Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thank you for the warm welcome to the Rick Resource Forum.I shall be delighted to join in the discussion's on the site and try and answer any question's on The Iron Door.

Geoff: I am glad you were able to make it, all the way from Liverpool.

My first question is, how many of the gang that used to work at the Iron Door Club do you still have contact with?

Geoff, what kind of introduction can you give me to the Iron Door Club?

I recently traced both the managers of The Iron Door 1964 was the last time I saw either of them.
Clem Dalton who appears to have worked at the BBC.Brian (Jessie) James went to school(Dovedale Road)with John Lennon and later became good friends,also not forgetting Sam Leach who I have seen on a regular basis for 47 years

Pam Beesley's description of her first visit to The Iron Door(Iron Door Site)is for me a good introduction to the Club.The real hub of the Iron Door started when all the members had left,musicians would arrive from all over Liverpool,they would jam together have discussion groups show each other new chords and relax,relate stories of the gig they did on the night etc.

Peter I should add another person who was part of the Iron Door gang I still have contact with is my wife we met at the club she worked in the cloakroom

It would be very interesting to hear your wife's perception of the Iron Door, should she have the time to comment Geoff.

Further, I would be pleased to arrange posting for Clem Dalton and Jessie James should you be able to convince them to contribute here.

What a great way to meet your wife! Thanks for the link. I will check it out.

Listen to Sam Leach [Link Below] – unfortunately, ONLY playable on Realplayer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2007/01/12/cavern_birthday_feature.shtml

Although, this particular BBC Liverpool page is more about the ‘other’ place than the Iron Door Club. Listed under the “See Also” menu is 2-and-a-half-minute audio clip of some of Sam Leach’s IDC recollections – it’s quite a colourful and amusing narration in parts.

The BBC Liverpool page recently published information on the Musical Tour Guide, the Iron Door and the plaque are mentioned.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2007/02/08music_wvliemusicalguide_feature.shtml
I don't have Realplayer software on my computer unfortunately unable to listen to Sam.

Did you venture into New Brighton Tower to any of Sam's "Operation Big Beat" promotions Peter.

Message for Clem Dalton(Jess)

Hi Jess
Do you remember me?
I was the bass player with The Escorts & The Swinging Blue Jeans - You used to Road Manage for us. It was all so long ago.
What I do remember is the old car you found in a barn on a farm somewhere which you bought for £40 pounds and used to run us around to gigs in.It was one of those old Rileys with the running board like the police used to use in the 50's.
Happy Days.
I also remember how you used to stand up to all the thugs on the door at The Blue Angel refusing them admission. You were a brave ******. Hope you're doing well Jessie.
I'm still at it - although it's as a solo singer just now.
If you get this message - I'd like to hear from you.
My email address is [email protected].
God bless
Greg

Mike: Thanks for taking the time to keep in touch. I know that all those who read here would dearly love to hear about your days in Liverpool and at the Iron Door Club as a player or spectator. It is so nice to hear from those who were there!

admin wrote:Mike: Thanks for taking the time to keep in touch. I know that all those who read here would dearly love to hear about your days in Liverpool and at the Iron Door Club as a player or spectator. It is so nice to hear from those who were there!

+1000!!!

Mike

I echo Peter's words and Kiri's I remember seeing Escorts at a venue called Palins in Halifax circa 64.

Escorts CD which I think has all your tracks on still a proud possesion.

Last time I saw you was when you stood in for the late Les Braid with The Swinging Blue Jeans

Well ,Well! I don't believe it. I've actually made it,registered and all, onto this website! It will allways be the Storyville to me, as dear in my heart as any other memory. Excluding getting my ba**s shaved that is! Kiramdear I believe you are outthere somewhere close to me. You"re floating and I"m in a 30* ft Coach 408 373 9644 SJose . In one year at the Iron Door I got a crash course in everything, R & B, Blues, Rock n' Roll and a touch of gospel . I played one of only two drum solos in a 25 year career [I hate drum solos!] in 1962. From about May 1961 until June 62 I was, *The Kid.* I was fifteen in 61 and all the time at the club, I didn't play, not until June 62, when I arranged to meet a friend at the Cavern. Having been faithful to the Storyville I had never been inside the Cavern ! I hadn't, believe or not, heard the Beatles even though you could throw a stone between the two clubs. So with two weeks to go before officially leaving school I left! Going to that lunch time session at the cavern was so lovably rebellious, that I was on cloud nine when I got there. I was standing at the back dead center when the band came on stage. I froze instantly. Every hair on my body stood bolt upright! Remember they hadn't played a note yet, I knew I was going to get hit with a musical brickbat! I did! They opened up with Memphis Tennessee. I couldn't believe it. They were so authentic ,I turned to my right and standing next to me was Pete Wiggins who I"d been waiting for. In a totally euphoric state I said: Peter, the Beatles couldn't be any better than this. Back came the answer, as quick as a flash, They ARE the Beatles, You Idiot! I was in a band in a week. I was in five bands in one month, just long enough to suck every bit of knowledge out of each one. But I really owe it all to the Storyville-Irondoor especially Geoff, for letting me be *The Kid* for a whole year. i was primed and ready to go! Clarkie. [ Late of Pablo Fanques Faire] in other words [Apple Records] :