Mansfield based Shane Fenton was a key figure in the rise of early British rock and roll. Actually there were two people who were known as Shane Fenton but the better known one is Bernard Jewry who was also known as Alvin Stardust in the 1970’s. The first Shane Fenton was John Theakston.
There is much more to come but here are two starters.
There is a web site dedicated to the memory of Shane Fenton maintained by Adrian Barrett.
Here is a site dedicated to Alvin Stardust with some Shane fenton too.
Here is an an extensive history of Shane Fenton written by John Warburg, 2023.
SHANE FENTON AND THE FENTONES
Shane Fenton and the Fentones formed in 1960 in Mansfield with a line-up of Shane Fenton on lead vocals (b. John Theakston, 1942, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England d. August 1960, Mansfield General Hospital, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England of rheumatic fever), Jerry Wilcock on lead guitar (Fender) (b. Gerald Wilcock, 1940, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England), Mick Eyre on rhythm guitar (Fender, Gibson Jumbo), lead vocals (b. Michael Eyre, 1942, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England d. December 2019), Graham Squires on bass (b. Graham George Squires) and Tony Hinchcliffe on drums (b. Anthony Hinchcliffe, 1940, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England).
Fenton (Theakston) was the son of pianist/organist Harry Theakston and Mrs. Ellen Theakston.
Wilcox lived at 19 Stanton Place, Mansfield, Eyre at 5 Clifton Park, Mansfield and Tony Hinchcliffe at 26 Charles Street, Mansfield Woodhouse.
Wilcock and Eyre had used to heave coal for a dealer in Mansfield and in 1960 they told their respective employers, gave them notice as did the rest of the band and took the plunge with Shane Fenton. The first few months in show business were hard and they had to live on £6 a week.
Shane Fenton and the Fentones were originally known as Johnny Theakston and the Tremeloes and the original line-up included Theakston, ex-miners Wilcox and Eyre, Squires and Hinchcliffe. This group’s roots can be traced to The Diamonds Skiffle Group and Roger Lymer and the Crusaders who included Hinchcliffe on drums. He was ex-Les Amber’s Skiffle Group who practiced at The Eagle Tavern, Mansfield. Following the breakup of these two groups, some members of each band became part of Johnny Theakston with his Beat Boys. Then the group’s name was changed to Johnny Theakston and the Tremeloes in 1959, I think.
In 1959 the band took part in and won a talent show at the Mansfield Palais de Danse, Lemming Street, Mansfield. Also performing here was 17-year-old Bernard Jewry (b. Bernard William Jewry, Sunday, September 27, 1942, Muswell Hill, North London, England d. Thursday, October 23, 2014 at home in Ifold, West Sussex, England of prostate cancer) later to became the second Shane Fenton. He sang Gene Vincent’s ‘Who Slapped John.’
Then later in 1960 Squires left and was replaced by Bill Bonney on bass (Fender) (b. William Walter Edward Oliver, 1940, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England).
Bonney lived at 16 Gilcroft Street, Mansfield.
Jewry was the son of Bill Jewry (b. William Jewry) a salesman at Dupont’s department store in Balls Pond Road, Highbury, North London and his wife Margaret Jewry (d. 2003). Jewry had been born in Muswell Hill, North London but at the age of one in 1943 he had moved to 5 Clifton Place, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire when his father Bill Jewry got a job as a sales manager and where his mother ran a boarding house frequented by musicians and entertainers appearing locally. He attended first St. Peter’s Infant School, Mansfield and then was a boarder at the Southwell Minster Collegiate Grammar School, Nottingham Road, Southwell near Newark-upon-Trent, Nottinghamshire (until Sept 1960).
He made his stage début at age four in pantomime and for his 12th birthday in September 1954 his parents brought him a three-quarter sized Spanish guitar which coast £1.10 shillings. Jewry had then formed his first group the three-piece Jewry Rhythm Band with Jewry on vocals, Hofner guitar. The group had an acoustic guitar, a semi-electric guitar and a clarinet.
The group had recorded themselves on a Grundig tape recorder. They had recorded it in a dance hall and put the recorder on a chair with a microphone at one end of the hall and they were on the other end playing. They listed back and the bass was too loud and turned it down, so they did it again. Then they put this reel-to-reel tape in a brown envelope and addressed it to the BBC London and posted it. Inside was a note saying this is a recording of our group and that we would like to do a radio programme and if it goes to the wrong department can you please pass it on.
As for Jewry he walked over to Theakston’s house one day for a rehearsal in August 1960 and his mum Mrs. Ellen Theakston told him that her son had become ill and was in hospital. He wanted to go and see him but Theakston’s mother said no, leave it he is quite ill. Anyway, Jewry went back two days later and she told him that he had sadly died at just 17. This had happened at Mansfield General Hospital.
