JULY 1968
Mon 1/07/68
Japan Import Singles N°1: The Legend Of Xanadu - Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
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Thu 4/07/68
TV Performance: Top Of The Pops, BBC Television, London, England (7:30-8:00 pm)
Last Night In Soho (Performance) presented by Jimmy Savile
Sat 6/07/68
NME n°1121 page 6: A thumping great hit for Crooked Dave – by Derek Johnson
* Last Night In Soho (Fontana)
Another thumping great hit for the Dave Dee group, and full credit to the Howard-Blaikley team for continuing to provide the boys with such fascinating material. Rather like a musical Doctor Who, you never know just where the boys are going to end up next ! And on this occasion, they journey direct from the burning wastes of the Mexican desert to that sleazy square mile of London's West End known as Soho.
Like "Xanadu," it's a story-in-song, with the singer lamenting the fact that he has been tempted from the straight and narrow by a bunch of undesirables – and here he is saying goodbye to his girl, before he's carted off to clink? Exhilarating gallop-pace beat, sweeping strings that sound like the "1812 Overture" gone crazy, organ, a catchy tune and spirited harmonies from the boys. A must!
Sat 6/07/68
Jackie: She's The Love Of Mick's Life !
A Pop Star's Romance
Do you believe in love at first sight?
It may prove alright for some but as far as Mick Wilson of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky. Mick and Tich is concerned – the answer is no.
"Love is something you should be sure about long before you decide to get married." says Mick, who is married himself.
He met his wife Pauline just over four years ago when the group were playing in their home town of Salisbury.
"Tich was down there with this bird. She really fancied Tich, and Pauline was her mate. They'd both come along to hear us play.
"I saw them and I chatted up Pauline, and it all worked out the other way round – because Tich didn't fancy his bird at all. This was when our first record was coming out. I didn't go out with her then. I invited her to a party our managers were holding as a celebration. It was in Southampton."
After that, Mick and Pauline started going steady, but they only managed to see each other once or twice a week as the group were travelling all over the country, and often all over the Continent, too. And Pauline very rarely saw them play.
"We've got a rule in the band – no birds when we're working! It's just not the sort of thing to do. We never take girls round with us when we're working, Pauline came to the odd date when we were playing near to home, and then our Mums and Dads might be there as well to see us – but when we're touring round the country, it's strictly no birds!"
So it was only when Mick had a free day that he was able to do any courting at all. And even then, it could only be in the evenings because Pauline then had a day-time job in Salisbury as a hairdresser.
They would either go to the cinema, or drive out into the country for a drink at one of the picturesque, half-timbered Wiltshire country pubs. But Mick believes that that was opportunity enough to get to know Pauline.
"If you go out with somebody long enough, you know what they're like. I don't believe in love at first sight and it's all happening ... You've got to go out with someone long enough to really know.
"We were working in Germany when I decided that I was going to marry her – she wasn't there!
"We had vaguely thought about it before. Usually, the bloke gets pushed into it – but I wasn't. We decided to become engaged at Christmas two years ago, and then we were married on April 6th last year – we didn't have an anniversary celebration this year because I was playing in Slough."
Mick says that although they had known each other for two years before they became officially engaged, and then waited another year before finally getting married, he knew Pauline was the right girl for him six months after meeting her.
"Every bloke has an idea of what he expects his wife to be like. My idea was pretty, nice, domesticated, homely, but with a personality – a mind of her own. And someone that could understand me.
"Our interests aren't the same. It's good to be a bit different. I like horse riding, and Pauline has her own interests – a lot of her time is taken up with the baby."
Pauline's life, though, is often a lonely one. She has to accept that Mick is away from home for long periods – though Mick himself feels that this is an advantage. "It means I always look forward to coming home ... but if we were with each other all the time, we might get tired of each other more quickly.
"And you get used to the travelling. It becomes a way of life. Both my sisters have husbands and they're in the Army, and away for months on end.
"I'd like to have another child, a girl – I think if you're going to have two children, you should have them fairly close, so I'd like to have another before I get much older.
"I reckon I shall make a good Dad because I understand young people, and because I'm young and in this business ... by the time Julian really gets to know what's going on, I won't be travelling or rushing about so much. We'll be established, and I shall settle down."
However successful Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich become before they finish as a group, Mick is sure he is just not the kind of person who could retire and do nothing. He is used to working hard – so he would probably start his own business.
"I don't think I could take someone saying 'Do this!' to me. And what I would really love to do is have a stud farm, breeding my own horses – I'm learning about that now.
