August [ 4 days after THAT appearance from the Rolling Stones in The Happy Ballroom ] and stayed in that slot for the following 3 weeks. What makes this interesting is that the College had booked the group for their Summer Ball in July and ace reporters – students – David Bargioni and Roger Summerling were sent to interview the group for a write up in the Rag Mag Howzat 1964. I quote from this work above in the captured images. That’s about all for this week folks, enjoy the summer weather – if it lasts, and the Bank Holiday Weekend . Andre Martin

Helena Kingshott… I was there x

Mick O’Dowd… Good stuff as usual Andre. Thanx

A Band Of Angels – 18th March 1966 and part 2 of The Happy Ballroom report by Andre Martin.

March 18, 2023March 18, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

supplied by Andre Palfrey-Martin Collection L-R:John Gaydon, John Baker, Andrew Petre, David Wilkinson, Mike d’Abo.

Here is the 18th March 1966 extra report –
As you can see we are looking at Hastings 7 St Leonards some 50 years ago, although it only seems like it was yesterday. We at the local college – Hastings College of Further Education had planned for the college Rag would coincide with the 900th celebrations of that famous battle around 14 October. Because of the term dates, our main entertainments were scheduled for June and would be a 3 nighter on Hastings Pier, the Big event being the Friday All Nighter. To start the ball rolling we decided that something in March would be a good idea, and looking for a theme, decided against St Patricks Night and went for 18th March – “ The Ides of March “ the entertainments committee organised this, and for some unknown reason decided to book the Dolphin Ballroom on the floor below the Witch Doctor, at the last minute this was changed and we had a very successful night. The Programme was top of the bill, Pye Recording artistes and old Harrovians “ A Band of Angels” supported by two excellent local groups The Defiants and The Victors and the record spinning was left in my capable hands.[ its strange that the word Disco does still not appear anywhere] As we had 2 members of the d’Abo family amongst the college student body, the addition of Mike in A Band of Angels, would ensure that Mrs d’Abo would be along to see the boys appearing on the night, she was a real trouper and all the noise, lights and great number of young people, never flinched the whole evening – she was a Star!
We arrange for a personal visit from the boys to Alan Jensen in the Disc Jockey in the afternoon for PR exercise, record & photo signing etc – these were always popular and you could rely on a very happy smiling Alan to be buzzing around the shop, and he came along to the club that night as one of our guests. On another personal level, that turned out to be the start of another interesting time for me, as I was asked to take over the organisation of the entertainments for the Rag 3 Day event later in the year, so great things ahead. A Band of Angels were a great act and I think one of their best records, and one that in subsequent years would get a big following on the Northern Soul Circuit was” Invitation” As this was a Friday night – “Ready Steady Go” had set the scene, and on the show that week, we saw Billy Fury-“I’ll never quite get over you” : Barbara Lewis : Bob Lind “Elusive Butterfly”: Spencer Davis “Somebody Help Me”[ has to one of my all time favourite records of the year ] Irma Thomas and The Who “ Substitute “ – which was the first single that I played that night, having been given a copy earlier in the week by Alan Jensen as Reaction records were doing a heavy promotion at the time. It was an excellent way to start the night. For those of you who remember that night, I hope this addition to my weekly blog has brought back good memories, I certainly remember that weekend for all sorts of reasons. Back to normal in the next couple days when we look at the weekend of 19 March 1966 Andre Palfrey-Martin© 2016.

Alan Esdaile …..Not sure if this record was a hit but was big with the Northern Soul crowd. I used to go and play the piano for Mike ‘d’Abo’s mum ‘Primrose’. A lovely lady and very much missed.

Andre Martin….Very true – now being played in Japan in the Northern Clubs ! Hope Mike and the Boys are getting their Yen.

