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This day-by-day diary of The Riot Squad's live, studio, broadcasting and private activities is the result of three decades of research and interview work by Bruno Ceriotti, but without the significant contributions by other kindred spirits this diary would not have been possible. So, I would like to thank all the people who, in one form or another, contributed to this timeline: Butch Davis, Rod Davies, Caldwell Smythe, Del Roll, Peter Dunn, Brian Davies, Bob Evans (RIP), Ron Ryan, Len Tuckey, Alan Johnson, John H. Warburg, Doug Hinman, Christopher Hjort, Kevin Cann, Gregg Russo, Nick Warburton, Mick Capewell, Roger Bristow, Raz Razzle, Tony Brown, Paul Magner, Howard Thomas, Paul Quinton, Dave Clemo, Ross Hannan, Melanie Ceazar-Taylor, Maureen Cleave, Imran H-K, Melody Maker, Salisbury Journal, Berkhamsted Gazette, Essex County Standard, Wishaw Press and Advertiser, Record Mirror, Stockport County Express, Evening Standard, Nantwich Chronicle, North Wales Weekly News, Stafford Newsletter, Coventry Evening Telegraph, Crewe Chronicle, Thanes Times and East Kent Pictorial, East Kent Times & Broadstairs Mail, Evening Post and News, The Kent and Sussex Courier, The West Briton and Royal Cornwall Gazette, Liverpool Echo, Bucks Examiner, Pontypridd Observer, Sunday Mercury.
December 1964
Undoubtedly one of the most underrated British rock band of the mid-60's, The Riot Squad were put together by a singer and rhythm guitar player from Harringay, North London, called Ronald Patrick 'Ron' Ryan (b. Saturday, April 20, 1940, Islington, North London). Mostly known for his songwriter and arranger credits work for The Dave Clark Five (where his younger brother Mick was the original lead guitar player), Ron Ryan started The Riot Squad by recorded a demo of a song he wrote called 'Anytime'. When he recorded the demo he took it to Larry Page, a famous London producer, as he knew him from his work as a session singer and session rhythm guitar player. Larry said "get a band together and I will get you a record deal with Pye Records", so Ron formed the band. Ron was fronting a semi-pro band at the time called The Walkers (he also previously played with the Lee Sabre Combo, and The Nuclear Tones Skiffle Group), but wanted to turn professional and go on the road with a full-time band (the rest of the band had day jobs), so he left The Walkers to form his own band, The Riot Squad, exactly. The Walkers' bass player, Michael 'Mike' Martin (b. 1945, Hampstead, North West London), wanted to come with Ron, so he left the band too. Then Ron met up with tenor sax and flute player Bob Evans (b. Robert Evan Horton, Saturday, June 6, 1931, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire - d. Monday, July 31, 2023, Okayama, Japan), formerly of Tony Colton & The Crawdaddies (and of a lot of other bands since the 1940s!), and organ player Mark Stevens (b. 1947, Newport, Monmoutshire, South East Wales). Then Ron placed a Musician Wanted ad at the back of Melody Maker musical newspaper for a lead guitarist and former child actor Graham Bonney (b. Graham Arthur Ernest Bradley, Wednesday, June 2, 1943, Basildon, Essex), formerly of The Ambers (1962-64), Espresso Five (1961-62), and an unknown school band (1959-61), answered to the ad and joined Ron, Mike, Bob, and Mark. All they needed was a drummer. The famous rhythm 'n' blues singer Chris Farlowe, who Ron knew, said he knew of a young drummer called Mitch Mitchell (b. John Ronald Mitchell, Tuesday, July 9, 1946, Ealing, West London - d. Wednesday, November 12, 2008, Benson Hotel, Portland, Oregon, US, for natural causes) who was looking to join a pro band and so Ron arranged to meet him at the Flamingo Club in London's West End, where Mitch got up and played a couple of songs with Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds and he was in! The band lineup was finally completed and Ron came up with the name 'The Riot Squad' as he though it was a great name, and really suited the music they played, a "in your face" hard driving blues.
Undoubtedly one of the most underrated British rock band of the mid-60's, The Riot Squad were put together by a singer and rhythm guitar player from Harringay, North London, called Ronald Patrick 'Ron' Ryan (b. Saturday, April 20, 1940, Islington, North London). Mostly known for his songwriter and arranger credits work for The Dave Clark Five (where his younger brother Mick was the original lead guitar player), Ron Ryan started The Riot Squad by recorded a demo of a song he wrote called 'Anytime'. When he recorded the demo he took it to Larry Page, a famous London producer, as he knew him from his work as a session singer and session rhythm guitar player. Larry said "get a band together and I will get you a record deal with Pye Records", so Ron formed the band. Ron was fronting a semi-pro band at the time called The Walkers (he also previously played with the Lee Sabre Combo, and The Nuclear Tones Skiffle Group), but wanted to turn professional and go on the road with a full-time band (the rest of the band had day jobs), so he left The Walkers to form his own band, The Riot Squad, exactly. The Walkers' bass player, Michael 'Mike' Martin (b. 1945, Hampstead, North West London), wanted to come with Ron, so he left the band too. Then Ron met up with tenor sax and flute player Bob Evans (b. Robert Evan Horton, Saturday, June 6, 1931, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire - d. Monday, July 31, 2023, Okayama, Japan), formerly of Tony Colton & The Crawdaddies (and of a lot of other bands since the 1940s!), and organ player Mark Stevens (b. 1947, Newport, Monmoutshire, South East Wales). Then Ron placed a Musician Wanted ad at the back of Melody Maker musical newspaper for a lead guitarist and former child actor Graham Bonney (b. Graham Arthur Ernest Bradley, Wednesday, June 2, 1943, Basildon, Essex), formerly of The Ambers (1962-64), Espresso Five (1961-62), and an unknown school band (1959-61), answered to the ad and joined Ron, Mike, Bob, and Mark. All they needed was a drummer. The famous rhythm 'n' blues singer Chris Farlowe, who Ron knew, said he knew of a young drummer called Mitch Mitchell (b. John Ronald Mitchell, Tuesday, July 9, 1946, Ealing, West London - d. Wednesday, November 12, 2008, Benson Hotel, Portland, Oregon, US, for natural causes) who was looking to join a pro band and so Ron arranged to meet him at the Flamingo Club in London's West End, where Mitch got up and played a couple of songs with Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds and he was in! The band lineup was finally completed and Ron came up with the name 'The Riot Squad' as he though it was a great name, and really suited the music they played, a "in your face" hard driving blues.
THE RIOT SQUAD #1 (DECEMBER 1964 - JANUARY ?, 1965)
1) Ron Ryan lead vocals, rhythm guitar
2) Mike Martin bass, backing vocals
3) Bob Evans tenor sax, flute, backing vocals
4) Mark Stevens organ, backing vocals
5) Graham Bonney lead guitar, backing vocals
6) Mitch Mitchell drums, backing vocals
1) Ron Ryan lead vocals, rhythm guitar
2) Mike Martin bass, backing vocals
3) Bob Evans tenor sax, flute, backing vocals
4) Mark Stevens organ, backing vocals
5) Graham Bonney lead guitar, backing vocals
6) Mitch Mitchell drums, backing vocals
The Riot Squad #1, London, December 1964 (?) - from left: Mark Stevens, Gaham Bonney, Mike Martin, Mitch Mitchell, Ron Ryan, and Bob Evans
The Riot Squad #1, London, Decwmber 1964 (?) - from left: Mark Stevens, Ron Ryan, Graham Bonney, Mike Martin, Bob Evans, and Mitch Mitchell
The Riot Squad #1, Trafalgar Square, London, December 1964 (?) - from left: Mitch Mitchell, Mike Martin, Mark Stevens, Ron Ryan, Bob Evans, and Graham Bonney
The Riot Squad #1, Trafalgar Square, London, December 1964 (?) - from left: Mike Martin, Mark Stevens, Ron Ryan, Mitch Mitchell, Bob Evans, and Graham Bonney
The Riot Squad #1, London, December 1964 (?) - from left: Ron Ryan, Mitch Mitchell, Bob Evans, Graham Bonney, Mark Stevens, and Mike Martin
unknown magazine (February 20, 1965)
December 1964: Regent Sounds Studio, 4 Denmark Street, St Giles, Metropolitan Borough of Holborn, Greater London
The Riot Squad recorded their debut single, 'Anytime / Jump', with Larry Page as producer. It was Ron Ryan who chose the Regent Sounds because it was the same studio where he used to make his demo's for the Dave Clark Five. 'Anytime' was written by Ron, while 'Jump' was written by Gordon Mills, who was Tom Jones' manager, and although Ron hated the song, he recorded it as a favour to Tom who he knew at the time.
January ?, 1965
In the first week of January, apparently after just three weeks since the band was formed, and even before their debut single was released, Mike Martin left The Riot Squad. According to Ron Ryan, although the gigs they played went down very well, and everything was going great, Mitch Mitchell started picking on Mike Martin, saying that he was not a great bass player, and Mike being a gentle soul took it to heart and left the band exactly (officialy to pursue a solo career). Anyway, the band hired a new bass player called Brian 'Rockhouse' Davies (b. Friday, January 15, 1943, Cardiff, South Wales), formerly of The Shevells, and The Raiders (with Dave Edmunds).
THE RIOT SQUAD #2 (JANUARY ?, 1965 - APRIL 1965)
1) Ron Ryan
2) Bob Evans
3) Mark Stevens
4) Graham Bonney
5) Mitch MItchell
6) Brian Davies bass, backing vocals
1) Ron Ryan
2) Bob Evans
3) Mark Stevens
4) Graham Bonney
5) Mitch MItchell
6) Brian Davies bass, backing vocals
January ?, 1965: 'Scene At 6:30', Granada TV Show, Granada Studios, Quay Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester (broadcast date)
The Riot Squad played their first single 'Anytime'. According to a contemporary press reports [Record Mirror, January 16, 1965], this was not only the band television debut, but also their first gig together (this version was confirmed by the newly recruited Brian Davies, but was denied by Ron Ryan who remember that actually the band had already played few live gigs when Mike Martin was still in the band).
Record Mirror (January 16, 1965)
Friday, January 8, 1965
The Riot Squad’s debut single, ‘Anytime / Jump’ (PYE 7N 15752), was released only in the UK. Both songs later appeared on the band anthology albums: ‘Anytime’ (1991), and ‘Jump!’ (April 2003). Strangely, although 'Anytime' was written by Ron Ryan, somehow Larry Page's name ended up on the single credit as writer, and Ron himself don't know how Larry got his name on it!
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Record Mirror (January 9, 1965)
The Wishaw Press (January 15, 1965)
Record Mirror (January 9, 1965)
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Friday, January 8, 1965: 'Ready, Steady, Go!', ITV-Rediffusion TV Show, Studio 5, Wembley Studios, 128 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley, London Borough of Brent, Greater London
The Riot Squad played their just released debut single, 'Anytime,' on this pioneering British rock and pop music television programme which used to air live every Friday evening (6:08-7:00pm) and which was hosted by Keith Fordyce and Cathy McGowan. Also appeared: Cilla Black, The Rockin’ Berries, Sonny Boy Williamson & The T-Bones, Betty Everett, Johnny Thunder, James Tamlin, Gitte.
Saturday, January 23, 1965: ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars - Lucky Stars Special Presents Cilla Black,’ ABC-TV Show (ITV network), Alpha ATV/ABC Television Studios, Aston Road North, Aston, Birmingham, Warwickshire
The Riot Squad played ‘Anytime.’ This episode, which was hosted by Brian Matthew, was aired today from 5:50pm to 6:35pm. Also appeared: Cilla Black, The Hollies (cancelled), The Swinging Blue Jeans, Paul Anka, Del Shannon, Jimmy Radcliffe, Don Moss as Guest DJ, and Janice Nicholls who head an audience panel reviewing new released in Spin-A--Disc.
Saturday, January 23, 1965: Locarno Ballroom, High Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Lords With Lady Butler.
Saturday, January 30, 1965: Manor Lounge, Wellington Road South, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Also on the bill: The Rats, The Generations. According to Ron Ryan, the Riot Squad played a couple of gigs in the Manchester area, and maybe it was this the one where a great fight started, and while it was going on he got Mitch Mitchell to play a drum solo, and the rest of them just stood and watched the fighting 'till the police came!
Sotckport County Express (January 21, 1965)
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Sotckport County Express (January 28, 1965)
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January/February 1965: 'unknown title', TV Show, unknown studio, unknown city, unknown county
Although no documentation exist, according to Ron Ryan, The Riot Squad appeared once on a television show along with Sonny Boy Williamson II.
Monday, February 1, 1965: ‘Discs a Gogo,’ TWW (Television Wales & West) TV Show, TWW Television Centre, Bath Road, Bristol, Glouchestershire
Performing their debut single ‘Anytime,’ the Riot Squad appeared on this episode that was aired today from 7pm to 7:30pm. Also appeared: Millie, Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, the GoJo’s.
Saturday, February 6, 1965: Dungeon Club, 6 Stamford Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
The gig was advertised as "Decca Recording Artists from 'Thank You Lucky Stars' The Riot Squad". Also on the bill: Mark Fayne & the Fontains.
Tuesday, February 9, 1965
Ron Ryan and Mitch Mitchell appeared in an episode of Emergency - Ward 10, a soap opera television series aired on ITV network. Apparently ATV, the television company who produced the show, was someway involved with The Riot Squad's label Pye Records, so they gave the band a plug for their debut single and played 'Anytime' as the opening music for the show for one week. They also wrote in the script of one episode that The Riot Squad was playing for a dance at the hospital (the show was set in a fictional hospital called Oxbridge General) but finally when the episode was aired today, they only had Mitchell and Ryan walk thru the ward and sing to someone in the bed.
Saturday, February 13, 1965: Corn Exchange, Tindal Square, Chelmsford, Essex
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Animals, and Mark Shelley and The Deans.
Wednesday, February 17, 1965: Beat Scene Club, Wolsey Hall, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
1965: unknown venue, Gateshead, County Durham
1965: unknown venue, Cardiff, South Wales
1965: unknown venue, unknown city, Wales
1965: unknown venue, unknown city, Greater Manchester
1965: Starlight Room, The Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire
1965: Starlight Room, The Gliderdrome, Boston, Lincolnshire
Saturday, March 6, 1965: 'All Star Night', California Ballroom, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Also on the bill: Yensons Trolls, Joe Brown and The Bruvvers.
Monday, March 8, 1965: Top Twenty Club, Town Hall, Bridgwater, Somerset
Friday, March 19, 1965: Domino Club, Greymare Lane, Openshaw, Manchester, Greater Manchester
Also on the bill: The Overlanders, and A Great Six Act Supporting Bill, Dancing To Top Line Groups, Bingo, Etc. The show was presented by The Dominion Club Ltd.
Friday, March 19, 1965: Princess Theatre Club, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester, Greater Manchester
Also on the bill: The Overlanders, and A Great Six Act Supporting Bill, Dancing To Top Line Groups, Bingo, Etc. The show was presented by The Dominion Club Ltd.
Stockport County Express (March 18, 1965)
Saturday, March 20, 1965: Majestic Ballroom, High Street, Crewe, Cheshire
Also on the bill: The Scorpions. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Nantwich Chronicle (March 20, 1965)
Friday, March 26, 1965
The Riot Squad's second single, 'I Wanna Talk About My Baby / Gonna Make You Mine' (PYE 7N 15817), was released in the UK. The single was produced again by Larry Page and was supposedly recorded at the Pye Studios in ATV house near Marble Arch in central London. The single was also released in the US in May 1965 by Roulette Records (R-4621), and with a picture sleeve, and in Canada in 1965 by Pye Records (PYE-780). Both songs later appeared on the band anthology albums: 'Anytime' (1991), and 'Jump!' (April 2003). Strangely, although 'Gonna Make You Mine' was written by Ron Ryan, somehow Larry Page's name ended up on the single credit as writer (actually co-writer with V. Warren), and Ron himself don't know how Larry got his name on it!
