Rock and Pop bands in Hastings.

[john_warner]

[quoted]
Jim Proudfoot wrote:

I read with interest your memories of Hastings pier.
Any chance of meeting up to pick your brain?
My email is jimproudfoot2@aol.com
or tel 01424 446404.

Thanks
Jim
[quoted]
G.K. wrote:
Hi,
Rock on the Pier played an important part in my youth also, 1973-80 Bands seen:-
Genesis twice
T.Rex
Status Quo thrice
Fusion Orchestra (70's prog rock, not the modern one)
Jon Hiseman's Colosseum
UFO
Procul Harem (Photos Here http://www.procolharum.com/99/ph_750809-pix.htm)
Darryl Way's Wolf (formerly of Curved Air)
Ten Years After/Alvin Lee
Can
Golden Earing
Budgie
Gary Moore (then with Skid Row)
Sutherland Bros and Quiver (who wrote "Sailing" for Rod Stewart)
Ashton Gardener and Dyke
Gong
Ginger Baker (Baker Gurvitz army)
ELO
Barclay James Harvest
Kinks
Curved Air (stewart copeland of Police)
Heavy metal kids (lead singer went on to co star in Au Weidersein Pet)
Hawkwind.
Suzy Quatro
Vinegar Joe (Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer)
Wishbone Ash (a couple of years ago)
Factory (Local Band who's members went on to greater things Like Hazel O'Connor and Manfred Man)
Stallion (Local band who won A melody maker award for promising new band)
Sham 69
Pilot ( supporting someone, their single Magic had just hit No 1 and they looked fed up cos they where the support band, played rubbish)
Lindisfarne (If I remember correctly)
Sid Barrets last gig with Pink Floyd was on the pier (shame I was too young for that one)

Seem to remember that Hastings college Students Union used to organise some gigs, Ace promotions (well done that man who shall remain nameless) organised others. Mr Knight was pier manager at the time. In those days the bands had to do "the circuit" and work hard at small gigs, Even bands who had made it still did places like Hastings Pier or the Witch Doctor. (Hendrix and David Bowie played there, Bowie going by his previous name "Davie Jones and the Mannish Boys")


Plus many many more that I've forgotten
Brilliant Times, met my now wife on the Pier, Married 28yrs.
I've got some brilliant anecdotes as well, like the time I was questioned about burning down the Memorial clock after a dance on the pier (I didn't do it, Honest). And a mate of mine who got chucked of the pier for ????????? (He now holds a senior establishment post)_ _ __ _ _or perhaps I had better not go there.













[/quoted]


[/quoted]

[jean_b]

Hi,i do remember going to see the Tremeloes on Hastings Pier,also going to the pop concert at the Pilot Field in the 60s,the residents were not best pleased !!! jean b.

[john_gale]

[quoted]
Jeremy Wells wrote:
Hi Jim,

I might be able to help you here. As well as a mis-spent youth in Hastings, I was also a trainee reporter for the local paper, the Hastings and St Leonards Observer, between 1979 - 1981.

I saw a great many bands during the 70s and early 80s (Def Leppard, Hawkwind, Clash, Jam, Stranglers, Elvis Costello, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Sham 69, Specials, Banshees, Damned etc) mostly on the Pier.

Although I wasn't there, I know that the Sex Pistols turned up in town as support act to the Welsh heavy metal trio Budgie (1976 or 77). I seem to recollect also that they reappeared on the same bill as Eddie and the Hot Rods some time later - although I may be wrong there.

Incidentally, if everyone who claims they were at that first Hastings Pistols gig had actually been there, the Pier would have collapsed into the sea under the weight!!

Frankly, I could reminisce on this subject all night so, if you want more, let me know at the e-mail address given.

Best gig seen in the town? Probably Van Morrison at White Rock (1988 or 89, I think ..). Also, the unscheduled appearance of The Jam in '77 and Clash guitarist Mick Jones' return to the town when Carbon/Silicon played The Crypt in 2005.

And yes, I do recall a mini-riot (shop windows smashed etc) in the spring of 1979 - although I can't remember who'd been playing on the Pier that night. I watched the aggro from the window of my flat in the town centre.

