old nightclubs in south shieldsmost awkward queer eye moments
I was told that Davey FINLAY my dad was sent to prison for 10 years for something done down the country but as I dont really know him I cant say. I probably went there between 1971 and 72 (I was 18 in 72) and can remember the feeling if excitement at hearing the very loud music coming from a juke box. I am now almost 80 and still follow the era and the music. If anyone reading this knew my mother or any other members of the Jimmy Bence Orchestra, please leave a comment on this site. Good bands played there. I can still remember the feeling of excitement as you stepped down each dark stair til you opened the door and the whole place came alive, with music, gorgeous people and the amazing music which never sounded the same anywhere else and still doesnt! They played Family In My Own Time and Curved Air Back Street Love and T Rex Get It On. I talked to Ken Brady today and he remembers Pete with affection. It was situated on the forth and fifth floor of a building at 1 Pink Lane, opposite Bowers restaurant. He also played at The Cavendish and LA Dolce Vita. The club was situated on Bath Lane, Newcastle and was spread over three floors with a reception, a disco and a cabaret room, all with curved walls. George, John is still looking to see if he has any photos of the entrance to Bloomers on Bath Lane. Enjoy the trip. I remember the DJ Dave, I thought he was so hip. Anyone still keep in touch with the Findlay brothers? I think he still lives in the North East and owned the Springs fitness centres. I was so petrified that I felt that every part of my body froze. June 9, 2022 . If Pete is still around you could use my email to get them together. I was about 17 when Wilson Picket pulled me up onto the tiny stage at the Newcastle Club aGoGo Jazz Lounge. I went back to work the club circuit in the 70s 80s and 90s but it was not the same, Hi, I wonder if anyone remembers a night club in Northumberland St I think it was above Callers it used to have a resident belly dancer and a casino. Ifeel so incredibly nostalgic about those very important days, which went over much too quickly. I was a regular there in the 60s maybe 63-64-65ish Also in Whitley Bay was an out of the way venue near the Ice Rink at Whitley Bay boys club on a Friday night. Happy days indeed!!! In particular a band member called Bill Mills. You and I used to share guitar vocals with Ken Maddison in the early 70s at La Strada until I moved to Montego Bay. Mighty Joe Young was the band of our choice.many musicians stood in with them, Nigel Stanger being one of them, Ronny McLean on tromboneEric Burdon often sang or shouted there and Allan Price raised the roof with his piano and electric organ if I remember rightly. I was born in Teesside in 1971 my Dad and Godfather had been doing the club circuit until we moved to Brighton about 73. I had a great time.Lots of memories. lol. The Club AGogo opened in 1962 and ran for just over six years. Real name Northumberland Arms. Newcastle in the mid to late sixties had a vibrant night life which, outside of London, was probably the best in the country for wining, dining, dancing, music and gambling. They always wore wine coloured suits and cowboy small ties. As well as the Crescendo he ran the Club Tempo in London and the Pentland Club in Edinburgh. Im 75yrs. Even better was the fact that he was actually staying at the same place as we were, the Pheasant Run Hotel. Venues were St.Georges Drill Hall by Northumberland Rd. Comment by Michael finlay December 12, 2011], How can u be his son micheal -when u cant even spell his name rite -and he hasnt got a clue who jackie is, Anyone remember Purple Haze, a school band from Redwell School in 1968 Johnathan,Richard,Frank and Michael, Hello everyone I dont supose for one minute that anyone remembers me, I was lead singer for The Strangers and The Strollers,what Im really trying to find out kylastron Mac is buried so I can go and pay my respects to an old and dear friend who I lost touch with a long time ago thanks, Hi Spent my late teens / early twenties in Newcastle 66 77 Worked in theatre but then at Change Is from 69 onwards till it turned into Bloomers, but have fond memories of all the venues listed here as well as Change Is. Its pubs, wine bars, and clubs, not to mention the myriad curry restaurants of Ocean Road, are just one of the attractions of the bustling South Tyneside seaside town. Dave Coates. Yes, Bob Monkhouse did own Change Is until it became Bloomers, I think. Dont know how she knew cos she had never been there!!! Often return back to the area and go walkabout. I am researching his club appearances in the