Wishaw Press and Advertiser (April 2, 1965)
US version
US version
Canada version
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US version
US version
Canada version
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April 1965
Ron Ryan left The Riot Squad. According to Ron, after picking on Mike Martin, Mitch Mitchell started picking on him too, saying that he was leading the band in the wrong direction, that he was trying to turn the band into a clone of the Dave Clark Five, and that they should take a more "soft approach" and should try and sound more like The Beach Boys (!!), which is very strange when you think who Mitch ended up with. So Mitch went to Larry Page behind Ron's back, and said that the band were not happy with Ron as the leader and where he was taking them. Larry told Ron what was going on and rather than sack everyone and starting again Ron left his own band exactly (he had been "headhunted" for a while by an Irish band called The Blue Aces to front them and so he finally decided to join them). At that point, although all the band could sing, Bob Evans took the main vocal with the rest of them doing backing.
THE RIOT SQUAD #3 (APRIL 1965 - AUGUST 16, 1965)
1) Mitch Mitchell
2) Graham Bonney
3) Bob Evans
4) Mark Stevens
5) Brian Davies
1) Mitch Mitchell
2) Graham Bonney
3) Bob Evans
4) Mark Stevens
5) Brian Davies
The Riot Squad #3, London, 1965 - from left: Bob Evans, Graham Bonney, Brian Davies, Mark Stevens, and Mitch Mitchell
The Riot Squad #3, London, 1965 - from left: Bob Evans, Mitch Mitchell, Mark Stevens (in the box), Brian Davies, and Graham Bonney
The Riot Squad #3, London, 1965 - from left: Mitch Mitchell, Brian Davies, Graham Bonney, Bob Evans, and Mark Stevens
April 1965
Pye Records released only in France, a picture sleeve extend play, 'I Wanna Talk About My Baby / Gonna Make You Mine / Anytime / Jump' (PNV. 24134). The four songs had been previously released on the band's first two singles.
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Friday, April 9, 1965: Market Hall, Station Road, Redhill, Surrey
Saturday, April 10, 1965: ‘Palais Night,’ Winter Gardens, Gloddaeth Street, Llandudno, Conwy County Borough, Wales
Also on the bill: Roland Mott & His Orchestra. One show, from 8pm to 11:30pm.
North Wales Weekly News (April 8, 1965)
Thursday, April 15, 1965: Locarno Ballroom, High Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with Tony Rivers and The Castaways.
Friday, April 30, 1965: Adelphi Theatre, 3 Bath Road, Slough, Buckinghamshire
The Riot Squad embarked on their first full-length tour of Britain. The itinerary was a 21-date twice nightly (6:30pm and 8:30pm) package tour (Mondays were off) presented by Arthur Howes. The band, together with The Yardbirds, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna, supported the headliners The Kinks, and the American all-girl group Goldie and The Gingerbreads. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies. After the debut show many of the groups party at popular West London's The Cromwellian Club (complete with an upstairs casino, the place stays open until 4:00am) together with Screaming Lord Sutch and members from The Pretty Things, and The Tremeloes.
Saturday, May 1, 1965: Granada Theatre, 186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Sunday, May 2, 1965: Odeon Cinema, 1-5 Loampit Vale at Lee High Road, Lewisham, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Tuesday, May 4, 1965: Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, Hampshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:50pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Wednesday, May 5, 1965: ABC Cinema, High Street, Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Rockin' Berries, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Thursday, May 6, 1965: Granada Cinema, 154-166 Clarence Street, Kingston upon Thames, Royal Borough of KIngston upon Thames, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Thursday, May 6, 1965: Locarno Ballroom, High Street, Old Town, Swindon, Somerset (cancelled)
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Ten Feet Five, Les Fleur De Lys, Clive Shane And The Avengers, and Five Hits And A Miss. The Riot Squad were originally scheduled for the Locarno Ballroom, but it was unlikely that they were able to keep this booking as well following their above mentioned two relatively early shows in Kingston upon Thames.
Friday, May 7, 1965: Granada Cinema, 281 Barking Road, East Ham, London Borough of Newman, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, Val McKenna, and Unit 4 Plus 2. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Saturday, May 8, 1965: Gaumont Cinema, Picadilly, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Stafford Newsletter (April 23, 1965)
Saturday, May 8, 1965: 'All Nighter Jam Session', The Place, 67 Bryan Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
After the above mentioned two relatively early shows at the Gaumont Cinema, many of the groups of the touring party (but not The Yardbirds that returned to London) indulged in an all-night jam session at a local club called The Place.
Sunday, May 9, 1965: Coventry Theatre, Hales Street, Coventry, Warwickshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Tuesday, May 11, 1965: Odeon Cinema, Regent Circus, Swindon, Wiltshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Wednesday, May 12, 1965: Odeon Cinema, London Road, Southend-on-Sea, East Essex
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Thursday, May 13, 1965: Granada Theatre, 5-9 St Peters Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Friday, May 14, 1965: Granada Theatre, 50-60 Mitcham Road, Tooting, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Saturday, May 15, 1965: Winter Gardens, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Sunday, May 16, 1965: Gaumont Cinema, 3 St Helen's Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
The Riot Squad were on the bill with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Tuesday, May 18, 1965: Gaumont Cinema, Corporation Street, Taunton Deane, Somerset
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Wednesday, May 19, 1965: Capitol Cinema, 116-118 Queen Street, Cardiff, Wales
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Thursday, May 20, 1965: Gaumont Cinema, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Walker Brothers, The Yardbirds, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Friday, May 21, 1965: Odeon Cinema, Ashburner Street at Black Horse Street, Bolton, Greater Manchester
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Walker Brothers, The Hollies, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Saturday, May 22, 1965: Odeon Cinema, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Walker Brothers (replaced The Kinks), The Hollies, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:00pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies.
Sunday, May 23, 1965: Gaumont Cinema, London Road, Derby, Derbyshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Walker Brothers, The Hollies, Goldie and The Gingerbreads, Jeff and Jon, The Mickey Finn, and Val McKenna. Two shows, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Bob Bain was the master of cerimonies,
Friday, May 28, 1965
The Riot Squad's third single, 'Nevertheless (I Love You) / Not A Great Talker' (PYE 7N 15869), was released only in the UK. The single was produced again by Larry Page. Both songs later appeared on the band anthology albums: 'Anytime' (1991), and 'Jump!' (April 2003).
Wishaw Press and Advertiser (June 4, 1965)
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Friday, May 28, 1965: 'Ready, Steady Goes Live!', ITV-Rediffusion TV Show, Studio 5, Wembley Studios, 128 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley, London Borough of Brent, Greater London
The Riot Squad played their just released third single, 'Nevertheless (I Love You),' on this pioneering British rock and pop music television programme which used to air live every Friday evening (6:08-7:00pm) and which was hosted by David Goldsmith and Cathy McGowan. Also appeared: Connie Francis, Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas, The Moody Blues, The Soul Sisters, Buffy Saint-Marie.
Sunday, June 27, 1965: ABC Theatre, 85-87 Regent Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The Riot Squad were on the bill with The Mark Four, Don Spencer, Jon Mark, Peter Jay & the Jaywalkers, Marianne Faithfull, and The Moody Blues.
1965: Marcam Hall, March, Cambridgeshire
1965: Regal Ballroom, Station Road, Tirydail, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Also on the bill: The Thunder-beats.
Friday, July 2, 1965: ‘Big Beat Night,’ Winter Gardens, Gloddaeth Street, Llandudno, Conwy County Borough, Wales
Also on the bill: The Publicans. One show, from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
North Wales Weekly News (June 24, 1965)
Saturday, July 17, 1965: Majestic Ballroom, High Street, Crewe, Cheshire
Also on the bill: The Scorpions. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Crewe Chronicle (July 17, 1965)
Saturday, July 31, 1965: The Gaiety Ballroom, High Street, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire
Also on the bill: The Cascades.
Sunday, August 1, 1965: Manor Lounge, Wellington Road South, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Stockport County Express (July 29, 1965)
Tuesday, August 10, 1965
The Riot Squad contract with Larry Page finished today and was not renewed because the producer lost interest in the band.
Wednesday, August 11, 1965: Town Hall, Alexandra Road, Farnborough, Rushmoor, Hampshire
Also on the bill: unknown supporting group.
Monday, August 16, 1965: Top Twenty Club, Town Hall, Bridgwater, Somerset
Supposedly The Riot Squad’s last gig before split up. Graham Bonney goes solo. Brian Davies returned home in Cardiff where he got married, then turned down the chance to join Dave Edmunds at Rockfield Studios, and at present he still play bass on a couple of theatre shows but mostly he work as live sound engineer. Mitch Mitchell will play with The Lively Set, then with Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, and finally with The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
October ??, 1965
After a couple of months, the band former leader Bob Evans reorganized The Riot Squad recruiting a local band called The Chevrons, which included Keith M. 'Nero' Gladman, aka 'The Admiral', aka 'The Monster', on vocals (b. Saturday, June 15, 1946), formerly of Corsairs, and Four Adams & Eve, Terry Clifford on guitar (b. Terence Peter Firkins, Friday, June 16, 1944, Walthamstow, East London), formerly of Wishbones, Deputies, Blue Star Combo, Tumbleweeds, and Dean Brent and The Strollers, Rodger Crisp on bass (b. Friday, June 27, 1947), formerly of Invaders, Force Five, and Dean Brent and The Strollers, Derek Michael 'Ginger' Roll, aka Del Roll (he started off playing under his real name which very early in 1966 became 'Del Roll', but it was never 'Roll Michael' as sometime he was wrongly credited in the press) on drums (b. Wednesday, August 14, 1946), formerly of The Overlanders, The Trackers, and Dean Brent and The Strollers, and George Butcher, aka 'Butch Davis' (from 'Butch' as he often was called at school and as a teenager, and from 'Davis' because Ray and Dave Davies of The Kinks, his favourite group), on Hammond organ (b. Tuesday, August 29, 1944, North London), formerly of Blue Knights, Sceptres, Memphis Blues, and Four Adams & Eve. The Chevrons formed as a semi-pro rock band the previous January and after they gigging at clubs, pubs, and Youth Centres in and around London, they turned pro in July and went to play in Germany and France. They returning to London at the beginning of September and gigged around London until Friday, October 8, when Bob Evans, looking for band, saw them at The King's Head pub in Edmonton, North London. He approached them and sat-in as a member for a couple of gigs a few days later, before officially asked them to became the new Riot Squad exactly. Subsequently the band signed a new contract with the great late London producer Joe Meek.
THE RIOT SQUAD #4 (OCTOBER ??, 1965 - MARCH 11, 1967)
1) Bob Evans
2) Nero Gladman vocals
3) Terry Clifford guitar
4) Butch Davis Hammond organ
5) Rodger Crisp bass
6) Del Roll drums
The Riot Squad #4, 1965/66 - from left: Bob Evans, Rodger Crisp, Del Roll, Nero Gladman, Terry Clifford, and Butch Davis
The Riot Squad #4, 1965/66 - from top left: Bob Evans, Terry Clifford, Nero Gladman, Butch Davis, Del Roll, and Rodger Crisp
The Riot Squad #4, 1965/66 - from left: Del Roll, Butch Davis, Bob Evans, Rodger Crisp, Terry Clifford, and Nero Gladman
The Riot Squad #4, 1965/66 - from left: Butch Davis, Bob Evans, Terry Clifford, Rodger Crisp, Del Roll, and Nero Gladman
The Riot Squad #4, 1965/66 - from left: Nero Gladman, Terry Clifford, Del Roll, Bob Evans, Rodger Crisp, and Butch Davis
Wednesday, October 20, 1965: Blaises Club, Imperial Hotel's basement, 121 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
The (new) Riot Squad's debut gig.
Friday, October 22, 1965: Scotch of St. James, 13 Masons Yard, Westminster, City of Westminster, Greater London
Saturday, October 23, 1965: unknown venue, Ruislip, London Borough of Hillingdon, Greater London
Wednesday, October 27, 1965: Stone Cross Hall, Harlow Market Square, Harlow, Essex
Saturday, October 30, 1965: unknown venue, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Sunday, October 31, 1965: Brook Green Youth Club, Brook Green, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Greater London
Wednesday, November 3, 1965: The Refectory, 911 Finchley Road, Golders Green, London Borough of Barnet, Greater London
Friday, November 5, 1965: The King's Head, The Green, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Saturday, November 6, 1965: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Sunday, November 7, 1965: Sunday Club, Co-Op Hall, Station Road, Addlestone, Surrey (cancelled)
One show, started at 7:00pm.
Sunday, November 7, 1965: Wolsey Hall, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Sunday, November 7, 1965: Stone Cross Hall, Harlow Market Square, Harlow, Essex
Monday, November 8 or Tuesday, November 9, 1965
The Riot Squad had a day time rehearsal with the legendary Afro-American rhythm and blues singer Wilson Pickett somewhere in London. Pickett arrived in Britain on Monday for a UK tour that would be started the next day, on Tuesday, with an evening gig at the Scotch Of St James, a posh central London nightclub. Toured with only his guitarist Jimmy Owen, Pickett needed a backup band, so his manager asked The Riot Squad to be Pickett's band, but the money wasn't good enough so they pulled out!
Tuesday, November 9, 1965: Bedford Hotel, Bedford Hill, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Saturday, November 13, 1965: Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, North Norfolk, Norfolk
Also on the bill: The Style. One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Wednesday, November 17, 1965: The Bromel Club, Bromley Court Hotel, Bromley Hill, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
Saturday, November 20, 1965: Dreamland Ballroom, 49-51 Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent
Also on the bill: The Tramps. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Thanes Times (November 16, 1965)
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East Kent Times & Broadstairs Mail (November 17, 1965)
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Sunday, November 21, 1965: Cooks Ferry Inn, Angel Road, Edmonton, London Brough of Enfield, Greater London
Friday, November 26, 1965
Bob Evans played sax and flute as sessionman on Heinz' single, 'Heart Full Of Sorrow / Don't Worry Baby' (Columbia DB 7779), who was released today in the UK.
Friday, November 26, 1965: Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk
Saturday, November 27, 1965: Galaxy Club, Haymarket Lounge, Wole Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire (cancelled)
Sunday, November 28, 1965: Palais de Danse, Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Tuesday, November 30, 1965: Europa Hotel, 60-62 Anson Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Thursday, December 2, 1965: Starlight Ballroom, High Street, Crawley, West Sussex
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Small Faces.
Friday, December 3, 1965: Large Hall, 8th Floor, Nottingham Regional College of Technology campus, Burton Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Also on the bill: John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Evening Post and News (December 2, 1965)
Sunday, December 5, 1965: St Richard Church Hall, Ealing Road, Northolt, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London
Friday, December 10, 1965: Furzedown College of Education, Streatham, London Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth, Greater London
Saturday, December 11, 1965: Manor Lounge, Wellington Road South, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Also on the bill: The Searchers, Val McKenna. The Rot Squad also backed up Val McKenna tonight. The young British female pop singer was without a backing band at the time and because she and the Squad shared the same manager, Arthur Howes, it was arranged for her to be backed by them for a few gigs starting tonight exactly.
Stockport County Express (December 9, 1965)
Sunday, December 12, 1965: Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Monday, December 13, 1965: Tollington Ballroom, Tollington Park, London Borough of Islington, Greater London (cancelled)
Tuesday, December 14, 1965: Ravenscroft School, Barnet Lane, Barnet, Totteridge, London Borough of Barnet, Greater London (cancelled)
Tuesday, December 14, 1965: BBC Maida Vale Studios, Delaware Road, Maida Vale, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad did an audition for BBC radio station but sadly the latter did not come back to them.
