The following piece of Island social history was overlooked when we produced our book Isle of Wight Rock. It comes from Brian Godding of Blossom Toes who played three gigs on the Island in the sixties:
I personally remember all three gigs on the Island back in the sixties (for various reasons.) Both dates on the pier were in fact run by some rather shady lads from London. I remember in particular on both occasions the presence of very large, drunk and violent Scotsmen who on both occasions (courtesy of the promoters) ended up sparko on th end of the Pier minus teeth, blood, and the evenings beer intake! (Not very flower power eh?!)
The second of the two gigs on the pier was marked by the fact that Jim (Cregan) had his beloved SG Special Gibson stolen. So if there is an old battered Gibson still floating about its probably his.
Also on the second visit we were put up for the night on a houseboat which I believe was either owned or hired by one of the promoters. I have particularly vivid memories of this as, just as I was wafting into sleep somebody turned up (one of the promoters I suppose) with a young lady. Who then proceeded to set about each other sexually in such a manner as to virtually unship the moorings of the boat. (Excellent stuff!) PS I don't think they knew we were there!
The gig at the Hotel I remember vaguely. I think it was one of those disco like affairs, you know lots of under age girls looking for trouble! Needless to say we sent them packing!
The band would have been: Jim Cregan, Brian Belshaw, Poly Palmer, Barry Reeves and myself. Dave Jacobson was the road manager at the time and I mention him as he really could be called a fifth member due to his involvement with the sound equipment.
Brian Godding
IOW Rock note: Jim Cregan and Poly Palmer were both in that great band Family. Cregan leant Snowy White his bass when he first joined the Pink Floyd.