After the death of Theakston, the group split up, but the BBC had responded to the tape. Four or five weeks after Theakston had died a letter arrived at his house from the BBC and they said they liked the band and would they like to play on Saturday Club a two- hour radio pop show recorded in Birmingham, Staffordshire. It went on from 1957 to 1969 and was presented by broadcaster Brian Mathews (1928 – 2017). The letter went as I said to Theakston’s house and his parents talked about it and Theakston’s mother went round to Jewry’s house to ask that they keep the group going as a tribute to her son as well as keeping the band’s name. She also told Bernard Jewry that her son would have wanted him to take his place as Shane Fenton. She also said as they were friend’s he would not have wanted the band to miss out on this great opportunity and so would he ask the guys to reform and would he sing. She also said that Theakston did not like his name and he had sent the tape with this new name he had thought of Shane Fenton. The BBC believed the band was called Shane Fenton and the Beat Boys. She said would he mind using the name and Jewry said no. He thought it was a nice sounding American name.
Thus, Bernard Jewry became the new Shane Fenton in September 1960. His father Bill Jewry became the groups manager/promoter at around the same time.
Shane Fenton and the Fentones auditioned for the BBC in December 1960 after a stage show in Shepherd’s Bush, West London. It was for the BBC Radio programme Saturday Club. Saturday Club had 25 to 30 million listeners and after two shows you were a household name.
So, on Tuesday, February 21, 1961 Shane Fenton and the Fentones left Mansfield to go to Birmingham, Warwickshire for their biggest break in show biz – to record for the BBC’s studio programme in which they would be featured on Saturday, February 25, 1961. Then in the 10 O’clock Saturday Club, the up-and-coming local quartet Shane Fenton and the Fentones would be on air for the first time since the group teamed up as a professional Rock ‘n’ Roll vocal and instrumental group in August 1960. Here the band met Tommy Sanderson (Uncle Top as the band called him) (b. Thomas Sanderson), the musical director for the show and through him they got a recording contract with EMI’s Parlophone Label. The Audition went so well that Shane Fenton and the Fentones became regulars on Saturday Club.
The group also excepted two shows in Birmingham and one in London.
There was an article on the band in The Mansfield Chad of Thursday, February 23, 1961. It talked about the fact that Shane Fenton had left Southall Minster Grammar School in September 1960. It also talked about the fact that Shane Fenton and the Fentones had teamed up as a professional Rock ‘n’ Roll instrumental and vocal group six months ago in August 1960. It also talked about them going to Birmingham on Thursday, February 21, 1961.
Anyway, the show went so well that they were invited on tours by Billy Fury, Marty Wilde and Joe Brown. So, Fenton (Jewry) realised they were now in the music business. They had got a manager, a record deal with EMI after only a week of appearing on Saturday Club. The first day they had been at Saturday Club Sanderson asked had they got a manager and Fenton said his father was doing it. He then said do you want a manager as he was looking for a group. They said yes and shook hands. The band also liked the fact Sanderson was a London manager. So, Sanderson said leave it with me and he phoned EMI and got through to Parlophone, George Martin (b. George Henry Martin, Tuesday, January 26, 1926, Highbury, North London, England d. Tuesday, March 8, 2016, Wiltshire, England) and his assistant Ron Richards (b. Ronald Richard Pratley, Tuesday, January 22, 1929, Kensington, South West London, England d. Thursday, April 30, 2009, Watford, Hertfordshire, England). He said he has this band he was thinking of signing and can you come and see them. So, Richards came down and listened to them and after the session he asked what were they doing next Thursday. Most of the band members were working and they said what’s it for. He said he was from EMI and he would like them to do a recording test at Abbey Road, 3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, North West London. The band said no problem, they were free. So, the band realised they would have to go quickly and tell their bosses they would need time off work.
On Tuesday, October 3, 1961 Shane Fenton launched a press reception at The Centre of Sound, Archer Street, Piccadilly Circus, West London.
The Fentones also got a contract of their own and cut their first single on Thursday, February 8, 1962 at Abbey Road Studios, St. John’s Wood, North West London. They recorded ‘The Mexican’ (Jones, Murray) and ‘Love’s Guitar’ (Eileen Davies). It was produced by Ron Richards. The line-up for the recording was Wilcock, Eyre, Bonney and Hinchcliffe.In ca. April 1962 Hinchcliffe left and was replaced by drummer George ‘Georgie’ Rodda (b. Canada).
On Saturday, April 21, 1962 the BBC broadcast The Fentones on the BBC’s Light Programme ‘Saturday Club,’ where they performed ‘Moon Dawg’ (Derry Weaver). The host of the show was Brian Matthews and the song was introduced by Shane Fenton who said we would like to feature our new drummer Georgie (Rodda) on an old American Twist number ‘Moon Dawg.’
