hastings pier

Glenn Cornick R.I.P. – original Jethro Tull bassist, dies aged 67

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-29001854

Clive Richardson….Glenn Cornick was brilliant on the pier with ‘Wild Turkey’ in 1973. The best gig ever.

Trish N Kevin Sherwood…Yes they were excellent that night, a great player.

Mick Mepham… They were indeed hemstrand! Sad to hear of his passing :{

John Wilde… Glenn. Brilliant. Thank you man.

Pete Prescott… I saw him a few times with Wild Turkey. He stood out if only for his style of dress. Sad.

Chris Sambrook…Wild Turkey didn’t they support Ten Years After on the Pier, Glenn Cornick was a brilliant Bass Player. Especially on the first 3 Jethro Tull albums.

John Wilde… Was Glenn in Tandoori Cassette?  any clue?

Alan Esdaile… Don’t think he was in Tandoori Cassette, unless anyone knows different. This is all I could find….A early 80s short lived rock band formed by Barriemore Barlow. After leaving Tull in 1980, he formed the short-lived “Tandoori Cassette” with Zal Cleminson of Nazareth, Charlie Tumahai, and Ronnie Leahy, the keyboard player with Stone The Crows.

Gary Kinch… I remember Wild Turkey on the pier. I remember thinking at the time he don’t half look like Chris Meachen.

Janine Anne Hemsley… What a loss xx

John Wilde… Barriemore was who I was thinking of. Expandis supported Tandoori Cassette around 83 at the Marquee. They were brilliant.

Clive Richardson… Wild Turkey appeared on the pier twice in 1973, 7th March with Jailbait and 18th August with Daisy. My favourite track is ‘One Sole Survivor’.

Pete Prescott… I saw wild Turkey at the Albert Hall supporting Black Sabbath and at sittingbourne town hall then supporting gentle giant at Central hall chatham. Loved the band especially the singer Gary pickford hopkins. My favorite track was good old days. Bernie marsden was with them when I saw them. Very sad.

Phil Thornton… I thought Zal Cleminson was from the sensational Alex Harvey Band ? …… and wasent the rest of the Tandoori Cassette line up from Bebop delux ?

The Honeycombs – Hastings Pier 29th August 1964 by Andre Martin

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Andre Martin…Here we are at the end of August 1964, and what an exciting month that has been for us in Hastings – this is Saturday 29th, and we are back at the Happy Ballroom, for the next episode of its musical history. Has the Pier management decided to start the fight back against the new local competition, and start booking bands that are building their own reputations, this week we have The HoneyCombs and the support from Brighton – Shelly – formerly known as The Sabres, who were about to embark on a future playing in Europe, and would become top names in both Denmark and Scandinavia within the next few years. This was to be one of the last appearance from the band in Hastings.
The Top of the Bill, The HoneyCombs – started in November 1963 as an amateur band founded by Martin Murray, Its members were Murray, a hairdresser, his salon assistant Honey Lantree her brother John and two friends, Originally they called themselves the Sheratons. The group played dates in the West End of London, and at the Mildmay Tavern a North London pub. Among those attending an appearance of the band in February 1964 were aspiring songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. Howard and Blaikley would become a prolific British songwriting team, writing songs recorded by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, the Herd, Lulu and even Elvis Presley, but in 1964 they had just started their career They got into conversation with the group, which appeared interested in a few songs the duo had just written. The group had already arranged an audition with indie record producer Joe Meek The audition resulted in a recording of Howard and Blaikley’s “Have I the Right?”. Meek himself provided the B-side, “Please Don’t Pretend Again”.
“Have I the Right?” was released in June 1964 on the Pye record label. Louis Benjamin Pye’s later chairman rechristened the group The Honeycombs, a pun on the drummer’s name and her job as a hairdresser’s assistant. The sales started slowly, but by the end of July the record started to climb in the UK Singles Chart. At the end of August the record reached No. 1. “Have I the Right?” was also a big success outside the UK, hitting No. 1 in Australia and Canada, No. 5 in the US ] and No. 2 in the Netherlands. Overall sales of the record reached a million. The Honeycombs also recorded a German version of the song: “Hab ich das Recht?” Both the English and the German versions reached No 21 in the German charts: the English one in October, the German one in November 1964. That would have made the Pier Managements day – with a No 1 Hit record recording group playing in the Happy Ballroom. Elswhere the competiton at the Witch Doctor would have been the regular 7 nights a week, plus Sunday afternoon offering with such artistes this week as Neil Langdon & The Burnetts, Dave Champion & The Strangers, Peters Fables and Danny Mitchell & The Sound Sensations. Top billing that week would have been on the Sunday with Alexis Korner R&B Incorporated featuring Herbie Goins. The Weekend would have started off with the regular TV trip to Kingway London for Ready Steady Go, and on this weeks show —Gerry and the Pacemakers – “It’s Gonna Be Alright.” –Dusty Springfield – “Can I Get A Witness?”–Mark Wynter – “Love Hurts.”–Lulu – “Can’t Hear You.”—Filmed acts appearing “Rag Doll” (Four Seasons record).–a “You Never Can Tell” (Chuck Berry record). So that it for this week everybody – now looking forward to September 1964 and all that will hold for us in Hastings & St Leonards !       Andre Martin

Andy Qunta… ‘Have I The Right’ – Another gem!

