There Are Currently 101 Comments for this Post

1. John Costello says:

   June 24, 2009 at 18:07

   went to see Matthews Southern Comfort in the seventies and Matthew didnt turn up ! Doh

   Reply
2. Tim Perry says:

   June 30, 2009 at 11:32

   Saw UFO there in 1976/77 with Michael Schenker probably one of the best concerts I have seen. Managed to get right down the front and get my foot upon to a moulding and use it to hoist myself up so I was quite high up as it was a very high stage. It closed down soon after as a venue for bands and has oly recently re-opened after extensive refurbishments

   Reply
3. Garry says:

   July 29, 2009 at 16:11

   FIRST gig I ever saw there was Ten Years After backed by Supertramp and Keith Christmas in Oct 71. Alvin Lee singing I’m Going Home was worth the entrance fee alone. BEST gig I ever saw there was Free in about 1972 on the Free At Last Tour. Bouncers lined up across the front of the stage but were swept away as soon as the band came on. Incredible atmosphere – completely wild and rockin. Most MAGICAL gig was John Martyn solo in about 77 on the One World tour. He kept saying he couldn’t play tracks off the album as he needed a band with him. Those of you who have seen John Martyn will know the sort of colourful language he would have used to convey this message. Anyway egged on by the crowd he succumbed and produced magical sounds from his Guitar and Echoplex. It was wonderful. Saw him again at the new Town Hall in Nov 2008. Brilliant again. Little did we know he would pass away a couple of months later. RIP John. WEIRDEST was Mott The Hoople in about 73 with Queen as support. Apparently this was the only time Queen ever did a support tour. Queen seemed to be involved in a running argument with a group of people sat in the Lower Gallery. Freddie Mercury was berating them in no uncertain terms over the mike with the rest of the band chipping in enthusiastically. I haven’t a clue what it was all about but the hecklers were certainly giving as good as they got. Maybe they were just impatient Mott fans but I didn’t have a clue what it was all about. It seemed pretty heavy though.

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4. Liz Jones says:

   October 23, 2009 at 00:32

   Anyone remember Tyrannosaurus Rex at Birmingham Town Hall (69′?) with David Bowie & a sitar player as support acts?
   Also those beautiful concerts by The Incredible String Band, Ah those were the days..

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   • Steve Williams says:

     March 17, 2016 at 22:40

     There is some conflicting evidence on this Liz. We have found a reference for February 13th 1969 but on the Bowie concert Blog they list February 15th 1969. No mention of Sitar player. Would’t that be wonderful if it was Ravi Shankar… WOW

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     • Olwyn says:

       January 24, 2017 at 07:33

       Saw Ravi Shankar at The Birmingham Town Hall. Must have been 1967. Along with Ustad Villayat Khan (not sure of spelling).
       Also memorable gig was Delaney and Bonnie with George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Also Buddy Rich ( brought back the memory when I saw Whiplash recently). Jacques Louissier trio whose music was used on The Hamlet add – Air on a G String.

     • Steve Williams says:

       January 24, 2017 at 11:24

       Do you have the programme or ticket stubs for this event?

5. fairport says:

   October 23, 2009 at 15:16

   Tyrannosaurus Rex played at Brum Town Hall on 15th February 1969. David Bowie was the supporting mime artist, Vytas Serelis gave a sitar recital and John Peel was the catalyst, introducting the acts and reading poetry. This was my second Town Hall gig and one of the most memorable. The first was The Incredible String Band gig on the 25th October 1968, the first of many ISB concerts at the Town Hall which never failed to impress me and they remain to this day a firm favourite. Hope that helps! Those were indeed the days…. I have a fairly comprehensive gig list for the Town Hall from 1968 to 1973 if anyone is interested?

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6. fairport says:

   October 29, 2009 at 16:23

   Have now sent the Birmingham Town Hall gig list that I mentioned previously on to the Brum Music Archive for its future use. It’s far from complete, but it at least includes headlining and support acts where known, mainly obtained from original BTH ticket stubs, handbills & posters from the period (so cancellations & drop outs may have taken place). Hope its of interest to someone. Re Iain Matthews comment, I’ve just been told about when Andy Roberts was supporting at the Town Hall (19/10/1971)and brought Ian Matthews (correct spelling at the time) out to sing for him as his voice was going due to the number of American cigarettes that he’d smoked whilst on a USA tour! Anyone else remember the Ralph McTell (BTH 22/12/1971) gig when his pedal organ came off the front of the stage mid song? Breathtaking! There are SO many great memories of this place….. and it looks better than ever now the restoration has been completed. In the words of Ronnie ‘anymore for anymore’ Town Hall memories????

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   • phil hatton says:

     February 13, 2014 at 12:03

     Can you remember what group had their gig cancelled on thurs the 21st nov 1974 when the b’ham pub bombings occurred..

     Reply
7. Rod says:

   October 29, 2009 at 17:41

   I remember Andy Roberts bringing out Ian Matthews at the Town Hall. He was opening for Steeleye Span that night and had, I understand just returned from the states where he’d been touring with Richard Thompson and Ian as an acoustic trio. The previous time I’d seen him at the Town Hall had been in 1969 when his band The Liverpool Scene had been second on the bill with Blodwyn Pig opening and Led Zep top of the bill. The sight of Adrian Henry and Roberts performing their ‘Fletwwd Mac, Chicken Shack, John Mayall Can’t Fail Blues’ was the highlight for me. Why he never achieved the star billing given to many a lesser guitarist is astonishing given his credentials – played with Page, Hendrix, Gilmore and still had time to fit in gigs as diverse as The Albion Band, Billy Connoly and Hank Wangford and Pink Floyd. Speaking of whom – anyone remember the Floyd at Mothers supported by the mighty Flying Hat Band?

