Recollections: Clubs and Discos

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Recollections - Entertainment

Clubs and Discos

Recollections 1-100 (this page) Recollections 101 onwards

Recollections
1.	Linda Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	The Story Club The Gamp The Place More Discos Magoos The International Club Bungy's The Athenians Music
2.	Barry Fawcett Canada	The International Club
3.	Lenny Toshack Leith, Edinburgh	1960s McGoos Reunion - 2008
4.	Eric Gold East London	McGoos
5.	Eric Gold East London	Victoria Street
6.	Lenny Toshack Leith, Edinburgh	Battle at McGoos
7.	Jimmy Davidson East Lothian, Edinburgh	The Place and Bungies
8.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Band Reunion
9.	Lyndsay Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	After McGoos and Bungies The International Club The International Club - Fire Where was The Gonk?
10.	Lenny Toshack Leith, Edinburgh	The Gonk
11.	Barry Fawcett Canada with reply from John Dickson Silverknowes, Edinburgh	Clubs
12.	Lyndsay Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh with replies from Gregor Henderson North Berwick, E Lothian, Scotland and Lyndsay Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	Music Shop Cafes
13.	Ian Foster Western Australia	The Americana The Gamp
14.	Lyndsay Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	The Americana The Gamp The Screaming Citizens
15.	Ian McCallum Rosyth, Fife, Scotland	The Abstracts
16.	Ian McCallum Rosyth, Fife, Scotland	Cafe - George IV Bridge Cafe - Hanover Street
17.	Lyndsay Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	Cafe - George IV Bridge Cafe - Hanover Street
18.	Patrick Hutton New Town, Edinburgh	The Laigh Coffee House
19.	John Gray Stenhouse, Edinburgh	The Nash Salvation
20.	Linda Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	Toto McNaughton
21.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Toto McNaughton
22.	Lyndsay Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh + reply from Charlie Watt + reply from Peter Lehany Edinburgh	The Gamp
		Pals at The Gamp
		Pals at The Gamp
23.	Brian Porteous + replies from 1. Brian Porteous South Africa 2. Stuart Old Edinburgh 3. Phil Wilson Aberdeen Scotland 4. Joyce Anderson Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland 5. Lynda Maine Colinton Mains, Edinburgh	The Plaza: 'Kentones'
24.	Jim Di Mambro South Africa	Toto McNaughton
25.	Linda Montgomery Old Town, Edinburgh	The Gamp
26.	Lenny Toshack Leith, Edinburgh	McGoo's Re-union Dance, 2009
27.	Lenny Toshack Leith, Edinburgh	The Gamp
28.	Pat Reid Edinburgh	Phil and the Flintstones
29.	Pat Reid Edinburgh	Beat News and Edinburgh groups
30	George Smith Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada	Phil and the Flintstones
31	Keith Main London, England	Flannigan's Walkers The White Elephant The Laughing Duck The International Club Cinderella Rockerfella's Other Discos Music
32	June Sutherland Oxfordshire, England	Top Rank
33	John Spence Silverknowes, Edinburgh	Hanover Street Cafe
34	GM Rigg New Zealand	The Nash Chameleon Club Near the Tron Kirk Top Rank Lothian Road Pink Elephant Between Playhouse and Salon
35	Ian Taylor South Glasgow, Scotland	The Place
36	Andy Wishart Staffordshire, England	Andy Russell Seven - Bungies and The Place - Opening of The Place - Photo - Toto McNaughton
37	Doreen Powell Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland	Plastic Meringue
38	Andy Wishart Staffordshire, England	Andy Russell Seven - The Borders - Ali Ben the Hoose and the Tauregs - Advertisement
39	Mark Wallace	Johnny Frazier Good Companion Pub
40	David Sanderson Lake Forest, California, USA	The New International Club
41	Brian Waugh	The Athenians The Avengers The Gamp
42	Tom Flanagan	The Place
43	Joyce McKay (nee Ford) Murieston, Livingston, West Lothian	The Place The Gamp The International Mcgoos Smiths
44	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	'The Roaring 20s Night'
45	John Gray Stenhouse, Edinburgh	The Gamp
46	Bob Penry Ohio, USA	The Gatekeepers
47	Irene Cordier (nee Heron) Toronto, Ontario, Canada	The Place and Toto
48	Jim Cairns Dunfermline, Fife	Top Rank Club Vic's Records
49	Heather Peebles Hong Kong	Bungies Casino The Tryst Princes Street Friends
50	Ian Hampton Los Angeles, California, USA	The Sect The Borders Memories
51	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	The Crew Cuts
52	Mike Crean Dorking, Surrey, England	The Gamp The Embers 1965
53	Peter Lehany Edinburgh	The Gamp Regulars 2010
54	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Reply to Recollections 53 Reunion
55	John Carroll	Mason Webb
56	Dave Roberts	Andy Russell Seven
57	Ian Ross Portobello, Edinburgh	Bungy's Beat Club Gene Vincent The Gamp and The Place Bands
58	Alan Raeburn Perth, Western Australia, Australia	The Athenians
59.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Alex Welsh Minto's Bar Palace Ballroom Victoria Halls and Oddfellows Halls New Orleans
60.	Kenny Bell	The Berkley
61.	Mike Cheyne Edinburgh	The Berkley
62.	Isa White + replies from 1. Lenny Toshack Leith, Edinburgh 2. Ian Young Hawick, Borders, Scotland 3. Iain Rowberry 4. Steven Rowberry	The Beachcombers
63.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Tam White RIP The Gamp Boston Dexters Film and TV
64.	Jean-François Paris, France	The Place Tiffany's
65.	John Gray Stenhouse, Edinburgh	The Images of Edinburgh
66.	Marilyn Mauran Kellas, Dundee, Tayside, Scotland	The Berkeley Club
67.	Bill Hunter Silverknowes, Edinburgh	The Laughing Duck
67. Reply	Peter Stubbs Edinburgh	The Laughing Duck
68.	Marilyn Mauran Kellas, Dundee, Tayside, Scotland	The Hunters
69.	Harry	The Howff Bungy's and The Place
70.	Betty Fraser (nee Simpson) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	YWCA Club Concert
71.	James McEwan Duddingston Mills, Edinburgh	Live Bands
72.	James McEwan Duddingston Mills, Edinburgh	The Aabano
73.	Eric Gold East London	Club Owners: 1950s to 1970s
74.	Jim Di Mambro South Africa	The International
75.	Eric Gold East London	The International
76.	Jim Archibald East London	Top Storey and Gamp Opposite McGoos - Question
77.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Opposite McGoos - Reply 1
78.	John Dickson Silverknowes, Edinburgh	Opposite McGoos - Reply 2
79.	John Gray Stenhouse, Edinburgh	Opposite McGoos - Reply 3
80.	Jim Archibald East London	Opposite McGoos - Reply 4
81.	Eric Gold East London	The Grafton The International
82.	Bob Sinclair Queensland, Australia	The Grafton
83.	Jim Di Mambro South Africa	The International
84.	John Gray Stenhouse, Edinburgh	The International
85.	Eric Gold East London	Peter Williamson and Paddy Reilly
86.	Bruce Johnstone Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland	Goldenacre Scout Hall Dances
87.	Mike Crean Dorking, Surrey, England	The Partisans The Embers The Albino Club
88.	Dave Lowe Gifford, East Lothian, Scotland	The Aabano Adele Dance Studios The Bowler & Brolly The Greenhill The Casablanca The Palais
89.	James McEwan Duddingston Mills, Edinburgh	The Bowler & Brolly The International
90.	Donna Ewen	Paddy Reilly
91.	Terry Cox Swanston, Edinburgh	Paddy Reilly
92.	Eric Begbie Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Scotland	Acker Bilk
93.	Martin Stoggell Texas, USA	Membership Cards McGoos The Place Hanover Street Café
94.	John Cairns South of France	Top Storey
95.	John Cairns South of France	Weekends in 1960s
96.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Band Reunion
97.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Kirknewton Airmans Club UPDATE - Dates
98.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	The Gonk Club UPDATE - Dates UPDATE 2 - Recording Sessions
99.	John Cairns South of France	Groups in 1960s Top Storey Club
100.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	Posters

Recollections

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Thank you Linda (now Lyndsay) Montgomery for sending her memories of some of the clubs around Edinburgh

Lynda wrote:

Top Story Club

"I remember there was a live music club at the top of Leith Street.

I used to go there as a teenager. It was at the end of the part with the balcony running along it, and was called the Top Storey Club. It was always packed to the roof. I've no idea how on earth we found the room to dance!