The Fentones second solo session was on Tuesday, August 14, 1962 at Abbey Road Studios, St. John’s Wood, North West London where they recorded their follow up single ‘The Breeze And I’ (Lecuona) and ‘Just Four Jerry’ (Mick Eyre, Jerry Wilcock). The B-side was written over night after producer Ron Richards suggested they compose it. They also recorded three more titles ‘Mick’s Tune’ (the theme from Roundabout Five), Duke Ellington’s Caravan and ‘Goofin’ Around’ (a cover of Bill Haley and the Comets). It was produced by Ron Richards. The line-up for the recording was Wilcock, Eyre, Bonney and Rodda.
The Fentones final solo session for Parlophone was on Tuesday, September 11, 1962 at Abbey Road Studios, St. John’s Wood, North West London with a Santo and Johnny tune ‘Teardrops’ , a Ventures track called ‘Gringo’ and an ambitious attempt at the Jazzy ‘Take Five.’ It was produced by Ron Richards.
From Friday, January 11, 1963 The Kennedy Street Enterprises Ltd. and Chris Wainwright Agency Ltd. by arrangement with The Wilson Agency announced that exclusive ballroom and club booking agents and promoters in the North and the Midlands for Shane Fenton and the Fentones and Frank Kelly and the Hunters (a group from Titchfield, Hampshire).
In April 1963 Rodda was replaced by drummer Bobby Elliott (b. Robert Hartley Elliott, Monday, December 8, 1941, 13 Chilton Avenue, Pike Hill, Burnley, Lancashire, England).
Elliott had been at the home of his girlfriend Maureen Hicks (b. 1941), older sister of The Hollies’ new lead guitarist Tony Hicks (b 1945). It was at 22 Bankhouse Road, Nelson. Not many people had phones in their homes, but the Hicks did. When Tony Hicks who was away with The Hollies phoned to tell Elliott that Shane Fenton and the Fentones were auditioning drummers. If he was interested, he had to be at the King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire on the afternoon of Saturday, April 6, 1963. Elliott’s parents drove him down and he played two or three songs with the group and thought he had got the job. The following day on Sunday, April 7, 1963 Elliott was at the Hick’s home when the phone rang and was told could he be in the London the following day, Monday, April 8, 1963. Hick’s father drove his son down, having left early. Got to Russell Square, London at 2.30pm where Elliott saw Eddie Donohue, the assistant to agent Tommy Sanderson (b. Thomas Sanderson). Sanderson was the manager of Shane Fenton and the Hollies and had connections with Ron Richards who produced both the Fentones and the Hollies. They made another date to see them the following day. The Hick’s booked in for the night at the Arama Hotel, Sussex Gardens, Paddington, West London.
The audition for Elliott took place down a narrow street off Tottenham Court Road, London on Tuesday, April 9, 1963. He was standing in the rain, in a que next to drummer called Lloyd Ryan, another hopeful. This guy later told him the future Who drummer Keith Moon was third in the que. So, Elliott had to descend into the rehearsal room to meet Shane Fenton and the rest of the band. He had to play three songs ‘The Breeze And I,’ ‘It’s All Over Now’ and possibly ‘Sticks And Stones.’ Elliott got the job and he became a Fentone. The Elliott’s drove home leaving at 6.30pm arriving home on Wednesday, April 10, 1963 at 2.30am. So, he left his job at the National Coal Board.
On Tuesday, April 11, 1963 Elliott went over to the Stamford Hall, Altrincham for the last gig for drummer George Rodda. He had to leave as he had up-set the Fentones producer Ron Richards.
I think Elliott’s début gig with Shane Fenton and the Fentones was on Good Friday, April 12 to Saturday, April 13, 1963 at an All-Night Ball, The Queens Hall, 294 Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds 17, West Yorkshire, England, 10pm – 7am. Also, on the bill was Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Clinton Ford, Terry Lightfoot, Dick Charlesworth, etc.
In September 1963 Elliott left to join The Hollies and was replaced by drummer Don Burrell (b. Donald Burrell). Elliott’s début gig with The Hollies was on Wednesday, September 18, 1963 at The Parr Hall, Palmya Square South, Warrington, Cheshire.
On Monday, December 30, 1963 Shane Fenton and Fentones went back into Abbey Road Studios, St. John’s Wood, North West London. The Fentones also recorded ‘Raucus’ (). It was produced by Ron Richards.
In 1965 Burrell left and was replaced by famous drummer Ginger Baker (b. Peter Edward Baker, Friday, August 18, 1939, Lewisham, South East London, England d. Sunday, October 6, 2019, Canterbury, Kent, England). He played on two recordings.
