I'm compiling a list of acts to have played The Boardwalk (Black Swan / Mucky Duck) on Snig Hill in Sheffield over the years and need help! I remember going to see Vinegar Joe, Kilburn and The High Roads (later to become Ian Dury and The Blockheads), Dr Feelgood (Wilko Johnson still plays the Boardwalk and is now a very good friend of mine), Patto, Ducks Deluxe, Dick and The Firemen, Brinsley Schwartz feat. a very young Nick Lowe... my minds going fuzzy now!!
Also, if anyone has any info regarding the general history of the building it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Chris Wilson, Boardwalk Promoter.

Chris check out or email some of the guys who have posted in this thread about the mojo and sixties they maybe able to help you.


http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?threadid=319

he merrie england was there in the late sixties,i think.

vaguely remeber my parents telling me it was called the Compleat Angler at one time, or have I dreamt it . . .?

Originally posted by Chris Wilson
I'm compiling a list of acts to have played The Boardwalk (Black Swan / Mucky Duck) on Snig Hill in Sheffield over the years and need helpMany thanks,
Chris Wilson, Boardwalk Promoter.

Hi Chris, I was a regular visitor in the late sixties/early seventies.
Some bands I saw.

Joe Cocker
Patto
Be Bop Deluxe
Shape of the Rain
McCloskeys Apocalypse
Jigsaw
Curved Air (I think. Might be confused on that one)
Alexis Korner's Daughter-Cannot remember her name

Fading fast so will give it more thought and get back to you.

Andy

Originally posted by Andyman
Hi Chris, I was a regular visitor in the late sixties/early seventies.
Some bands I saw.

Joe Cocker
Patto
Be Bop Deluxe
Shape of the Rain
McCloskeys Apocalypse
Jigsaw
Curved Air (I think. Might be confused on that one)
Alexis Korner's Daughter-Cannot remember her name

Fading fast so will give it more thought and get back to you.

Andy Did you see God? Todd Rundgren

Originally posted by Jon
Did you see God? Todd Rundgren

Fraid not, any idea when he was there?

Andy

Originally posted by Andyman
Fraid not, any idea when he was there?

Andy Thought he was in Be Bop Deluxe :? could be wrong thou

Originally posted by Jon
Thought he was in Be Bop Deluxe :? could be wrong thou

Don't think so. Be Bop Deluxe was in fact one guy from Wakefield with a couple of session men.
Not Tod's style at all.

Andy

Originally posted by Andyman


Fading fast so will give it more thought and get back to you.

Andy [/B]

OK had some time to think and read my old cuttings.
During Terry Steeples days at the Black Swan here are some of the bands that played:

Bitter Suite, Chuck Fowler (the Killamarsh Killer), Frank White, Shape of the Rain, The Wolves, New Jersey Turnpike, O'Hara's Playboys. All local based.

Mud, Timebox, Sweet, Brinsley Schwartz, Argent, Wishbone Ash, Average White Band, Kilburn and the High Roads, Genesis, Patto, Vinegar Joe, If, Christie. All from further afield.

Perhaps most famously in July 1976 the Sex Pistols played and were supported by The Clash playing their first ever public gig. Although by then I think it was called the Compleat Angler.

Some bands eh????

Andy

Some acts i saw at the Swan were , Mud, Vinigar Joe, The Platters
New Formular, The Fortunes,local band Oharas Playboys i'll have a think and list some more.

Originally posted by stewart
Some acts i saw at the Swan were , Mud, Vinigar Joe, The Platters
New Formular, The Fortunes,local band Oharas Playboys i'll have a think and list some more.

Robert Palmer sang with Vinegar Joe, really sad news about him this week.
I also saw him when he fronted the Alan Bown Set late sixties.

Fortunes were mainly from Sheffield, Shiregreen I think.

Andy

Andy - You mentioned Average White Band ,
I was a big fan back in the seventies and can't
believe I missed them. Can you pin a date on the
show at all ?

Chris

I was heavily involved with numerous bands who played at the Black Swan... affectionately known as the Mucky Duck in the early sixties...I first appeared there when I was 14, playing lead guitar for Pete Fender and the Strollers.

Other bands I played with include "Johnnie Silver and the Thunderbirds", "The Chevrons" and last but by no means least a band called "The Sheffields". We were originally managed by Pete Stringfellow I have many fond memories of my time with the band and although we played mainly in London and the south coast, Sheffield was our natural home base.

Sadly the band split up and I then moved on to tour with "Dave Berry and the Cruisers" before temporarily retiring from the Rock and Roll scene to live in Jersey for a few years.

