Groudhogs

Groundhogs are a British rock band founded in late 1963, that toured extensively in the 1960s, achieved

prominence in the early 1970s and continued sporadically into the 21st century. Read more here Wikipedia

and their site http://www.thegroundhogs.co.uk/textg.html

They played the Lanch several times i think.

Natural Acoustic Band

Again in the early 70's The Natural Acoustic Band played the Lanch -

"The Natural Acoustic Band were a British acid-folk band, formed in 1969 in Milngavie, Glasgow,

Scotland. There were a number of personnel changes throughout the band's history, but the best known line up was:
Tom Hoy (born 5.2.1950, in Glasgow Strathclyde, Scot) — Guitar and Vocals
Robin Thyne (born 1.11.1950, in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland) — Guitar, Bongos, Bass and Tenor Recorders, Tambourine, Clacker and Vocals
Krysia Kocjan (born 10.8.1953, in Craigendoran, Scotland, Died 21 February 2007 in Portland, Oregon, America) — Vocals, Guitar,Glockenspiel, Bells

The band only produced two albums and one single (reaching No 1 in the Melody Maker folk charts). They were on the bill on three occasions at London's Marquee Club: November 17, 1971 (supported by Shape of the Rain), 12 April 1972 (supported by Gnidrolog) and 22 November 1972 (supporting Brewers Droop)."

Read more here on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Acoustic_Band

Elton John

Elton John played the Lanch in 1971

A cover of Lesley Duncan's Love Song with Lesley on guitar and backing vocals.

Duster Bennett

Duster Bennett was a popular one man blues band on the Lanch in the early 1970's

Anthony "Duster" Bennett (23 September 1946 – 26 March 1976) was a British bluessinger and musician.

Based around London, his first album Smiling Like I'm Happy saw him playing as a one-man band, playing a bass drum with his foot and blowing a harmonica on a rack while strumming a 1952 Les Paul Goldtop guitar given to him in 1968 by Peter Green. Backed by his girlfriend Stella Sutton and the original Fleetwood Macon three tracks, the album was well received. He remained popular on the local blues club scene until his death in a car crash in 1976. Read more on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duster_Bennett

Principal Edward's Magic Theatre

Principal Edward's Magic Theatre were, like Medicine Head and others, on John Peel's Dandelion label c 1970 and played the Lanch about then.

Bio: Formed at Exeter University in the late sixties (their name was apparently inspired by the head of the university), Principal Edwards Magic Theatre were more a multi-media enterprise than a rock group, appearing with dancers and lightshows. John Peel signed them to his Dandelion label and helped produce their albums. They also appeared regularly on his 'Top Gear' show. One of the main assets was lead vocalist, Vivienne McAuliffe, whose crystal clear voice helped make them a little special. Their music was innovative and imaginative with a strong folk influence and an air of mysticism. This is typified by The Death Of Don Quixote and Third Sonnet to Sundry Notes of Music on their second album. However, arguably their best track was Pinky: A Mystery-Cycle. It's a melodramatic number with a thudding drumbeat, haunting lyrics and frequent changes of tempo.

However a loosely-knit outfit at the best of times, the group went their separate ways after three singles and a further album. The last one Round One, was made for Deram in 1974.

Compilation appearances have included: Weekdaze on Psychedalia - Rare Blooms From The English Summer Of Love (CD); The Whizzmore Kid on Progressive Pop Inside The Seventies (CD); Autumn Lady Dancing on Dandelion Rarities (CD); The Asmoto Running Band on Dandelion Sampler 1969-1972 (CD).

Tracks:
1.) McAlpine's Dream
2.) McAlpine Versus the Asmoto
3.) The Asmoto Running Band (hou'amih)
4.) Asmoto Celebration
5.) Further Asmoto Celebration (after the ball)
6.) Total Glycerol Esther
7.) Freef ('r) All
8.) Autumn Lady Dancing Song
9.) The Kettering Song
10.) Weirdsong of Breaking Through at Last

.............................

