any help would be great as they are my great uncles. 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. 69 Club Westgate Street plus MANY social clubs all around the North East. 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. Dawn Ralston (nee. I left England in 1966 to emigrate to Canada but still look fondly back to my younger days and great music in Newcastle. could.nt aford a leather jacket I was an early mod, not wantin any botha, then bought me 1st real bike from kens on westgate road. Saw Ralph Brough our lead singer some years ago, we were running the Peterlee half marathon, theres a change. I would like to say a huge Thank You to Roger for first of all, building up this amazing website and secondly helping people, as you have with me, to share their memories of a very special time in their lives. It was situated on the forth and fifth floor of a building at 1 Pink Lane, opposite Bowers restaurant. Any info would be really appreciated. 1. Restaurants in South Shields 1. Nick Brandon, the singer (his stage name) worked at Wards the printers in High Bridge. We went often and went for the great music and danced all night. Robbie use to lean out of the passenger window as they were driving around shouting LOOK NO HANDS ! We went and sure enough it was them minus the Leopard skin leotard tho. Along with La Dolce Vita, the Cavendish featured some of the best acts on the cabaret circuit. Greys; Dolce Vita; Cavendish. Was the crescendo manager Ken Brady from the Gamblers? I was just a nipper at the time but I remember my folks going to all those clubs as well as Change Is. I have great memories of spending many nights, years later, listening to Nigel Stanger and Lindolph DOliviera playing with the East Side Torpedoes too. 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. I bet he wasnt too happy when he was told. Just found a post from Jane Maddison whos dad Ken Maddison was my bandleader for many years after I left groups to settle down. Ziggy's 19 Bars & Clubs By C9460ITmarkg Used to tell my mam I was going to the one at Whitley Bay as I wasnt allowed to go to the Newcastle one. Its no wonder that London gangsters such as the Kray twins were keen to get in on the action. . The club was opened on 6th February 1963 by the Levey brothers from Wallsend. 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. Dusk was known for its huge New Year's Eve events, staying open till 7am. Great band, very professional. We also went to the Cellar Jazz Club in South Shields and to the jazz club at the Grange Hotel in Fulwell, Sunderland where lots of art students from Sunderland Art College went. 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. He was playing at the Arcadia Theatre. I attended this event At the jazz cafe with my parents Barbara and Teddy Berg. Can you remember what the music was that was played at the start of every evening- was it by the BarKays? John Colin Woodland, greetings. Burlesque was my band until car accident and moved to London and became a session singer. Enjoy the trip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What a star she could have been. We all used to gather around the juke box trying to get our favourite records played. 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. 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 met my husband at Nelson Street jazz club. Primary Menu. He told me he had a photo of Ronnie Kray with a bloke sitting on his knee! Basically we went to anywhere where Eric Burdon was! She was the resident singer. But the Gogo was the best of them all I remember seeing Chris Farlowe, Brian Augers Trinity, Spencer Davis Group, The Family, Zoot Money, Geno Washington, Georgie Fame, Otis Redding. Jean McGowan, Hi Trevor Chance. Read more. Change Is was financed by comedian, Bob Monkhouse who teamed up with Newcastle entrepreneur Ronnie Markham in an attempt to open a club that would offer something different to the many other clubs in the city at that time. Find what you're looking for about Nightclubs in South Shields with city-visitor. If Pete is still around you could use my email to get them together. Buy tickets from a trusted primary outlet. Apparently thats where John first spotted me when I was dancing and that was all I was interested in at the time! blog 28 mentions thelate Mike Carr.. been on wikepedia and seems he still walks among us.. thankfully. The club, which is in Greys Court at the bottom of Grey Street, has had several makeovers since opening as a cabaret club in the early sixties. Later, graduated on to the Cavendish and Greys, dont know what happened to Sect. Does anyone remember anyone from there? Gigging in the North East 1965-1972. 190 Dave, Hi, used to follow the Sect, go to various clubs and halls around Newcastle.Also the Elcorts, then the New Religion, and New Elcorts, I believe. Unofficially, the jazz sessions at the Marimba continued long after midnight. Your email address will not be published. I met John there in March of 1974 and we were there several times a week. 15 years of age in 1962. my 1st beer was in the railwaiy, whist livin on hillheads road. He said, Dance with me and started doing what he called The Pickett. Sloopys Disco was opened upstairs at the Dolcey. Our nightclub, Industry, will be launching at the end of March, we are next door to Arbeia Bar South Shields. 