Anyone for Tennis or Live Music?

In 2020, the likes of tennis loving guitar players such Pat Cash, John McEnroe and The Bryan Brothers will miss their impromptu guitar jams in London. Rumours abound that Pat Cash & his band played in Ealing’s, Spinning Wheel pub….. (A venue long since gone)

Urban myths aside, here in West London there is plenty to draw from in terms of tennis & live music: past, present & future.

  • Andy Murray’s 2013 Wimbledon title win coincided with a key interview for Suburban Steps To Rockland

On 7th July 2013, the 62 films production team recorded an interview with Roberta Korner, the widow of Alexis Korner who recounted her memories of ‘Blues Music Champions’ such as Bill Big Broonzy, Muddy Waters & Blues Incorporated band leaders, Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies. 

  • Big Bill Broonzy was one of the Blues Champions to visit London
  • Blues Incorporated with Alexis Korner & Cyril Davies, D.Heckstall Smith

The interview coincided with Andrew Murray and Novak Djokovic battling through the 2013 final which Murray went on to win. The Scot became the first UK Men’s Wimbledon player to win since Fred Perry back in 1936.

Perry grew up in Ealing and the clubhouse at his former tennis club has in recent years been one of the “live music venues” featured in the Ealing Club CIC’s ‘Eclectic’ live showcase. Recent ‘Eclectic’ gigs at The Brentham Club featured Louise Marshall and The Brethren, The Chris Jagger Band and Ray Gelato. (SIGN UP TO THE MAILING LIST HERE)

Louise Marshall & The Brethren @ The Brentham Club in 2019. The facility is better known for Lawn Tennis than hosting live music events.
  • Ray Gelato Band @ The Brentham Club
  • The Chris Jagger Band @ The Brentham Club

The Story of The Ealing Club & Wimbledon

The Film Director of ‘Suburban Steps To Rockland – The Story of The Ealing Club’, Giorgio Guernier cleverly weaved together the anecdotes from Alexis Korner’s wife with some memorable incidental, background scenes of Wimbledon that were also taking place place on a beautiful Summer day back in 2013. 

Following approval of the music soundtrack + all incidental footage in Autumn 2019, the film has been acquired by broadcasters including Sky Arts /Now TV UK/Ireland, SKY New Zealand, VRT Belgium + KLM Airlines. More broadcasters expected soon.

DVD’s are also available at www.ealingclub.com

The 2 minute teaser clip of the film is available here:

Let’s hope live music in small, grassroots venues and tennis will be back with us soon!