tony bird

Andy Qunta, Terry Pack & Tony Bird – Wing Studios 1981

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All photos © Pete Prescott

Phil Thornton… wow ! – I know all 3 of these splendid chaps, never expected to see them all in the same room together though !

Peter Millington…I  didn’t realise this dynamic duo did a version of “I Go Ape”

Terry Pack… 1981: Recording backing vocals (and ‘dancing’) on a session of Pete Prescott’s with the marvellous Andy Qunta at Tony Bird’s Wing Studio

Amber Young…  LOL, love it (the dancing).

Pete Prescott… My first attempt at recording songs “wot I rote”. They were not very good. The boys (with Pete Shaw on drums and Andy Caine who played wonderful guitar) played well, fun day. I have them on tape. I play them once every five years or so then find a quiet place point North and howl for ten minutes. Seemed a good idea at the time. Now a GOOD one to hear is my very first band VILLAGE (with Andy holiday who runs the p.a. At Beatles day on bass) on our first time in a studio. I was 16/17.  My daughter Poppy used to beg me to put it on.  She used to scream with laughter (yes THAT good) I remember the guy left the talk back button on. I heard him say to Andy “yes I can put reverb and echo on . . . And it will still be out of tune with reverb and echo on it ! ” followed by “yes sounding good Pete ! Lets try it again !” That tape is buried in a secret place and no I can’t remember where it is ! I wake up in cold sweats when I remember it. Village did get better by the way.

Nick Hibberd… So, you were a Village person then Pete?

Phil Gill… “I’d, errm, give it a couple of minutes before going back in there, Ray….”

Chris Baker… I’m guessing the Funky Chicken?  

Lucy Pappas… Action pics! Wonderful x

Pete Prescott… We were recording at Tony’s studio. The guy’s were wonderful. The songs were my first attempt at recording anything I’d written…nuff said ! The vocals I did were bloody awful listening to them now. But a good time was had by all. One day I’ll re record one of them. Don’t they look young ! I think one was recorded live with Andy on piano at his sister’s house (?) You can hear birds in the background. I remember driving to Park Gate Studios that day with Andy C to pick A guitar amp up. Jack Bruce and Robin Trower and Reggie Isodore were there recording. There was a crate of whiskey in the hallway for Jack Bruce.

Terry Pack… I love these photos. We had a lot of fun recording those songs, as you can see.

Catherine Ireland… Are you sure you were trying to dance?

Terry Pack… Mmm. I’m not sure that ‘dance’ is the best verb for it, I agree, but that was the intention. It seemed to help us sing in tune and in time, though. I’m a little puzzled by the fact that, if Andy Caine was on this session, as Pete’s comment above suggests he was, he wasn’t singing instead of me…

Stuart Moir… That gas bottle by the window looks decidedly dodgy

Terry Pack… I like the miscellany of objects in the room: Andy‘s Wurlitzer, the gas bottle, the mugs of tea on the flight case… Do you still have the recording Pete?

Pete Prescott… I have it on a cassette somewhere and I have the original master tape. I wonder if its still playable ? I could ‘re do the vocals.

Jacquie Hinves… Park gate studios. Kevin was playing there with a Paul McCartney and Wings at the time . We would all meet up at the White Hart in Catsfield with some fabulous friends.

Jan Warren… WOW. all so young!!

 

Tony Bird’s Wing Recording Studio Bexhill 1978

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Mark Harris… Recorded there with the Beez Neez!

Terry Pack… Played on many a recording at Wing. Pete Prescott has some hilarious photos of Andy Qunta and overdubbing some bvs on a session of his.

Andy Qunta… those pics are hilarious! I should dig them out again!

Alan Esdaile… I will see what I can find but if you got any that haven’t been seen before, would be great if you could post them.

Jacquie Hinves… Oh happy days!! Was Phil Cordell involved with Revi Stockdale? My goodness I could write a book about the Cordell days with Kevin and my cousin Richard Branson.

Pete Prescott… Lovely memories. Tony should write a book !

Rich… Happy days remember this well…..

 

 

 

National Hero, Minotaur – 6th and 7th April 1979 The Carlisle

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photo from Jenny Hervey-Moon via Terry Pack – National Hero Paul Kendrick & Terry Pack

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supplied by Mick O’Dowd

Terry Pack…  Paul Kendrick & Terry Pack. It was a pop harmony band: a guitar, bass, keys and drums quartet with three voices, doing 50s, 60s and 70s material. I enjoyed it. The drummer you can just make out was Paul ‘Bunny’ Freeman.  Out of shot is Tony Bird.