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. David and Tommy Finlay did work the door at the Crescendo Club in Whitley Bay. A former nurse said she feels "lucky to . Initially the Downbeat was a jazz venue but towards the end of its life it featured mainly Rhythm & Blues bands. Me mam and dad met there in 1970 and Id love to get them a photo made? Hi I used to go to most of the clubs and dance halls in Newcastle the Gogo Downbeat Dolce Oxford Galleries but mostly the Majestic Ballroom where I first saw Rue and the Rockets who were from Carlisle and are still playing. Mike Jeffery, owner of the Club AGogo and manager of the Animals and Jimi Hendrix was killed in a plane crash in 1973. Your dad is on Jesmond and not too well at present, Re comment 72 by David Parks The second picture down, which has David Macbeth on, also has two of my aunts who both worked at Go Go. How embarrassing. Keep up the good work, Roger! 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. I talked to Ken Brady today and he remembers Pete with affection. Hi June I do remember the Palleta, it used to be the place to go during the day, they cannot have done much business as we all used to buy one drink and make it last for hours until we got kicked out. There were two lads called Tich and Grass who frequented the club and fancied themselves as hard men.They beat up Paul Williams, who was then with Mayall, when he bumped into one of them. JT, #74. I remember the DJ Dave, I thought he was so hip. I was so petrified that I felt that every part of my body froze. Bernie died a couple of years ago and I hear his collection of guitars were donated to The Sage. it was Alfie wright who owned the Crescendo Club at Whitley Bay, not Ray Grehan, trust me I opened it Youve managed to make a truly great website even better THANK YOU!!! Great bloke and wonderful muso. They always wore wine coloured suits and cowboy small ties. 2. It had a bad name she said. 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 live in France now,so dont get many chances to visit the old stomping grounds. Often return back to the area and go walkabout. Met my husband there and saw some great bands and stood next to Eric Burdon at the bar. Shields there was no late licence and it shut around 10-30. Even better was the fact that he was actually staying at the same place as we were, the Pheasant Run Hotel. Bob Redhead. Also the GoGo and the majestic, many others wish I could turn the clock back, just to revisit these places. The Old Ship Inn 8 Bars & Clubs By Fairydusters It's like stepping back in time in this bar. Excuse me if I sometimes get things wrong, memory is not what it was from 60 years ago. you? The club was managed by Ken Brady who used to be in the resident band at the Majestic in Newcastle. A former South Shields nightclub is set to return to the town for one night only - and even has the support of Little Mix star Jade Thirwall. Let me know and Ill ask Roger if he could help us exchange email addresses! I remember you, Dave Elliott, Bob Anderson and my other dads mate Alf. But you'll always have your memories. Great site..lots of nostalgia. In relation to the Hendrix gig my dads uncle was the manager at the Haymarket Hotel and he reckons the band had a pint in the back room ,presumably before they went on or between sets, Great to see Germain up there looking as animated as ever ..pity there is not a music track download of everyone in action! oops sorry just found them under media -great stuff thanks. so thank you for that! Johny Sampson provided the music with Mirelle Grey and later Johny Heenan. ___________________________________________________________________________. they played for various bands and clubs. I was the only doorman for over one year. I also spent many a Monday night at your home testing scotch with your folks and a feisty small terrier before you moved from Whitley Bay. La Dolce Vita supporting P J Proby. #11 of 20 Nightlife in South Shields. X. Then late 1962 we changed to mods and started going to the Go-Go, and also the West End boys club. Enter Your Postcode Submit. Post author: Post published: June 23, 2022 Post category: assorted ornament by ashland assorted ornament by ashland Yes my mate the late Geordie Short was the drummer, they were regulars at the Bombers club and Central club and were resident band at the now demolished Mount Pleasant club until Geordie passed away. 