Gas Street
The Opposite Lock Club, was on the towpath
in Gas Street basin.
Access to the club was from Gas Street, through a short alleyway, where you tuned left, onto the canal towpath.
Exit was a bit more precarious, as after a few pints, you had to ensure, you didn’t fall into the canal.
It’s hard to say, how many lost souls took that way out!
The club was owned and run by man named Martin Hone. He was born and bred in Birmingham.
He was in the carpet business and then he pursued his interest in motor racing.
He drove Porsches around Europe’s various road circuits. He has experience in racing during his eight year career
including class wins at the Autosport Championship in 1965 and 1966.
It helped him to provide an extensive knowledge in the background of motor sport.
Then the inevitable came when a member of the city council called him to invite him to a meeting
to meet various councillors and people who were planning to move Birmingham forward from its reputation as a drab, dark and run-down city into a resurgent and exciting city.
To Martin Hone as his enthusiasm encouraged him to propose something that would frighten the council members he said:
‘As a city internationally famous for the manufacture of cars, but with not many firsts to our name, how about I organise the first-ever street race in Britain?’
He oozed determination and enthusiasm as he converted a run-down warehouse into a nightspot,
the Opposite Lock Club in 1966.
……..
It quickly rose to become one of Birmingham’s premier nightspots. He contributed a lot of hard work and made publicity
to make it a success for himself. Also it promoted international jazz, international motorsport and food.
The resident singer was
Compiled by Keith Law
Our aim to build a complete list of gigs at the Opposite Lock. Here’s a start but we need your help!
Principal Edwards Magic Theatre 02/08/68
Locomotive, Bakerloo Blues Band, Tea & Symphony, Earth 30/01/70
There Are Currently 168 Comments for this Post
Not sure of the years , but
1. The Pedlars
2. Tubby Hayes and his Band
A little something currently being built to look at the Club and its artists as it is the 50th anniversary this year.
Would love to hear from anyone that would like to contribute and maybe have some photos etc
Stephen
I went to the Opposite Lock in early 1975. The Birmingham pub bombings had been the year before and there was a bomb threat. We were all evacuated onto the canal path whilst the club was searched.
Pedlars
Tubby Hayes
I am restoring a 1966 Lotus Elan race car that Martin Hone raced in 1966 with Peter Mould of MEFCO Racing. Do you know if Martin Hone is still alive? I would be keen to track him down as I am also planning on writing a book on the Elan in question.
Cheers
Andrew
Australia
Hi.. You may or not get this, my uncle martin is very alive and well,I’m doing a little research as I am a painter and going back to my routes of birmingham and came across this.. You can email me. Clairehone@live.co.uk . All the best .
Dear Claire
I had my 21st birthday at the Opposite Lock Club and we used to go there every Thursday and weekends from what I remember. I am now 54 ! I don’t know where the time has gone ! I trained at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1981 to 1984 and we all used to go to the Opposite Lock all the time. I then came to London to work in the West End in London.
I really miss those days and The Opposite Lock was a great place to go to. It played a lot of Motown music which I loved and i stiill love Motown to this day.
We actually used to live round the corner from Martins mum and dad as they lived on Stratford Rd Hall Green. We lived in Staplehurst Rd at No 10 which was the first house on the left next to the block of flats. The Opposite Lock was a great time in my life, it was a great club which had good music and it was also very cosy inside with all the nice armchairs and the layout was great on the different levels. Hope your uncle Martin is well.
Regards, Phil Hawkeswood
Hi Claire my dad frankie Lee worked with Martin I have a few photos of the lock if you would like to see them please email me. Mark.francis73@hotmail.com
Hello, I have just read your e-mail post and the reply from my lovely very talented artist cousin Claire Hone. I can confirm that my father Martin is well and very much alive!!! He re-lives his days at the Opposite Lock and the Engine House all the time and no matter how much I play the music full blast on my stereo it is not the same……..I’m sure he would love to hear from you….
Please get in touch..
kind regards
Daisy Hone
Martin was a couple of years junior to me at Yardley Grammer School in Birmingham. He was a great character at school and nearly got himself expelled for telling risque jokes at a parents evening at school. He had won a talent contest at Butlins Holiday Camp or something. I remember probably in 1954 going in to Broad St to an Italian coffee shop which made expresso coffee with my girl friend and Martin and his girl and we talked about livening B’ham up, this led to The Opposite Lock Club. I used to see him occasionally in Solihull and the last time I saw him was at a carol concert at the Symphony hall probably 20 years ago. He told me he had a pad in France and was going out their to write his autobiography. Toady I thought I’d look him up.. I would love to catch up with him and chew the far. Cheers Keith
Just realised its April Fools day, no I am not a hoax, I always remember him for the cartoons he used to paint on his dads carpet shop windows at Stechford and Robin Hood island, Shirley
Hello Sarah, I don’t know if you remember me but I am Tina, Michael and June Sedgwick’s daughter. Please could you email me tinaendall@gmail.com xx My parents ran the engine house and we’re friends of your parents for many years .
Hello Daisy
I’ve just read this post and don’t know how things are with you (and Martin) these days but hope you are well.
I went to the ‘Lock’ a few times but it was at the Factory that I spent most of my weekends. I am at present writing a memoir of Birminham the late 60s and would be grateful if you would ask Martin if I could have his memories of the club. I saw lots of great bands and had many friends at the Factory. I was just my kind of place and a golden time in my life. Anything, pictures, anecdotes, anything would be fab and what I write I will send to you.
I close in the hope you see this and wish all the best.
Sean
The meaning of MEFCO?
“Martin Expects Full COoperation” !!!!
Is Peter Mould still around? I recall he very kindly gave me a lift back to Brum from Brands Hatch. I had cadged a lift down there with a friend but he was staying down in London. Martin and Peter were racing the Porsche 904 and Peter took pity on me and I came back in his road-going Porsche 912.
I worked part time as a glass collector at the Opposite Lock from 1966 -1970/71 and knew Martin Hone quite well. I’m pretty certain he’s still alive because I ran into him a couple of years ago in Solihull. Surprisingly he hadn’t changed that much. I had a personal experience of his driving skills one night at the Opposite Lock when a beer crate I was stacking at the time fell back and gashed my head. Martin took me to the local accident and emergency in as stage 3 Mini Cooper ‘S’ that he owned at the time and drove it like we were in a rally!!
Hi just browsing and found your note. I would be gratefull if you have any info on mefco facing as my father PeterMould has passed away and I have very little info on this. I do however have a period painting of the elan, and lots of others, c,d and e type, I could send photo of elan if of interest.
if you do have time and any info I would bee gratefull to receive it.
John
John – long time no hear from you, although I have e-mailed Sarah in the last couple of years. Now living in Australia but I do get back to UK occasionally
To John Mould,
would it be possible for you to email me as I would like to make contact. I am writing a book about the racing driver Ken Miles and he was friend of your fathers. I would just like to ask some questions relating to their friendship please.
Paul House
John
I would very much like to get in touch with you as I’d like to find out if you have any photos of a Lotus sports car that I believe your father owned. You can contact me on michaeloliver’at’ntlworld’dot’com, replacing the ‘at’ with @ and the ‘dot’ with . if you see what I mean (don’t want to get lots of spam by putting my email on a public forum so that bots can steal it!!!
Thanks
Michael Oliver
Hello John, my father was Bob Mould, a cousin of your fathers’ who ran H.Mould Ltd in Dudley Rd, Smethwick. I remember meeting your parents at their flat in Edgbaston many years ago. I didn’t know about his racing days and would like to know more Why did he give up ? I think my father kept in touch with him, but I’m afraid that my parents are both dead now, perhaps you could get in touch sometime ? I t would be nice to have some photos of Peter in his racing days, anyway please get in touch as I have done quite a lot research on our family tree.