UK any help would be ace. It sadly closed around 2016 and briefly turned into German bar, Das Wunderbar before closing completely. Jean McGowan, Hi Trevor Chance. Sad to hear about Dave passing. I still meet up with Paddy Plunkett, Bob Ackers, Bill Ross, Bryn Pringle, Cass, Bill Ross, Bill Colwill about every month for afternoon coffee. I attended this event At the jazz cafe with my parents Barbara and Teddy Berg. Great site. i still havent managed to see any pics of inside Bloomers and would be really pleased if you could help, as Im not on Facebook. Great site.Keep it up, Paul x. June I knew John Harker ( he was a freind of my brother Gordon) and I do know Ray Huntley I will have to pass on your compliments. I played drums with The Elcort, New Religion and The Gasboard in 60,s. I went to opening night and subsequent first Sunday of Whitley Bay AGoGo. anybody remember? Read more. On club nights the occasional drunken troublemaker would be invited upstairs to the wrestling ring and taught the error of his conduct!HAPPY DAZE!!! I wonder if Stan Henry the owner of the Bailey organisation has any archives. It has been lovely reading through these posts , brought a smile to my face x. I,VE JUST REMEMBERED I WAS THE DJ on the opening night of Sloopys the disco above La Dolce Vita. I went to Change Is regularly from about 1969/70 until Scamps opened at the beginning of 1974 I think? My Dad also played on on the early ITV programme One oclock Show, does that ring any bells with people out there? It was originally the Clergy Jubilee School, which opened in the early part of the 19th Century, Read more about the Downbeat Club on this link. I was really 56 but had big hair and platforms. Tatler Club in the Haymarket. Eileen said: As we get older, we look back with nostalgia at the things we remember from our youth, places we visited, had once passed or had been told about. Ahhh the memories of such magical days Such a shame it all came to an end way too soon. My number is 0191 4922316 Suzanne x, Hi Suzanne, great to have someone else writing about Change Is. The Cavendish Club at the bottom of Grey Street opened as a nightclub in the early sixties and became part of the Bailey Group. I will never forget you were working at the theatre royal and u let me see the stage set for Alice in wonderland and let me have a go on the big swing in the stage. I have just came across your great website while looking for information of the bands that played at the Seaburn Hall I was amazed at the club scene in the North East! Can you remember what the music was that was played at the start of every evening- was it by the BarKays? I remember I had a blue suede Levi jacket with leather collar that I bought off Kenny Richardson/Davy Hembro. to commemorate these experiences I have recently cut a CD called Cats Nite Out on which I have included the R & R music we used then.I went on the sing throughout my life as a solo artiste, called Ray Donne for a period and then back to my real name. Blue Parrot in Sunniside. FANTASTIC SITE. The club was opened by the very Famous radio DJ Simon Dee. Great times Anna. La Strada in South Shields opened around 1962 and ran throughout the 1960s. On the left, the dark haired lady is Barbara Young, and on the right is her sister Joan Young. Like you and George I have searched through every possible website trying to find photos and memorabilia. Does anyone remember anyone from there? My old mans band (Alan NIcholson snr). I wonder if anyone would be able to help me to find them or is there a way I can access them without being a member? My dad nicknamed one of youre daughters shoulders I think her name was Siobhan or Dionne or something? Sixties and seventies I had 7 music and record shops around Tyneside so was involved with the discos and nightclubs dance music sounds and strings. so it was really interesting to read the posts from Dave Pinder, Shani Lawn and Jo Slater, who also have connections to that time. Also, does anyone remember the DJ John Harker who worked at Annabels in Sunderland and in Whitley Bay but died a few years ago. Chic was there when I was set upon by a couple of London thugs connected to the Krays, I remember one of the patrons saying that buggers goin back to the smoke with a couple of cracked ribs. If anyone has any good images or information, please post on here or contact me personally. The only place in South Shields at the time that charged an entry fee. I continued it in Newcastle Social Club residences and recently, after early retirement, had six years as a semi-pro touring the UK with a Hollies and Crosby Stills and Nash tribute. The late Mike Carr appeared there as well as his brother