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. It opened in 1959 and ran for around 6 years. Was at a place called St.Charles, outside Chicago, a couple of years ago and who should be playing there but Bill Smedley (Righteous Brothers). In response to the comments about Bloomers on May 11th by George Sinclair, Myself, Cass and Ken went down to Kings Road and came back with Leather Coats down to the ankles. I lived there from when it opened in late1973 or early 1974. Im loving the new web site a fantastic design and fantastic photos. The night club continued to host cabarets Freddy Starr, Mud and many many more for a few more years and was always called the Dolce Vita until it was renamed Walkers. it is the same Ken Brady. Hi Anna #156. 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 ! Its said the CID were only two steps behind them where ever they went from the minute they got here. If anyone has any input on my post please respond. 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. I still love to dance but have ditched the false eyelashes! They are both sisters of my mother Loretta, who also worked there. Lived in Heaton as I remember. Ian Galbraith was one and I understand he subsequently became the Mayor of Sunderland. re comment by margaret duz comment no. Lead singer John Little or possibly used the name Osbourne or Osmond. Oh I could go on all day. Tunes such as Back Street Luv by Curved Air and In My Own Time by Family were played a lot. He told me about his time as a photographer at Newcastle Night Clubs in the 1960s. Tom spent a lot of his time at The Dolce Vita when the club had super stag nights on Mondays and Crazy nights on Thursdays, Hi. My best friend married one of his friends (later divorced). I also went to the Playground on Westgate Road until about 1976. On a different note, is Keith Crombie the same guy who I bought a truck from when he was a truck salesman at Minories in the sixties. Hi Dave Coates enjoyed reading your post I dont live in Newcastle but had lots of contacts, friends and customers from my Disque records days in town. Most of the lads my age in 1972 aspired to have their hair like the lovely Marc Bolan. Save this search; Map View; List your business for Free! (Payne) He was a singer on the circuit in 70s or Bevan Orchard who played keyboard for him? Any information you have would be great. Others such as the unique Grotto, built among caves on the seafront at Marsden, are very much still with us. I worked at Newcastle Crown Court from 1978-1980, and during that time, I worked with Tommy Oxley, who has been mentioned here on this site. Remember them all.. The Mayfair Ballroom opened by the Mecca organization on 12th September 1961 and continued to be a major venue in the city for 38 years. My father was Carl Hersman who played keyboards. Good times- great musicians. Ill post a comment as soon as I have anything to report. Where did his photos go? 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 love this blog I am originally from Sunderland and have been trying to recall some of the clubs from this time this site has hit almost all of the ones I went to (mostly on Wearside) starting with the Seaburns cats night out on Wednesday nights, the Cellar (lying about our ages to get in) the Grange, the Bay Hotel and Wetheralls. Maggy Ross could be Maggy Heskith who died a few years ago. So the Kon-Tors had to play a second set at Wetheralls in Sunderland as part of the fee. I worked at La Strada with your Dad in the early 70s. 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. Fond memories of him. Just stumbled across this great website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); But if you were there and you cant remember much, then this site will jog your memory, at least about the local north east music scene of the mid to late sixties. The drummer had an American car. Rumour had it that the ex-Club AGogo bouncer Dave Findlay and his brother Tommy were going to put in appearance. 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!) When they came to the Change Is there was always a heightend tension but they minded me, I guess since they were barred from most other clubs they didnt want to screw themselves up with this one. It was situated at the junction of Newgate Street and Low Friar Street. Ill gladly let you have copies of what I have a photo of Bloomers but boarded up and no sign and an internal shot of girls dancing and dry ice on the dancefloor from late 1960s also a flyer for the opening of Bloomers in July 1973. Photo: Shields Gazette Photo Sales 2. That totally made my day, especially after having visited his grave just last week. Do you remember the DJ Big Phil not sure if he ever worked in Change Is but he certainly worked in Scamps, which was the place I went to the most from 1974- onwards probably til I got to the stage where I couldnt go clubbing and get up for work in a Bank anymore-old age I think its called! I have very blonde hair so Don Smith the band leader insisted on calling me Mike White. Also played at Ray Grehans Cub in Roker Avenue Sunderland with Little Eva and the Fortunes. I spend my time between Corbridge and Florida. ideal for struggling musicians. If you want to get in touch enquiry@deadgoodvideo.co.uk. According to her they had sex on the floor there. I think the name was Michaels? After the