All the best,
Rosemary
Andrew – I’m Peter Mould’s godson and living in Canberra, Australia. Any chance of seeing the Elan you are restoring?
Hi only just seen this. My cousin Jeff Edmonds raced Elans about that time and was very successful. I knew Martin quite well but have not seen him for some time all the best from Malcolm.
Hi Andrew
Martin is still very much with us. I met him and his wife last Friday night in Angouleme, France, at a historic Race Meeting and we dined together that night.
Best of luck with your Elan project.
Regards
David
Hi I’m sorry this is nearly 10 years late, but I’m Martin’s grandson, but I can very much say that he’s still alive and kicking and I’m sure he’d love to answer any questions if you still have any about the Lotus Elan in question. I’m not sure if you’ve already spoken to him or not, but he still has a passion for motorsport as I watch the grand prix with him every weekend.
Cheers
Eddie
Hi Eddie. Like you I came across this post recently and would like to pass on my best to your Grandad. I was DJ at The Opposite Lock from the mid seventies 9working for Frankie Lee) and also at The Engine House. My favourite night was Wednesday’s when we had ‘Double Disco Night’ with me upstairs and Andy Bradley downstairs. My wife Dawn and I got married in 1978 and Martin and Ian generously paid for our reception in Martins Room. Let him know that we are still together and when we celebrated our 40th a few years ago we had a photo taken outside the door of the old club with a poster of us from 1978 behind us!! if you let me have your email address I will forward it to you. Best wishes to all your family. Shaun Price (I was Shaun Bryce in those days!)
marion motgomery was a regular jazz singer in the 60s.johnny patrick of tiswas fame was resident pianist withhis jazz combo.The late Max Wall with whom Martin Hone had a long friendship also appeared at the Lock when his career was in decline.The resident D J was Captain Crazy.
My goodness – a step back to the wonderful days of “The Lock” which I remember with great affecton – Martin’s humour; great music; candle lit bistro; motor sport. What a mix. It was great to be a part of it at a time when I was running Motor Sport Press Services. Delighted to hear Martin is stil around and kicking.
I’m sure I recall seeing Count Basie there.
I remember Martin, his beard and enthusiasm very well. He auditioned the
folk group that I played in,The Everglades, after seeing us perform in Redditch.
We got the gig and many others afterwards as a result of appearing at ”The Lock”
We had a lot to thank Martin for !
David Moss
I used to go there quite a lot in the early 80s, but too be honest was always a bit too wobbly to remember any band names – mostly DJs in different rooms I seem to remember – main entrance room with a staircase to one side leading to varying other rooms/music – always great fun hough 😉
I used to visit the Opposite Lock with Martin Hone’s cousin, Maurice (Moz) Adshead. We were both in the Royal Navy in the late 1960’s and would hitch up to Birmingham from Weymouth on weekends.
I remember a Porsche racing car being inside the entrance.
We saw Roland Kirk there and also The Freddy Mac Extravaganza. I can’t remember other performers. I believe the Opposite Lock was renamed The Factory or vice versa!
Maurice and I lost touch until about three years ago when we met in Bideford, North Devon near where I live in Torrington.
He is coming to stay for a few days in May. We have much ground to cover. Sadly he has been diagnosed with memory loss. He is in the early stages so hopefully with medication it might be slowed down. I’m looking forward to spending time with Maurice. He was a great influence on me musically. We loved soul music. He was a great admirer of the ‘Philly Sound’ along with Atlantic, Tamla Motown etc.
Great times for the music!
Club was what would have been considered today to be a bit of a dive. I remember it being raided a number of times and the guy who ran it, Ian Hone being carted away by the law. I can’t say I miss it…. The whole area is LOADS better now!
You are a sad person not to have fond memories of the Opposite Lock.
All things move on (hopefully to be better ).
Keep your comments to yourself.
Thinking about it, a bit later on I remembered that Hawkwind of all people did a song inspired by the venue “Oppa Locka” which was dedicated to the club (so the rumour goes), and not dedicated to a similar sounding place in Florida USA. There is also a band on the blues festival circuit – Grease Sisters or Sisters of Grease(?) who I’m sure I saw play a number about an Opposite Lock. Certainly my memory was jogged somewhere last summer.
I have fond memories of the Opposite Lock-I went there with my girl friend (now my wife) when it first opened-we had a meal in the Bistro. We went back today-june 25 12 but it’s just a scruffy archway! Perhaps it’s best to remember it as it was.
we
I remember seeing the wondrous Blossom Dearie at the Lock. Martin called her back for the second set only for her to reappear with a mouthful of sandwich and a plate in her hand. I think he was a bit previous, but she didn’t mind at all. The gig was brilliant and I particularly remembered the upright bass player she had – s Scotsman who’s name I never got but who chatted to me in a very friendly way at the bar during the interval. I wondered what he had on the music stand in front of him as his playing was so good. He said most of the scores were just chord sequences, the notes were all his own and so good they were too. Happy days!
The bass player was probably Ron Matthewson. I saw him do the first set at a Jazz Centre Society gig in Covent Garden around 1973 plus or minus, when he had to leave at half time to go to Ronnie’s.
Bands – I saw Buddy Rich (very load, with loads of amps in that room – I walked back to Edgbaston with my ears whistling – in (I’m guessing) around 1970. BR thanked MH for the steak he’d had. MH – “You haven’t had the bill yet”! MH said how great the band was. BR – “You haven’t had the bill yet”!
There was also another great big band, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. This was in 1972. I know that because the original date was cancelled because the US State Department wanted the band to do a tour of the USSR, and we all got re-booked tickets for a few weeks later (at a reduction).
Ian
I was playing trumpet in the Norman Dovey Band when Buddy Rich and a few of his musicians (who had been performing at the Town Hall earlier) came into the club,and Buddy sat in with the band,what a thrill that was.I was standing right next to him as we played,and afterwards he very kindly said “Do you want to come on the road”.I will always remember that night,a pity no-one took any photos,as few people believe it actually happened.
Well done Martin for promoting so much good music.
I always remember arriving at the Lock, but had difficulty in remembering leaving, when we left we always headed to the TO ROPE on broad street, I am glad to hear that Martin is well
Kind Regards Keith Hinton
Hi my father Brian Hartshorn played trumpet for the Norman Dovey band in the early 60s. would love to hear from anyone who might remember him
Hi, Norman Dovey was my father and I remember yours playing in the band. I have a photo of the band which includes your Dad.
Blossom Dearie – wow. And Mike Dodman is right about Basie who I sat next to alonside his piano! And I think my ears still hurt from seing the Buddy Rich band there – shoe-horned in.
And anoher one (!) – via wife jennie – who remembers Mike Carr and Tony Crombie – organ and drums.
I have only the fondest mempries of the opposite lock and Martin, I was young and worked for HAmmond Organ. He had a resident band called Graham Tyson Trio. Graham Tyson played a Hammond Organ. I worked with a guy called Mike Phillips going around the clubs in Brum.like Dolce vita,Rumrunner Cavendish and i think it was called cinderellas?
Out of all the clubs i worked in The opposite Lock was the premier club. And MArtin was the very best of hosts…Thank You Martin I am and was very proud to have known you.
I remember Graham Tyson, who played Hammond organ at the Lock and we were very close friends. Sadly Graham is no longer with us but I wonder if Mike Phillips, who worked with the Peddler s, is still around. Mike was working in Graham’s Hammond organ studio in Knowle in the late 60’s / early 70’s
Sorry to hear about Graham.. he was a great guy. I was an apprentice to Mike Phillips and the last i heard he had a recording studio in Canada.The memories of Hammond organ studios are great for me I had free entry to all the brum nightclubs sorting and tuning the hamond organs. Met some great people, Just thought i would mention that Roy Phillis from the pedlers lives in NZ.
cheers
Hi Tony.
