The Paramounts, of course: who totally eschewed whatever was In and continued with their focus on R & B. As an extra bonus, she could play the piano! But all the other rocknrollers came thanks to the plugging by the new English groups. I regularly see Pete Stanley and try to visit Mark in Sydney every year. General. An accomplished naturally talented drummer and a versatile vocalist. To read the full history of the group and its change to the Treetops, read through the comments below. The Premiers, who played in the interval at the old Kursal ballroom, when the Howard baker strict tempo band took a break. Hi Pete, I was interested in your comments about our supposed recording of When will I be Loved and as I am pretty much house bound at the moment due to the snow etc. Such wonderful memories! I recall our first three opening numbers as Lullaby of Birdland, the theme from A Man And A Woman and Let There Be Love. Grahams father, George Rousell, photographed a number of groups in the 60s, including the Whirlwinds. We recorded our song Its Great, but I can honestly say Its Been Great. It is the Mark Punter Show on 11th and 18th June and usually around 13.30 . You mention Nigels girlfriend Sandra, myself and Pam were with her yesterday. Mark Loyd (Nigel Basham) was the loveliest person one could meet. Best wishes, Colin. Brilliant stuff Chaz! knew right away that it had been Brian Alexander of the MONOTONES but even he never heard of that title. One thing is very certain, I will never ever gig again. I bought a blanket coat in the sales for 20.00 = ok. (20.00 that was a heck of a lot of money then and oh how I remember that coat. Having taken our marked positions we had less than thirty seconds before our cue to start. End of an era! Problem was, how could a then little known group fill the venue, on a Thursday evening when it was in any case competing with the London? Our residency at Tiffanys came to an end in the early part of 1974. Group created on October 11, 2007. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqgESu4A_E4, http://www.southend.gov.uk/news/article/432/exhibition_to_showcase_southends_rich_musical_heritage. I met up with Paul Dunning again in the mid 60s when we both worked at Ford Europe and used to take it in turns to drive. I joined them around 1966 on guitar- I was playing a Harmony H75 when I joined & changed shortly to a Gretsch Tennessean. This cant be the same Monotones that do The Book of Love, or could it? Thanks for all the memoriesthat was great! History. In nightclub terms, Tiffany's enjoyed a relatively long lifespan. Someone (Probably Brian: he seemed to specialise in knowing more strange characters than even me!) We also had a Vernon J. Smith who played the G-banjo in those days. Brian knows I am looking for some visuals and so I hope he wont mind me getting in touch in this way! I sold all my gear prior to Uni and have only just treated myself to a Strat. And thats where one evening I saw Johnny Kid and the Pirates live, with the legendary Mickey Green, then. Apparently in May 1967 Pink Floyd gigged there. The Whirlwinds, later Force Five and then (or before?) First to Review. A very grateful Seven UP following thanks you. Talk about a trip down memory lane. I have ordered a copy from Musicstack and look forward to playing it and hope it will rekindle more blasts from the past as DJ Tony Blackburn would have said!! Former Tiffany's nightclub bartender James Cassells, 57, recalls working at the venue opposite the cop shop at Kildare Rd with fond memories for two years from when he was 19. I now am resident in Spain. I would first like to acknowledge your kind message on behalf of his family and friends. The stuff on this site is great but Id really like to talk with you. Mark left the group in 1964 in order to pursue a solo career with Brian as his manager. Were they ever bloody heavy! The reason being that Jim and I are meeting,this weekend, with a guy who is writing a book on the music of the 60s which will include bands that came out of Southend. All the best, Jim Eaton. Hi Jamie, Sounds like you had a great time with Mark during your recent visit to Sydney. Well, the song was Its Great. Just a few names which I havent seen mentioned from the Southend scene of the early/mid 60s. Tiffanys was designed in a Polynesian style with fake palm trees, lots of foliage and twinkling stars covering the ceilings. I have STILL got that first recording of What Would I Do but sadly my copy of Somethings Hurting Me got ruined. Gary asked me have a go on the