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8. fairport says:

   November 2, 2009 at 16:13

   Ahhh…. the mighty Flying Hat Band featuring none other than Trev Foster on drums, later to join the folk rock band Scotch Mist. Brums finest drummer. I believe the Mothers gig in question took place on 27th April 1969.

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9. Ron Brinsdon says:

   November 3, 2009 at 07:37

   The “new” Town Hall post renovation has made it a great venue once more but the locations picked by major touring bands these days means that we will no longer get the chance to see the modern equivalents (in terms of status) of Ten Years After or Free. Was dissapointed that Mott The Hoople, being fairly “local” could not fit in a Brum gig and chose just London recently.

   My own favourite from many,many shows here was Van Morrison and the New Caledonian Soul Orchestra one Sunday night in about ’74 before Van became a tad aloof from his fans. The Charisma Records package of Genesis,Lindisfarne and Van der Graaf Generator for about six shillings also took some beating – what price now?

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10. fairport says:

    December 5, 2009 at 16:19

    One for Ron Brinsdon re The Charisma Records gig with Genesis, Lindisfarne and Van der Graaf Generator at the Town Hall.

    The concert took place on Monday, 25th January 1971, and you were spot on Ron, the ticket price was 6/- or £0.30p. Well remembered! Great value or what???

    Yes, the Town Hall is once more a beautiful venue following the renovation work, and the acoustics are much better than I remember…. a real pleasure to be able to hear music there again after all these years, now well over 40 years since attending my first gig there, and around 45 years since I sang there in the Springfield Road School choir. Happy days!

    One of the best Town Hall lineups must have been for the gig on Saturday, May 2nd 1964 (not that I was there as I was only 10 at the time!) known as “The American Folk, Blues & Gospel Caravan” featuring none other than Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee, Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davies, Cousin Joe Pleasants & Otis Span with seat prices starting from just 5/-. Mind you, I guess five bob was a lot of money then…

    Keep those Town Hall memories coming…

    Another great Brum venue (well, almost!) was The Boggery Folk Club held every Monday night at the Old Moselians Club House on the corner of Lugtrout Lane and Field Lane in Knowle, Solihull. Definitely deserving its own section on the Archive website.

    Co-organised by Les Ward and our very own Jasper Carrott, who was also the MC, they had some of the best national contemporary folk and folk rock artists/bands perform there, as well as giving local bands the opportunity to play. Not so much a traditional folk club as Brum had quite a few of them anyway, which is probably why it was so successful… it had a great mix of humour, the best of contemporary folk music and a unique atmosphere as a result.

    Apparently The Boggery first opened its doors as early as 1961 when ‘Carrott’ was just 16, but I only remember it from the late 60’s onwards…. they were always packed out evertime I went there in the 70’s, which was most weeks.

    Artists I saw there that come immediately to mind were the likes of Dave Cartwright, Allan Taylor, Jake Thakray, the wonderful Contraband, Tudor Lodge, Hedgehog Pie, John Golding, Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra, Decameron, Hunter Muskett, Dando Shaft…. the list is endless.

    Anyone out there that can share some memories of this great folk club??

    Reply
11. Martin Jackson says:

    March 15, 2010 at 20:59

    When I was still in the 6th form some friends and I somehow managed to obtain jobs as Stewards on the doors at the Town Hall. This must I guess have been around 1969ish to start with. This was before they were known as ‘security’ in fact we had no uniform and were indistinguishable from the audience. We got paid twelve and six (37 and a half pence) for the privelidge and once the main act started after the interval we were free to leave or stay and watch.Needless to say I stayed for a good many, and when I think about it can’t believe how lucky we were to get that gig !
    The first concert I worked was Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention and I remember showing Roy Wood to his seat and Frank Zappa telling what seemed like long stories about being on the road.
    One time an immaculately dressed Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull appeared at my door in the upper gallery to survey the view inside the Town Hall and reappeared on stage later in his more recognisable stage attire.
    From Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee to Segovia, Delaney and Bonnie with George Harrison and Eric Clapton to Conway Twitty, there’s a long list and some faded form the memory.
    Stand out memories include and ever diminishing space around Rory Gallagher as more and more of the audience joined Taste on stage.
    Pink Floyd (and Orchestra I think) performing and cooking Alan’s Psychadelic Breakfast live on stage, and Meddle in quadraphonic sound.
    Rory Gallagher playing solo for an hour and a half when the band got stuck in fog on the motorway, and coming back a couple of weeks later with full band for free.
    The wonderful mixture of music and mayhem that was John Martyn with Danny Thompson.
    Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple sneaking to the side of the stage to swap his guitar for a taped together old one in order to smash it up again.
    Loudon Wainwright , Stackridge, Procol Harum, Elton John, Yes, the Nice, Ten Years After, Free……….etc.

    Reply
    • John Midwood says:

      January 24, 2012 at 11:11

      “Rory Gallagher playing solo for an hour and a half when the band got stuck in fog on the motorway, and coming back a couple of weeks later with full band for free.”
      I remember this one, many musicians would have said, “sorry, can’t play tonight”, but not Rory. A true gent and master of the Strat – tragic loss to the music world.

      Reply
      • Moby the Villan says:

        May 9, 2012 at 20:41

        Spot on there John, just as I remember it.

        A magical evening…..for that band-less gig, I seem to remember Donal (his brother) was on keyboards and a roadie was put on drums.

        Rory came out and said he was just going to do a few songs and to my recollection, ended up doing two hours and two encores! In fact the free gig a couple of weeks later was, dare I say, not quite as good!

        Simon

      • Chris Morrison says:

        August 31, 2013 at 19:16

        I was there too that memorable night in Birmingham. Does anyone have any pics or recordings? I’d love a copy.

12. Martin Jackson says:

    March 15, 2010 at 21:10

    As an aside in Response to Fairport’s mention of the “wonderful” Contraband. I went to see them at JB’s in Dudley.
    The singer Mae McKenna was the sister of a friend I made in the mid seventies whilst living in Portsmouth and whose other brother was Hugh Mckenna and cousin was Ted Mckenna of the Sensational Alex Harvey band and in Ted’s case later of Rory Gallagher’s band.