Wednesday, December 15, 1965: Wimbledon Town Hall, Queen's Road at Wimbledon Bridge, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, Greater London
Val McKenna sang again as guest with The Riot Squad tonight.
Thursday, December 16, 1965: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
The Riot Squad recorded 'Cry, Cry, Cry' with Joe Meek as producer.
Thursday, December 16, 1965: Tollington Ballroom, Tollington Park, London Borough of Islington, Greater London (cancelled)
Friday, December 17, 1965
Bob Evans played (uncredited) flute as sessionman on The Honeycombs' song 'Our Day Will Come,' which was included in the band's album 'All Systems Go!' (PYE NPL 18132), released today in the UK.
Friday, December 17, 1965: West Ham College of Technology, West Ham, London Borough of Newham, Greater London (cancelled)
Friday, December 17, 1965: Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, London Borough of Newham, Greater London
Val McKenna sang again as guest with The Riot Squad tonight.
Saturday, December 18, 1965: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Monday, December 20, 1965: Continental Club, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Sunday, December 26, 1965: Granada Cinema, 186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Sunday, December 26, 1965: Bedford Hotel, Bedford Hill, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Monday, December 27, 1965: Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Wednesday, December 29, 1965: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
The Riot Squad recorded 'How Is It Done' with Joe Meek as producer.
Thursday, December 30, 1965: Wellington Avenue Youth Club, Wellington Avenue, Chingford, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Friday, December 31, 1965: Greenford Hotel, Slough, Berkshire
Saturday, January 1, 1966: Whitehall Cinema, London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex
Thursday, January 6, 1966: RAF (Royal Air Force grass-strip airfield), Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire
Friday, January 7, 1966: Continental Club, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Saturday, January 8, 1966: Cavern Club, 5 Leicester Place off Leicester Square, City of Westminster, Greater London
Sunday, January 9, 1966: Wolsey Hall, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Tuesday, January 11, 1966: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Friday, January 14, 1966: Public Hall, Purfleet Road, Aveley, Essex
Saturday, January 15, 1966: The Cromwellian Club, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Tuesday, January 18, 1966: Town Hall, Melbourn Street, Royston, Hertfordshire
Friday, January 21, 1966: The King's Head, The Green, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Saturday, January 22, 1966: Marquee Club, 90 Wardour Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London (afternoon show)
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with Stevie Wonder, and The Small Faces.
Saturday, January 22, 1966: Chelsea College of Art and Design, 16 John Islip Street, Chelsea, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London (early evening show)
The Riot Squad - with Val McKenna as guest vocalist for the fourth and last time (she went onto be a session singer and back up vocalist to Engelbert Humperdinck) - were on the bill along with Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds.
Saturday, January 22, 1966: Wimbledon Palais, Merton High Street, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, Greater London (late evening show)
Monday, January 24, 1966: Leyton Super Baths, High Street, Leyton, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Tuesday, January 25, 1966: 'Ready, Steady, Radio!', Radio Luxembourg Show, Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, Westminster, City of Westminster, Greater London
The show was recorded today and was broadcasted on Sunday, January 30.
Friday, January 28, 1966
The Riot Squad's fourth single, 'Cry, Cry, Cry / How Is It Done' (PYE 7N 17041), was released in the UK today (although it was originally scheduled to be released a week earlier on January 21). The single was also released in the US in April 1966 by Reprise Records (0457). Both songs later appeared on the band anthology albums: 'Anytime' (1991), and 'Jump!' (April 2003). Contrary to some reports, the great late organ player Jon Lord of Deep Purple fame, do not played as sessionman in this single.
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Saturday, January 29, 1966: Village Hall, High Street, Silsoe, Bedforfshire
Sunday, January 30, 1966: Granada Cinema, 186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Wednesday, February 2, 1966: Falcon Hotel, Rochester Way, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Friday, February 4, 1966: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, February 5, 1966: Alexandra Hall, University of King's College, 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax, Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire (The Riot Squad cancelled)
Also on the bill: The Beathovens.
Saturday, February 5, 1966: The Blues Room, Manor House, 316 Green Lanes, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Sunday, February 6, 1966: Victoria Rooms, University of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol
Monday, February 7, 1966: Carousel Club, 1 Camp Road, Farnborough, Rushmoor, Hampshire
Tuesday, February 8, 1966: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Wednesday, February 9, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
The Riot Squad backed up (uncredited) their label mate Glenda Collins on the recording of her new single, 'Something I've Got To Tell You / My Heart Didn't Lie' (PYE 7N 17044), that was released only in the UK few days later that same month. Glenda and the band recorded several others tracks today and also on a second session held a couple of months later, on April 21, including two unfinished demos, 'You're Gonna Get Your Way' and 'Yeah Yeah Yeah', that were later released posthumously in The Riot Squad's anthology album, 'Jump!', in April 2003.
Thursday, February 10, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. Again, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today. This was only the first of a bunch of sessions the band did for Meek during this year, where they recorded a lot of songs that remained all unreleased, except one, titled 'Walking On Ice', that was posthumously released in The Riot Squad's anthology album, 'Jump!', in April 2003.
Thursday, February 10, 1966: RAF (Royal Air Force grass-strip airfield), Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire
Friday, February 11, 1966: Loughton Youth Centre, 106 Borders Lane, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Saturday, February 12, 1966: Burdon Hotel, 139 The Esplanade, Weymouth, Weymouth and Portland, Dorset
Sunday, February 13, 1966: Bedford Hotel, Bedford Hill, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Monday, February 14, 1966: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Wednesday, February 16, 1966
The Riot Squad did a photo session for Fabulous magazine.
Thursday, February 17, 1966: Poplar Boys Youth Club, 75 Chrisp Street, Poplar, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Greater London
Friday, February 18, 1966
Bob Evans played flute as sessionman on The Honeycombs' single, 'Who Is Sylvia? / How Will I Know?' (PYE 7N 17059), who was released today in the UK. Nedless to say, the single was recorded at Joe Meek's home studio.
Friday, February 18, 1966: Grotesque Club, Sutton, London Borough of Sutton, Greater London
Saturday, February 19, 1966: College of North West London, Priory Park Road, Kilburn, London Boroughs of Brent and Camden, Greater London
Sunday, February 20, 1966: Granada Cinema, 186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Monday, February 21, 1966: Community Centre, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire
Tuesday, February 22, 1966: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Wednesday, February 23, 1966: Wolsey Hall, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Friday, February 25, 1966: Wanstead Youth Centre, Elmcroft Avenue, Wanstead, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Saturday, February 26, 1966: The In Crowd Club, Hackney, London Borough of Hackney, Greater London
Sunday, February 27, 1966: RAF Northolt (Royal Air Force station), South Ruislip, London Borough of Hillington, Greater London
Monday, February 28, 1966: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Thursday, March 3, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek, putting down backing tracks for his artist or artists. Although, as usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today, there was a possibilty that one of them was 'I Beg To Heaven' for a young and unknown singer called John Drysdale. Recorded today or not, this previously unissued song was posthumously released in The Riot Squad's anthology album, 'Jump!', in April 2003.
Friday, March 4, 1966: Borough Assembly Hall, Market Square, Aylesbury, Aylesbury Vale, Buckingahmshire
Saturday, March 5, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Sunday, March 6, 1966: Azure Room, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London (cancelled)
Tuesday, March 8, 1966: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Thursday, March 10, 1966: Town Hall, Vicker Street, Kidderminster, Wyre Forest, Worchestershire
Friday, March 11, 1966: The Belfry, Club Continental, Eastbourne, East Sussex (cancelled)
Friday, March 11, 1966: Winter Gardens, Compton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Saturday, March 12, 1966: Brittania Rowing Club, Trentside North, West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
Evening Post and News (March 12, 1966)
Saturday, March 12, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London (The Riot Squad cancelled)
Also on the bill: The In Crowd.
Sunday, March 13, 1966: Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Monday, March 14, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
The Riot Squad recorded 'I Take It That We're Through' (originally titled 'Take It or Leave It') and 'Working Man', with Joe Meek as producer.
Wednesday, March 16, 1966: Falcon Hotel, Rochester Way, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Thursday, March 17, 1966: Worthing Pavilion Ballroom, Worthing pier, Worthing, Borough of Worthing, West Sussex
Friday, March 18, 1966: Wimbledon College of Art, Merton Hall Road, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, Greater London
Saturday, March 19, 1966: Isleworth Polytechnic, London Road, Isleworth, London Borough of Hounslow, Greater London
Sunday, March 20, 1966: Wimbledon Palais, Merton High Street, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, Greater London
The show was sponsored by Radio London.
Tuesday, March 22, 1966: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London (cancelled)
Wednesday, March 23, 1966: Church Hall, Stonehouse, Stroud District, Glouchestershire
Thursday, March 24, 1966: Liberal Hall, Yeovil, South Somerset, Somerset
Friday, March 25, 1966: Lloyd Park Pavilion, off Forest Road, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
The Riot Squad did a charity show for the Gilwell Park, a camp site and activity centre for Scouting groups, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout Leaders. At the time the band practices at the Gilwell Park's Scout Headquaters.
Saturday, March 26, 1966: Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, North Norfolk, Norfolk
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Style.
Sunday, March 27, 1966: Chuck Wagon Club, Bridge Street, Leatherhead, Mole Valley, Surrey
Tuesday, March 29, 1966: Town Hall, 112 Crayford Road, Crayford, London Borough of Bexley, Greater London
Wednesday, March 30, 1966: Corn Exchange, Corn Street, Bristol
Friday, April 1, 1966: Assembly Hall, Barking, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
The show was sponsored by Radio Essex.
Saturday, April 2, 1966: Broxbourne Grammar School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Sunday, April 3, 1966: Brittania Rowing Club, Trentside North, West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
Evening Post and News (March 31, 1966)
Monday, April 4, 1966: The Belfry, Club Continental, Eastbourne, East Sussex (cancelled)
Saturday, April 9, 1966: Market Hall, Station Road, Redhill, Surrey (cancelled)
Monday, April 11, 1966: Locarno Ballroom, Streatham Hill, Streatham, London Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth, Greater London
Monday, April 11, 1966: Orchid Ballroom, Brighton Road, Purley, London Borough of Croydon, Greater London
Tuesday, April 12, 1966: 'Ready, Steady, Radio!', Radio Luxembourg Show, Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
The show was recorded today and was broadcasted on Sunday, April 17.
Thursday, April 14, 1966: Tottenham Royal, 415-419 High Road, Tottenham, London Borough of Haringey, Greater London
Friday, April 15, 1966
The Riot Squad's fifth single, 'I Take It That We're Through / Working Man' (PYE 7N 17092), was released in the UK. The single was also released in the US in July 1966 by Hanna-Barbera Records (HBR 485). Both songs (written by themselves) later appeared on the band anthology albums: 'Anytime' (1991), and 'Jump!' (April 2003).
US version
US version
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US version
Evening Standard (April 9, 1966)
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Friday, April 15, 1966: Co-Op Hall, Harmer Street, Gravesend, Gravesham, Kent
Saturday, April 16, 1966: The Belfry, Club Continental, Eastbourne, East Sussex (cancelled)
Saturday, April 16, 1966: West End Social Club, 188 Ashby Road, Coalville, North West Leicestershire
Also on the bill: The Sorrows, Mozzletoff.
Sunday, April 17, 1966: Granada Cinema, 50-60 Mitcham Road, Tooting, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Tuesday, April 18, 1966: Civic Hall, Hednesford, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Thursday, April 21, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
The Riot Squad backed up (uncredited) Glenda Collins on the recording of her new single, 'It's Hard To Believe It / Don't Let It Rain On Sunday' (PYE 7N 17150), that was released only in the UK on Saturday, July 30.
Friday, April 22, 1966: Grotesque Club, Sutton, London Borough of Sutton, Greater London
Saturday, April 23, 1966: unknown venue, Stamford, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (cancelled)
Saturday, April 23, 1966: Public Hall, Collingwood Road, Witham, Braintree, Essex
Also on the bill: Five Steps Beyond.
Sunday, April 24, 1966: Imperial Ballroom, Carr Road, Nelson, Pendle, Lancashire
Tuesday, April 26, 1966: Bedford Hotel, Bedford Hill, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Friday, April 29, 1966: Huntingdon Commemoration Hall, 39 High Street, Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire
Saturday, April 30, 1966: Marquee Cub, 90 Wardour Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London (afternoon show)
Saturday, April 30, 1966: Wimbledon Palais, Merton High Street, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, Greater London (early evening show)
Saturday, April 30, 1966: Granada Cinema, 50-60 Mitcham Road, Tooting, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London (late evening show)
Sunday, May 1, 1966: The Khyber Club, Taunton, Taunton Deane, Somerset
Thursday, May 5, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. As usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today.
Friday, May 6, 1966: ‘Big L Show,’ Coronation Ballroom, Sea Front, Ramsgate, Thanet, Kent
The Big L show was sponsored by Radio London (whose nickname was Big L) in collaboration with Pleasurama, a local entertainment company run by Michael Allison. The show was held every Friday and the opening night was today at 8pm. The Riot Squad provided live music entertainment together with the Blue Angels, the Moral Set (formerly known as the Cygnets), and vocal duo Diane Ferras and Nicki Scott (supported by their own group). Also during the show which lasted for more than three and a half hours, a well-known Radio London’s disc-jokey, Ed Stewart, spinned the current Top 40 records for one hour.
East Kent Times & Broadstairs Mail (April 27, 1966)
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Thanes Times and East Kent Pictorial (April 26, 1966)
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East Kent Times & Broadstairs Mail (May 13, 1966)
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Saturday, May 7, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Sunday, May 8, 1966: Cambridge Hotel, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Monday, May 9, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. As usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today.
Tuesday, May 10, 1966: Town Hall, Crown Lane, Stourbridge, Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, Worcestershire
Thursday, May 12, 1966: Public Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Epping Forest, Essex
Saturday, May 14, 1966: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Sunday, May 15, 1966: The Royal Ballrooms, 566 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset
Monday, May 16, 1966: The Belfry, Club Continental, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Thursday, May 19, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. As usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today.
Friday, May 20, 1966: Loughton Youth Centre, 106 Borders Lane, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Saturday, May 21, 1966: Town Hall, Market Street, Chorley, Borough of Chorley, Lancashire
Sunday, May 22, 1966: West End Ballroom, Suffolk Street, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Monday, May 23, 1966: Corringham Youth Centre, Corringham, Thurrock, Essex
Tuesday, May 24, 1966: Kodak's Social Club, Eastman Hall, Kodak Sports Ground, Wealdstone, London Borough of Harrow, Greater London
Friday, May 27, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Cryin' Shames.
Saturday, May 28, 1966: Heacham Public Hall, Station Road, Heacham, Norfolk
Sunday, May 29, 1966: Nottingham Rowing Club, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Friday, June 3, 1966: The Refectory, 911 Finchley Road, Golders Green, London Borough of Barnet, Greater London
Saturday, June 4, 1966: Palace Ballroom, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Tuesday, June 7, 1966: Bedford Hotel, Bedford Hill, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Thursday, June 9, 1966: Sole Hole Club, Borehamwood, Hertsmere, Hertfordshire
Friday, June 10, 1966: The Sinking Ship, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Saturday, June 11, 1966: Marlborough Hall, YMCA Building, 13 Crossley Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Sunday, June 12, 1966: The Golden Torch (aka The Torch), Hose Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Tuesday, June 14, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. As usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today.
Tuesday, June 14, 1966: Civic Hall, Orpington, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
Thursday, June 16, 1966: Public Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Epping Forest, Essex
Friday, June 17, 1966: John Lewis Oxford Street, 300 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Saturday, June 18, 1966: 'All-Night-Session', Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Essex Five, Rey Anton and The Proform, plus D.J. Clem Dalton and Mike Quinn. One show, started at 7:30pm.
