Slade cartoon tee shirt by Mike Raxworthy around 1973

Mike Raxworthy… I thought some of your members would be interested in this. About 1973 I got a call from a bloke who said his name was Chas Chandler. Can’t be the famous Animals Bassist I thought. He said he would like me to call in his office in South Molten Street (near Bond Street) for a chat about some cartoons he needed doing. When I turned up I was surprised to see it was THE Chas Chandler and not only that, Noddy and Dave were sitting in there too – as well as John Steele (Animals Drummer) on a typewriter in the small outer office. After a chat I went off and designed this T-Shirt for them. Originally it was produced as an iron-on transfer then on a number of different coloured t-shirts. When I returned with the designs the whole band were there and they asked me to add a scar on Don’s face….he seemed to take a lot of piss-taking from the others. I was also invited to go on a trip to France with them and then to the launch of their second album. They played the whole album live at that launch….for a 4 piece they were superb on stage.

Leigh Wieland-Boys… Very interesting!

Sandie Carlyon… Saw them twice. Great atmosphere.

Andy Qunta… That’s excellent! Well done, Mike! Great band!

Chris Meachen… Saw them many years ago when they played at Reading festival as a last-minute substitute for the headline act, who couldn’t turn up for some reason.They were absolutely brilliant, having got together at such short notice after a hiatus of over a year.. Although it was August bank holiday, we made them play ‘Merry Christmas’ three times..

Dave Nattress… Nice story, great cartoon and…Slade could play a bit let’s not forget!!

Graham Belchamber… Saw them at Donnington on a very rainy summers day, they came on mid-afternoon before Blue Oyster Cult who suffered considerably as Slade were outstanding and BOC could not match their energy and lost the crowd straight away. I also recall during the Slade mass singalongs that rapidly disintegrating barrels of hay were being lobbed around. Later that day during Whitesnakes set, (AC /DC were headlining), a load of bikers pushed over a burger van which caught fire ( the staff had vacated). Those halcyon summer days at The Monsters of Rock in the early 80’s!

Alan Esdaile… I only saw them once, at the Radio One Club in Regents Street, when they launched Get Down and Get With It, introduced by Diddy David Hamilton!

Louis Wiggett… Saw that exceptional Slade cartoon t-shirt design and was wondering if the original artwork still exists?

Mike Raxworthy… Wish I could find it – still got the transfer back-to-front sheet. Gave Chas the original which he sent on to the printer!

Sandi Carlyon… Still got my Slade scarf bought when I saw them at Earls Court London.

Bill Thomson… I remember this print well. Would definitely buy something similar now.

Tony Davis… If only Noddy would sing again

Mike Raxworthy… that would be brilliant – couldn’t bring myself to go to the White Rock – Slade not Slade without Noddy!

Tony Davis… agreed. Saw them at Giants of Rock in Minehead earlier this year and they were dreadful. Dave Hill was just arsing around all the time. Loads of us walked out

Dawn Leaney… Brilliant Mike.. what a story! Loved Slade

Janet Rennie… My favourite 70’s band . Saw them at Wembley in 1973 when I was 14 . Then last year at the white rock . Dave Hill was superb as ever. Lucky he was my fave!!! Would definitely want a t shirt if you ever produced one again

Pete Prescott… When are you going to write your memoirs ? You have to do it ! You’ve certainly done so much.

Mike Raxworthy… might clean this print up and knock out some T-shirts! It’s my copyright.

Pete Prescott… Does Don Powell still live in Ninfield ?

Andy Qunta… I saw a very interesting interview with him on YouTube. Said he was living in Eastbourne at that time.

Tim Moose Bruce… Last I heard he moved to Norway.

Alan Esdaile… Your right Pete, he does need to write his memoirs. Mike only told me a fraction and lots that we couldn’t talk about…

Pete Thomson… Mike, I’d happily part with a quid for one of these! Oh hang on, I was on about £9 a week in ‘73, so that equates to…..

Mike Raxworthy… Ha ha – might sign it personally for you – got to be worth a quid extra!!!

Hastings Beach Concert 2021 – 31st July and 1st August 2021

Mike Raxworthy… Been working on this one for over a year counting the postponement of last year’s event…. So really looking forward to finally presenting it. Everything and everyone in place… Sunshine is all we need now!! The dates for this years Beach Concerts are Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August. Are you ready Hastings…..

Freak Flag… How’s this for a freak coincidence? We’re playing at TWO fantastic festivals in Hastings on Sat July 31. Catch us at 5.15pm at the Nearly On The Beach Concert at The Stade – a free 2-day extravaganza raising money for the RNLI, Sea Cadets and Pett Level Inshore Rescue Boat. Then at 10pm we’re headlining at Hastings Rock Radio’s Welcome-Back Fest, just down the road at The Carlisle pub. As well as celebrating the return of live music, the event is raising money for broadcasting fees at the rocking good station, which is run entirely by volunteers. There is no fixed entry price but gig-goers are asked to make a suggested donation of £4 at the door. A large part of our set will be different at each event, although we will repeat a few absolute classics. So why not join us at both?

