Hastings Forum

I am gathering information and memories of rock and pop in the Hastings area.
I would like to hear from anyone with any interesting tales.
Did you see the Pistols or the Stones on the Pier?
Did you get chased by Skinheads or mods?
I want your memories however small for forthcoming book.
Thanks
Jim

not an interesting tale, but i can remember having a "blind date" watching The Who on the pier. must have been late 60's

Status Quo were at the Bear Festival this week, I heard it from Warrior Square! So the rock bands do still come to Hastings, just not the Pier any more

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

I don't rember any seeing any rock or pop bands but I do remember going to Jazz Night in the Caves in 1961 it was fantastic.

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.

If my memory is correct Gary Glitter once did a show there.This was the time when snooker was played there,appearing was Alex Higgins,John Virgo and others well known players who are now distant memories and names now half remembered..Whatever happened to GG ?

Hi Jeremy
I would love to have a chat with you some time.
My e mail is; jimproudfoot2@aol.com
or tel 01424 446404

Thanks
Jim

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]

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]
Jim Proudfoot wrote:
Hi Jeremy
I would love to have a chat with you some time.
My e mail is; jimproudfoot2@aol.com
or tel 01424 446404

Thanks
Jim

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]


[/quoted]