"I've already got myself set up with a house, just outside Salisbury, and Pauline's parents live only ten miles away – so if I do have a stud farm when the group's finished, it will be somewhere near here."
6-7 July 1968
Woburn Music Festival, Woburn Abbey, Woburn Abbey, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Family, Geno Washington, Taste.
The Festival was organised by Melody Maker and presented by Emperor Rosko. This was the only official UK performance of the Jimi Hendrix Experience during that year. The Experience officially broke up in November 1968.
Alan Walsh of the Melody Maker asked Jimi Hendrix why there had been such a dearth of recordings since 'Axis: Bold As Love'.
Said Jimi: "People were starting to take us for granted, abuse us. It was that what-corn-flakes-for-breakfast scene. Pop slavery, really. I felt we were in danger of becoming the American version of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich. Nothing wrong with that, but it's just not our scene. We decided we had to end that scene and get into our own thing. I was tired of the attitude of fans that they'd bought you a house and a car and now expected you to work the way they wanted you for the rest of your life."
"But we couldn't just say screw them, because they have their rights too, so we decided the best way was to just cool the recording scene until we were ready with something that we wanted everyone to hear. I want people to hear us, what we're doin' now and try to appreciate where we're at."
Mon 8/07/68
(Germany) Bravo n°28: Record of the Week: “If No-One Sang”
Bravo page 60: Dave Dee's Glückzahl 13 – Platte der Woche
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich beginnen und beschließen ihre neue LP mit einem Lied namens “If no One sang”. Es beschreibt in tieftraurigen Tönen eine Welt, in der es keine Musik gibt. In einer solchen Welt würden uns vor allem DD, D, B, M & T fehlen! “Where from where to” heißt die von Dozy gesungene Frage nach dem Sinn unseres Lebens. “I've got a Feeling” hat spanischen Sound und mittenhinein bellt Oliver, der Hund von Dave. “In a Matter of a Moment” ist von italienischer Machart und bietet ein Mandolinen-Solo von Tich. “Mrs Thursday” ist eine komische Nummer mit viel Gegacker und Geschnatter. “Zabadak” hat hier noch mehr Dschungel-Effekte als in der Single-Fassung. “Mama Mama” ist ein Beitrag zur neuen Rock'n'Roll-Mode. “If I were a Carpenter” bekommt in der Bühnen-Show von Dave Dee & Co. stets besonders viel Beifall. “The Legend of Xanadu” ist der wohlbekannte Peitschen-Knaller. “Look at me” erzählt die alte Lache-Bajazzo-Geschichte. “The Tide is turning” schildert einen Spaziergang am Meer. “Breakout” ist ein echter-rechter Soul-Song. “Time to take off” bringt Flugplatzgeräusche und erinnert an die weltweiten Reisen der Gruppe. Kurz: 13 Bestleistungen – eine runde Sache von Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich!
If no One sang – LP Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich Fontana 886 478
13 songs – 13 performances : "If no One sang" is full of sad sounds. "Where from where to" asks the question about the meaning of life. "I've got a Feeling" has Dave Dee’s dog Oliver barking in the middle. "In a Matter of a Moment" is Italian. "Zabadak" has even more jungle effects than on the single version. "Mama Mama" is their contribution to the new rock’n’roll revival. "If I were a Carpenter" gets much applause on stage. "The Legend of Xanadu" is the whip hit. "Look at me" tells the old story of the white clown. "The Tide is turning" tells a ballad by the sea. "Breakout" is real soul. "Time to take off" reminisces of the world travels of the group.
Fri 12/07/68
Single release: Peter Thorogood – Haunted / If No-One Sang (Pye 7N 17577)
Howard Blaikley are diversifying their output. "Haunted" would become a minor psych collector.
Sat 13/07/68
Radio Show: Tom Edwards Show, BBC Radio One, London, England
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
Sat 13/07/68
TV Show: Beat-Club 33, ARD Radio Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland (Lip-Sync)
Hosted by Uschi Nerke & Dave Lee Travis (4:45-5:15 pm)
The Beat-Club / BFBS Poll this month asked the public to choose their favourite Album among ten LP’s presented by Uschi Nerke. Among them were the latest by The Equals, The Small Faces or Traffic, and “If No-One Sang” by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich.