refurb of the Crescendo I carried on working for Ray firstly on his new house in Forest Hall and then on his new project which was amusement arcades in Sheffield and Nottingham I think he was talked into these by his brother in law I dont think his heart was in this part of the business as he loved the buzz of music and clubs when the Crescendo burned down he went on to buy The Deleval Arms on Scotswood road but it never opened.The last time I saw him was around 1977 but he seemed to have lost his sparkle definitely not the man I knew.As I had moved away from the area shortly after this I was shocked to learn years later that he had passed away he had been one of the best bosses I ever had. I worked in the baileys club Bloomers in bath lane first manager was Dave abbot who went to a bailey club in Stockton second manager was Bob Duncan who after three years moved over to manage La Dolce Vita . 9 Jun 2022 . I have often wondered what became of Margaret Armstrong who lived on Benjamin Road in Howden and worked in a large Civil Service Centre (name forgotten). Used to go to the GoGo Young Set,we were only 14/15 , sit and watch the older ones dance then go home and practice, following week we were there on the dance floor, giving it large.. would love to find out anything from this.thank you Shyirra. I did overhear a conversation in which one of the guests asked the other if he had been present at the Gogo on the night that Dave Findlay knocked out Keith Crombies teeth! Finally, in relation to the Seaburn Hall in Sunderland we also used to go there does anyone remember Ronnie Stephens and Ray Huntley great dancers. "These areas were thriving communities - and people love to reminisce by looking at old photographs and sharing stories.. 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! Lol. Today, the pub is called Kennedy's 3 of 10 The. On club nights the occasional drunken troublemaker would be invited upstairs to the wrestling ring and taught the error of his conduct!HAPPY DAZE!!! Tommy Oxley worked as a part-time Court Usher then. Really interesting reading. We drove all night and met some great Geordie at the match and who then took us to the Cavendish where we saw from memory Gerry and the pacemakers. Great site!! 2 inch thick marine ply shells with heavy duty internal struts and mounting frames but man the sound was awesome, power, punch and clarity. He must have been in his late fifties in the time I knew him, and I think me may no longer be with us forty years on. Ken, remembers you as a great singer. Hi. The 'leisure industry' pubs of 2021, of course, exist in a very different world to their mid-20th century predecessors when the town's hardworking men - seafarers , shipbuilders, coal miners and the like - were the main customers in the street-corner and riverfront bars. I found a photograph of my great-great-grandmother Mary Jane Fergusons public house, the Station Hotel, in Laygate Lane, South Shields. We step back for just a while to the South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn and Boldon of four decades ago. One of them snapped my new tie in half trying to garrot me. Many thanks for the site. Does anybody remember the house band at La Dolce Vita in the early seventies, Robbie was the bass player, John the lead guitar. Bernie was the organist and his brother another name that eludes me were both from Sunderland. Drink and lack of sleep took its toll.The candle which I burnt at both ends went out in 1977. June Viner. LA DOLCE VITA CRAZY NIGHTS!!! In 2011, north east photographer and author, Ian Wright who now lives in Las Vegas, had the bright idea of organising a get together for the people involved in the sixties club scene. Owner, Sandford Goudie, opened a second La Strada in Sunderland in 1967. La Dolce Vita was situated on Low Friar Street not far from the Mayfair Ballroom. Brings back many memories. 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. He later managed Hendrix and Slade. Bars & Clubs By 688iang The range of beers and ciders is magnificent, all superbly kept by Kath and the staff. I remember the 60 they where wonderfull years. I absolutely loved the place. I was only 18/19 years old and really loved the beat, the melody the arrangement and have been hooked all my life. Both my grandmothers once worked in the Tyne Dock Hotel, now Kennedys at Tyne Dock, and I remember passing Slake Terrace on my way to work in Newcastle, with the Grapes Hotel and many other public houses before they were demolished. `you may already have it? Marcus now lives in Leeds and is a professional artist. Does anyone remember my dad Mike Mccormick who worked for teddy berg at greys, Having read through these posts I dont think anyone has mentioned the fantastic group called the Gas Board they played at the Quay Club also the Majestic, Theres a bit about the Gas Board on this page, Liz: http://readysteadygone.co.uk/bryan-ferry/. He also played at The Cavendish and LA Dolce Vita. The Majestic closed as a music venue in 1967 and became the Gala Bingo Hall. old nightclubs in south shields. Lorraine, its lovely to hear how much you enjoyed going to Bloomers and glad the memories made you smile! Does anyone have any info on Jimmy Bence and his Orchestra, particularly around 1965ish? Sunderland. Jean, I wonder if you could share any photos you may have of Bloomers nightclub. Facebook Instagram Email. 