I worked with Graham both at Knowle and in Birmingham. Very sad to hear he is no longer with us. I don’t recall anyone called Mike Phillips working with the peddlers but Roy Phillips is still very active living in NewZealand I am in contact with him, mainly because I flew the Peddlers to Spain when they had a few days off.
Yes still alive! And yes living in Toronto after traveling the world working with major rock bands. Still working, have built and managed fm radio station here.
Now involved with 5 net radio station with my partner (www.radioarcadia. Com) you can find the others from there! I played a pedlars track a few weeks ago that had Graham Tyson playing an N200 Hammond as a string backing for Roy
Would love to find some recordings of Graham Tyson dont care what he was playing
I worked with Graham at Smallwood Pianos before he formed Hammond Organ Studios .. I bought my Hammond M from him and had it split by Mike Phillips. Years later I worked at Yamaha Studios.
Does anybody remeber “The Factory” which was part of the Opposite Lock complex in Gas Street? It was advertised in the Birmingham Evening Mail as “Sat is Factory Night”. I saw East of Eden there in 1969 at a rather poorly attended show.
I was a member at the ‘lock’ for many years and frequented the factory as well. Both great places with fantastic atmosphere.
We even got a car sticker from Martin show a race car with the opposite lock logo in black and white, happy days.
I remember the factory very well. Used to go there on a regular basis. At least you didn’t have to negotiate the canal to get in as the entrance was in Gas Street. I remember seeing a recording of Jazz Club with Humphrey Littleton for BBC. Saw a band called Pete Brown and his battered Ornaments. Martin Hone asked me what I thought. I told him they were rubbish, but he liked them.
I saw many brilliant artists at The Factory including Chris Farlow, Tim Rose and the guy who used to sing I get by with a little help from my friends (can’t remember his name but he had a powerful voice.
I remember the Factory very well and indeed was a regular there. I saw Free, the Gun, Hardin and York, Trapeze, Elmer Gantry and the Velvet Opera, East of Eden and lots of others. I met a girl there, Pat Waring from Packington Avenue, to this day I love her still. I wonder where she is. Curioiusly, when I lived up the road, I never went there. the weekend I moved to Kitts Green, I went virtually every night. Sean. Anyone out there who has a memory of the place please leave a message.
It’s hard to find anyone who remembers The Factory I sometimes think I must have dreamed I went there in the late 60s and maybe early 70s, it’s a bit vague. I loved it there I think we went Friday and Saturday nightsand at the end of each night there was a guy called Laurence, he was skinny with long hair and he used to dance as Mick Jagger at the end of the night. Then we all went to the Tow Rope across Broad St before catching the night bus home. They were very happy days indeed.
Hello Carol
I loved the Factory in fact going there one night cost me my job. I had been working at Triplex in Kings Norton on a special job and had to be there 8 ’til’ 8, 7 days a week thus my social life was shredded. So one day I decided sod it I’m going and I’ll go straight to work in the morning. Bad idea but one of the best things I have ever done and it changed my life. Never again would I be a slave to the greed of a company and I never was. Oh for a time machine and every Saturday I would be back there. I don’t give a toss if that’s sad.
All the best. PS, what do you rmember about the place, what bands did you see?
Sean
great to know so many people remember the lock, i was one of the late night djs there back in the late 1960s, and knew martin very well, in fact when i was on radio one i interviewed him about bringing racing cars to the streets of brum, we use to start playing records from up in the eves of the gas street building from about midnight and rocked on to 2am, the lock always had a good following and i met many of the jazz stars, i think we had a great night when the pedlers were playing, but martin also booked max wall!, he was still funny even though he was getting on a bit, the lock will always be a good memory for me met lots of top names who dropped in from time to time, i seem to remember the cast of crossroads were always popping in for a late night drink. Now how many remember radio one dj rosko he was a good friend of mine and recorded a disc called do the opposite lock, it was on plydor i still have a copy does anyone else?, lots of good times there, roger harris was also a dj there he did weekends while i was on weeknights. Later martin took over the building next door and called it ther factory club i also jockeds there as well, oine night we had joe cocker playing and also the birmingham band the move, the factory was a more underground type of club when it opened then moved main stream, if i can remember more i will email again, finally as martin use to introduce me… from the big box on top heres peter york,, {peter york)
Gosh – nice to discover this site with memories of the Opposite Lock and Brum. I was actually looking for the Slade at Bham Town Hall as I was there! We had many happy Friday nights (mostly) in the Lock despite being very young and poor – dancing around our handbags. I wish I could remember more about the bands appearing there but was probably afflicted by too many dry martinis! I do remember Peter York very well. And I also remember a certain friend of ours deciding to take a late night swim in the canal after leaving the Lock in the early hours ending up with a broken arm in A&E!
hey peter york
i got that copy do the opposite lock by emperor rosko.
my brother greg taft was a fixture there in the sixties and seventies
he went so often
In response to Peter York, yes I also have a copy of Roskos record – be the first on one your block to take a trip to the Opposite Lock. It took the bbc a while to realise it was advertising on his Saturday Show. I also was a late night jock at the lock and recall that we had some real party nights encouraging the folks on the dance floor with tambourines. Anyone remember how we used to clear the floor at 2.00 with loud racing car music another one of Martins Ideas. I think we all learnt something from him. Any news of the other dj,s our man Harris and Frankie Lee KTV
I remember you Peter. I was one of the Miss Selfridge girls involved in the Fashion Shows at The Opposite Lock. Martin was a great guy. Fun times!
What a shame I can’t post some photos on here.
I am desperate to get hold of any pictures from the opposite lock or the Factory as i am working on a site for and with Martin as we enter the 50 year anniversary. I would love to hear from you.
I have some good memories of this club. In the late 1960’s and early 70’s I was at the Theatre School on Broad st. We finished late, so not much time to go to a local pub. I went to the Lock most weeks, taking clothes to change into in the Ladies.I used to do a lot of disco dancing then, usually early, as the floor filled up later on. A lot of the Birmingham Mail hacks used to go there.Happy days.
I also remember the road races round Birmingham-full marks for Martin Hone doing what others said was impossible!
I worked for Night Life newspaper in the 1970 s and Martin hone at the Lock was a regular advertiser . We used to meet At his house and he was always excellent company…a big supporter of the city’s night scene . I knew Peter York and also Nicky Steele great DJ s and real characters. Birmingham had a great night scene in those days .fabulous. Memories
Hiya, my sister Pat & boyfriend (husband) Tony Ward worked at the Lock, Cloakroom & General Manager. I done a few weeks collecting glasses in a orange polo neck uniform, so hot. Tony would give me a ride home in his Fairlane 500 to his flat in Kings Heath, great days. I remember the joke they played on the DJ, saying there was a phone call from Radio 1. Saw Jethro Tull and The Nice at The Factory. Tony passed sometime ago but Pat still lives in the family house in Kings Heath. Strangely i worked with Martin’s son in law Paul in B’ham.
Very fond memories of nights spent at the Lock. Great atmosphere ,and music . Still see Martin occasionally around the wholesale market.what a great chap he is.
Yes happy memories at the lock never fell into the canal (Came close a couple of times)
saw Maynard Ferguson big band what a great sound, Tony crombie used to play there a fair bit with Alan Haven and Alan Price, what a fantastic drummer surrounded by equally talented musicians
didnt the mighty Led Zeppelin hold a launch party for The Song Remains The Same film there?
Yes I was called in by Frankie Lee the D.J to set up my drums which I kept under the stairs,so that J ason Bonham could play to some records.He was about 10 yrs old. Something upset John about the record that was selected and he flew up the stairs,opened the door to the DJ room(cubicle) and landed a smack on Frankie,s gob! All good fun!!
Yes – I’d forgotten I saw Alan Price too. I did enjoy his enthusiasm and energy.
