My thanks to Dave Ward who points out that the CD Rainy City Blues is not available from Amazon. However, if people live abroad,they can order from Piccadilly Records.

www.piccadillyrecords.com/

Nice pic of the GTs (thanks Tony) plus even more great comments added around the site. 

Just added a great pic of Screaming Jay Hawkins outside The Jungfrau

No, they are not begging bowls, it's a group of Manchester's finest who meet every Monday for a Chinese buffet. 

L-R ... Fred Fielder, Pete Maclaine,  Butch, Keith Shepherd.

How much does a Chinese restaurant weigh? Won Ton.

Pics of the Peter Cowap Music Festival on site now.

Just added great pics of White Rabbit Boutique - really reflect the times (courtesy Bob Lee).  Their poster offers a huge discount of 20p off!  You don't get discounts like that anymore!

Bob has also sent in some great new stuff, including great pic of Art Noveau's original line-up, a Cavern diary and membership cards for Beat City, Domino Club, His Excellencys, Room at the Top (Wigan), ....,

PS Love the suit Bob

Cant believe I haven't sold the LAST TWO copies of manchesterbeat Vol 4

Whats up with you guys - they are a bargain!

Best of luck to all invoilved for the Peter Cowap Music Festival!  Enjoy the day.

Graham Nash has donated two signed CDs plus a change of timings - check out the page here.

With two more Volume 4 of the book gone today (and a couple of Vol 5s) there are just TWO Volume 4 left.  Order now or miss out.

PS As my shopping cart does not have the ability to stop selling when out of stock, any order received after the two sales will be refunded.

As always, lots of snippets added to the site.  Added new group Little John and his Foresters

LOOKING FOR:

Could Mark Smith who wrote about Ronnie "Cease" Smith please contact paul@manchesterbeat  Thanks!

Geoff Parkinson (Outrage) email please.

Bob Hyde - email also please.

Great new pics and tickets, cards of The Manchester Federals - courtesy Bob McDonough.  Bob has also provided lots of group business cards. Adding them to the appropriate pages.

New groups include:

• Derek Ray and The Deltones
• The Downbeats
• Kenny and The Cortinas
• The Zenons 
• Pete Latham and The Stormbeats
• Ken and the Combines
• The Four Suspects
• The Tudor Four
• The Roadrunners
• Danny B and The Firebirds
• Johnny Costello with The Lawmen
• The Skorpians
• The Brockers
• Dave and The Nomads
• The Four Escourts

Adding the "stuff" as I find time but need pics, lineups, info on these groups.

7/4/12

And a happy Easter to you all.

But it was like Christmas for me today.  After over 10 years of the site, I finally got pictures of Olivers Twist!  My thanks to Dave Tommins for these great pix and also for the Boston Sect.

PS Cool cardigan Andy! 

SHOCK! HORROR! DEVASTATING NEWS!
As well as total sell-outs of Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the wonderful Manchesterbeat books, we are now down to last 3 Manchesterbeat Volume 4 and only 12 of Volume 5 left.

First in, best dressed, as they say (which is not a cheap dig at Andy's cardigan again)

There will not be reprints of these books, so don't miss the opportunity of a life-time! And, at only 10 quid including postage, packaging, nice little labels and an address written in the best Moss Side scrawl, they will go out the door FAST. Hope so, as my Mrs has been trying to get them out of the house for ages!

Just added great pics of Mummies Darlings!  Saw them at New Century Hall and always thought the name was great.

23/3/12

Many would remember the great nights in Manchester clubs (and The Oasis in particular) with The Original Drifters.

Tony Burke from Blues & Rhythm Magazine has very generously supplied a great collage of the Drifters - most shots taken at the Oasis.

Click here to view

(Original can be found in Blues & Rhythm Number 268)

Just added The Northmen and The Raging Storms  plus Johnny Dark and The Stormy Knights and a pic of Sgt Peppers in Stockport.

A question from Patrick Nathanson:

Does anyone know the location of the Portland Lodge nightclub that was a big venue in 60’s Manchester, and what it is now? And also the Queen’s Club? (which perhaps might be the same as the Queen’s Hotel on London Road?)

Great new pic and info re their 45th reunion from The Ugly Ducklings

A limited edition vinyl LP titled “Rainy City Blues” with assorted rarities and previously unreleased tracks by Manchester Beat groups from the 60’s was released by Jungfrau Records about a month ago, now available from a number of dealers on eBay.

Olaf Owre put together most of the info about the groups (so it will be good) for the booklet that comes with the high quality LP sleeve with photos of all the groups involved.