15-19 July 68
Radio Show: Dave Cash Show, BBC Radio One, London, England
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich guest throughout the week
Tue 16/07/68
Royal Albert Hall, Westminster, London, England
Tim Hardin supported by Family
The composer of “If I Were A Carpenter” and many other gems gave a poor show, and actually fell asleep on stage. (His heroin addiction was portrayed in his song “The Red Balloon”). Dave Dee was in the audience and mentioned it to Keith Altham in an NME interview in August.
Thu 18/07/68
TV Performance: Top Of The Pops, BBC Television, London, England (7:30-8:00 pm)
Last Night In Soho (Repeat Performance) presented by Pete Murray
Fri 19/07/68
Single release: The Merseys – Lovely Loretta / Dreaming (Fontana TF 955)
Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley with The Funky Bottom Congregation
Record Mirror (20/07/68): CHART POSSIBILITY
There’s a star-studded (Dave Dee, W. Fontana, Beaky, Tich etc.) on this, lumped together as the Funky Bottom Congregation – alone worth the price of admission, folks. The song is fair enough, one supposes, though it’s not a stand-out. But the production is healthy, alive and could restore the two lads to the charts. Happy-go-lucky. Flip: fair enough.
Lovely Loretta was written by Ray Randall and Paul Beuselinck. Ray recalls that the backing track for Lovely Loretta was recorded in a demo studio in Dean Street, London with Ray on bass, Paul on piano, Robert Lemon on lead guitar and Dave Gibbons on drums, a group that called themselves The Funky Bottom Congregation. The Merseys added their voices to the track later. (from poparchives.com.au)
Sat 20/07/68
NME n°1123: Single reviews
† Lovely Loretta (Fontana).
It's been a couple of years since the Merseys last appeared in the Chart, but – with sufficient exploitation – this could well restore them.
Pounds along at a rip-roaring pace, with tambourine emphasising the beat, and trumpets adding depth to the backing – and there are frequent outbursts of cheering to conjure up a party atmosphere.
Spirited support is provided by the Funky Bottom Congregation – which turns out to be Dave Dee & Co., Julie Felix and sundry others. An extremely commercial disc.
Sat 20/07/68
NME n°1123: Dave Dee For Panto And Tour - But 'Xanadu' Dropped
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich are virtually certain to star in pantomime this Christmas – they have agreed to appear in "Dick Whittington" at Stockton ABC and, although contracts are not yet signed, the deal seems certain to go through. Dave Dee would play Idle Jack, with cameo roles specially written for the, other members of the group. A spokesman commented: "This fits in with the boys' plans to move into acting."
An intensive European touring schedule is being lined up for the Dave Dee group in the early autumn. This will be followed in November by a major U.S. tour – its previous visit to America was cancelled because work permits were not granted in time. After its panto engagement, the group undertakes a tour of Australia, Japan and the Far East in the early spring.
It was revealed this week that plans for Dave Dee & Co. to star in a movie version of "The Legend Of Xanadu" have now been dropped. Esther Ofarim was to have been leading lady in the film, but it was found impossible to match her availability with Dave's.
The group is the centre of a big merchandising campaign which is being launched on the British and foreign markets this summer. Shoppers will be able to buy Dave Dee cardboard cut-outs, Dave Dee soap and Dave Dee bedside lamps.
Sat 20/07/68
NME n°1123: . . . Kinks in panto too
The Kinks are to make their pantomime debut this Christmas. They will star for an eight-week run in the Midlands, although the exact venue has not yet been finalised. However, manager Robert Wace told the NME that it is likely to be in the Birmingham area. The group is also to make its cabaret debut this autumn, playing selected club dates in the North.
(Like Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich in 1967, The Kinks played at the Club Fiesta, Stockton-on-Tees and the Top Hat Club, Spennymoor, County Durham, in October)
Sat 20/07/68
NME n°1123 page 5: Nine Hits In Row, But Mick Still Unhappy !
Keith Altham discovers when he interviewed the Dave Dee group
When I arrived at the Lime Grove TV studios it was to find that Tich, Mick, Beaky, Dozy and Dave Dee (how about that for a switch?) had troubles. Mick, for example, was bemoaning the fact that for years the group had been careering up and down the country and although he liked playing in public, "the travelling is a drag!"
Tich (on hairdrier) was taking a more optimistic view. "What you have to remember is that there are plenty of groups who would like to be where we are. In spite of any of the difficulties, we are a lot better off than most other groups. We've each got our own house, about £10,000 in the bank and other assets. Maybe we're not giant film stars but we've got a lot more out of our success than some others I could name!"
Do more ?