This was their first single on the Dandelion label

and the B side 

Lament for the Earth

Mr Fox

Bob Pegg's Folklore band - Mr Fox, played at the Lanch Arts festival 1971 alongside The Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman) and Ralph McTell.

"Mr Fox were an early 1970s electric folk or folk rock band. They were seen as in the ‘second generation’

of electric folk performers and for a time were compared with Steeleye Span and Sandy Denny’s Fotheringay. Unlike Steeleye Span they mainly wrote their own material in a traditional style and developed a distinct ‘northern’ variant of the genre. They demonstrate the impact and diversity of the electric folk movement and the members went on to pursue significant careers within the electric folk and traditional music genres after they disbanded in 1972 having recording two highly regarded albums." Read more on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Fox

Canned Heat

Canned Heat played the Lanch in 1969.

Ivor Cutler

Ivor Cutler played there a few times as I recall -
Ivor Cutler was a Scottish poet, songwriter and humorist. He became known for his regular performances on

BBC radio, and in particular his numerous sessions recorded for John Peel's influential radio ...Read more on  Wikipedia

Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green's)

Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac played at the Lanch in 1970.

Claire Hamill

Claire Hamill was a singer songwriter from the Port Clarence (across the Tees from Middlesbrough) and played the Lanch c 1971.


"Claire Hamill is a British singer-songwriter. As well as her solo career, she has collaborated with Wishbone Ash and Yes' Steve Howe." Read more here Wikipedia

Above - Claire Hamill with an early Joni Mitchell composition

Daddy Long Legs

Daddy Long Legs played the Lanch c 1971 in a blues style.

The Selecter

Another Coventry band who played the Lanch c 1979 and i think later was Two Tone band The Selecter. I was at the first concert just before the first single broke I think. I'd seen Pauline Black in a Coventry folk club known then as Pauline Vickers, and saw Neol Davies talking to her. I thought she was going to do a solo spot before neol's new band went on stage and got a surprise when Pauline turned out to be their lead singer. Good night and about the time people started dancing at the Lanch rather than sitting cross legged throughout performances. The guest sax player on Three Minute Hero was Joe Reynolds who used to play in a number of Coventry bands including the Jazz rock band Willow c 1973 / 4.

Joe Reynolds band card for Willow

Neol Davies had played at the Lanch before with one of his earlier rock bands Mead c 1970.

Curved Air

"Curved Air are a pioneering British progressive rock group formed in 1970 by musicians from mixed artistic backgrounds, including classical, folk, and electronic sound." More here Wikipedia Stuart Copeland (later of Police) on drums.

Early copies of the album with special vinyl "The album was the first vinyl picture disc as a limited edition of 10,000. Picture disc technology was in its infancy and this resulted in a level of surface noise. The disc was re-issued in conventional album format (the "Green Label" edition), with a photo of the original picture disc on the album cover." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Conditioning_(album)

Medicine Head

Medicine Head played alongside Brinsley Schwarz at the Lanch.
Medicine Head were a British blues rock band – initially a duo – active in the 1970s. Their biggest single success was in 1973, with "One and One is One", a Number 3 hit on the UK Singles Chart. More here Wikipedia

Atomic Rooster

"Atomic Rooster was an English progressive rock band, originally composed of former members of the The Crazy World of Arthur Brown." More here - Wikipedia Featured Carl Palmer.

21 Guns (Coventry Ska Band)

21 Guns were a Coventry band who played the Lanch c 1980 / 81. They made the following single on Neville Staple's Shack Label 1981.

Gus Gary 'Judge' Chambers (Vocals)
Trevor Evans (Keyboards)
Johnny Rex (Drums)
Kevin Turner (Bass)
Stuart Maclean (Guitar)

More about this band on the Hobo - Coventry A to Z of Coventry Bands https://sites.google.com/site/bandsfromcoventry/coventry-bands-a-to-z/coventry-bands-t/21-guns

Lightning Slim

Lightning Slim played the Lanch Arts festival c 1976

Lightnin' Slim was an African-American Louisiana blues musician, who recorded for Excello Records and played in a style similar to its other Louisiana artists.Wikipedia

Family

Family played at the Lanch in 1969 -



Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, ... Wikipedia

The Strawbs with Rick Wakman

The Strawbs with Rick Wakeman played the Lanchester arts Festival in 1971 with Mr Fox and Ralph McTell on the bill. Towards the end the Strawbs ran over time and the Lanch literally pulled the plug on them forgetting that they were largely an acoustic band. Rick Wakeman switched from organ to Grand Piano and the bass went upright and they just continued!