Later in 1965 Baker left and was replaced by Gordon X a friend of singer Duffy Power (b. Raymond Leslie Howard, September 9, 1941, Fulham, South West London, England d. February 19, 2014, London, England). He stayed until original drummer Hinchcliffe returned.
Later in 1965 Shane Fenton left.
In September 1965 The Fentones split.
Later Fenton reformed Shane Fenton and the Fentones with Fenton on lead vocals, Mike Amatt on lead guitar (b. Michael Jeffrey Amatt, 1949, Salford, Lancashire, England d. Monday, June 28, 2021, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England), Dave Barrow on bass (b. David Barrow), Mike Easthorpe on drums (b. Michael Easthorpe, Liverpool, Lancashire, England), Mrs. Iris Fenton dancer (b. Miss Iris Violet Caldwell, Monday, March 6, 1944, 54 Broad Green Road, Old Swan, Liverpool 13, Lancashire, England) and Miss Janice Bass dancer, who joined in Early 1969.
Miss Janice Bass left a show in Beirut to join The Fentones. Miss Bass and Mrs. Iris Fenton had met in 1961 while working in Butlins alongside Mrs. Fenton’s brother Rory Storm (b. Alan Ernest Caldwell, Friday, January 7, 1938, 54 Broad Green Road, Old Swan, Liverpool, 13, Lancashire England d. Thursday, September 28, 1972, Stormsville, 54 Broad Green Road, Old Swan, Liverpool 13, Lancashire, England).
Mrs. Iris Fenton was the daughter of Violet ‘Vi’ (née Disley) and Ernest George W. ‘Ernie’ Caldwell and was the younger sister of singer Rory Storm, of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, who included future Beatles drummer Ringo Starr (Sir Richard Starkey) (b. 1940). Miss Iris Caldwell at 12 had dated future Beatle George Harrison (1943 – 2001) and at 17 had dated Beatle Paul McCartney (Sir James Paul McCartney) (b. 1942).
20-year-old Miss Caldwell married 21-year-old Shane Fenton on Friday, August 20, 1964 in Liverpool. The best man was 22-year-old singer Duffy Power (b. Raymond Leslie Power, Tuesday, September 9, 1941, Fulham, South West London, England d. Wednesday, February 19, 2014, London, England).
Easthorpe had been in Liverpool band’s J C and the Strollers (from Summer 1963) that became Tiffany’s Dimensions (from May 1964) and The Dimensions (Oct 1964 – 1968).
As for Amatt he had been in The Jokers (from Nov 1963) who later changed their name to The Rogues.
When Amatt left he was replaced by lead guitarist Barry Blood (b. 1944, Buxton, Derbyshire, England d. December 1989).
Blood had been in The Trixons who had supported The Beatles on Saturday, April 6, 1963 at The Pavilion Gardens, St. John’s Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, 8pm – 11.45pm.
In the early 70’s Shane Fenton and the Fentones included Peter Greenhalgh on bass (from Stretford, Manchester) (who replaced Dave Barrow in 1970), Steve Green on lead guitar (from Gorton, Manchester) and Ian Saunders on drums (from Swinton, Manchester).
The roadie was the late Dennis Wiggins (from Morton, Manchester). He was sadly killed one Christmas in the 70’s while roading for the band Hello.
Greenhalgh had been in Shane Hunter and the Falcons (from Urmston, Manchester) while at school. He was later in The 4 VIP’s (from Eccles, Lancashire).
Later Green was replaced by lead guitarist Stuart X. They also had other drummers.
When Shane Fenton and the Fentones split, Fenton became Alvin Stardust and had several major hits under this name including the number one smash ‘Jealous Mind.’
Some Johnny Theakston and the Tremeloes concerts:
Wednesday, March 2, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, March 9, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, March 18, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, March 23, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, March 30, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, April 8, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, Second Heat Talent Contest, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, April 13, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, Third Heat Talent Contest, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Sunday, April 17, 1960: Teenagers’ Sunday Club Tea Break, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Also on the bill: The Vibratones with Terry Hayden.
Wednesday, April 27, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Sunday, May 1, 1960: Teenagers’ Sunday Club Tea Break, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Wednesday, May 4, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Sunday, May 8, 1960: Teenagers’ Sunday Club Tea Break, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Wednesday, May 11, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Sunday, May 15, 1960: Teenagers’ Sunday Club Tea Break, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Wednesday, May 18, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, May 25, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Saturday, May 28 1960: The Gliderdrome, Spain Place, Boston, Lincolnshire, England
Also on the bill: The Atomites, The Embassy Band.
Wednesday, June 1, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, June 8, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, June 16, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Wednesday, June 22, 1960: Mansfield Teenagers’ Dance Club, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.45pm
Monday, June 27, 1960: Teen And 20 Night, The Mansfield Palais de Danse, 43 Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 7.45pm – 10.30pm
Some Shane Fenton and the Fentones concerts:
Tuesday, October 18, 1960: Teenage Beat Dance, The Turner Memorial Hall, Church Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, England , 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Opening night of this club.