    Reply
13. Martin Jackson says:

    March 16, 2010 at 19:07

    Sorry I said the pay for stewarding at the Town Hall was twelve and six or 37 and a half pence when of course I meant 62 and a half new pennies, which was still enough for a few brown and milds.

    Reply
14. Chris G says:

    May 27, 2010 at 19:33

    I was a student at Aston 73-77 and the best gig I ever saw anywhere was Lynyrd Skynyrd and Golden Earring at the Town Hall in about 74.Golden Earring had just had the hit single,Radar Love,and were doing quite well,and nobody had heard of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
    So when these 7or 8 scruffy,really long haired yanks shuffled on,nobody expected much.With no fuss they just plugged in,cranked up the sound,and blasted into the first song.3 lead guitars,grand piano,bass and drums,locked into a rhythm that you could not ignore.Then this little chubby bloke in a cowboy hat starts singing like he meant every word.
    First song down,a bit of undecipherable drawl into the mike,and into another song ,better than the first.3 guitarists all playing lead and chords so close together that you couldnt tell who was doing what.It was breathtaking,and completely unexpected from a support act.
    Their whole set seemed to fly by,each song seemingly better than the last.No backing singers,no lightshow,just a solid rocking avalanche of unique sound.I think they ended with
    Freebird.The first time most people had heard it.
    I stayed to watch Golden Earring.I heard Radar Love.
    I think they knew they couldn’t compete.

    Reply
15. Perry Bennett says:

    August 5, 2010 at 23:56

    What a wonderful history, our very own Town Hall.
    Saw UFO a couple of times, agree with Tim Perry, they were fantastic. Saw ACDC in 76 with The Tyla Gang – anyone remember Sean Tyla saying, ‘If you don’t like it, you know where the door is!’ They were good really and so to were ACDC ofcourse. Thunderous rock n roll ala Dirty Deeds, High Voltage etc. The ticket, which I still have with the programme, was a quid! Greatest night was Slade in ’78. Commercially they were on the slide then but they had so many great songs and such vast performing experience it was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Met them all afterwards and they all signed my ticket!
    Also saw Gary Glitter, who was a great showman despite his evil ways behind closed doors.

    Reply
16. Aled Jones says:

    October 5, 2010 at 14:31

    I also saw the Golden Earring and Lynyrd Skynyrd gig which was on 20 November 1974. Actually me and my mate Bill only went to see Lynyrd Skynyrd who were really amazing, we left after their set having no interest whatsoever in listening to the Dutch band who were in the charts.
    Saw Fairport Convention there in late 1971 when they performed their new album Babbacombe Lee. Can’t quite remember if Lindisfarne opened for them or if I saw them on another night.

    Reply
17. Paul Alexander Evans says:

    October 11, 2011 at 16:45

    First show I saw there was Judas Priest in 1976, went for my ticket 2.00pounds from the box office the lady says to me don’t go too close to the stage cause they are quite loud..So I’ll sell you a ticket three rows back from the stage..great help that was, deaf at collage for three whole days…Love the venue only saw a handful of acts there, glad to see the town hall open again.

    Reply
18. Kirstie Dakin says:

    October 11, 2011 at 19:45

    A friend of mine is being very illusive regarding his musical past. He apparently played at The Town Hall (we think) in 1972 (possibly October) when The Kinks were also performing .. it was the night that Ray Davies’ microphone had been wired to live by mistake (assume this was rectified before the actual performance)

    Does anyone have any information that will help me track him down, ie exact dates or details of other bands performing that night/around that time?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Pete says:

      April 23, 2017 at 01:08

      Hi Kirstie , I know it’s six years ago since you posted your query , but I was in the band Amsterdam Lil . We were the support act for the Kinks on October 17th 1972 . The band members were : Graham Dean (Bass) , James Grierson (now James Wraith) flute/vocals , Dave Skolfield (drums/percussion) , Pete Grisaffi (Hammond organ / piano ) and Steve Parkinson (guitar) . James Wraith ( Grierson) went on to join ex Roxy Music members , Dave drummed for Mungo Jerry , I (Pete) joined Gravy Train and Steve went back to his family in Canada . Graham hung up his Fender Precision and got a proper job .

      BTW :Dave’s brother, Simeon , got a Grammy for his work with Olivia Newton John . He was a studio engineer and worked for Sir George Martin at Air Studios . Best regards Pete G

      Reply
      • Pete says:

        April 23, 2017 at 06:34

        Hi Kirstie , I know it’s six years ago since you posted your query , but I was in the band Amsterdam Lil . We were the support act for the Kinks on June 6th 1973. The band members were : Graham Dean (Bass) , James Grierson (now James Wraith) flute/vocals , Dave Skolfield (drums/percussion) , Pete Grisaffi (Hammond organ / piano ) and Steve Parkinson (guitar) . James Wraith ( Grierson) went on to join ex Roxy Music members , Dave drummed for Mungo Jerry , I (Pete) joined Gravy Train and Steve went back to his family in Canada . Graham hung up his Fender Precision and got a proper job .

        BTW :Dave’s brother, Simeon , got a Grammy for his work with Olivia Newton John . He was a studio engineer and worked for Sir George Martin at Air Studios . Best regards Pete G

19. Ron Brinsdon says:

    October 11, 2011 at 19:47

    Kirstie, without checking my old ticket stubs ( I am at work right now )the only band I remember supporting The Kinks at the Town Hall around 72/73 were called “Amsterdam Lill”

    My own diary notes for that gig were quite complimentary for them as I recall but they did not seem to ever appear on the radar again.

    Will try to look out stub for date.