Also back on youtube this track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDDy6qXIWC8&list=RDVlDD3lOSBvg

Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention played at the Lanch Arts festival in 1969 with Sandy Denny and again with a different line up in the early 70's.

Skid Row

Skid Row was a Dublin based blues-rock band of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was

comprised of Brendan 'Brush' Shiels (bass), Noel 'Nollaig' Bridgeman (drums), Bernard 'Bernie' Cheevers (guitar) and Phil Lynott on vocals. Cheevers was replaced by 16-year-old Gary Moore in early 1968.

Brinsley Schwarz

Brinsley Schwarz were a 1970s English pub rock band, named after their guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. With Nick Lowe on bass and vocals, keyboardist Bob Andrews and drummer Billy Rankin, the band evolved from the 1960s pop band Kippington Lodge. Wikipedia

Leon Russell

Leon Russell is an American musician and songwriter, who has recorded as a session musician, sideman, and maintained a solo career in music. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, he began playing piano at the age of four. Wikipedia

Barclay James Harvest

Barclay James Harvest played the Lanch

Barclay James Harvest are an English progressive rock band. They were founded in Saddleworth, Oldham, Yorkshire, in September 1966 by John Lees, Les Holroyd, Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme, and Mel Pritchard. Wikipedia

Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf played the Lanch - "

Steppenwolf is a Canadian rock group that was prominent in the late 1960s. The group was formed in 1967 in Los Angeles by vocalist John Kay, guitarist Michael Monarch, bassist Rushton Moreve, keyboardist Goldy McJohn and drummer Jerry Edmonton after the dissolution of group The Sparrows, formed by John Kay in the early 60s, of which only Moreve was not a member.[1]

The band has sold more than 25 million records worldwide,[citation needed] releasing eight gold albums and twelve Billboard Hot 100 singles of which six were Top 40 hits,including three Top 10 successes: "Born to Be Wild", "Magic Carpet Ride", and "Rock Me". Steppenwolf enjoyed worldwide success from 1968 to 1974, but clashing personalities led to the end of the core lineup. Today, frontman John Kay is the only original member left, having served as lead singer since 1967." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppenwolf_(band)

Tyranosaurus Rex and T. Rex

Both Tyranosaurus Rex and T.Rex played the Lanch within about a year of each other. The transformation was quite startling at the time. T Rex played after Ride a White Swan hit the charts.

Radiohead

Apparently much later (not sure when) - Radiohead played -

Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway and Ed O'Brien. Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992. Wikipedia

Liverpool Scene (Adrian Henri's band)

Adrian Henri was one of the Liverpool pop poets although Adrian started out with jazz accompaniments,Liverpool Scene with Andy Roberts and they played the Lanch in 1969. The Liverpool poets were often at the Lanch in the early 70's and Adrian henri also played there with a later band - Sticky George.
he formed the

The Liverpool Poets are a number of influential 1960s poets from Liverpool, England, influenced by 1950s Beat poetry. They were involved in the 1960s Liverpool scene that gave rise to The Beatles.

Their work is characterised by its directness of expression, simplicity of language, suitability for live performance and concern for contemporary subjects and references. There is often humour, but the full range of human experience and emotion is addressed.
“ The kids didn't see this poetry with a capital p, they understood it as modern entertainment, as part of the pop-movement. (Roger McGough) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_poets

Mott the Hoople

Early 70's Mott the Hoople took the stage -
"Mott the Hoople are an English rock band with strong R&B roots, popular in the glam rock era of the early to mid-1970s." Wikipedia

The Specials

The Lanch Poly has a Two Tone plaque launched by Coventry music historian Pete Chambers. Horace and Jerry met at the Lanch and Pauline Black also studied there. The Rat Race video was filmed at the Lanch and I think Roddy got his inspiration for rat Race from overheard conversation at the Lanch. The Specials also played there.