The local band at the time was the Embers, lead singer, Jimmy Cruickshank who did some really great covers of rhythm and blues numbers, so popular at the time.

The club closed in the sixties, with the street being demolished."

The Gamp

"The Gamp club on Victoria Terrace where I was an habitué as often as it was open. A band called The Screamin' Citizens held court there on maybe Saturday nights. Stewart Smith was their singer."

The Place

"After The Gamp, we'd go to The Place, just across the street. I think that's now Espionage in Victoria street. Various bands played there, but the one that stands out for me was Tam White and the Boston Dexters.

The Place and The Gamp were probably the first clubs to do Discotheque in town, given that there was still the Palais in Fountainbridge with a big band."

More Discos

"There was also a disco above the cinema on Clark Street on a Friday night, and when The Gamp closed, another club opened on the High Street on the left side going down from the cross- roads with the Bridges. I can't remember the name, it wasn't open long, and was run by the same folk (Pops and Buddy) who had run The Gamp."

Magoos

"Magoos was farther down the High Street on the other side of the road. It used to be an old cinema, and was again packed to the gunnels every night it opened. This too didn't last very long,

The International Club

"The International Club was in Princes Street, I think above Watches of Switzerland. It was a big place with a few different floors with different styles of music played.

Please see 'Recollections 9' below.

Bungy's

"Another club opened in Fishmarket Close called Bungy's. I think it had been a seedy cafe in the early sixties or late fifties at the time of 'beatniks'."

The Athenians

"Another well known band from these heady days was, of course, The Athenians with the famous restauranteur, Ally Black, owner of Shapes Restaurant in town.

Music

"In those far-off days I don't think I ever stayed in at night, not even to wash my hair! Music was a big thing for me and still is, unfortunately for my wallet.

You can see I've had a mis-spent youth! My father was in a band, I'm told, so maybe that's why I have the interest."

I'd love to see some other's memories of the live music scene from this time."

Linda (now Lyndsay) Montgomery, Old Town, Edinburgh: July 16, 2008

Recollections

Barry Fawcett

Canada

Thank you to Barry Fawcett who wrote:

The International Club

"I'm writing this from Canada but I grew up in Edinburgh and went to most of the local hangouts. The one that gets little mention is The International Club on Princes Street.

I would be most grateful for any info you can provide."

Barry Fawcet: July 27, 2008

If you'd like to reply to Barry Fawcett's comments above, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: July 27, 2008

Recollections

Lenny Toshack

Leith, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lennie Toshack, Leith, Edinburgh, who wrote:

1960s

"I was very interested after reading your take on the Edinburgh clubs of the 1960s. I used to frequent these clubs almost as a slave."

McGoos

"My fave club was McGoos in the High Street which was converted from the Palace Picture House to a brilliant teenagers' club.

I virtually lived in the place until it's untimely demise due to local gangsters trying to muscle in on the club which was packed just about every night.

Mr Crolla who ran the club shut it down rather than pay these hoods and it was sorely missed by a heck of a lot of people not least me!

Reunion - 2008

A Re-union Charity Dance is to be held for those who went to the Edinburgh clubs in the 1960s such as:

- Americana Discotheque

- Bungies

- The Gonk

- The Green Light

- The International Club

- McGoos

- The Place

- Romanos

- The Top Storey

- Walkers.

The Re-union Dance will be on September 12, 2008 at the Masonic Club at Shrubhill, Leith Walk. All proceeds from this night are to be given to charity.

Please click on the thumbnail image below to enlarge it and read about how to get tickets for this event: *

Reunion Charity Dance 2008 - Postponed until 2009. See below.

Lenny Toshack, Leith, Edinburgh: July 29, 2008

Updates

Reunion Charity Dance - February 2009

The Re-union Charity Dance has now been rescheduled for February 27, 2009. Please click on the poster below for further details, including telephone numbers.

Reunion Charity Dance - June 2010

Lennie has organised another dance, this one to be held on 25 June 2010. Please click on flyer below to read more details.

Recollections

Eric Gold

East London

Thank you to Eric Gold, East London, who wrote:

McGoos

"Lennie is right, you would get wee gangsters trying to muscle in on the club scene.

Peter Williamson in the early 1970s to the mid 1980s was the big fish in town. He had bars and clubs in Edinburgh. He was my uncle Paddy's best mate and these wee gangsters would be sent packing (ha ha ha ha)."

Eric Gold, East London: July 29, 2008

Recollections

Eric Gold

East London

Eric Gold added:

Victoria Street

"I’m still trying to think of the club or pub with all those wee bars and where folk music would be played. It could be The Place. It was on the left-hand side as you went down Victoria Street to the Grassmarket."

Eric Gold, East London: July 29, 2008

Eric investigated further, then wrote:

Nicky Tams

"The name of the club in Victoria Street was Nicky Tams. The Place was downstairs in the same building, under the same ownership."

Eric added

"Nicky Tams was the name given to the string used by farm workers to tie their trousers below the knees, partly to hitch them up out of the mud."

Eric Gold, East London: July 30, 2008

Recollections

Lenny Toshack

Leith, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lennie Toshack who replied to Eric Gold's comments in 4 above.

Lennie wrote:

Battle at McGoos

"Yes that was the norm back then. I vividly remember seeing an almighty battle in McGoos one night. We were all told quietly to get off the floor by some regulars and then it kicked off.

Many years later, I recognised one of the guys who was on McGoos side. He had an incredible memory. He told me that the fight was to sort out a gang from Musselburgh trying to take over the club security by intimidation."

Lenny Toshack, Leith, Edinburgh: July 29, 2008

Recollections

Jimmy Davidson

East Lothian, Scotland

Jimmy Davidson, East Lothian, who attended James Clark school, St Leonard's around 1960-63, wrote:

The Place and Bungies

"The posters advertising The Place and Bungies were really interesting and brought back a lot of happy memories.

I used to go to both clubs on a Saturday night / Sunday morning along with Bobbie Wright, Cliff Davidson and Derek Johnstone, a cousin of Cliff Davidson."

Jimmy Davidson, East Lothian, Scotland: August 1, 2008

Recollections

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh, wrote:

Band Reunion

"I organised a Sunday afternoon band reunion at Leith Dockers Club last year.

Frankie Connor came up with Johnny (Rainbow) Laidlaw, Toto McNaughton (Drummer) and a number of others. We all had a great jam session, would like to organise another one."

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: August 5, 2008

Recollections

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Lyndsay Montgomery wrote:

After McGoos and Bungies

"I was reading Barry Fawcett's comments about the International Club. (2 above). I can't remember when it started exactly, I think it was after Magoos closed and after the incident at Bungies, where someone got stabbed, and we all spent the rest of the night waiting to be searched at the cop shop up the street .I don't know if they ever caught the culprit."

The International Club

"The International was run or owned by an Italian. I can't remember their name. On the door, when you got upstairs, was Eddie, and usually someone else. Eddie was an ex-boxer who spoke very quietly and slowly, and was an all round nice guy unless you got on his wrong side.

There were at least two dance floors. In the one looking out on Princes Street there was a balcony where you could have a soft drink and talk to your friends.

There were live bands or a disco, depending on the night. The cloakroom was at the very back of the building, virtually at the back door.

I can't remember missing many nights, but the club might have been closed one night a week. I just remember the great times to be had there."

The International Club

Fire

"Later, I remember there was a fire in the club. A famous person who shall remain nameless, was supposed to have started the fire in order to frighten the owner, and so offer to buy the club.

I remember being in someone's house when the person who was supposed to have done it was asked, and admitted it was an accident. I was away for a while after that, and can't remember what happened to the club. I only know that whoever had it sometime in the 1980s gave it a good name - 'Fire Island'."

Lyndsay asks:

Where was The Gonk?

"Where was the Gonk Club? Was it the upstairs of the Cavendish in Tollcross?"

Lyndsay Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh: August 2, 2008

Recollections

10.

Lenny Toshack

Leith, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lennie Toshack for replying to the final paragraph of Lyndsay's message in 9 above

Lennie wrote:

The Gonk

"The Gonk Club was in Riego Street in Tollcross. It was, if I remember correctly, in the middle of a street of houses.

The area has been completely demolished and rebuilt with the same name given to the street. It actually ran parallel to the present Riego Street.

Lenny Toshack, Leith, Edinburgh: July 29, 2008

Recollections

11.