Would be delighted to offer you more. Let me know if you want it _ _ _

Jeremy Wells


[/quoted]

Hi Jeremy , just found this thread. I have a copy of your report from the Observer from the said night of violence along Robertson Streeet. It took place on 9/6/79 and the groups that played the pier that night were The Purple Hearts, Fixations, Hastings very own Teenbeats ,Scooters and Chicane from Brighton.
It was billed as the 1st Un official Mod Day_ _ _Yeah it was a bit lively after that gig and i remember the windows of Madame Greenaways and the Oak Bakery being put in ..the report was written by yourself , Stephen Turner and Andy Bull _ _ _.apparently the trouble started because the Purple Hearts refused to do an encore_ _ _they should have let the Teenbeats do it then shouldnt they ?
I remember seeing Eddie and the Hot Rods but i dont think it was the Sex Pistols that played with them that night.If my memory serves me right it was The Radio Stars and Squeeze and it may have been early 78 too but i cant be sure of that.

Im with you on the Van Morrison gig too _ _ _it was an awesome gig _ _ _he even smiled !! The Stranglers on the pier 77' was also up there with one on my best ever gigs .

Say hello to yer sister Mandy ,,,i remember her from drinking in the Anchor all those years ago

[john_gale]

The Eddie and the Hot Rods gig took place on 14/10/78

Just googled it !!
Well actually googled Squeeze gigs so its possible that they played more than once i suppose on the pier


ahhh they (Squeeze) also played March 18th 78 which fits better with my first hunch

[sarah_jones]

Saw Shakatak there in 82 - ish_ _ _cracking gig, then they had Rocky Horror at the White Rock_ _ _..ace nights but darn chilly turning up on my motorbike dressed as Magenta!!!!

[robert_fairbrass]

[quoted]
G.K. wrote:
Hi,
Rock on the Pier played an important part in my youth also, 1973-80 Bands seen:-
Genesis twice
T.Rex
Status Quo thrice
Fusion Orchestra (70's prog rock, not the modern one)
Jon Hiseman's Colosseum
UFO
Judas Priest
Stackridge
Procul Harem (Photos Here http://www.procolharum.com/99/ph_750809-pix.htm)
Darryl Way's Wolf (formerly of Curved Air)
Ten Years After/Alvin Lee
Can
Golden Earing
Budgie
Gary Moore (then with Skid Row)
Sutherland Bros and Quiver (who wrote "Sailing" for Rod Stewart)
Ashton Gardener and Dyke
Gong
Ginger Baker (Baker Gurvitz army)
ELO
Barclay James Harvest
Kinks
Curved Air (stewart copeland of Police)
Heavy metal kids (lead singer went on to co star in Au Weidersein Pet)
Hawkwind.
Suzy Quatro
Vinegar Joe (Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer)
Wishbone Ash (a couple of years ago)
Factory (Local Band who's members went on to greater things Like Hazel O'Connor and Manfred Man)
Stallion (Local band who won A melody maker award for promising new band)
Sham 69
Pilot ( supporting someone, their single Magic had just hit No 1 and they looked fed up cos they where the support band, played rubbish)
Lindisfarne (If I remember correctly)
Sid Barrets last gig with Pink Floyd was on the pier (shame I was too young for that one)

Seem to remember that Hastings college Students Union used to organise some gigs, Ace promotions (well done that man who shall remain nameless) organised others. Mr Knight was pier manager at the time. In those days the bands had to do "the circuit" and work hard at small gigs, Even bands who had made it still did places like Hastings Pier or the Witch Doctor. (Hendrix and David Bowie played there, Bowie going by his previous name "Davie Jones and the Mannish Boys")


Plus many many more that I've forgotten
Brilliant Times, met my now wife on the Pier, Married 28yrs.
I've got some brilliant anecdotes as well, like the time I was questioned about burning down the Memorial clock after a dance on the pier (I didn't do it, Honest). And a mate of mine who got chucked of the pier for ????????? (He now holds a senior establishment post)_ _ __ _ _or perhaps I had better not go there.