How about Selena Jones? I organised a number of shows for my company BSR and hired artists through OLE Entertainments—run by Ian Hone, We used,amongst many others, Dave Lee Travis and took him to the Lock for dinner after the show ! Also remember Des O’Connor being there–drinking not singing.Was the manager,guy on the door Tony Ward ? Think the first. DJ was Our Man Harris in a booth above the dance floor,sitting area.
I remember going to Martin Hone’s ‘Opposite Lock’ club in the sixties, but only three or four times. I wish I had gone more often because there were some really good acts on. I recall seeing Marion Montgomery and, was it her husband, Laurie Holloway ? It wasn’t at all like the other nightclubs in B’ham city centre – e.g. ‘Rebeccas’, ‘The Rum Runner’, ‘Barbareller’s’ etc, which weren’t really up my street. There was also a separate club alongside the ‘Lock’ simply called ‘Martin’s Room’, or was it just an extension of the main club ? I never visited Martin Hone’s other club, somewhere in Redditch, which I believe was called ‘The Engine House’.
I’ve just finished reading a short book about the ‘Birmingham Super Prix’ which everyone remembers being staged in the city centre from 1986 until 1990. But for Martin Hone’s huge unceasing efforts for almost 20 years, in my opinion it would not even have got off the ground. I always thought that he had been treated atrociously by the City Council at the time, and this book confirmed my opinion. The book quotes one of the major motoring/racing magazines as saying in 2002…….’It was if Martin Hone had conceived and given birth to this fantastic venture, only for it to be snatched away from him at its birth’.
With a contract signed sealed and delivered with the council, the company Martin owned was to run the whole show from beginning to end over the two days of the August Bank holiday – Sunday and Monday. With all his contracts already in place for sponsors, TV rights, advertising etc, he gave cast iron gaurantees that the race would not cost the council a penny, and that he was already in profit before a single ticket had been sold for the race. Then in May after the local elections, Labour won power and the council changed hands. The book says that Martin Hone was told his contract was no more and that he would have to tender it again with other companies, who now wanted the contract for the event. Despite his appeal for fairness and reason, it appeared the new council were legally entitled to do this as any contracts signed under the old administration, could be revoked.
In the book, he is quoted as saying that he presented his business plan for over 45 minutes in front of 30 people made up of councillors, council solicitors, their senior executives, and representatives of the emergency services etc etc. Every one of these people he had seen on virtually a monthly basis for donkey’s years ! After a very impressive presentation, according to the book, he again stressed that his company was already in profit before the Super Prix had sold a single ticket.
As he came out of the meeting feeling confident, a representative from a London company went in to give his presentation for the bid. Hone said that this chap came back out in 10 minutes flat ! He then knew instinctively that he had lost the contract. He his quoted as saying……’it was like being knifed in the gut with the blade coming out the other side.’
It then transpired that labour MP Dennis Howell, the former Sports Minister in Jim Callahagn’s 1970’s cabinet, was a consultant for this London company.
The book says that serious questions were raised about this, but Howell replied that he was not involved in the commercial side of affairs of the company. Labour council, former labour minister as consultant to this company ! ! ! ????? Perhaps Martin Hone didn’t stand a chance from the start.
The rest of course is history. The council eventually reported that each Super Prix had lost money and that the citizens of Brum would pick up the tab via their community charge. After the whole thing came to an end, figures for the total loss were reported to be £2million pounds, although this was disputed by the council as incorrect. They also argued that Super Prix had brought a great amount of money into the city which it would not have normally had over an August bank holiday. Allowing for inflation, if the figure was correct, then that amount would be nearer £5million 23 years on. In 1990 after five annual races, one of the main sponsors, ‘Halfords,’ pulled out. Whether this was down to uncertainty about the future of the event might be open to speculation, but there are other factors put forward in the book besides this. Whether they were all down to this uncertainty is for the individual to decide if they read the book.
However, in my opinion, if Martin Hone had been given the contract from the very start, with his professional business acumen and proven track record as a successful entrepeneur, who knows, ‘Birmingham Super Prix’ might have developed in to something really big and world famous. It might have eventually been a ‘Formula One’ venue on the ‘Grand Prix’ list. Along with Monaco, it would have been the only other ‘Grand Prix’ venue running the race around city streets.
My brother, Keith Milner used to work at the Opposite Lock in the late 60´s before he passed away and was a friend of Nick Cavalier (, see futher up, hi Nick 🙂 ).
If anyone has more info on who used to play there at that time i´d be really interested (being the kid brother I was too young to go), great to see this being remembered !
Hi Paul just reminiscing about my time as a glass collector at the Opposite Lock (I rose to the eminent heights of head glass collector for a while) and I noticed your comments about Keith. Keith and I and of course Rod (on the door, he was big lad) and Trevor Hone all worked together at the Lock. We used to leave about 3.30/4am in the morning and more often than not used to go on to clubs like the all-night Flowerpot (a reggae club with pin ball machines), or to the Tow Rope (full of dodgy characters and ladies of the night) or we would go off to Kenilworth Castle and climb over the castle walls and wander about in the dark. For some reason we were reluctant to go home!
The Lock was an interesting mix of racing car themes – lots of bent steering wheels hanging behind the bar, live jazz music and of course all the pop music of the sixties and early 70s from midnight onwards with the resident dj Roger Harris who I got to know quite well.He always called me Nick the Greek for some reason! It was a great time to be foot loose and fancy free. The Factory next door featured all sorts of groups ( see comments above) and had those original light shows. I remember talking to Joe Cocker at the bar one night. Keith and I also used to go to the Shoop, a disco over the Golden Eagle in Hill Street which was frequented by lots of rather attractive female art students. I went out with one for a while.
Keith was great lad and a good friend and we had some wonderful times. I often think about him.
The disco over the Golden Eagle was actually called Shoop Shoop and run by two product design students called Zac and Rick who were studying at Gosta Green campus. The art college also ran dances on broad Street. I remember seeing Long John Baldrey there with a young Rod Stewart in his Band.
Such a long time Nick,, I was a friend of Keith even if has been a lifetime I still think of him and Rod. Its lovely to read all the comments.
My goodness I was just browsing and found all this information about the opposite lock. I made friends with your brother and we went out a few times he was a lovely person and his loss was felt by all who knew him.
Hi Susan, nice to hear your comments about Keith 🙂 Great re-reading all these comments about the club., must have been special times . Hope there will be more pictures available at some point
I drummed at the lock every fri & sat from around 1964 to 1975/6 .For 10 years with The Graham Tyson trio, then with “Poliphony” later with The Ray Fenton trio & finally with Johnny Killigrew. It was after our gig there in November 1978 with the Alan Warner trio,that John was killed in a car crash in the first bad ice of the winter on the way home.I still play his record ,and someone has set up a website for him.Have a listen regarding the artists that Martin booked,most came up for Tuesday evening gigs “on loan” from Ronnie Scotts” in London I,ve seen Barney Kessel;Jimmy Hendrix(the writer & jazz vocalist) Mike Murphy;Alan Carr trio with Tony Crombie on drums,Ronnie Scott;Roland Kirk(sax). ;Joe Pass,,and so many others I can,t recall offhand. However I well remember the BIG nights with THE Jimi Hendrix; big bands such as Count Basie (in the Factory next door) Maynard Ferguson,Harry James band and best of all Buddy Rich and his band for which I will be forever grateful to Martin. I could go on & on with memories but suffice to say Martin was fronting a “songs of Praise night” in Lichfield two or three months ago.I discovered this after the event,otherwise I would have loved to have met him again & remind him of the night he played tambourine with us & wore a hole in the leg of his evening suit cheers all
Hi there
This is a message for Keith Seeley, I have just seen your lovely comments on this website. John was my father, I was only 11 months old when he died in the crash on the College Road, my mum Doreen has since passed away and it would be nice to find out a bit more about him as I never knew him, but I grew up listening to his music – my personal favorite is you don’t know what you’ve got till you lose it – it is a timeless classic. Hope you see this and reply…….