I'm back in the area now and still enjoy playing the Gibson I bought way back in 1962. She's well worn ... a bit like myself, but we can still "sing" a bit together.

BTW I have for some time been trying to trace Dave Green who played bass for "The Chevrons"... does anyone have any contact details?

Roy Ledger

Originally posted by Chris M
Andy - You mentioned Average White Band ,
I was a big fan back in the seventies and can't
believe I missed them. Can you pin a date on the
show at all ?

Never saw them myself Chris, would guess mid/late seventies but could be miles out.

Andy

Terry Steeples was also manager of the Essoldo Cinema in Rotherham. I remember he and his wife well, although her name escapes me. A very good looking lady. Terry was a big guy and very sociable too. He was a great one for promotions and always on the ball to promote the films at the Essoldo. I once had a drink with him at the Black Swan - it seems so long ago - well it is.

Originally posted by Roysboy56
Chris

I was heavily involved with numerous bands who played at the Black Swan... affectionately known as the Mucky Duck in the early sixties...I first appeared there when I was 14, playing lead guitar for Pete Fender and the Strollers.

I'm back in the area now and still enjoy playing the Gibson I bought way back in 1962. She's well worn ... a bit like myself, but we can still "sing" a bit together.


Roy Ledger

Hi Roy, Pete Fenders band playing a Gibson, can't be right.

What model is the Gibson, could be worth a lorra, lorra money by now. New kit just doesn't sound the same, no soul.
I have a fifties re-issue Stratocaster but without effects pedals it sounds a bit "tinny" even though it is a great instrument.

Andy

Originally posted by blondee
vaguely remeber my parents telling me it was called the Compleat Angler at one time, or have I dreamt it . . .?

You're spot on with name 'The Compleat Angler' (and the spelling too!) Named after a book by someone I can't remember the name of, I think. It had angling gear and books on the wall and was made out to look a bit like someones private library.

I used to have lunch in there during the early eighties when I was Assistant Manager at the ABC Cinema which was then only a few yards further up the hill in Angel Street. I do remember that the lunch menu was good and so was the beer! I also remember that the interior was divided in to 3 areas which made it impossible to have any live music at that time.

Originally posted by Chris Wilson
Also, if anyone has any info regarding the general history of the building it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Chris Wilson, Boardwalk Promoter. [/B]

I used to frequent the Black Swan in the 70's and was under the impression that 'Mucky Duck' was a play-on-words nickname. However, it appears that the upstairs and downstairs bars had different names over the years. The Boardwalk, as it is now, was previously the Mucky Duck, Complete Angler, and the Black Swan. The other part (Under The Boardwalk), was called the Old Brewery Tap, Dive Bar (particularly apt name, I expect), and the Merry England Bar at different periods of time. Hope this is of help.

Hi. My wife and I are going to be in London in mid January and I am going to try and check out some historical clubs that The Clash played back in the 70’s and 80’s. I have a book that says that the first show The Clash played was at The Swan in Sheffield on July 4th 1976 with The Sex Pistols. Is this club still standing? Is it still a club? What is the address? Do you know of any pictures of the Black Swan on the internet?
Thanks, any info would help.
Lew.

Several mentions of Vinegar joe playing at the duck, but does anyone remember their previous incarnation as Dada with Elkie Brookes and Robert palmer on lead vocals. I saw them at the duck one Sunday night, cant remember the year. Brilliant gig tho.

The book "The Compleat Angler" was written by Isaac Walton who later went on to find fame after his life story was made into a film all about him and his 25 brothers and sisters growing up in the blue ridge mountains of vriginia.....G'night John Boy.....G'night Isaac

Originally posted by Lew Archer
Hi. My wife and I are going to be in London in mid January and I am going to try and check out some historical clubs that The Clash played back in the 70’s and 80’s. I have a book that says that the first show The Clash played was at The Swan in Sheffield on July 4th 1976 with The Sex Pistols. Is this club still standing? Is it still a club? What is the address? Do you know of any pictures of the Black Swan on the internet?
Thanks, any info would help.
Lew.


The club is still standing and it is now called The Boardwalk

www.theboardwalklive.co.uk

It was indeed the place where the Clash plated there fist gig, and it still has bands playing today.

There is a very old picture here of the Black Swan

Very old piccy (http://www.hpac.org.uk/cgi-bin/hpac.pl?_cgifunction=form&_layout=picturesheffield&keyval=sheff.id=2019)

As a kid I can remember walking past the "Swan" and odly
enough it was painted green.
There was also a sign that said "What's behind the green door
tonight" and underneath this was often a poster for whichever
live artist was on at the time.

