. Jubilation/The Shark Club. Whilst I am thankful for my time in the Monotones professional full time musicianship was not for me. 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? since my name is Jonas(Jonah). Hi Chris , Firstly , I can confirm it is a photo of The Whirlwinds sent to you by Graham Rousell . Legendary long-time pop veteran @tiffanytunes wrings in the holiday season with her newest album "Shadows," featuring singles "You're My Everything" and "I Like The Rain" out now. This was a radical change, as we decided to replace Pete with a Hammond organist who played pedal bass.welcome to Tony Edwards. ), 3 weeks (that must mean the number of weeks with Sam)Another boring day at skool.Jackie went to the hospital about her back, she has to wear a corset too cos she has rhemetism? Invariably forgotten is Pete Wilsher, probably Europes leading exponent of pedal steel guitar and later the manager of Sound City in Shaftesbury Avenue, in the West End and the emporium every aspiring rock musician would gravitate to and drool and dream. I decided to buy a Hawaiin guitar, which would suit the setting. Brian informed us that our days as resident band at Tiffanys were probably numbered. Obviously so traumatic my mind switched off at that point but I do know that from that performance on I was relagated to singing background oohs and aahsand I imagine Brians infamous twiddling with knobs was him turning down my microphone! I now live in the beautiful Adelaide Hills and go back to Essex every Christmas to see Mum. Having recently left Selmers music store in Charing Cross Road, I was doing daytime recording sessions, and evening gigs with an organ and drums duo called The Organisation. Subscribe. Ted has visited the London and seen how much beer was shifted on a Thursday and wanted some! It later became the Cat's Whiskers club, the Ritzy then Caesars Nightclub. Firstly, its great to see some comments relating to the band. tiffany's nightclub wimbledon. In 1973 we cut our last disc as The Treetops, a song arranged by Harry Robinson and produced by Bob Barrett, Life is getting Better. Time flies but the memories linger. Hello to Jim Eaton , Brian Alexander, Nigel Basham, Pete Stanley and Andy Rainbow. Good to talk ! Going back to my nightmare.I have to confess that having written the words Somethings Hurting Me,I decided to leave the band in 1966 so that Rod could sing Rag Doll with you for the Tiffanys audition and I knew he wouldnt survive being called Un Garconand it would only be a matter of time.Well,in fact there was No Waitingand Brian came knocking on my door..to be continued !!! I remember having an important gig to do but our equipment was very sad, and when I mentioned this to Brian, he said Thats OK you can borrow our equipment I was yet again over the moon. We catch up with Mark in Sydney every couple of years. Use in a presentation/talk (eg,Powerpoint and Keynote) or in an editorial newsletter. So sorry to hear about Gary he was a brilliant drummer. Locarno. Got a couple of patents granted, wrote half a dozen papers and messed about on emission control and invented the DI passenger car diesel engine. Went to town with Sam at 2.00 pm. We would usually finish with our version of Who Wears Short Shorts by Freddie and the Dreamers, at the end of which we all dropped our trousers. Hi De Hi Jim Well I think weve gone full circle.We started the band by rehearsing in Brians garage [his parents and gran must have been glad it was at the bottom of the garden!] Hanging around with bands in my German school days was logical. After reunion with Peter and Jim in May we have vowed to keep in touch from now on. 1966 saw more changes in the band. Both bands were really great live acts but I think the Whirlwinds edged them out if you had to say who was the best. Captions are provided by our contributors. Magnolia, TX. at Ians parents home in Ailsa Road, Westcliff. Its good to hear that you and others have enjoyed and made a success of their lives. 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! 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. Spookily that was the time we moved to the area from Liverpool. Any body that knows me from then can e mail me at daviddowns@sky.com. 67 years old and still cannot act my age, Hi Ian I am putting on an evening with Brian in Derbyshire in September and am wondering if you have any publicity-style piccies for Monotones/ Treetops. Search for stock images, vectors and videos, Available for editorial use only. He was a sportsman and in his youth competed at National level for the shot-put. He always had time for everyone. Played pool at the BrickSaw loads of mates from skool.Had 2 Martinis came home at 11.00 pm. 14. It was on our way home from one of these gigs that we stopped for a burger in The Mile End road, came back to the van to discover that most of our equipment had been stolen. The grass-court Grand Slam tournament, established in 1877, will take place at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in London, UK. I recall we rigged up some fake gear to smash up at the end of our set when supporting The Who. Later, I opted out as my career was more important. And that does remind me.You left out one of our major appearences..namely the Darby and Joan Fete at Chalkwell