Barry Fawcett

Canada

Thank you to Barry Fawcett for writing again. Barry wrote:

Clubs

"I've compiled this list of the clubs which, due to a mis-spent youth, I suppose, I frequented more regularly than I should have."

The Top Story	*Leith Street.*
The Top Rank -	*The Bridges.*
The Top Rank -	John Gray, Stenhouse, remembers The Top Rank to have been at Clerk Street above the Odeon
The Cavendish	*With the glass ball and floor that bounced.*
The Cephas	**Shandwick Place - Sunday nights when there was nowhere else to go.**
Magoos	*The MIle*
The Place	*Top of Victoria Street*
The International	*Princes Street, above the jewellers*
? (name forgotten) *******	*Bridges, opposite Chamber Street* *I remember enjoying 'The Dream Police' aka 'Average White Band' on several occasions*

Barry Fawcet: August 7, 2008

*** Reply to
Recollections

11.

John Dickson

Silverknowes, Edinburgh

Thank you to John Dickson for emailing me to tell me:

"Barry Fawcett's missing club name on the Bridges was 'The Attic'."

John Dickson, Silverknowes, Edinburgh: September 6, 2010

Recollections

12.

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Lyndsay Montgomery wrote:

Music Shop

"I seem to remember a large music shop in St Mary's Street in the 1960s or 1970s. I can't remember the name of it, but I think it sold second-hand albums, and might have been where there is a musical instrument shop now.

Does anyone remember this shop?"

Cafes

"There was also a late night cafe-resto on the corner of the High Street and George IV Bridge, and another basement-type place on Hanover Street that had folk music singers.

Does anyone remember the names of these cafes?"

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh: August 6, 2008

If you know the answers to the questions that Lyndsay asks, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: August7, 2008

Recollections

12. Reply 1

Gregor Henderson

North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland

Thank you to Gregor Henderson who replied to Lyndsay Montgomery's questions above.

Gregor wrote:

Music Shop

"I'm sure the record shop in the St Mary's St. was called the 'Other Record Shop'."

Cafe

"The cafe on the corner of Thistle St. and Hanover St. was called 'The Stockpot' and was where Bert Jansch was an early performer. I guess it must have gone by 1966.

Gregor Henderson: North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland: October 21, 2008

Recollections

12. Reply 2

Linda Montgomery

(now Lyndsay Montgomery)

Old Town, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lyndsay Montgomery who replied to Gregor Henderson's comments above.

Lyndsay wrote

Music Shop and Cafe

"Gregor is dead right, immediately I read his reply, the names were there, I could picture both of them. It was worth waiting for." I wish we could all of us with the same memories, get together and talk about them....... Those were the days"

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh: October 25, 2008

Recollections

13.

Ian Foster

Western Australia

Ian Foster wrote:

The Americana

"I remember a cafe called the Americana, I'm sure in Hanover Street." *

* But see the reply in Recollections 14 below.

The Gamp

"Does anyone remember the Gamp? It was opposite the Place in the early 1960s"

Ian Foster, Perth, Western Australia:

Message posted in guest book: August 8, 2008

Recollections

14.

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Lyndsay Montgomery wrote:

The Americana

"Hi there Ian (who wrote Recollections 13 above). The place in Hanover Street wasn't called the Americana. That was the name of a disco at the corner of Fountainbridge and Semple St."

The Gamp

"I was a regular at the Gamp, and when it finished at around 1.30am, I'd go across the road to the Place, which was always open later.

I have a recollection of a band that sometimes played in the Gamp. The singer wore a a toilet pull handle on a chain round his neck, I think they were good, one of the band was called Ricky, but I don't remember what he played or their name."

The Screaming Citizens

"Do you remember any other clubs or any of the bands that played in them? I remember the Screaming Citizens. They played on either Friday or Saturday nights.

- Stewart Smith, who left to try his luck in London, was their singer

- Scott Murray was a guitarist. Scott is now at Murray's tool shop that used to be at Haymarket and is now at Morrison Street.

So, any of you music fans, that's the place to go for your tools or advice, and a blether about the old days. This is a free ad!"

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh:

Message posted in guest book: August 8, 2008

Recollections

15.

Ian McCallum

Rosyth, Fife, Scotland

Thank you to Ian McCallum for replying to Lyndsay Montgomery (Recollections 14 above).

Ian wrote:

The Abstracts

"I recall the guy in the group with the toilet chain around his neck. The Group was called 'The Abstracts'.

They also used to play on a Sunday in 'Wilkie House', a university building just off Chambers Street, a popular venue."

Ian McCallum, Rosyth, Fife, Scotland: August 10, 2008

Recollections

16.

Ian McCallum

Rosyth, Fife, Scotland

Thank you to Ian McCallum for replying to more questions asked by Lyndsay Montgomery (Recollections 12 above)

Ian wrote:

Cafe

George IV Bridge

"I remember the cafe on the corner of George IV Bridge and High Street. It was known as 'The Bothy'."

Ian McCallum, Rosyth, Fife, Scotland: August 14, 2008

Cafes

Hanover Street

"The basement cafe on Hanover Street could be 'The Laigh' or 'Henderson's Salad Table' They were both across from one another at the top of Hanover Street."

Ian McCallum, Rosyth, Fife, Scotland: August 14, 2008

Cafes

Hanover Street

Both the cafes that Ian mentions above were between Queen Street and Thistle Street. Henderson's was on the west side of Hanover Street and The Laigh was on the east side of Hanover Street..

- Henderson's was a fairly large vegetarian restaurant. It is still in business. Henderson's shop is above the restaurant.

- The Laigh was a coffee shop that unfortunately closed a few years ago. I used to find it very welcoming when I visited on cold winter Saturday mornings in the 1980s for cheese scones and coffee, long before the time that Starbucks arrived in Edinburgh.

There were stools, chairs and tables scattered around an open fire at The Laigh, and small groups at the tables often chatting about theatre and the arts.

Peter Stubbs: August 15, 2008

Recollections

17.

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Lyndsay Montgomery wrote:

High Street Cafe

"I think Ian (16 above) is probably right about the cafe on the High Street."

Hanover Street Cafe

"I seem to remember the cafe on Hanover Street was, maybe, where there's now an Italian resto, just above Thistle Street.

It was open late. I remember being there one evening after coming out of the Gamp Club, and that would have been after 1 - 1.30am, with Derek Cossar and Peter Cassidy already mentioned from Portobello.

I'm sure there was a folk type singer playing as well. So that puts Henderson's out. I don't think it was on the other side of the street, but I could be wrong. It wasn't yesterday, after all !!"

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh:

Message posted in guest book: August 16, 2008

Recollections

18.

Patrick Hutton

New Town, Edinburgh

Patrick Hutton wrote:

The Laigh

Hanover Street

"I believe that the Laigh was owned by the (late) actor Moultrie Kelsall, who co-authored a book with Stuart Harris (of 'Place Names of Edinburgh' fame) called 'A Future for the Past'. I've a copy of the book at home.

It's an odd coincidence, because you mentioned Stuart Harris' 'Place Names' book elsewhere on edinphoto the same day!"

Patrick Hutton, new town, Edinburgh: August 16, 2008

Recollections

19.

John Gray

Stenhouse, Edinburgh

John Gray wrote:

The Nash

"I remember The Top Rank above The Odeon in Clerk Street and the Aquarius in Grindlay Street, but the best was The Nash on Princes Street

I can still remember being on my Lambretta scooter with lots of mirrors on the front, mostly stolen from cars, and my parka with the fishtail back and fur around the hood"

Salvation

"The band, 'Salvation' with Midge Ure used to play there a lot. My fave tunes they played were the 'Badfinger' songs:

- 'No Matter What' and

- 'If you want it, Come and get it'.

Great memories!"

John Gray, Stenhouse, Edinburgh: August 31, 2008

Recollections

20.

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lyndsay Montgomery for leaving a message in the EdinPhoto guest book on October 7, 2008, telling people about the death of the drummer, Toto McNaughton.

Lynda also contacted the Evening News in Edinburgh and suggested that the paper should include an article on him in its 'Real Lives' section. The Evening News published the article on October 7.

Here are some details from the article

Toto McNaughton

Thomas (Toto) McNaughton died on October 1, 2008, aged 72.

- He was born in Leith and attended Bonnington Roan primary school and David Kilpatrick secondary school.

- He got his break as a drummer, playing with 'The Crusaders'. They were the resident group at the Palais.

- He moved on to join Boston Dexters when they were formed, and played with them for two years in London.