(Frankie Vaughan had a big hit with the song "Green Door"
in late 1956)
(I have got a version of this song by a guy called Wynder K Frogg
from around 1968 ?)

Not many people know that !!!

Remember the Mucky Duck, had my hen night there in 1972, what anight:)

Originally posted by Andyman
Don't think so. Be Bop Deluxe was in fact one guy from Wakefield with a couple of session men.
Not Tod's style at all.

Andy

The frontman was Bill Nelson later of Bill Nelsons Red Noise. Saw him when he played the City Hall around 1976.

I saw many of the groups already mentioned, in 1974-77, but one of the best, which was missing from your list, was "Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias", about ten guys from Manchester who were a kind of parody group. They did take-offs of Bob Marley, Dr Feelgood and others, and the highlight of their set was Jimi Hendrix Live at Woodstock playing The Archers' Theme. One of them was called CP Lee (I think) and Chas Jankel may or may not have been with them at one time. Aaah Happy Days !!
Tonight I will drink to the memory of Terry Steeples

Originally posted by Chris Wilson
I'm compiling a list of acts to have played The Boardwalk (Black Swan / Mucky Duck) on Snig Hill in Sheffield over the years and need help!


Status Quo appeared at The Black Swan in 1971.

Hi Chris
I saw the Sex pistols at the black swan around 1975/76
Before they were famous ,only a handful of people were there
and i'm glad to say i was one of em

Hi Chris!
Bees Make Honey - 1974
Chilli Willi & the Red Hot Peppers - 1973/4
Jack the Lad - 1973/4
Fusion Orchestra - 1974
Sassafras - 1974
Deaf School (with Bette Bright, Suggs' wife) - 1974
The Winkies
Beckett

Cheers
Jeff

yes chris I remember " Black Swan" when it first opened my father used to "wait on" at the time and Terry Steeples used to be the manager I used to go in the late sixties and, yesI saw Joe Cocker and his Greasband "Patto" ( time box ), Bitter suite shape of the rain, paper lace and many more bands there was enertainment every night those days

remember the talent nights,my cousin, neville ford (cosmo),used to sing everyweek at mucky duck,my cherie amour,i left my heart in san fransisco,does anyone remember him,was killed after falling off the roof at daniel doncasters,i think most of the customers at the mucky duck came to his funeral.

Bill Nelson was yer man from Be Bop Deluxe....

Roy Young Band, Sassafras, Hackensack......

AC/DC !
I kid you not.....

Originally posted by Chris Wilson
I'm compiling a list of acts to have played The Boardwalk (Black Swan / Mucky Duck) on Snig Hill in Sheffield over the years and need help! I remember going to see Vinegar Joe, Kilburn and The High Roads (later to become Ian Dury and The Blockheads), Dr Feelgood (Wilko Johnson still plays the Boardwalk and is now a very good friend of mine), Patto, Ducks Deluxe, Dick and The Firemen, Brinsley Schwartz feat. a very young Nick Lowe... my minds going fuzzy now!!
Also, if anyone has any info regarding the general history of the building it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Chris Wilson, Boardwalk Promoter.

The Dammed played there.

Chris can you kick the name boardwalk into touch. We will always know it has the Black Swan / Mucky Duck. In the same way as the Casbar (however it is spelt) will always be the Wopentake or Wop.

I'm the same as you Chris - the old grey matter fails me....it must be the Guinness. :)

Hi , bit of a long shot, but does anyone remember or heard of an organist ( who used to back bands in the mucky duck) called Freddy Benson, not sure of the exact time frame but probably late 1950's to 1960's. basically he's my grandad although i dont know much about him, thought this site might be a good place to start.
All the Best..Dave

Among many bands I also remember seeing Vinegar Joe at the Mucky Duck. Robert Palmer and Elkie Brooks were a good double vocal front. Pity she went all cabaret later. Think I also saw Stone the Crows, and Rod Argent and his band there. I also think I saw an excellent local Chesterfield band called Shape of the Rain there too.

Regards
Paul Norton

yes I remember the group" shape f the Rain"I used to go in the swan 7 nights aweek there was entertainment then ( dinner times it cost nothing also "patto" "bitter suite" my dad used to "wait on" in there when Terry Steeples used to manage it

Does anyone know what happened to Terry Steeples?

Is he still around?

I used to work with his Father in Law Cecil (Jack) Wainwright.


Happy Days!