<http://www.ebay.com/itm/VA-RAINY-CITY-BLUES-Manchester-Beat-Groups-LP-MINT-Unplayed-Mod-Soul-RnB-/150761114489?pt=UK_Records&hash=item231a100b79#ht_1109wt_1165>

Just added Neil Landon and the Burnettes.  Although Folkestone based, Mancunian Kevin Lang played with them, as did Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience), with Landon being one of the Flowerpot Men (Lets go to San Francisco).  Kevin also played with Mike Cadillac and Deek Rivers and the Big Sound

Not much info on the page but good pictures (thanks for being so patient Kevin).  Links, however, give good info.  The second takes you to a Kent based equivalent of manchesterbeat.  Obviously not as good as "the original" but if you look, there's some interesting stuff - including me with Arthur Kay's Originals and the Kent based Life n Soul. Worth a click just for that!

1/3/12

Just added posters, MEN article and a pic for Wild Silk

Sad to hear of the passing of Davy Jones, pictured on left from his days as Ena Sharples's grandson.

Just added new group "Echoes from the Peak"

Sorry for late addition to the site - so much coming in at the moment.

We are having our annual reunion night for the White Elephant Club AKA Delph Youth Club on the 3rd March 2012 at the Civic Hall Uppermill.

We have The Drifters on with myself and Phil Beck doing a stint as the dodgy DJ's. Last year we sold out , it should be a great night !!

Anyone who wants tickets please call me 01457819350

Stuart Littlewood

Added Chorlton groups The In-Sect and The Freeways plus The Mabo's from New Mills and new venue The Strand Ballroom, Winsford.

Geoff Mullin writes:

FINALLY – after languishing undisturbed in various lofts, attics and garages, a record I produced 44 years ago has at last seen the light of day, or at least a release date – 30/01/2012.

The good people at ACE Records heard the track and decided to put it out on their latest Mod Jazz Forever compilation – see the link below – and here’s the background story.

In September 1968, producer Geoff Mullin booked a session at Olympic Studios in London to record three of his most accomplished musical friends, which resulted in a “groovy” club classic version of “Sunshine Superman”. Although never before released, the future career paths of those involved indicate that this was most certainly a musical oversight as the trio never recorded together again.

BIOGS :-

PETE BOCKING (guitar) – legendary guitarist from Manchester, school friend of Geoff Mullin, and acknowledged jazz guitar master whose early associations included playing in The Fourtones with Allan Clarke and Graham Nash before they formed The Hollies then Crosby, Stills & Nash. He then played lead guitar with local combos The Phantoms and Pete MacLaine and the Clan before forming his own formidable outfit The Pete Bocking Six. Later came periods with Lonnie Donegan and the Victor Brox Blues Band and as a much-respected teacher of jazz guitar until his passing  in 2010.

J PETER ROBINSON (organ) – Royal Academy of Music graduate, Pete has more musical credits to his name than can possibly be included here but the highlights would be playing with his first name band Quatermass (Harvest Records)and many as a session player with Jerry Lee Lewis, Carly Simon, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Pete moved to Los Angeles in the 1970’s to concentrate on scoring music for films and television which include “Wayne’s World”, “Cocktail”, “Cadillac Man”, “World’s Fastest Indian”, “Bank Job” and the TV series “Charmed” and “Outer Limits”.

TREVOR MORAIS (drums) – probably the most accomplished drummer, Ringo included, to begin his career in Liverpool, playing with The Cadillacs, Faron’s Flamingos, Rory Storm & The Hurricanes and the classy jazz/soul trio The Peddlars.  Later associations include Stealer’s Wheel, Quantum Jump, David Essex, Elkie Brooks, Howard Jones, Tina Turner and Bjork. Now living in Spain where he owns and runs a top-end recording studio.

GEOFF MULLIN (producer) – former DJ (Manchester’s Twisted Wheel), manager of Danny and the Demons and The Hellions, lead vocalist of The Wailers with Ian “Big Wal” Waller and Lek Leckenby and Barry Whitwam, later of Herman’s Hermits, then The Zodiacs and The Yaks. Singer/songwriter (Decca, CBS), music press Record Mirror, Billboard, Music Week, BBC Radio 2 producer for Terry Wogan, Kenny Everett and Michael Aspel among many others. After a brief period as Head of Music at Melody Radio in London Geoff returned to the BBC as Head of Music Policy for the remainder of his radio career.