Park where we represented the local beat-comboplaying second billing to the Billy Cotton Band [ Wakey Wakey!] Watta ya mean what relationship .. what we have stryck up a relationship, now that is worse than I thought!!!! Dec 09, 2014 at 1:03 pm. Good to see two of my fellow band members have made contributions to this site. The Whirlwinds were an excellent live band. Anyway I happened to find this site and could not beleive all the information etc which takes me back to that era. Colin Bell. Enoch Power sold pet food (Fido Meat) in the arcade next to Tiffany's night club / disco and Wimbledon Theatre. I remember both Lionel and Jimmy Emmons, but as well as Terry Latter, Larry Laidlaw often worked the door and I recall a bit of aggro happening with some London boys one night who wanted a return fixture having been bounced the previous week that didnt end too well for the home team I also remember Maxine and her sister Michelle from my day job at the airport lovely girls and Im sure they still are! All images supplied by Colin Bell. He had probably the best rock voice of the time along with Ronnie Gent. My pal always had his hair cut by Pete Wilsher and I did have one cut from him (not too impressed with it I remember) just before he left the barber trade. Played a Futurama / Selmer(?) 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. He was a fanatical weight lifter and the star of the old Estuary Gym: his party trick was tying knots in six inch nails, with his bare hands: I kid you not! I remember Gary always getting out his drum sticks betwen classes and giving a drum solo on his desk. Thus, for a couple of gigs, (Whitehall off of Clatterfield Gardens, Westcliff and the community hall, in Snakes Lane Eastwood, I became the Monotones Bassist. 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. Jan. 2010. As Jim mentioned, whilst working at Alexanders, we built a recording studio together from scratch, which had a solid sound and a good reputation with south London bands. SoundCloud Tiffany's Nightclub Rotherham 1974 by the glummer twins published on 2016-02-07T16:36:35Z . Hello David Glad you found us and made contact . anyway hope this reaches you regards mick. I didnt know anything else about the band until Phil T. contacted me with the newspaper clipping and the following info: During their early years, the group line-up changed many times but by 1964, it comprised Brian Alexander (lead), Jim Eaton (vocals and rhythm), Pete Stanley (bass) and Gary Nichols (drums) and I believe that it was these four who made the recordings. I think it was at this time that the name Monotones was suggested. As for the other Whirlwinds (which forced the name change) mentioned up further in this thread, I think that must be the band from Manchester area, brought together by Graham Gouldman of later 10cc fame. I still play in a 70s Rock band and a duo in the North East of England http://www.chevrons74.co.uk I am the one with the long hair playing guitar and keyboards, I am still running Tim Gentle Music, but now mainly as an online store. It was originally a cinema I believe in the 50s, then it was a nightclub called the Moulin Rouge. We each had a large and loyal following, and basically shared venues like The Elms, The Halfway House, The London Hotel and The Cricketers. It was so sad to lose Gary, I had only been back in Southend a few months before he died. I look forward to hearing them on Strictly Come Dancing! The Monotones and The Whirlwinds later to become Force 5, were the two bands everyone looked up to. Thanks for the kind mentions on this page. Sam phoned at 3.30 & 5.15 pm. I think I still have it stashed away somewhere. Incidentally, I spoke with Pete Willsher a short while ago and after spending time abroad he is now back in Southend. They used to work in a factory called Herrmanns (making cabinets) during the 1960s and did quite well during their time together x, I remember Tiffanys at Wimbledon in the 60s ! My condolences to his family, friends, and band mates. This was for The Grand Order Of Water Rats and was attended by a couple of hundred celebrities including pop stars and film and TV actors. I believe it must be the same band but can find very little out about them. Now based in Peterborough with an amazing wife and an eccentric German Shepherd. Hello, I am presently writing an encyclopedia of 60s U.K. Groups and was doing research on Tim Gentle & His Gentlemen when I came across this wonderful website and saw a message from Tims sister. Amp on 11. Would you have an e-mail address that I might write to him at? The band performed right through to 1977 all over the South-East, London and East Anglia with only three changes in personel: Bob Church was replaced by Roger Dupuy in 1964, Phil Thomas left the following year, and my brother Keith Read took over lead guitar from Adrian in 1973. By this time Mark had returned as lead singer and with Rod Clarke now joining our vocals we became more of a harmony group, concentrating on numbers by The Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, The Ivy League etc. It turns out to be a demo recorded before their first Pye 45, released in the U.S. without the groups knowledge! It was time to find another place to rehearse and learn new numbers. Did you make a fortune out of us? We had a lot of fun and accomplished a lot during my tenure with The Treetops and I have many fond memories from that time. I arrived this time just a few days after he passed away,he had phoned me the day before saying he was looking forward to my visit. The new club, which was to be called Bentleys was based on the same successful format and again required a trio of musicians. 