drums, and then started to show me better ways to play the drums and teach me new techniques, and I had only been in there a few minutes, I was amazed you lot even spoke to me! You will remember that Pam ( Sandys best friend ) was my long time on/off girlfriend who used to help with carrying amps etc! With the addition of Martha we could now tackle new material, which now included five part harmonies. Ted Hughes (Who also ran the Old Leigh pub, The Smack), had taken a lease on the Elm Hotel. The Locarno Ballroom, Sauchiehall Street, photographed in 1930 when it was for sale. Another very good group was Mickey Law and the Outlaws. Little did we know that some years later we would apply to go on his Radio One show! I didnt emigrate to Australia though. The Gaumont cinema in the back of this photo had to close on the third day because of the smog in the auditorium. When I collected it from the Elms to take on the gig, it was all covered in beer stains and quite battered, so I spent the next day cleaning it all up and gluing back the bits of covering that had come off the amps, an when I returned it you all thought I had brought back someone elses gear. The Mustangs. I still see Brian occasionally, he still owns several businesses and now and again we get together and play some of the oldies. Hitparade always in front of it. Later, I worked with Arthur Jim Smith, the Klansmens drummer: and he also played in our abortive Shades band: as did Douggie, ex Premiers. Nigel went to OZ in 1977 and I still visit him every year, he runs an event management company and still keeps busy although suffering a few health problems at the moment. Jim Eaton and Tony Edwards turned up at one of our gigs, and after auditioning the wall of sound, offered me a residency at Alexanders Club, playing four nights a week, sometimes five. Brian arranged for us to record What Would I Do which he had co-written with Pete at Pyes Marble Arch studios. He started to give us advice on how we should present ourselves etc. Hi, I have just heard off the sad passing of dear Nigel my thoughts are with his family, I worked with Nigel,Jim,Brian at Alexanders night club as well as being a regular at Tiffanys Wimbledon. These were the broadcast one a day on one of the presenters shows. Past Girls Tournament Free Throw Champions. I started to deputise a few evenings to another guitarist so I could stay home more. since my name is Jonas(Jonah). "A blend of mature British Wine and Fine Malt Whisky" no wonder my head hurt. Spookily that was the time we moved to the area from Liverpool. Sam phoned at 3.30 & 5.15 pm. Jim has my number. I still have his recording of Someones In The Kitchen With Dinah Keep well, Jim. Brian had three other venues Scotts in Croydon. SoundCloud Tiffany's Nightclub Rotherham 1974 by the glummer twins published on 2016-02-07T16:36:35Z . I actually went to school with Gary Nichols, now sadly no longer with us, and also with Robin Trower. I took on another organist, but this time someone who could sing as well. The group did no further recording while at the club but in 1977 Paddy and myself set up our own recording studio on the side of my property. An Atlanta-area strip club DJ hired his best friend to murder his wife, who was found dead in her suburban home with a young child straddling the woman's lifeless body . Rod often asks about you and whether you still lived near The Worlds End. It later became the Cat's Whiskers club, the Ritzy then Caesars Nightclub. As a result of my earlier posting I was contacted by his son in law from the USA who told me that Nigel now lived in Sydney and at that time we lived in Australia too. ), Ian attended Joan Greenwoods Method School with such later luminaries as Olly Reed, John Leyton (Think Great Escape) and other up and coming thespians. As supporting band to the likes of Billy J Kramer, Brian Poole, the Platters, Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and Chubby Checker we also got to play at some great venues such as the Savoy Hotel, the Cafe Royal and the Talk of the South. Still, I am glad to have fond memories, of not only helping the Monotones on the early path, but also being somewhat instrumental in putting the Elm on the local map as a live gig venue. thanx in anticipation, Pete Day. I was also a classmate of Nigels and Colin at WHSB and I can remember the very early times, in the small school gym., when Nigel was drummer Brian was guitar and If Im correct the first lead singer was a boy (as we all were then) called David Tripcanny, not sure