Sunday, June 19, 1966: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Monday, June 20, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. As usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today.
Friday, June 24, 1966: Hornsey College of Arts and Crafts, Crouch End, London Borough of Haringey, Greater London
Saturday, June 25, 1966: The Witch Doctor Club, Marine Court, St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings, East Sussex
Also on the bill: The Poor Boys.
Monday, June 27, 1966: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Tuesday, June 28, 1966: Kodak's Social Club, Eastman Hall, Kodak Sports Ground, Wealdstone, London Borough of Harrow, Greater London
Friday, July 1, 1966: boat cruise on the River Thames, London, Greater London
Saturday, July 2, 1966: The Witch Doctor, Savoy Rooms, 75 Rushey Green, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
One show, from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
Tuesday, July 5, 1966: Pier Hotel, Walton Pier, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
Friday, July 8, 1966: Peyton Place Club, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
Saturday, July 9, 1966: The Blues Room, Manor House, 316 Green Lanes, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Friday, July 15, 1966
The Riot Squad's sixth single, 'It's Never Too Late To Forgive / Try To Realise' (PYE 7N 17130), was released only in the UK. Both songs later appeared on the band anthology albums: 'Anytime' (1991), and 'Jump!' (April 2003); the latter album also included a couple of alternative and previously unissued versions of 'It's Never Too Late To Forgive'.
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Friday, July 15, 1966: Victoria Hall, Prince Street, Sudbury, Babergh, Suffolk
Saturday, July 16, 1966: The Mercer's Arms, Swan Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire (cancelled)
Saturday, July 16, 1966: The Swan, Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire (cancelled)
Saturday, July 16, 1966: Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium, Plough Lane, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton, Greater London
Sunday, July 17, 1966: Bedford Hotel, Bedford Hill, Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Monday, July 18, 1966: Disc Club, St. Martin's Centre, West Stockwell Street, Colchester, Borough of Colchester, Essex
One show, started at 7:30pm.
Essex County Standard
Friday, July 22, 1966: Woodford Youth Centre, St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, Woodford, London Boroughs of Redbridge and Waltham Forest, Greater London
Saturday, July 23, 1966: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Sunday, July 24, 1966: 2 "B's" Club, 2B Bank Street, Ashford, Kent
Also on the bill: Oscar Brooke Bluesette. One show, from 7:45pm to 11:15pm.
Wednesday, July 27, 1966: Town Hall, Crown Lane, Stourbridge, Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, Worcestershire
Saturday, July 30, 1966: Starlite Ballroom, Allendale Road, Greenford, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London (canceled)
Saturday, July 30, 1966: The Cromwellian Club, 3 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Sunday, July 31, 1966: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
The show was sponsored by Radio London.
Friday, August 5, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Checkmates.
Saturday, August 6, 1966: Red Lion Hotel, 324 Newton Road, Warrington, Cheshire
Sunday, August 7, 1966: Britannia Rowing Club, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Monday, August 8, 1966: The Regal Ballroom, 34 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire
Friday, August 12, 1966: Regency Ballroom, Bath, Somerset
The Riot Squad were also on the bill along with Dollies, and The Mixtures.
Saturday, August 13, 1966: Swanage Youth Centre, Chapel Lane, Swanage, Dorset
Sunday, August 14, 1966: Conservative Club, Bedford Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire
Friday, August 19, 1966: The Overseas Visitors Club, 180 Earl's Court Road, Kensington, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Sunday, August 21, 1966: Marquee Club, 90 Wardour Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with David Bowie and The Buzz.
Friday, August 26, 1966: Co-Op Hall, Harmer Street, Gravesend, Gravesham, Kent
Saturday, August 27, 1966: The Gaiety Ballroom, High Street, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire
Also on the bill: HUD.
Sunday, August 28, 1966: The Royal Ballrooms, 566 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset
Saturday, September 3, 1966: Red Lion Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire
Sunday, September 4, 1966: Carlton Club, 13-17 Sankey Street, Warrington, Cheshire
Monday, September 5, 1966: The King's Head, The Green, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Thursday, September 8, 1966: Cooks Ferry Inn, Angel Road, Edmonton, London Brough of Enfield, Greater London
Friday, September 9, 1966: boat cruise on the River Thames, London
Friday, September 9, 1966: Benn Memorial Hall, Newbold Road, Rugby, Warwickshire (cancelled)
Saturday, September 10, 1966: All Saints Hall, 122 Oakleigh Road, Whetstone, London Borough of Barnet, Greater London
Sunday, September 11, 1966: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Wednesday, September 14, 1966: John Lewis Oxford Street, 300 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Thursday, September 15, 1966: South Poplar Youth Club (aka SPY Club), Poplar, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Greater London
Saturday, September 17, 1966: The Regal Ballroom, 34 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Amber Valley, Derbyshire
Sunday, September 18, 1966: Brittania Rowing Club, Trentside North, West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
Evening Post and News (September 17, 1966)
Saturday, September 24, 1966: Hermitage Ballroom, Hermitage Road, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire
Also on the bill: The Fuzz Bugs. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Thursday, September 29, 1966: Glow Room, Reading, Berkshire
Saturday, October 1, 1966: Cheshunt Boys Club, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Sunday, October 2, 1966: The Royal Ballrooms, 566 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset
Monday, October 3, 1966: Disc Club, Salisbury City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Wednesday, October 5, 1966: Mecca Ballroom, Southampton Pier, Southampton, Hampshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with Nite Shift.
Thursday, October 6, 1966: 'Meeksville Sound Limited' (Joe Meek's home studio), 304 Holloway Road, Holloway, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Another recording session produced by Joe Meek. As usual, no one in the band remember the tracks recorded today.
Friday, October 7, 1966: Chelmsford College, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex
Saturday, October 8, 1966: Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road, Woodford, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Thursday, October 13, 1966: Cooks Ferry Inn, Angel Road, Edmonton, London Brough of Enfield, Greater London
Saturday, October 15, 1966: Hendon Technical Institute, Hendon, London Borough of Barnet, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Fourmost.
Sunday, October 16, 1966: Regency Ballroom, Bath, Somerset
Thursday, October 20, 1966: Church Elm, Church Elm Lane, Dagenham, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Friday, October 21, 1966: Beckenham Ballroom, Beckenham, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
Saturday, October 22, 1966: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The Pretty Things.
Sunday, October 23, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Clem Dalton, Mike Quinn. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Wednesday, October 26, 1966: Falcon Hotel, Rochester Way, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Friday, October 28, 1966: The Loraine Club, Chingford, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Saturday, October 29, 1966: Worcester Teacher Training College, St John's Campus, Henwick Road, Worcester, Worcestershire
Friday, November 4, 1966: University of Liverpool, Foundation Building, 765 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside, Lancashire
Saturday, November 5, 1966: The Rainbow Suite, High Street, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Sunday, November 6, 1966: Leicester Casino, Leicester, Leicestershire
Monday, November 7, 1966: Beat Scene Club, Wolsey Hall, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Thursday, November 10, 1966: New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire
Friday, November 11, 1966: Star and Garter Hotel, 133 Peascod Street, Windsor, Berkshire
Saturday, November 12, 1966: California Ballroom, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Also on the bill: ? (supporting groups).
Sunday, November 13, 1966: Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue (aka Southgate Synagogue), Old Farm Avenue, Southgate, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Thursday, November 17, 1966: Cooks Ferry Inn, Angel Road, Edmonton, London Brough of Enfield, Greater London
Friday, November 18, 1966: Woodlands Youth Centre, Basildon, Essex
Saturday, November 19, 1966: University of Exeter, The Queen's Drive, Exeter, Devon
Monday, November 21, 1966: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Friday, November 25, 1966: Philippa Fawcett College, Leigham Court Road, Streatham, London Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth, Greater London
Saturday, November 26, 1966: Main Hall, Margate Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Cliftonville, Margate, Thanet, Kent
The Riot Squad, together with Cyril Stapleton and His Orchestra, provided live music entertainment during a buffet dance held in the evening, in the main hall of the Winter Gardens, during the four-day (Nov. 25-28) annual conference of the National Union of Students (an event attended by about 1,000 students from all over the country).
Sunday, November 27, 1966: Black Cat Club, Gravesend, Gravesham, Kent
Thursday, December 1, 1966: New Addington Hotel, New Addington, Croydon, London Borough of Croydon, Greater London
Friday, December 2, 1966: Magdalene College, Magdalene Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Saturday, December 3, 1966: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Saturday, December 3, 1966: Huntingdon Commemoration Hall, 39 High Street, Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire
Sunday, December 4, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London, UK
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with Him & The Others.
Monday, December 5, 1966: Eltham Baths, Eltham Hill, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London (cancelled)
Friday, December 9, 1966: Star and Garter Hotel, 133 Peascod Street, Windsor, Berkshire
Saturday, December 10, 1966: Harpenden Public Hall, 9 Station Road, St. Albans, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
Also on the bill: ?. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:45pm.
Sunday, December 11, 1966: Kettering Athletic Working Mens Club, 104 Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with Paul and Barry Ryan.
Thursday, December 15, 1966: Town Hall, Vicker Street, Kidderminster, Wyre Forest, Worchestershire
Friday, December 16, 1966: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, December 17, 1966: unknown venue, Harrow, London Borough of Harrow, Greater London (cancelled)
Saturday, December 17, 1966: Carshalton College, Nightingale Road, Carshalton, London Borough of Sutton, Greater London
Sunday, December 18, 1966: Havant Arts Centre, 56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire
Monday, December 19, 1966: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Tuesday, December 20, 1966: South West Essex Technical College, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Wednesday, December 21, 1966: Wanstead Youth Centre, Elmcroft Avenue, Wanstead, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Thursday, December 22, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Friday, December 23, 1966: Black Cat Club, Gravesend, Gravesham, Kent
Saturday, December 24, 1966: ‘Christmas Eve All-Nighter,’ Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: The Knack, The Good Time Band, plus DJs Clem Dalton & Mike Quinn. One show, from 7:30pm to 7:30am.
Evening Standard (December 23, 1966)
Sunday, December 25, 1966: Dungeon Club, 6 Stamford Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (cancelled)
Monday, December 26, 1966: Cooks Ferry Inn, Angel Road, Edmonton, London Brough of Enfield, Greater London
Thursday, December 29, 1966: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Monopoly.
Friday, December 30, 1966: The Dancing Slipper, 14 Central Avenue, West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
Evening Post and News (December 28, 1966)
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Evening Post and News (December 30, 1966)
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Saturday, December 31, 1966: Dorothy Ballroom, Hobson Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Sunday, January 1, 1967: The Royal Ballrooms, 566 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset
Tuesday, January 3, 1967: 'Ready, Steady, Radio!', Radio Luxembourg Show, Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Wednesday, January 4, 1967: Church Hall, Stonehouse, Stroud District, Glouchestershire
One show, from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
Friday, January 6, 1967: The King's Head, The Green, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Friday, January 6, 1967
The Riot Squad's seventh and last single, 'Gotta Be A First Time / Bitter Sweet Love' (PYE 7N 17237), was released in the UK. The single was also released in Argentina in 1967 by Pye Records (PYE 30.867), and in Australia also in 1967 by Astor Records (AP-1339). Both songs, produced by Joe Meek, of course, later appeared on the band anthology albums: 'Anytime' (1991), and 'Jump!' (April 2003).
Australia version
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Australia version
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Melody Maker (January 7, 1967)
Saturday, January 7, 1967: unknown venue, Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire (cancelled)
Saturday, January 7, 1967: Grand & Nationals Hall, Olympia, Hammersmith Road, West Kensington, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Greater London (afternoon show)
Saturday, January 7, 1967: ‘Vintate ’67,’ Ettington Park Hotel, Main Stratford-Shipston Road, Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Also on the bill: D.J. Tweedyhouse Harris. One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (January 6, 1967)
Sunday, January 8, 1967: The Khyber Club, Taunton, Taunton Deane, Somerset
Wednesday, January 11, 1967: The Birdcage Club, Eastney Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, Hampshire (cancelled)
Friday, January 13, 1967: The Loraine Club, Chingford, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Saturday, January 14, 1967: Shaftesbury Hotel, Shaftesbury, North Dorset, Dorset (cancelled)
Monday, January 16, 1967
The Riot Squad met their manager Joe Meek to discuss future plans. This turns out to be their last meeting because Joe died a couple of weeks later.
Wednesday, January 18, 1967: Battersea Town Hall, Lavender Hill, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Thursday, January 19, 1967: New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire
Also on the bill: Soul Society.
Friday, January 20, 1967: St Nicholas Church, Church Hill, Basildon, Essex
Saturday, January 21, 1967: Hendon Technical Institute, Hendon, London Borough of Barnet, Greater London
Sunday, January 22, 1967: Black Cat Club, Gravesend, Gravesham, Kent
Monday, January 23, 1967: Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Wednesday, January 25, 1967: unknown venue, Reading, Berkshire
Friday, January 27, 1967: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, January 28, 1967: Pier Ballroom, Lowestoft, Suffolk
The show was sponsored by Radio London.
Sunday, January 29, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: D.J. Mike Quinn. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (January 28, 1967)
Sunday, January 29, 1967: Leicester Casino, Leicester, Leicestershire (canceled)
Wednesday, February 1, 1967: The Ritz Ballroom, Starleys Hotel, Cliff Cottage Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
Also on the bill: Mozzletoff.
Thursday, February 2, 1967: New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire (cancelled)
Friday, February 3, 1967
Joe Meek killed his landlady Violet Shenton and then himself, with a single-barreled shotgun that he had confiscated from his protégé, former The Tornados bassist and solo star Heinz Burt, at his 304 Holloway Road home/studio. Meek was subsequently buried at Newent Cemetery, Newent, Glouchestershire. His black granite tombstone can be found near the middle of the cemetery. Immediately after the suicide of their producer, The Riot Squad decided to split with Nero Gladman, Rodger Crisp, and Terry Clifford to leave. However, they continued gigging together with this lineup for another month because they had some gigs already booked.
Friday, February 3, 1967: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Saturday, February 4, 1967: Hermitage Ballroom, Hermitage Road, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire
Also on the bill: The Kommotion. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, February 4, 1967: ABC Cinema, 10 Cavendish Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire (cancelled)
Sunday, February 5, 1967: Crystal Palace Hotel, Crystal Palace, London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, Greater London
Tuesday, February 7, 1967: Lotus Ballroom, Forest Gate, London Borough of Newham, Greater London
Wednesday, February 8, 1967: Falcon Hotel, Rochester Way, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Thursday, February 9, 1967: W.I. Club, Ely, East Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire
Friday, February 10, 1967: Borough College London, Chartwell Business Park, 61 Paulet Road, London Borough of Lambeth, Greater London
Saturday, February 11, 1967: Tottenham Technical College, Tottenham Green, Tottenham, London Borough of Haringey, Greater London
Sunday, February 12, 1967: Community Centre, Gosport, Hampshire (cancelled)
Tuesday, February 14, 1967: Pendulum Youth Club, Greenford, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London
Friday, February 17, 1967: The Dancing Slipper club, Central Avenue, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (cancelled)
Friday, February 17, 1967: The Loraine Club, Chingford, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Greater London
Saturday, February 18, 1967: Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road, Woodford, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Tuesday, February 21, 1967: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, City of Westminster, Greater London (cancelled)
Thursday, February 23, 1967: Public Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Epping Forest, Essex
Friday, February 24, 1967: University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire
Friday, February 24, 1967: The El Grotto, 63 High Road, Ilford, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London (cancelled)
One show, from 7pm to 2am.
Saturday, February 25, 1967: Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster, Stratford-on-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Sunday, February 26, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: D.J. Clem Dalton. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (February 25, 1967)
Monday, February 27, 1967: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Wednesday, March 1, 1967: ‘Field Day,’ Falmer House, University of Sussex campus, Sportcentre Road, Falmer, Lewes District, East Sussex
Also on the bill: Mike Stuart Span, The Laymen, The Sound Around. One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Thursday, March 2, 1967: New Central Ballroom, Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire (The Riot Squad cancelled)
Also on the bill: St Louis Checks.