I saw a show called the Witchfinder General tour artises were Cheryl Beer, Tim Rose and Aurther Brown of Crazy World fame.
Don't know if it's the one you're thinking of Paul but I saw Stone The Crows at the City Hall in the 70s it was just after Les Harvey was killed.

Originally posted by pfn1
Among many bands I also remember seeing Vinegar Joe at the Mucky Duck. Robert Palmer and Elkie Brooks were a good double vocal front. Pity she went all cabaret later. Think I also saw Stone the Crows, and Rod Argent and his band there. I also think I saw an excellent local Chesterfield band called Shape of the Rain there too.

Regards
Paul Norton

But wasn't Elkie raunchy in those days!!

Elkie (http://www.moss-net.co.uk/elkie.htm)

Shape of the Rain had an Album I believe. I always meant to buy it but never did. They had a couple of brilliant tacks if I remember, one was "woman" and the other "Castles In The Air" . The Pedal Steel Guitarist was a guy called Brian Wood from Eckington. He was backing Dave Berry last time I heard. I still see Tag (the wild drummer) around occasionaly. They used to play the Crazy Daisy too. The guy? from Frankenstiens Monsters was the DJ in the Crazy.

Originally posted by Lostrider
I still see Tag (the wild drummer) around occasionaly. They used to play the Crazy Daisy too. The guy? from Frankenstiens Monsters was the DJ in the Crazy. [/B]

Tag (aka Ian Wagitt) still alive! wonders never cease :P I remember him as the ugliest drummer ever to hold the sticks, and the next time you see him Lostrider can you ask him if he still goes to "the clinic" these days. ;)

The guy? from Frankenstiens Monsters was the DJ in the Crazy. [/B]

You mean Ray Stuart?

Originally posted by PopT
Does anyone know what happened to Terry Steeples?

Is he still around?

I used to work with his Father in Law Cecil (Jack) Wainwright.


Happy Days!

Apparently Pop, Terry is still alive and isn't as big as he was in those days. His son once posted to have a go at me for calling his father fat Terry, even though that is how most folk knew him.

In the mid 70's there was a local band called "Limelight" who used to play the Mucky Duck - with a brilliant classically trained keyboard player. He went onto to join Steve Harleys' Cockney Rebel and can be best heard on their version of George Harrisons "Here comes the Sun"

A story about Terry Steeples I once heard - some agent called him to see if he would book his band - Terry had a vacant slot some weeks ahead but as they were 'cheap' he booked them. Between that phone call and the appearance the band released a single - which went to No 1 - the band was Argent - the single "Hold your head up"

From what I can remeber of the story the agent tried and tried to get them 'unbooked' but Terry was having none of it - a contract had been signed etc.

When Argent appeared the queue went up Angel Street and all teh way down Bank Street - bet the bar takings were good that night!

terry steeples great guy allwas had time for everyone

My dad Terry Steeples is still alive and well and living in grimsby, nicola steeples

Originally posted by PopT
Does anyone know what happened to Terry Steeples?

Is he still around?

I used to work with his Father in Law Cecil (Jack) Wainwright.


Happy Days!

yes my father is still alive and living in grimsby - nicola steeples

Originally posted by mikey
The club is still standing and it is now called The Boardwalk

www.theboardwalklive.co.uk

It was indeed the place where the Clash plated there fist gig, and it still has bands playing today.

There is a very old picture here of the Black Swan

Very old piccy (http://www.hpac.org.uk/cgi-bin/hpac.pl?_cgifunction=form&_layout=picturesheffield&keyval=sheff.id=2019)
old picture doesnt work... well it says some odd file format.

a 'pl' file?

Originally posted by Andyman
OK had some time to think and read my old cuttings.
During Terry Steeples days at the Black Swan here are some of the bands that played:

Bitter Suite, Chuck Fowler (the Killamarsh Killer), Frank White, Shape of the Rain, The Wolves, New Jersey Turnpike, O'Hara's Playboys. All local based.

Mud, Timebox, Sweet, Brinsley Schwartz, Argent, Wishbone Ash, Average White Band, Kilburn and the High Roads, Genesis, Patto, Vinegar Joe, If, Christie. All from further afield.

Perhaps most famously in July 1976 the Sex Pistols played and were supported by The Clash playing their first ever public gig. Although by then I think it was called the Compleat Angler.

Some bands eh????

Andy

Got an album still by Shape of the rain,

JUst diversifying. Use to see Joe Cocker there quite regular. Lost track of the history of the Grease band. What happened to Chris Stainton. fantastic musician.