December 1960: Unknown venue, Shepherd’s Bush, West London, England
December 1960: BBC Audition
Shane Fenton and the Fentones auditioned after the band’s gig at Shepherd’s Bush.
Tuesday, December 27, 1960: Beat Dance, The Turner Memorial Hall, Church Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, England , 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Also on the bill: Ivan Jay and the Jaycats.
Saturday, January 21, 1961: The Cambridge Corn Exchange, 2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Saturday, February 25, 1961: B.B.C. Radio Saturday Club, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Tuesday, March 28, 1961: Teenage Beat Club, The Turner Memorial Hall, Church Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, England , 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Saturday, April 15, 1961: B.B.C. Saturday Club, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Saturday, May 27, 1961: The Romford Market Hall, Romford, Essex, England
Also on the bill: Vern Rogers and the Hi-Fi’s.
Saturday, August 5, 1961: The Cambridge Corn Exchange, 2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Sunday, September 17, 1961: East Beat Radio Show
Shane Fenton and the Fentones debut gig on this show.
Sunday, December 3, 1961: The Victoria Ballroom, Knifesmith Gate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Friday, December 15, 1961: Big Beat Night, St. Michael’s Church Hall, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England
Sunday, December 17, 1961: The Oasis Club, 45-47 Lloyd Street of Albert Square, Manchester, Lancashire, England from 7.30pm
Also on the bill: The Dakotas.
January 1962: UK Tour
Also on the bill: The Temperance Seven, Vince Eager, Michael Cox, Johnny Gentle, Nero and the Gladiators.
January 1962: Unknown Venue, Worcester, Worcestershire, England
Thursday, January 11, 1962: The Granada Cinema, 34 St. Peter’s Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, England
Friday, January 12, 1962: The Granada Cinema, 10 West Gate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England
Saturday, January 20, 1962: The Granada Cinema, 10 West Gate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 6pm & 8pm
Also on the bill: The Temperance Seven, Vince Eager, Johnny Gentle, Michael Cox, The Echoes, Nero and the Gladiators, Freddie Earl
Saturday, January 26, 1962: El Rio, Queen Victoria Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England
Also on the bill: The Dakotas
Sunday, January 27, 1962: The Three Coins, 64 Fountain Street off Market Street, Manchester 2, Lancashire, England, 7.30pm – 12pm
Also on the bill: Johnny Peters and the Crestas.
Sunday, February 11, 1962: The Granada Cinema, 218 Barking Road, East Ham, East London, England
Shane Fenton and the Fentones headlined along with Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. Also appearing were Tommy Bruce, Vince Eager, Johnny Gentle, Nero and the Gladiators, Nelson Keene, Danny Rivers, The Echoes.
Monday, February 19 – Monday, April 16, 1962: The Big Star Show of 1962 Starring Billy Fury and The Outlaws (or The Tornados), John Leyton (not all shows), Marty Wilde and the Wilde Cats (not all shows), Eden Kane, The Karl Denver Trio, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers.
Also on the bill: Don Mundy (Mar 25, 1962), Jackie Lynton, Ricky Stevens, Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, The Viscounts (Mar 25, 1962).
The promoter was Larry Parnes and the compère was Don Munday.
Monday, February 19, 1962: The Gaumont State Cinema, 199 High Street, Kilburn, North West London, England
First date of tour.
Tuesday, February 20, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, Barker’s Pool, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Wednesday, February 21, 1962: The Odeon Cinema, Oxford Street, Manchester 1, Lancashire, England
Thursday, February 22, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, 45 London Road, Derby, Derbyshire, England
Friday, February 23, 1962: The Odeon Cinema, Broad Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, England
Saturday, February 24, 1962: The Subscription Rooms, Stroud Green, Gloucestershire, England
Also on the bill: The Dukes.
Not part of tour?
