1965 | Re-grouping, re-shaping, strong singles but no chart action |
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![]() Vic Cooper had left the unwieldy organ at home and is relying that a piano would be available at all venues. This was something that the gig promoters are rather unhappy about as they see the organ as an integral part of the Pirates act. Nevertheless, the group are well received as ever. |
February |
![]() By April he was beginning a fruitful career as a session drummer and was also back on the road backing The Ivy League. The Tornados would continue, and later this year would collapse completely. Meek's answer was to continue by essentially re-naming the Saxons, another of his other groups as the Tornados, hoping no-one would notice. They probably didn't, but it didn't stop audiences appreciating them at their appearances. Their creator Joe Meek committed suicide in Feb 1967 and the Tornados, although carrying on for some months, finally wound up their account later that year. |
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Kidd was attempting different types of material in his act, especially soul to which his voice was well-suited. On this day he recorded a driving version of Otis Redding's "Can't Turn You Loose" which remained unreleased as HMV were unsure of what to do with it. A pity really as Cliff Bennett - another singer with a powerful voice - was doing quite well with this type of material. |
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The group play some one-off gigs in south Wales. Dates included at Morriston, supported by local start The Eyes Of Blue; Merthyr Tydfil; plus the grand opening of the Rhythm 'n' Blues club in Swansea. Barry Hammett's parents' home became a good stopover place for the group when in the area. |
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Kidd's crew,
along with Heinz, Dilys Watling,
the HiFis and Dodie West appear on a BBC TV special "Off The Record"
at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition. Around this time Johnny Kidd and the Pirates made their final television appearance on Granada Television's "Five O'clock Club" promoting their current waxing. |
March |
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The Agincourt Ballroom, Camberley. Although undergoing changes in its appearance over the years and even badly affected by fire the name of the club continues to this day in Camberley's London Road, just west of the town centre. |
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The
California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire Johnny Kidd and the Pirates Russ Sainty and the Nu-Notes Geoff Mole and the Diggers Admission 7/- |
May |
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RELEASE: "Shakin' All Over '65"/"Gotta Travel
On" (HMV POP
1397). Another speedily-released single, the topside has been
completely renovated. The drums play an alternating off-beat (for wont
of a better description), the famous descending bass/guitar riff has been
replaced with an alternative bassline run from Johnny Spence which is not
mirrored by any other instrument. Instead John Weider plays had
ringing chords and plays a solo which all but breaks his strings, plus we
have both piano and organ thrown in for good measure. It will not be
the hit the band need. Unknown to Kidd and his crew, the song is being recorded all over the world, using its original riff of course. Click here to read more. |
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A German date at the Walkbuhne Club, on a bill with The Kinks; the Pretty Things; Screaming Lord Sutch; The Fortunes. |
19th September | Brian Gregg sees chart action on this day when the group he is with, the Pack (from Calne in Wiltshire) see their version of "Do You Believe In Magic?" enter the charts the same day as the original from the Lovin' Spoonful. They also appeared on TWW (Television West & Wales) "Discs A Go-Go", produced in Bristol. |
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September |
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JOHNNY KIDD & THE PIRATES #7 | Johnny Kidd (vocals); Jon Morshead (lead); Johnnie Spence (bass); Frank Farley (drums); Vic Cooper (keyboards). (September 1965 - April 1966) |
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The
California Ballroom, Dunstable, Bedfordshire Johnny Kidd and the Pirates Admission unknown but bound to be something. |
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An
international evening date, at "La Locomotive"
club in Paris. It is going to be
far from straightforward for tonight Johnny Kidd is unable to perform -
because his passport has expired! Hence, Johnny Spence, Frank Farley,
Vic Cooper and John Weider perform a 'solo' Pirates gig. Click on the individual pix on the right to see larger, rare shots of the band members onstage this night. Thanks to Bob in France! |
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December | Joe Brown had secretly bought his mother a house and got his friends to furnish it quickly and quietly. Johnny was one of the decoys before taking her to the grand the revealing. |
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