Mick O’Dowd… Am thinking maybe National Hero or Easy Street?

Terry Pack… That’s right. National Hero. We played night clubs, holiday camps, British Legions and Working Men’s’ Clubs, in the days when there were lots of those gigs, and well paid.

Mick O’Dowd… Thought it might be them as I promoted them at The Carlisle around this time Terry.

Phil Thornton… I have no memory of playing at the Carlisle with Minotaur !!! – did this happen ? was anybody there ?

Mick O’Dowd… Yes it did happen as I put it on. Not full but I made a modest profit on the night Phil.

David Miller… I was there, your Mum and Kaye were there, John Wilde even showed up…. David McKnight, Marc Reynolds and Glen too. Upstairs, wunnit…! I remember that night (April 7th) as a member of Minotaur, I lost my voice but met John Wilde for the first time. One scene was coming to an end and a new one was bubbling up and getting ready to manifest.

Tim Moose Bruce… I remember seeing Loggerhead upstairs at the Carlisle. Prog stuff if I recall. Labrath Roadshow. Great rock music disco

Mick O’Dowd… Any idea where Steve & His Brother are now Tim?

Tim Moose Bruce… I never knew them . I just saw the band that night upstairs in the carlisle. Think the main band that night was Footlose or Slack Alice as they were latterly known when they changed the band name. Harry Randall may remember that night.

Mick O’Dowd… I used Labrath regularly as Steve was very reliable. I would love to know what became of him.

Steve Fox… I’ve just found out what happens when you google your history! Great days, good memories of running the Labrath disco, van loads of gear and tons of records, I’m still in the business repairing and servicing sound gear.

The Deep Purple – Cricket Ground Hastings and Cobweb letter 1968

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Supplied by Len Benton

Len Benton, Peter Horton, Tony Bird, Tich Turner and Ian McGilvray.

Robert Searle… Tich looking quite normal

Jim Breeds… “bee off”

Pauline Richards… Peter Horton. Still looks so much like himself

Colin Fox… When Tich was just starting out in the music business, he used to come and see us play at Battle memorial hall. Got to know him well in those days, and had the pleasure of seeing him play some years later in one of the colleges in Meads Eastbourne. Great singer, great rock band.

Robert Searle… Last time I saw him play was with that really good R&B group, can’t remember the name,at the Archery at Seaside Eastbourne.That was in the 70s

Mick O’Dowd… A real” moody” pose as per group pics in those days. Nice pics of Deep Purple emerging from Len Benton. Haven’t seen these before .

Judith Monk… I wanted to come to the next meeting and meet Len and his wife but sadly decided to break my leg instead….

Peter Horton… I do agree that Pete Horton looks like Pete Horton, Pauline. In fact we all look as I remember us. Fresh faced and young!!! They were good times. I had never seen this one before. Thanks Len.

John Wilde… They played at The Happening, Kings Rd. 1967.

 

Deep Purple – The Happening Club around 1967

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The Happening.

supplied by Peter Horton  at The Happening Club Kings Road

The local ‘Deep Purple’ around 1967 with original singer ‘Kevin Clark'(who was later replaced by Tich Turner). So I think the rest of the band are Peter Horton, Tony Bird, Ian McGilvray & Len Benton.

Joe Knight….WOW!!!!

Mick O’Dowd….This pic was taken at The Happening in Kings Road St.Leonards the home of Jon Wilde!

Geoff Peckham….I saw them several times in Bexhill. Enjoyed a bit of faux-fame because of their namesakes and even covered “Hush”. Loved Mac’s drumming. Eventually changed their name to Whiskey Mac.

Alan Esdaile Johnny Mason….When I first started going to gigs I think every band played ‘Hush’ and ‘Knock On Wood’.

Geoff Peckham….I played those and Midnight Hour, Hold On, etc. in my early bands too. But when I first heard the Bexhill Deep Purple playing Hush, I asked Mac if it was his band that had the single; he just put his finger to his lips and went “ssshhhhhh”!

Tonny from Cornwall…..Any idea how long the Bexhill Deep Purple existed? I’m trying to work out if some info I have about ‘Deep Purple’ supporting Kippington Lodge end of May 1968 in Goudhurst, Kent relates to ‘your’ Deep Purple or the more famous later version who were just back from a tour of Denmark.  Kippington Lodge were on Parlophone records; so were ‘Deep Purple’ of ‘Hush (and more) fame….