This is the Ace Records Press Release.
http://www.acerecords.co.uk/content.php?page_id=59&release=8880

This is the Sunday Times review.
Various artists - Mod Jazz Forever
Kent CDKEND368
Fire up the Lambrettas. Long before that dismal hybrid smooth jazz conquered the world, musicians on the cusp of jazz, blues and soul were finding favour with a dancefloor crowd. The latest compilation in the Mod Jazz series is uneven, although any record that finds room for Brother Jack McDuff, Buddy Guy and McDuff’s fellow organist Johnny “Hammond” Smith is worth sampling. First prize in the novelty stakes goes to the cheerful cover of Donovan’s Sunshine Superman by the catchily named Brit combo Bocking, Robinson, Morais. Mark Murphy’s It’s Like Love is hokey fare, but cheerful enough to banish memories of his lacklustre Ronnie Scott’s show last month. CD

Here's a question.  Who owned the Top of the Town circa 71.  I reckon it was the Rowntrees Group but who were they? 

Does the name David Pilling ring a bell with anyone, probably from Winton, Eccles.  A guitar player. Possibly drove a sky blue Hillman Imp with black bonnet, a dog called Sandy.  He went to Salford Tech and worked at Turners Asbestos in the 70s. He lived on either Breck Rd or Selsby or Bromsgrove Avenue, Winton, Eccles in 1971.

Also just added The Three Aces from Radcliffe/Bury area - need more info.  Can anyone come up trumps with more info?

And another question:

I wonder if any of our readers can remember a group of young boy singers who were known as "The Six Lancashire Lads" from the mid-fifties? Yes, a long time ago now! These guys were so good that they were invited to appear on television - no mean feat all those years ago.

When they became teenagers the name of the group was changed to "The Six Lancashire Teenagers" but, although they really were excellent performers, they sadly never caught on and faded into obscurity. One of their group was called Alan Morton, who went to school at Spurley Hey.

Just got back from a few days in Wagga Wagga (honest) and saw this sad news.

Hi, I am Harry Eastham's nephew, unfortunately Harry "the man" has just passed away on the 15/2/12 after a battle with cancer.He always loved to talk about his days in the groups. His funeral will take place on Thursday 23rd at Pleasington Crematoriom 3 pm.

Harry was drummer with The Swinging Hangmen

Just added new club, The Pendulum but appears some problems at The Wheel - read this http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-england-manchester-16926139

New group, Warrington's Tudor 4 but need info :-(

Interesting review of Wayne Fontana and the Mondbenders/Mindbenders music here

The Greatstone Hotel has a motown/soulnight on the second Saturday of every month and a real northern night on the first Saturday. Adrian Dowd will be behind the bar and there is a buffet supper included in the price of the ticket.

"We are always pleased to see anyone from the Browns days. We have some great nights please come. Harry Nightingale and Dennis Campbell both ex Browns will be doing the DJ-ing on the 11th and proceeds go to Christies so its worth coming."

As well as lots of personal memories added to various pages, just added the Rising Five from Burnage.  Love the pork pie hat, Brian - we will make you a ska boy yet! 

Picture is worth a look for memories of what the front of Picadilly Wollies looked like! Remember the record counter there?  Remember records?

Alsp adding The Vigilantes from Warrington - thanks Jeff!  You can also visit their excellent website at www.thevigilantes.co.uk

Just back from a few days away, so catching up.  Just added an update to The Sweet Life and a new group from Burnley (thanks Tony), So On and So Forth - interesting line-up!  Also an update to Speed and new group Pollution from Rochdale.

Happy Birthday to Brian Higham of Barratts and The Harbour Lights.  And, speaking of BH and the recent profusion of plausible Palace performance posters providing publicity/promotional info, here's one gig (on the left) that really did happen!

Lots more on that gig here

Listen to the Harbour Lights here

Polly writes:

Would anyone be interested in a Manor Lounge renunion?  I have use of a club in Stockport called Replay, only 5 minutes from where The Manor Lounge used to be.  It has a perfect private party suite and we'd really like to arrange a night - a live band, dancing to real music, just like it used be!

Please contact me if you would like to attend, maybe perform?
polly.c.status@gmail.com

Just adding Marks and Steadman to the site - great name.  Also Hazard plus a group that should have been included on the site ages ago, Tony Ravell's New Voyage - more info needed.

Not to be outdone by the Barbeque67 gig in the wilds of Lincolnshire (below), Eric Sandiford has sent us this slightly earlier gig - also a quid.  Hardly seems worth a pound really, groups ok but no hotdogs! What a swizz.

Eric points out its odd that Floyd got top billing. I personally like the statement "Come and watch the pretty lights".  Also, seems odd for The Palace to be open till dawn.

