Boogie By the Sea The Oval Hastings 26th July 2024. with Billy Ocean, Sister Sledge, Soul II Soul, Boney M.

Boogie By The Sea… Boogie By The Sea takes over The Oval in Hastings on Friday, 26th July. Join us for a soulful journey through the golden era of disco, funk, and soul, featuring a huge lineup of legendary artists!  Tickets go on sale Thursday 28th March 9AM. Signing up is ESSENTIAL for access to tickets. Sign up HERE –   Boogie By The Sea guarantees a night of unforgettable performances. Headlining is none other than the iconic Billy Ocean, whose smooth vocals and timeless hits have made him a household name. Joining him are disco legends Sister Sledge, the soulful sounds of Soul II Soul, the captivating tunes of Boney M, and the dynamic energy of the Soul Boutique Collective.  Boogie By The Sea is a celebration of the rich tapestry of disco, funk, and soul music that has shaped generations. From the funky basslines of Sister Sledge to the soulful melodies of Soul II Soul, each performance will transport attendees back to a time when disco, funk & soul music reigned supreme.

Tammy Smith… Can we take drink into the venue?

Kevin Burchett… i very much doubt it thats how they make there money

Louise Bishop… Is there a timetable for the acts?

Kings Eastbourne – September/October 1977

Janine Anne Scott… I was there in 76-79 in Meridian.

Lyn Whiteman… I was lucky enough to see all of these! Did waitressing and Kings allowed partners in to see shows- fab days!

Dave Weeks… I remember seeing Tommy Cooper there. Legend.

Steve Vollrath…Glass bottle, Bottle glass

Dave Weeks… jar spoon, spoon jar

Steve Vollrath… Dave, Just like that.

Dave Weeks… or was is like that?

Steve Vollrath… Been in the loft all weekend, sweating, filthy dirty and covered in cobwebs, But the kids love her.

Julie Finch… Great place

Robert Searle… I saw the Three Degrees with Clodagh Rogers supporting at Kings Country Club.The place was packed.

Pacman… King’s Country Club, Eastbourne, was a fantastic venue where many of the top performers could be seen. Solo artists, bands, comedians & many other types of entertainers all performed there. I was lucky enough to have my mum & wife at the time, both working there almost every week. I had free entry to so many shows I lost count. It was a wonderful time in my life and the “Showplace of the South is sadly missed. Top entertainment & great dining & dancing all in one place. Couldn’t be beaten. It was well placed for some people too as “Sundowners” disco was right opposite. (Now a car sales place). Ray King opened “Kings” in Eastbourne Town after he sold the country club.

Terry Tollan… We won the first talent show at Kings. First Bite ..Many years ago now.

Stuart Moir… So was the Sundowners opposite, Centre Page supported Showaddywaddy many times in that venue, such good times all gone now.

Alan Esdaile… Stuart, Yes, Sundowners was opposite.

Meridian – Kings Country Club – Eastbourne.

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

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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.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Billy Ocean: Remixes and Rarities 2CD

REMIXES & RARITIES  Billy Ocean
The latest in Cherry Pop’s excellent series ‘Remixes & Rarities’ (I’ve previously reviewed Flock of Seagulls and Amii Stewart) is this entry by Billy Ocean. If anyone was ripe for the remix treatment Billy is a dead cert. There has been unofficial remixes floating about but now this new 2CD set brings together 23 tracks, a number of which appearing for the first time here, all mastered superbly.Its been over 40 years since I remember getting the first promo single ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ back in 1976. I remember reviewing that and praising Billy for his voice and the extremely catchy chorus.  The following year he had a further hit with my own personal favourite ‘ Red Light (Spells Danger)’ and I was lucky enough to work with him on two occasions and can certainly attest to what a lovely. modest guy he is. In the years that have followed he’s had UK/USA No.1’s, and been awarded a Grammy, Ivor Novello and MOBO lifetime achievement award. Kicking off this set is the irresistable ‘When the Going Gets Tough (extended version) one of four versions (extended, instrumental, club, and 7th Heaven Club Mix).
If ever a song was going to get you on your feet this is it! This is followed by another biggie in Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) interestedly it’s titled ‘African Queen’ here and  another version also appears titled ‘European Queen’ I didn’t know it had different titles in different territories, I live and learn! Yet again the suggestion was made by the mogul Clive Davis who seems to crop up in every other review I write! ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ gets two mixes a 1986 Dance Mix and a Dub Mix. Maybe lesser known (here in the UK) are fine versions of ‘American Hearts’, ‘Licence To Chill’ and ‘Loverboy’. Then its definitely all back on the dance floor for a Extended 8.59 min mix of ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car’ another classic floorfiller. Great title, and lets not forget that Billy wrote/co wrote all his major hits, a fact I think often overlooked. This is a great collection if you’re having a summer party/barbeque on a summers evening, though invite the neighbours as this should be enjoyed LOUD to really feel those beats. Billy is currently finishing his eleventh studio album and touring throughout the UK, US and Australia alongside the equally great Beverley Knight and Jess Glynne (who seems to duet with everyone!) Along with the already mentioned excellent mastering the set contains a very informative 16 page colour booklet and is released this coming Friday (23rd). I’ll leave you with the original WTGGT until someone posts the remix (I do rather enjoy the ‘backing vocalists…). Enjoy.
For more information go to https://www.cherryred.co.uk
Til next time…………………………….Colin