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The Manchester area has nurtured thousands of musical acts, ranging in styles as diverse as Freddie and The Dreamers and Oasis. Although many have been adopted on a national scale, others have managed to stir only local interest before their eventual demise.
Despite their lack of national commercial success, they were part of the tremendous Manchester music scene that played such a major part in our lives.
Proudly based in the sixties, these pages salute the groups, disc jockeys and clubs in the Manchester area that gave us all such
a great time!
"Thank you Manchesterbeat for making dreams come true. It is amazing that your site started this chain of events. I now have contact with all my old friends"
"Every time I look at the site, I find something different"
"My mate in the band told me about this site. If he wasn't a bloke, I would have kissed him"
"This site is so much more than Manchester and groups - it is about the way we lived in the 60s no matter where we lived."
"I am a musician in Wollongong, Australia and even though the groups are based on the other side of the world, I can relate to all their stories."
Whats NEW on manchesterbeat?
OK - put your thinking caps on and cast your memories a long way back. Any idea who this skiffle group are?
Signature looks like Johnny Dixon.
No prizes but Butch Mmeopham and Lord Sir Frederick Fielder would be keen to find out - as indeed I would.
24/2/10
Phew - its like Christmas again!
Hot on the heels of The Bravados - from Steve Foley (good to have you on board Steve) and the Phil's Swaggers story (thanks Eddie) comes tons of great pics from Bob Theobald aka Bobby Laine.
There is a move to get a Blue Plaque for the club - check out the site and see if you want to support them.
21/2/10
Just added info from Ian Moncur on The Sabres - St Helens version.
Paul Kidd writes:
Live at The Houldsworth Working Mens Club, Leamington Rd, Reddish, Stockport
Thursday 25 February
The Allstars are out for the first time at our home base this year, together with a new drummer (Drumbags) and one or two new numbers for your pleasure. Should be a great night in the relaxed comfortable surrounds of the clubs concert room.
We intend to perform here at least every two to three months depending on other commitments. The club has bent over backwards for the band so come on down on the night and make it a success for all involved. We have one or two special people coming down on the night highly involved in the Motown and music industry.
I can't name them as yet without permission but come the night all will be revealed. More to come on this story for sure.
On a trip North, I introduced my southern wife to Holland's Steak Pudding, curry and chips! Mmmmm!
Concert for Pete Bocking is at the Bobbin (pub)
in Milnrow on 26th Feb, at 7.00pm.
Just adding lotsa small stuff and finally got the membership cards page half done (on venues page) and added a Shops - Eateries page so we can reminisc about all those great places where we grabbed curry and chips on the way home. I remember one of guys perfected a way of grabbing extra bread rolls at the Empire Grill in Albert Square (we were posh) and the chippy in Wrexham that was so good, I ended up moving to Wrexham because of it. I kid you not!
Don't forget the Motown night @ The Embassy Club, Rochdale Road on the 27th March 2010. More info here.
Added some new venues, including Strangeways Prison, Ceylon Palais (that will make you think) and the Gog and Magog pub - thanks to Geoff Brannick.
New groups Tynfoil and the Shyms - courtesy Bill Hart.
Guitarists (and others) have a look at this site - interesting!
Karl was declared bankrupt in 1966, 1973 and 1978 (but never out of work or demand!) To add to his biography I have been searching for Press reports of these matters for along time. As an in the public eye entertainer these matters would have been reported and I am looking for Press cuttings,any ideas or knowledge please??
Any info, pass on thru me please.
4/2/10
Interesting obit for Peter Bocking in The Guardian
Just added some GREAT images ofPhils Swaggers, courtesy Eddy Beales.
For those of you still able to get out (and find your way home again) just added some new dates on the Events page
I can't bring myself to call it a GIG GUIDE, more like a list of bookings to me.
WOW - Brian Palfreman has made my day with info on Warrington's first Mammoth Pop Show. I was there - not as a mammoth, just a slug but a happy one, nevertheless.
Derek Alltree asks if anyone can add memories of the The Mersey Hotel later "The Snooty Fox" on Princess Parkway? Syd Lawrence Band/Orchestra used to be on there every week!
And what about The Oaks on Barlow Moor Rd - odd we don't have anything about that venue.
