The February 2024 edition of Shindig magazine delves into the forgotten history of The Eyes, a cult Ealing band whose sound & style started making waves in late 1965.
Their single, When The Night Falls released on 5th November 1965 is a 60s, cult classic whose innovative sound resonated with many on release. It continues to be admired by contemporary followers of the era with the aura of the band reaching a new generation.
Shindig writer, Ian O’Sullivan explains how the band hailed from Ealing’s streets in 1964, known as Dave Russell & the Renegades, then the Hartbeats. Band members included: Terry Nolder (vocals) Barry Allchin (bass) & Phil Heatley (rhythm) & Chris Lovegrove (lead) Ken Girvan and later Brian Corcoran (drums).
Thanks to an Ealing Town Hall ‘Beat’ band competition, the group generated a wide following that could attract over 300 fans to events at Ealing Town Hall & The Ventures Club at Greenford Community Centre. Gigs also included The Ealing Club, The Park Hotel in Hanwell and The Ricky Tick in Hounslow
By February 1965, The Eyes were getting serious offers while their style formed part of the burgeoning West London mod scene of 1965. Lead singer Terry Nolder cites West Ealing as one of their locations to source Parka jackets, a key clothing item that has become synonymous with the mod scene.
On 5th November 1965, the release of their first single was announced in the national press. Perhaps edgy lyrics stifled radio coverage but record company support continued throughout 1966 – 67 with highly successful support slots with the Kinks and extensive tours across the UK.
Despite strong popularity and live performance cache, the record charts eluded them and by the end of 1967 The Eyes had broken up.
Their story demonstrates just how much sound, style and the budgets in the music industry had changed since the austere days of November 1962 when the Rollin’ Stones were still formulating their first classic line-up.
You can find more about The Eyes and Shindig magazine: https://www.shindig-magazine.com
The Story of The Ealing Club – Suburban Steps To Rockland is being screened at ActOne cinema in Acton on 10th March 2024. Grab Tickets Here!