Alex Harvey Soul Band – Hastings Pier Sat 8th August 1964 by Andre Martin

March 16, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

cuttings supplied by Andre Palfrey-martin collection

What a week that turned into – Bank Holiday August 1964 – will go down in the local history for so many reasons, but more of that another time, here we are back in the Happy Ballroom on Saturday 8th August, and tonight be have on stage Alex Harvey Soul Band, supported by Johnny and The Spirits. Harvey was born in the Kinning Park district of Glasgow, where he grew up. By his own account, he worked in a number of jobs, from carpentry to waiting tables at a restaurant to carving tombstones, before finding success in music. He first began performing in skiffle groups in 1954. On Friday, May 20, 1960, at the Town Hall, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, Alex Harvey and his Big Beat Band opened for Johnny Gentle and His Group, “His Group” being the Beatles (John, Paul, George, Stuart Sutcliffe and Tommy Moore), on this the opening night — and biggest audience — of the Beatles’ seven-date tour of Scotland with Gentle.
His musical roots were in Dixieland jazz and skiffle music, which enjoyed considerable popularity in Britain during the late 1950s. From 1958 until 1965, he was the leader of Alex Harvey’s Big Soul Band, playing blues and rock and roll songs and spending considerable time touring in the United Kingdom He also won a competition, that sought “Scotland’s answer to Tommy Steele”. Harvey became strongly identified with British rhythm and blues music, although he was equally able to play rock songs. The supporting band – Johnny & The Spirits, no information can be found, other than it was believed they came from South London.
The previous night, Ready Steady Go had featured music from —The Rolling Stones – “It’s All Over Now.” –Cilla Black – “It’s For You.”–Kenny Lynch – “What Am I To You?”–The Nashville Teens – “Tobacco Road.”–Brian Poole and the Tremeloes – “Twelve Steps To Love.”
A quick mention of the Witch Doctor – on the Saturday one of the regulars in the early days in St Leonards – Steve Marriotts Moments , destined for big things and on Wednesday 12th – The Animals, so the competition was building up.
I could not write this week’s History, without mentioning that the local press – The Hastings & St Leonards Observer, had several pages devoted to the previous weekend’s activities and the post actions : Magistrates Court, locals letters to the editor, the official feedback from the Police and Local Authorities. But I am sure that we have over the years heard a lot about what happened just over half a century ago, and drawn our own conclusions as to who really was behind these events. Andre Martin

Alan Esdaile……Apparently he won a Tommy Steele talent competition when he was young. Here he is, a few years later in 1974.

David Miller…..Now you’re talking…! The clip of Midnight Moses from the same gig is excellent too….Alex and Zal are very disturbing indeed…..!

Yvonne Cleland… Wow look at him – all clean and crew-cut!

Peter Thomson… The Sensational Alex Harvey Band were the support act for Slade when I saw them at Brighton Dome in ’73. I remember reading of his longevity in the music business even then. I was impressed that he had been supported by the Beatles for some early Scottish gigs in the ’60s.

Neil William Michael McGuigan… Shocked, never knew that. I’m a big sahb fan

The Deep Purple – 1968

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

From 68 – Tich Turner, Tony Bird , Len Benton, Peter Horton and Ian McGilvray.

supplied by Pete Horton

from Peter Horton

Paul Sleet – saw them at a gig at a girls school in Hastings. Think it was woodlands in tower road if memory serves. I was a mere schoolboy at the time.

Phil Gill – Brilliant – Tich, Tony Bird and Len Benton!

John Alexander Wilde – Fab! Great find Andre.

Graham Burfield – tich turner on the right I think & tony bird

Andre Palfrey-Martin Collection

Ian McGilvray…The Deep Purple, What a fantastic Band, Shame We had to change Our name.