Rolling Stones – Hastings Pier 1964 – Memories wanted

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Richard Houghton… 50 years ago this month the Rolling Stones played a show at the Pier Ballroom in Hastings. I’m compiling a people’s history of the Stones and if any of your readers would like to share their memories of the concert I’d love to hear from them. I can be contacted via email at richardmhoughton@gmail.com or by writing to me at 32 Manor Avenue, Preston, PR2 8DN.

Mickey Finn and The Blue Men – Hastings Pier 15th Aug 1964 by Andre Martin

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all cuttings Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Andre Martin… Are we sitting comfortably, now is the time for the next episode of the History of The Happy Ballroom on Hastings Pier, its Saturday 15th August 1964, the excitement of the Bank Holiday has now gone, although the moaning and groaning of the authorities still continues. Bt we have 2 groups on the Pier tonight – headlining are Mickey Finn and The Blue Men, and in support, another of our regulars Earl Sheriden and the House Shakers. 8.00pm – 11.45pm all for 6/- [ 30 pence in todays money] plus the benefit of the breezy walk to and from the ballroom, and the use “of the Longest Bar in Town”
Here is some background to the headliners – Mickey Waller, also known by the stage name Mickey Finn, was an English guitarist. He started out with instrumental band “The Strangers” in Bethnal Green, East London, in the Summer of 1961. In 1963 Waller adopted the name Mickey Finn – after having heard about the drummer named Micky Waller – and joined with John “Fluff” Cooke (keyboards), John Burkett (bass), Alan Marks (lead vocals) and Richard Brand (Drums) to form “Mickey Finn & The Blue Men”, who released their debut single in January 1964. Jimmy Page recorded with the band over the following months. With Burkett replaced by first Mick Stannard in late 1965 and then Rod Clark, the band were renamed “The Mickey Finn” in 1966. They released four more singles, the last of which, “Garden Of My Mind”, is their most well known song and has become a cult favourite despite failing to chart at the time.
Over in the Kingsway Studios in London RSG was well received last night – Friday 14th August, with a really good line up. Including – scheduled guests: –Georgie Fame –Swinging Blue Jeans–The Naturals – “I Should Have Known Better” –Alexis Korner and Blues Incorporated –Johnny Milton and the Condors –Julie Grant.
Along the prom at the Witch Doctor, the crowds were still being pulled in by the 7 nights a week programme Saturday – Denny Saten & The Sabers with The Hustlers : Sunday – John Best and The Challengers : Wednesday – Grant Tracy & The Sunsets and Friday The Discs. Plus – Records on the other nights. Ticket prices between 1/6d and 6/- and everybody out to catch the last bus home ! How things have changed.                                            Andre Martin

Robert Searle… A good find.

Tich Turner & John Wilde together in Steppin’ Out – 1977

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https://soundcloud.com/martyn-baker/steppin-out-hurt-again-live-on-hastings-pier

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Martyn Baker… In case John Alexander Wilde was feeling left out from my earlier comments about great soul singers from Hastings…. Here he is singing dual lead vocals with Tich Turner. For one night only in 1977 the two ex-“Stallion” lead vocalists singing together on Hastings Pier singing in the band Steppin’ Out. (From a very rare live tape). Recorded live on Hastings Pier c.1977. The band on that night were:- Tich Turner – vocal,  Johnny Wilde – vocal,  Roger Hubbard – guitar and vocal, Stevie Whitefield – guitar and vocal, Wesley Magoogan – saxes and vocal,  Andy Knight – Drums, Martyn Baker – Bass

Pete Prescott…  ran into kevin hoad last night at porters. We talked briefly about steppin outs photo session by winkle Island. It was the day after lynyrd skynrds plane crash in 77.i would love to see a photo from that session. I was a very inexperionced young singer completely out of his depth.i had never sung harmonies before. But l loved the band and learned a lot.i moved to Hastings on Christmas Eve 77. The band broke up on new years eve ha ha ! Ray fenwick had organised a recording using tich and wes plus session players in london.no other members were involved. Wes (as I recall ) was having none of that (good on him! ) he and tich had a fair old barny. End of band. Tich did the session. Enter the roaring 80’s. Shame. Amazing band steppin out.i had a fairly miserable few years not really knowing anyone. But it got better. I was very lucky moving to the most amazing town for music in the country. I have a couple õf cassettes of songs. And a few photos. Roger hubbard wrote most of the songs with tich I recall.not completely sure how all that worked. If anyone has any photos I’ll be at the White Rock Hotel Friday.