Mike(vibes). One of them snapped my new tie in half trying to garrot me. We were also friends with Clive Lee who was a total fruitcake in the style of Freddie Starr! We started out at the jazz clubs and remember many nights at the New Orleans Club (I dont see that mentioned anywhere) followed up with going on to the Downbeat or the GoGo. I cant believe that we dont have a single photos of inside the club? The Downbeat was another of Mike Jefferys clubs. There was mutual respect there. I absolutely loved the place. Anyway, I moved to the states in 1970 and after moving around a lot I ended up here in California where I have a couple of gyms. The Haymarket pub was our haunt and thats where we got to know everyone and Ill try and remember all we used meet up with. it is the same Ken Brady. I remember Pat mentioning names of people like Keith Crombie, Tommy Finlay etc who she met through Ron but the rest of us never met them. After he left the Gamblers he went to work for Ray Grehan. It was an eye opener for a very young me and I loved it. I have a photo from The Viewer (the forefunner of the TV Times) showing a line-up of pianists and singers, Dad is on there but the only other pianist I recognise is (the much-admired, not least by my Dad) Billy Hutchinson. In North Shields, for quite a long time in the 60's, the basement of "The Jungle" was a night club. :)A perfect gentleman. The Beatles played for 5 bob. old nightclubs in south shieldscharles upham daughters. How long would it take you to save for the home of your dreams? Anyway, I hope your life is going well Trevor. Along with La Dolce Vita, the Cavendish featured some of the best acts on the cabaret circuit. Does anyone remember Joe and Pat McBeth,fab dancers, Does anyone know of any Italian restaurant where someone called Frank Calzini or Franco Calzini worked in 1967 it was in Pink Lane. Hi I just found a photograph of me with a young mountain lion on my knee. Im loving the new web site a fantastic design and fantastic photos. Jean, Great Blog takes me back to that time in my life, I was the drummer in Axtree Junction the lead singer and Guitarist being Bob Barton who went on to be in Becket and on the Old Grey Whistle test, I remember playing at the Blaydon Races for 10 pounds and many other venues throughout the Northeast for similar amounts, had the privilege of being the local band playing alongside many 60s bands including Family, Dave Dee and band The foundations, Love Affair and many more on the baily club circuit, now at 69 years I look back on those times with great pleasure. I have never heard of Tom Oxley, but would love to know more. Any comments welcomedthanks. Bounce Back 2 the Old Skool . Chris Dale, Alan(Cass) Carlyle, Bryn Pringle, Bill Ross, Billy Todd, Paul France, Ian Davies, Chris Branch, Jed Gardner, Peppi, Joe Lant, Hetherz, Micky Finn, Rob Wright and I know Ill have missed out a few and so my apologies, but it was a long time ago. Ive exhausted all avenues looking for answers. went to most of the other clubs mentioned, brilliant times ? I have fond if hazy memories of that weekend! Great site and yes the Club Agogo was a Great Venue.I met my wife there in October 63 and we married in June 66.We are still together.Neville McKittrick the Invaders Singer was a colleague of mine at British Paints.Last I heard of him he had his own Paint Company in Canada.I would love to make contact again. Billy Bottos. a great bunch of people used to drink the night there. He told me he had a photo of Ronnie Kray with a bloke sitting on his knee! As a PS Leam Lane WMC still have a thriving group night on Fridays, they also have a first class resident duo in Dougie and Carl, not many if any clubs still have live backing for the turns. Im the daughter of Ken Maddison who had a resident trio in various local clubs in the 60s the Pickwick in Whitley Bay, La Strada in South Shields, and the Baileys clubs in Newcastle, I remember him being at La Dolce Vita, and (I think) the Latino.Sadly hes not around any more to ask, but I remember as a child hearing some of the names you mention here. Remember Mike Jeffrey trying to get Legalite roulette system into me CIU clubs. Fantastic!!!!! I have googled and tried Face book but without any success. However most photographs Tom took were of customers and he sold them copies. The second picture down, which has David Macbeth on, also has two of my aunts who both worked at Go Go. Great site!! Great memories. 