21/1/10
Lots being added to the site but may be difficult for you to find - amusing memory of a trip to the Nile (club) from Philip Hindley, revamp of Barratts page to accommodate a great business card, new Moss Side club info, great ads for the Good Guys, update on Brian Higham's story and a great pic of Sean and the Sonics ... and LOTS more but I am too lazy to note them here. Go find :-)
And a reminder ... Manchesterbeat isn't just for those who were in groups. Great to get lots of stuff from those who just remember the great times.
Love some ideas on new ways of improving the site.
19/1/10
Colin Barnes writes:
At last someone to revive my memories of this great era and its club scene.A proper night out. Can anyone shed some light on clubs like the Cumberland, Broadway in Manchester,Copperfields in Bolton, Blightys in Farnworth (Neil Sedaka) best turn ever been there.
On the Manc scene Sweet Chariot,were my fav.There was also Talk of The North in Eccles or Golden Garter in Wyhthenshaw.And not forgetting The Garrick in Leigh .What fantastic nights out these were sadly all gone, but the memories still survive.
So true Colin - lets have a blitz on sending in memories of those great clubs. There's more to our Manchester than the Wheel and the Hacienda!
16/1/10
Just added the line-up for The Nashville Men - courtesy Harry Proctor.
This years Dusting the Plaque has a new name and a new venue, it is now called the Peter Cowap Music Festival and will be held at the Middleton Arena on Sunday 2nd May.
Because of the popularity of the event and the problems of finding seats for everyone, over the last six years, we have decided to move to the Middleton Arena. There as been comments that the atmosphere will not be the same, but it is the people that make the event not the place and we have the best. There was a hire cost for the venue but the Middleton Township Office has agreed to cover it for this year, so as usual the event is still FREE ENTRY.
Another change from the norm will be charity fund raising from the audience on the day and hopefully Middleton's business community.
10/1/10
Just added great info about Club 43 in Amber Street (thank Pete Crooks). I am much too young to know anything about the Club, so greatly indebted :- )
Also LOTS of stuff from Dave Ball, Philip Hindley and others. Scattered around the site.
Thanks for the many (9) who commented on my own My Story - just added some pics and will add more as the days pass.
Love to add your My Story!
6/1/10
Lots of stuff being added around the site - thanks to Darek Alltree and others.
If you have a spare hour or so (its that good), have a look at this site
Yes, not Manchesterrelated but a bloody good read. Well done to webmaster Francis Kaye.
Anyone any info on THE NASHVILLE MEN?
3/1/10
Apologies for not doing the Christmas wishes bit this year. No excuse - just never got round to it.
To make amends, I have added my own story to the My Story section. Thousands of you have been asking for it, I know.
Its not finished yet, just have to add a bit more name dropping and photoshopped images of me looking thinner and pasted next to famous people.
PS Have a great New Year everyone.
23/12/09
Just addingIvan D Juniors but need lots more info. Can anyone assist?
15/12/09
Been a bit quiet - so I took a short holiday and came home to great pics of Phils Swaggers! Thanks Griff, not everyday we get a mention of Mandy Rice-Davies on the site.
Hmmm, odd what we remember, wasn't there a stripper called Randy Mice-Davies (or was it a drag act?).
Hmmm again, must do a newsletter, almost Christmas (playing Slade's merry ditty at the moment)
26/11/09
Just adding more names to the lin-up of The NDO. Fond memories of Bernard Herrmann and The NDO at the Playhouse in Hulme and POP NORTH. Thanks to Dave Miles.
24/11/09
George Heathcote and Neil Scott of Tiger Fog and Les Brazil of Pink Engine formed Chalice and had success in Australia, where they have all lived since 1973. Interesting article on the group here
Another great article - this one about The Taverners in the South Manchester reporter. Click here to read
Just added a pic of Jason T Sound - many thanks to Andy Raynor). Whooppee! Been after a pic for ages.
17/11/09
This Saturday, 21st November @ The Embassy Club Rochdale Road, Manchester - live on stage top Manchester sixties band Herman's Hermits plus top comedy from Mr Dave Baron and supporting act Miss Shelia Gott and dj and compere sixties dj Frank Byrne plus a charity raffle in aid of Francis House Children's Hospice.
Tickets £10.00 from Frank on 0161.740.7965 or the Embassy Club on 0161.205.5281.
David Booker's incredible story has been updated and he has just identified members of the BogStompers!!!
WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND OF ENTERETAINMENT FOR MANCUNIANS!!!!!
Friday at the Greatstone in Stretford - great music for the over 35's, Saturday Hermans Hermits at The Embassy Sunday its Bass Day UK (Concerts - Clinics - Workshops and UK's best Trade Brands & Luthiers) at
The Royal Northern College of Music124 Oxford Road. Website.