I remember going to the mucky duck, it must have been one Shrove Tuesday in the early 70s as they were having a competition "pancake tossing" and being quite good at the latter in those days i won free beer for me and my mate all night, Good Times.
I did frequent the Merry England most sat night's, can any one remember the resident dancer Mighty Melvin? "Strange Dude" come to think of it we all must have looked strange with our platform shoes, flares, looms, tank tops, love beads and the hint of glitter in our hair, i believe i speak for the majority .

Originally posted by coyleys
I remember going to the mucky duck, it must have been one Shrove Tuesday in the early 70s as they were having a competition "pancake tossing" and being quite good at the latter in those days i won free beer for me and my mate all night, Good Times.
I did frequent the Merry England most sat night's, can any one remember the resident dancer Mighty Melvin? "Strange Dude" come to think of it we all must have looked strange with our platform shoes, flares, looms, tank tops, love beads and the hint of glitter in our hair, i believe i speak for the majority .

Interesting story about Mighty Melvin and a young woman called Kathy (think she was a stripper there). One halloween the manager of Samantha's on Queens Road. During the day with 2 other members of staff had been publicising the clubs Party that night. Around 10.00pm that night he came in like the Pied Piper ahead of an array of bodies in fancy dress. This included Melvin and Kathy in Bunny girl outfits. He took the into a private party in the party suite where Melvin cleared the floor by dancing on his own in the middle. Near the end he dropped his top down to show that it was a bloke in drag. Kathy pushed her way on danced and did the same but dropped into 2 guys laps on her back. The blokes didn't know where to put there hands to help her up.
There was hell to do after as the girl who's 18th birthday party it was went wild.

Did you see God? Todd Rundgren

Only just spotted this post (nearly 3 years late!)

Anyone else on here see Todd at the University student union in about '82?

A Band called The Alan Bown Set played at the Black Swan in the early 70's They did an Album called Outward Bown

Does anyone know where I can get the Shape of the Rain Album on CD CALLED Riley Riley Wood & Waggett Please ???

Does anyone know where I can get the Shape of the Rain Album on CD CALLED Riley Riley Wood & Waggett Please ???
Sorry sold mine to a lady on the Manor about 3 months ago.

Mine got "lost" when we moved house :suspect:

My husband used to go to see Elkie Brooks at the Mucky Duck - and this is the first time I have ever heard anyone else mention Patto - he has one of their L P's in a cupboard somewhere!

Am I halucinating, or was there a novelty glam band used to play there in the early '70's called 'The Light Fantastic'? Did a number that involved emerging from flaming coffins? Kinda like Sheffields answer to Arthur Brown?

Hi Roysboy56
Do you live near manor top now?

Terry Steeples was also manager of the Essoldo Cinema in Rotherham. I remember he and his wife well, although her name escapes me. A very good looking blonde lady. Terry was a big guy and very sociable too. He was a great one for promotions and always on the ball to promote the films at the Essoldo. I once had a drink with him at the Black Swan - it seems so long ago - well it is.

Am I halucinating, or was there a novelty glam band used to play there in the early '70's called 'The Light Fantastic'? Did a number that involved emerging from flaming coffins? Kinda like Sheffields answer to Arthur Brown?

Yes I recall The Light Fantastic. More akin to the late Boris Pickett - and the Crypt Kickers of Monster Mash fame!

Saw Light Fantastic many times, drummer/singer/comedian was Ian "Sludge" Lees who went on to have minor fame. I used to go to watch "Jade" from 1968 onwards, happy days!.

Terry Steeples was also manager of the Essoldo Cinema in Rotherham. I remember he and his wife well, although her name escapes me. A very good looking lady. Terry was a big guy and very sociable too. He was a great one for promotions and always on the ball to promote the films at the Essoldo. I once had a drink with him at the Black Swan - it seems so long ago - well it is.
Terry Steeples wife's name was Rachel

I'm compiling a list of acts to have played The Boardwalk (Black Swan / Mucky Duck) on Snig Hill in Sheffield over the years and need help! I remember going to see Vinegar Joe, Kilburn and The High Roads (later to become Ian Dury and The Blockheads), Dr Feelgood (Wilko Johnson still plays the Boardwalk and is now a very good friend of mine), Patto, Ducks Deluxe, Dick and The Firemen, Brinsley Schwartz feat. a very young Nick Lowe... my minds going fuzzy now!!
Also, if anyone has any info regarding the general history of the building it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Chris Wilson, Boardwalk Promoter.

