Supplied by Mick Thwaites
rolling stones
Rolling Stones – Hyde Park 5th July 1969
supplied by Philip John
Philip John…..Going through a pack of press cuttings i found this Archive account of the Stones in Hyde Park back in ’69. I think it really catches the changes taking place at that time.
I remember I was there with an old school friend, Paul Dobson who later developed the RSD Sound system company. We travelled up from Cheshunt Herts by train, I was wearing a pair of curtains my mother had brought back from India, poncho style ( think Clint in ‘A Fist Full of Dollars’,) over a purple shirt, jeans and fringed boots, I really thought I looked the business till we got to the park and found ourselves surrounded by thousands of very cool London groovers who could spot out of towners right away.
That aside we had a great day, the sound wasn’t all that good but this was the Stones live in concert and me and Paul along with thousands of others were part of it.
Anyone else got memories of that concert ?
Alan Esdaile…..I was there. Loved King Crimson. I remember wearing my Woodstock armband which I got from Atlantic Records for joining the uptightoutasight club and a hippy bell round my neck!
Anne Wells……I helped run the uptightoutasight (Atlantic/Stax appreciation club) while working for Polydor (incorporating Atlantic, Stax etc) in London in 1968-69. Probably posted off your armband !(as only 3 of us ran it). Also went to the Stones Hyde Park concert.
Alan Esdaile…..Excellent, Anne. Its bizarre what triggers these odd memories. I even remember the record that was sent to me – Brook Benton Rainy Night In Georgia. Coming back to the Stones gig another great band that does not seem to get any mentions nowadays is ‘ Family’. They were really good.
Redstar Richter….not me – but my partner is in the official film 🙂
John Wilde….Family, great band Alan, saw them many times, thanks for the reminder.
Geoff Peckham… I missed the Stones’ one, but went to the Blind Faith concert at Hyde Park. Also on the bill were: Donovan, Ritchie Havens, Third Ear Band and the ubiquitous Edgar Broughton. A fab day out
Wendy Weaver… I was there. Long way for the stage. I remember the cargo nets up to the front of he stage and bouncers throwing girls back into the crowd.
Paul Coleman… I was there. If I remember right the “security” were hells angels recruited for the job?
Alan Esdaile… Yes remember the hells angels.
Tony Court-holmes… yes
The Rolling Stones – ticket 26th May 1976 Earls Court London
Ticket supplied by Paul Sleet
Black and Blue album was released just before this tour
Yvonne Cleland… I was in the front row for this gig, even in front of the tightly-linked row of bouncers! I nearly got suffocated, but Mick Jagger leered at me, I swear he did!
Nigel Ford… Perhaps he thought he’d seen a white Marsha Hunt, Yvonne?
Yvonne Cleland… Oi! Cheeky!
John Paul Veness… was at this one too ,still one of the best gigs i’ve ever seen 🙂
Pete Fisher… I went on May 21st, when the only good thing was the Meters as support, and then again at Knebworth in August, where they came on two hours late because they couldn’t wake Keef up, and they were really rough again, but they were both great concerts!!
Yvonne Cleland…I saw them at Knebworth too! Yes, they were! My kids go to Knebworth now, but I think it’s been rebranded as ‘Download’ or something.
Tim Phillips… Alan I picked these up the other day…
supplied by Tim Phillips
Alan King… I was at Knebworth and fell asleep
Howling Dick… I was the teddy bear at the end of the show
Bands We’ve Seen On Hastings Pier – Tony May
Tony May talking about Bands On Hastings Pier
Hastings Pier may just be a derelict and rusting shell at the moment but its great to know that ‘the old girl’ is far from forgotten in the minds of many in the town and a number of nostalgic groups have popped up since the fire on social media websites like Facebook.
One such group –‘ Bands We’ve Seen On Hastings Pier’ http://www.facebook.com/groups/196962362327/ has proved particularly popular and has become THE place to visit on the Internet for those who desire to wax lyrical about anything to do with the Pier’s illustrious musical past.
Reading through the many posts makes you realise just how special a place Hastings Pier was in its heyday and its amazing to see just how many popular performers have contributed memories and/or photos to the group pages. In fact, almost anyone who has ever meant anything to the musical side of Hastings seems to have joined the conversation at some point and told a story or shared a memory or photograph.
Interestingly, those who had a close association with the Pier in the 1970’s seem to be the most vociferous members and there are numerous posts from Hastings favourites like Phil Thornton, Mick Mepham, Pete Fairless, Johnny Mason (Alan Esdaile), Terry Huggins, Ken Dengate, Robert Wren and a host of others.Don’t for a second though think that the party is an all male affair. Oh No! Plenty of ladies including Pam Shallcross, Yvonne Cleland and Margaret Haywood are regular posters and are just as passionate and chatty regarding their own personal memories.
It never ceases to make me smile when I think of the ‘eclectic’ selection of acts to have appeared on the Pier over the years…One of the weirdest groups of all perhaps was ‘Gong’. A ‘space rock, psychedelic, progressive rock band’, the group was never one to do things by half and Phil Thornton remembers that “UV lights, gliss guitar and paper plates” were all ingredients of the bands stage show.