- He also played in:

- Harry's Bar, Randolph Place

- The White Cockade, Rose Street

- Merriman's Cellar, Hanover Street

- Preservation Hall, Forrest Road (with Charlie McNair's band)

- He also played football. He had a trial with Falkirk and at the age of 45 was still playing in goal for the Fire Brigade.

[Taken from an article in Edinburgh Evening News, October 7, 2008, p.16]

Acknowledgement: Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh: October 7, 2008

Recollections

21.

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh, wrote:

Toto McNaughton

"Today, I sadly attended the funeral of a famous Leither, the well kent drummer, Thomas (Toto) McNaughton. He was brought up in Burlington Street, then Manderson Street, Leith.

The service at Warriston Crematorium was well and truly oversubscribed by those wishing to show their respects, musicians and entertainers from all over the City and elsewhere, covering ages from several decades - Tam White, Alex (Happy) Howden, Liz McEwan, Tam Paton, Johnny (Rainbow) Laidlaw, Shorty Rogers and many more.

Toto was a great Leith character who will be sadly missed. I'm sure many of your readers will have known him"

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: October 8, 2008

Recollections

22.

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lyndsay Montgomery who wrote:

The Gamp

"I wish that all of us with the same memories could get together and talk about them.

Does anyone know any of these, all of them Gampers?

- Sanders

- George Kelly

- Graham Gourley

- Black Eddy,

- Tommy

- Big Davie, who went off to India

They all used to start from the Wee Windaes bar on the High Street before going to the Gamp. Are they still around?"

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh: October 25, 2008

Recollections

22.

Reply

Charlie Watt

Thank you to Charlie Watt who replied to Lyndsay's questions above.

Charlie wrote:

"Eddie Wiltshire, George Kelly and David Sunderland were all pals of mine.

- Eddie Wiltshire and
George Kelly are both dead, I'm sorry to say.

- David Sutherland is still in India, I think.

- Zanders I saw at Eric Kent's birthday party."

Charlie Watt: July 22, 2009

Recollections

22.

Reply

Peter Lehany

Edinburgh

Thank you to Peter Lehany who wrote:

Pals at The Gamp

"I wish that all of us with the same memories could get together and talk about them.

Does anyone knowany of the following. They were all Gampers. They all used to start from the Wee Windaes bar on the High Street before going to the Gamp. How many are still around?

- Sanders: who did not come to Jakes 60th Birthday 2009

- Eric Kent: who was there.

- George Kelly: 'no news'

- Graham Gourley: who went to South Africa in the late-1960s

- Black Eddy: Wiltshire - I believe he has passed on.

- Tommy ?

- Big Davie: who went off to India. He was Davie Sutherland"

Peter Lehany, Edinburgh: March 23, 2010

Reply

Thank you to Lenny Toshack, Leith, for emailing me to tell me that he is in contact with Eric Kent, above.

Details of how to contact Eric will be sent to Peter Lehany.

Peter Stubbs: March 31, 2010

Recollections

23.

Brian Porteous

Brian Porteous wrote:

The Plaza - The Kentones - Question

"I'm trying to find out who played at the Plaza Dance Hall, in the late-1960s / early-1970s.

Was it 'Stella and the Kentones' or 'Cathy and the Kentones'?

This would settle a dispute."

Brian Porteous: October 26, 2008

Question added to the web site: November 11, 2008

Recollections

Answer

Jim Di Mambro

South Africa

Thank you to Jim Di Mambro who replied:

The Plaza - The Kentones - Answer 1

"It was 'Kathy and the Kentones'."

Jim Di Mambro, South Africa: November 13, 2008

Recollections

Answer

Stewart Old

Edinburgh

Thank you to Stewart Old who replied:

The Plaza - The Kentones - Answer 2

"Definitely 'Cathy and the Kentones', according to my pal Mags, who was there!"

Stuart Old, Edinburgh: November 13, 2008

Recollections

Answer

Phil Wilson

Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Thank you to Phil Wilson who replied:

The Plaza - The Kentones - Answer 3

"The leader of the Kentones band, Ken, a trumpeter, has a set of photos on Picasa which includes one of the band at The Plaza in 1964."

Phil Wilson, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: August 27, 2008

Recollections

Answer

Joyce Anderson

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland

Thank you to Joyce Anderson who replied:

The Plaza - The Kentones - Answer 4

"Kathy and Stella both sung with the Kentones. I know that Kathy and the Kentones left the Plaza to perform at the Raith Ballroom in Kirkcaldy. Possibly Stella replaced Cathy, or was it the other way round?

Cathy was my husband's cousin. After she got married, she and her husband emigrated to South Africa where I believe she sang jazz. I have no idea now where she is, though.

I remember watching her get ready for a gig at the Plaza in the early 1960s - back-combing to the sky and probably half a tin of lacquer! I was awestruck."

Joyce Anderson, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland: March 26, 2010

Recollections

Answer

Lynda Maine

Colinton Mains, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lynda Maine who replied:

The Plaza - The Kentones - Answer 5

"I remember the band, Kate and the Kentones, at the Plaza. There were two singers. One was Kate. I heard they had made a record, and that Kate had left them and another singer had come in, who belted out the songs.

One of the band members stayed quite near me. If I did not meet anyone, he used to give me a lift home, which at the time was very nice of him.

Another members of the band was married to an occupational therapist at the hospital where I worked, but he died about 1990, very suddenly."

Lynda Maine, Colinton Maines, Edinburgh: April 26, 2010

Recollections

24.

Jim Di Mambro

South Africa

Jim Di Mambro wrote:

Toto McNaughton

"It was nice to read the messages sent in by Lyndsey Montgomery, and Frank Ferri about Toto (Recollections 20 + 21 above).

I'd like to add a wee bit aboot the legend!

American Bases

I was playing in a band (Scots & Soda) in the American Bases in Germany in the mid-1960s. Our drummer Alec Robertson ('Wee Eck') ) decided to go back to Edinburgh.

I phoned Pete Seaton (music shop) to find out who was available. Toto happened to be in the shop at the time, got on the phone, and with his normal impeccable command of the Queen's English, said: "HOWYEDAINTHENGADGY"

Toto to Germany

He was on the train to Frankfurt a couple of days later. Words cant explain the vibe he had with the Yanks. They just loved him, his humour, his playing (obviously) and his wee stories!

You'll know he had a wee scar on his neck. I believe it wiz a 'doin' in some Edinburgh dance hall, unless he wiz kiddin' me on as well. But for the Yanks, it was that look on his face and "Dinae want tae talk aboot it boys."

After a couple a bevies, and some pressure, he would look solemnly at the guys and start the story: "There I was in Korea," separated from the squad, and I had to take this big hill. I never felt the piece a shrapnel etc, etc.

Last Seen 4 Years Ago

We had a fantastic couple of years together. I last saw Toto about 4 years ago, when i was in Edinburgh. We met at Mather's at the West End, for a pint or 3 before his gig at Harry's Bar. He gave me his Zippo lighter as a wee memento. There weren't many like him!

Jim Di Mambro, South Africa: November 4, 2008

Recollections

25.

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Lyndsay Montgomery left more messages in the EdinPhoto guest book on November 5, 2008

Lyndsey wrote:

The Gamp

"I have another couple of people to add to the list of folks who went to the Gamp.

- One was a guy called Ian. He drove a dark green sports car and either owned or ran a dairy in town. I think. Ian lived in Portobello. He was not very tall, with dark hair

- The other was a bloke called Gerry. He had a cafe in Rose Street, just at the corner opposite the Kenilworth pub. .

Where are they now? Come on, somebody, get us all together for a blether and a drink." **

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery, Old town, Edinburgh: November 5, 2008

** Lyndsay:

I think the Charity Re-union Dance advertised in the poster (26 below) may be what you are looking for.

Peter Stubbs: November 15, 2008

Recollections

26.

Lennie Toshack

Leith, Edinburgh

Lennie Toshack has sent me details of the Reunion Charity Dance for those who remember The Place, Bungies, McGoos and some of the other clubs and discos in Edinburgh in the 1960s.

The poster below gives details and telephone contact numbers.

Reunion Charity Dance - 2009

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Lennie Toshack, Leith Edinburgh

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

Lennie tells me that the tickets for the dance are now available (but please see UPDATE below.)

Peter Stubbs: January 22, 2009

UPDATE

Message from Lennie Toshack on February 13, 2009. Lennie tells me:

"Tickets for the dance are now all

Sold Out."

Acknowledgement: Lennie Toshack: Nov 12, 2008 + Jan 22 + Feb 13, 2009

Recollections

27.

