Growing up in the 50s and 60s The Q5, the Band (or Group as we called it) I played in late 60s |
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Welcome to the Down the Lane 'Extras' |
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My part in the British Blues SceneNot a lot is the real answer, but a 'jolly good time'Like all people of my age, 15 in 1963, The Animals came along, you brought a guitar and learnt 'The House of the Rising Sun'. It was a time of great social revolution, expression and feelings which had been held back through the 50's were let loose accross the nation. Everywhere were new sounds, new groups, new ideas and....everyone wanted to be in a Group ! So, I joined a band when I was about 18. To be fair, the other lads only asked me because I was the only one who had a full time job and earning money. We played pretty much locally around Sevenoaks with a few adventrous journeys as far as The West End and deep south to Crowborough (15 miles) ! They were good times and I remember like it was yesterday when, after a gig, I got thrown out the Wimpy Bar in the Strand because I was dancing on the tables (I recall repeating this act at my daughters wedding, but fell extremely awkwardly on the floor below). Then there was the time when we played of all places 'Worlds End Lane' in Green Street Green. We turned up in our fine hippy gear, me with my scarlet hipsters, white shoes, thick white belt, flower shirt, head band and flower, only to find out it was a 'Rockers' do. They were good days however and I progressed to guitar playing (of a sort). We played mainly in the style of the Yardbirds, Zombies etc., with a final line up of Lead, Rythm, Bass guitars, drums and an Organ. But some of us wanted more and some didn't. We broke up in 1970 I think. Two went on to play for 'Vanity Fair' ('Early in the morning' fame), one went to University, one to session musican and I went into DIY !! Strangely, as soon as I left, I got better at it ! But since then I've been refined to playing very occasionally at home along with keyboards and harmonica (gets the cats out).
But memories of Carnaby Street, flower power, Hyde Park Concerts, Sundays in the woods with a few guitars and a couple of beers are memories which last. Our last gig was at Tunbridge Wells Tech College. We were 'top of the bill' with about 4 other bands. When we played, about 1,000 kids were rocking and rolling, we made it ! That's the thing I regret, that night I thought - this is it, I'm doing something right. Maybe nows the time to go back to the crossraods and search for that lost song?
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Growing up in
50s and 60s 50's & 60's In the Blog 1960's Year by Year All good things come to an end, although I can but try to remember 'I was there'. |
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