Hi.I have an acetate record of Killgrew, Tyson and Seeley
called San Fransico Ship – recorded at ZEL-LA records Birmingham
If you find out this was recorded by your relative – you can have it.
From Carl. p.s. I got it from Frankie , a D.J. at the opposite lock during the 60’s
Hi Vickie. my name is Eddie (William) Killigrew. I am your dad’s cousin. I have many memories of your dad in his younger years, he lived with us for a while.
I have a couple of photographs that I’d love to share with you and lots of stories.
It would be great to hear from you.
HI Vickie,I have been away and just saw your message.Phone me on 0121 360 2352.I still live at the same address on beeches estate & regularly pass your old house in west mews off shady lane.I remember you as a baby.I last saw your sister,Bernie about 20 years ago. I will tell you a bit about John & his personality. I,ll never forget him. Give me a call before I go on hols in mid Oct…all the best keith & family
Vickie johnny was my uncle I’ve been trying to track down family for years sadly my mum (Kathleen) passed away before I could track down any anyone. Let me know if you want to email about the family
My uncle was johnny Killigrew, I have been trawling the net for years to find any information I could. I was only 3 when he died so have no memories sadly. I do have one record I managed to find for my mum (his sister Kathleen) before she passed away 4 years ago. After his death the family lost contact o think and mum used to say he was a lovely singer. I had one photograph that I gave to my grandad as he didn’t have one.
Anything you could tell me about my uncle johnny would be appreciated.
I was a DJ at Opposite Lock in 74 for about 4 months but moved back to Coventry as mother was poorly. I remember Frankie Lee well. Sand Martin too. Johnny Kiligrew and me had a few natters about music. George Kelly did a gig while I was there and we had 2 regular bands, a trio and a duo. I remember well the trio playing a knockout version of TAKE A PEBBLE, the ELP track.
I remember Keith Seely from Opposite Lock along with many others , Frankie, Eliane,Dennis and Mavis also Sherry I think her husband also worked there . I worked there in the early 70s. I remember the drummer from Wizzard Charlie ? remember seeing George Melly . There used to be a little door that you could look down on the dance floor , it may have been in the staff room . I also remember the hotel we used to go to after work for parties , it was on the Hadley Road . Happy days .
I worked in a hotel in Brum in 1969. I often visited the Opposite Lock with workmates and we often took hotel guests. ( we weren’t supposed to fraternise! )I remember the DJ up in the box and trying to mime the records you wanted playing. I still have a copy of the record! I dont remember how i got it! ” Be the first one on your block, to get with the Opposite Lock” happy days!
Living in VT, USA, and wanted to show my family what a proper club should be.
Remember The Peddlers and Blossom Dearie (perhaps on the same night?), Doris Troy, George Melly, Jimmy Witherspoon, Stephane Grappelli.
What a place!!
They don’t make ’em like that any more.
Or do they?
I worked at the lock as an under age glass collector in 71/72. The staff there were a great bunch. Unfortunately despite the fact that I worked my ass off and would be dripping with sweat Martin treated me disgracefully. He was a real tyrant with the staff but for me he would go out of his way to try and humiliate me in front of the customers. He would often make a speech to the crowd and to the point of bullying would make disparaging remarks to the crowd about me. There was no reason for this but his power trip. Sorry to negate all the lovely remarks about him, but the guy was a bully. The manager and bar manager who knew how hard I worked would always come up to me and say tek no notice kid he’s a ****!
Hello – this is a message for Eddie Killigrew.
Thank you so much for responding. I would love to get in touch, please can you email me at flowa@live.co.uk 🙂
Hello
This is a message for Carl Inglis.
Thank you so much for getting back to me – please feel free to email me at flowa@live.co.uk but I am quite sure that the record is by my dad as he recorded with Keith Seeley for many years…
Thanks again, Vickie
I used to go to the Opposite Lock club in the 60’s on Friday and Saturday nights, even though I had to work on the Saturday morning.
It was my kind of club, even though I’d tied many of the other popular clubs in Brum such as the Rum Runner and Cedar club. I did try the Factory club that Martin opened next door, but I preferred” the lock”. I remember seeing class artists such as Selena Jones, Marion Montgomery etc. Showbiz stars used to pop in and I remember one night seeing David Nixon coming in with young singer Anita Harris on his arm.
I remember Martin trying for years to get a road race in Brum, but I had left Birmingham for work reasons in 1975, but did see it on tv, well done Martin.
I only returned to Birmingham about 5 years ago to attend my sister in laws funeral and couldn’t recognise the city centre. I did drive down Broad street but couldn’t see Gas street but would imagine the area has been redeveloped like the rest of the city.
But I still have the memories.
Drummer in rock band brontasorus 70s
Hi Me again Kevin
Brontosaurus was a four piece rock band we had a gig at the Lock in 1973
There was me on drums Dave Keane on guitar (rhythm) Dave Brokenshaw (lead guitar)
and Dino on base.
What a great gig if you was there let me know
Does anybody remember a rock and roll special filmed at the lock approximatley 1976. Raymond froggat was main act.
I was looking for info on that rock’n’roll special, it had wee willie harris, the cruisers & others. ATV put it on & I got clouted by mom as she saw her 14 yr old son and budding young Ted smoking & drinking on the staircase!
Anyone remember any other bands at that one?
Humphrey Littleton played there, fantastic
Some good clubs in Brum at that time, but ‘the Lock’ was best. I was heavily into cars and racing myself at that time so I had a particular interest there. My company built and raced ‘Dragsters’ at the up and coming Santa Pod raceway. We built beach buggys as well, not quite the high powered cars of Martin, but fun!! Those were the days.
I saw ‘Hot Chocolate’ there and I think a band called ‘Rise and Shine’ had a residency there.
Yes the band Rise and Shine did play at The Opposite Lock Club most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. I was the bands drummer and a good time was had by all. We played at lot of Funk and Disco music, with the aim of having fun and creating a great atmosphere. A typical Saturday consisted of me and Phil (singer) going down the see the Villa play and getting pretty legless before getting ready for the might ahead. From about 9 p.m. we would drift through the other local night clubs and invite any lovely ladies we found to join us later the The Opposite Lock. They would get in for free and usual would end up in Martin’s room were arranged for the clubs outstanding Steak sandwiches to be supplied. We played a set from about 11.30 and another from about 1.00 a.m. Rise and Shine had two female singers and our main inspiration, in the early 70’s, were bands like Kokomo, The Average White Band and Brothers Johnson. The bands name was taken from the title of Kokomo’s second album. While playing at ‘The Lock’ the drummer Steve Palmer (Carl Palmer’s brother) would sometimes sit in for me on drums. I still play drums but no other band or venue ever came close to re-creating the classy and unique atmosphere of The Opposite Lock Club.
My husband Steve was the guitarist in rise and shine we have very happy memories of the Locke and some of the lovely people mentioned on here some sadly no longer with us.
Hi Kenneth. Very late into this post however thought I would send you a message anyway! I was the DJ at the Opposite Lock at the same time as you played there (tall, long blonde hair, glasses). Introduced you many times and can always remember your version of ‘Play that funky music’. Good times mate.
Message for Vicky Killigrew…..
I knew your father, John, from The Lock. He was a lovely man. He gave me and my friend a lift home from the club and I mislaid a credit card. He drove back next day to return it…a long journey. That was a week before his death. So kind,
Hi Annie
Sorry its taken me so long to reply, I haven’t been on this site in ages. Thank you for your message, do you have an email address I could contact you on? Thanks, Vickie
I was part of the trio @ The Tower Ballroom 1970 and because we worked for Mecca we all used to have free passes to the Lock, so when I finished at midnight it was there I went at 18 years old to get pissed, great atmosphere and happy memories.