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! This site is a work in progress on 1960s garage rock bands. Glad all still goes well with everyone,sorry to hear about Nigel. Awesome. July 16, 2022 by Alan Esdaile. (Its not and never has been the Elms by the way). Jonas Porst Public Relations jonas43@email.de 00491735722342, Hi Brian, its good to hear and remember all those times. BW Mick. The end result was a remarkable live cover of that difficult song, and we soon realised that other Mecca bands were coming to the club to hear us perform it. What a memory you have, youve jogged mine into life again. Pete played a tune, possibly Trambone, Chet Atkins style followed by Bash and him doing Jezabel together. I loved the Barracuda gigs at The London, and it was you who jogged my memory I had forgotten their name. However, on the positive side that we can now afford reliable equipment we could only dream about in the early 60s, when much of our gear was home-made, including the bass guitar built by Pete Stanleys dad, which Mick subsequently replaced with the Burns Vista Sonic Bass he still plays today. Condolenses to Marks family and relations. I went on to play guitar and form a band called Tim Gentle & His Gentlemen, and under the guidance of Brian, and only 14 years old, released a single called Someones In The Kitchen With Dinah in 1964. We have to organise a reunion before we all fall over. The comment about Seven Up is brilliant and I am going to write to the BBC to try and find a copy, so thank you for posting. It was hosted by original member, Cliff Messiter, who had enjoyed success as a very accomplished graphics artist and owner of a design studio. Ever since that time I have been wondering who Alexander was. What I clearly remember is that it was him that suggested I stop playing the guitar, adopt a stage name along with Nigel and that the two of us should front the group as lead singers. I would very much like to get in touch with you! We werent good but we had a lot of fun! His memory is better than mine ! I have to stop me now from getting carried away: let me say so: In this year I saw them ALL. Vogue sold a couple of records locally and soon dissolved. It was originally a cinema I believe in the 50s, then it was a nightclub called the Moulin Rouge. I have only just forgiven him for this, Maxine, where are you now? We left Southend in 1966 and went to play at Tiffanys night club in Wimbledon.Our name was changed to The Treetops and we released several records under thet name ( these regularly appear for sale on e-bay along with Monotones records ). The Iconic Blue Box. Thanks to Phil for sending in the article from The Southend Standard, January 2006 and to Jim Eaton for his help with songs, photos and information for this page. Both bands had an extremely loyal following. Got up at 8.00 am.Sam called for me at 9.00 am.Went to Liverpool. tiffany's nightclub wimbledon. Got up at 11.45 am (still obsessed with time I see).My head is a bit heavy cos I was drinking Scots Mac & Martini last night. Look forward to your reply. This image could have imperfections as its either historical or reportage. Bev phonedSam phoned. The Elms was our local haunt Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Saturday as I recall 1 shilling and sixpence om Tuesdays and two bob on Thursdays. Around September 1966 Rod Clarke decided to move on, as he wanted to get back on the road. Who is playing at Wimbledon 2022? If you wish to contact me through Chris (rchrisbishop@gmail.com) you may be able to help me out. This of course meant giving away some of my earnings, clearly a situation that could not go on. And if you do visit, you may get the chance [ if the attendants not looking ] to touch Gary Brookers silk cape. Even after all these years Monotones/Treetops memories are still going strong. I think I had a uke-banjo at the time, but due to Brians enthusiasm graduated to acoustic guitar and then my first semi-solid Selmer. hi jim of treetops tiffinys wimbledon, you prob wont rememeber us brothers 4 of us use to come to tiffinys with others & great times , my younger brother always had to much to drink & go out back & set the alarms off, & the bouncers said not you again. [SFM] fredina's nightclub. BB. From Emma Raducanu's $37,000 in Tiffany pearls to Maria Sakkari's crop top and shorts combo and Jelena Ostapenko's . They are pals of my cousin Mick Wilsher, which brings me to the meat of my enquiry. When home I could not help becoming manager (in no way what that word implies today!) Pete was originally a local barber, working in Milton Street, which no longer exists. Following the release of California My Way in 1968 we did not release another record until Mississippi Valley in 1970. ]Going back to the beginning,in 1959,when I asked my Dad for a guitar he replied Ill make you one.He was a first class furniture maker and thought he could apply his