    Reply
20. Pete Baret says:

    October 11, 2011 at 21:50

    Here’s my list from memory of gigs at the Town Hall, starting with my first ever which was Kraftwerk in 1975. Followed swiftly by Magna Carta ( given free tickets by a Security Guard outside), Be Bop Deluxe, Judas Priest, Gentle Giant, AcDc, Pat Travers with Lone Star, Motorhead who I think destroyed the foundations and closed the place, that UFO gig with Michael Schenker on a sunday night in 1976, Boxer, Crawler & Moon, City Boy, Gordon Giltrap (not sure why) . Probably plenty more I’ve forgotten, but I do remember that Bob Seger’s ‘Mainstreet’ was always played before every gig.

    Reply
21. Chris Meehan says:

    October 17, 2011 at 21:49

    My best venue,as it was then/not now.seen loads there judas priest 1976 ..£1.00,..ac/dc 1976..75pence to name but a few.got some good photo’s of some bands when sneeking my camera in.still got all my ticket stubs.used to walk up the stairs to the balcony to get different shots of the bands as well as in the stalls….great venue

    Reply
    • Paul Evans says:

      November 20, 2012 at 19:02

      I would love to see any photo’s from the town hall Gigs, earlier the better 60’s 70’s shows.if anybody has any I would be most grateful..I have a handful of bootlegs from the town hall..also would love some more….

      Cheers
      PAUL.

      Reply
22. Chris Meehan says:

    October 17, 2011 at 21:51

    17TH MARCH 72 BOWIE PLAYED HERE,IT WAS THE FIRST NIGHT HE MET MICK ROCK THE HIGHLY RESPECTED ROCK PHOTOGRAPHER.SO THE FIRST MICK ROCK BOWIE PHOTO’S WERE TAKEN AT THE TOWN HALL.HE WOULD TAKE THOUSANDS MORE DURING THE FOLLOWING YEARS.

    Reply
23. John Midwood says:

    January 24, 2012 at 13:47

    “Rory Gallagher playing solo for an hour and a half when the band got stuck in fog on the motorway, and coming back a couple of weeks later with full band for free.” I was at this one – such a true gent and wonderful musician – how many others performers would have done that? Shame that he went so young, one of the best Strat players ever.

    Reply
24. Alan Gough says:

    March 7, 2012 at 14:16

    First live gig I ever saw was here Ten Years After, Supertramp, Keith Christmas.
    Last gig I saw here was Slade when Don Powell collapsed and the gig was cut short
    As it happened I bumped into Don the next day outside Rackhams about 6 pm where I was waiting for the No.12

    Reply
25. Alan Gough says:

    March 7, 2012 at 14:32

    My fondest memory of The Town Hall
    Got backstage to meet The Heavy Metal Kids (I am sill in touch with Ronnie Thomas nad Keith Boyce) The god that was Gary Holton handed me a pint glass and filled it with Champagne and Whisky saying “Get that down your neck”

    Reply
26. Bob says:

    March 29, 2012 at 19:04

    Saw Focus 1973 January 8th. at Town Hall

    Reply
27. gerard says:

    April 14, 2012 at 23:07

    I was at the Rory Gallagher “solo” gig too.Also saw Dr Feelgood ,Heavy Metal Kids, ELO, Steve Gibbons, Alex Harvey,Ultravox & many more

    Reply
    • Moby the Villan says:

      May 9, 2012 at 21:20

      Given the atrocious weather that night (fog everywhere), I’m suprised that the gig had so many people in attendance. Would Rory have gone ahead with his ‘few numbers’ if there wasn’t so many there? Hard to say. I suspect though, he’d have sung and played for half a dozen people, knowing the man he was. It really was a magical night though, given the circumstances. A Great Man, sadly missed too soon….

      Alex Harvey was another one off, a showman supreme with a tight, rockin’ band, theatrorock has not been bettered. Good fun and and well worth watching.

      Simon

      Reply
      • Johnny Boy says:

        May 31, 2013 at 23:33

        Remember Rory that night and all the other nights he performed at BTH. What a gentleman and still the true master of the Strat. I can see him now running on to that stage and doing his little salute bowing his head at the same time, introducing every number with ‘ Hope You Like It”

        Remember seeing SHAB on a Monday night tuned round during Anthem from the front of the stage to see the balcony moving under the audience jumping up and down. Saw so many great bands there it was a way of life Bogarts then on to BTH and fight your way to the bar before the band came on.

        JH

    • Ruth says:

      July 29, 2017 at 17:57

      Hi Gerard, I also went to see Alex Harvey at the Odeon Birmingham,
      I’ve been trying to remember what year/date it was? Do you have a ticket stub for this gig & who supported them, I had a feeling that it was Gong but that may have been the support for Tom Petty which I’m also trying to remember!! 😊
      Thank you in advance Ruth

      Reply
28. AussieJohn says:

    April 20, 2012 at 10:13

    I’m sure I saw the Flying Burrito Brothers at the Town Hall in the early 70s – anyone else remember seeing them?

    Reply
29. Heather W says:

    May 6, 2012 at 16:42

    Between 1974-1978 sometime, saw ELO, Steve Gibbons, The Spinners, Larry Norman

    Reply
30. Dave Peden says:

    May 9, 2012 at 16:52

    I was at Family’s Farewell Tour concert; Wednesday 06th December 1972. It was a blow away night. Family were incredible. The Town Hall was bursting at the seams. And to add to all that it was my first actual meeting with a girl I’d been writing to for a while. I knew the moment I laid eyes on her that she was the one for me. Unfortunately she wasn’t of the same opinion. But we became really good friends. We led our separate lives but stayed in touch, met up now and then. All very innocent. All very sweet. Dedication on my part and a helping hand from fate got us together almost eight years later. We married in 1980 and are still going strong. Thank you Family! Thank you Town Hall!

    Reply
    • Dave Peden says:

      May 9, 2012 at 16:59

      Mu earlier comment was a bit out.