Martyn Baker… This gig happened just before you joined us Pete Prescott. Before that we had Martin Stringer as our other lead vocalist, John Alexander Wilde was there on this night to help with the transition, but I don’t really think it was his cup of tea, as we heard that he had left the gig before the encore to go directly to Portugal that night!  This song “Hurt Again” by Martin Stringer and Tich Turner. Also featuring Wesley Magoogan, and Andy Knight.

John Wilde… Thanks for the word up Martyn. I have absolutely no memory of this. Tich was/is a great Soul singer and still giving it large! Best wishes to you.

Mick O’Dowd… Tich was a good soul singer that’s why I signed him up for Deep Purple.

Patrick Dane & The Quiet Five – Hastings Pier 25th July 1964 by Andre Martin

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Andre Palfrey-martin collection

The summer weeks just pass by, and before we know we will have reached the August Bank Holiday weekend, and the special attractions over that weekend. In the weeks editions of the History of Hastings Pier – the Happy Ballroom, this Saturday 25th July 1964, we see the return visit from regulars – Patrick Kane & The Quite Five, and in support from the hub of south coast music [as they were always telling us] Brighton – The Sabres.Both of these had appeared together only a few weeks earlier, and must have been a successful night for their prompt return to Hastings. Patrick Dane and his group hailed from South London and had been around for many years; having served their time as it were in Hamburg like so many name groups in the 60s. There has also been a comment about the group on this FB page in the last couple of weeks. So I will not repeat. The Brighton based Sabres, were regular attractions at many of the dancehalls and clubs in the South and would go onto professional status in the coming year, and they were to have a successful career mainly in Scandinavia and Denmark – yet again here in Hastings “we saw them first” Let’s have a quick look at what else is happening – Ready Steady Go – one of our mainstays of current music and fashion is going from strength to strength on the Friday Night – and this week the line up would have included – The Rolling Stones – “It’s All Over Now.” -The Animals “House of the Rising Sun” -The Mojos – “Why Not Tonight.” -Sandie Shaw – “As Long As You’re Happy Baby “ – KingTaylor and The Dominoes “Somebody’s Always Trying” -The Fourmost & The Paramounts – so another good line up there, featuring some acts that we have seen or would be seeing shortly in Hastings.
That’s it for this week a short History Lesson, just leaves me to remind you that with Carnival FM returning to the airwaves on Saturday HASTINGS 87.9 or via the internet, will be plenty to tune into – in particularly on Monday 28th – 20.00 to 22.00 Time Machine returns and this year will be featuring many of the bands that visited Hastings Pier Happy Ballroom in it time, and on Friday 1st August as part of The Weekend Starts Here from 20.00 to Midnight, another special “The truth about the Mods and Rockers & The Second Battle of Hastings“ – Just what did happen that weekend, so do have a listen.
I will leave you with one last fact – Love him or Hate him – Tony Blackburn – aka Mr Magic, started his radio career with Radio Caroline South – 199meters in the medium wave band – exactly 50 years ago on 25 July 1964.- AND to update – his first record played was “Rag Doll by The Four Seasons”, and he started broadcasting at 4.00pm that afternoon. Congratulations to Arnold for having put up with him for so long!!  Next week it’s the Bank Holiday Weekend, and we all know what happened then ……                                          Andre Martin

Philip Meston…..Wasn’t Tony B the opening DJ on Radio 1 and the first track he played was Flowers In The Rain by The Move..?

Alan Esdaile….Yes that’s right, Tony Blackburn always gets a lot of stick but he introduced us to lots of great records, especially  lots of Motown.

Nicola Dobson….I met.him around rhat time at Biggin Hill air show still got.his autograph!……I met.him around rhat time at Biggin Hill air show still got.his autograph!

Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Humperdinks and Paul Burton & Chris Sayer in? – Hastings Pier 1993

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Humperdinks - Hastinge Pier 1993

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all photos & information supplied by Peter Millington

Gerry & The Pacemakers – Hastings Pier 1993. Not sure of correct date but fund raising gig for RNLI. Support for Gerry & The Pacemakers were The Humperdinks showing John Kingdon & Kenny Comfort. Also on the bill the second support act featured Paul Burton and Chris Sayer RIP and guest singer? Anyone know who and the name of the band?

Andre Martin……Great Act to work with, he was so not ” I am Big Star – look at me ” just a great Liverpudlian Guy, a real pleasure to be with him.