More info - click here or use the navigation on the right.
14/11/09
Well, 60 today. People say I only look 58, so that's a small bonus.
Got a great birthday present from Keith Fairhurst from The Chosen Few - a copy of his book A Chosen One. The book tells the true story, warts and all, of how Keith's chance meeting with Cyril Davis provides the inspiration for a musical journey that includes Fitz and Startz, The Chosen Few and on into the swinging sixties London scene as The Hush.
A good read, thoroughly enjoyed - and something we should all consider doing, whether in a book form or on Manchesterbeat - before you forget it all.
Sadly, Mary Asquith, folk-blues singer/songwriter extrordinaire,passed away yesterday, aged 63. She was a remarkable woman and a good friend. She will be much missed.
Mary started singing at the MSG in the mid 60s and went on to to play in Germany, Holland,and around the European circuit. She did not like the road too much and later confined her performances to clubs around the North West.
She recorded a seminal album in the 1970s "Closing Time" which has now been rereleased on CD on the Mother Earth label. God Bless you, Mary, wherever you are.
John Constantine (friend and musician).
12/11/09
Just adding TriStar Airbus, courtesy of Griff Bayley. Griff has also added info about Wolf and Griff, a duo he formed with Deke Rivers.
6/11/09
Clive Kelly is now back in Blackpool and is considering running Catacoombs/CibiKlub revival nights. If interested, please email me.
Clive can be viewed on BBC Videonation. Great to have a look and leave comments.
1/11/09
Just added a new group to me - Stockport's Bog Stompers. Anyone out there with some info?
After all the sad news recently, its good to get something really good.
Just adding a superb collage of some of David Booker's bands to his story in My Story section reminded me of just what a fabulous career he has made for himself.
Re-read the story - well worth it.
29/10/09
Seems like all bad news at the moment. Sad to announce the passing of Manchester guitar legend Pete Bocking.
Pete was there at the beginning of the '60s scene and his skills inspired a generation of Manchester musicians.
Although I never met him, I found his emails to the site were fun and he had a wicked sense of humour.
Knowing what a character he was, as well as a brilliant guitarist, I know Pete will be greatly missed by his many friends.
I have started a tribute page to Pete - click here. It would be great if you could add something.
29/10/09
If anyone wants a copy of The 60's Remembered written by the Dave (Rick) Richards, copies available at £2-99 from Glenys Richards ghr@f2s.com.
I have ordered one and I am tight - so get in there!
Sad to hear of the news of the passing of Dave Solomon earlier this year. As well as being a member of Proud Paws and Engine, Dave was in the the Sabres with Lol Creme and Kevin Godley in the very early 60s - plus loads of other bands. A true Manchester icon.
Sad also to hear of the recent passing of Joe Pullen - legendary club owner of the Majestic Patricroft and Talk of the North.
Just added 80's group Baktrak - with Kenny Anders.
13/10/09
Sad news. George Heathcote, lead singer of Tiger Fog died last week after fighting cancer for many years.
He was a great front man and singer, a lover of life and a dear friend to many.
Les Brazil (Pink Engine), George and I went on to form Chalice and had success in Australia where we have all lived since 1973.
He will be sorely missed and was a very special man. R.I.P.
Neil Scott
Sad also to hear of the passing of Bob Garton - from The Chantelles and The Plantations. He was a was a great guy and a tremendous help to many Manchester musicians.
9/10/09
Phew ... finding some time at last. Added Clyne Country Four, the Black Watch, Edward Jon Dynamo and some great new pics of Mervs Bardots (thanks to Mervyn Horrocks). Also Hemlock - thanks to Kenny Anders e.
Get in soon for last of Vols 1 and 4 - no more reprints. Once they is gone, they is gone.
PROIBABLY TOO LATE (Sorry)
The Norman Beaker band ex Morning After are playing at Tythe Barn School, Heaton Moor with Larry Garner from Louisiana USA on 9th and 10th )ctober. Tickets are available from the school on the night...
7/10/09
Tony Roberts will back in England between 29 October 2009 to 9th November 2009 and would love to catch up with old bandmates/friends.
Pictured above is Guitar George warming up the crowd.
Always eager to add new sections to Manchesterbeat and inspired by a poem sent in by Robert Wright, I have added a new page to the features section, called Beat Poetry. Not sure if that the right term but until I am told differently, thats a good name. Would love to add more!