Rolling Stones – Hastings Pier 11th April 1964
all supplied by Andre Palfrey-martin collection
Andre Martin….Happy Ballroom History Lesson – Saturday 11 April 1964 – and what an interesting weekend this was going to be, for a kick-off it was the second visit from the Rolling Stones, and for many it would be a start of the weeks wait for the release of the first album by the boys “ The Rolling Stones Album” – Alan would have had copies in The Disc Jockey this coming Thursday if not before. I have located an early publicity photo of the group from these early days.
We all know how the band had been attracting followers over the weeks, since their first appearance in the Happy Ballroom, the previous January 18th, when they had been backed by “The Four Aces”. The Hastings Observer added even more information about this second appearance, and I have attached for your perusal and appreciation.
The support act this time was “The Falcons” and this is where we are spoilt for choice, as there are listed several bands under that name. Firstly I need to establish these were NOT the American Soul act of the same name, from Detroit and included in their line up Wilson Puckett and Eddie Floyd !
The British offerings, included “ The Falcons” from Rosyth in Scotland, who were semi-professional and their line up mainly from apprentices in the Naval Dockyard, they did playing from some of the American Bases in the north and at one time went on a short tour of the USAF Clubs in France.
Birmingham features in the mix, with a group “ The Falcons” who included in their line up one Ulysses Adrian Wood – who would go onto become a interesting and entraining member of “Wizzard” who I remember booking on the Pier in the early 70s, with my partner Paul Casson.
The group that most probably would have been “The Falcons” appearing on Hastings Pier that Saturday night, would have come from Eastleigh nr Southampton and included in their line up an up and coming artiste who was to go and make his name with such as The Tornados and from the production stable of Joe Meek – Heinz. I have found a photo of the very young group taken in 1960 and have added to the story.
You will have from time to time come across the mentioning in the Happy Ballroom Advertisements’ of the Rock & Roll or Twisting Nights, that were run by John Hodgson, it is rare that we get many mentions of the groups of played at these regular mid-week functions, but please see this weeks press report as that fills in one of the gaps.
John Storer…..I see the following week, The Rattles were playing. They had a big hit 6 years later with “The Witch” and, like the Stones, are still touring and making the occasional album.
Andre Martin…Die Geschichte von der Happy Ballroom – Das wird Teil der nächsten Wochen.
Jeanette Steve Jones…..Ja, echt Super
Olli Laasanen … Hastings Pier was built in 1872. It flourished during late Victorian era. It was first time destroyed by fire in 1917. It’s prime time was in 1930’s. Rolling Stones had a gig there on 1964. There was severe storm damages during 1990’s. The fire destroyed in in 2010. I took this picture in 1978, during a calm July day.
© olli laasanen http://%20www.ollilaasanen.wordpress.com
Jill Caine… I was there!! Serving in the bar until the Stones came on, then I was in the ballroom with everyone else!!
John Duddridge… I was also there. What a brilliant night, when the Stones came on I got moved from the back of the ballroom to about halfway to the front caused by the surge of fans. My main concern was not to spill my beer which I had probably bought from Jill a bit earlier. Great times.
Christine Toms… I was there brought the Stones in by speedboat to avoid the fans
David Bargioni… I was there…..with Andre.
Jackie Hersee… I was there
Gavin Martin… I wonder if The Rattles inspired The Rutles?
Rolling Stones – Hastings Pier 18th January 1964
Ad supplied by Andy Gunton
Andy Gunton… I was sent this photo by a friend earlier, I think it’s from January 1964? He found it while doing some musical research, not sure where.
Andre Martin… For some reason it’s been printed on red, this was the second visit from the boys in 1964
Alan Esdaile… The only other thoughts I have is, was it an ad in a What’s On type magazine?
Jill Caine… Awwwww memories!! I woz there.
Mick O’Dowd… This is a colour version of the Observer ad.
Mick Knights… I do remember that I couldn’t afford the 2/6 entrance!
Martin Richter… rolling who…..?
Jill Caine… I was there. behind the bar until the Stones came and then into the ballroom to see them!!!
Glenn Piper… Pity I was only 7 at the time
Gavin Martin… Long haired layabouts .. They look like gurls. I wouldn’t let my great grandmother anywhere near them
Pauline Lindsay… I was there to and remember it well.
Helen Kingshott… I was there to 
Peter Fairless… Their Decca EP was released the day before, ‘Bye Bye Johnny’ and ‘Money’ on the ‘A ‘ side, ‘Poison Ivy’ and this on the ‘B’ side. One of our favourites…
Terry Haddon… Me as well Pauline,great night
Bob Laurie.. Opened with “King Bee” as I remember! Cycled over from Bexhill in the freezing cold to see!
Robert Andrew Hale… Bob, Thank you for that info, I’m a big Stones fan, brought up in St Leonards, but was only just born in 64, first got to see them in 82… began with “King Bee”? fascinating, do you remember anything else? Thank you again …
Bob Laurie… I only remember that It’s All Over Now was the current single and was impressed by Keith’s waistcoat. He was playing a red semi-acoustic – perhaps an Epiphone.