Loved the Lock when I lived in Birmingham in the 70s! I remember Martin’s Room for the ‘more elite’ lol! Tongue in cheek I think, at least it was with me. Have often wondered if it’s still there (I live in London). It was my preferred club in Brum!
my dad was that man Frankie Lee we lost him 18 months ago he always had a good story to tell about the lock He always told me how he took my in to the lock when I was just 4 days old lol
if any one has any good stories to tell please email me at djmarcfrancis@hotmail,com I also have a lot of photos I could pass on if people would like them
Hi Mark
I worked for your Dad as a barman at the Lock… Loved the man! So sorry to hear he is no longer with us!
I was also a long-time friend of your mom ‘s family from way back when in Ireland! We lived very close to her family in Ladywood Road .
Funny how things work out?
Gerard Quirk
I remember your dad really well. I first met him at a club called the Heart Beat where he was the DJ. Always played great music. I seem to remember that he was a big Fats Domino fan. When he played him he would come out and do that great jive of his. A really good guy. Thanks for the memories Frankie
as our man harris dj from opening nite at opposite lock for 10 years.only just gone online.so shocked tohear about your dad, dear frankie agreat dj . had many good times.many stories to tell. please contact. captcrazyroger@gmail.com
Hi Mark.Late into this post however thought I would send you a message anyway. I was DJ at the Opposite Lock and I certainly do remember Frankie bringing you into the club although I think you were older than 4 days!
Hi Mark. Late into this post however thought I would send you a message anyway. I was DJ at the Opposite Lock and I certainly do remember Frankie bringing you into the club although I think you were older than 4 days! My email address is shaunprice@btconnect.com
I think I do have some photos of your Dad hidden in our loft which I will attempt to find as soon as I get chance.
I remember a couple who lived across the road from me who I think worked at the Lock, there surname was Bryant and they lived in Bartley Green, I live in Australia now so wouldn’t have a clue if anyone remembers them.
Les
I remember Ronnie Bryant…. I was a barman at the Lock in the upstairs room…. And I played football for Ronnie in One of the teams he coached….. His son played with me .
We had some great times there!
Gerard
Hello
I wonder if anyone would know were i might be able to find an opposite lock car sticker for a lovely 1966 e – type jaguar i own
If not wonder if anyone can remember the exact layout of said sticker so i could get a couple made up
Tried to remember how the sticker looked , but having trouble remembering what i had for breakfast this morning
Spent many a happy night in the opposite lock trying to persuade young ladies we were professional football players , and racing drivers ,when we were in fact local butchers from Stechford
Happy days
Martin still lives around the corner from me in Earlswood and occasionally see him in the local shop, still very lively and love chatting about the old days.
l have been to the Lock many many times with a racing driver friend of Martins ,David Prophet,he also used to have a local driver come and chat in Martins room on Thursday evenings and very funny it was too,Ah you don’t realise what you’ve got till it’s gone,happy days.
John Britton.
My Dad used to work at the opposite lock and has told me many a story. He also used to help Martin Hone with his porche.
I stumbled on this site today and it brought back so many great memories.
I used to work at Pebble Mill as a cameraman and we could get in the Lock for free by just showing our BBC ID cards!!
After some adrenalin fuelled days making great dramas such as ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, we’d get down to the Lock to unwind.
Our crazy crowd were probably a bit too noisy!!
I was looking up details for the Super Prix and Martin Hone was the leader for this for many years. I have many memories of the Opposite Lock and visited it many times both off duty and on duty I was a young Policeman in the 60’s and was often posted to walking Broad Street which included Gas Street. I think it is a bit different down that way now it would need more than one bobby on the beat.
Martin will like this update on the 1986 Super Prix start being delayed and as the Council said damage had been caused to the track by vandals implying the Police had not done there job.
The true story they had run out of nuts and bolts during the night for the Armaco crash barriers and I turned out the key holder for the company in Wednesbury and they came out with some more nuts and bolts. The course was inspected by the Race Authority and guess what they had over laid the barriers wrongly so had to undo the nuts and bolts and re lay the barriers, hence the delay.
Hello
I remember going to the opposite lock many years ago,and having a great time
I am now semi retired and collect classic motor cars.
I have a particular favorite a black 1966 E-Type jaguar, the only thing missing is the distinctive opposite lock window sticker, which would look fantastic.
If any one knows were I might get one I would be very grateful
Or if not maybe someone could remember exactly how it looked, so i could get a couple made up.
Many thanks David Noakes
Just watching a Count Basie 1960s recording on TV and remembered seeing him at Opposite Lock , so found this site. I can’t remember year, but probably late 60s. it was actually in The FActory and the band seemed a bit bemused by the size of the venue the audience were really crammed in and I was standing behind Basie and could have touched him. When the band started the sound was unbelievable- made the hairs on your neck stand on end- and I feel incredibly lucky to have been there. I also saw lots of other jazz greats there- I think Martin used the night club profits to subsidise these great gigs. Some of them I saw at the club- Marion Montgomery, SelenA Jones, Roy Budd, Peewee fRussell, Barney Kessell, The Pedlars, Blossom Dearie, Wild Bill Davidosn, Maynard Ferguson, plus others I can’t remember.
I live in Southampton now and go to another great club, The Concorde at Eastleigh, run for over 50 years by another Jazz enthusiast, Cole Matheson. Look it up if you are in the area.
Message for Vickie Killigrew and family.
Hi to those concerned. I was resident at the Opposite Lock and played drums with John Killigrew up until he went to America to record an album in Nashville. The Opposite lock gig followed on from a residency we had for quite some time at The Railway . Our musical association started when John asked me to teach him keyboards and songwriting on his nans old upright piano . As a touring pro I lost contact with John until he contacted me to ask if I would gig and record with him. I was reluctant until he invited me to his home in Cato street to meet his family and play me his songs. I was very impressed with his progress and the wonderful songs he had written and so I agreed to support him on drums and percussion. This led eventually to the Railway And Opposite Lock gigs . Fond memories of hundreds of great gigs and that will never be forgotten. A big thank to Martin for making it all possible and providing one of the best gigs in Brum.
Hi Barry
I have only just seen this message – please can you get in touch with me on my email address which is flowa@live.co.uk would be great to hear from you. When you came to the house you will have met my sisters Bernadette and Christine – I was born at the house after that in Great Barr – all piecing together memories I dont have of my father. Thanks and hope to hear from you….
I was a student at Birmingham University 1981-4. Went to the Lock twice. The leather Chesterfields I loved. In all my life I only spent 30 nights in nightclubs. The Lock was easily the best I ever visited.
My abiding memory of the Lock was a good looking woman of about 30 telling me I looked “seedy”. I ignored her, I was later a model, I always after reckoned she was making a pass at me in reality.
May 1975 Cleo Laine played at the Lock, my first date with my husband. Coming up to 40 year anniversary and I can’t remember the date! Does anyone know when she played there?.
many years and memories
as a student at Aston I remember the lock. I was a regular visitor every week for several years until the brothers moved out to another club the other side of long bridge?? (can’t remember where exactly)
The lock will always have a place in my heart where my time was spent, no always in a productive manner but with loads of fun!
I worked as a waiter in the Bistro at the back of the Lock. It was small, and quite dark with, I guess, about 8 tables. The chef was George. His day job was running the Rover canteen at Solihull. He came straight to the Lock from there, and rarely left before 2.00am. He lived in the Kenilworth Warwick area. The other waiters were all students from the Catering College, and were skilled at their job. I was less so, but contributed to the humour in the place until the girlfriend of the head waiter (Jeff Herschel, a S. African) needed a job, and Martin Hone fired me. However much to my relief he allowed me continuing free access to the Club. We waiters all wore red shirts, black trousers and shoes. One evening I was asked ‘waiter what’s this here Pate (as in ‘date’)’, and Pate thereafter was always referred to by the staff as rhyming with date. Gateau also became ‘Gate.’ I was doing a Ph.D. at Birmingham University at the time, which wasn’t really too badly affected by my nocturnal hours at The Lock. After closing at about 2.00am the place had to be fully cleaned up by the staff, normally to the strains of Astrid Gilberto. Whenever I hear ‘Girl from Ipanema’ it takes me back to the smell of the Club with the fire doors open to the canal, the stale beer, and the tobacco.