1967 Advertisement for La Strada in Sunderland. Dave Finlay was a very good decorator and I used to pick him up at his house in Jesmond and travel on to Whitley Bay At the time the club was only open on Friday and Saturday evenings . I had the Landlords bitter the following day in Wetherspoons and it tasted . We were more 18 year olds from Sunderland who found our way to the Club A Gogo hoping to meet someone to give us a lift home! He was always a dapper dresser!! My dad Bob Stephenson (pianist) played at both La Dolce Vita and La Strada. They did a lovely beans on toast. I spent so many happy weekends there in the 70s and remember being devastated when it closed down and we all had to transfer to the dolce. Read more about the Club AGogo on this link. Good bands played there. There were around a dozen night clubs with top acts appearing in the city every day of the week. Other acts that appeared at the Majestic Ballroom in the sixties include; The Moody Blues, The Kinks, The Spencer Davis Group, The Hollies, Van Morrison and the Small Faces. I had an input early in the posts re La Strada and Ken Maddison and was lead vocalist at the Sunderland and South Shields nightclubs. 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. He can remember going over and taking shots of the area when he heard it was going to be pulled down. Cheers. In North Shields, for quite a long time in the 60s, the basement of The Jungle was a night club. Another of those in attendance was Marcus Levey, who with his twobrothers ran La Dolce Vita before selling the club to the Bailey Organisation in 1965. Im always on the hunt for any photos of either, of these clubs and wondered if you had any at all. He even stood in for the pianist who hadnt turned up on my Mum and Dads wedding day! I seem to remember the band playing at The Majestic at the bottom of Westgate Rd. Student Union do,s were good and remember Sect and Elcorts playing at a couple of them. i used to be a singer and guitarist in Newcastle in the 1960s in the MAYFAIR with The Gamblers (they became Billy Furys band) i then was a singer with George Ricco on the Bailey circuit and we moved to Jim Wrights 2 rooms in gallowgate Newcastle. We got on talking about old Sunderland and thats how I found out who he was. I remember the Old Cellar club with Mrs Bailey on the door. Good job with the website. JT, Try playing the 1967 Gamblers version of Cry me a River (on YouTube) Certainly stands the test of time. Wish I had been a fly on the wall.. ______________________________________________. Thats apparently where John first saw me but at that time 1972/3 I was much too interested in dancing. The Beatles played for 5 bob. Gordon Clegg worked for the Post Office and passed away last year. I think Wednesdays was Cats Night Out mainly only records being played but Saturdays it was bands,The Kylastrons were a favourite I remember in their leather trousers playing Hall Of The Mountain King with loads of echo. At the opening night the DJs were myself and Simon Dee. Tatler Club in the Haymarket. The best thing is Im still alive and have great memories. 54-56 Ocean Road, South shields, NE33 2JD 0191 4967500. I then returned to a normal life !!!! Absolutely loved it. Hello .would anyone have any information on Ken White..he was in a double act..Collins and Wright I believemy Dad was Ken and My Godfather was Lenny. Just been reading a comment from Pete Wallis from May 2015. I used to work at the Oxford with Don Smith and Jims 2 room as singer with the trio. Pete Wallis. The building that housed the Guys & Dolls is still standing. He was an alto sax/clarinet player with Don Smith in the 60s and I worked in the cloakroom for about a year. away from him: Jeffrey managed the ANIMALS & JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE like small club bands. The last couple of times I've been in the beer has been very poor, I tried the Landlords bitter and old speckled hen but both were tasting dodgy. The Oxford Galleries opened as a ballroom in 1925 and was a popular haunt for dancers through to the late sixties. He was the minder for Tom Jones when he came to the La Dolce Vita. I was amazed at the club scene in the North East! I always thought of the area just as you opened the double doors as the viewing platform. Vogue. Covid-19 permitting, most of us hope to enjoy the hospitality of pubs in South Shields, and elsewhere, once again in the not-too-distant future. Has anyone out there got an actually photo of Bloomers with its name on the building been looking for years .thank you. 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. greg orme obama's friend, crawford county now lights and sirens, when did steve jobs go to college,