I went there quite a few times in the late 60s. Before then, they always return false. The summer of 1967 I emigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada. Me and my brother had some great nights in La Strada. Its a good job my parents never heard about the murder that took place there in the mid 70s. I remember a night run by the students union at the Mayfair where they would have on 3 or 4 top groups of the sixties. It opened in 1959 and ran for around 6 years. 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. Great article, as with Michael(the previous poster)I have a family connection to these times. I then returned to a normal life !!!! My memories of that time are very hazy, I know we had good times, I just cannot remember many of them. Without the contribution of these two men the club and music scene of the north east would have been considerably different. It features nightclubs in South Shields who offer clubbing, live bands and nightlife. there was a keyboard player and a drummer called Allan, who drove around Newcastle in a big left hand drive American car. . Sad to hear about Dave passing. Yes, Bob Monkhouse did own Change Is until it became Bloomers, I think. `you may already have it? re comment by margaret duz comment no. I remember seeing Sandford Goudie and his glamorous wife there regularly.We watched a young comedian called Jimmy Tarbuck performing, just before he came to fame at the London Palladium. Please post photos, memories and exploits from your favorite hangout. We used to wet the backs of our hands and press them onto someone elses hand trying to transfer the fluorescent stamp that was needed to get into JAZZ LOUNGE. ___________________________________________________________________________. We still went to Bloomers perhaps once a week. The Del 5s drummer was Quentin (think thats how you spell it) Bernie Watsons brother cant think of the other sax player though. I had my engagement party (yes I met John there) upstairs in Change Is in October 1974 and not a single photo was taken..such a shame! #11 of 20 Nightlife in South Shields. They also used to play to a younger audience at the Hop in Whitley Bay. But you'll always have your memories. I remember Chic, he did incredible things with the sound and lights. June 30, 2022; my septum piercing won't flip up; vegan mochi cake recipe Two Scotsmen together in a nightclub, what could possibly go wrong! The clubs Jeffrey ran in NEWCASTLE explain now why a lot of the music groups of the ROCK groups of the era needed 2 PULL!!! My sister is Anna Louise Findlay. Wright). I was the only doorman for over one year. 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I was around a bit earlier-my brother Tony Gillman (friend of Kieth Crombie)was heavily involved in music scene through New Orleans Jazz Club and used to organize Beach /Forest Barbecues(sometimes unauthorized by council I believe)we seemed to `move away from scene quite quickly-Jazz Bands and all.Great fun and wonderful memories of Melbourne street which ultimately inspired my visit to New Orleans and Nashville-music cities USA-great times. June Viner, Sorry should have said Frank Pickering and Mickey Pemberton. dancing from 1969. Further to my last comment, some of the regulars I remember from La Dolce Vita were The Barton Brothers (Andy and Phil), Brian Stanners, (Formula One) and Pauline Hall (Fenwicks) Mum is 80 now and terminally ill with cancer. Ah, Dusk! We had a drink with him at the hotel and what a lovely man he is. Find what you're looking for about Nightclubs in South Shields with city-visitor. I absolutely loved the place. Good times- great musicians. We actually had our engagement party (Nov 1974 I think) upstairs in Bloomers or Change Is not sure when name changed. 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I remember the DJ Dave, I thought he was so hip. It was situated at the junction of Newgate Street and Low Friar Street. Under new management I. Hi George, Im not absolutely sure but think my husband John may have an outside shot. Brought back a loot of memories. Fantastic read! 1. you? Plus Dave living in W. Bay! I have fond if hazy memories of that weekend! Just been reading a comment from Pete Wallis from May 2015. Such a shame it all came to an end way too soon. Tinker Smiths any help would be great as they are my great uncles. I still meet up with Paddy Plunkett, Bob Ackers, Bill Ross, Bryn Pringle, Cass, Bill Ross, Bill Colwill about every month for afternoon coffee. Ronnie P knew all about them being a Londoner tho little heard of them in Newcastle at the time.He said women and children wernt safe from them. Anyway, I hope your life is going well Trevor. The building that held the club has long since been demolished. If you contact me, I think that I have a couple of pictures of your Dad at La Strada that you might not have seen. According to her they had sex on the floor there. 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. 1 of 10 The Neptune Inn, South Shields Pubs, by Eileen Burnett, published by Amberley 2 of 10 The Tyne Dock Hotel, South Shields, 1938. Sad to note Dave Findlay passed away recently. Thank you. pm me at cmburney@outlook.com. My Dad also played on on the early ITV programme One oclock Show, does that ring any bells with people out there? La Dolce Vita included a large cabaret lounge with seating for 500 and an illuminated glass dance area in front of the stage. Ian Galbraith was one and I understand he subsequently became the Mayor of Sunderland. The building that housed the Marimba no longer exists. 