Friday, March 3, 1967: Owl Club, Wanstead, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Saturday, March 4, 1967: Barking & Dagenham College, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Greater London
Sunday, March 5, 1967: Wake Arms Public House, Epping Road, Epping, Epping Forest, Essex
Tuesday, March 7 - Wednesday, March 8 and Friday, March 10, 1967: The Swan, 363 High Road, Tottenham, London Borough of Haringey, Greater London
Bob Evans, Butch Davis and Del Roll held auditions at the Swan public house to find musicians for the new lineup of the Riot Squad. After three days, they were unable to find a lead singer, but at least they secured for the band the talents of lead guitarist Roderick Thomas ‘Rod’ Davies, aka ‘Rook’ (b. Thursday, March 28, 1946, Iver, Buckinghamshire) and bassist Brian Prebble, aka ‘Croak’ (Bob Evans gave him that nickname), a 20-year-old kid who lived with his parents at 37 Holmewood Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and who started his career with his older brother’s group, Tony’s Defenders, about five years earlier. That group disbanded the previous Christmas (December 1966) when Tony Prebble married and retired from the music business. After he joined the Squad, Brian went to live in Leytonstone, East London, so he could be closer to where the band rehearsed and played, but he returned to Royal Tunbridge Wells as often as he can.
Saturday, March 11, 1967: King Edward VI Grammar School, Babworth Road, Retford, Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire
The Riot Squad's last gig with Nero Gladman, Rodger Crisp, and Terry Clifford in the band. Subsequently Nero, Rodger and Terry went to form a new soul band together called Pepper, and later after the band split up Rodger Crisp will play with The Stewart James Inspiration, then with Crazy Mabel, then with Striker Blue, and finally he passed away.
Saturday, March 11 or Sunday, March 12, 1967
Bob Evans invited rising star singer David Bowie (b. David Robert Jones, Wednesday, January 8, 1947 (at 9:00am), 40 Stansfield Road, Brixton, London Borough of Lambeth, Greater London - d. Sunday, January 10, 2016, at his home in New York City after a courageous 18 month battle with liver cancer) to joined The Riot Squad, after an interview in the La Gioconda Cafè, 9 Denmark Street, London's West End. Evans liked the young singer since The Riot Squad supported him and his band The Buzz at the London's Marquee Club the previous August 1966. Bowie accepted the offer but only in an unofficial capacity, because at the time he was already under contract with Deram Records as solo artist. Bowie had not even informed his manager Kenneth Pitt about his involvement with The Riot Squad, and maybe this was the reason why he was listed as 'Toy Soldier' when the lineup of the band was featured in Jackie magazine's July 8 issue. The Riot Squad was a ready-made unit and as such, David had no responsibility for wages and no longterm commitments to considered. For their part, the band members were aware that David was pursuing a solo career and that this liason will be short-lived.
Monday, March 13 - Thursday, March 16, 1967: The Swan, 363 High Road, Tottenham, London Borough of Haringey, Greater London
The (new) Riot Squad rehearsed together at The Swan public house for four afternoons in a row. David Bowie arrived wearing flares and with his hair longer than the mod cut he'd sported with his latest band The Buzz some months before. Bowie insisted that if he were to become the vocalist, the choice of tracks would be his. His choice was a mixture of original compositions, such as 'Toy Soldier', 'Silly Boy Blue', and 'Silver Treetop School For Boys', and covers, including The Mothers Of Invention's 'It Can't Happen Here', The Velvet Underground's 'I'm Waiting For My Man', as well as tracks by The Fugs.
THE RIOT SQUAD #5 (MARCH 13, 1967 - MAY 2, 1967)
1) Bob Evans
2) Del Roll
3) Butch Davis
4) Rod 'Rook' Davies lead guitar
5) Brian 'Croak' Prebble bass
6) David Bowie (aka Toy Soldier) vocals, rhythm guitar, mouth-harp
1) Bob Evans
2) Del Roll
3) Butch Davis
4) Rod 'Rook' Davies lead guitar
5) Brian 'Croak' Prebble bass
6) David Bowie (aka Toy Soldier) vocals, rhythm guitar, mouth-harp
Friday, March 17, 1967: Woodlands Youth Centre, Basildon, Essex
The (new) Riot Squad's debut gig, as supporting act for Cream. Augmenting their flashing blue police light, at Bowie's suggestion, the band add hand-painted props, extravagant make-up and bright clothing to their stage show.
Saturday, March 18, 1967: Bowes Lyon House Youth Centre, St. Georges Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Thursday, March 23, 1967: St Nicholas Hall, 43 St Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Monday, March 27, 1967: ‘Grand Easter Week-End - Gala Night Dance,‘ Flamingo (ballroom), Pool, Illogan Highway, Redruth, Cornwall
Also on the bill: The Cousin Jacks.
The (new) Riot Squad's debut gig, as supporting act for Cream. Augmenting their flashing blue police light, at Bowie's suggestion, the band add hand-painted props, extravagant make-up and bright clothing to their stage show.
Saturday, March 18, 1967: Bowes Lyon House Youth Centre, St. Georges Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Thursday, March 23, 1967: St Nicholas Hall, 43 St Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire
Monday, March 27, 1967: ‘Grand Easter Week-End - Gala Night Dance,‘ Flamingo (ballroom), Pool, Illogan Highway, Redruth, Cornwall
Also on the bill: The Cousin Jacks.
The West Briton and Royal Cornwall Gazette (March 23, 1967)
Tuesday, March 28, 1967: Kodak's Social Club, Eastman Hall, Kodak Sports Ground, Wealdstone, London Borough of Harrow, Greater London (cancelled)
Wednesday, March 29, 1967: PYE Recording Studios, ATV House, Great Cumberland Place (with the studio entrance in Bryanston Street), just off Marble Arch, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad met the late PYE Records' A&R Cyril Stapleton that morning.
Wednesday, March 29, 1967: Battersea Town Hall, Lavender Hill, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Friday, March 31, 1967: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Sunday, April 2, 1967: Kettering Athletic Working Mens Club, 104 Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Wednesday, April 5, 1967: Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London Borough of Camden, Greater London
David Bowie connived with sound engineer Gus Dudgeon to make use of downtime at Decca Studios, so from 10:00pm to 12 midnight, The Riot Squad recorded (without any play backs) the key four tracks from their new stage show: 'Toy Soldier', 'Silly Boy Blue', 'I'm Waiting For My Man' (where Bowie played harmonica, and Dudgeon supplied laughter and vocal sound effects), and 'Silver Treetop School For Boys'. The songs were later released posthumously by Acid Jazz Records on The Riot Squad's extend play, 'The Toy Soldier EP' (AJX329S), on Monday, June 24, 2013. By the way, actually these songs had been already released a year before, in 2012, together with almost all The Riot Squad's recordings (issued and unissued), on a digital downloand-only anthology, 'The Last Chapter Mods & Sods'.
'The Toy Soldier EP' album, June 24, 2013
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'The Toy Soldier EP' album, June 24, 2013
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'The Last Chapter Mods & Sods', digital download-only anthology, 2012
Thursday, April 6, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Delroy Good Good Band. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (April 8, 1967)
Saturday, April 8, 1967: ‘Rave Night,’ M.V. Royal Iris (Mersey Ferry), from Seacombe to Liverpool, River Mersey, Merseyside
Also on the bill: The Fourmost.
Liverpool Echo (March 31, 1967)
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Liverpool Echo (April 7, 1967)
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Sunday, April 9, 1967: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Thursday, April 13, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm, with also on the bill D.J. Chas Stevens. For the Tiles gig David Bowie recycles a green corduroy jacket, last worn in December 1963 in his final days with The Kon-rads, by adding blue lines himself using cartridge ink.
Sunday, April 9, 1967: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Thursday, April 13, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm, with also on the bill D.J. Chas Stevens. For the Tiles gig David Bowie recycles a green corduroy jacket, last worn in December 1963 in his final days with The Kon-rads, by adding blue lines himself using cartridge ink.
The Riot Squad #5, Tiles Club, April 13, 1967 - top, from left: Del Roll, David Bowie, Butch Davis, and Rod Davies, front, from left: Brian Prebble, and Bob Evans
The Riot Squad #5, Tiles Club, April 13, 1967 - top, from left: Bob Evans, David Bowie, Butch Davis, and Del Roll, front, from left: Brian Prebble, and Rod Davies
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Melody Maker (April 15, 1967)
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Friday, April 14, 1967: Ludwick Youth Centre, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Saturday, April 15, 1967: Trade Union Hall, Woodford Road, Watford, Hertfordshire
Sunday, April 16, 1967: Downbeat Club, The Swan Hotel Ballroom, 73 High Street, Maldon, Essex
The Riot Squad played at an event sponsored by Radio London and hosted by D.J. Dave Cash.
Saturday, April 22, 1967: Assembly Rooms, Church Street, Framlingham, Suffolk
Wednesday, April 26, 1967: Charde Guest House, 289 Mackadown Lane, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Thursday, April 27, 1967: The Embassy Suite, 2 Balkerne Lane, Colchester, Borough of Colchester, Essex
Friday, April 28, 1967: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Saturday, April 29, 1967: Hatfield College Of Technology, College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Tuesday, May 2, 1967: Bossard Hall, West Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
David Bowie's last gig with The Riot Squad. The shows with the band allow David to investigate a number of exaggerated make-up techniques, mimes and image manipulation he has not had the opportunity to try out in a live context. The end result, as the promotional leaflet reveals, owes as much to the phantomime characters David had seen at the London's Palladium in March as to the rock-oriented likes of Syd Barrett on stage with The Pink Floyd at the Marquee Club. The Riot Squad were more than happy to follow David's lead and will continue with this flamboyant image when David quits the band right after this gig.
Wednesday, May 3, 1967
With Bowie gone, Brian Prebble switched from bass to lead vocals, and a new bass player from Birmingham called Pete 'Punch' Allen was recruited (formerly of Locomotive). Bob Evans also recruited a wild character called John Lee, which had previously played trombone with the Sounds Incorporated (and also as sessionman for The Beatles). The new lineup practiced at Bob Evans' pad, where the new members of the band also lived.
THE RIOT SQUAD #6 (MAY 3, 1967 - MAY 7, 1967 (?))
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Brian Prebble swithed from bass to lead vocals
4) Rod Davies
5) Del Roll
6) Pete 'Punch' Allen six-string Fender bass
7) John Lee trombone
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Brian Prebble swithed from bass to lead vocals
4) Rod Davies
5) Del Roll
6) Pete 'Punch' Allen six-string Fender bass
7) John Lee trombone
Thursday, May 4, 1967: Tilbury Railway Club, Calcutta Road, Tilbury, Borough of Turrock, Essex
The (new) Riot Squad's debut gig.
Friday, May 5, 1967: The 7 Club, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Saturday, May 6, 1967: Worcester Teacher Training College, St John's Campus, Henwick Road, Worcester, Worcestershire
Sunday, May 7, 1967: Crystal Palace Hotel, Crystal Palace, London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, Greater London
Monday, May 8, 1967 (?)
John Lee left The Riot Squad. "He was a fine musician," Butch Davis recalls about Lee, "but was unreliable, missing gigs and practice sessions. I think he only made about a couple of gigs and then disappeared!".
The (new) Riot Squad's debut gig.
Friday, May 5, 1967: The 7 Club, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Saturday, May 6, 1967: Worcester Teacher Training College, St John's Campus, Henwick Road, Worcester, Worcestershire
Sunday, May 7, 1967: Crystal Palace Hotel, Crystal Palace, London Boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, Greater London
Monday, May 8, 1967 (?)
John Lee left The Riot Squad. "He was a fine musician," Butch Davis recalls about Lee, "but was unreliable, missing gigs and practice sessions. I think he only made about a couple of gigs and then disappeared!".
THE RIOT SQUAD #7 (MAY 8, 1967 (?) - JANUARY 1, 1968)
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Brian Prebble
4) Rod Davies
5) Del Roll
6) Pete Allen
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Brian Prebble
4) Rod Davies
5) Del Roll
6) Pete Allen
The Riot Squad #7, London, 1967 - from left: Pete Allen (top), Del Roll (bottom), Butch Davis (top), Bob Evans (bottom front), Rod Davies (top), and Brian Prebble (bottom)
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The Riot Squad #7, London, 1967
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Tuesday, May 9, 1967: Pendulum Youth Club, Greenford, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London
Wednesday, May 10, 1967: Falcon Hotel, Rochester Way, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Thursday, May 11, 1967: Tilbury Railway Club, Calcutta Road, Tilbury, Borough of Turrock, Essex
Friday, May 12, 1967: Northampton Hall, Bunhill Row, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Saturday, May 13, 1967: Barking & Dagenham College, Rush Green Campus, Dagenham Road, Romford, Essex
Sunday, May 14, 1967: Gravesend House, Gordon's School, Bagshot Road, West End, Woking, Surrey
Friday, May 19, 1967: Stanford-le-Hope Youth Centre, Stanford-le-Hope, Borough of Thurrock, Essex
Saturday, May 20, 1967: The Bal Tabarin, Downham Way, Bromley, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
The show was sponsored by Radio Caroline.
Sunday, May 21, 1967: Odeon Cinema, 206 King's Road, Chelsea, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
The Riot Squad passed an audition to appear as a contestant on 'Opportunity Knocks', a famous television talent show.
Monday, May 22, 1967: The Hop, Woodhall Community Centre, Cole Green Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Wednesday, May 24, 1967: PYE Recording Studios, ATV House, Great Cumberland Place (with the studio entrance in Bryanston Street), just off Marble Arch, City of Westminster, Greater London
A two-hour recording session where The Riot Squad recorded several tracks that no one in the band remember the titles.
Friday, May 26, 1967: Thing-A-Me-Jig Club, Reading, Berkshire
Saturday, May 27, 1967: University of Keele, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Saturday, May 27, 1967: Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, North Norfolk, Norfolk (The Riot Squad cancelled)
Also on the bill: Graham Bond Organisation, The Southern Trust.
Sunday, May 28, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Him & Others. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (May 27, 1967)
Friday, June 2, 1967: ‘Mod Dance For Miss Ramsgate Beauty Contest,’ Coronation Ballroom, Sea Front, Ramsgate, Thanet, Kent
Also on the bill: John Brown's Bodies. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was presented by Pleasurama.
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East Kent Times & Broadstairs Mail (May 24, 1967)
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Saturday, June 3, 1967: Nicholas Youth Centre (aka The Nick), Basildon, Essex
Friday, June 9, 1967: Beckenham Ballroom, Beckenham, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
Saturday, June 10, 1967: Shoreditch College of Education, Coopers Hill, Egham, Runnymede, Surrey
Sunday, June 11, 1967: Hermitage Ballroom, Hermitage Road, Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire
The show was sponsored by Radio London.
Monday, June 12, 1967: The Mercer's Arms, Swan Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire
Saturday, June 17, 1967: unknown venue, Colchester, Essex (cancelled)
Saturday, June 17, 1967: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Monday, June 19, 1967: PYE Recording Studios, ATV House, Great Cumberland Place (with the studio entrance in Bryanston Street), just off Marble Arch, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad recorded several tracks that no one in the band remember the titles.
Tuesday, June 20, 1967: Saville Theatre, 135 Shaftesbury Avenue, London Borough of Camden, Greater London
The Riot Squad did an audition for Brian Epstein's NEMS Agency at the Saville Theatre. That same day the band also did a photo session for the Daily Mirror, the most famous British national daily tabloid newspaper.