Andre Martin….If it helps in the calculation – Friday 27th September 1968, they had their first public appearance as Whisky Mac at the Tackleways Boys Club in Hastings. Kippington Lodge were one of the “back-up” bands for Hastings Pier, when John Schofield ran the Sat & Sun nights, they would appear almost at a moments notice. They were still playing a Deep Purple up to April time, I have some reference to this at the Regent Hotel. I have posted this picture before – in the write up it mentions that they will be playing the Witch Doctor – or the newly renamed club the Cobweb, that did not open until the end of February 1968 !

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Andre Palfrey-martin collection

Andre Martin….The group played in Eastbourne – The Continental in October 1967 – billed as The Deep Purple

Battle Memorial Hall November 1967

Ken Copsey… Great picture

John Wilde… Wonderful to see these images. I was there in my Fathers club The Happening.

Paul Sleet… I remember seeing them at Woodlands Girls school if memory serves me right. Must have been around 1968 or 69.

Pardon – promotion leaflet 1974.

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supplied by Len Benton

Tony Bird, Ian McGilvray and Len Benton

Photo of Ian McGilvray York Hotel Bexhill

Ian McGilvray… I think that was pre Deep Purple days.

Robert Searle… Good photo Mac of you and Tony Bird. Was it a Peddlers type of group?

Ian McGilvray… Yeah, more like the Peddlers. Keyboard based sound.

Pete Prescott… wow ! Good looking guys !

Terry Pack… I sat in with this trio at a talent competition at The Yorkshire Grey in St Leonards and won £5. I also depped with the band when Len was unwell.

Ian McGilvray… I remember

Terry Pack… I sat in with this trio at a talent competition at The Yorkshire Grey in St Leonards and won £5. I also depped with the band when Len was unwell. Early 1974? Late 1973? I know that I was about 15/16 and way too young to have been in the pub! Steve D was trying to persuade me to join his band, and I kept saying no because he was so much older than me, and I was intimidated by him and the others. Steve had to change your kit around to sit in.

Ian McGilvray… Thanks Len for finding the above photo.

Jim Breeds… At last!! A band for those of us with hearing aids!!

Lies – The Chatsworth Hotel 1980

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1. JAN 13th 1980 - LIES

13. 27th jan 1980 lies

16. 2nd march 1980 lies

supplied by Sarah Harvey

Sarah Harvey… Some familiar names from March 2nd, 1980. Pete Prescott , Kevin Hoad, Ray Fenwick, Terry Pack Tony Bird .

Andy Qunta… Excellent!

Terry Pack… I remember those Sunday gigs. I enjoyed that band.

Pete Prescott… We didn’t gig that much. I remember doing Stevie Wonder ‘ s loves in need of love today. A few Chatsworth gigs and it was done.

Peter Millington… I was there, great band and venue

Terry Pack… Sunday lunchtimes. Kevin used to joke that nobody would come to the gigs because people would think it was all lies.

Tim Anderson… And the support act….Post Truth.

Phil Gill… They later changed their name to Alternative Facts.

Sarah Harvey… Peter Prescott !!! How posh ☺

Mick O’Dowd… That’s alot of Lies!

Robert Searle… A. Great lineup, I would have love to have seen this.

Stuart Moir… I was there admiring Ray Fenwicks guitar prowess brilliant evening

Robert Searle…I did recording session with him years ago. The last time I saw him play was at the Hailsham Club with Tony Kenward group, he can play any style.

Pete Prescott…He is a fantastic player. As you say any style. Very classy. One of the very few that listens and likes singers and the overall sound of a track. I would love to work with him again. Offstage he’s also very funny. He had so many hilarious stories. I’ve told him he should write a book.

Bexhill Hop 1980’s photos Part 4 of 5

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supplied by Pete Prescott

Stuart Moir… Practice afternoon at the Bexhill club .Dave (Beano) Easton, one of the best front men alongside Pete Prescott on the band circuit .

Chris Howard… Totally Agree Stuart forever in my thoughts

Dean Clarke… Used to go to them with my parents

Joe Knight… Nice photos Pete

Heather Sidery… Good to see. I miss rehearsals. Long covid has knocked me down, but hope hope to get another band together before I’m 80

Pardon – Safari Club George Street Hastings, Joe Milligan and write up 1974

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supplied by Len Benton

Ian McGilvray, Tony Bird and Len Benton.

Photo 2 jamming with Joe Mulligan

Ian McGilvray… Joe was a great sax player.