Lloyd Johnson… I was there…saw them twice on the Pier….they arrived in an Ambulance and ran up the left side of the Pier to the ballroom. I saw them jump out of the ambulance whilst we were queuing to get in….
David Bargioni… Yep, I was there too.
Chris Jones… I interviewed them for the Observer. They were not very pleasant to a young reporter, with the exception of Mick, who was very pleasant.
Rolling Stones – Hastings Pier 1st August 1964 by Andre Martin
all cuttings Andre Palfrey-martin collection, pier crowd photo Coz ‘Swoz’ Booth from Alex Chapman West Marina To Hastings Pier.
ticket for sale… https://www.tracks.co.uk/product/rs613-rolling-stones-1964-hastings-pier-ballroom-concert-ticket-stub-uk/
Dateline – August Bank Holiday 1st August 1964, and here we are all poised for another great weekend in The Happy Ballroom – headline act this weekend The Rolling Stones, making their 3rd visit to Hastings, and this was going to be a good night, as they had just had 2 weeks in the no 1 spot on the UK Charts with “It’s All Over Now “ – a number penned by Bobby & Shirley Womack and had been originally released in the US by the Valentinos. The Stones had raved about this song when they first heard this on the Murray the K Show earlier that year. For those who like FACTS – it was The Beatles, with “ A Hard Day’s Night” that had pushed The Stones off the No 1 spot the previous week. Because of the popularity the prices had risen to 10/- admission. The supporting bands were The Worrying Kind and The Sabres – both of which were well know to the patrons of the Happy Ballroom. So nothing very different than a normal Saturday night in The Happy Ballroom – but as we all know things were about to change. Because of the very recent chart success of The Stones, more than normal crowds began to arrive at the Pier, also being a Bank Holiday extra visitors, looking for a long weekend added to the interest. Because of the numbers of fans it was agreed that to get the band onto the Ballroom, different tactics should be used, and in this instance the famous disused ambulance delivery would be used. I have attached with this amongst the photos, a copy from the after-action report from the Police giving more details of this activity. Well as we all now know, this was going to be the start of a very different weekend for Hastings, and one that would be branded – Second Battle of Hastings. The night before – 31st July – Ready Steady Go would include – –The Kinks – “You Really Got Me.”
–Manfred Mann – “Do Wah Diddy Diddy.”–The Four Pennies – ” Found Out The Hard Way.”
–Kenny Lynch – “What Am I To You” (or “My Own Two Feet”). -Simon Scott – “Move It Baby.”
–Peter Lee Stirling –The Shevelles -The Leroys
This had set the musical scene for the Bank Holiday. Along the seafront at the very recently opened The Witch Doctor, was planning a weekend that would have included Saturday night – from Coventry “ The Avengers “ and Sunday “ John Lees Ground Hoggs”. Andre Martin
Clifford Rose……I’d like to have seen the Alex Harvey Soul Band. Same Alex Harvey before the rock band.
Andre Martin… The crowd photo, just prior to the Rolling Stones Appearing in the Happy Ballroom, this was part of the build up to the second Battle of Hastings as the press and TV branded the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Sue Verrall… The Sabres supporting wow !!!
Rolling Stones ticket – Hastings Pier 11th April 1964
better photo of The Rolling Stones in an ambulance from the 2nd August 1964 Hastings gig.
All supplied by Mick Thwaites
John Busbridge… I was there!
Lloyd Johnson… I was queuing waiting outside and the Ambulance backed up to the left side of The Pier and they all jumped out and ran like mad up the side walkway to the ballroom….
Judy Atkinson… My sister Christine Toms (was Fullbrook) was at both their gigs on the pier and got their autographs
Lyn Humphrey… That was the day when my first childhood dog died (not that I dwell on it).
Kevin Burchett… I was very close to this. I saw them get out of the ambulance I was about 6ft away from them. I was only young, my parents took my sister to see them she’s 4 years older than me
Des Moxam… Why in an ambulance?
Alan Esdaile… Des, to get on and off the pier. Here’s the details supplied by Andre Martin…
Maureen Peterson… There getaway transport
The Rolling Stones – The Hayloft at Fairlight Cove Hotel? asks Karen Draper
Karen Draper… Does anyone know if The Rolling Stones ever played at The Hayloft at Fairlight Cove Hotel? There have been rumours but we (Fairlight History Group) have found no evidence to confirm this. Any help would be appreciated.
Peter Fairless… Seems unlikely, they did play St Clements caves, though. Any suggestions as to the date?
Alan Esdaile… I think if they did, then I’m sure it would have be documented or mentioned before. Mind you if they did play the caves then its always possible they did stop of their???
Eric Harmer… No
Bookham Ally… Wasn’t there a Hastings/Kent/Sussex band also called The Rolling Stones who dropped the name when Brian, Mick and Keef started.
Mick Thwaites… No, The Stones didn’t play at The Hayloft and sorry to say they also didn’t play The Caves. They were booked for it but as they had become a bit more famous, they wanted more money, and Brian became ill so they never played.
Pete Fairless… Err… no! They played at the caves, it’s in Keith’s book…