1 of 10 The Neptune Inn, South Shields Pubs, by Eileen Burnett, published by Amberley 2 of 10 The Tyne Dock Hotel, South Shields, 1938. I wanted to tell him but I chickened. Owner, Sandford Goudie, opened a second La Strada in Sunderland in 1967. After leaving the Invaders I played there regularly with Blues Band Vermen, with the late Keith Waring on lead and harmonica,Malcolm,ex lead guitar from Kylastrones,forget bass players name and Les Proud singer. ___________________________________________________________________________. Can you believe we dont have a single photo of this momentous occasion? My favourite thing to do was go immediately to the clubs ( can you believe I used to think going to the pubs a waste of good dancing time!) What a great site this is, many personalities mentioned I knew well. Regards George, Re Photographs and Tom Oxley. Some pubs might aim to attract a younger 'trendy' crowd; while others cater for a 'traditional' clientele who want nothing more than a pint of proper ale and the environment in which to enjoy some peace and quiet or an uninterrupted conversation. The Crays were huge guys ,looked the part and were decked out in very flash but obviously very expensive suits . He later managed Hendrix and Slade. Told him Id seen Tubby Hayes and John Dankworth/Clea Laine at Club 11. Had a great time in the 60s. Can you remember a guy called Louie who also worked at Change is? Shields there was no late licence and it shut around 10-30. Not in the same league as the other clubs in the area, but full of the essentials of life - beer, women, music and food. This pub used to have a bad reputation but what a change, visited for Sunday Lunch and enjoyed a lovely meal, a good choice of meals served Carvery style, with the largest choice of vegetables we have ever seen. Initially the Downbeat was a jazz venue but towards the end of its life it featured mainly Rhythm & Blues bands. Many thanks for the site. Most clubs regularly visited (after tanking up at The Half Moon) I particularly remember the folk/jazz nights we had at Change Is in early 70s. It was situated at the junction of Newgate Street and Low Friar Street. Read more about the Mayfair Ballroom on this link. Chas Chandler went on to become an impresario on the north east scene and was heavily involved with the Animals. Hi Anna #156. 17:50, 2 MAR 2023. I WAS A (VERY)YOUNG LEAD SINGER WITH THE CRUSADERS RESIDENT GROUP AT LA STRADA CLUBS 63/69,IF JANE IS READING THIS I WORKED WITH HER DAD KEN MADDISON FOR YEARS.HE WROTE MUSIC FOR ME FOR OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS AND WE MADE DEMO RECORDINGS TOGETHER FOR ERIC BOSWELL.I LOVED HIM AND BOY WHAT A MUSICIAN.I LEARNED OF HIS PASSING NOT LONG AFTER AND SHED A TEAR.I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN HIM ONE MORE TIME.THOSE YEARS RIGHT THRO THE BEATLES ERA AND WORKING WITH ALL THOSE STARS WAS UNFORGETTABLE .OH I COULD WRITE A BOOK.GOD BLESS YOU KEN. The decor must be 30 yrs old. Greys Club. I was a DJ at sloopys,(along with Dave), Bloomers, The Oxford plus many more including a club in Whitley Bay on the Esplanade. I briefly played guitar with the George Ricco Band, rotating between Wetherals, La Dolce Vita and the Cavendish, 1965/66, Another guy from that era I worked with was the tragic big Geordie Short, his group Bits & Pieces were well known around the WMC scene, they ended up as resident group at the now demolished Mount Pleasant club. 2. Lead singer John Little or possibly used the name Osbourne or Osmond. Jane Maddison, How are you? `you may already have it? Our nightclub, Industry, will be launching at the end of March, we are next door to Arbeia Bar South Shields. The summer of 1967 I emigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada. they played for various bands and clubs. (Payne) He was a singer on the circuit in 70s or Bevan Orchard who played keyboard for him? My name is Bryan Jeffrey ex singer with The Playmates, The Mafia And The Surf Board, a lot of our time spent in Germany and Switzerland. Just found a post from Jane Maddison whos dad Ken Maddison was my bandleader for many years after I left groups to settle down. I would like to add, we played with Johnny Dankworth at Club Eleven, on the same bill was Danny Williams (Moon River) Great guys and what a night. June 14th, 2022 mandarin high school basketball mandarin high school basketball Just been reading a comment from Pete Wallis from May 2015. 