The Classic Line Up
At The Royal Norfolk Hotel, Sandgate
Nice picture of Phil playing his signature 'Bobby Shafto' guitar break / intro.
We regarded 'The Norfolk' as our home venue, and it is not commonly known that all newly written songs were debuted here.
The front and back bars were usually crammed beyond capacity - especially the legendary 'Bank Holiday Monday' lunchtime gigs.
And Norfolk mythology describes the bar floor being supported by a forest of Acrow's, timber and scaffolding in the cellar ...
This place really Rocked, so many great gigs here.
And a new era for the band
When Steve stepped down from Lead Guitar in 1979 and Phil Allchin took his place, a new era began ...
Phils British Rock guitar sound and style fitted our songs perfectly and the bands confidence grew.
Interest in DENIGH was gathering momentum and soon we were playing support slots to major Rock Bands.
We had a successful single release, a loyal fan-base, we had local and national radio airplay and in addition to gigs on the usual circuit we were organising our own 'showcase' gigs in larger local venues.
At this time, along with our 'backline' amplification, we were using a 1KW PA rig and 12 channel mixing desk on the pub circuit. This was ably operated by Paul Smith, our first Sound Engineer.
The Prince Regent, Dover
A regular gig for the band and it was here that a 'crowd fund' began, raising money to help us finance our vinyl single release 'No Way / Running'.
The Regent was 'Our Place in Dover', the regulars loved the band and we always had a great night there.
The building was ancient, the bar was small and the 'facilities' were appalling ...
Sadly this venue was knocked down years ago.
The Red Lion Gravesend
The Red Lion Gravesend
Great gig, great crowd.
And thanks Terry Lee, you're not forgot!
Always looked forward to the gigs and were always flippin late home afterwards, especially if the van was turned over by the cops on the road out of Gravesend...
Many memorable gigs at this venue and we are lucky to have numerous images of the band there, with the kind permission of our good friend
Rob Grain.
And many other venues
The Red Lion Gravesend
And many other venues
With a reliable van (Dear Wallace!) we gigged all over Kent, into Sussex, London, Essex and Midlands.
We played some cracking outdoor events - MAG rally's etc - and crossed the channel on a mini tour of French coastal towns.
Local promoter, Andy MacPherson helped us get our early support appearances.
Our single No Way/Running did well:
No:97 in the UK charts
No:23 in the 'Sounds' Heavy Metal Chart
In top ten of Manchester's Piccadilly Radio chart