Nick Bloomfield…Freak Flag were excellent yesterday. This was their tribute to Dusty Hill from ZZ Top who died earlier this week. Lots of dancers too…

Elaine Roberts… Brilliant video, Nick – thank you once again on behalf of everyone

Eric Harmer… Great band

Graham Belchamber… They were superb

Pete Prescott… A great set. I would love to sing a few of their songs.

Stephen Rapley… Good work Mr Raxworthy next time remind me of the date.

Nearly On The Beach Concert 2017 – final total.

photo © Rachel Rigsby

Mike Raxworthy… For everyone who got involved with this years Nearly on the Beach Concert….thought you’d like to know that the final figures came in at last nights meeting and we made a fantastic£8,800.00 profit – a wonderful surprise considering it was raining on the Saturday. This will be divided into 3 donations (apart from a small amount held back for getting next years concert rolling) between THE RNLI, THE PETT LEVEL RESCUE GUYS (self funded) and THE HASTINGS SEA CADETS (tomorrows Lifeboat men and women). A big thank you to everyone who helped, collected, played music, or turned up and put a whole lot of money in our collecting buckets! See you next year I hope! x

Pauline Richards… Well done

Glenn Piper… Fabulous guys and gals, well done for raising such a good amount 😀

Alan Esdaile… Amazing amount, considering the weather on Saturday. Well done Mike.

Gunhill – Eleanor Rigby 1995

Mike Raxworthy… Just found an old clip from 1995 of the original Gunhill line up, with John Lawton, Ricky Robbins, Lloyd Coates, Neil Kavanaugh and of course myself. Was a privilege being in this band for almost 4 years with these guys, especially a vocalist like John – probably the most underrated British rock vocalist ever! Please excuse the sound and video quality. This track was our version of Eleanor Rigby.

Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival 2016 – Music tent on The Stade Beach 16th Sept to 18th Sept 2016

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Mike Raxworthy says…

Friday…. The Launch Party for The Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival Weekend! Featuring The 10 Piece TWO TONES band supported by the 9 piece MIGHTY SOUNDS.
Tickets are £8 in advance at The Tourist Information Centre in Aquilla House – on the seafront near Iceland….or £10 on the door. We have a big licensed bar with real ales and a great party atmosphere!

Saturday… Here’s what we have on Saturday afternoon in my Entertainment Tent! 12 noon we kick off with Thee Jezabelles – 1.30pm The Sister Suzi Band – 3pm: The Sam Calver Band – 4.30pm: Kat & Co.(from USA) – and finishing at 6pm with The Hot Detroits (Eastbourne)!!
There are of course over 50 stalls sellings delicious seafood, English Wines, and the Billingsgate Seafood Training Kitchen….not to mention the Beer Festival going on in my marquee! A special tent with fish related activities for the kids and lots of other surprizes on site. Dress as a Norman or Saxon and claim a free glass!

Sunday…. So here’s what I have for Sunday in my music tent….
Up early for the Jazz Breakfast featuring one of the jewels in the Hastings Music Crown – the superb Liane Carroll and her trio. This is truely a very special event. Doors open at 9am – yes 9am! Tickets are £15 in advance at Hastings Tourist Information Centre, Aquila House on Hastings Seafront. Under 18’s: £10. For this you get two hours of ‘Liane Magic’, a selection of savory and sweet danish pastries, tea, coffee and orange juice and a wonderful atmosphere, rain or shine!
Starting the afternoon session at 1.15pm (for this you’ll need your £1 in advance weekend wristbands or £2 on the door – FREE FOR KIDS) I present The Salts! Sea Shanties just like you’ve never heard before! At 2.45pm: All the way from Belgium…Ilja Neve playing his own unique brand of R’n’B and upbeat blues! 4.15: Direct from London…The Hi-Fi Sneakers! Older locals will recognise Tich Turner returning to his old stomping ground with a great set of rare Northern Soul songs and some great self-penned material. The weekend finishes with my own personal favourites at 6pm: Blues Brothers – Soul Sisters. Make my weekend – turn up – have a great time and dance the weekend away!

Concert for St Michael’s – White Rock Theatre 6th Sept 2015

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designed by Cliff Brooker

After the shocking fire at the hospice, Pete Prescott, Mike Raxworthy and Andy Gunton are putting together a special fund raising event on the 6th September, 2015.

Pete Prescott… I would like to thank Mick Burt and his band VEXED who just gave me £100. They received it for playing at the funeral of Colin Murphy.  It’s going towards the concert I’m organising with Mike Raxworthy and Andy Gunton. Its at the White Rock Theatre on Sept 6th 3.00.till 10.00.(the theatre have given us the day free of charge and the staff have volunteered their services on the day ) some of the top local bands will play (Rockitmen, Soul Express, Kid Kapichi, Liane Carroll and Roger Carey, Marie White and band, The Do They’s,  The Tabs,  Rich Lown , The Pete Prescott Band, Dr Savage and the Fat Tuesday 2nd line, Soundwaves ) All proceeds will go to the hospice.