      The Family Farewell Tour concert we went to was on Wednesday 5th September 1973

      We married in October 1981.

      …Put it down to age and a rubbish memory…

      Reply
31. Dave Peden says:

    May 9, 2012 at 17:01

    Put it down to old age and a rubbish memory.

    The Family Farewell Tour concert we went to was Wednesday 05th September 1973 and we got married in October 1981.

    Reply
32. Vance Whittall says:

    June 2, 2012 at 01:12

    Just reminiscing about the Beefheart gig in November ’74 a week before my birthday. The cap’n in his ‘wizard’ suit with pointy hat, and a most incredible bass solo by Rockette Morton in a white suit and matching fedora !…. just how long was that solo? and afterwards the place stood up and applauded to a man (and woman) !

    Reply
33. linda vipond says:

    June 9, 2012 at 21:13

    Would like to know the name of artists that performed at “3rd American Folk
    Blues Festival” 23 rd October 1964
    Also artists for 4th American Folk Blues Festival 22nd Oct 1965.

    Reply
34. Pauline Edwards says:

    June 24, 2012 at 11:55

    i went to see David Bowie in the 70’s with my then boyfriend steve May he had a scooter and wore a green parker. I was mad about him then…i could’nt remember if it was 72 or what month it was. But always remember going…

    Reply
35. Annette Brampton says:

    October 22, 2012 at 22:18

    I am making a family tree on my husbands side of the family. We are trying to find out more about my father-in-laws brother Frank Brampton who was a blind pianist and apparently played sometimes at the town hall.
    We believe he died in 1985/1986.
    Any information would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Dave Banks says:

      March 16, 2013 at 11:50

      HI Annette
      I knew Frank Brampton very well and could probably fill you in with a few details you require. I sent a message to Lynn on The Birmingham in the 60,s web site some months ago with a few facts about Frank. E-mail me and I will be happy to talk with you.
      Incidently, never knew Frank had a brother.
      Cheers! Dave Banks

      Reply
      • Lynn Dearn(nee brampton) says:

        June 10, 2013 at 23:16

        Hi Dave – didn’t realise my sister in law Annette was also searching – yes he had a brother and two sisters but they were estranged and we are trying to find out more about the situation which dad never got to the bottom of as dad was very young when the family split – dad and the eldest child (Ellen) stayed with their mum and frank and the other sister who we believe went to Australia eventually – stayed with their dad. We think that Frank stayed with his dad also called Frank all through his adult life and they both died 1985/1986. What we would love is a photo – any photo!. Ellen married and went to live in Barbados -we are in contact with her daughter Linda and she now lives in Canada – Ellen died a year after my dad a few years ago – Linda never knew that her mum had a brother who was a blind pianist (the plot thickens!).It looks as though we will never really know what happened Dad and Ellen only found each other after about 45 years through the internet and died before we ever got to the bottom of anything. The internet is so fantastic but we have drawn lots of blanks – you are the only link we have!.

36. Jez Collins says:

    December 2, 2012 at 20:54

    I am looking for any photo’s and live recordings made at the Town Hall, era’s 1960’s and 70’s…I have a few bootlegs Pink Floyd, Rory Gallagher of which i would share gladly with anyone with photo’s of those great shows..
    Please get in touch..I am obsessed with archive photo’s of this era..especially Zappa/zeppelin /yes/genesis etc..

    Thank you very much..keep up the great work.

    PAUL EVANS

    Reply
37. Roger Bull says:

    January 6, 2013 at 18:51

    Rory Gallagher…..saw him 3 times at the Town Hall. Every time I stood right at the front, right on the edge of the stage……feeling the stage shake to his foot stomp at the start of “Laundromat”……great venue and a great entertainer! Oh what fantastic memories!! + RIP Rory+

    Reply
38. Syd Wall says:

    February 1, 2013 at 20:36

    I went to loads of great gigs at the TH but the sound was never that great. My first concert ever was Nov 67 – The Herd (Peter Frampton’s first claim to fame), Marmalade, The Tremeloes, Traffic and The Who, all in one night for 17s/6d! All the ticket stubs are in the loft, but also saw Zeppelin, Sabbath, Yes, Iron Butterfly (a real stand out – forget In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Butterfly Bleu was THE number..first time I’d ever heard a talk-box on the guitar), Love, Gentle Giant, It’s a Beautiful Day, The Flock, Colosseum.
    Too many to remember – I must get those ticket stubs out for a memory session.

    Reply
    • Andy Everett says:

      March 15, 2018 at 13:05

      I was also at the November 1967 concert, I remember it being on the 5th. I also remember an opening group making it 6 in total and I believe it was Tomorrow which featured Keith West and Steve Howe.

      Reply
39. ALAN WATKINS says:

    February 8, 2013 at 23:46

    CAPTAIN BEEFHEART.PLAYED A SATURDAY AFTERNOON GIG IN THE EARLY 70S . FOR HIS GRAND ENTRANCE HE SENT ON A BALLET DANCER, THEN A BELLY DANCER. AND FINALY THE CAPTAIN CAME ON AND HIS MIKE PACKED UP ,WHAT A CHARACTER

    Reply
40. dave elliott says:

    March 1, 2013 at 14:10

    What great memories from many fantastic nights at BTH . Anyone remember a singer/songwriter who used to do occassional support , i think his name may have been Rod Crisp . His big “hit” was a song called Turn Turn Turn i seem to remember…always did it last number and stamped his foot on the stage as he did it….it was a signal to vacate the bar and get ready for the headline act !!!!!

    Reply
    • judy says:

      August 1, 2013 at 02:27

      Rods still singing with his own band, still going strong, saw them earlier this year.

      Reply
      • judy says:

        April 6, 2014 at 11:21

        Still going 😉

41. Wigbert Gerling says:

    March 4, 2013 at 08:40

    There was a graet concert at the Birmingham Town Hall in 1976. The palce was packed when Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance appeared on stage. The former Small Face gave a wonderful performance, featuring his new sound with folk and rock and country elements – and he an his band convinced with top-musicianship: “One for the road, yes, there is, one for the cat’s eye, yes, there is, one for the white line…” It was full pleasure!