Jake Thackray

We really didn't know what to expect when the straight looking Jake Thackray took to the

stage with his spanish guitar but soon the audience was roaring with laughter - political correctness wasn't so much of a problem at that stage! "John Philip "Jake" Thackray, was an English singer-songwriter, poet and journalist. Best known in the late 1960s and early 1970s for his topical comedy songs performed on British television, his work ... Wikipedia

Sex Pistols

November 1976 the world changing punk anthem hit Coventry at the Lanch Arts festival of that year.

A young Coventry lad - Steve Connelly (Scon) became the Sex Pistol's roady - known then as Roadant! Later he was with the Clash.

Roxy Music

When Virginia Plain came out in 1972, Roxy Music filled the hall at the Lanch...a new cult following was

forming..

Roxy Music is an English art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson.Wikipedia

Dando Shaft

Coventry progressive folk band Dando Shaft played the Lanch. They recorded on Young Blood and RCA

Neon labels. Martin Jenkins went on to play with some of the top folk artists - Mathew Southern Comfort, Bert Jansch and many more.

http://time-has-told-me.blogspot.co.uk/2006/09/dando-shaft.html

"Dando Shaft is the name of a short-lived psych/progressive folk and folk jazz band that was primarily active in the early 1970s. The band has attracted a measure of attention from recent compilation releases and Dando Shaft is today known primarily as one of the major influences on the progressive stream of the 1960s folk revival.Forming in Coventry, England, in 1968, the original Dando Shaft was an all-male quintet composed of the two guitar/vocalists Kevin Dempsey and Dave Cooper, multi-instrumentalist Martin Jenkins, bassist Roger Bullen, and tabla/percussionist Ted Kay. The band's name was taken from that of the title character of a 1965 novel by Don Calhoun. Performing in local English venues for the next two years while remaining active in the folk revival scene, the band was offered a recording deal with Young Blood Records and in 1970 they recorded their debut, An Evening With Dando Shaft. The album was well-received, drawing immediate comparison to the work of fellow folk revival musicians Pentangle, but demonstrating more of an emphasis on original folk compositions as well as showcasing a more progressive use of bluegrassy multi-instrumentation (especially due to Martin Jenkins's diverse talents) and Balkan (particularly Bulgarian) rhythmic structures.." Read more on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dando_Shaft

Arthur Big Boy Crudup

Arthur Crudup, who wrote That's Alright Mama, which launched Elvis Presley along with My Baby Left and So Glad You're Mine which Presley covered. Arthur Crudup played at the Lanch in 1971

as part of the blues show - Priory Street Blues.

Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup was an American Delta blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known outside blues circles for writing songs such as "That's All Right", "My Baby Left Me" and "So Glad ... Wikipedia

Soft Machine

The first band I saw at the Lanch c Oct or November 1969 was Soft Machine. I realised that night that, surrounded by students all digging the band, that my musical horizons were about to be considerably challenged! And they were luckily!


Soft Machine were an English rock band from Canterbury, named after the book The Soft Machine by William S. Burroughs. They were one of the central bands in the Canterbury scene, and helped pioneer the progressive rock genre. Wikipedia

You will have to click back to youtube for this 1970 live concert in Paris but well worth it - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0O5YgTFE68

Pentangle

They played the Lanch c 1971 -

Pentangle are a British folk rock band with some folk jazz influences. The original band were active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and a later version has been active since the early 1980s. Wikipedia

Blodwyn Pig

I was walking alongside the ringroad in Coventry one Saturday afternoon, in my hippy trench coat, intending to go and see Blodwyn Pig in the evening at the Lanch, when a white minibus pulled up beside me - "Can you direct us to the Lanch" asked this band of long haired musicians. The van had Blodwyn Pig written on it. I had to go after that to make sure my directions worked!