of that spelling. A smaller piano bar in the venue, which . Part of the then right of passage seemed to be TV work: and naturally, becoming a Pop Star. . Both bands were really great live acts but I think the Whirlwinds edged them out if you had to say who was the best. Brian said he would check this point and took the girls for a drink at the end of the day. Georgia or was that the SMJQ? A fellow guitarist , a singer of songs , Perpetual performer , socially strong . He was not only a great singer musician but had so many other talents. All images supplied by Colin Bell. Hi Jim Still trying to contact carol hopefully will be successful and be in touch. I have surfed the tinternet for a similar image in vain. Strip Club Owner. The original bass player was, I believe, Graham Davidson (or Graham Dee), a friend of mine. Ah such happy times! There is still plenty of Monotones and Treetops memories that sit proudly at their home, so if anyone had anything they may be tucked away that I could get for Dad it would be a pleasure to hear from you (Autographs of the band recently went for 5 on e-bay! The following year Pete Stanley of the Monotones sold me his homemade bass guitar. I opened my eyes and there he was looking me in the face and I hadnt seen him for 20 years. Visible. Having played in various groups (In those days, a band was a large group of people who played a large variety of disparate instruments! I was a good friend of Gary Brooker at Westcliff High School and remember sitting in on a couple of The Paramounts rehearsals. My wife also reminded me (We both used to commute to the City) Nigels late father was the stationmaster at Chalkwell, on the Fenchurch Street Line. There were of course many other groups around the town, including Sounds Around, The Avengers, The Mustangs, Dave and The Classics, Micky Law and The Statesmen, Tim Gentle and The Gentlemen, and many others. I decided it was time to commit some of my memories of The Monotones to this websitewhere to begin? This obviously could not continue and it became necessary to find another drummer/vocalist. I have surfed the tinternet for a similar image in vain. I used to enjoy seeing the opposition which I did whenever possible. We were all very lucky to experience and enjoy the 60s ! This image could have imperfections as its either historical or reportage. Early Years. Unfortunately I didnt realise that the guitar had woodworm. I am sorry to hear of Garys death and I hope Nigel is well nowhow amazing he lives in Sydney.small world.Please say Hi to the boys when you see them.and if there is ever a reunion I would love to be there! Wimbledon 2022 will be held from 27 June - 10 July. I was with them until the breakup. MeatBasedPlants 6 days ago. This gave another string to our bow as I sang most of the current pop songs, our drummer Ron sang the Andy Williams type ballads, and Dave covered the soul and reggae. I left without going further with my guitar efforts and headed to sea for 12 years and then New Zealand for 28 and now Australia for 16. On PYE. The Whirlwinds guitarist Bert Pullen achieved great sounds from his Fender Jazzmaster and their singer Ron Gent did a mean impression of James Brown. met a chap in Rayleigh High Street today, he reminisced about a group called Force Five or Whirlwinds, there were 2 Petes in the group, one was a drummer, can anyone throw some light on them? This was great opportunity for us and many other artists to be heard on national radio. I regularly watched the Whirlwinds and the Monotones there and Im still downloading Robin Trower albums! Hi Rod, Yes, I am still around but fast approaching my 107th birthday, you cheeky sod. See: http://www.ian-gregory.co.uk/. Hi I was manager of Alexanders night spot & also worked at Bentleys but had fantastic times at Alexanders, even though i didnt know Brian, Jim, & Nigel were in the Monotones but did know them from Tiffinys at Wimbledon & thats how I met them & eventually got the managers job at Hampton court they were wild times & the band were really good It would be good for a reunion if any are still kicking around, still would like to find out how Nigel got on in Aussie & any of the old staff from there. New Continental Club, Harter Street, Manchester. Closed now : See all hours. Vogue sold a couple of records locally and soon dissolved. knew a guy called Phil, who played in a local group. Quite a world away from a waitress in Tiffanys! I now live in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and go back to Essex every Christmas