Saturday, February 24, 1962: Unknown venue, Stock-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Sunday, February 25, 1962: Unknown venue, Leicester, Leicestershire, England
Monday, February 26, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, 21 Foregate Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, England
Wednesday, February 28, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, 15 New Canal Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Thursday, March 1, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, 65 The Parade, High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Friday, March 2, 1962: Unknown venue, Bristol, Somerset, England
Saturday, March 3, 1962: Unknown venue, Colchester, Essex, England
Sunday, March 4, 1962: Unknown venue, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
Monday, March 5, 1962: The Odeon Cinema, 166 London Road, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Tuesday, March 6, 1962: Unknown venue, Loughborough, Lincolnshire, England
Wednesday, March 7, 1962: The Gaumont Cinema, 150 Church Street, Preston, Lancashire, England
Thursday, March 8, 1962: The Odeon Cinema, Fawcett Street, Sunderland, County Durham, England
Friday, March 9, 1962: The Gaumont Cinema, New Victoria Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England from 6.15pm & 8.40pm
Saturday, March 10, 1962: Unknown venue, Norwich, Norfolk, England
Sunday, March 11, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 174-186 Powis Street, Woolwich, South East London, England
Monday, March 12, 1962: The Granada Theatre, Lower Stones Street, Maidstone, Kent, England
Tuesday, March 13, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 30 Spital Street, Dartford, Kent, England
Wednesday, March 14, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 5-9 St. Peters Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
Thursday, March 15, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 356 High Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England
Friday, March 16, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 154-166 Clarence Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, England
Saturday, March 17, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 186 Hoe Lane, Walthamstow, East London, England
Sunday, March 18, 1962: The Granada Theatre, North Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, England
Monday, March 19, 1962: The Granada Cinema, 10 West Gate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, 6.20pm & 8.30pm
Tuesday, March 20, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 34 St. Peter’s Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, England
Wednesday, March 21, 1962: The Granada Theatre, 19 High Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England
Thursday, March 22, 1962: The Granada Theatre, Sheepcote Road, Harrow, Middlesex, England
Friday, March 23, 1962: The Granada Theatre, Carshalton Road West, Surrey, England
Saturday, March 24, 1962: The Adelphi Theatre, 3 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, England
Sunday, March 25, 1962: The Liverpool Empire, Lime Street, Liverpool 1, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Don Mundy, The Viscounts.
Monday, March 26, 1962: The Gaumont Cinema, 2 St. George’s Parade, Wolverhampton, Warwickshire, England
Tuesday, March 27, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Wednesday, March 28, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, 3 St. Helen’s Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Friday, March 30, 1962: The Gaumont Theatre, Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, England
Monday, April 2, 1962: The Globe Theatre, 153 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England
With Bobby Elliott on drums.
Tuesday, April 3, 1962: The Dominion Cinema, 112 The Green, Southall, Middlesex, England
Wednesday, April 4, 1962: The Plaza Ballroom, Rowlands Road, Worthing, West Sussex, England
Thursday, April 5, 1962: The Ritz Cinema, 62 Castle Street, Dover, Kent, England
Friday, April 6, 1962: The Ritz Cinema, 180 South Street, Romford, Essex, England
Saturday, April 7, 1962: Unknown venue, Guildford?, Surrey, England
Sunday, April 8, 1962: The Regal Cinema, 33-39 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Monday, April 9, 1962: The ABC Cinema, Saltergate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England
Tuesday, April 10, 1962: The ABC Cinema, 159 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, east Lincolnshire, England
Wednesday, April 11, 1962: The ABC Cinema, 132 Ferensway, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, England
Thursday, April 12, 1962: The Globe Theatre, 153 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England
Also on the bill: Billy Fury, Eden Kane, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers.
Friday, April 13, 1962: The ABC Cinema, Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumberland, England
Sunday, April 15, 1962: Unknown venue, Brighton?, East Sussex, England
Monday, April 16, 1962: The ABC Cinema, Union Place, Derry’s Cross, Plymouth, Devon, England
Last date of tour.
Saturday, April 21, 1962: Saturday Club
The Fentones played ‘Moon Dawg’ (Derry Weaver).
With new drummer Georgie Rodda.Sunday, April 22, 1962: The Oasis Club, 45-47 Lloyd Street off Albert Square, Manchester 2, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Pete Maclaine and the Dakotas.
Saturday, May 13, 1962: The Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, Somerset, England
Also on the bill: Eden Kane, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, Dean Prince and the Dukes, Ricky Ford and the Cyclones, Royston Jones and the Raiders, Johnny Slade and the Vikings, Paul Clayton and the Corvettes, Johnny Vince, Johnny Lloyd.
Saturday, June 9, 1962: The Winter Gardens, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, England
Also on the bill: Eddie and the Cheques, Dennis Wheeler and his Orchestra.
Shane Fenton and the Fentones failed to turn up, they were playing in Ireland.Saturday, June 9, 1962: Ireland
Shane Fenton and the Fentones played in Ireland and not at The Winter Gardens, Malvern.
June 1962: Scotland Tour
Wednesday June 20, 1962: The Kinema Ballroom, 19 Pilmuir Street, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, 7.30pm – 11.30pm
Supported by The Red Hawks.
Monday, July 2, 1962: The Assembly Rooms, Corporation Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Also on the bill: Carl Fenn and the Mysteries.