Thursday, June 22, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Chas Stevens. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (June 24, 1967)
Saturday, June 24, 1967: 'garden fete', Harlow Town Park, Harlow, Essex
Also on the bill: The Beaucrees.
Friday, June 30, 1967: unknown venue, Gillingham, Medway, Kent
Saturday, July 1, 1967: Northampton College of Advanced Technology, Northampton Square, Clerkenwell, London Borough of Islington, Greater London
Monday, July 3, 1967: The Hop, Woodhall Community Centre, Cole Green Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Tuesday, July 4, 1967: Croydon College of Art, Croydon, London Borough of Croydon, Greater London
Tuesday, July 11, 1967: The Ilford Palais, 172-176 High Road, Ilford, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Friday, July 14, 1967: ABC Television Studios, School Lane at Parrs Wood Road, Didsbury, Manchester, Greater Manchester
In the afternoon The Riot Squad rehearsed for their next day performance on the 'Opportunity Knocks' television show.
Friday, July 14, 1967: The Hub, Peel Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (evening show)
Also on the bill: Mamas Little Children. One show from 7pm to 11pm.
Saturday, July 15, 1967: 'Opportunity Knocks', ABC-TV Show (ITV network), ABC Television Studios, School Lane at Parrs Wood Road, Didsbury, Manchester, Greater Manchester (afternoon show)
The Riot Squad performing 'The Vicar's Daughter' on the talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' where they finished last (reportedly due to their "freak out" stage act which included a whipping and homosexual parady as everything from obscene to sordid and an appalling spectacle)! The show, which was hosted by Hughie Green, was taped live at 3:50pm and broadcasted two hours later from 5:45pm to 6:30pm.
Saturday, July 15, 1967: Heacham Public Hall, Station Road, Heacham, Norfolk (evening show)
Sunday, July 16, 1967: The Swan (public house), Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Also on the bill: Idle Race. The show was presented by Baccurat and arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (July 15, 1967)
Monday, July 17, 1967: The Mercer's Arms (public house), on the corner of Swan Lane and Thackall Street, Coventry, Warwickshire
The show was presented by Baccurat and arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (July 13, 1967)
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Coventry Evenkng Telegraph (July 17, 1967)
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Friday, July 21, 1967: Electric Garden, 43 King Street, Covent Garden, City of Westminster and London Borough of Camden, Greater London
Also on the bill: Apostolic Intervention. One show, from 9:30pm to 2:30am.
Melody Maker (July 22, 1967)
Saturday, July 22, 1967: 'garden fete', Barnet High School (?), London Borough of Barnet, Greater London
Friday, July 28, 1967: White Lion Public House, 267-269 Edgware Road, Paddington, City of Westminster, Greater London
Saturday, July 29, 1967: Corn Exchange, Maidstone, Kent
Also on the bill: The Jamboree Band.
Sunday, July 30, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Jeff Dexter. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (July 29, 1967)
Monday, July 31, 1967: East Mersea International Youth Camp, Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex
Summer 1967
The Riot Squad turned down an offer of a tour in Venezuela.
Saturday, August 5, 1967: Royal Links Pavilion, Cromer, North Norfolk, Norfolk
Also on the bill: Graham Bond Organisation, and Eyes Of Blond. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:45pm.
Saturday, August 12, 1967: The Witch Doctor Club, Marine Court, St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings, East Sussex
Also on the bill: The New Breed.
Monday, August 28, 1967: The Belfry Hotel, Lichfield Road, Wishaw, Warwickshire
Also on the bill: Tremeloes, and Monopoly.
Wednesday, August 30, 1967: Dolphin Hotel, Maidenhead, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire
Thursday, August 31, 1967: unknown venue, Bournemouth, Dorset (cancelled)
Friday, September 1, 1967: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Saturday, September 2, 1967: 'Big Rave Night,' Vintage '67, Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster, Stratford-on-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Sunday, September 3, 1967: Tiles Club, 79-89 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: Jeff Dexter. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (September 2, 1967)
Letter to Melody Maker September 23, 1967
Monday, September 4, 1967: The Astor Community Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, Dover, Kent
Friday, September 8, 1967: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, September 9, 1967: 'Disco Data', Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Sunday, September 10, 1967: unknown venue, Skegness, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire (cancelled)
Monday, September 11, 1967: Corn Exchange, Rochester, Medway, Kent
Tuesday, September 12, 1967: Co-Operative Hall, Upper High Street, Chesham, Buckingamshire
Also on the bill: D.J. Dave James. One show, started at 8pm.
Bucks Examner (September 1, 1967)
Bucks Examiner (September 7, 1967)
Thursday, September 14, 1967: 'Flower Night', The Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Also on the bill: The Geranium Pond.
Friday, September 15, 1967: The Apex Club, Brookfield Hall, Brookfield Road, South Ashford, Kent
Also on the bill: The Tales of Mafekin. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:45pm.
Saturday, September 16, 1967: The Witch Doctor Club, Marine Court, St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings, East Sussex
Also on the bill: The Crew.
Sunday, September 17, 1967: Tudor Club, Craven Arms off Broadgate, Chapelfields, Coventry, Warwickshire
Monday, September 18, 1967: The Mercer's Arms (public house), on the corner of Swan Lane and Thackall Street, Coventry, Warwickshire
The show was presented by Baccurat and arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (September 16, 1967)
Thursday, September 21, 1967: unknown venue, Harlow, Essex (cancelled)
Friday, September 22, 1967: The Witch Doctor, Savoy Rooms, 75 Rushey Green, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with The New Breed.
Saturday, September 23, 1967: unknown venue, Kettering, Northamptonshire (cancelled)
Saturday, September 23, 1967: West Ham College of Technology, West Ham, London Borough of Newham, Greater London (cancelled)
Saturday, September 23, 1967: Penthouse Club, Colchester, Borough of Colchester, Essex
Sunday, September 24, 1967: Adelphi Theatre, 3 Bath Road, Slough, Buckinghamshire
The Riot Squad were on the bill along with Jeanette Abee Club.
Friday, September 28, 1967: RAF (Royal Air Force) Camp, Lyneham, Wiltshire
Saturday, September 29, 1967: Furzedown Teacher's Training College, Welham Road, Tooting, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Saturday, September 30, 1967: unknown venue, Bournemouth, Dorset (cancelled)
Saturday, September 30, 1967: 'West Ham College of Technology's annual dance', Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, London Borough of Newham, Greater London
Sunday, October 1, 1967: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Thursday, October 5, 1967: ‘The First Dance of a Great New Season,’ Glamorgan College of Technology, Llantwit Road, Treforest, South Wales
Also on the bill: The King B's. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am.
Pontypridd Observer (September 29, 1967)
Friday, October 6, 1967: unknown venue, Thatcham, Berkshire (cancelled)
Friday, October 6, 1967: Top Ten Club, Co-Operative Hall, Ilkeston, Borough of Erewash, Derbyshire
One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Friday, October 6, 1967: unknown venue, Thatcham, Berkshire (cancelled)
Friday, October 6, 1967: Top Ten Club, Co-Operative Hall, Ilkeston, Borough of Erewash, Derbyshire
One show, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Evening Post and News (September 15, 1967)
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Evening Post and News (September 28, 1967)
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Saturday, October 7, 1967: Club La Bamba, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Sunday, October 8, 1967: University College Birmingham, Summer Row, central Birmingham, Warwickshire (cancelled)
Sunday, October 8, 1967: Birdcage (Teenagers Sunday Club), Harlow, Essex
Also on the bill: The Alan Price Set. One show, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
Friday, October 13, 1967: Edgbaston College, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Saturday, October 14, 1967: Leicester Casino, Leicester, Leicestershire
Sunday, October 15, 1967: The Mercer's Arms, Swan Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire
Monday, October 16, 1967: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Friday, October 20, 1967: Bluesette Club, Bridge Street, Leatherhead, Mole Valley, Surrey (cancelled)
Friday, October 20, 1967: Crawley College of Further Education, Crawley, West Sussex
Saturday, October 21, 1967: The Tin Hat, Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Also on the bill: The Triads. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:30pm.
Friday, October 13, 1967: Edgbaston College, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Saturday, October 14, 1967: Leicester Casino, Leicester, Leicestershire
Sunday, October 15, 1967: The Mercer's Arms, Swan Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire
Monday, October 16, 1967: Debden Youth Centre, Debden, Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex
Friday, October 20, 1967: Bluesette Club, Bridge Street, Leatherhead, Mole Valley, Surrey (cancelled)
Friday, October 20, 1967: Crawley College of Further Education, Crawley, West Sussex
Saturday, October 21, 1967: The Tin Hat, Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Also on the bill: The Triads. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:30pm.
Monday, October 23 and Thursday, October 26, 1967: Advision Studios, 83 New Bond Street, West End, City of Westminster, Greater London
The Riot Squad was picked up by the legendary American producer Lee Magid (who liked them after saw them on the talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' three months earlier) and taken to Advision Studios to record new material over two sessions (from 7:00pm to 2:00am on Monday, and from 5:00pm to 2:00am on Thursday), engineered by Eddie Offord at the beginning of his successful career. The band laid down a number of covers ranging from Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone' via the Bowie-penned 'Toy Soldier' to soul classic 'Ain't No Mountain High' by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. The band also covered Barbara Ruskin's 'Hours And Hours', Bonnie Dobson's 'Morning Dew', The Creation's 'Making Time', Manfred Mann's 'The Vicar's Daughter', Denny Laine's 'Say You Don't Mind', Bobby Womack's 'Everything Is Gonna Be Alright', as well as serving up blistering version of Memphis Slim's instrumental 'Stepping Out'. The band also recorded four original numbers: 'Stephenie Green' by Brian Prebble, 'A Girl Named Tammy' by Pete Allen, 'A Party Political Broadcast' and 'Old Black Car' by Bob Evans. For over 40 years it was thought that there were no completed master tracks of these sessions until an acetate turned up in the UK in early 2012. Subsequently Record Collector magazine restored it to perfection and pressed it on 180 gram high-quality vinyl. The record, titled 'Making Up For Lost Time' (RCLP006), was released in 2013 as an installment of Record Collector on a limited edition of 750 copies and comes in a gatefold sleeve complete with numbered certificate of authenticy signed by Ian Shirley, the Editor of the Rare Record Price Guide book.
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Friday, October 27, 1967: The Pink Flamingo, 33-37 Wardour Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London (evening and all-night session)
The Riot Squad's performance was recorded by producer Lee Magid. Also on the bill: Max Baer and The Chicago Setback, Go Go Dancer, Jay Tony Rocket's Record Show. One show, from 7:30pm to 5:00am.
Melody Maker (October 28, 1967)
Saturday, October 28, 1967: Harlow Technical College, Velizy Avenue, Harlow, Essex (evening show)
Saturday, October 28, 1967: Alexandra Palace (aka 'Ally Pally'), Alexandra Park, Alexandra Palace Way, London Borough of Haringey, Greater London (all-nighter show)
Sunday, October 29, 1967: The Upper Cut, Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate Centre, London Borough of Newham, Greater London (cancelled)
The Riot Squad were originally advertised, together with The Original Dyaks, to play here that evening from 7:30pm to 11:00pm, but when they arrived they find the club was closed down!
Melody Maker (October 28, 1967)
Tuesday, October 31, 1967: Frank Freeman Dancing Club, 5 Mill Street, Kidderminster, Wyre Forest District, Worcestershire
Wednesday, November 1, 1967: Owl Club, Tonbridge, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent
Friday, November 3, 1967: Shepway Youth & Community Centre, Cumberland Avenue, Maidstone, Kent
Friday, November 3, 1967: University of Keele, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (cancelled)
Saturday, November 4, 1967: The Ritz Ballroom, Starleys Hotel, Cliff Cottage Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
Monday, November 6, 1967: Civic Hall, Dunstable Park, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Wednesday, November 8, 1967: Fellowship Inn, Randlesdown Road, Bellingham, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Friday, November 10, 1967: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Saturday, November 11, 1967: Croydon College of Art, Croydon, London Borough of Croydon, Greater London
Monday, November 13, 1967: St John's Church of England Voluntary Controlled School, Tower Road, Epping, Epping Forest, Essex
Friday, November 17, 1967: The Witch Doctor, Savoy Rooms, 75 Rushey Green, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London (cancelled)
Saturday, November 18, 1967: The Cricketers Inn, 228 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, East Essex
Monday, November 20, 1967: California Ballroom, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire (cancelled)
Saturday, November 25, 1967: Nicholas Youth Centre (aka The Nick), Basildon, Essex
Saturday, December 2, 1967: unknown venue, Bury St Edmunds, St Edmundsbury, Suffolk
Friday, December 8, 1967: unknown venue, Hucknall, Ashfield, Nottinghamshire (cancelled)
Saturday, December 9, 1967: The University of Brighton, Hillbrow, Denton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex (cancelled)
Saturday, December 9, 1967: Royal York Hotel, 67 George Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Monday, December 11, 1967: Pendulum Youth Club, Greenford, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London (cancelled)
Tuesday, December 12, 1967: University of Keele, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
The Riot Squad appeared before Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Also on the bill: The Mindbenders, The Foundations, The Zombies.
Friday, December 15, 1967: Beaconsfield Youth Centre, Beaconsfield, South Bucks, Buckinghamshire
Saturday, December 16, 1967: Sperry Canteen, Downshire Way, Bracknell, Borough of Bracknell Forest, Berkshire
Also on the bill: Nell's Brothers.
Tuesday, December 17, 1967: Corn Exchange, Maidstone, Kent
Thursday, December 21, 1967: The Royals Youth Centre, Viking Way, Rainham, Medway, Kent (cancelled)
Friday, December 22, 1967: 'Fancy Dress - Christmas Dance', Woodlands Youth Centre, Basildon, Essex
Also on the bill: Lloyd Alexander's Blues Band. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
Saturday, December 23, 1967: unknown venue, Northampton, Northamptonshire (cancelled)
Saturday, December 23, 1967: The Ritz Ballroom, Starleys Hotel, Cliff Cottage Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
Sunday, December 24, 1967: Union Rowing Club, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Friday, December 29, 1967: Locarno Ballroom, Newcastle Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Monday, January 1, 1968: The Mercer's Arms (public house), on the corner of Swan Lane and Thackall Street, Coventry, Warwickshire
The show, which was the last one with Brian Prebble in the band, was presented by Baccurat and arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (January 1, 1968)
Tuesday, January 2, 1968
With Prebble gone (he went to play with Jason Crest), Bob Evans, Rod Davies and Pete Allen shared lead vocal duties.
THE RIOT SQUAD #8 (JANUARY 2, 1968 - JANUARY 1?, 1968)
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Rod Davies
5) Pete Allen
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Rod Davies
5) Pete Allen
Saturday, January 6, 1968: 'Night Rave', Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Also on the bill: Peppers Machine. One show, from 8:00pm to 11:45pm.
Sunday, January 7, 1968: The Swan, Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Friday, January 12, 1968: California Ballroom, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
One show, from 9:00pm to 12 midnight.
Melody Maker (January 13, 1968)
Saturday, January 13, 1968: Club La Bamba, 3 Cumberland Walk, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Borough of Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The Kent and Sussex Courier (January 12, 1968)
January 1?, 1968
The Riot Squad adds a new lead vocalist called Michael 'Mike' Wade.