Yvonne Cleland… Sounds like a cracking gig for a great cause ))) xxx

Bob Shoesmith… Some very familiar faces Yvonne

Lucy Pappas… Brilliant! Wonderful music for a great cause xx

Vicky Rosling… How can you purchase tickets?

Alan Esdaile… This gig is not official announced until next week and I expect tickets will be available from The White Rock Theatre. Hope to have confirmation of this in the next few days.

Pete Prescott… Yes that’s correct. Pay on the door.

Andre Martin… As Carnival FM is supporting St Michaels – lets have some more details and we can get a few mentions going during the week of transmission I am sure.

Andy Gunton… Concert for St Michael’s is a benefit gig to raise much needed funds for St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards On Sea. Admission is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s, payable at the door. Tickets are not available in advance. Wristbands will be issued to enable you to come and go during the event. Concert for St Michael’s runs from 3-10pm, doors open at 2.30pm. All musicians are giving their services for free.  Acts and running times are subject to change and alteration. There will be a raffle on the day, with some great prizes already donated. The organisers would like to thank everyone who has helped get this event off the ground at such short notice, we appreciate it. More details coming soon, but in the meantime put the date in your diary.

Paul Merison… Also The Do They’s have been added to the bill.

Andy Gunton… Confirmed running order. It’s a little different to the poster and, as with all events like this, it is subject to change and alteration.
3pm – Soundwaves Choir
3.25 – Rich Lown
4.00 – Pete Prescott Band
4.35 – Marie White Band
5.10 – Dr Savage
5.45 – Rufus Stone Band 6.20 – Kid Kapichi
6.55 – The DoTheys
7.30 – The Tabs
8.05 – Liane Carroll & Roger Carey
8.45 – Soul Express
9.25 – 1066 Rockitmen

Philip John… Had to whip back early from the Concert for St Michael’s but was lucky enough to catch Pete Prescott’s set. Pete was on sparkling form and the band was tight as spandex trousers ! The addition of the sax player worked really well with some of the more jazzy numbers especially the BS&T Spinning Wheel some good blues too, especially liked their version of ‘Born under a bad sign’. Worth the ten quid just to see that band, then along comes ‘Kid Kapichi’. Recommended to me by Andy Gunton I was not disappointed. Saw them at a beach concert and thought they were OK but tonight they were scorching!  Great to see a guitarist with an AC 30 amp real clean sound. Good image, especially liked the bass player, a sort of prowling Wilko Johnson with one serious hair cut . Don’t know most of their numbers but really enjoyed ‘Murder on George Street’ and the following three numbers. Surely it’s only a matter of time before they move on up. The last band I caught before heading home to finish off pressing computer work was ‘The Do Theys’ .Excellent covers band, the lead singer is a real showman and had I stayed for one more number I’d have had to get up and shake it all about with all the wild women down the front. Still haven’t been able to shake ‘Blame it on Sunshine’ from my head. Have to say it was good to see a bunch of young guys up and dancing along side the ladies.

Alan Esdaile… Agree on the Pete Prescott Band, Philip. Blood Sweat & Tears Spinning Wheel was excellent. Great to catch up with a few people today. Some amazing talent on stage and Liane Carroll and Roger Carey were sensational.

Andy Gunton… I know I’m biased, but would have to agree about Kid Kapichi. They’ve certainly come on in the past year. I was saying to them afterwards, in the dressing room, how they now come across as a real ‘band’. The music, image, on stage interaction etc has all clicked into place.
Glad you mentioned ‘Murder on George St’, as I think that’s a cracker, as is ‘Ice Cream’ another new song.

Bon Giovi & support Highway – Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival Friday 13th Sept 2013

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Promoter Mike Raxworthy.…Some of you might know that I book and put on the music for Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival. This year its on Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th of September. As I always get my entertainment marquee, stage and bar in place by the Thursday I asked the council to consider having a launch party in it on the friday (13th sept!!!). They gave me permission but added that the funding (due to cut backs) had to be down to me….my risk. I’ve decided to go for it and have booked Bon Giovi to headline. ‘A tribute!’ I hear you say, but this band is one hell of a tribute! Their lead vocalist Andreas is a brilliant vocalist in his own right and highly acclaimed by guys like Robert Plant and Mick Box. Even Jon himself reckons the guy’s a must-see! The support band is Pete Presscot’s Highway. Tickets are only £7.50 in advance from Hastings Information Centre…the new one in Aquilla House. If I get 320 people I’m covered, so without this sounding like a begging letter, please come along and support it. If it’s a success I’m sure the council will let me do something bigger next year.