to see Mum. Radio one, was launched by Tony Blackburn, playing Flowers in The Rain by The Move Following a successful BBC audition we began recording shows presented by the following DJs. About the same time it was suggested that we should add a female vocalist to our line-up and we started a series of auditions to find one. Look forward to your reply. He was a very fast sprinter, a good Rugby player and even when the band was playing six nights a week he managed to play in goal for a London Football team. Many of us who went to 'the town' for a night out during the 1970s or 80s will have finished off at 'Tiffs' at some point. Dear Brian, It was extremely sad to learn of the recent death of Nigel/ Mark Lloyd and my condolences go to his wife,family and close friends.I had only just found this site(as I am not computer literate,haha ),having discussed the monotones in recent months with my sister,looking back at our teenage + years.Many a drunken night was spent at the Elms and other local events.You could say I was a bit of a groupie,but I also helped the roadie Brian on occasions with the moving of equipment when you were supporting, the Who,Manfred Mann,Hermans Hermits and talent show winners Bow Street Runners.The last time we met was on a Thames river evening cruise with the Leigh Young conservatives,as I was then working in hampshire pursueing my career as a Chef.Unfortunately, I was never able to see you as the Treetops in Wimbledon, due to my unsociable working hours,having progressed to head Chef of a restaurant in Chichester, west Sussex. What a blast finding this site nearly 50 years down the track. Before 1973 two dance spots existed as separate venues both owned by club entrepreneur Peter Stringfellow. Kudos to you, Mr. Learn more about how you can collaborate with us. 341,587,075 stock photos, 360 panoramic images, vectors and videos, Share Alamy images with your team and customers. Apparently in May 1967 Pink Floyd gigged there. Chris Green PS I still have the 45s of What would I do and Its Great. Though,seriously,I did lobby them to recognise the achievements of Garry Brooker,as they now have a new Music Department. This is a memorial page for Tiffanys in The Glen, one of the best nightclubs in Bristol between the late 1960s and mid 1980s. Im sure Gary Broker played keyboard with them at one time and played a superb version of Canned Heats On the road again and well remember Thurston Crane singing vocal after Basher a throat operation. Add to Collection . TIM. Cha c sn phm trong gi hng. Its good to read all the happy recollections you all have of the early years, and I would definitely be up for a jam session with the lads sometime, especially if Fugley brings his spoons! I have only just forgiven him for this, Maxine, where are you now? We had a long chat and he was on his way back to Australia. If you get this message you can contact me on awbarcelona@yahoo.com All the best. I still fly a fair bit working as a shipping and port consultatnt so the music I listen to is mainly that of the Pacific which is interesting in itself! I was constantly on the lookout for another occupation, knowing that my good education at Westcliff High School or all my exam certificates would count for nothing at my age. Colombia DB8934 1972 Gypsy/Life Is Getting Better. I have spoken to Mark and he told me you made him feel pretty old by calling him your great grandfather when in fact you are his great nephew ie. Mark took over as drummer and continued his role as lead vocalist. Congratulations on your worthwhile and fulfilling career and we would like to read your book when you publish. I was friendly with the Whirlwinds when they were Johnny Gale and the Whirlwinds playing at the Kursaal on Saturday nights.Sid Plappert was playing guitar with them at that time. It's now a Pizza Express. We played The Great Room at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane. Our favourite gigs were those we did for The Miss World Ball at The Lyceum. FaRaFEIT marathon; former exams I performed a number of songs by The Coasters such as Charlie Brown and Girls, Girls, Girls during which I remember clucking like a chicken as a solo! He was a sportsman and in his youth competed at National level for the shot-put. With all the great SONGS, plus singers and, as I found out later in my life, singer-songwriters. I do believe the origins of the Southend Sound led to evolution for later 70s musicians, such as Kursal Flyers and Dr Feelgood. Brian Alexander played guitar as well as Jim (didnt know his