2 inch thick marine ply shells with heavy duty internal struts and mounting frames but man the sound was awesome, power, punch and clarity. Bernie MacKie was rhythm guitar and started his working life in a shop on Gateshead High St. called Barkers, an electrical shop. Kennedy's Bar South Shields 418 South Eldon Street, South Shields NE33 5SY England +44 191 456 4363 https://www.facebook.com/kennedyssouthshields/ Excellent 100% Good 0% Satisfactory 0% Poor 0% Terrible 0% Overall Ratings 5.0 based on 4 reviews 2. I remember you, Dave Elliott, Bob Anderson and my other dads mate Alf. by | Jun 15, 2022 | seguin accident report | is money matters america legit | Jun 15, 2022 | seguin accident report | is money matters america legit La Dolce Vita supporting P J Proby. The dive bar under the Swallow Hotel was called the Gay Trooper in my day.. Wouldnt get away with that now. Our selection of photographs recall an era of social club beauty contests, colliery wagons,. Mum is 80 now and terminally ill with cancer. Saw Alan Bown Set, Downtown Faction and a group from Teeside(?Rivers Invitation)there. Its said the CID were only two steps behind them where ever they went from the minute they got here. Thank you for telling me where I can locate some photos taken inside Bloomers Nightclub in the early 1970s. Just stumbled across your website. I read all the stuff about The Maj and Rue And the Rockets, does anyone remember the resident DJ, a young girl (said to be the youngest professional DJ around. The Majestic Ballroom is probably most famous for hosting the Beatles very first appearance in the city on 28th January 1963. Mike Pemberton and Mick Pickering had Club Eleven, what memories. how about that for happenstance. He was a great man. HiFred If you have any photographs of that time I would love to see them. I went to a few with Billys Mills bonzo.. remember Trevor Chance practising above a pub in Clayton Street,.. My dad used to service the fruit machines in lots of these clubs for my uncle in the 60s. Real name "Northumberland Arms". Required fields are marked *. Man that was a great band. Happy days .most of the time.no mention of New Orleans jazz club at Forth Banks..I assisted on the door and behind the bar at timesand I used to play with a local band called The Pilgrims..named after the Arcade in Pilgrim street where we were based ..always used to end up at the Asia Chinese on Bath Lane where the cheapest thing on the menu was Curried chicken livers with boiled rice for 2 bob in old money Great band, very professional. Wow Rue and The Rockets have certainly filled out ! I dont suppose anyone remembers Colin Lee? Other venues I remember were the RAFA club and The Bombers in Gateshead. Below is a modern day aerial view with the same locations marked (some of the original buildings have now gone). I remember seeing Sandford Goudie and his glamorous wife there regularly.We watched a young comedian called Jimmy Tarbuck performing, just before he came to fame at the London Palladium. Her stage name was Julie Johnson. Photo: Shields Gazette Photo Sales 2. Thanks for the memories though, and keep up the good work. Reading this took me back to my childhood. Hi George, Im not absolutely sure but think my husband John may have an outside shot. Ziggy's 19 Bars & Clubs By C9460ITmarkg We were also friends with music journalist Phil Penfold. I gave my mate his and told him see that guy look at the back of his jacket just as he turned round and it was `Chris Farlow. blog 28 mentions thelate Mike Carr.. been on wikepedia and seems he still walks among us.. thankfully. By Sam Johnson 24th Nov 2021, 4:55am - 2 min read. Really interesting reading. I think my dad was a drummer for a while with a band called the After Eights. According to her they had sex on the floor there. I never got to playground, when bloomers closed we all migrated to la dolce vita for a while but was never quite the same yes, loved dancing but fortunately my best mate Lesley was the same and we both hardly ever sat down ! Thank you. Good Luck, Hi Jill, Tinker Smiths My friend joy married Tommy. Brilliant site! The resident band at the Crescendo was the Del 5, the singer was Billy Wilson from Gateshead, there was 2 sax players one was Peter Parkinson from South Shields but Im sorry the other name eludes me. My sister is Anna Louise Findlay. In 1967 I spent a short time singing with the Don Smith orchestra of the Oxford Galleries after we finished we always used the Cavendish club or Billy Bottos in Byker. One of my haunts was the Jazz Club at the bottom of Pilgrim Street which was a seedy little place during the day but came alive with light and music at night. Life goes on. Cant anyone remember a local band used to play in the dolce la vita called the bits and pieces? norwood surgery opening times; catholic bible approved by the vatican. If anyone knows how to get info on the bands that played there I would be most grateful. Closed to become Ocean & Collins and has since rebranded as Bliss and is now Voodoo. Sloopys Disco was opened upstairs at the Dolcey. Your email address will not be published. Bernie was