Live Local Music, Artists & Venues

Well, bernie1, I have to say I haven't a clue. It sounds very exotic doesn't it! I could only think of the buidling next to Porettas but hope some other members can confirm where it was.

Two things to respond to Beesman's comments. Firstly, The Stoker, a brilliant venue (I'm sure Ghengis Smith will agree); saw some great gigs there - Sonja Christina, Bert Jansch, The Cosmics - happy days! Secondly, Judas Priest - a band that have been through every possible phase of rock stardom from early promise through stadium superstardom and poodle rock down to relative obscurity. Produced some classic stuff along the way too! I always know when I'm in a good mood, because I notice that the soundtrack in my head is 'Take on the World'! Has anybody mentioned the 'General Wolfe'?

We used to go to a venue in Spon St in the early 1970s which I thought was called Mandy's but it may have been the Royal Naval Club. I think it was on one evening during the week and used to feature "second string" bands. I remember seeing Black Widow, Stackridge and Hac'n'Sac amongst many others. It was always a cheap and friendly night out We didn't tend to go to the General Wolfe very often as it was quite a long way from where we lived but I did see both John Cooper Clarke and Robert Plant there.

Can I just plug the 'Venues' section from my Broadgate Gnome website. Mainly Cov & Warwicks bands 1964 - 74 : http://www.broadgategnome.co.uk/venues01.htm It's been dormant for a while as I've had a few characters nicking my info (even going so far as to repeat mistakes I've made !), so just trying to sort that at the moment. Hope it's of interest !

Well you certainly brought back some happy memories for me I remember most of the venues, thank you for the nostalgia.

I think it was in what was originally the cinema, it then became the bowling alley and there was a club upstairs which I am sure was the Blue Nile Club, it was a gambling club as well. It is now the bingo.

Coventry Rocks Music Tour

Interesting video. Coventry is now unique amongst the UK's major cities in not having any city centre music venue.

Yes, and there is nowhere for bands to practise anymore either, hence the 'Ghost Town' song, how apt.

A venue would be good for bringing people into the city centre. Coventry city centre should be the main regional centre for almost 700,000 people - at the moment it's failing to take advantage of that.

Hi everyone There was a Coventry group called Bluetones back in the 60s? My dad was the drummer and I was wondering whether anyone can recall them?

I am sure that was the name of a group I went to watch with a group of other pals, in fact we were all friends around 1960. They used to play at the Courthouse pub on a Saturday night & also a Tuesday. I only followed them for a few months as I progressed to the City Centre & the Locarno. By the way I am a Radford kid born in Grangemouth Rd. Regards.

Morning I have checked with him and he doesn't recall playing at the Courthouse, but does recall playing at the General Wolfe, The Heath and The Angel. I know Grangemouth Road fairly well, I used to work in Jubilee Crescent a few years ago. I have lived in Radford all my life, in the same house, up until August this year where I have bought my first home in Bulkington, but still work in Coventry and visit my parents in Radford daily

Before my time but St Margaret's Cafe, Ball Hill, seems to have played a big part in the Coventry music scene in the 1960's. The Sorrows at Coventry Music Museum

Nigel Lomas, the guy with glasses centre right, still lives local I believe. Last time I saw the Sorrows (Longford Engine about 18 months ago) Don Farndon (of "Indian Reservation" fame) was with them.