    Reply
42. Mark Tyler says:

    March 17, 2013 at 22:22

    My first gig was to see Pat Travers at the Town Hall (supported by Cafe Jacques) in 1977. As I was only 15 my mom didn’t like the idea of me going to a dirty rock show by myself so I had to go with my older sister who had no interest in rock music whatsoever!

    Reply
43. Fairport says:

    May 6, 2013 at 14:54

    Ref : Wigbert Girling mention of Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance concert at the Town Hall – Any more recollections of the gig in question, ie : the other band members at the time? Support or headline? One of my biggest regrets is not seeing Ronnie live as Slim Chance has since become one of my favourite bands ever….. check out the awesome ‘The Passing Show – The Life & Music of Ronnie Lane’ DVD. One of the best music DVD’s ever…..

    Reply
44. Wigbert Gerling says:

    May 16, 2013 at 10:32

    … last Weekend I checked my written memories from the 70’s – and so I can report that it was on 31st January 1976 that Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance performed at the Birmingham Town Hall. As I immediately afterwards bought the Vinyl Long Playsr (of course Vinyl) “One for the Road” by Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance at W.H. Smith in Birmingham Moseley I can recall some of the namens from the Cover (that I remember well). There was Charlie Hart playing the fiddle and Steve Simpson on the mandolin.

    Reply
45. Andrew Swann says:

    June 17, 2013 at 12:41

    Teenage years in the 1970,s. Great memories…Dr Feelgood 1976, Thin Lizzy on the Jailbreak Tour, AC/DC 1976 when the roadies locked the doors because someone pinched a microphone…..Be-bop deluxe 1977(I think…) Ted Nugent when had so much amplification that the support band(Lone Star) could not get on the stage…. I think as the 70’s went on the town hall started to loose out against the Odeon..But what great nights we had!

    Reply
46. Clive Whittaker says:

    August 24, 2013 at 16:47

    I saw Beefheart and Zappa, Danced with Osibisa and put a gig on there in 1983- the Residents from the states, with a 250 page contract to sign with the threat of million dollar lawsuits if we didnt follow the riders to the letter. They turned up late and couldnt eat the lovely food we had a chef prepare for them. Spent alot of the time talking to a guy who looked like Brains – he had the first emulator that he had invented and had to service it every gig

    Reply
    • jilly says:

      April 14, 2014 at 12:52

      Clive, and wasn’t the rumour, ha ha….that they were famous musicians, in disguise, due to contractual issues, had to remain, covered in “silly” eyeballs!!! Still have a T shirt from the gig….Yeah, they were a bit “Diva like” was hair pulling times weeks before the gig, and Wurz didn’t have much to pull!!!!

      Reply
47. Bob brechin says:

    August 26, 2013 at 23:00

    I was at the 1964 American Blues concert in the Town Hall when I was studying Product Design at Aston Uni. What really stood out was the set by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee. I seem to remember that Buddy Guy was also playing, or that may have been another concert around the same period. I went to see Buddy at that Symphony Hall a few years ago which was phenomenal.

    Reply
48. dave elliott says:

    September 9, 2013 at 13:21

    thanks Judy…great to hear Rod’s still going strong
    Did Man play BTH ?…i saw either them or Iceberg , defo remember Deke Leonard ended up on stage together with about 12 other guitarists doing Spunk Rock….old age and acid eh !!!

    Reply
49. Chris Price says:

    October 31, 2013 at 18:12

    Went to loads and loads of great Gigs at BTH in the seventies, missed quite a few too stuck downstairs in the Bar, but the Gigs I’ve still got ticket stubs for are………
    Bad Company, Tuesday 9th Aprill 74. £1.00.
    Manfred Manns Eartband supported by Jackie Lynton. Tuesday 22nd October 74. 75p.
    Greenslade. Thursday 8th May.75. £1.00.
    Nathareth. Sunday 18th May 75. £1.25.
    Kraftwerk. Wednesday 10th September 75. £1.25. have to confess that this was one of the rare times I walked out before the end. Not my cuppa tea at all.
    Tangerine Dream. Sunday 12th October 75. £160.
    Caravan. Monday 1st December 75. £1.00.
    Thin Lizzy. Monday 15th March. £1.65.
    John Martyn. Sunday 27th February 77. £1.35 & Monday 28 November. 77. £2.00.
    Other Bands I saw but no ticket stubs so can’t be sure of the dates………….
    Ten Years After. Lindisfarne. PFM. Yes. Barclay James Harvest. Gong. Steve Hillage. Gentle Giant, [they spotted the place was on fire just as they were leaving.] Hatfield and the North. Roy Harper. Procol Harum. [seem to remember a streaker at this one, don’t think the Band was too chuffed about it.]
    I’ve always regarded the BTH as just about the best venue in Brum and loved it there, didn’t matter where you sat you had a great view, sat behind one of the pillars being the exeption of course. Good to know its had a referb and is open again.

    Reply
50. John Horwood says:

    November 12, 2013 at 16:42

    Looking back at the gig list for around 1971, I can’t believe just how many high quality acts were there around that time. If it were now, I think I’d be there every other day (bank account allowing!). I particularly remember the VdG/Lindisfarne/Genesis “six-bob tour” gig on 25th Jan. Peter Gabriel in full flower costume amongst others. Happy days.

    Reply
51. Ray Pinfold says:

    November 30, 2013 at 17:22

    Great memories of the aforementioned concerts, bot does anyone remember ‘The Penny Concert’? Must have been early 70’s on a Saturday afternoon. Several new bands on tour, but can’t remember any names.
    Also every Wednesday lunchtime an organ recital by a guy I think was called George Thalben Ball. Used to go to eat our sandwiches when we were wagging school, knew we’d never get spotted in there !!