Tuesday, July 3, 1962: Unknown venue, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Tuesday, July 5, 1962: Unknown venue, Congleton, Cheshire, England
Wednesday, July 6, 1962: Unknown venue, Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire, England
Thursday, July 7, 1962: Unknown venue, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Sunday, July 8, 1962: The Windmill Theatre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Suffolk, England, 6.30pm & 8.45pm
Also on the bill: Billy Fury, Marty Wilde and the Wild Cats, The Vernons Girls, The Tornados, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Mike Sarne, Mark Wynter, Jimmy Justice, Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, Daryl Twist, Alan Field, Chic Murray and Maide, Ricky Stevens, Tommy Bruce.
The promoter was Larry Parnes.
First date of the Summer Season Big Show.
Tuesday, July 10, 1962: Unknown venue, Redditch, northeast Worcestershire, England
Friday, July 13, 1962: Parade Of The Pops, The Locarno Ballroom, Washway Road, Sale, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Jimmy Crawford and the Ravens, Freddie and the Dreamers, The Fourtones.Saturday, July 14 – July 1962: Ireland Tour
Saturday, July 14, 1962: Unknown venue, Whitechurch Village, County Cork, Eire
First date of tour.
Wednesday, August 8, 1962: The Cavern Club, 10 Mathew Street off North John Street, Liverpool 2, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Big Three.
The Beatles did not play as they were 86 miles away playing at The Co-op Ballroom, corner Duke Street & St. Stephen Street, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Sunday, October 21, 1962: The Three Coins, 64 Fountain Street off Market Street, Manchester 2, Lancashire, England
Monday, October 29, 1962: The Assembly Rooms, Corporation Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
Also on the bill: Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.
Wednesday, December 5, 1962: The Shane Fenton Show, The Princess Theatre Club, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester 21, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Eddie Grant, Wally Harper, Rex Amos, Egor Gridness, Tommy Dee, David Madden, Peggy Hughes, Jack Foster plus supporting cabaret.
Thursday, December 6, 1962: The Domino Club, Grey Mare Lane, Openshaw, Manchester 11, Lancashire, England
With Supporting Cabaret.
Sunday, December 30, 1962: The Three Coins, 64 Fountain Street off Market Street, Manchester 2, Lancashire, England, 7.30pm – 12pm
Thursday, January 24, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Conway Street, Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, 7.30pm – 11pm
Also on the bill: The Big Three.
Monday, January 28, 1963: The Savoy Ballroom, Oldham, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Don Curtis and the Coasters.
February 1963: St. Aidan’s, City Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, 7.30pm – 11pm
Tuesday, April 11, 1963: The Stamford Hall, Stamford New Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, England
I think the last gig for drummer George Rodda with Shane Fenton and the Fentones.
Good Friday, April 12 – Saturday, April 13, 1963: All-Night Ball, The Queens Hall, 294 Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds 17, West Yorkshire, England, 10pm – 7am
Also on the bill: Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Clinton Ford, Terry Lightfoot, Dick Charlesworth, etc.
I think new drummer Bobby Elliott début gig with Shane Fenton and the Fentones.
Thursday, April 18, 1963: The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, South West London, England
Also on the bill: The Beatles, Del Shannon, The Springfields, Lance Percival, Rolf Harris, The Vernons Girls, Kenny Lynch, George Melly.
This show was broadcast live on BBC Radio.
Saturday, May 11, 1963: The Cambridge Corn Exchange, 2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Friday, May 24, 1963: The Birch Park Palace, Anson Road, Rusholme, Manchester 14, Lancashire, England
Friday, May 31, 1963: The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, South West London, England, 7.30pm – 10pm
Staring Billy Fury with Mark Wynter, The Tornados, Heinz Burt and the Outlaws, The Jaywalkers, The Ramblers, Daryl Quist, Jan Burnnette.
The compère was Graham Dean.
Monday, June 17, 1963: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath, Somerset, England
Thursday, June 27, 1963: The New Palace Ballroom, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, England
Also on the bill: Tommy Dene and his Tremors.
Friday, July 5, 1963: The All-Night Festival of Music, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Muswell Hill, North London, England
Also on the bill: Robb Storm and the Whispers, The Barron Knights, Cyril Davies and his Rhythm and Blues All Stars, Screaming Lord Such and the Savages, The John Barry Seven, Craig Douglas.
Thursday, July 18, 1963: The Hotel Beaulieu, St. Peters Port, Guernsey, Channel Island, England, 8.30pm – 12pm
Supported by The Rob Charles Combo.
Saturday, August 10, 1963: The Cambridge Corn Exchange, 2 Wheeler Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Friday, August 16, 1963: The California Ballroom, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Downs, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England
Also on the bill: The Sinners, The Dominoes.
Saturday, August 24, 1963: The Astoria Ballroom, St. Mary’s Way, Rawtenstall, Lancashire, England
Thursday, September 5, 1963: The City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Also on the bill: The Rebels.
Sunday, September 29 – Monday, October 28, 1963: The Top Rank Tour
Also on the bill: Shane Fenton and the Fentones, Frank Kelly and the Hunters, The Marauders (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire).