Lennie Toshack

Leith, Edinburgh

Lyndsay Montgomery listed some of the people she remembers who used to go to the Gamp. ( Recollections 22 + 25 above).

Lennie Toshack, who sent the message about the re-union dance above replied:

"I only recognise one name from the list of Gampers - Zander

He is a very good friend of a mate of mine, Eric Kent, who used to be the DJ at the Place.

He, and probably Zander, will be at the re-union dance in February.

Lennie Toshack, Leith Edinburgh: November 13, 2008

Recollections

28.

Pat Reid

Edinburgh

Thank you to Pat Reid for sending me these memories from the 1960s.

Pat wrote:

Phil and the Flintstones

"I enjoyed reading the various recollections about Edinburgh Beat Groups from the 1960s, one of whom was 'Phil and the Flintstones'.

I recently discovered that my daughter's next door neighbour actually was a member of 'Phil and the Flintstones'. He very kindly gave me these photos of the group and some 1960s Beat Paper articles that refer to the group."

These are the two photos of 'Phil and the Flintstones' mentioned above. Please click on the thumbnail images below to enlarge them.

At Wilkie House

At St Mary's Street Church Hall

Pat Reid Granton, Edinburgh: November 1, 2008

Recollections

29.

Pat Reid

Edinburgh

The Beat paper that Pat refers to in 28 above was the 'Lennoxbank News'.
This became 'Lennoxbank Beat News', then 'Beat News incorporating 'Lennoxbank News'.

The paper mentioned the following:

Edinburgh Groups

The McKinley Sisters	"singing duo" Nov 1963
The Zodiax	"making a name for themselves throughout Scotland" Mar 1964
Phil and the Flintstones	"prehistoric sound" Jan 1964
The Kommodores	Jan 1964
The Panthers	"one of the youngest groups in Edinburgh" Sep 1964
Edinburgh Crusaders	"to tour Germany and Palestine" Aug 1964
Dean Hamilton Combo	"resident group, Kon Tiki Grillroom Aug 1964
Athenian, Sabres, Rapiers, Crusaders	"all affected by a massive change around in group personnel in Edinburgh" Aug 1964

Recording Studios

The paper also included an advert for Craighall Studios, "Scotland's finest recording studios" at 8 Craighall Road, Edinburgh 1964

Pat Reid Granton, Edinburgh: November 1, 2008

Recollections

George Smith

Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to George Smith, British Columbia, Canada who replied:

Phil and the Flintstones

"The guitarist in the middle of the first photograph and extreme left second photo is my younger brother Kenneth who still lives in Edinburgh and currently plays in a group entertaining 'oldies' who enjoy oldies."

At Wilkie House

At St Mary's Street Church Hall

George Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: December 11, 2008

Recollections

Keith Main

London, England

Thank you to Keith Main for writing about his recollections of Edinburgh discos in the 1970s.

Keith wrote:

Flannigan's

"Flannagans in Rose Street Lane was brilliant for soul music. It was and owned by a real wide boy. Its motto on a poster that I still have says it's:

''The TRENDIEST discotheque in the TRENDIEST street'

Ostensibly, no alcohol was served but you could buy a coffee and a sausage roll, bridie or Scotch pie - just what you needed before hitting the dance floor!

One of the Bay City Rollers DJd here on a regular basis. It was the only place in town to be seen. Luminaries such as Pete Clark who owned several trendy Rose St denim boutiques went there.

If the owner liked you, you'd be admitted to 'The Office' - a speakeasy where booze was served."

Walkers

"Walkers, upstairs at Shandwick Place even had a disco at lunchtime with go go girls on the bar"

The White Elephant

"The White Elephant had more go go girls at what used to be the Palladium, behind Bread Street store, next to The Muscular Arms theme pub. It was considered cutting edge!

It later became Valentinos."

The Laughing Duck

"The Laughing Duck (in Howe Street?) was the only gay disco. It was owned by Diane Mckean whose folk owned Salon Henry in Frederick Street, THE hairdresser before Brian Drumm arrived ."

The International Club

"The International Club, upstairs on Princes Street, also became a gay club called Fire Island later in the 1970s."

Cinderella Rockerfella's

"Cinderella Rockefella's, also called Tiffanys at some point, was in what was the old Grand Cinema at the end of St Stephen's Street. It was considered a bit tacky."

Other Discos

"I also remember:

- Buster Brown's in Market Street

- Clouds at Thorneybauk

- The Americana, also known as the meat market for more than just its beef connections!"

Music

"You'd buy the music you heard at these discos in:

- Bruce's Records on Rose Street (bright red paper bag) or

- Sweet Inspiration beside the ABC in Lothian Road"

Keith Main, London, England: December 20, 2008

Recollections

June Sutherland

Oxfordshire, England

J Sutherland asked:

Question

Top Rank

"Does anybody have any information, recollections or photos of The Top Rank, which was a small dance hall we used to frequent, back in the late-1960s? It was above a cinema."

June Sutherland, Oxfordshire, England: January 14, 2009

Answers?

If you can help to answer the question above, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to J Sutherland.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs

Update

Please see recollections 48 below.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: March 1, 2009

Recollections

John Spence

Silverknowes, Edinburgh

John Spence wrote

Hanover Street Cafe

"Linda Montgomery (17 above) mentioned a cafe in Hanover Street with folk music. I think the name of the cafe was the Stockpot Cafe.

That's where myself and a crowd went most nights around 1964/65."

John Spence, Silverknowes, Edinburgh, January 5, 2009

Recollections

G M Rigg

New Zealand

G M Rigg wrote:

The Nash

"I went to 'The Nash', where we used to dance with the original Bay City Rollers. That was when they had the 'real' singer on their first hit record in the band - Way Back When!"

Chameleon Club

"Also, the 'Chameleon Club'. The DJ used to be our youth club DJ when I went to the weekly church hall disco at Restalrig Village. I remember, once, I was sitting on the edge of the stage, chatting to the DJ, when I bumped the overloaded plugs in the side of the socket board out and everything went black & silent - oops."

Near the Tron Kirk

"There was a club my friends and I went to once, somewhere near the Tron Kirk. But we never went back there - it was full of creepy hippy types."

Top Rank Club

"We also went to one near the Odeon, or even part of it. I think it was called the Top Rank Club. It was pretty rough."

Lothian Road

"My cousin took me too a dive off Lothian Road, somewhere behind the cinema on the corner of Bread Street, another 5 minute look - in and straight out again!"

Pink Elephant

"If I remember correctly, there was a club near or behind the Bread Street Co-op called the Pink Elephant, it was okay, but not my scene.

Between Playhouse and Salon

"There was a good pub/disco between The Playhouse & The Salon cinemas. I can't recall its name, but the pub was on street level and the disco was one floor down. Great atmosphere, good music and no weirdos."

GM Rigg, New Zealand: Message left in EdinPhoto Guest Book, February 11, 2009

Recollections

35.

Ian Taylor

South Glasgow, Scotland

Thank you to Ian Taylor who wrote:

The Place

"What about 'Old Bailey and the Jazz Advocates'? They played at The Place, up to early-1964."

Ian Taylor, South Glasgow, Scotland: February 19, 2009

Recollections

36.

Andy Wishart

Staffordshire, England

Thank you to Andy Wishart who wrote:

Andy Russell Seven

'Bungies' and 'The Place'

"I've just returned from living in Colorado USA and was very interested to read all the comments about 'Bungies' and 'The Place' in the early-1960s."

I used to lead a band called 'The Andy Russell Seven'. We played every Sunday night at 'Bungies'. The Waldman brothers owned 'Bungies' then."

Opening of 'The Place'

"Brian Waldman booked us to play at their new club 'The Place' when it was ready for opening. He had booked the Humphrey Lyttelton band for the official opening night.

However, the club was ready for business about a week earlier and we were actually the first band to play there. Humph did the proper opening a week later."

Andy Russell Seven

"Here is a photo of 'The Andy Russell Seven' playing at 'The Place'. I hope some of your readers might recognise us. Some of the band also played Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the old Imperial Hotel, Leith Walk, at that time."

Toto McNaughton

"I was sorry to learn of Toto McNaughton's passing last year. I knew him when he played with Tam Paton's 'Crusaders'. Both 'The Crusaders' and 'The Andy Russell Seven' played for Border Dances at that time and we would often bump into each other in exotic venues like Dumfries, Carlisle, Kelso and even Hexham!"

Andy Wishart, Staffordshire, England: February 20, 2009

Recollections

37.