    Reply
52. malcolm evans says:

    February 5, 2014 at 20:28

    i remember a lot of these gigs but i remember back street crawler mott the hoople and babe ruth with stuart copeland the police and got back stage for a party oooooh what a night

    Reply
53. phil hatton says:

    February 13, 2014 at 11:07

    What group was about to perform at bth on thurs 21st nov 1974 when the b’ham pub bombings occurred and the performance. Had to be cancelled

    Reply
    • Jez Collins says:

      February 13, 2014 at 11:34

      Hi Phil,

      Just replying to your question about the band that were playing on the night of the pub bombing in Birmingham. They were called Man and it seems they may return to the city to complete the gig!

      http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/original-line-up-welsh-rockers-6686715

      regards

      Jez

      Reply
      • Debbie Baldwin says:

        May 1, 2014 at 00:01

        On the night of the Birmingham Bombings, 21 November 1974 I was at the Town Hall at a CBSO concert and I remember hearing the first bomb go off.
        An announcement was made that there had been an incident in New Street
        and that we should avoid that as we travelled home. I should have go on a
        33 Bus to Kingstanding but that wasnt possible. Thankfully my Music teacher was
        also there that evening and gave me a lift home.
        A group called Man were definitely never on the programme for the Town Hall
        because being a Thursday, it was always a classicla concert given by the CBSO.

      • Chris Dommett says:

        June 11, 2018 at 11:26

        I played support to Man at the Montgomery Festival 2 in the 80s and they were playing at a club in Tenby when I was camping in 1969.

        They were a Welsh Band and very good as I recall

54. Peter says:

    February 20, 2014 at 10:31

    One week in June 73 I went to see three gigs:
    20th. Mahavishnu Orchestra
    22nd. Bowie
    23rd Fairport Convention

    What an amazing week, though can’t but help feeling that a student would be hard pushed to afford 3 such concerts in a week now

    Reply
55. Andy Blizzard says:

    February 21, 2014 at 23:28

    Thank you, thank you to all who have contributed to this site. It has brought wonderful memories back to all the truly great bands that appeared at the Town Hall, particularly for my period early 70’s. There was a crowd of us from Turves Green Boys and later Bournville Art College, who regularly attended some outstanding performances (c.1971 – 1976), including my first gig ELO, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, Humble Pie supported by Peter Frampton, Deep Purple, Groundhogs + Stray & Gentle Giant, Focus, Mahavishnu, Shakti, BB King, Arthur Brown’s Kingdom Come, Daryl Ways Wolf (helped the Roadies on that one), and many, many more – unfortunately I binned my tickets many years ago and have come to regret it ever since, but thanks to some of you who have saved them! My memory is also a bit vague on dates and some of the other bands. Saw Zeppelin and ELP at Odeon and Zappa at Odeon I think, late 70’s. As my brain cells have been activated, I’ll add more information as and when it comes!

    Reply
56. Bernard Kay says:

    March 15, 2014 at 15:16

    Where do start this shopping list? I recall the following: Ravi Shankar (thrice), Simon and Garfunkel (thrice), Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Ten Years After, Jethro Tull, The Mothers Of Invention (both shows), The Incredible String Band, Ultravox, Eddie and The Hotrods, Ian Dury and The Blockheads, Dr Feelgood, Elvis Costello, Wreckless Eric, Tom Rush, BB King, Tom Paxton, The Kursaal Flyers, Chilli Willie and The Red Hot Peppers, Son House, Skip James, David Bowie, Paul Jones, The Ian Campbell Folk Group, Little Walter, T-Bone Walker, The Who, The Flowerpot Men, Art, Love Sculpture, Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance…and many more who are beyond recall just now.

    Reply
57. David Crowther says:

    September 6, 2014 at 10:03

    The first show I saw there was the Mothers of Invention. I had to leave school early to get the train from Nottingham. Next I saw Derek & the Dominoes in a gig organised to Aston University Students Union

    Reply
58. Fred says:

    October 3, 2014 at 18:43

    Wow, what memory jerkers those tickets are … I was at quite a few of those travelling down from Loughborough Uni on a regular basis. I just can’t believe the prices of the tickets.

    Reply
59. alan charman says:

    October 17, 2014 at 23:04

    saw bobby vee here in i think it was 1964.also on the bill was tony jackson and the vibrations. cant remember the rest of the acts.

    Reply
60. derek says:

    November 28, 2014 at 08:34

    What year did miles davis appear at the town hall ?

    Reply
61. Julia Jones says:

    March 12, 2015 at 18:46

    First gig I went to was with my older brother in 1964 to see Sonny Terry and Brownie MacGhee… fabulous evening’s entertainment. Outside was cold and wet, but inside the atmosphere was thrilling. The info on this site brought back really vivid memories. Thank you!

    Reply
62. Andy Tyacke says:

    June 26, 2015 at 14:36

    I went to a Little Richard gig in Birmingham in 1963 or 64. I think it was at the Town Hall but I can’t remember. It was certainly the greatest performance I have ever seen – and I’ve been to lots!
    Does anyone have any information about this gig, please?

    Reply
63. Ray Hopcraft says:

    December 16, 2015 at 16:54

    Went to see the Beatles 4th June 1963. They were on the bill with Roy Orbison. It had been my 13th Birthday on June 2nd and my brother had bought me a ticket as my birthday present. He got it from Lewis’s store in Bull street. It was a 10 shillings and 6 pence ticket (the top price) and my seat was a single seat on the last (top) row. I have been back to the Town Hall fairly recently to see Tommy Emmanuel but I think the seating is totally different now. Also in the downstairs bar there are lots of pictures of artists who have played there e.g Cliff and the shadows but I didn’t see any of the Beatles.