Mick was not entirely reconciled and felt that they should be doing more between records.
"We've had nine consecutive hit records," he summed up, "but nothing else seems to happen to us. We come up with a new record and it dies down and then we come up with a new one and that dies down. We can't seem to get anything else going. I just want to know what's next?"
Tich observed that the days were over when a pop star, or a group, could walk into a film and become overnight sensations. As long as they were making hits like 'Last Night In Soho,' he was all right Jack! Dave did not enter into the career argument as he was worried about Oliver, who, it appears, was not well and had been bitten.
Huge hound
"By a rhinoceros? " I enquired. Anyone who has observed Dave's massive Pyrannean mountain hound will understand that the possibility of it being attacked by anything smaller than a mountain lion is remote.
"No," smiled Dave, "My Dad had him on the lead and a little dog bit him. Dad was frightened to let him of the lead, in case he killed the little one. I might have let him off," he added, disconsolately.
Dave has not been having much luck lately in his private life. Only recently has he recovered from a nasty incident with a "dangerous bend" traffic sign, a railway embankment and a telegraph pole, which he sliced in half when his car spun off the road and turned over.
"Look! I got this nasty graze on my little finger." He indicated the wound. "The trouble is, with the amount of travelling I do, the law of averages is that I must have more accidents than most people. I've had three this year. I'm being very careful from now." [...]
How did Dave feel about the tremendous distances that the group has been travelling recently?
"I have to admit it – we're whacked. We've been averaging about 3,000 miles a week in the last few weeks, just in England. When you work as hard as we do, by the time you get round to your holidays you are almost out on your feet.
Seven years
"It wouldn't be so bad if we had only been doing it for three years or so, but we've been at it for seven years. It's got to slow down. The answer is probably doing more work abroad and less here. It's terribly difficult to plan to work so many months and holiday so many months. You have to tour to the right places at the right times."
One of the incredible things about Dave Dee and Co. is that they have had hits in almost every country in the world, from New Zealand to Japan, without one big hit in the States. Why?
"This is one of those questions which we just cannot answer. We could be one of those groups who will never have a big hit in America.
"The challenge is still there and we are still trying. The latest attempt is a number we recorded on the new album, one of the most soulful things we've ever done, called 'Breakout.' It was once done by James and Bobby Purify. Personally I don't think I'm a soul singer and to release this number in America is rather like taking coals to Newcastle, but that's what's happened.
Appearances
"We're going to America to make our first public appearances – the last time we went we did just TV and radio – in November and we hope that will do the trick."
Talking more generally, I mentioned that it was a shame the Majorca Pop Festival had been cancelled. Dave was not so sure it was so bad.
"At least from the performer's point of view I don't think it was a bad thing," he emphasised. "We've had some experience of working on the Continent, in places like Italy, and they just do not know how to organise these things.
"You arrive at the airport and no one meets you. You don't know what hotel you are staying at and when you do book-in you spend about three days waiting for someone to contact you. Then someone suddenly turns up on the day of the televised concert and you get one run-through for a major TV show with the orchestra. That was what happened to us in Rome."
In spite of the lack of organisation, Dave was quick to add that the enthusiasm of the young people in these countries towards British pop music was very much appreciated. In fact, although the group has never had a No. 1 record in Britain they have had at least eight "Ones" in Germany!
No regret
Enthusiasm of the hysterical type in this country a while ago is not something which Dave is altogether sorry to see disappear.
"It means I can walk down the street now and the kids will say: 'Oh, there goes Dave Dee' or just ask for an autograph. Three years ago I would have been ripped to pieces !"
We discussed the relative merits of a pop star who approached his fans with a very human manner and one who detached himself and retained his "mystique" quality. Dave thought the better method was to be friendly and in touch and he was sure the fans appreciated the contact.
"Elvis Presley," said Dozy, suddenly awaking from a quick nap in the corner. Having made his contribution, he dropped off again. Further Dozy bulletins will be issued at six-monthly intervals !
At the risk of repeating myself, I think it should be said of Dave Dee that he remains one of those pleasant, friendly and unaffected people who always makes an effort to be helpful. A very nice guy.