The building itself had been stables for canal barge horses.
At one time the authorities enforced the rule that it was waiter service only in the Bar, i.e. customers could not get a drink directly from staff behind the bar. Martin installed steel rails about 3 feet away from the bar, with the ‘waiters’ passing orders from customers at these rails to the bar staff, and the bar staff would them pass the drinks to the waiters, who would pass them over. I remember Keith doing this ‘waiter’ role.This farce continued for a few weeks until Martin reached some sort of accommodation with the authorities.
I am still moved 50 years later to read of Rod and Keith whom I remember very well.. One of them had bought an MG, I think, and they took it out after work at The Lock and crashed.
The Opposite Lock decal in my car’s back window has become discoloured with the years. However I do have one original in pristine condition.
I recall Muddy Water playing there, in, I think, 1969. There were many American bands and groups touring the UK as a quid pro quo for the ‘British Invasion’ of America by pop and rock groups.
Bill…time plays tricks on us all but like you the happy days at The Lock are among ‘the best of times’ while I was at college and later. Though I can’t say I remember you actually working in The Bistro. When the club opened it was a legal requirement at the time that it had to serve food and in the first few weeks Martin took the orders and served at table. It quickly became apparent that it couldn’t continue on that basis and he approached the College of Food just up the road in Brasshouse Passage. A small group of new students met with Martin and though he was looking for just one or two to work every night in The Bistro he agreed we would as a group provide cover until he could make alternative arrangements. Three years later nothing had changed, students were still happily running the 30 cover restaurant and even providing cover as necessary in the kitchen. Jeff as ‘head waiter’? More like shift arranger for a group – all young men – happy with the £3.50 clear [good money then] plus tips a night. My ‘girlfriend’, never worked in The Bistro but for a year after we were married ran a popular handmade fresh sandwich bar upstairs in the Lock on most Friday and Saturday nights. And if not her then another willing female student from college. So whatever Martin may have said to you at the time she was not the cause of your ‘dismissal’. She had enough on her hands midweek training as an accountant with Cooper Brothers.
Music, fantastic. Talented ‘house’ musicians and DJs, able to read the mood and respond. When the club started it was from the ‘off’ a sophisticated place in which to be. Girls in the latest fashions, men in sharp suits, often black tie and no misbehaving. Being a member’s club everyone knew they would be barred without hesitation. Tony and his team on the door were quick to quietly squash any unpleasantness before anybody noticed. My landlady at the time – in ‘posh’ Edgbaston – had two very attractive daughters and once told me that if she knew they were going to the Opposite Lock she was very content to see them go nightclubbing.
The club had been set up to help fund the racing aspirations of Martin and John Morris, driving a large, beautiful white, black-lined Porsche with the Opposite Lock logo on the bonnet. But it morphed into a jazz club and John Morris left the scene. Martin used the membership fees to attract world famous musicians, frequently straight from Ronnie Scott’s in London and headed north ‘on tour’. You name them, they were certain to have played at the Lock. Martin was a hardworking, knowledgeable and attentive host so it was no surprise that many returned again and again.
Prices at the bar were real and a really excellent three-course meal in The Bistro could be had for less than a pound. Midweek we turned over at least 30 covers a night and at the weekend 90 and more. Getting the table back at the end of a meal was an art form and with 10% to share equally among ourselves and the kitchen there was an incentive to sell three courses, coffee and a carafe of wine.
The Factory in the warehouse next door was open at weekends and attracted a younger, more boisterous crowd and competed directly with the other clubs in town. A sometimes more awkward crowd, but usually caused no more than occasional grief and the police to attend. A dog or two roaming inside would soon quell any nonsense, followed by the police when all was quiet inside!
For a while it was also the site of King Martin’s Court when medieval banquets were all the rage.
The Factory played occasional host mid-week to ‘ruinously’ expensive jazz, Count Bassie being the most obvious. But a wonderful night for Brummies.
I used to go to the Opposite Lock and the Engine House back in the 60/70s one of the acts I remember seeing was Agnes Sarkis, Marion Montgomery and Laurie Holloway were frequently their. There were also motor sport specific events at the Lock which I enjoyed. I remember the MEFCO 904, and when Martin Hone was trying to get road racing in Brum. At that time I was a Jaguar, and we brought 3 cars up to Brum on consecutive week-ends for the motoring festival On the first weekend, I took OOF748 the black XK120, we also took a Blue E-type and a White XJ6. We took the same cars both week-ends. I remember parking up in an underpass near the Cinema (Hippodrome?), and a lovely Black Invicta parked alongside. I left the Midlands in 79, and only a week ago, (Sept 2015) was staying at Jury’s Inn on Broad street and went on a reminiscent walk down the Gas St Basin. Managed to maintain my avoidance of falling in the cut, saw where the Lock used to be but sadly gone now. However I must say I do like Birmingham’s new character.
I used to frequent the Lock in 1960s, most Friday nights. I remember meeting a young man who lived on a narrow boat nearby, and who told me that as the Opposte Lock used to be stables for canal boat horses, he had insisted on his right to take his canal boat horse into the Lock, which he had subsequently done.
Does anyone remember this event?
Hi Jill, Bill the waiter et al
My brother John Townsend worked at the Lock when he was at the Birmingham College of Food and also often told of the night the barge horse turned up and demanded stabling facilities Martin allegedly spread straw on the dance floor and turned the event into another publicity opportunity! I spent many a night at the Lock – good days indeed!
Pete
Martin very much alive – sat a few rows in front of me at Gas Street Church this morning which is. nearly opposite the old club.
I’ve just been reading all the wonderful correspondence on this site. I confess to never having been to the Opposite Lock and realise from all the comments that I missed out on something very special. I am a born and bred Brummie and was always aware of the place and Martin Hone from the coverage in the local press.
I met Martin and his wife last Friday (16/09/16) night at a Historic Car Race meeting in Angouleme, France. We were dining in the same restaurant, and with our shared interest in Jazz, Motor Racing, and Brum, we had a lot to talk about!
I used to visit the Lock when I was working in Birmingham in the late sixties.I remember seeing Blossom Dearie there in January or February 1968. It was a great place and always busy.
I had a company “car” at the time , an Austin A35 van!! which someone tried ,unsuccessfully, to break into while I was in the club one night. Gas Street was a pretty gloomy place in those days
Lots of good memories of those days.
Hi. I’m interested in any information about a TV programme filmed at the Opposite Lock Club called “Let The Good Times Roll”. My parents were jiving in the programme and I believe they were in the closing credits, leaving the club and walking along the canal. If anyone has any info please contact me at email address debra.whittall@googlemail.com. Thank you.
My grandparents Harry and Milly Bailey were good Friends With Martin and Pat and often met with them, My grandparents put up two french performers from the opposite lock in their house Agnes Sarkis jazz singer and Jaque Duval jazz Pianist they became very good friends to my grandparents and i now have the 2 albums they gave to my late grandparents. My grandfather was a medium and Martin and Pat had a meeting in their home on Stratford road I think 1979 which me my mom and grandparents attended and martin tape recorded. If by any chance he still has that recording (long shot I know) I would love to hear it. email dmjervis@yahoo.co.uk
I read Eddie Fewtrell’s autobiograhy (King of Clubs), and he said he checked out the Opposite Lock when it opened, Martin told him it was a Jazz based club, and Eddie thought he’d got no chance of success, how wrong he was. I mainly visited the Factory to watch the more progressive type bands, they were great nights, happy memories.
