Coventry Dance Halls, Studios and Schools

Some people here might not immediately associate the title with the music so here is a recording from 1960: www.youtube.com

Thank you Dutchman, Percy knew how to entertain in those days. In two words - beautiful and romantic - and you certainly know how to 'find em'. Thanks again.

Well I remember the revolving stage because I was a roadie with a disco called Dream Roadshow. DJs were Stu Bell & Tim Bills, known then as Tiny Tim. Not the singer who sang 'Tiptoe through the tulips' (now Tim Leslie) anyway we were doing a show on there, I had to put drapes, white material on the partition middle of the stage, the reason for this was the disco in them days 1970s had a lot of projectors which shone onto the white sheets to look better/brighter. I was hanging over the partition putting the drapes on then they decided to switch the revolving stage on & took the ladder away. There was I spinning around stuck on the partition while Tim Stu & the rest were laughing their heads off, they never let me forget that. Those where fantastic days & obviously that's why I remember the revolving stage lol

When I used to go to the Locarno circa 1960, I think it was the Harry Black Orchestra who played first and then the stage revolved for the Jack and Jill Trio. I hope that I've got these names correct - can anyone remember?

Pink Floyd played there, I wasn't impressed with them, it was all noise and flashing lights.

Now I am sure the music that played as the stage turned was Green Onions, this being in the 70's. White Rum was the house band and they seemed to have a version of the latest hits almost as soon as they hit the charts, but perhaps that is looking back through pink tinted nostalgia glasses.

Rialto Casino, my that brings back lots of wonderful memories. Dancing to a really good band and enjoying the freedom back in 1948-50ish. then of course there was the Matrix. I used to work at the Gauge and Tool who had this building built to be used as a dining room in the daytime and a dance hall at the weekends.Thanks for the memories.

remember the matrix saw manfred mann brian poole & the tremeloes plus a few others enjoyed it

You are right The Pink Floyd played at the Rock House twice they also played at the Coventry Theatre, I was lucky enough to see them each time I thought they were great. And still do.

One occasion Pink Floyd played there was in 1972 directly after Chuck Berry, Floyd fans were out in the rain waiting for Berry to finish his gig.This was the time 'My Ding-a-Ling' was recorded there. When it was No.1 in the States Mouldy Old Dough was No.1 over here, thus having two No.1 hits both recorded in Coventry.

My claim to fame has long been that I sang backing vocals on a rock and roll legend's biggest UK hit.

I didn't think there were any backing vocals on Terry Wogan's "The Floral Dance" Sorry, just joking. Go on, you have to tell us, which legend, and what was the hit?

My guess would be Chuck Berry's 'My Ding-a-ling' as detailed above. It was definitely recorded at the Locarno in front of a live audience, who all joined in. Many Coventrians can claim to have been on that record!