Doreen Powell

Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

Thank you to Doreen Powell, now living in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, for sending this photograph of the band that her brother played in, in the 1960s.

Doreen wrote:

Plastic Meringue

"The band member Bob Clark is my brother. I can remember the hours of practice he did at home. Some of the clubs and bands on the site also bring back many memories for me.

Doreen Powell, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland: February 24, 2009

Recollections

38.

Andy Wishart

Staffordshire, England

Thank you to Andy Wishart who wrote again to tell me more about his band.

Andy Russell Seven

Andy wrote:

The Borders

"In between playing at:

- Imperial Hotel, Mondays thru Thursdays and

- our weekly gig at Bungies on Sundays

the Andy Russell Seven used to work for the Border Dances Company on Fridays and Saturdays and travel to play at dances from Ardrossan in the west to Hexham just over the border in the east.

Border Dances used to organise jazz or rock shows at Waverley Market. They also booked touring English bands and would send them all over Scotland.

My great friend Gerry Scott used to manage Border Dances. He knew everybody in the business - Acker Bilk, John Dankworth, Johnny Kidd to name a few, and even took an obscure group named The Silver Beatles from Liverpool on a Scottish tour in the very early 1960s."

Andy Wishart, Staffordshire, England: April 12, 2009

Andy added:

Ali Ben the Hoose and the Tauregs

"Some of the English groups had rather exotic names so, rather than be left out, I decided to rent some theatrical outfits in Edinburgh and do a bit of dressing up on our next trip south of the border to Carlisle.

We thought 'Ali Ben the Hoose and the Tauregs' would sound a bit different and may even pull in a crowd.

Here is a photo that I took of the Andy Russell Band en route to Carlisle, being silly. It shows the Tauregs relieving Dave Ewart, our drummer, of an old fashioned £1 note at the Devil's Beeftub near Moffat.

The guy who put the ad. in the Carlisle paper obviously could not spell Taureg and just did his best, bless him.

Andy Wishart, Staffordshire, England: April 12, 2009

Advertisement

Andy Wishart also send me an advert for the Tauregs' gig in the Borders that appeared in the Carlisle paper. It read:

BORDERS DANCES

PROCLAIM THEIR WARES!!

SATURDAY in MARKET HALL

THIS WEEK, APRIL 27

COLOURFUL AND MYSTERIOUS

ALI BEN the HOOSE and
HIS TURAGS

Make their debut, at last, supported by the

Kittens' favourites

THE ATLANTIC ROLLERS

7.30 - 11.00

ADMISSION: Before 8.30, 3/-. After 8.30, 4/-

Recollections

39.

Mark Wallace

Mark Wallace asked a question.

Question

Mark wrote:

Johnny Frazier

"Can anyone help me to locate a friend of my mother? I believe his name was Johnny Fraser (or perhaps Frazer or Fraser).

He lived with his family in the Oxgangs area. I believe their religion may have been Roman Catholic."

Good Companion Pub

"He was the vocalist in a group that played in The Good Companion pub in Oxgangs, in 1963-1964.

I believe they toured for years and even went to Australia."

Andy Wishart, Staffordshire, England: April 12, 2009

Reply?

If you'd like to reply to Mark, please email me, then I'll forward your message to him.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: April 23, 2009

Recollections

40.

David Sanderson

Lake Forest, California, USA

David Sanderson wrote:

The New International Club

"When I was a lad, back in the early-1970s, we used to almost live in the International Club on Princes Street.

By that time, it had been renamed the 'NEW International Club' or simply 'The Nash'. Every Saturday night we would be there as soon as the pubs closed at 10pm.

I remember there being three separate dance halls, the main one up front overlooking Princes Street and two more in the back, all three with live bands playing."

David Sanderson, Lake Forest, California: May 22, 2009

Recollections

41.

Brian Waugh

Thank you to Brian Waugh who wrote:

The Athenians

"I recently found this site, which to a degree is rather ironic as over the last year I have been to Shapes Restaurant to see the Athenians three times.

As a group they are still performing well after all these years."

The Avengers

"I have just remembered the Avengers. They were the band that took over from the Athenians. The lead singer was Kenny Charleson who was the brother of the late actor, Ian."

The Gamp

"I knew Lindsay Montgomery (1 above) and Lenny Toshack (3 above). Here are the names of some of the other people I remember from the past, who used to go to the Gamp Club:

- Danny Anderson

- Ian Binning

- Moira Brannan

- Billie Brodie (bouncer)

- Dougie Brodie

- Elaine Brodie

- Brian Cairns

- Michael Cairns

- Sandra Cairns

- Brian Casey

- Alan Collins

- Kate Deighnan

- Ronnie Ellis

- Brian Fleming

- Michael Gallagher

- Carol Gibson

- Davie Gibson

- Hamish Gilchrist

- Jimmy Green

- Derek Hazelwood

- Frances Hogg

- John Hogg

- Frances Horsburgh

- Joe Kellagher

- Karen Koren

- Robert MacIntosh

- Frank Murphy

- Linnie Paterson

- Bruce Player

- Margaret Robertson

- George Smith

- Margaret Stephenson

- Timmy

- Ian Wallace

- Jackie Wilson

- Billy Young"

Brian Waugh: June 12, 2009

Recollections

42.

Tom Flanagan

Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, England

Thank you to Tom Flanagan who wrote:

The Place

"I thought your 'club page' might be interested in the attached flyer. If I recall correctly it was one of the originals, printed prior to the opening of The Place.

I had a sneak preview of the Place, thanks to Frankie Connor who worked as a joiner on the renovations."

Tom Flanagan, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England: June 23, 2009

Recollections

43.

Joyce Mckay (nee Ford)

Murieston, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland

Thank you to Joyce McKay who wrote:

The Place, The Gamp, The International, Mcgoos

"I have just found this website and have sat up all night looking for names I recognize.

As a regular of the Place in Victoria Street I was glad to see a mention of the Hippo People!! - and I remember my sister (Irene Ford) talking about The Embers.

I met my husband (John Mckay) in the Place, I was never out of there. He was a Gamp person. Those were the days, eh! I used to go to Mcgoos, the International and the Place.

John and I got married in 1970. Next year will be our Ruby wedding. I would love to hear from anybody who remembers us. I came from Saughton Mains and John from Stockbridge.

Smiths

I have been reading all the recollections, but not seen any mention of Smiths in Lothian Road. We used to go there after school. It must have been in 1964-65.

Joyce McKay (nee Ford), Murieston, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland: July 26, 2009

Update 1

Note for Joyce McKay

I've just received an email from Gordon Rule who remembers you and John at the clubs and discos. He would like to contact you but, unfortunately, the email address that I have for you seems to now be out of date.

If you let me know your current email address, I'll pass on Gordon's contact details to you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: September 30, 2010

Update 2

Thank you, Joyce

Thank you, Joyce, for sending your latest email address to me. I've now passed it on to Gordon Rule. I hope you'll hear from him soon.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: February5, 2012

Recollections

44.

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Thank you to Frank Ferri for telling me about the event below:

Leith Dockers' Club presents:

'The Roaring 20s Night'

Sunday September 27^th, 2009

7.30 to 11.30pm

Featuring

The Diplomats of Jazz

Get into the swing of things, dressed up as a flapper,
roll the stockings down or be a gangster…
Or Dress in the late '50s/'60s style of “It’s Trad Dad”.

TICKETS £3

Ticket also entitles you to Two FREE Drinks

Tickets at the BAR or see Frank Ferri, Social Convener

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: August 14, 2009

Recollections

45.

John Gray

Stenhouse, Edinburgh

Thank you to John Gray who wrote:

The Gamp

"My wife, Cathy Banks and her friends:

- Janet Grieve

- June Archer and

- Margaret Kinnear

were all regulars at The Gamp and know many of the people mentioned in the list from Brian Waugh.

This is just to let everyone who knows them that they are alive and kicking!!!"

John Gray, Stenhouse, Edinburgh: August 19, 2009

Recollections

46.

Bob Penry

Ohio, USA

Thank you to Bob Penry who wrote:

The Gatekeepers

"I had a folk group in Edinburgh in 1965-66, 'The Gatekeepers'. We performed at a pub called the 'Stockpot' and at 'Walkers'.

We also played in Galashiels. We were a trio:

- Butch Garrard from Miami Florida

- Dee Watt from Edinburgh

- me, Bob Penry from Richwood, Ohio.

Butch and I were stationed at RAF Kirknewton."