THE RIOT SQUAD #9 (JANUARY 1?, 1968 - FEBRUARY 1?, 1968)
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Rod Davies
5) Pete Allen
6) Mike Wade vocals
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Rod Davies
5) Pete Allen
6) Mike Wade vocals
Thursday, January 18, 1968: New Carnaby Club, Red House Hotel, 483 Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry, Warwickshire
Mike Wade's first gig with the Riot Squad.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (January 17, 1968)
Saturday, January 20, 1968: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Monday, January 22, 1968: The Mercer's Arms (The Montana Club), on the corner of Swan Lane and Thackall Street, Coventry, Warwickshire
The show was presented by Baccurat and arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (January 22, 1968)
Wednesday, January 24, 1968: The Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Saturday, January 27, 1968: Edmonton School (aka Edmonton County), Great Cambridge Road, Edmonton, London Borough of Enfield, Greater London
Sunday, January 28, 1968: Frank Freeman Dancing Club, 5 Mill Street, Kidderminster, Wyre Forest District, Worcestershire
Thursday, February 1, 1968: RAF (Royal Air Force) Camp, Lyneham, Wiltshire
Friday, February 2, 1968: New Carnaby Club, Red House Hotel, 483 Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry, Warwickshire
Coventry Evening Telegraph (January 31, 1968)
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Coventry Evening Telegraph (February 1, 1968)
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Saturday, February 3, 1968: Downham Market Town Hall, Priory Road, Downham Market, Norfolk
Sunday, February 4, 1968: County Arms, Blaby, Leicestershire
Monday, February 5, 1968: The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel, 1 High Street, Dartford, Borough of Dartford, Kent
Saturday, February 10, 1968: Assembly Hall, Church Street, Framlingham, Suffolk
Also on the bill: Pete's Umbrella Band.
Sunday, February 11, 1968: The Swan, Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Also on the bill: Jigsaw. Mike Wade's last gig with The Riot Squad.
February 1?, 1968
Mike Wade quits The Riot Squad (he goes solo and also became a film actor) and was replaced by a new lead vocalist called Caldwell Smythe, aka 'Big C.' (b. Sunday, October 7, 1945, Glasgow, Sctoland), formerly of The Cloud. "My very first appearance on stage with The Riot Squad was as their roadie (I wanted the job)," Smythe points out. "It was in Tunbridge Wells [on January 13] and I did a good 20 minute set introducing all in the band who did solos, the audience loved it and so did the guys, I got the job I wanted. YES!!!!"
THE RIOT SQUAD #10 (FEBRUARY 1?, 1968 - MARCH ?, 1968)
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Rod Davies
5) Pete Allen
6) Caldwell 'Big C.' Smythe vocals
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Rod Davies
5) Pete Allen
6) Caldwell 'Big C.' Smythe vocals
Thursday, February 15, 1968: Walsgrave Hotel, Walsgrave-on-Sowe, Coventry, Warwickshire
Caldwell Smythe's first gig with The Riot Squad. With this new lineup the band started doing a kind of "horror show" as part of their performance, created by Bob Evans, where they would all leave the stage for the drum solo by Del Roll, then the UV lights came on the other lights went off, then a blue police light started flashing and a tape recorder played sounds of a train crash with women screaming, then Del vomited blood over his white t-shirt and drum kit (blood capsule). That's when some women fainted in the audience, then they would come back on stage to a very heavy deep Hammond organ sound like monster music they were covered in horror makeup and went straight into a song by The Fugs, 'Dirty Old Man', and then into The Velvet Underground's 'I'm Waiting For My Man'.
Caldwell Smythe's first gig with The Riot Squad. With this new lineup the band started doing a kind of "horror show" as part of their performance, created by Bob Evans, where they would all leave the stage for the drum solo by Del Roll, then the UV lights came on the other lights went off, then a blue police light started flashing and a tape recorder played sounds of a train crash with women screaming, then Del vomited blood over his white t-shirt and drum kit (blood capsule). That's when some women fainted in the audience, then they would come back on stage to a very heavy deep Hammond organ sound like monster music they were covered in horror makeup and went straight into a song by The Fugs, 'Dirty Old Man', and then into The Velvet Underground's 'I'm Waiting For My Man'.
Friday, February 16, 1968: 'Valentine Dance', The Red Spot, Whetstone, Leicestershire
Also on the bill: The Magazine, The Vision. One show, from 8:00pm to 1:00am.
Saturday, February 17, 1968: Havering College of Further and Highter Education, Green Road, Ardleigh Green, Hornchurch, London Borough of Havering, Greater London
Friday, February 23, 1968: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, February 24, 1968: Boac Club, Heston, London Borough of Hounslow, Greater London
Sunday, February 25, 1968: Abercarn Rugby Football Club, The Club House, High Street, Abercarn, Wales
Monday, February 26, 1968: Cymmer Pioneer Workingmen's Club, 20 High Street, Porth, Wales
Tuesday, February 27, 1968: Top Hat Club, Abertillery, Wales
Wednesday, February 28, 1968: Hiltop Sports & Social Club, Darby Crescent, Ebbw Vale, Wales
Thursday, February 29, 1968: Llanhilleth Colliery, Llanhilleth, Wales
Friday, March 1, 1968: Honey Cavern, Honey Cafe, Bronllys, Wales
Saturday, March 2, 1968: Haggars Ballroom, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Sunday, March 3, 1968: The Embassy Suite, 2 Balkerne Lane, Colchester, Borough of Colchester, Essex
Monday, March 4, 1968: Penny Farthing Club, Elmer Approach off High Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Rod Davies and Pete Allen's last gig with The Riot Squad
March ?, 1968
Rod Davies and Pete Allen quit The Riot Squad (Davies will relocated initially in Italy where he will play with The Sorrows, and then in the US (Los Angeles) where he will play with The Silverhead, and more recently with his The Rod Davies Band) and were replaced by Richard Leonard 'Len' Tuckey (b. Saturday, December 15, 1945, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland) on guitar, formerly of The Chasers, and Peter William Dunn, aka 'Pete Scott' (b. Tuesday, April 16, 1946, Liverpool, Merseyside) on bass, formerly of the Hangmen, the Fontanas, Anzacs, Londinium, and Marshal Scott ETC, just to name a few (he was also a former apprentice engineer at Fords, and was also previously known as 'Peter Wolf aka The Wolfeman'). Caldwell Smythe and Pete Scott had worked together in one embryonic band (with drummer Bobby Dean) some time before but didn't work out, so when Caldwell joined The Riot Squad and Pete Allen left the band, he recommended Pete Scott for the bass player role exactly. Pete Scott auditioned and joined at the same time as Len Tuckey. The new members had just one rehearsal with the band before the first gig, so they were playing with the chords written down on a crib sheet.
THE RIOT SQUAD #11 (MARCH ?, 1968 - JULY 12, 1968)
1) Bob Evans
2) Butch Davis
3) Del Roll
4) Caldwell Smythe
5) Len 'The Monster' Tuckey guitar
6) Pete Scott bass
The Riot Squad #11, Spring 1968 - from left: Butch Davis, Bob Evans, Caldwell Smythe, Len Tuckey, Del Roll, and Pete Scott
Saturday, March 9, 1968: Chelsea College of Physical Education, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Len Tuckey and Pete Scott's first gig with The Riot Squad.
Tuesday, March 12, 1968: Ealing Technical College & School of Art', St Mary's Road, Ealing, London Borough of Ealing, Greater London
Friday, March 15, 1968: Locarno Ballroom, Basildon, Essex
Also on the bill: The Original Dyaks.
Saturday, March 16, 1968: Carnaby Club, Red House Hotel, 483 Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry, Warwickshire
The show was arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telepgrah (March 11, 1968)
Tuesday, March 19, 1968: Grays Park Youth Centre, Grays, Thurrock, Essex
Friday, March 22, 1968: 'Croydon College Dance', Gun Tavern, 83 Church Street, Croydon, London Borough of Croydon, Greater London
Saturday, March 23, 1968: The Ritz Ballroom, Starleys Hotel, Cliff Cottage Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
Sunday, March 24, 1968: Welcome Inn, Well Hall Road, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Saturday, March 30, 1968: Shoreditch College of Education, Coopers Hill, Egham, Runnymede, Surrey
Sunday, March 31, 1968: Tiffany's, Shaftesbury Avenue, City of Westminster, Greater London
Monday, April 1, 1968: Penny Farthing Club, Elmer Approach off High Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
One show, from 8:00pm to 2:00am.
Saturday, April 6, 1968: Halo Club, Hornchurch, London Borough of Havering, Greater London
Sunday, April 7, 1968: Union Rowing Club, Trentside North, West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
Evening Post and News (April 3, 1968)
Monday, April 8, 1968: 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Melody Maker (April 6, 1968)
Thursday, April 11, 1968: ‘Another Late Night Session,’ The Walsgrave, Walsgrave Hotel, 354 Walsgrave Road, Walsgrave on Sowe, Coventry, Warwickshire
Also on the bill: Jasper Stubbs Gloryland Band. The show, which lasted from 8pm to 12 midnight, was presented by Baccurat and arranged by Friars Promotions.
Coventry Evening Telegraph (April 11, 1968)
Friday, April 12, 1968: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, April 13, 1968: The Tin Hat, Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Also on the bill: Blue Magnum.
Sunday, April 14, 1968: Tiffany's, Shaftesbury Avenue, City of Westminster or London Borough of Camden, Greater London
Monday, April 15, 1968: The Mercer's Arms, Swan Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire
Wednesday, April 17, 1968: Battersea Town Hall, Lavender Hill, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Friday, April 19, 1968: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Friday, April 12, 1968: Tiger's Head, 350 Bromley Road, Catford, London Borough of Lewisham, Greater London
Saturday, April 13, 1968: The Tin Hat, Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire
Also on the bill: Blue Magnum.
Sunday, April 14, 1968: Tiffany's, Shaftesbury Avenue, City of Westminster or London Borough of Camden, Greater London
Monday, April 15, 1968: The Mercer's Arms, Swan Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire
Wednesday, April 17, 1968: Battersea Town Hall, Lavender Hill, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London
Friday, April 19, 1968: Shakespeare Hotel, 12 Powis Street, Woolwich, London Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Melody Maker (April 20, 1968)
Saturday, April 20, 1968: Club La Bamba, 3 Cumberland Walk, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Borough of Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The Kent and Sussex Courier (April 19, 1968)
Monday, April 22, 1968: Domino Club, Lion Hotel, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Friday, April 26, 1968: Bracknell Sports Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Bracknell Forest, Berkshire
Saturday, April 27, 1968: '9th Annual Tulip Festival', Cannon Hill Park, 2 Russell Road, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Sunday, April 28, 1968: Bull's Head, Waterloo Road at Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Sunday Mercury (April 28, 1968)
Wednesday, May 1, 1968: Marconi Athletic Sports and Social Club, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, Essex
Thursday, May 2, 1968: The Swan, Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Friday, May 3, 1968: County Arms, Blaby, Leicestershire
Saturday, May 4, 1968: Canterbury Technical College, New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent
Wednesday, May 15, 1968: Lucas Mountbatten Club, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent
Saturday, May 18, 1968: The Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Tuesday, May 21, 1968: Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Also on the bill: The Silent Ones. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Berkhamsted Gazette
Friday, May 24, 1968
The Riot Squad had a meeting with Immediate Records in London.
Saturday, May 25, 1968: Cuffley Youth & Community Centre, 70 Station Road, Cuffley, Welvwyn Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Tuesday, May 28, 1968
The Riot Squad had a second and final meeting with Immediate Records in London, but sadly the label did not offered them a recording contract.
Thursday, May 30, 1968: 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Also on the bill: The Hearts 'N' Souls. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
Melody Maker (June 1, 1968)
Friday, May 31, 1968: Scene Disco, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Saturday, June 1, 1968: St. Peter's Hall, East Sheen, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Greater London
Sunday, June 2, 1968: Welcome Inn, Well Hall Road, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Tuesday, June 4, 1968
The Riot Squad had a meeting with CBS Records' in-house producer Mike Smith somewhere in London's West End, but sadly again he did not offered them a recording contract.
Wednesday, June 5, 1968: 'Students' Night', Marquee Club, 90 Wardour Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
One show, from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
Melody Maker (June 1, 1968)
Friday, June 7, 1968: Supreme Ballroom, Ramsgate, Thanet, Kent
The not yet famous singer-songwriter David Essex sang for a few songs as 'guest vocalist' with The Riot Squad tonight. At the time the band and the singer were with the same agency and it was their agent that asked them to backed him up, and they did it without a rehearsal!
Saturday, June 8, 1968: Aurora Hotel, Gillingham, Medway, Kent
Monday, June 10, 1968: Penny Farthing Club, Elmer Approach off High Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Friday, June 14, 1968: De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Saturday, June 15, 1968: Market Hall, Swan Square, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Sunday, June 16, 1968: Plymouth Park Ballroom, Plymouth, Devon
Monday, June 17 - Saturday, June 22, 1968: The Ritz Ballroom, Starleys Hotel, Cliff Cottage Road, Bournemouth, Dorset
Friday, June 28, 1968: RAF (Royal Air Force) Camp, Cuckoo Lane, Digby, Lincolnshire
Saturday, June 29, 1968: The Bal Tabarin, Downham Way, Bromley, London Borough of Bromley, Greater London
One show, from 7:30pm to 12 midnight.
Melody Maker (June 29, 1968)
Sunday, June 30, 1968: Union Rowing Club, Trentside North, West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire
Evening Post and News (June 29, 1968)
Friday, July 5, 1968: Mid-Essex Technical College and School of Art, Victoria Road Souh, Chelmsford, Essex
Wednesday, July 10, 1968: Samantha's, 3 New Burlington Street, Mayfair, City of Westminster, Greater London
Friday, July 12, 1968: West End Club, Rushden, Northamptonshire
Bob Evans quits The Riot Squad right after this gig and subsequently relocated to Venezuela where he joined a Riot Squad tribute group called Junior Squad, and with them he recorded an LP, gigged, wrote songs and made TV "specials", scooping a couple of awards. However, he soon quit and returned to London in March 1969. There he became the publicist for such well-known artists as Heads, Hands & Feet, the Keef Hartley Band, and Albert Lee. He called his press releases 'Flag Publicity' and at that point, 'Bob Flag' became his new stage name. From then on, he drifted back into music, this time with a strong leanings towards the visual, jazz, cabaret and comedy. Theatre (fringe, local and the National) followed along with film and television work. Since 2005 he started to spend long periods in Japan with his wife, a Japanese performance-artist, painter, mathematician, geometrician, and author called Takae Fukuda. There, they have a retirement home in the Oka Mountains and they moved in definitvely in 2016. Today, at almost 90-year-old, Bob is still gigging!
THE RIOT SQUAD #12 (JULY 13, 1968 - SEPTEMBER 1968)
1) Butch Davis
2) Del Roll
3) Caldwell Smythe
4) Pete Scott
5) Len Tuckey
1) Butch Davis
2) Del Roll
3) Caldwell Smythe
4) Pete Scott
5) Len Tuckey
The Riot Squad #12, London, Summer 1968 - from left: Butch Davis, Len Tuckey, Pete Scott, Caldwell Smythe, and Del Roll
The Riot Squad #12, London, Summer
1968 - from left: Butch Davis, Pete Scott (bottom), Len Tuckey, Caldwell Smythe, and Del Roll
The Riot Squad #12, Summer 1968 - from left: Del Roll, Butch Davis, Caldwell Smythe, Len Tuckey, and Pete Scott
The Riot Squad #12, Summer 1968 - from left: Caldwell Smythe, Del Roll, Pete Scott, Len Tuckey, and Butch Davis
The Riot Squad #12, Summer 1968 - from left: Len Tuckey, Caldwell Smythe, Del Roll, Butch Davis, and Pete Scott
The Riot Squad #12, Summer 1968 - from left: John (roadie), Del Roll, Pete Scott, Len Tuckey, and Butch Davis
The Riot Squad #12, Summer 1968 - from left: Del Roll, Butch David, Len Tuckey, Caldwell Smythe, and Pete Scott
Saturday, July 13, 1968: Elms Court Ballroom, Botley, Oxfordshire
The band was advertised as 'The Fantastic Riot Squad'. Also on the bill: Yesterday's Papers.