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. Like you and George I have searched through every possible website trying to find photos and memorabilia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most clubs regularly visited (after tanking up at The Half Moon) I particularly remember the folk/jazz nights we had at Change Is in early 70s. They made an acetate demo at Morton Sound in Carliol Sq. Does anyone remember Big Phil who was a brilliant DJ and worked in both clubs mentioned? From then on it changed from a dance hall to a night club and over the years had various names Tiffanys, the Ritzy, Ikon, The Studio, Central Park, Diva, Liquid Envy the latest being Club LQ. I have one photograph of me in Sloopys in 1970. The Club AGogo was situated on Percy Street, Newcastle on the top floor of a building which was also above the famous Handyside Arcade (or Arcadia as it was sometimes called). 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 . I went to opening night and subsequent first Sunday of Whitley Bay AGoGo. i was discovered there by Dame Margot Fontaine and sent to RCA records to begin my recording career. Does anyone remember seeing Dick Haymes at either La Dolce Vita or Greys & The Cavendish in the 1960s? Gigging in the North East 1965-1972. Also played at Ray Grehans Cub in Roker Avenue Sunderland with Little Eva and the Fortunes. The club itself played house music and the occasional cheesy bop. I DONT KNOW WHERE THE BALANCE OF THE GAMBLERS ARE, BUT GREAT TIMES. My boyfriend was working and was 15. Restaurants in South Shields 1. 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. unfortunately I missed the Go Go but spent many happy hours at The Dolce,Sloopys,Cavendish,Bloomers (Change Is) Ruperts,Annabels ,Sands Club,Sombrero,Chelsea Cat,Julies,Burgundy Cobbler,Latino,Fiesta the list goes on and on saw some great live acts over the years. Ill get back to you on that. The only place in South Shields at the time that charged an entry fee. If I could do one thing before its too late it would be to help her reconnect with people from her past in what was the prime of her life. We did Rehearsal Room, a Tyne Tees weekly feature on local bands, a half hour show presented by David Hamilton, we did 3 numbers loads of fun, and , we even got well paid for it. Comment by Michael finlay December 12, 2011], How can u be his son micheal -when u cant even spell his name rite -and he hasnt got a clue who jackie is, Anyone remember Purple Haze, a school band from Redwell School in 1968 Johnathan,Richard,Frank and Michael, Hello everyone I dont supose for one minute that anyone remembers me, I was lead singer for The Strangers and The Strollers,what Im really trying to find out kylastron Mac is buried so I can go and pay my respects to an old and dear friend who I lost touch with a long time ago thanks, Hi As a PS Leam Lane WMC still have a thriving group night on Fridays, they also have a first class resident duo in Dougie and Carl, not many if any clubs still have live backing for the turns. I remember a band called the Wildcats with Hilton Valentine & Chas Chandler (playing bass I think) ,who played at the Hotspur hall in Whitley Bay on Saturday nights in the sixties.I also remember the Alan Price combo playing frequently at the Victoria pub next to Woolworths in Whitley Bay, haven,t seen any mention of these venues in your lists! Was the crescendo manager Ken Brady from the Gamblers? Sadly he passed away at a comparatively young age. Kennedy's Bar South Shields 5 Bars & Clubs Open now By steveL794 This is a great Little bar great atmosphere and is such a welcoming bar, well worth a visit great chilling bar 3. It closed in 2015. She was called Maggie Ross, quite a dancer as I recall. Happy Times. I know I had a great time working at many NE clubs during the late sixties and early seventies. TO MIKE GRAHAM, hey !! Hi Cassie ___________________________________________________________________________. Great site look forward to any info. 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. Happy times, gone forever, but never forgotten. Ended up working for the Bailey Org, for short time, I think they kinda helped ruin the scene though. Oh I could go on all day. Met some real characters. 