I played drums with two house trios at The opposite Loc .The Jenny Miller Band and then The John Andrews Trio with Tubby Dunn.Later we worked for P&O and years later as the house trio at Ronnie Scott’s Club on Broad Street. I have some tape from the Loc but the quality is not great.The Trio also played on the Tiwas theme with Malcolm Priddy on drums and vocals.Here is a link tor live at The Oppsite Loc in 28.11.78 . I took a cassette player along to learn John and Tubby’s songs in the first week with them.
.https://pre.audiomack.com/album/steve-palmer/the-opposite-loc-club-281178
Link two Tiswas Theme and Andrews, Palmer and Dunn https://pre.audiomack.com/search?q=Tubby+Dunn
Hey Steve, long time no see. I wonder if you remember me. We used to be sparring partners and drum mates back in the day, esp at yardley’s on Consistution Hill.
All the best
Sean
A real walk down memory lane for sure but,…….why does it all have to be in the past?
Surely Martin’s ideas could be even more relevant in renaissance Birmingham?
A super successful JLR may well support a Birmingham Superprix given its international reputation ,maybe Maclaren as well? In a post Brexit world Birmingham should ruthlessly exploit its status as the Second City and showcase its abilities wherever possible.
OMG, I used to frequent the opposite lock in my late 20’s, early 30’s, what a fantastic club. If Elaine sees this (she knows who she is) I would love to hear from you.
Peter
I was working for Martin at the opposite lock in the 70’s with Colin Meacham. Would love to meet all the old guys again. Frankie Lee was manager and dj. Tubby, John &Priddy Were the trio. After work we would play cards which sometimes finished 4am. Read previous thread and so sorry that Frankie no longer with us.His son I can remember being born. So much has changed since my time at the lock. I will always have happy memories. Martins room. The beautiful hostesses. King Arthurs and the lovely wenches. Magical loved every day I crossed the club into the kitchen. I was the chef with Colin.
I went there many times late 60’s and early 70’s. My former surname was Holmes, just in case anyone remembers.
We saw Linda Baron sing there. She was great. it was long before her Gladys Emmanuel days!
In the early 70’s we went for dinner there a few times with people from the MAC theatre company – Philip Hedley, Lesley Joseph, Bob Peck.
All seems such a long time ago. Wish there were still places like that
roger harris our man harris, resident dj opposite lock club,ex leader conchords,many happy times,now retired living in Kidderminster after cornwall, send me email captcrazyroger@gmail,com
roger harris alias our man harris.resident dj opposite lock club bham.ex leader con chords. moved to cornwall now retired living in Kidderminster. send email to contact. captcrazyroger@gmail.com
John killigrew and Doreen were very good friends of mine it must have been around 67 or 68 I first met them I played drums with John at the Prince Rupert nechells the red lion erdington and very early days in the railway cursor st before it turned out to be a well known rock venue we used to go for a curry after the red lion to the curry garden in erdington I remember most times I called he used to say billy come and tell me what you think of this a new song every time I also played football with the fortunes and John when the album was released I was there at Doreen’s moms house to listen I’m not sure if John had a record players have loads of fond memories ojohn and Doreen she always had the kettle on also Bernie and Christine god bless billy
Hi Billy
Wow what lovely memories!!! I was born just 11 months before he died so I won’t have met you.
Love reading stories about my dad, just wish I’d have known him, makes me sad x
Can someone solve a dispute between me and hubby?
I used to go to The Lock in the 60’s. He is adamant there was a club next door in Gas Street called “ The Factory “ , I have no recollection of this place, nor have my friends.
Is he right ?
He was right Helen the Factory was next door or underneath I’m not sure which, but it was my favourite club of all, went there late 60s – early 70s. It was very short lived but great place to go on Friday and Saturday nights. Happy days.
The Nice played here mid 1968.
Meet roadie Lemmy (later Motörhead) who drove the bands big American sedan.
Great night.
Hi this is dj roger harris alias our man harris.resident at opposite lock club for 10 years so many happy times and stories. please contact on here.also email captaincrazyroger@gmail.com moved to cornwall but now live in Kidderminster.best wishes to all lock goers.i
My 91 year old mother Freda knew Martin when he put the motor race on in birmingham and she worked in the office at the Opposite Lock with Martins brother Ian. As it happens We are in Birminham today for her to reminisce and to see all the changes to the canals etc since those days..
Question: I always thought it was named due to being next to the canal so: Opposite Lock. Now a friend tells me it was used because of the car steering ‘Opposite Lock’. Which is it ?
When the club opened its pride and joy of Martin and john was a Porsche which they raced, using opposite lock, the deliberate use of oversteer to turn a vehicle rapidly without losing momentum. They used it on the logo of the car and the club.
I went there many times late 60s and early 70s. Saw Linda Baron (of Open All Hours fame) sing there. Must have been 1970. Great place
I worked for Morris and Jacombs, the builders in Small Heath at the time. Martin was a frequent visitor to see John Morris, one of fight young Morris’s.
I always understood the Opposite Lock was partly owned by John Morris, but I could be mistaken. John Morris was a racing driver and photographer. I bumped into the pair of them at Mallory Park in the early 70’s.
I have very good memories of the Opposite Lock.
To me it was the best club around. Had a great atmosphere and being a member I got to go upstairs and listen to soul and jazz in luxury!
Really loved that place.
I loved the Opp Lock. Brum was so vibrant then. I used to get in “The Lock” cheap ‘cos I had a Musician’s Union card. I thought I was the bees knees.
The live music was great. All the cool muzos played there. I remember Andrews (piano) Priddy (drums) and Dunne (bass) the house band. Big name guests from the jazz world, but the last hour or so was handed over to the DJ… My opportunity to get rejected by every girl in the place☹️.
Happy days!
My brother in law was Tony Ward (Manager) & my sister is Pat Ward nee Cobley (Cloakroom) ~ martincobley@hotmail.com
Fond memories of Saturday nights spent at the opposite lock in the late 60’s. On a frosty night after a few drinks the canal was too close for comfort. Saw many decent Jazz artists,Blossom Dearie, Marion Montgomery and the Peddlers stick in the memory.
Getting home to Hall Green meant using the Digbeth fly over and I’m sure we nearly took off on the top of it on a few occasions. Good days.
I went to the Opposite Lock Club in the late 60,s and early 70,s.
I knew Martin well as we were both racing drivers.
I think I hold the record of attending in the fact that I went every single night it was open for one year and dated most of the girls on the desk!
As a young journalist, I worked on the Birmingham Post in the mid-70s. Abiding memories are, of course, the pub bombings, but also late nights at the Opposite Lock where we would adjourn around midnight for a pint or three before heading out to edgbaston for a 2 am curry. And all that after a night shift on the Post (a morning paper, hence the working hours) that included at least one visit to the newspaper’s own pub, within the building. Imagine! (Can anyone remember the name of the pub inside the office? Was it The Scribbler perhaps? V long time ago!) Anyway, many thanks in retrospect to Martin Hone and the Lock, where a PRESS card got you in for free.
My friends and I used to go to ‘The Lock’ most Friday and Saturday nights and we knew Martin and Ian well through a shared love of motor racing. I had a fantastic party for my 18th birthday in ‘Martin’s Room’ which I will never forget for a couple of reasons. I had blown my savings on a gorgeous white dress for the occasion (floor length with splits up to my thighs on both sides – I felt very glam), but then it snowed on the night! It was 8th May 1979!!! Fortunately I made it inside the club with my high heels and dress intact despite the slippery steps and the freak weather. Sadly I have no pictures (we didn’t seem to carry cameras around with us so much in those days). We all thought the Lock was the best nightclub in Birmingham. Does anyone remember the bent and battered steering wheels mounted above the bar?
Used to go quit alot early 80s , DJ there with bald head any one remember him