The pub took a bomb in WW2 which blew the top floor clean off. It opperated as a bungalow pub for many years.

I was a student in late 60s. We went in at lunchtimes. They had daft audience participation shows like standing on your head to drink a half pint. Winner usually won 3 pints. As impoverished students we always participated as it kept us in beer.

Saw Joe Cocker play there 40 years ago.

Hi Chris, I was a regular visitor in the late sixties/early seventies.
Some bands I saw.

Joe Cocker
Patto
Be Bop Deluxe
Shape of the Rain
McCloskeys Apocalypse
Jigsaw
Curved Air (I think. Might be confused on that one)
Alexis Korner's Daughter-Cannot remember her name

Fading fast so will give it more thought and get back to you.

Andy
absolutly loved be bop delux + bill nelsons red noise

JUst diversifying. Use to see Joe Cocker there quite regular. Lost track of the history of the Grease band. What happened to Chris Stainton. fantastic musician.

Saw Chris with Eric Clapton 2007 at the Sheffield Arena, still going strong.

Don't think so. Be Bop Deluxe was in fact one guy from Wakefield with a couple of session men.
Not Tod's style at all.

Andy

The original line up of Be Bop deluxe was Bill Nelson on lead guitar and vocals, Ian Parkin: rhythm and acoustic guitar, Ian died in 1995, aged 45.
Robert Bryan: bass and backing vocals and Nicholas Chatterton-Dew on drums and percussion.
Saw them at the Swan in 74.

Line up number 2 was Bill again, Simon Fox, drums and percussion, Charlie Tumahai bass and backing vocals, Charlie died 21 December 1995 from cancer I believe back in New Zealand and Andrew Clark, keyboards.
Saw them at the City Hall when they all came out of big plastic tubes full of smoke.

Bill also set fire to his guitar and waved over the heads of the front row of the audience, try that today with Elf & Safety.

During the 70's a photographer used to offer sets of photos for sale from the previous weeks band .I have some from a Patto set,can anyone remember who the guy was ,or if he can be contacted .
We would travel from Bawtry area ,most Sunday evenings to wait outside to ensure we got good seats for the show,even carrying in equipment for the bands as they arrived .Highlights for me was watching Brynsleys,Patto,Dr Feelgood,Albertos,Ducks Deluxe,Vinegar Joe,Blodwyn Pig etc etc

We went to the Black Swan regularly. I clearly remember a set of WEM PA speakers stenciled with "Curved Air" I am sure it was Patto using them.
I have loads of memories, but not all at once, don't want to be boring.
Any questions?

The week before we first went to the Black Swan, Status Quo were on. This when Pictures of Matchstick Men had just been released.

Does anyone remember bands called Kokomo and Racing Cars playing there ?Or is it my imagination ?

I'm compiling a list of acts to have played The Boardwalk (Black Swan / Mucky Duck) on Snig Hill in Sheffield over the years and need help! I remember going to see Vinegar Joe, Kilburn and The High Roads (later to become Ian Dury and The Blockheads), Dr Feelgood (Wilko Johnson still plays the Boardwalk and is now a very good friend of mine), Patto, Ducks Deluxe, Dick and The Firemen, Brinsley Schwartz feat. a very young Nick Lowe... my minds going fuzzy now!!
Also, if anyone has any info regarding the general history of the building it would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Chris Wilson, Boardwalk Promoter.

I have a live recording of Patto at The Black Swan if anybody is interested. Pretty rough quality, though :)

Does anyone have photo, preferably 1970s, of the pub?

Patto was, or were, one of the best live bands I have ever seen.

Whilst having a huge following and at least one appearance on The Whistle Test, they never really made "the big time", not a bad thing really, the general chart pulp buying public didn't deserve them.

It is only fairly recently I read their story in one of the music mags, Q or uncut, I can't remember which, a very sad story.

The recording even if poor should be treasured, there are a couple of clips on U Tube but the raw, pure energy that came from the Black Swan stage was unrepeatable.

The recording even if poor should be treasured, there are a couple of clips on U Tube but the raw, pure energy that came from the Black Swan stage was unrepeatable.

I am unable to post a links, but if anyone wants a copy of this recording, please go to The Ollie Halsall Archive [google it] and email me through the olliEmail system

the Sex Pistol and the Clash would probably be as good as any band to note as having played at the mucky duck.

hear joe strummer talk about it on youtube, just check out my youtube page--this site won't let me post a link. my youtube name is same as posting name here! enjoy.