The Singers' Club

"After our show, we would always head to the Singers' Club, run by Ewen MacColl and Peggy Seeger. I have pictures of our group and also pictures in the Singers Club.

The folk scene in Edinburgh was fabulous with a lot of local and regional entertainment:

- Barney McKenna

- Hamish Imlach

- The Edinburgh Singers

- The Doobries

- Tom Paxton, etc.

Oh, if I could live those days again!"

Bob Penry, Ohio, USA: January 6, 2010

Arthur's Seat

Thank you to Bob for also sending me this photograph of him, taken on Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, in 1965-66.

Acknowledgement: Bob Penry, Ohio, USA: January 10, 2010

Recollections

47.

Irene Cordier (nee Heron)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thank you to Irene Cordier (nee Heron) who wrote:

The Place - and Toto

"Your site brings back a lot of memories:

- The prefabs in Greendykes we lived there from 1948 to 1957/58

- The Place

- The Gamp

to name just a few.

I was sorry to read about Toto, I remember him playing with Tam White and the Boston Dexters in the Place every weekend.

At one time, I worked there on the weekends (very cool, or so I thought. I could get in for free when not working)

I also remember Toto's late wife Annie. She was a friend of mine. We once took off to Spain for a couple of weeks had a great time !"

Irene Cordier, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: February 25, 2009

Recollections

48.

Jim Cairns

Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland

Thank you to Jim Cairns, Dunfermline, Fife, for replying to 'Recollections 32' above.

Jim wrote:

Top Rank Club

"In reply to J Sutherland's query regarding the Top Rank Club, here are my recollections, and a copy of my membership card.

The Top Rank club was in South Clerk Street, and was part of the New Victoria Cinema (later the Odeon). It was on the first floor with windows onto the street."

Vic's

"In the early 1960s, it was always referred to as 'Victor's', or 'Vic's', because of the Victor Sylvester connection. Most nights of the week, it was a dance school.

We used to go there on Saturday nights - 7.30 to 11.00! At Vic's, we danced to records, not bands, I believe that it was the first proper Discotheque in Edinburgh. It catered in the early 1960s mainly for a young crowd 15-18s.

Of course in those days there was no alcohol allowed or sold there, but most of the young lads would visit the pub for Dutch courage before going in!"

Records

"The DJ would play three fast records for jiving to, followed by three slow records for 'mooning', a cheek-to-cheek waltzing shuffle.

Favourite tunes of the time were:

- Roy Orbison: Running Scared
- Del Shannon: Kelly, and The Answer to Everything
- Lonnie Donegan: Seven Golden Daffodils
- Everly Brothers: Walk Right Back
- Johnny and the Hurricanes\: Red River Rock
- etc, etc!

There was a refreshment break halfway through the night, soft drinks of course! Then just before 11.00, it was a mad rush to get someone up for the last dance, and hopefully walk her to the bus stop, or home.

Happy days!!"

Jim Cairns: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland: March 1, 2010

Recollections

49.

Heather Peebles

Hong Kong

Thank you to Heather Peebles who wrote:

Bungies

"I used to work at Bungies late-1961 or early-1962. I was paid 2/6 an hour from 8pm till whenever, 2 or 3 in the morning.

I danced with the customers, cooked Spanish Omelettes, made coffees and helped the bouncer, Dave McKenzie, when things got a bit 'busy'.

Casino

"Brian Waldman introduced Edinburgh's first so-called casino, up stairs, called Legalite. It was very tame but the customers loved it."

The Tryst

"There was a Folk Club almost across the road in the High Street. I think it was called The Tryst.

Bert Jansck, Archie Fisher, Roy Guest, Dolina McLellan and so many others whose names I have forgotten were there.

Princes Street

"Then I got a job in 'Boots the Chemist' in Princes Street. I used to go to a dance hall just off the end of Princes Street, down towards Leith Walk, upstairs from a pub. I don't remember its name.

Climbing the stairs was always a hazard, dodging the bodies as they were being thrown out by the bouncers. There were fights every night - but a great band and good dancing."

Friends

"I'd love to make contact with some old friends after all these years."

Heather Peebles: Hong Kong: March 9, 2010

Reply to Heather

If you remember Heather and would like to send a reply to her, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 9, 2010

Recollections

50.

Ian Hampton

Wales

Thank you to Ian Hampton who wrote:

The Sect

"Reading these recollections of the Edinburgh clubs has blown me away! - especially, as two days ago, I heard from Roger Cairns, an old pal who played drums with me in 'The Sect' in the early 1960s.

He's now in LA doing his stuff, and I'm in wet Wales doing mine! I so-o-o miss Em'bry, as they call it in Glesgay, and want to come home!!!"

I played in many Edinburgh bands in the 1960s, then went to Los Angeles.

The Borders

I supported many bands in The Borders - Hawick, Jedburgh, Selkirk and Galashiels:

- The Herd (Peter Frampton).

- The Big Three.

- Gino Washington and the Ram Jam Band.

Golden days indeed - a long time ago. I moved on from those halcyon days, and would love to hear more memories from back then.

Memories

"I remember supporting 'Lulu & The Luvvers' in 'The Place'."

My memories of 'The Gamp', 'Bungy's', 'The Place' et al, have just come roaring back! My word, the past comes back to haunt you!

Ally Black was at my school, a couple or so years above me. I worshipped his rendition of 'The Teddy Bears' Picnic'!

- Does anyone recollect the joint at the west end of Rose Street? I think Jimmy Roccio may have owned it. I played there with Tam White. The last time I saw him was in Braveheart!

- There was a place called 'The Joint''. It was down a close off the Royal Mile, as I recall. It was a 'Beatnik' place to begin with, then it evolved into a kinda rock / pop venue. Any memories?

- Does anyone remember The Zodiax. Ian Kimmet was lead singer with The Strollers and The Zodiax. He went on to huge things.
He managed Janis Joplin in Europe then managed Bearsville Records for Albert Grossman of Dylan fame, etc. He is still active in Woodstock, NY.

- I joined the LA band, 'Sparks' in the 1970s, after a stint with 'Catch 22'. Does anybody remember them? I did sessions with loads of folks.

It's a big world out there, mostly populated by Edinburgh folk.

Ian Hampton, Wales: March 9, 10, 12, 2010

Reply to Ian

If you'd like to send a reply to Ian Hampton, please email me, then I'll pass it on to him.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 11, 2010

Recollections

51.

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Thank you to Ian Hampton who wrote:

The Group

Frank wrote:

"Does anyone remember 'The Crew Cuts'?
They were an American group.

I got this signed picture of them at the Empire Theatre in the early-1950.

Their popular songs were:

- Shaboom Shiboom

- Earth Angel."

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: March 17, 2010

Recollections

52.

Mike Crean

Dorking, Surrey, England

Thank you to Mike Crean, who was born and brought up in Edinburgh and now lives in Dorking Surrey, for writing about his experience of groups in Edinburgh in the 1960s.

Mike wrote:

The Gamp

"I first started to go to The Gamp in January 1963. Some favourite acts in those days were:

- The Corrie Folk Trio with Paddy Bell on Monday nights.

- The Dave Roberts Quartet on Tuesdays. This was a jazz quartet formed of members of the Dean Hamilton Combo.

- The Athenians on Saturdays.

- The Dean Hamilton Combo on Sundays. They later became The Boston Dexters in 1964.

- The Avengers played Thursdays, starting in 1964/65."

The Embers

"I thought you might be interested in reading some post-scripts about the Embers and other bands.

I played guitar and we started a band called The Partisans. We played lots of gigs with both The Embers and The Avengers.

We became friendly with the guys in the groups, especially their singers:

- Kenny Charleston from The Avengers and

- Jimmy Cruickshank from The Embers.

In 1965, both Kenny and Jimmy left their bands and joined us in The Partisans as joint singers. The band enjoyed a lot of success in 1965 and played regularly at:

- The Gamp

- The Place

- The International

- The Top Storey

- The Cephas and

- The Gonk."

1965

"In June 1965, we entered the East of Scotland Band Competition, held in the Regal Ballroom, Kirkcaldy. We had a great time that night and eventually finished third behind the Hipple People and The Embers.

We enjoyed the rest of 1965 before disbanding in early 1966. We all went on to play in other bands and groups, throughout the rest of the 1960s.

Best regards to all other band members and friends who may remember us. Great days and great memories."

Mike Crean: Dorking, Surrey, England: February 25, 2010

Recollections

53.

Peter Lehany

Edinburgh

Thank you to Peter Lehany who wrote:

The Gamp Regulars - 1960s

"Jimmy Moffat (sadly passed on) and I were both apprentices at Ferranti's along side the Embers.

