Saturday, November 16, 2013

RAF Based UK Pop Bands In Singapore 60's

After the appearance of the currently new Silver Strings in the last few postings we turn the clock back once again to the 1960's when kopi-oh meets teh-tarek (translated from Malay: when black coffee meets pulling tea).

The welcome sign outside the hotel bar read: "Go underground where anything can happen. And usually does. Tonight and every night from 9pm to 3am." Entry was cheap. And the advertisement was for the eve of Christmas and New Year. 

For 10 Singapore dollars you got a first drink and novelties. (I remember going to England in the early 80's and it was about S$8.00 to the British Pound). And two bands entertained, one the highly respected, Thunderbirds with Heather. And the other? Well, let's discuss the other...
The T-Set. Barry's on extreme right.
This group was one guitar gang performing in the 60's, imported as a package from the British Isles. No Singaporean among the members. Even the group's name had a British ring to it; the patrons who came to Hotel Malaysia were amused when they heard that T-Set was playing at The Pub which, of course had an English setting. Yeah, imagine, "Shall we have tea at The Pub today dear?"  Or more likely, "Gimme a Tiger!"
A Cuppa: not too familiar sight today. "When Bread Talks, Kopi Tiam."
Barry Walker, who wrote to me about this group was the lead guitarist and singer.  In the 60's the same members used to play as a group in cabarets in England but decided to come to Singapore to try their luck. 

Familiar with the local scene - Barry was around for four or five years since 1966 -  he had recommended T-Set to play, and at the Orchard Road area too. (Barry is featured on this blog with his other groups The Figure and In-Sect. Click Barry Walker under Labels below).


Better than coffee anytime!  A Goodwood Hotel Advertisement.
The other members of T-Set were Roy who played bass guitar, Chris the drummer and Mick who played keyboard.  These gentlemen were still unattached when they appeared at the club in the mid-1960's and except for Chris who had a quiet demeanor was already a father. 

According to Tea-Set, who loved to perform in Singapore, audiences here were polite and usually reserved.  Locals would rather sip their beers quietly and chat with their mates at the bar while Caucasians would dance to their music.
A Pinta: "Time for a Tiger."
On the other hand when they played back home patrons there could be rowdy, reckless and walk off during a session if they dislike the band's performance. A band member remarked that he would love to come back to live in Singapore permanently.

So guys, if you remember T-Set from the good old days when they played at the Penthouse Disco with two other groups called, Limited Stock and Faith , give us a write. Doesn't matter if you're in England or in Singapore. The boys would love to hear from you! 

Original article. Do Not Copy.

Thanks to Barry Walker for the images.
Other images: Google.

Written a couple of weeks back, I am dedicating this Barry Walker article to James Seah from our bloggers' group. He just loves the smell of Tiger...

10 comments:

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

"WHEN KOPI-OH MEETS TEH-TAREK: For 10 Singapore dollars you got a first drink and novelties. Remember BARRY WALKER from T-SET? He's on the extreme right above and in touch with me. Cheers.

JIMMY APPUDURAI CHUA said...

Where are they in the UK Andy i Vaguely remember the name.?

FREDDIE KANG (THUNDERBIRDS) said...

Jimmy they were playing at the defunct Hotel Malaysia tgt with The Thunderbirds at The Supper Club and The Pub underground disco

Anonymous said...

what year was it??

FREDDIE KANG (THUNDERBIRDS) said...

Probably between 1969-1971 there were few UK groups like Tee Set, Ned Ludd, Demonstrators from Phillipines, one from Karachi, Pietro Attila and The Warlords just to name a few Jimmy

IRENE YAP (70S RECORDING ARTISTE) said...

Andy, I was wondering if they were the same 4 guys brought in by 10th Storey Musical Agency. The four of them actually stayed with Michael Tan at his McPherson house way back and one of them

I can't remember his name but he was trying to teach me to play the guitar! It was probably late 60s. That's the beauty of your blog! You bring back such great memories!!

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Irene.
You're always so positive.
The blog?
Yes hopefully great memories with much positivity, like yours.

STEPHEN HAN (TOP CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS BLOG) said...

Missed the T-Set in action but I did see Heather and the Thunderbirds in performances at the Pub in Hotel Malaysia in Tanglin.

facebook chats said...

jimmy Appudurai:
Ned Ludd I know

Freddie Kang
Were they the
ones who played most CCR songs

Freddie Kang
... and one muso smokes a pipe haha

Jimmy Appudurai-chua
the drummer Steve Roberts became the drummer of The UK Subs

Freddie Kang
Oh great to know he's still knocking buddy.. Cheers!

Jimmy Appudurai-chua
he was sacked from the band

Freddie Kang
You told him to Knock Three Times ka?

Jimmy Appudurai-chua
ha ha he is mate of mine

Freddie Kang
Say hi to him I'm sure he remembers my band Heather and The Thunderbirds.
The Pub Hotel Malaysia

Jimmy Appudurai-chua
haven't spoken to him in years

Freddie Kang
Oh OK thought you still see him, me too have not seen him for 52 years since 1968



Jimmy Appudurai-chua
since I moved from London to Cornwall. I lost most of my connections.. Only the Yardbirds are in touch

Freddie Kang
Yea Jimmy Paige?

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you all for the information.
Great chat there.
Thank you both.
I am in touch with Barry Walker, who was with The Figures, and took he and his wife out for lunch.
He owns a guitar shop in England Jimmy, not sure where.

Thanks JIMMY, FREDDIE, IRENE and STEPHEN.
You've made what this blog is all about, nostalgia - remembering the past.
And the psychiatrists say it's positive.
Cheers!