Jimmy Page on session guitar…
jimmy page
The New Yardbirds – Surrey University 1968
supplied by The College of Rock and Roll Knowledge Facebook page via Peter Pursglove
The College of Rock and Roll Knowledge…. As you all know, bands change their name every now and then. Sometimes when they decide to change the name, tickets and posters have already been printed for a show the band is scheduled to play. This was the case on Oct. 25,1968 with The New Yardbirds. They had changed their name and were making their live concert debut at England’s Surrey University. The poster described the show as the “first big dance of the term.” In reality, it was the first concert of what many say was the greatest band in the history of Rock and Roll. (note, The New Yardbirds had already played some shows but this was the night they played under their new name.) 46 years ago tonight was the first live performance of “Led Zeppelin” with John Paul Jones , John Bonham, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.
Philip John… Strange but true. Way back in the day Ian Hunter auditioned for The New Yardbirds before the Mott gig came up. Fortunately for Zep they got Robert and fortunately for Mott they got Ian. Can’t help wondering what it would have been like the other way round.
Will Cornell… ….this may be an easy one, but what hit song did “The New Yardbirds” line-up (MINUS Plant) perform on 3 years before the first LZ album?
Robert Searle… Saw them when they first started ar Cooks Ferry Inn Edmonton with about 150 people there .A great night of good music.
Mickey Finn and The Blue Men – Hastings Pier 15th Aug 1964 by Andre Martin
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.