Scoobi Doo… yes he was very dedicated he was my Dad x my dad Joe passed in 2002 and my uncle Ron passed in 2020

Harry Randall… back in 67-68 I used to sing for his soul band whatever happened to Joe and Ron?  Shouldn’t that be Joe Milligan not Mulligan?

Alan Esdaile… Thanks Harry, have updated.

Ernest Ballard… Tony looks so young

Roy Penfold… I was about to say the same – mind you, he hasn’t changed much over the years

Paula Kerkvliet…. Joe passed away few years ago now . Ron lives in Hastings still.

Harry Randall… Love to catch up with him!

Tony Court-holmes… used to work there

Paula Filler… Hello my name is Paula I am Ron Milligan’s daughter. I just wanted to let you know dad passed away this week peacefully in Hastings

Harry Randall… So sad to hear Ron has passed away. I was lead singer in “The Lloyd Milligan Sound” with Joe and Ron back in 68, we went to Keel in Germany but got diddled on the contract. Had some great times, condolences to all concerned!

Paula Filler… Thank you Harry Randall I bet you all had a fantastic time knowing dad raise a glass as we send him on his way on Wednesday

Ian McGilvray… Thank You for sharing that. RIP Ron

Mark Richards… great shot at The Crypt

Harry Randall…  (Paula) I’ll raise a glass! So sad for your loss! I’d love any photos of us back in 67-68

Paula Filler… I will ask Sue, Joe’s daughter if she has any for you, Harry Randall

Soo Milligan.. Hi I’m Soo, Joes daughter. Sadly my Dad was taken far too soon at the age of 59 in 2002.  I have many photos which I will find and put on. He cried when he had to sell his sax. I’ve only just found this on my Dads 80th birthday, this is amazing and I found all this stuff which I’ve never seen.

 

The Flipsides – Sidley Fete – 29th May 1965

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Sidley Fete2

 

photos supplied by Peter Horton

Peter Horton… The pics show a group that we named ” The Flipsides “. This group was formed to perform at The Sidley Fete on Saturday 29th May, 1965. We were formed on Wednesday 7th April, 1965 and we broke up following the gig. The line up was fairly flexible and several people actually came up on stage to play on the day. If anyone can remember who the vocalist was please let me know. During the afternoon we had multiple equipment failure and we never completed the set. Pictures of the audience indicate that they seem to be enjoying themselves.

photo 1 …  Tony Bird Lead/Rhythm Guitar LHS, unknown singer vocalist Centre Snap, Phillip Earle Drums RHS, Sue Walden Vocalist Shown just to the left of the right hand window.

photo 2… Tony Bird Lead/Rhythm LHS, Rev Stockdale Lead/Rhythm Centre, Pete Horton Rhythm Guitar RHS.

photo 3… Phillip Earle Drums Unfortunately 2 snaps were taken on top of each other but this is the only other picture of Phil that I have from that day.

Geoff Peckham… Great pictures. Being a Sidley lad at that time, I was probably one of the lads there in thrall.

Phil Earle… Gosh, I’d forgotten this. No idea who the vocalist is. This was the first of many kits I had over the years and was a red sparkle mixture of a Gigster bass drum, Olympic toms, and Gigster snare. Cymbals and hi hats were Zyn and super Zyn. I can even remember I used Premier L sticks bought from Bird Music when they were at the top of Sackville Road. Shame the photo of me was double exposed but hey ho still good to see. Following this group I went on to join The Shrew People which has been mentioned here before. I must look out the photos for the site.

Ian McGilvray… I must have been trying to get some tips from the Band. Believe it I’m in the bottom left hand corner of the second photo. (posing as normal)!

Robert Searle… Can’t miss you mate

Colin Fox… Not THE Tony Bird of Birds Music fame? lol

Gaynor Duke… I was just going to comment that I spotted Mac in the crowd

Ian McGilvray… That’s me Gaynor with My imitation Beatles haircut

Philip Holloway… Can you remember any more about the fete, when the group wasn’t playing? I could ask Tony Bird, but can’t get in the shop. I’m making a Facebook album on Sidley past present.

Nikki Terry… I remember Rev Stockdale, Tony Bird, Dave Easton, Mick Ingram, Stuart Moir, Graham Putland oh loads of names…….

Mark Randall… We recorded our first ever demo at Tony’s 4 track studio

Laura Stockdale… Hey! Revs daughter here, does anyone have any more pictures of my dad?

Peter Millington… Looks like Tony Bird is playing Bass if that’s him on the left hand side?

Robert Searle… Mac bottom left