Others were who attended the Gamp were:

- Charley McKinley

- Kenny Green

- George Leitch (GBL Motors)

We were all regulars at the Gamp and know many of the people mentioned in the list from Brian Waugh (41 above).

All of us have been to Shapes to see the Athenians 'Brilliant Night'. See them live on YouTube.

2010

P.S. Tam White is a member at Greens Health Club, next to the Corn Exchange Slateford. He is playing there this Friday, March 26, 2010.

Does anybody have any info on Johnny (Rainbow) Laidlaw?

Peter Lehany, Edinburgh: March 22, 2010

Recollections

54.

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Thank you to Frank Ferri who wrote:

Reply to Recollections 53

"Peter Lehany asked about Johnny (Rainbow) Laidlaw. He is an old pal of mine who worked beside me at Ferranti. In the mid-1960s, he once played lead in my band, The Jokers.

Johnny used to perform on passenger liners with the famous Edinburgh lead guitarist, Frankie Conners (formerly of the Crusaders/Boston Dexters).

Johnny has now retired and lives in Fife. He has the wee boat that he uses to take tourists around the Forth."

Reunion

"Two or three years ago, I organised a 1960s reunion of Edinburgh singers and musicians at Leith Dockers' Club. It was a great success, with many old faces turning up."

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: March 26, 2010

Recollections

55.

John Carroll

Thank you to John Carroll who wrote:

Mason Webb

"Does anybody remember a group in the Edinburgh area in the 1970s called Mason Webb? I think one of the guys was a hairdresser who worked in a shop in Dalry Road."

John Carroll: March 24, 2010

Recollections

56.

Dave Roberts

Thank you to Dave Roberts who read Recollections 36 and 38 above.

Dave wrote:

Andy Russell Seven

"Imagine my surprise when online I stumbled across the good old Andy Russell Seven Band and discovered the photos and the data on your site.

This was a fun group to play with and we had a great time travelling all over Scotland playing rock gigs from Stonehaven to Dumfries.

I'd forgotten the really smart gear we wore back then, the makeup and the tight trousers!

I especially remember Alf Smith the keyboard player. He was a graduate and taught Physics in the same school, Lasswade High, as I taught Maths at.

His piece de resistance was diving off the stage into the dancers towards the end of his favourite tune, the name of which I cannot, for the life of me, remember! What a character but sadly, as far as I know, he is no longer alive.

As for the other members of the band I have no knowledge of how they are at present, but it would be nice to hear how they are doing these days. **

Although 72, I'm still playing but not as often as I would like. Here is a recording of my most recent efforts, recorded in Scotland with the Simon Abbott Band. This recording includes many tunes that I wrote."

Dave Roberts: March 30, 2010

Reply to Dave Roberts?

** If you'd like to send a reply to Dave Roberts, please email me then I'll pass on your message to him. Thank you.

Peter Stubbs: March 30, 2010

Recollections

57.

Ian Ross

Craigentinny, Edinburgh

Thank you to Ian Ross who wrote:

Bungy's Beat Club

"Here is a copy of my 'Bungy's Beat Club' Membership Card (front and back). You'll see, from the back of the card, why I kept it!"

Gene Vincent

"I was in London on a course in December 1964, staying at the Russell Hotel. On our very first night, I spotted Gene Vincent sitting in the Lounge Bar, dressed all in black leather with gammy leg (motorbike accident) stretched out in front of him. He was with a very nice 60s 'chick' dressed all in white leather. Anyway, he was very happy to autograph my Bungy's Card.

The Gamp and The Place

"I wasn't too keen on Bungy's. When I discovered The Gamp, I never went back to Bungy's.

We all went to The Place as well, but it was just a bit too frantic there. I remember the condensation pouring down the walls on a Saturday night. Saw Jimmy James and the Vagabonds there.

Gamp was smaller, more intimate and much friendlier. I even went there on my own, a couple of times. I would never have done that at The Place!

Bands

"My favourite bands were:

- Screaming Citizens

- Athenians

- Avengers (Kenny Charleson was in my class at school.)

Ian McCalman of The McCalmans was also in my class at school."

Ian Ross, Craigentinny, Edinburgh: May 6, 2010

Recollections

58.

Alan Raeburn

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Thank you to Alan Raeburn for replying to Ian ross' comments above.

Alan wrote:

The Athenians

"I also went to these clubs around the years Ian Ross went there. Ian also mentions the Athenians. I remember getting a record from the group themselves, called 'I'm a Lover not a Fighter' on the Edinburgh label, Waverley - yellow label.

I still have the record, made in 1964. I wonder if there are any other Athenian's records out there - my fave group, they were.

I also saw Jimmy James and countless others through the 1960s - great times!

Alan Raeburn, Perth, Western Australia, Australia: May 9, 2010

Recollections

59.

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Thank you to Frank Ferri for sending me a copy of a letter that he has just sent to the Edinburgh Evening News. Here is an extract from his letter.

Frank Ferri says he wonders if anybody else remembers the Palace Ballroom above Woolworths at the foot of Leith Walk.

Alex Welsh

"I was interested in this article on Alex Welsh, renowned jazz trumpet player from Leith. In the late-1950s and early-1960s, the Trad Jazz era, I was an aficionado of all Dixieland music and familiar with the Chicago styles of New Orleans jazz."

Minto's Bar

"Although I don’t remember Alex Welsh playing at the Nova Scotia pub on the corner of Duke St and Academy St (formerly know as Morton St and Minto’s bar in the early 50s) I do remember Archie Semple well

He was responsible for my interest in Dixieland jazz to this day. It was circa 1949, I was only aged 14, with nothing for kids to do of a Sunday night in those days but wander the streets, everything including shops and cinemas were closed."

Palace Ballroom

One Sunday night, my mate Billy Harper and I, were passing a small doorway at the side of Leith Woolworth’s, Constitution St, when we heard music coming from the third story above Woolies, then known as the Palace Ballroom.

Curiosity aroused, we tentatively climbed the stairs and a man appeared. Having great respect for adults in those days and getting ready to run if the response was negative, we stuttered, “Can we get in” He replied “Yes if you’ve got 1/9d" (about 9p in today’s money).

The old dancehall had a stage, and the dance floor area was interrupted by various pillars. On taking our places at a table, we were greeted with what we thought was a huge wall of unamplified sound coming from the band... It was non other than Archie Semple.

On reflection, it was not loud to today’s standards with great amplifiers and Dolby sound etc, but noisy to us, having never heard live music in an enclosed space before. For our 1/9d we got a cup of tea and two cakes, we sat out the whole performance through, feeling quite grown up in this new and strange environment."

Victoria Halls and Oddfellows Halls

"Suitably impressed with this new found music, by the age of 17, I had discovered the Victoria Halls at the top of Victoria Street and the Oddfellows Halls in Forrest Rd, the main venues for Traditional Jazz in the early 50s.

It was here that I discovered Sandy Brown, the famous Edinburgh clarinetist. He was also a qualified acoustics expert and I believe was involved in perfecting the acoustics of the Usher Hall."

New Orleans

"In 1954 whilst at sea in the Merchant Navy, I was privileged to visit the Mecca of Jazz, New Orleans, spending 3 days there visiting all the spots synonymous with Jazz such as South Rampart St, Basin St and Bourbon Sts etc. Wonderful memories!"

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: June 4, 2010

Recollections

60.

Kenny Bell

Thank you to Kenny Bell who wrote:

The Berkeley

"There was a pub or club in Lothian Road. I think it was called Berkeley. Is that true? If so, when did it close?

Kenny Bell: May 28, 2010

Reply to Kenny

If you can help to answer Kenny's question above, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him. Thank you.

Peter Stubbs: June 5, 2010

Update

See Recollections 66 and 103 below.

Recollections

61.

Mike Cheyne

Thank you to Mike Cheyne for leaving this message in the EdinPhoto guest book. Mike wrote:

The Berkley

"I remember The Berkley in Lothian Road. In the late-1950s /early-1960s, it was a pub next door to the Caley cinema and underground.

On Fridays and Saturdays it was full of American servicemen from the spy base at Kirknewton. i don't know when it closed.

Mike Cheyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book: June 6, 2010

Recollections

62.

Isa White

Beniarries, Spain

Isa White wrote:

Question

The Beachcombers

"Do you know the whereabouts of any of the Beachcombers beat group from the 1960s? I would love to hear from Sandy, Kenn