You're spot on with name 'The Compleat Angler' (and the spelling too!) Named after a book by someone I can't remember the name of, I think. It had angling gear and books on the wall and was made out to look a bit like someones private library.

I used to have lunch in there during the early eighties when I was Assistant Manager at the ABC Cinema which was then only a few yards further up the hill in Angel Street. I do remember that the lunch menu was good and so was the beer! I also remember that the interior was divided in to 3 areas which made it impossible to have any live music at that time.
isaac walton wrote the compleat angler many ,many years ago

I remember going to the mucky duck on friday afternoons in the 70s with me mates from work to have a pint or two and watch the gogo dancer/stripper

I forgot to mention on previous post, the VERY FIRST performance of The Clash was at the Black Swan.

Bleedin' historic, mate ;)

Hi , bit of a long shot, but does anyone remember or heard of an organist ( who used to back bands in the mucky duck) called Freddy Benson, not sure of the exact time frame but probably late 1950's to 1960's. basically he's my grandad although i dont know much about him, thought this site might be a good place to start.
All the Best..Dave

Yes, I remember Freddy (great organist) - he also used to play at The Travellers on The Moor.
Had some great times in there with Freddie on the organ, Bill Hogan (brilliant pianist) joining in on Piano and Ronnie Delta (fantastic comedian & singer) helped it all along singing and acting daft. There was a lot of talent about in those days.

Hi Chris,
I am wondering about a chronological list. When did the Black Swan first open? I am thinking of trying the Star archives. Have you got much so far?
Del.

My Auntie Esther worked the Black Swan in the fifties as what might be called a lady of the night. I took my future wife in to meet her, and they struck up a friendship that lasted for years. Her lousy husband had abandoned her penniless with two kids, so she used her incredible looks to keep her kids fed.

See my Thread 'Bands of the 60's - Shape Of The Rain'.

A Mint Example of their vinyl album LP, Riley, Riley, Wood and Waggett is up for sale at the moment on ebay.

I got a copy

Certainly I saw Patto there. My brother has photographs of Ollie Halsall (the guitarist) who played the entire gig in a massive bumble bee costume complete with wings. We never did find out why! The drummer did a solo and took off round the room playing table tops and did a full circuit, before returning to his kit. We have a cassette of it somewhere. Shocked nobody has flagged up Jenny Haan's Lion who played there, she had just formed the band after leaving Babe Ruth. I certainly have a few snaps of this show. The venue used to have a large bronze life size swan outside the front door, painted (surprise) black. I'm pretty sure there is some film shot inside the club one lunchtime which turns up in that amazing documentary on a day in the life of Sheffield in the early 70s; all lunchtime boozers and exotic dancers. I agree with one of the comments that it would be nice to see it renamed The Black Swan (maybe keep both names?). Simon

I see someone else has mentioned the Patto recording; me or my brother (not sure which, we both used to have a go!) made this on a cassette sat on a table top. He might have passed it on to the Patto / Halsall website. Unless there was more than one person bootlegging them that night! Simon

Chris

I was heavily involved with numerous bands who played at the Black Swan... affectionately known as the Mucky Duck in the early sixties...I first appeared there when I was 14, playing lead guitar for Pete Fender and the Strollers.

Other bands I played with include "Johnnie Silver and the Thunderbirds", "The Chevrons" and last but by no means least a band called "The Sheffields". We were originally managed by Pete Stringfellow I have many fond memories of my time with the band and although we played mainly in London and the south coast, Sheffield was our natural home base.

Sadly the band split up and I then moved on to tour with "Dave Berry and the Cruisers" before temporarily retiring from the Rock and Roll scene to live in Jersey for a few years.

I'm back in the area now and still enjoy playing the Gibson I bought way back in 1962. She's well worn ... a bit like myself, but we can still "sing" a bit together.

BTW I have for some time been trying to trace Dave Green who played bass for "The Chevrons"... does anyone have any contact details?

Roy Ledger

Cocker and Scot William as well, I reckon Kenny Slade will know his wareabouts, Kenny still drinks in Crookes.

Used to play sax in a band in sheffield in the early 70s, variously called 'Eighth Day' or sometimes 'Flight', with Kenny Slade on drums ( nice to hear he's still drinking), Alan Dunn ( of Geldof's band now, lives in S.London) and Steve Byrd ( who was with Kim Wilde for years.
Remember Alberto Y Los Trios - very funnny band.
Saw Patto severeal times...would love to hear the tape.

Mick Wilson ex of McCluskey's is now a music lecturer at Huddesfield Uni. Also used to play in a band with him and his missis Deborah.