Sunday, September 29, 1963: The West End Ballroom, Suffolk Street, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
First date of tour.
Monday, September 30, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Caversham Road, Reading, Berkshire, England
Tuesday, October 1, 1963: The Gaumont State Cinema, 199 High Road, Kilburn, North West London, England
Wednesday, October 2, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, 12-22 Stow Hill, Newport, Gwent, South Wales
Thursday, October 3, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Union Street, Plymouth, Devon, England
Saturday, October 5, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, High Street, Crewe, Cheshire, England
Also on the bill: The Hollies, Frank Kelly and the Hunters The Marauders.
Sunday, October 6, 1963: The Victoria Ballroom, 31 Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England
Monday, October 7, 1963: The Majestic Theatre, 78-80 Bondgate, Darlington, County Durham, England
Tuesday, October 8, 1963: The Top Rank Suite, Park Lane, Sunderland, County Durham, England
Wednesday, October 9, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Also on the bill: The Hollies, Frank Kelly and the Hunters The Marauders.
Thursday, October 10, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Holderness Road, at New Clarence Street, Kingston-upon-Hull, Yorkshire, England
Saturday, October 12, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Conway Street, Birkenhead, Cheshire, England
Sunday, October 13, 1963: The Astoria Ballroom, King Street, Oldham, Lancashire, England
Monday, October 14, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, Westgate Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumbria, England
Tuesday, October 15, 1963: The Astoria Ballroom, 61 Wilson Street, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England
Wednesday, October 16, 1963: The Top Rank, 10 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, North London, England
Thursday, October 17, 1963: The Majestic Ballroom, 29-37 Mill Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Thursday, October 17, 1963: The Rawmarsh Baths, 8 Rawmarsh Road, South Yorkshire, England
Also on the bill: The Hollies.
Friday, October 18, 1963: The Top Rank, 15 Nelson Street, Bristol, Somerset, England
Saturday, October 19, 1963: The Rawmarsh Baths, 8 Rawmarsh Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England
Monday, October 21, 1963: The Savoy, 46 St. Nicholas Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Tuesday, October 22, 1963: Unknown venue, Chester, Cheshire, England
Wednesday, October 23, 1963: Unknown venue, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Thursday, October 24, 1963: Unknown venue, Hinckley, Lincolnshire, England
Friday, October 25, 1963: The Floral Hall, Marine Parade West, Morecambe, Lancashire, England
Saturday, October 26, 1963: The King’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Sunday, October 27, 1963: Unknown venue, Streatham, South West London, England
Monday October 28, 1963: The Preston Top Rank, Church Street, Preston, Lancashire, England
Last date of tour.
Saturday, November 9, 1963: The Astoria Ballroom, St. Mary’s Way, Rawtenstall, Lancashire, England
Monday, December 2, 1963: The Top Twenty Club, The Town Hall, Bridgwater, Somerset, England
Saturday, January 4, 1964: The California Ballroom, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Downs, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England
Also on the bill: Neil Landon and the Burnettes, The Lionhearts.
Thursday, January 9, 1964: The Majestic Ballroom, Conway Street, Birkenhead, Cheshire, England
Saturday, January 25, 1964: The Assembly Hall, Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England
Also on the bill: The Ghouls.
Thursday, January 30, 1964: The Malvern Winter Gardens, Malvern, Worcestershire, England
Also on the bill: Vickie and the Ladybirds, Roy Temple and the Unit Three.
Sunday, February 2, 1964: The 76 Club, 76 High Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Saturday, March 7, 1964: The Matrix Hall, Coventry, Warwickshire, England
Supported by The Mighty Avengers, Johnny Tremain and the Liberties.
Sunday, March 15, 1964: Sunday Club, The Jungfrau Club, 24-36 Cathedral Street, Manchester 1, Lancashire, England from 7pm
Also on the bill: The Chasers.
Sunday, March 22, 1964: The All Star Beat Show, The Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford Street, Manchester 1, Lancashire, England from 6.15pm
Supported Gene Vincent as did The Four Pennies, The Undertakers, Tommy Bruce and the Bruisers, The Harbour Lights.
Saturday, April 4, 1964: The Gaiety Ballroom, High Street, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, England
Thursday, April 9, 1964: The 76 Club, 76 High Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England
Sunday, June 14, 1964: The King Georges Hall, Northgate, Ewood, Blackburn, Lancashire, England at 6pm & 8.15pm
Also on the bill: The Four Pennies, The Kinks, The Stylos, Herman and the Hermits.
July 1964: B.B.C. Saturday Club, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Some Shane Fenton and Iris concerts:
Wednesday, March 12, 1969: The Talk of the North Club, 333 Liverpool Road, Eccles, Lancashire, England
Also on the bill: Syd and Eddie.