surname) Pete played piano and Nigel Basham was on drums and also was lead vocals. Later on I worked in the City with a guy who became my closest chum, for a while: and we formed a new group. You can get in touch with Rod via Jill. Interesting chap. After Gordon left Tiffanys we had a selection of managers until we left in 1974. The manager was Gordon Hall (I was his girlfriend, and I smashed up his E-type jag!) In the article about the band for The Southend Standard Jim Eaton also noted their appearance on Ready Steady Go, Thank Your Lucky Stars and Juke Box Jury, clips Id love to see if they still survive. Join Leeds Retro on facebook. THE TREETOPS.More personal memories by Jim Eaton. One amazing facet of Marthas abilities was her sight reading, which enabled her to play the most complex of pieces flawlessly, yet she couldnt take a solo in Johnny B Goode! Hi Alan, yes I do remember the great times we had at Tiffanys and Alexanders.if you remember it was myself and Nigel who nicknames you Fugley ( because you were too good looking! ) I remember being part of the crew that practised in Brians garagemainly Everly Brothers numbers at the time. No part of this website or the articles published here may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author. Sometime prior to the release of Its Great our record company Pye arranged for us to meet with a young man who was promoting their artists. I am sure the fun was shared by all others around us. Phil Thomas and myself still perform in the Rayleigh based band Full Circle and Keith Chesher occasionally deputises on drums. Retired in 2005, had the regulation heart attack, recovered and bought a Strat/Roland Jazz Chorus and currently trying to play Joe Pass/Lil Darlin properlyfailed. So, What Would I Do / have done without Tiffanys! Take care, Best regards, Jim and Pam. Hi Jim, Good to hear from you after all these years. Fascinated to read the comments. Sorry about the pun. Great to find your site, which I stumbled on accidently. as disco music was becoming increasingly popular. His Father was a very accomplished carpenter and made Peters first bass. Yes, I do live in Vancouver on Canadas Pacific Coast. During Brians frantic guitar solo in Route 66, he kicked a leg up and unfortunately revealed a part of his lower region down the side of his shorts. From which Robin (As he is now known) Trower developed his style and much sought after skill. Incidentally,I remember I Remember [apologies] was chosen as an A side by The Three Bells,a UK soul girl trio but have had no luck in tracing it. After they finished, all the other musicians broke into spontaneous applause. I would not have traded it for anything else but often think of the early days in Leigh/Westcliff! You must be 107. I produced 4 boards with records, photos and posters, one of which is for the gig you mention at The Locarno, where we supported Hermans Hermits .I think hes still touring isnt he? His funeral was a huge event set up by his lovely wife Debbie with over 400 people attending. In fact , if you take the logical route we are the first exhibit, which may suggest they are saving the best to last!! His solos were often intense and quite unintelligible. I had some fun times. Their drummer was Brian Edgings ( originally with The Barracudas ) who joined us for a while before Pete Trout took over when we took the residency at a new Tiffanys in Wimbledon. It was good to hear from you and so pleased you stayed in the business, I thought you would as you were so passionate about your music. We recorded this at Abbey Road Studios with I Remember, a song written by Brian, on the B side. Of course! I suppose the only remaining members of The Treetops Appreciation Society are ourselves and families! From 2010 Delilah's was one of the most popular nightclubs in Newport hosting live music events, foam parties, and all the busiest club nights. So thanks for that, I am a nostalgia junkie and so enjoyed being reminded of those good times keep the music playing folks! The lead roll in the film, titled The Best Legs in the Business was played by Reg Varney. Details on. During the time of the Monotones and Treetops Jim, Peter, Nigel and myself just never stopped laughing and enjoying ourselves on stage. Hi Colin,I was interested in your submission re the monotones.I still see Nigel each year in Australia and regularly see Brian and Pete.Most of your article was correct with the exception of Gus Chesney. I was lucky enough to find one in a junk shop and learned to play Moonlight Bay, Yellow