    Reply
64. peter butler says:

    January 5, 2016 at 16:23

    The list of gigs brings it all back! I was at some of those….We would always go for the orchestra Gallery, it was cheap and the view was fantastic. A real Performers- eye view. Plus we got to be so close if we got in the front row. I saw Genesis supporting Van der graaf and Queen supporting, i think Mott the Hoople.
    Just fantastic times. Live Music is just a rip off now. I was Lez Zepp at the Odeon in arounf ’75 for 1 Pound…I still have the ticket stub.

    Reply
    • peter butler says:

      January 7, 2016 at 15:32

      One of my big regrets of all time was not getting to play there. We did come Close though, one afternoon a got a call to ask is i was free that evening, it was our Manager.
      Ted Nugent was playing that night and their support had dropped out, did we want to Play ?!!! well we got our gear in the van PDQ and went to the hallowed back doors. We got our gear in and spent the next 2 hours or so waiting under the stage while very large Texan Roadies went to and fro, eventually one of them said they had decided not to bother as there was’ntt enough space on the stage !!!
      I dont know why but we jsut left, we didnt stay for the gig. We spent a very dispondent evening in the Swan in Erdington to drown our sorrows.

      Reply
65. ken williams says:

    January 25, 2016 at 23:57

    went to the tryansauras rex & david bowie gig,saw john mayall 3 times .ground hogs.gentle giant,can, gong, ravi shankar,before that i seen to rember in the late 60’s they did some 1 penny concerts which i went to,also sounds or the 60’s,the who tremoles, marmarlade, animals the herd, the traffic, peter & gordon, dave dee dozy beaky mick & tich, the hollies,pinkertons assorted colours barry mcqire,hedgehoopers anonyamus, batcholars and a few more

    Reply
66. John Morrow says:

    January 27, 2016 at 16:15

    Great memories of the Town Hall. Performed there in the mid-50s as part of the combined Birmingham Primary Schools Choir – kids from all over the city in one huge choir. Saw The Beatles and Manfred Mann but best nights were the all-nighters in late 65/early66 seeing Spencer Davis Group (Steve Winwood singing Georgia at 3 in the morning!!), Chris Farlowe, Steampacket (Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll and Brain Auger) and John Mayall’s Blues Breakers (EricClapton !!) amongst many others

    Reply
67. Alan Redman says:

    April 18, 2016 at 17:22

    At the Town Hall on certain Monday nights in the early seventies you could pay 1d and sit anywhere and watch 4/5 local groups play live. Can anyone confirm this as my family / friends now think I’ve fabricated it. Cheers

    Reply
68. Geoff Leonard says:

    October 13, 2016 at 08:59

    Hi,

    This is sort of on-topic! I’m writing a book on the history of The John Barry Seven, and one story told by a band member involves a Students Rag Ball at Birmingham Town Hall, probably in February 1965. He says the JB7 were joined on the bill by The Spencer Davis Group & Tom Jones. Jones was clearly unhappy to be there, having just scored a number one record with “It’s Not Unusual”, and was badly received by the student audience, who even threw toilet rolls at him.

    I’m not suggesting the story is untrue, but I’m hoping to get some kind of confirmation that there *was* such a gig at BTH in February of ’65.

    The timing is key because the story-teller played in other bands so I want to ensure it’s relevant to my book!

    I thought maybe Nick Warburton, your Spencer Davis expert, could help?

    Cheers

    Reply
    • marina johnson says:

      October 24, 2016 at 18:25

      Geoff I went to a gig where Tom Jones was second act and we all only wanted to see Spencer Davis Group, but it was at Aston University. Tom Jones was booed and he was not happy! Not sure about the toilet rolls, but my friend’s got a better memory than me ~ will ask her. As far as I know JB7 were not on the bill at this venue so maybe the stories have merged.

      Reply
69. Pete Loo says:

    February 3, 2017 at 12:17

    I attended gigs by Budgie,fanny and supertramp,anyone else remember these?

    Reply
70. Glenn Armstrong says:

    October 24, 2017 at 11:48

    I saw john mayall there in 1969 and went to see him in Llandudno last week. 48 years later. Still singing the blues.

    Reply
71. Andy Everett says:

    March 15, 2018 at 13:12

    The 13th November 1970 Fotheringay concert featured the support act “The Humblebums” AKA Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty.

    Reply
72. Andy Everett says:

    April 13, 2018 at 15:23

    I was also at the November 1967 concert, I remember it being on the 5th. I also remember an opening group making it 6 in total and I believe it was Tomorrow which featured Keith West and Steve Howe.

    Reply
73. Dave Walker says:

    July 13, 2018 at 15:54

    January 1970 was a particularly good month. Saw Ginger Baker’s Airforce on Monday 12th (with Denny Laine singing ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’. And Canned Heat (with I think Harvey Mandel on lead guitar)& Renaissance(with Keith Relf & his sister Jane on vocals)two weeks later on the 26th.
    Also managed to fit in Soft Machine at Mothers on the 11th, & Principal Edwards Magic Theatre at Lanchester Arts Festival, Coventry on the 25th (with Ron Geesin, Ivor Cutler & the ubiquitous John Peel)

    Reply
74. Martin Thomas says:

    December 27, 2018 at 03:08

    Dear Archivist
    I have found a Birmingham Town Hall Centenary Performance booklet from 1946 “Elijah” (Mendelssohn) it’s in good condition and give good detail of the event.

    Do you have this copy already? if not would you like me to send it to you as a gift for your collection if you keep one?

    Martin

    Reply
75. Andy Mitchell says:

    January 30, 2019 at 07:48

    Hi, Does anyone recall John Miles with Roy Wood and I believe Ruby Turner in about 1981 – I am sure Ruby was there but cant find any confirmation. I think it was a warm up for John before going on tour “proper”. £1.50 and a top night out

    Reply
76. trevor pearson says:

    March 29, 2019 at 19:49

    does anyone remember the rolling stones gig early sixties

    Reply

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