Also, why not have a look at Brian Mark's works - truly an exceptional person, Brian (ex-Grit Band and others) has shared his story, his art and his poetry.
Thinking about the features page, there's a couple of sections that really could do with some more contributions. The most obvious is the Cabaret page but there is a wealth of info out there about the Caribbean music scene at the time.
Love to add anything you can remember.
All Vol 5 orders now in post and should be with you mid next week. If you haven't ordered yet - please do so asap to avoid disappointment (mine).
ONLY 43 left due to initial high order and Paul being tight with the original print run.
Another feature just added - courtesy of Paul Braddock - is info on the unveiling of the Heywood Blue Plaque. To my shame, Tractor Music have provided me lots of stuff and I still haven't got round to adding it. My apologies.
You can grab info and checkout the images at www.rockinrochdale.com and click onlatest news for all photos of the day tv news clips and all press articles.
It was a massive day and there is a free pop music exhibition running now for three weeks at Heywood library.
The exhibition contains the history of Heywood/Middleton's Imaginary Records, The Seven Stars Music Venue, Deeply Vale Festivals, Wigwam Acoustics; Tractor Sound Studios, the band scene of Rochdale and Heywood from the 60's onward and much more
Also contains
new order and joy division and martin hannett items.
The exhibition was opened by Peter Hook. It is totally free and not to be missed
Just had some great news - our site is now ranked 3,721,836 in the world!!! Whoopee.
Any info on a female singer called Dorothy Price? Email me please if you can assist.
Be warned - Vol 5 is selling fast! Sales now in double figures - watch out JK Rowling, I am hot on your heels.
Slight delay but should be with me on Wednesday. Will post all orders immediately on receipt of books, of course.
9/9/09
Nice new pic of the Formula Five and also possibly the only known colour picture of the Perfect Circle, left (thanks Danny Hardman and Mike Dodds).
Also, check out our Manchesterbeat stuff on Youtube - just added a couple of Bridgebeats (1962 and 2009) plus lots of goodies, including me in late 70s. Handsome git then, still am now :-)
Also info on The Estelles (later Col Kennedy and The Presidents).
Oh ... forgot to add ... Volume 5 will be available for sale next week. Its at the printers now! Watch this space.
Front cover features Pat Casey and the Sovereigns - I fell in love with that photo the minute I saw it! Senile old fool.
4/9/09
Sad to hear of the passing of Dennis Greenwood.
Dennis worked at Renos, Barratts and Johnny Roadhouse and was a stalwart of the Manchester music scene.
He has had dealings with virtually everyone who bought an instrument or simply window shopped on Oxford Street.
"A great bloke,with a wicked sense of humour and a most decent human being".
There is a memorial guestbook for Dennis here - it would be fitting if those who knew him would add their message.
Great stuff - been after pics and info on The Chuckles for years and now have plenty of images - courtesy John Featherstone. Also adding newie The System (thanks Andrew Davey)
19/8/09
Sad to hear of the passing of Dave Moss, sax player par excellence. Our condolences to family.
17/8/09
Just added lots of small items plus The Sleepwalkers from Blackley (thanks Ken) and some nice pics of Tow Bar Inn, including one of their legendary posters (thanks to Peter Laverick).
Also sad to see final demolition of Brown's Stretford(The Stretford Banqueting Suite in later years). Thanks to Mike Williams for the picture and Graham Pilkington for reminding me of great times.
Great pics of Dave Eager at the Top Ten Club and Ray Teret and Paul Pender at the Top Twenty Droylsden - thanks to Alan Strickland.
Wanted: Info on John Senior Blues Band.
Pictured left: Manchester's very own Fred Fielder and his MBE. Well done Fred!
9/8/09
Can anyone assist with this? If you can, please email me
Congrats on the site it brings back some great memories.
Have just read the two letters posted about the Missin Lynx,and it would be great if anyone could tell us the where abouts of the lead singer Brian Whiteside.
We have been looking for Bri for years now, phoning B Whitesides all over the country, wrote to the MEN, etc, with no luck. We last saw Brian in the mid 70s then he just seemed to disappear,you might be our last hope.
Thanks
Vic Ranicar & Dave Buck, Salford.
22/7/09
Just added Cleveland Fox - a 6piece from the Bolton/Atherton area - thanks to Maurice Newton
21/7/09
Sad news.
Tony Cooke (Hickory Smith) died suddenly, of a heart attack, yesterday around 4.30pm.