Friday, July 19, 1968: North Kesteven Grammar School, Moor Lane, North Hykenham, Lincolnshire
Saturday, July 20, 1968: Davy Jones Locker, South Pier, Royal Throughfare, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Sunday, July 28, 1968: Tower Theatre, Leigh, Lancashire (lunchtime gig)
Sunday, July 28, 1968: The Garrick Theatre Club, Leigh, Lancashire (afternoon gig)
Sunday, July 28, 1968: Tower Theatre, Leigh, Lancashire (evening gig)
Saturday, August 10, 1968: unknown venue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Saturday, August 17, 1968: St. Thomas' Hall, Brentwood, Essex
Sunday, August 18, 1968: Tabernacle Club, Hillgate, Stockport, Greater Manchester
Thursday, August 22, 1968: RAF (Royal Air Force) Camp, Lyneham, Wiltshire
Saturday, August 24, 1968: 'Dance', Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Also on the bill: The Healers, Dobson's Choice. One show, from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
Sunday, August 25, 1968: Welcome Inn, Well Hall Road, Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Wednesday, August 28 - Thursday, August 29, 1968: Decca Studio 1, Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London Borough of Camden, Greater London
On both days, from 10am to 10pm, The Riot Squad recorded some unknown tracks for producer Wayne Bickerton.
Friday, August 30, 1968: Aveley Public Hall, Purfleet Road, Aveley, Essex
Saturday, August 31, 1968: The Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Friday, September 6, 1968: Northfleet Recreation Centre, Northfleet, Gravesham, Kent
Saturday, September 7, 1968: South Pier Pavilion, Royal Throughfare, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Len Tuckey's last gig with The Riot Squad.
September 1968
Len Tuckey quits The Riot Squad and went to play with The Nashville Teens (later he will play with Suzi Quatro in the 70s).
THE RIOT SQUAD #13 (SEPTEMBER 1968 - OCTOBER 1968)
1) Butch Davis
2) Del Roll
3) Caldwell Smythe
4) Pete Scott
1) Butch Davis
2) Del Roll
3) Caldwell Smythe
4) Pete Scott
Friday, September 20, 1968: The Guildhall, King Street, Thetford, Norfolk
Thursday, September 26, 1968: The Swan, Coventry Road, Yardley, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Friday, September 27, 1968: Newtown Pavilion, Newtown, Powys, Wales
Saturday, September 28, 1968: All Saints Church Hall, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, London Borough of Havering, Greater London
Sunday, September 29, 1968: Union Rowing Club, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Wednesday, October 2, 1968: Six-In-One Club, Northwood Road, Tonbridge, Kent
The Kent and Sussex Courier (September 20, 1968)
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The Kent and Sussex Courier (September 27, 1968)
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Saturday, October 5, 1968: Dorothy Ballroom, Hobson Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
October 1968
The Riot Squad hired a new guitar player called Alan Johnson (b. Friday, July 1, 1949, Barnehurst, Kent), formerly of the Cruisers, Jason Black and The Avengers, the Down and Outs, the Movement, and the Attack.
THE RIOT SQUAD #14 (OCTOBER 1968 - FEBRUARY ?, 1969)
1) Butch Davis
2) Del Roll
3) Caldwell Smythe
4) Pete Scott
5) Alan Johnson guitar
1) Butch Davis
2) Del Roll
3) Caldwell Smythe
4) Pete Scott
5) Alan Johnson guitar
The Riot Squad #14, 1968/69 - from left: Alan Johnson, Del Roll, Caldwell Smythe, Pete Scott, and Butch Davis
Saturday, October 12, 1968: The Athenaeum Club, Angel Hill, Town Centre, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Alan Johnson's first gig with The Riot Squad.
Friday, October 25, 1968: Portsmouth College of Art & Design, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Tuesday, October 29, 1968: Woodford Memorial Hall, 209 High Road, Woodford, London Borough of Redbridge, Greater London
Friday, November 1, 1968: Crown Hotel, 9 Bridge Street, Stourport-on-Severn, Wyre Forest, Worcestershire
Also on the bill: D.J. Ron St. John.
Saturday, November 2, 1968: Oxford College of Technology, Headington Road, Headington, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Saturday, November 9, 1968: Woolwich Polytechnic, Woolwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Sunday, November 10, 1968: Cosmopolitan Club, Harraby, Carlisle, Cumberland
Friday, November 15, 1968: Derby College of Art and Technology, Kedleston Road, Derby, Derbyshire
Saturday, November 16, 1968: Queen Elizabeth College, Campden Hill Road, Campden Hill, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Saturday, November 23, 1968: Aurora Hotel, Gillingham, Medway, Kent
Monday, November 25 - Saturday, November 30, 1968: Playboy Club, 14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, City of Westminster, Greater London
Monday, December 2 - Saturday, December 7, 1968: Playboy Club, 14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, City of Westminster, Greater London
Wednesday, December 11, 1968: 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Thursday, December 12, 1968: HMS Mercury, Leydene House, East Meon, near Petersfield, Hampshire
Friday, December 13, 1968: Customs & Excise headquarters building, King's Beam House, Mark Lane, City of London
Saturday, December 14, 1968: The Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Thursday, December 19, 1968: RAF (Royal Air Force) High Wycombe, Walters Ash, Bradenham, Buckinghamshire
Saturday, December 21, 1968: Cranleigh Village Hall, Village Way, Cranleigh, Surrey
Also on the bill: The Triffik Organization. The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 11:30pm, was presented by A.B.C. Dances.
Saturday, November 2, 1968: Oxford College of Technology, Headington Road, Headington, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Saturday, November 9, 1968: Woolwich Polytechnic, Woolwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London
Sunday, November 10, 1968: Cosmopolitan Club, Harraby, Carlisle, Cumberland
Friday, November 15, 1968: Derby College of Art and Technology, Kedleston Road, Derby, Derbyshire
Saturday, November 16, 1968: Queen Elizabeth College, Campden Hill Road, Campden Hill, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Saturday, November 23, 1968: Aurora Hotel, Gillingham, Medway, Kent
Monday, November 25 - Saturday, November 30, 1968: Playboy Club, 14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, City of Westminster, Greater London
Monday, December 2 - Saturday, December 7, 1968: Playboy Club, 14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, City of Westminster, Greater London
Wednesday, December 11, 1968: 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Thursday, December 12, 1968: HMS Mercury, Leydene House, East Meon, near Petersfield, Hampshire
Friday, December 13, 1968: Customs & Excise headquarters building, King's Beam House, Mark Lane, City of London
Saturday, December 14, 1968: The Industrial Club, Oak Street, Norwich, Norfolk
Thursday, December 19, 1968: RAF (Royal Air Force) High Wycombe, Walters Ash, Bradenham, Buckinghamshire
Saturday, December 21, 1968: Cranleigh Village Hall, Village Way, Cranleigh, Surrey
Also on the bill: The Triffik Organization. The show, which lasted from 8:00pm to 11:30pm, was presented by A.B.C. Dances.
Sunday, December 22, 1968: Nottingham Rowing Club, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Tuesday, December 24, 1968: Il Rondo, Silver Street, Leicester, Leicestershire
Wednesday, December 25, 1968: Whisky A' Go-Go, 33-37 Wardour Street, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London
Thursday, December 26, 1968: Klooks Kleek Club, Railway Hotel, 100 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London Borough of Camden, Greater London (cancelled)
Saturday, December 28, 1968: Alex Disco, Salisbury, Wiltshire
One show, from 8:00pm to 12 midnight. Also on the bill: D.J. Kazoon.
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Tuesday, December 31, 1968: Catacombs, Temple Street, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire
One show, started at 8:00pm.
January ? - January 1?, 1969: K52 Club, 52 Kaiserstraße, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
The Riot Squad played here for two weeks along with another UK band called The Diary. Supposedly on Friday night, January 17, the band former drummer Mitch Mitchell, who had just played at nearby Jarhunderthalle that evening with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, turned up at the K52 Club and his bandmates Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding were with him. No one of the current members of The Riot Squad had played in the original lineup with Mitchell, but the latter was friendly with the band current drummer Del Roll. Anyway, Jimi Hendrix on guitar and Mitch Mitchell on drums ended up jammed with the band that night (Noel Redding also try to jam with them but he was totally out of it so he threw the bass guitar down onto the stage after a few seconds!). The Riot Squad, plus Hendrix and Mitchell, did jam some John Lee Hooker and Chuck Berry numbers, but also a couple of Hendrix classics ('Purple Haze' was maybe one of them).
The Riot Squad #14 and The Diary, K52 Club, Frankfurt, January 1969 - from left: Alan Johnson, Pete (Riot Squad's roadie), Alan Wright (The Diary), Butch Davis, Pete Scott, Mick Fitzgerald (The Diary), Terry Bennett (The Diary), Ian Wright (The Diary), Del Roll, and (in the foreground) Caldwell Smythe. PS: Roy Nobbs of The Diary must have taken the photo.
The Riot Squad #14 and The Diary, K52 Club, Frankfurt, January 1969 - from left: Pete Scott, Terry Bennett (The Diary), ? (unknown girl), Alan Johnson, Caldwell Smythe, and ? (unknown girl)
January 1?, 1969: unknown US Army Base, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
The Riot Squad was invited to play here by the Military Police. "I sparred with the 'ALL US FORCES' heavyweight champion," Caldwell Smythe recalls, "so when I appeared on stage they cheered me for a long time!"
January 1? - February ?, 1969: The Ranch Bar, Hof, Bavaria, Germany
The Riot Squad played here for two weeks. These were also Butch Davis and Caldwell Smythe's last gigs with the band.
January 1?, 1969: unknown US Army Base, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
The Riot Squad was invited to play here by the Military Police. "I sparred with the 'ALL US FORCES' heavyweight champion," Caldwell Smythe recalls, "so when I appeared on stage they cheered me for a long time!"
January 1? - February ?, 1969: The Ranch Bar, Hof, Bavaria, Germany
The Riot Squad played here for two weeks. These were also Butch Davis and Caldwell Smythe's last gigs with the band.
The Riot Squad #14, The Ranch Bar, Hof, Germany, January/February 1969 - from left: Butch Davis, Caldwell Smythe, Del Roll, Pete Scott, and Alan Johnson
The Riot Squad #14, The Ranch Bar, Hof, Germany, January/February 1969 - from left: Caldwell Smythe, Pete Scott, and Alan Johnson
The Riot Squad #14, Bavaria, January or February 1969 - from left: Del Roll, Alan Johnson, Butch Davis, ? (unknown), Pete Scott, and ? (unknown) (photo taken by Caldwell Smythe)
The Riot Squad #14, Bavaria, January or February 1969 - from left: ? (unknown), ? (unknown), Butch Davis, Del Roll, Alan Johnson, and Pete Scott (photo taken by Caldwell Smythe)
The Riot Squad #14, Bavaria, January or February 1969 - from left: ? (unknown), ? (unknown), Caldwell Smythe, Alan Johnson, Butch Davis, and Pete Scott (photo taken by Del Roll)
February ?, 1969
The Riot Squad returned home in London and subsequently both Butch Davis and Caldwell Smythe leave the band. Butch retired from the music scene, while Caldwell went to play briefly with The Honeycombs, then he work as booking agent for Intercity Promotions in Soho, then he managed the Eel Pie Island club in Twickenham through the 1970s, and more recently he work as a therapist helping people with addictions and then performed as solo singer on weekends under the alias of 'Robbie Fox'. In the meantime, The Riot Squad replaced them only with a new organ player named Frank Wilson. "We didn't hire a new lead singer because Alan had in fact a better blues voice than Big C," Pete Scott recalls, "and I had been a lead singer in my previous band too. So when Frank joined, who also sang, we added a lot of harmony work - 3 part harmonies - to our repertoire with each of us taking the lead on various songs."
THE RIOT SQUAD #15 (FEBRUARY ?, 1969 - SUMMER 1969)
1) Del Roll
2) Pete Scott
3) Alan Johnson
4) Frank Wilson organ, vocals
1) Del Roll
2) Pete Scott
3) Alan Johnson
4) Frank Wilson organ, vocals
Thursday, March 20, 1969: Klooks Kleek Club, Railway Hotel, 100 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London Borough of Camden, Greater London
April 1969 (?): The Ranch Bar, Hof, Bavaria, Germany
The Riot Squad returned in Germany and played here again for another two weeks or so.
April 1969 (?): US Army Base Camp Hof (aka Kingsley Barracks), Kulmbacher Straße, Hof, Bavaria, Germany
The Riot Squad's last gig in Germany. "A lot of the US guys used to come to The Ranch Bar and I think it was through one of their contacts that we then went to the Base." Pete Scott recalls, "I have a very clear memory there where the man in charge of the PX stores invited us to his house party and we had to pass through the bathroom to get to the toilet and he spent the whole time in the bath reading porn magazines and listening to sentimental music as we all passed through – including women – to use the toilet!"
Summer 1969
The Riot Squad split up. Del Roll will runs a trucking company called 'Edwin Shirley Trucking' and more recently he also play with The Dunmow Wind Band. Pete Scott went to Reading University for four years to study art, got a double first in Fine Art and Art History, then went on to the Slade School (University College London) and did a two year MA, and from there he got a fellowship from Greater London Arts and started a series of arts projects and companies and that's been what he had been doing ever since: moving from painting, into sculpture and various media. For about 6 years Pete ran and MA course (MA Art and Media Practice) and was Director of studies PhD at University of Westminster. He still do bits of teaching from time to time and although he gave up playing bass after The Riot Squad split up, he still play acoustic guitar and as a singer-songwriter just do local gigs for the hell of it. Alan Johnson went to play with The Diary (March 1970-July 1972), Masquerade (1972-74), Brotherly Love (1974-75), Son of a Gun (1975-78), and Brotherhood of Man (1978-8?), then during the 1980s he became a member of Whisky Mac, then through 1992-2001 he joined the Rock 'n' Roll Circus based in South Wales, where he now live, and more recently he worked on a freelance basis with several bands playing jazz, blues, and rock and roll, and he also paint and sell pictures too. I don't know what happened to Frank Wilson.
April 1969 (?): The Ranch Bar, Hof, Bavaria, Germany
The Riot Squad returned in Germany and played here again for another two weeks or so.
April 1969 (?): US Army Base Camp Hof (aka Kingsley Barracks), Kulmbacher Straße, Hof, Bavaria, Germany
The Riot Squad's last gig in Germany. "A lot of the US guys used to come to The Ranch Bar and I think it was through one of their contacts that we then went to the Base." Pete Scott recalls, "I have a very clear memory there where the man in charge of the PX stores invited us to his house party and we had to pass through the bathroom to get to the toilet and he spent the whole time in the bath reading porn magazines and listening to sentimental music as we all passed through – including women – to use the toilet!"
Summer 1969
The Riot Squad split up. Del Roll will runs a trucking company called 'Edwin Shirley Trucking' and more recently he also play with The Dunmow Wind Band. Pete Scott went to Reading University for four years to study art, got a double first in Fine Art and Art History, then went on to the Slade School (University College London) and did a two year MA, and from there he got a fellowship from Greater London Arts and started a series of arts projects and companies and that's been what he had been doing ever since: moving from painting, into sculpture and various media. For about 6 years Pete ran and MA course (MA Art and Media Practice) and was Director of studies PhD at University of Westminster. He still do bits of teaching from time to time and although he gave up playing bass after The Riot Squad split up, he still play acoustic guitar and as a singer-songwriter just do local gigs for the hell of it. Alan Johnson went to play with The Diary (March 1970-July 1972), Masquerade (1972-74), Brotherly Love (1974-75), Son of a Gun (1975-78), and Brotherhood of Man (1978-8?), then during the 1980s he became a member of Whisky Mac, then through 1992-2001 he joined the Rock 'n' Roll Circus based in South Wales, where he now live, and more recently he worked on a freelance basis with several bands playing jazz, blues, and rock and roll, and he also paint and sell pictures too. I don't know what happened to Frank Wilson.
