seventies hastings

Our 36th coffee meet and no politics, well maybe a bit! Andre Martin confirmed that Carnival FM will be back on the air on 87.9 fm during carnival week. We talked about early disc jockey equipment and Conquest Hospital Radio. Heather Smith popped in looking for a sixties band to play at an event. Mick O’Dowd had with him a platinum disc of East 17 Steam for 50,000 sales, The Who Quadrophenia LP, Beatles LP covers of Sgt Peppers, The White Album, Please Please Me, Revolver, For Sale, A Hard Days Night, With The Beatles, Band Aid 12” single, and the bizarre ‘Walk With An Erection” by the S.A’s and yes it was a 12 inch, apparently a parody of Walk Like An Egyptian.  He also had a tour programme from The Shadows. I had with me books from John Peel by Mick Wall, Are You Experienced by Noel Redding and Carol Appleby, 12 Days On The Road The Sex Pistols and Scott Walker – A Deep Shade Of Blue.  Mick was talking about the bands that have played De La Warr Pavilion in the past like Zoot Money and Geno Washington. Colin Bell was talking about his favourite year in music which incidentally is the same as mine, 1967 and also remembering the jukebox in Divitos St Leonards. He even remembers what button to play ‘See My Baby Jive by Wizzard’ as Paul Casson used to play it all the time. He was also talking about a new post, on what tracks you secretly love or hate but never own up to! Eric Harmer was raving about an old Bill Withers track I Can’t Write Left Handed.  Ann Gill was talking about Boyzone and Ocean Colour Scene coming to the pier. Phil Gill confirmed that The Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band will be performing the Sgt Peppers album at the annual Hastings nearly on the beach concert on Sunday 30th July. Lol Cooksey was talking to John Petrie about modern drum kits. All are taught, positioned and set up to the same format. No room for originality and flair.  Barry Taylor was talking about the up coming Oak Fest Rye music festival which takes place on 17th June.  He was also talking about Terry Reid who recently played The De La Warr. Interestingly Terry wrote the hit Friends for Arrival who featured Tony O’Malley who was playing at the Jazz & Blues festival last week. A number of people from SMART went to the Jazz & Blues Festival and full marks to Mike Raxworthy for putting on a great line up with a brilliant set from Liane Carroll. This is just a small bit of what I remember, pleased feel free to add anything I missed.

Heather Smith… thank you so much for the leaflets you gave us, nice meeting you

Mick O’Dowd… Good one again Alan even though we were thinner on the ground this time. Still found interesting people to talk to. I know a few people that say they’re coming but then don’t al I can say to them is MAKE AN EFFORT, you won’t be dissapointed. It’s completely informal. No stand up speakers. You are NEVER left to fend for yourself as we make sure you are introduced to people that share your interests/music etc. Try it next Meet. Because you’re worth it!