Sat 20/07/68
(USA) Billboard July 20, 1968 page 57: Billboard Hits Of The World
Philippines
1 (1) Honey – Bobby Goldsboro (United Artists)
2 (3) Delilah – Tom Jones (London)
3 (2) Simon Says – 1910 Fruitgum Co. (Buddah)
4 (4) Spooky – Lettermen (Capitol)
5 (9) She’s Lookin’ Good – Wilson Pickett (Atlantic)
6 (6) If Ever I Would Leave You – Bachelors (London)
7 (–) Light My Fire – Doors (Motown)
8 (10) The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Hugo Montenegro (RCA Victor)
9 (–) Here’s A Heart – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich (Fontana) – Home Industries Development Corp.
(Here’s A Heart – an album track from 1966 – is a Top Ten Hit in the Philippines)
22-27 July 68
Musica ‘68, Majorca Pop Festival, Palma, Majorca, Spain
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich were to attend, but the Festival was cancelled
(USA) Billboard June 1, 1968 page 50: International News Reports
Majorca Pop, Jazz Festival July 22 to 27
London – The first Pop and Jazz Festival of Palma, Majorca, is set for July 22-27 and will feature leading artists from half a dozen countries.
The festival, Musica '68, is being promoted by Music Festival Productions Ltd., of London who have taken a lease on the 18,000-seater bullring in Palma for the next 10 years.
Artists booked to appear in the pop category include Jimi Hendrix, Lulu, Eric Burdon and the Animals, the Byrds, the Grapefruit, Los Pekenikes, the Hep Stars, Esther and Abi Ofarim, Tim Rose, Rita Pavone, Georgie Fame, Cleo Laine and Johnny Dankworth, Donovan, Julie Felix, Peret, Blossom Dearie, the Incredible String Band,Brook Benton, Gilbert Becaud, Gene Pitney, Marian Montgomery, the Tages, Sandie Shaw, Scott Walker, the Peddlers, the Tremeloes and Brasil '66.
(An unusual array of artists for a Summer Festival, many of which had previously appeared with Dave Dee & Co. Most of them belonged to the Philips/Fontana roster)
Sat 27/07/68
Melody Maker: Dave Dee & Co. US Autumn Tour dates
Melody Maker: Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich have finalised their American tour which will take place from October 10 to November 16. As a result there will be no British autumn tour for the group this year.
The American trip will include college and stadium dates as well as radio and TV appearances.
The group will also tour Sweden from August 17 to September 1.
Mon 29/07/68
(Germany) Bravo n°31: "Last Night In Soho" review: Dave Dee & Co follow in the footsteps of Bonnie & Clyde
Bravo page 62: hit-verdächtig – Raffinierter Mini-Krimi
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich folgen nun den Spuren von Bonnie & Clyde. Last Night in Soho (Fontana 267 863) ist ein raffiniert gemacht Mini-Krimi. Es geht darin um einen Gangster, der sich endlich dazu durchringen konnte, ein ehrlicher Mensch zu werden. Aber er läßt sich dann leider von seinen Genossen
dazu überreden, doch noch mal ein dickes Ding zu drehen. Ein klarer Fall von DDDBM&T-Top-Hit!
Bravo p.32: Mit BRAVO dabei – Die “Herde” bricht aus
The Herd haben große Pläne. Sie bereiten für die nächsten Monate je eine Tournee durch Amerika, Australien und Japan vor. Denn dort hatten sie bisher noch keine Erfolge. Was ihnen per Platte nicht gelang, wollen sie nun durch persönliches Erscheinen erreichen. Bedeutend gefährlicher könnte eine andere Idee sein, die The Herd verfolgen. Sie möchten sich von ihren Managern Ken Howard und Alan Blaikley trennen. Das sollten sie sich noch mal gründlich überlegen. Howard & Blaikley sind nämlich nicht nur ein ungemein tüchtiges Agententeam. Sie schrieben auch die Melodien und Texte aller Herd-Hits – und sämtlicher Songs von Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich!
July 1968
The Herd quit their managers Howard and Blaikley to join Andrew Oldham
Starmakers & Svengalis (by Johnny Rogan) pages 185-186: The group were now at the peak of their career, but fame brought ego problems and petty jealousies. They began to resent Howard and Blaikley’s commercial songwriting and, intoxicated by success, seemed intent on composing their own hit material. Moreover, as they had demonstrated in their affairs with Billy Gaff, the Herd were quite capable of cold expediency if a favourable opportunity arose elsewhere. Perhaps it was not too surprising that they were drawn towards the charismatic Andrew Oldham, whose wealth, style and managerial credibility proved irresistible.
29 July-2 Aug.
Radio Show: Jimmy Young Show, BBC Radio One, London, England (9:55 am-12:00 noon)
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich appear in this morning show, Monday to Friday