the organist and his brother another name that eludes me were both from Sunderland. The top map is an old street plan of the city with the various venues marked with coloured dots. The person I refer to is David Finlay(spelt right) he is my farther and he was married to my mother Jackie for 3 years he had me and my sister with my mother, they split up not long after I was born and never really had any contact with us, you are confusing the name with the other Davey Finley of the same era but funny enough I also have an uncle Tommy who is my fathers brother but they are not the ones u think!! old nightclubs in south shields. Burlesque was my band until car accident and moved to London and became a session singer. The building which housed La Dolce Vita still stands but now contains luxury flats. At the opening night the DJs were myself and Simon Dee. . re comment by margaret duz comment no. The club was opened on 6th February 1963 by the Levey brothers from Wallsend. The Old Ship Inn 8 Bars & Clubs By Fairydusters It's like stepping back in time in this bar. Jean (still dancing) x. The club was situated on the ground floor and in the basement of an old building on the Side, almost opposite the Crown Posada public house. The demon drink (Pernod) was to blame. How time flies. The Majestic closed as a music venue in 1967 and became the Gala Bingo Hall. Sounds as if those were the days alright! HI, Nick Brandon, the singer (his stage name) worked at Wards the printers in High Bridge. The sound system was said to be second to none. Photo: sg Photo Sales 2.. Yes I was a big fan of The Kon-Tors, the forerunners of The Animals. I also remember the Findlay boys and one of their cohorts Big Paddy. I also went to the Majestic when I was about 14. ideal for struggling musicians. Near the North/South Shields ferry landing. I dont suppose you have any photographs or memorabilia of any of the clubs you worked in I have memberships cards and entrance tickets but no photos! Julie Macsorley had been cooking a chicken at her home near South Shields when her carbon monoxide (CO) alarm alerted her to the danger. Some good people who were pioneers back then and desrve a lot of credit for making Newcastle (a millon miles from London)a firm favourite with some great artists in the 60s from all over the UK and abroad wanting to play this region. Reviews; Claim your business; Escape. The casino in La Strada (photo courtesy of Rob Quinn), 1963 advertisement for La Strada (courtesy of Rob Quinn), 1965 Advertisement for La Strada (Courtesy of Rob Quinn), Resident group the Crusaders with La Strada owner, Sandford Goudie on the right with a conga drum (photo courtesy of Rob Quinn). Great bunch of guys. Maggy Ross could be Maggy Heskith who died a few years ago. The late Joes favourite tale which I have heard dozens of times was the night they were working the GoGo and a very young band were guests, in Joes words bloody useless. The club was in a street of semi derelict terrace house and the club itself was an ordinary terraced house with the music on the upper floor. my info is that Bob Monkhouse did indeed have an input in Change Is..formerly the Picadilly club the resident band that opened the Picadilly in the mid sixties was I found a photograph of my great-great-grandmother Mary Jane Fergusons public house, the Station Hotel, in Laygate Lane, South Shields. He still talks about those days in the 1960s, happy days. I used to go to the Marimba on a Saturday morning, I remember going down to the cellar which was typical of all the cellars in Grey Street as I believe it was known as smugglers run in the past, as they went down to the river. Just stumbled across it whilst looking at pics. A friend in music (Colin Bradley who played in a Teesside band called The Road Runners with Paul Rodgers and Micky Moody in the 60s) was kind enough to send me a link. LA DOLCE VITA CRAZY NIGHTS!!! _____________________________________________________________________, Great memories of the 60s, I met my wife in the club agogo in 1966 and we are stll together, when I remember some of the groups , and artists that I saw live in the clubs back then its just amazing , great days ,Im on face book if anyone remembers me . He was on stage about ten minutes later and when he turned around to sing to people upstairs from the revolving stage the sauce had spread as a large black arc across his back. Ownership changed hands around 1966 and eventually the Gogo closed its doors two years later after the Bailey Organisation opened a disconightspot called Sloopys above the La Dolce Vita. Its no wonder that London gangsters such as the Kray twins were keen to get in on the action.