Bird and Aloha Hawaiiand a few more. This was a radical change, as we decided to replace Pete with a Hammond organist who played pedal bass.welcome to Tony Edwards. Pete was originally a local barber, working in Milton Street, which no longer exists. Who dreamed up all these maniac names? Our bassist was Pete Stanley who was in Brians class at school. Anybody got anecdotes or info on them? On one of the few occasions we actually played a gig, it was at Victor Sylvestors Dance Studio in Southend and after the first number (Willie and Hand Jive, I think), we fused all the lights and had to cut short the set. He decided we needed to change our image and accordingly we all went to Carnaby Street to be fitted with our new Beatle suits. Dave Brown was an amiable person who loved reggae and soul. The Monotones had two U.S. releases on the Hickory label, one of which, When Will I Be Loved / If You Cant Give Me All was not released in the UK. where is tony kornheiser now / kalawao county treasurer / tiffany's nightclub wimbledon. Although younger than the rest of us, Pete had gained experience with Denny Laine, and proved to be a superb drummer and an important member of the group. Anyway, you must be pretty ancient by now, did you stay with Julie? Peter and Jim have my contact email so please get in touch soon. The Whirlwinds were an excellent live band. These are treasured memories of my teenage years and still talk of Friday nights in the boys gym. He had to be taken way in an ambulance as he didnt recover from the one short whack Lionel rendered. Having compiled a home-made CD of all our recordings for my most loyal fans, namely my kids, Matt, Chris and Chloe and their families, it occurs to me that some people logging onto this website may be interested in obtaining a copy. I have been coming to Sydney every year since 1996 and saw Nigel every time I was here. You could get my telephone number from her via her sister and give me a call. Caesars, Streatham. Cheers and keep up the great work! cabarrus county sheriff's office gun permit; lyman high school baseball coach; delegated examining practice test Get Quote. A fairly decent snooker player.I never did manage to beat him. Move It Big Bad John Give me Money (Ray Charles?) This was not an easy job as although there were plenty of drummers and plenty of singers, there were very few who could do both. 1. Went to Tiffanys. I left in 1961 to go to University to read Engineering as I could not see that music was a profitable career. This of course meant giving away some of my earnings, clearly a situation that could not go on. My excuse is that it adds to the nostalgic atmosphere and if like me you lament the passing of visual, hands-on music collections, at least you will have a solid version to hold and feel ! Are you able to act as agent or alternatively give me his email address ? 80's teen star Tiffany is still on the road singing her hits . Back to skool.Maffia Dance at the Midnight Lounge.Met Sam at the F&G (Fox & Goose) at 8.00 pm. I recall someone threatening to put that whistle somewhere where the sun doesnt shine if they heard the tune one more time! Nothing can compare to the brown, beige, cream random pattern on this midi length hooded monstrosity but they were all the rage then), (that must mean the number of weeks with Sam). I have asked him to add any comments to this web page to bring everyone up to date on his life since leaving The Treetops. Having been musically socialized by the AMERICAN FORCES RADIO (a definite underground radio station in Nuremberg of the fifties) ELVIS being my awakening obviously. We are in the company of some excellent musicians and ground-breaking bands such as Doctor Feelgood and Tha Bonzo Dog Doo Daa Band. Im meeting up with Jim to visit The Beecroft Gallery to see where they have hung them..probably in the loos, but if so hopefully the ladies !! Mark also released two records as a solo artist on which we provided the backing tracks and backing vocals. I Keep Thinking About You and Everybody Tries were produced by Brian and released on the Parlaphone label. Towards the end of 1973 Mecca were releasing more and more live bands in favour of DJs. The drummer and vocalist (also from Selmers) was John Bell. However, discarding a career in Londons Stock Exchange (Different then: stockbrokers wore top hats and striped trousers! More less. Women's Bond NFT Collection I often stayed with him and his parents as I didnt live in the Southend area.
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