Was anyone else there the time Cocker made No1 with "A little help"? He had just been busted for grass, was presented with a cake, and hoped that what he wanted was inside. His mum was there. Along with the Hoover, if you were there, you know. Fantastic

I took me "Old" Ma to see Joe that night. She thought his music was good but didn't get his air guitar playing. Should have taken me girlfriend but we had broke up the night before, so instead of going alone I treat me ma to a glimpse of my world. Told her at the time Joe would be big. Don't think in her mid 40's she understood our music. I'm the same now with my kids choice of music. Guess it's a generation thing.

As you can tell from my handle, I was/am a great fan of Patto and forerunner Timebox. Saw them many times at The Black Swan. They have an album called Warts and All recorded at the Black Swan.
Got the Tracklist if you're interested.
1.You, You Point Your Finger
2.Money Bag
3.Let It RocK
4.Magic Door
5.Government Man
6.How's Your Father
7.Route 66
8.Tell Me Where You've Been
9.San Antone
10.Sitting Back Easy
11.Big Hunk O'Love
Incidentally I saw a funny film recently called Observe and Report. On the soundtrack was two Patto songs. The Man and Sitting Back Easy, taken from the 1970 Patto album.

As you can tell from my handle, I was/am a great fan of Patto and forerunner Timebox. Saw them many times at The Black Swan.

Also a big Patto fan from the Black Swan days.

remember one night that Terry was introducing them on stage and called them THE Patto.

Ollie and Mike ****** themselves laughing.

Link to a great interview from early nineties about this great band. some tragic events in later life.

http://www.terrascope.co.uk/mybackpages/patto%20-%20john%20halsey%20pt12.pdf

Andy
it's All Too Beautiful

Can anyone recall Cockers best gig? Arbourthorne Hotel, Chris Stainton, bass. Vernon Nash, organ. Tommy Eyre, cant remember the others. Help my failing memory.

Can anyone recall Cookers best gig? Arbourthorne Hotel, Chris Stainton, bass. Vernon Nash, organ. Tommy Eyre, cant remember the others. Help my failing memory.

I was at the Cannon Hall Fir Vale for one of Cocker's greatest gigs i followed him around when he was Vance Arnold & the Avengers also saw some great gigs with him at the Esquire,Penny Farthing and the list goes on SHEFFIELDS FINEST anyone see him at the Lyceum after it had reopened after it's refurbishment.

One of the greatest acts ever to appear at the Duck was "Mighty Melvin Shakespeare" go go dancer extraordinaire nobody has mentioned any of the great comedy acts to appear some of the comedians at that time went on to make the big time i remember Jim Bowen of Bullseye fame on stage one Sat dinner plus many many more.

Can anyone recall Cockers best gig? Arbourthorne Hotel, Chris Stainton, bass. Vernon Nash, organ. Tommy Eyre, cant remember the others. Help my failing memory.

Saw Joe Cocker at the Arena on his last visit. I was unsure how much time would have taken toll of the great man. The previous "live" show I saw him in was "The" show at The Black Swan just as he went to number 1 with With a Little Help. My fears were unfounded. He gave a note perfect performance. Not bad for a Sheffield pensioner. Long live Joe.

My wife and I will be in London in mid-January and I'll try to check some historical clubs clash played in the 70s and 80s. I have a book that says the first concert was played by The Clash at The Swan in Sheffield on July 4, 1976 with the Sex Pistols...

Is it true that the Boardwalk is shut forever?
I heard it got repossessed or something...

Obviously the best thing any would be buyer could do would be to reopen...business as usual!

...found this pic of the original Black Swan - before the current building - from 1960 !.....

http://bit.ly/gzAGEp

Two bands who played regularly not mentioned so far were Amazing Blondel and Welsh rockers Man who had Terry Williams on drums he went on to play for Dire Straights. I saw Man at the boardwalk about 8-9 years ago just after Micky Jones brain hemorrhage and was delighted to see Terry Williams back behind the kit

One of the greatest acts ever to appear at the Duck was "Mighty Melvin Shakespeare" go go dancer extraordinaire nobody has mentioned any of the great comedy acts to appear some of the comedians at that time went on to make the big time i remember Jim Bowen of Bullseye fame on stage one Sat dinner plus many many more.

Never forgot Harry Bendon's impersonation of a white eared elephant!!!

yes my father is still alive and living in grimsby - nicola steeples

Many happy memories of Terry and times spent in the Black Swan. Great place, wonderful people, but terrible beer. If Terry is still with us thank him for being a good part of my youth. A great man.