Blodwyn Pig were a British blues–rock band, founded in 1968 by guitarist–vocalist–songwriter Mick Abrahams.Wikipedia

Lesley Duncan

Lesley Duncan was a singer songwriter from Stockton on Tees. This beautiful song called Love Song was covered by Elton John and Lesley did backing vocals on his version. She played the Lanch c 1970 / 71.



"Lesley Duncan born August 12, 1943 was a British singer / songwriter. She was mainly a singles artist

with recordings dating back to 1963. After a string of unsuccessful singles from "I Want A Steady" in 1963 recorded as "Lesley Duncan and The Jokers" to "Sing Children Sing" in 1969 Lesley Duncan finally got noticed when Elton John recorded her song "Love Song" on his "Tumbleweed Connection" album. Up until this time she was more successful in the session field. Doing backing vocal for a number of British artists including Elton John, Dave Clark 5, Pink Floyd and too many to mention here. She can be heard in the chorus on the "Jesus Christ Superstar" album.

After Elton John recorded "Love Song" this landed Lesley Duncan a recording contract with CBS / Columbia Records. Producer Jimmy Horowitz gathered some of the top studio musicians in England to record on Lesley's albums including Chris Spedding and Peter Frampton. Her first album "Sing Children Sing" included Elton John on Piano. "Sing Children Sing", "Love Song" and "Help Me Jesus" would all be released as singles in the US. Top tracks from this album were "Mr. Rubin", "Love Song" and "Lullaby". These songs would all be covered by other artist like Olivia Newton-John and Long John Baldry. In 1972 her second album "Earth Mother" was released. Unlike the first this was not available in the US. Top tracks from this album include "Time", "Fortieth Floor" and the title track "Earth Mother". Due to the unsuccessful singles from the first album in the US, Columbia decided to issue "Earth Mother" as an import only. She also sang on Joyce Everson's album Crazy Lady" which was recorded in 1971 and released by Warner in 1972. It wasn't until 1974 that the single To Be A Pilgrim was issued from the album in England. This ended her time with Columbia and her next album was issued by the GM label in England." Read more on her website http://www.snvweb.net/ld/

Wandering John (Coventry band)

Wandering John were a legendary Coventry rock blues band c 1970. They did their last gig (until their sell

out 40th reunion gig in 2010). The gig was recorded by Pete Waterman and the tapes finally emerged recently but the bass amp blew during the gig which rendered the sound unbalanced but the Reunion gig was recorded for DVD by Nomad - the band were well on form as if no time had elapsed. here a track fromt eh gig - Taj Mahal cover - Statesbro Blues. John Gravenor Vocals / John Alderson lead guitar / Ade Taylor bass / paul hayes drums. Neol Davies of Selecter joined them on stage at one point but not in this video. Neol davies played there in 1970 with his early band MEAD and in 1979 with The Selecter. No footage of Mead though!

The Who

Played the Lanch c 1970 - Limousines on the street outside, packed hall with many outside listening and patch up jeans..

Free

Free played the Lanch early 70's

Yes

Yes played the Lanch c 1972 -

Yes are an English rock band who achieved success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music.Wikipedia

A more recent acoustic Live version of Roundabout by Yes -

And the original album version 

Nektar

Although Nektar were based in Germany, they were led by Coventry Musician Roye Albrighton. They played the Lanch.

The Ring (Coventry Reggae band of the 80's)

Doc Mustard - who was in this local reggae band - The Ring, sent this track which was recorded live at the Lanch in the 80's.

Osibisa

Osibisa played the Lanch Poly in 1971
Osibisa is a Ghanaian Afro-pop band, founded in London in 1969 by four expatriate African and three Caribbean musicians. Osibisa were one of the first African heritage bands to become widely popular and linked with the world music description. Wikipedia

Amazing Blondel

Amazing Blondel played the Lanch with Mott the Hoople March 1971 -

Amazing Blondel are an English acoustic progressive folk band, consisting of Eddie Baird, John Gladwin,

and Terry Wincott. They released a number of LPs for Island Records in the early 1970s. Wikipedia