Karen Sweatman was Blackman…..Saw them at the De La Warr around the same time. Centre Page were supporting.

Madeline Joyce Morton…..Was it Spyke

Peter Millington…..No it wasn’t Spyke Madeline Joyce Morton I played in Spyke for as long as they lasted. Both Chris and Paul were in Spyke although Paul left the trio in 1968. Chris and I continued on for a couple of years and were then joined first by Terry Chedzoy (Drums/Vocals) and then Ian Williams (Guitar/Vocals). That was the hey-day and included a 3 times a week residency at the Alexandra Hotel. Chris Sayer left Spyke in 1973 and the group continued on until 1974 when Rod Trowell joined (from King Rod and Co). They then changed their name to JINKS and we are still playing today although there have been a couple of arrivals/departures.

Madeline Joyce Morton……Those were the days at the Alexandra . Yes Jinks I knew there was another name and it just would not come to me. Must be old age.

Colin Fox……In the first photo, is that Juan Sheet on the right?

John Kingdon….No Trevour Notton a Maidstone based singer.

Alan Esdaile…..When they came up with the name of the band Pacemakers, it meant something completely different to what we think of now.

The Happy Ballroom – 3rd/4th July 1964 The Kinks & Ted ‘Kingsize’ Taylor by Andre Martin

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The summer days continue and here we are at the first weekend in July, and what a busy time it was to be in The Happy Ballroom on Hastings Pier. The weekend starts of in true style on Friday 3rd with the local College of Further Education Summer Dance, and top of the bill – The Kinks, who had been down a few weeks earlier in May and given a very entertaining show to the crowds. For those of you who follow the History of The Happy Ballroom, you will have seen in a previous post details of a write up that had been made for the College Rag Mag – HOW and this gave details of the Kinks first single that had just been released and was now starting to move up the charts. Another little known story about this dance was that, back a few weeks when this dance was being planned, the college were offered as headliners a band from the North East, who were starting to make an impact, but it was decided to go for the Kinks for this date. The unselected outfit were The Animals, who had just released “The House of the Rising Sun” and would reach no 1 by the end of that month. The supporting group – The Classmates all that is known is that they were a 4 piece from south London, possible connection was that the Kinks were from Croydon Art College and they could have been from the same management. This was to be another first for the college, as the end time of the dance was to be extended to 3.00am, a little longer for everybody to enjoy the night than usual, when the dances would end by 2.00am.
Now for Saturday 4th July – no reference to American Independence Day – how things would change by the 1980s, the Headliners are King Size Taylor and the Dominos, and in support another regular and favourite of the crowd in the Happy Ballroom – Earl Sheridan and The Houseshakers.
The Dominoes were originally formed in north Liverpool, in 1957, from a school skiffle group called the Sinners, The following year, Ted “Kingsize” Taylor- so called for his 6′ 5″ height – joined as lead vocalist and guitarist. By summer 1960, the group were being billed as Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes. They first performed at the Cavern Club in January 1961, when they featured 17 year old singer Cilla White, who was mistakenly renamed Cilla Black later that year by Bill Harry in an article in his magazine Mersey Beat Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes were signed by Decca Records in Germany, and also recorded there for the Philips and Ariola labels. In 1963 they recorded an album, Live At The Star Club for Ariola, with whom they had a recording contract, but were also persuaded to make a separate album for Polydor. The album, Let’s Do the Slop, Twist, Madison, Hully Gully…, was released under the pseudonym of The Shakers. Three singles from the album – “Money”, “Whole Lotta Lovin'”, and “Hippy Hippy Shake” – were released by Polydor in the UK. All the recordings by Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes were covers of rock and roll and rhythm and blues songs by other artists; they wrote no songs themselves. Their biggest success in Germany was a version of Solomon Burke’s “Stupidity”, also released on the Decca label in the UK. While in Germany, they also performed regularly in Kiel and Berlin, and acted as backing group for Alex Harvey, before returning to the UK to back Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins on tour in 1964. They also appeared on the British TV show Ready Steady Go!
Here from 1964 – http://youtu.be/28g6FpGf7ak
That was a good weekend for all the youngsters here in Hastings. Nothing to report on the RSG front as for some reason nothing has been shown as scheduled, but earlier in the week on the BBC fledgling pop show Top of the Pops it featured Animals, Brian Poole & The Trems, Peter & Gordon and the Stones.
Another interesting historical fact for this week, that did in time have links with the Happy Ballroom – on Friday 3rd July – Fontana Records released I’m Fine by the Hi Numbers, who would change their name within the next few days to be The Who – but their appearances on the Pier will have to wait for another occasion.                           Andre Martin

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Ties in with a comment at the end of the History of the Happy Ballroom weekly write-up. The WHO would appear several times over the coming years.