skills to making a musical instrument.He did just that but although it looked good every time I re-tuned the strings the neck bent and eventually they were half an inch away from the frets.I believe he thought my interest would be short-lived but he went on to make speaker boxes and amplifier cases and the bands first roadie was my brother-in-law.it was a family affair!To my Mum and Dads credit they gave their blessing to my quitting a secure job with Barclays Bank to play guitar full-time.Im sure Dads skilled fingers were crossed behind his back!When we speak of school friends I cant overlook the person who taught me my first chords,namely Dave Munday who sadly died in his teens.The memories start filtering through,despite the effects of alco-ziemerand I hope to contribute more anecdotes in the future. Later on I worked in the City with a guy who became my closest chum, for a while: and we formed a new group. Sorry for my faulty English part of it got lost through age, haha. By this time in 1963 we had attracted a huge following in Southend and were considered one of the towns most popular groups. Just a final few memories to add of my time at Alexanders before I got a proper job. 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. As I was listening, a great big guy with a beard, apparently the manager of the pub, with an Alsatian dog came out and asked what I was doing? In the 1960s the band were regulars at The Elms, The Halfway House in Thorpe Bay and the Kursaal Ballroom but we also played all the yacht clubs in the area and many times at the Cliffs Pavilion. Here's what you need to know ahead of the tournament in the UK capital: When is Wimbledon? Irene Donovan and her colleague Josie watched us nervously perform a cross section of our repertoire, which included ballads, four part harmonies and rock. 341,587,075 stock photos, 360 panoramic images, vectors and videos, Share Alamy images with your team and customers. His solos were often intense and quite unintelligible. It would be great if there were to be a Monotones reunion at the Elms..I would be there!!!! I did own all of their UK records but unfortunately dont have them anymore. TUNNEL 267, 267 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SD +44 (0) 208 540 0080 . From . Mark sang his songs with huge epic endings such as Im Gonna be Strong by Gene Pitney and Jezebel by Marty Wilde and Frankie Laine. Hi Rod, Yes, I am still around but fast approaching my 107th birthday, you cheeky sod. I said I was trying to listen to the group, he said Its no good trying to listen out here, you had better come inside and took me in the hall to meet you all. And I missed out on a Parlophone Promotional Copy of Is it Right only last week on e-bay. This was the first group I played regularly with and it was great fun. Required fields are marked *. Another local venue was The Halfway House pub (if I remember the name correctly) by the sailing club at Thorpe Bay on the Esplanade. Hopefully the contents of the tape have survived the years. Regards pat. Fascinated to read the comments. Good band and nice guys . Both bands used to play regularly at St. Clements Church Hall and other places but St. Clements brings back fond memories of the Mums and Dads dropping their kids of at St. Clements to see what was usually 4 or 5 bands on in one night, only coke and crisps were served and the place was always packed. Called at Js first for a drink.Bev was upset about some bloody lad again. It was a flop. But it was the YEAR Of MAGIC music wise: The BEATLES were about to explode, Meseybeat took over and everything changed completely. They were certainly more rhythm and blues orientated than ourselves. To read the full history of the group and its change to the Treetops, read through the comments below. Hi Jim. I often stayed with him and his parents as I didnt live in the Southend area. The blasted Covid has a lot to answer for. So I went to my trusted record dealer and ordered it. Incidentally , we are , here in the UK , watching 63 UP ( and of course Trumps visit ! ) (now I have no idea what Scots Mac is/was so had to look it up on the tinternet. There was a load more copy stuff but I do not remember. You were my English teacher. See: http://www.ian-gregory.co.uk/. You mention Nigels girlfriend Sandra, myself and Pam were with her yesterday. Does your group ever play down this neck of the woods, would be great to meet and hear you. Ian is now an eminent ceramicist. She was too good to miss and we married in 1967 and are still so happy together, although I have finally stopped her carrying equipment about! 12520. The link is quite amusing btw! I am striving to ensure the accuracy of information before committing to paper and it is in that regard that Im hoping you might be able to help me with some information about this group. Thanks for your memories, hope we can meet sometime. After a few months I noticed all the dust on my band trousers, it was gradually falling apart and that was the end of our Hawaiin session. The Premiers, who played in the interval at the old Kursal ballroom, when the Howard baker strict tempo band took a break. Hi Jim I doubt you remember me howeveer in the early -mid sixties, I was one of the crowd who frequented the Elms and the Halfway House to see you guys.