Anyone go? Another great gig I missed (did see Hendrix at NCH though) In a similar act of stupidity, I had the choice of either Floyd in Stockport (fairly sure it was The Tabernacle) or another band with an incredible lights show at St Bernadettes.  Being a Moss Side kid, a bit tight and always broke, I could walk home from from Bernies, so thats where I went.  Missed the Floyd and instead saw Carl Douglas and the Big Stampede.  Carl Douglas didn't turn up and all the band had was an 8mm film of them playing around in a park.  I wuz robbed!

Breaking news!  Super-sleuth Keith Fairhurst has found that although the event did actually happen, sadly not in Manchester.  The event was at The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm in London.  Plus it was only 15 bob.

Sadly, the poster is a repro (but a nice poster nevertheless).

Getting very worried about manchesterbeat books.  Hardly any left and I know there are many of you out there who still haven't got the set.

Please don't leave it too late -  only about a dozen Vol 4 and about the same for Vol 5.

Get in quick - honestly, not a sales ad, when they are gone, thats it. 

Increased postage (now about 6 pounds) plus the combination of the weak pound means that they are genuinely below cost at a tenner inclusive.  No reprints sadly.

Get the info here

Just added a new group from Burnley The Electrons and The Deputies

Cheer yourself up with some good music.  Vist Geoff Lingard's site for some good harmony "stuff."

And getting on top of emails!  Does anyone remember the 88 Club in Gorton?  Love some info.

Just added info on Smile Recording Studios - be good to add any anecdotes of recording there.  Oddly, just noticed no info on InterCity/Nield and Hardy and A1.  Any help there also?

Finally got a decent replacement for the newsletter.  Apologies if you got an email twice but won't happen again.

Been looking for info on the Bee Hive, Swinton info for ages - played there a couple of times but nothing I can remember.  On the other hand Chris Bowden - Paul Fenda and the Teenbeats - remembers it well!  Have a read.

Seasons Greetings to everyone!

Finally got some time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  Thanks for your support over the years - what a tremendous record of the Manchester area's music scene!

Paul

Apologies to everyone who sent stuff in and its not on site - just adding today!  New groups Design and 59th Street Bridge plus much more, including good info on Deek Rivers from Kevin Lang.

And for those who are looking for a good night out, how about this (thanks to Keith Fairhurst)?  Sadly, we've missed it by forty-odd years. 

Even though it was a great line-up, not sure if it was worth going but ... there's hot dogs!  Looks like Spalding was a hot place on May 29th.

Mind you, bit pricey at a quid!

Looks like I have done nothing for a month - not true!  Lots of additions and am finally trying to work out a new newsletter script, which I will do over Christmas (I need a life).

Some interesting info here:

CENTRAL 1179
THE STORY OF MANCHESTER'S TWISTED WHEEL CLUB
KEITH RYLATT + PHIL SCOTT

DUE TO DEMAND - THIS ICONIC BOOK HAS BEEN REPRINTED. THE REPRINT IS ONLY A 1,000 RUN, SO WATCH THIS EDITION SELL OUT QUICKLY.  SECOND-HAND COPIES OF THE ORIGINAL PRINT HAVE BEEN FETCHING £120 A TIME!

Front Cover Scan ... http://northernsoulrecords.com/temp/Central1179.jpg

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED WAY BACK IN 2001 AND SINCE THEN HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE IN-DEMAND.

AVAILABLE FOR £20 PLUS £5 DELIVERY.  ALL ORDERS SENT OUT 1ST CLASS RECORDED POST.

PAYPAL PAYMENTS TO - sales@soulvation.biz  ENQUIRIES  - 015436 70116

Just added Harpo and Mac (Burnage) plus what seems like zillions of small snippets - the ones that really add to pages and bring some great memories. My fav one at the moment is from Steve Povall who comment son Northwich Memorial "Missed the Beatles gig - no dosh." Reminds me so much of the way it was for so many of us!

Keep 'em coming!

For the many of you who have emailed to ask where the newsletter is ... read on (both of you)

Due to the size of the mailing list (now over 1,000) when I last sent out the newsletter, I was branded a spammer and I was refused access to my websites (over 150).

This was obviously a little problematic :-)

It seems if I send over 200 mails per hour, I am possibly a charlatan.

So, I am trying to find time to split the mailing list into smaller lists, which can then be sent out individually. 

Need to get back soon, as I am desperately trying to offload my final 32 copies of Vol5 and 7 of Vol4.  My wife wants the space for her collection of Smurf figurines.

The newsletter allows me to put in corny ads to push the books on to unsuspecting subscribers.  I like one's like "books are currently sold below cost" - which although true, is intended to make me appear altruistic (look it up).  Another is "only a few left - will not be reprinted" - again true and intended to put the fear of God into those of you who have not yet secured their copy..

The books are the best thing you will get for a tenner (unless holidaying in parts of SE Asia - I am told).