It was SPARKS who pilot supported that night.







[/quoted]

[robert_fairbrass]

[quoted]
G.K. wrote:
Hi,
Rock on the Pier played an important part in my youth also, 1973-80 Bands seen:-
Genesis twice
T.Rex
Status Quo thrice
Fusion Orchestra (70's prog rock, not the modern one)
Jon Hiseman's Colosseum
UFO
Judas Priest
Stackridge
Procul Harem (Photos Here http://www.procolharum.com/99/ph_750809-pix.htm)
Darryl Way's Wolf (formerly of Curved Air)
Ten Years After/Alvin Lee
Can
Golden Earing
Budgie
Gary Moore (then with Skid Row)
Sutherland Bros and Quiver (who wrote "Sailing" for Rod Stewart)
Ashton Gardener and Dyke
Gong
Ginger Baker (Baker Gurvitz army)
ELO
Barclay James Harvest
Kinks
Curved Air (stewart copeland of Police)
Heavy metal kids (lead singer went on to co star in Au Weidersein Pet)
Hawkwind.
Suzy Quatro
Vinegar Joe (Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer)
Wishbone Ash (a couple of years ago)
Factory (Local Band who's members went on to greater things Like Hazel O'Connor and Manfred Man)
Stallion (Local band who won A melody maker award for promising new band)
Sham 69
Pilot ( supporting someone, their single Magic had just hit No 1 and they looked fed up cos they where the support band, played rubbish)
Lindisfarne (If I remember correctly)
Sid Barrets last gig with Pink Floyd was on the pier (shame I was too young for that one)

Seem to remember that Hastings college Students Union used to organise some gigs, Ace promotions (well done that man who shall remain nameless) organised others. Mr Knight was pier manager at the time. In those days the bands had to do "the circuit" and work hard at small gigs, Even bands who had made it still did places like Hastings Pier or the Witch Doctor. (Hendrix and David Bowie played there, Bowie going by his previous name "Davie Jones and the Mannish Boys")


Plus many many more that I've forgotten
Brilliant Times, met my now wife on the Pier, Married 28yrs.
I've got some brilliant anecdotes as well, like the time I was questioned about burning down the Memorial clock after a dance on the pier (I didn't do it, Honest). And a mate of mine who got chucked of the pier for ????????? (He now holds a senior establishment post)_ _ __ _ _or perhaps I had better not go there.







It was SPARKS who pilot supported that night.







[/quoted]

[Anonymous1]

Well remembered Robert, of course it was now you mention it. I was never a great fan of Sparks, in fact, I'm not sure why I went to that gig, better than doing nothing I guess.

[MartinEC]

Just found this forum so the book is probably long published. My family were working on the Pier around 1960-64. My Mum sold tickets to the Ballroom from a mahogany and glass 'Box' just as you went through the swing doors.
My Gran ran the 'Handbag' room in a tiny room/cupboard by the stairs when Ladies would leave their valuables so they could dance or get all excitable seeing their favorite Bands. My Dad worked in the Men's cloakroom and the Bar. I used to go and hang out there whenever they were working and remember seeing The Stones there twice but most of the time it was a toss up between Acker Bilk or Kenny Ball's Jazzband who I really wasn't into. I did have one fun occasion when I was squashed up at the front of the stage when Freddie and the Dreamers were on and as Freddie was jumping around singing 'Short Shorts' he got his mike cable wrapped round my neck and had to stop the song, came over patted me on the head and said 'sorry Son' and carried on and then all these 'ladies' started leaning over and grabbing me (I was 8 or 9) and I had no idea what that was about.. Had to run for it back to Grans cubby hole. We left Hastings in 1964 but in 1976 I was a Spotlight operator with various touring Bands and 'Did' the Pier Ballroom with the Strawbs. It was an awful Gig because you had to push all the equipment the whole length of the Pier.. Happy days.

[mark_r]

Hi Martin
I am putting together a book about the bands that played on the pier and would be very interested in getting together for a chat.
Please let me know if you would be able to meet up.
Anybody else interested?