supplied by Jeanette Wilde
Jeanette Wilde… Ladies and gentlemen I give you the Happenings carnival float circa 1967. Second prize. What a great day that was! Any of you recognise yourself or friends please let me know!
the happening club
The Deep Purple – The Happening Club Kings Road, St Leonards photo & Canterbury gig.
supplied by Peter Horton, last photo supplied by Len Benton
Peter Horton…. The photos show our original singer Kevin Clark who became manager/ Transport Manager when Tich joined Deep Purple and Mick O’Dowd left as manager. Before we became Deep Purple on Friday 4th August, 1967 we were called ” The Likes Of Us ” . We were all originally school friends from Bexhil and first got together in 1963. We went through many changes of names and members. The photo is taken at The Happening Club, Kings Road, St Leonards.
The Club Happening Kings Road St Leonards-on-Sea – letterhead 1968
supplied by John Wilde
John Wilde… My Dads coffe bar and club.
David Miller… When was The Club Happening happening?
Jeanette Wilde… David, soon as that door opened!
David Miller… Seems like the Wilde clan were a big part of the scene down Hastings way….and beyond. Love it!
John Wilde… David, we had a basement cave like room with dj booth and we had live bands. I took 1/6 on the door entry fee. I think you got in for a shilling if you were a member.
Claire Triance… Was later called Speakeasy in the late 70s
Jeanette Wilde… Tony Blackburn DJ’d for our opening night. We were packed……….so bloody exciting!
David Kent… Claire, The Speakeasy was along the road from no. 8. I know this because my parents owned and lived in no. 8 from about 1974 to about 1980. Speakeasy possibly no. 25. My mum operated a fancy dress hire from the “cave”.
Mick O’Dowd… Great place. First met John Wilde there when I managed Deep Purple (Hastings) and we playd there. I also used to DJ there . Totally hip place.
John Wilde… great memories!
Gerry Fortsch… My old band played there a few times, if I recall it right we had our van painted there as well Great days.
Roger Carey… I recently played and sang a version of “See Emily Play ” – Pink Floyd- on one of the stream gigs Liane Carroll and myself do from home. I mentioned to Liane and others that I first heard it in Kings Road , playing from a coffee bar- it was “The Happening ” without a doubt! This was at the time that song was current 1967 or 8….
Tony Bird… It’s the first time that the band wore their “caftans”
Ian Mcgilvray… I remember that. We played there a few times didn’t We Tony. Deep Purple that is.
Mike Waghorne… John your dads club I can just about remember going there once !