Happy Ballroom Sat 12th December 1964 by Andre Martin

December 16, 2022December 16, 2022 by Alan Esdaile

Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Andre Martin…. The town is looking festive, and we even have Christmas adverts in the local newspapers, so we know that it’s only a few days to go before Christmas Day, its Saturday 12th December 1964, and the next episode of the History of “The Happy Ballroom” on Hastings Pier. According to the Hastings & St Leonards Observer, the “together dancing” is a success and the patrons returning to the more formal Ballroom activities and music, are making this change a success. The Percy Howe Orchestra are setting just the right tone and atmosphere in “The Happy Ballroom”. But! For how long was that to last ???
The Witch Doctor keeps going from strength to strength, with a really wise choice of acts over the week, Saturday Night it was Johnny Mike & The Shades, supported by The Outcasts. The Sunday Club features The Shevelles, Wednesday it is group night with The Silhouettes and Friday is a return from – Linda Lane & The Sinners. The other evenings, it was Top Record Spinning usually for only 1/6d a night. Value for money? or did this get the patrons in, and more to spend in the Bar ! Friday Night would have kicked off with the Rediffusion TV special – Ready Steady Go, and what an excellent line up this week, Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames playing live in the studio [ Yeh,Yeh & Monkeying Around] The McKinleys, Kenny Lynch [On my own Two Feet] Tony Jackson & The Vibrations [You beat me to the Punch] Rufus Thomas [ Walking the Dog & Jump Back] Gerry & The Pacemakers [Ferry Cross the Mersey – Why oh Why – My Babe] Dick & Dee Dee. Brenda lee had been scheduled to appear by had to cancel at the last moment. The Opening toon was The Animals – Baby Please don’t go. The audience dance segment was James Brown – Night Train. What a great show that night, in charge Keith Fordyce & Cathy McGowan.
The BBC were doing a reasonable job with Saturday – Light Programme 10.00am – Brian Matthews and Saturday Club, the line up included The Miracles, The Kinks, Chris Barber and Ottililie Paterson, Howlin Wolf, The Nocturnes and Arthur Greenslade with The Gee Men ! The afternoon show Saturday Swings featured The Magil 5, Joe Brown & The Bruvers, The Applejacks, Vince Hill, Don Lusher, Julie Grant, The Lorne Gibson Trio and the regular house band The Northern Dance Orchestra. Sunday was Easy Beat with Keith Fordyce – featuring Brian Poole & The Trems, The Zombies, Maureen Evans, The Seekers, Paul Conway with the Eric Delaney Band. Following this was what had become a Sunday tradition at 12noon Family Favourites, and this week it was London and Cologne. Later in the afternoon a new Sunday show – Sunday Best, with Kenny Lynch, Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames, The Rockin Berries, and Dave Shephard Sextet. 5.00pm would bring Alan Freeman and Top of the Pops. Other radio programmes in the week that might have had us tuned into were –Tuesday 1.00pm Pop Inn with Keith Fordyce and 1.00pm Wednesday Parade of the Pops, with Matt Monro and Bob Miller & The Millermen
Television hi-lights – Saturday Juke Box Jury with David Jacobs – Panel this week Lonnie Donegan, Shirley Eaton, Jimmy Edwards & Polly Elves. Thursday it was Top Of The Pops with Alan Freeman – 7.30pm.
That what we are tuned into during this week, plus for many living in East Anglia, Tuesday 16th December that was to be another Red Letter day, with the Text transmissions from MV Galaxy – also known as “ RADIO LONDON on 266 meters on the medium wave band” – more about that next week. Until then keep the faith, and save you pennies for Christmas.
2014@Andre Palfrey-Martin

Meridian – Kings Country Club – Eastbourne.

October 19, 2022October 19, 2022 by Alan Esdaile

photo from Sandie Croft via Andre Martin/Kings Country Club Facebook page.

supplied by Andre Martin/Kings Country Club Facebook page

Janine Anne Hemsley…. Omg. Barry Goacher.

Andre Martin… OMG 30+ years ago – this group photo was taken when the Merries were part of the Jimmy Jones Season – January 1979. Great venue, great acts and great owner.

Ken Leadbeater… Saw Charles Aznavour there with some friends and my then wife. Great performance

John Wilde… Mitch Mitchell second right.