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. old now and remember the Change Is days like they were yesterday. I went to Change Is probably from 1969 until Scamps opened at the end of 1973. so thank you for that! There is a good photo of the group playing in Wetheralls. Closed to become Ocean & Collins and has since rebranded as Bliss and is now Voodoo. Its no wonder that London gangsters such as the Kray twins were keen to get in on the action. He was a great man. I know this is a long shot. Eileen said: As we get older, we look back with nostalgia at the things we remember from our youth, places we visited, had once passed or had been told about. I went to a place in 1972 which I knew only as the dive bar and could never understand why. Change Is opened with a flourish on 9th February 1969 with a promise of first class entertainment from the best acts around. Alfie. Eileen, In the late fifties I played many of those venues, usually singing and paying guitar in the group called The Black Cats and The Billy Gamblin Trio. Its said the owner of a Newcastle night club they visited instructed staff he was out and he retired to the cellar in order to escape an offer he couldnt refuse. Any comments welcomedthanks. I will never forget you were working at the theatre royal and u let me see the stage set for Alice in wonderland and let me have a go on the big swing in the stage. X. David and Tommy Finlay did work the door at the Crescendo Club in Whitley Bay. She said: "The pubs of South Shields are numerous and each has its own fascinating history. As well as the Crescendo he ran the Club Tempo in London and the Pentland Club in Edinburgh. Used to ring Ivan Birchells office and find out where they were playing. Then late 1962 we changed to mods and started going to the Go-Go, and also the West End boys club. Loved them! Dave and Tommy Findley worked the door most week-endsI cant remember the name of the resident group but the singer was called Billy , the saxophinist was Peter and the organist was Bernie . We also got introduced to Newcastle Brown too! During the late fifties and early sixties the Maj was a very popular venue for dancing. He had a son with cerebal palsy who needed to attend Prudhoe hospital on a regular basis and he felt he needed some sort of base in the north east. I remember queueing to get inside where you went down lots of dark stairs to an amazingly even darker area with fantastically loud but mesmeric music. The Crays were huge guys ,looked the part and were decked out in very flash but obviously very expensive suits . I also went to the Playground on Westgate Road until about 1976. Im mainly interested in the lead singer of the time called John Little (or possibly also used the name Osbourne). He was from Sunderland and used to come and meet me after school when I was in my school uniform. Sixties and seventies I had 7 music and record shops around Tyneside so was involved with the discos and nightclubs dance music sounds and strings. Billy. The builders had only erected the wall a few days earlier HAPPY DAYS !!! Chas Chandler went on to become an impresario on the north east scene and was heavily involved with the Animals. Then he worked for Baileys moving between the likes of La Dolce Vita, Wetherals, the Latino. 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. I remember the Old Cellar club with Mrs Bailey on the door. They gave me a flyer which had their past and present in it. Nick Brandon, the singer (his stage name) worked at Wards the printers in High Bridge. He now lives in High Heaton I believe. X, Jean ref Badfinger LP remember when the promoter give it to the JD Geoff Tate, got one myself, Hi George, Just noticed your comment which was addressed to me but (see comment 84) it should have been for Lorraine who i was sharing Bloomers memorabilia with The late Mike Carr appeared there as well as his brother Mike(vibes). Is Jim wright still alive? By this time the Club AGogo on Percy Street was in decline and the opening of Sloopys was probably the final nail in the Club aGogos coffin. Kennedy's Bar South Shields 5 Bars & Clubs By steveL794 This is a great Little bar great atmosphere and is such a welcoming bar, well worth a visit great chilling bar 3. Just stumbled across it whilst looking at pics. One of them snapped my new tie in half trying to garrot me. 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.. I was about 17 when Wilson Picket pulled me up onto the tiny stage at the Newcastle Club aGoGo Jazz Lounge. Many happy memories flooding back. it was Alfie wright who owned the Crescendo Club at Whitley Bay, not Ray Grehan, trust me I opened it Our selection of photographs recall an era of social club beauty contests, colliery wagons,. 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. Jean, I wonder if you could share any photos you may have of Bloomers nightclub. Saw Ralph Brough our lead singer some years ago, we were running the Peterlee half marathon, theres a change. Wow Rue and The Rockets have certainly filled out ! Equally we are desperately trying to find an internal shot of Scamps? I was only 18/19 years old and really loved the beat, the melody the arrangement and have been hooked all my life. Notice: Function is_feed was called incorrectly.Conditional query tags do not work before the query is run. Chirpy with a ready smile you were always a favourite of the Gamblers female fans. The Beatles played for 5 bob. So the Kon-Tors had to play a second set at Wetheralls in Sunderland as part of the fee. blog 28 mentions thelate Mike Carr.. been on wikepedia and seems he still walks among us.. thankfully. Are you David Coates from the Felling and Ken Cooper from Windy Nook ? A personal perspective by Roger Smith. Great venue. Pete Coulson here ,was lead singer with the Pilgrims & later Bassist with the Hillcresters e mail is geordie38@wildblue.net would like to correspond & anyone else who remembers me from those good times,now living nr.Boston USA, cheers, Hi Holly here lead singer with Toby Twirl.