Classic 1970s nightclub. The local comedians joke was that a table for two at the Night Out was the size of a matchbox. All dinners bought in preprep. A true ‘Cabaret Restaurant’
Saw Val Doonican there on his old rocker chair (he swore when his radio mike fed back)
Also saw Cleo Laine in some kind of variety showband act
One of the last acts there were The Three Degrees.
When we went on a staff night out from The Cresta in Solihull we always ended up at The Night Out.
The resident host Grahame Powell was a friend as i played in a band with him and when me and my mate finished a gig we would get in free at about midnight and spend the last 2 hours getting drunk,happy days.
hi graham now lives in Majorca I live in Tenerife 7 years managed to keep going as a keyboard player singer till a few years ago worked with graham at the levante in Majorca in 2010 did a few cruises I am solo now do an Elton john trib fond memories of how it
still should be done bless
I remember Graham, i used to go to the Night Out with his wife at the time, we saw Cliff Richard and Jim Davis. He and his wife were going thru a tough time if i remember right and they had 2 children a boy and a girl ?
hi all my name is danny smith the scottish guy worked at the night out for 2 and ahalf years I LEFT 1MONTH BEFORE IT CLOSED DOWN MY BOSS WAS KIETH BARBER AND GM WAS PAUL LILLIECRAP HONEST GOOD TIMES WAS INVITED TO THE LAST EVENING WHICH FEATURED GENE PITNEY WHAT A NIGHT REMEMBER TINA FISHER AND PLOD /CARL BOULTER LYN AND MANY OTHERS SORRY TO MISS REHUNION ON 19TH APRIL NOW LIVE IN COATBRIDGE NEAR GLASGOW ONE OF BEST JOBS I EVER HAD WILL NEVER GOOD TIMES SHOWADDYWADDY WERE GREAT ALSO THE NOLANS GOD BLESS BERNIE XXX
Hi I worked at the Night Out for many years, firstly as a dancer then when the club changed the format, I was invited to audition as a singer for Roger Rae’s new band. As luck would have it I got the job along with two other girls Heather,Mini and myself and later joined by Rose Smith when Mini left. Great days under the management of Paul Lillycrap and with compare Grahame Powell.
Fab band,staff and atmosphere. Sharing the stage with artists like Gene Pitney,Dr Hook,Jim Davidson,The Three Degrees, Edwin Starr, Jack Jones and many many more. If only we could turn the clock beck hey.
God bless Roger Rae who died a few years ago. Cheers Paula
HI PAULA I SEEM TO RECALL A COUPLE OF WAITRESSESS WHO HAD AN AUDITION TO JOIN ROGER RAES BAND I WORKED THIER FOR NEARLY 3 YEARS I LEFT 3 WEEKS BEFORE IT CLOSED DOWN BUT WAS INVITED TO COME ALONG FOR THE LAST EVENING WERE IT WAS GENE PITNEY WAS ON VERY GOOD TIMES WAS HAD I WAS THE SCOTTISH GUY DANNY SMITH WHO WAS A WINE WAITER I HAVE JOINED THE NIGHT OUT FORUM AND MANAGED TO CONTACT A FEW OLD STAFF WHO WORKED THIER I HOPE YOU ARE WELL AND BEST WISHES FOR THE FUTURE ALL THE BEST DANNY X
Hello Paula, I remember you very well. I was at the Night Out for its entire ten years.
Spotlight Op. – Stage Hand. Assistant Stage Mngr. – Deputy Stage Mangr – Lighting Engineer. I was the chap who always had his camera with him. I’ve still got all those photos. Hundreds, maybe more. You may remember me as the idiot who was impaled on a microphone stand and spent three weeks in Intensive Care. All the dancers sent me a lovely signed card – which I left in the Birmingham Accident Hospital when I left. Always regret that. They were certainly Golden Years full of very happy memories. (Apart from the mike stand !)
Didn’t you go out with the trumpet player, Paul Davis ? Or was that Maxine ?
Was Mini the lovely black singer who called everyone Big Ears ?
I’ve still got the Stage Diaries from all ten years – some stories in them !
I’m still in touch with a few stage crew from then. Do you keep in touch with any of the dancers ?
Hope you are well.
John
I’m on here further down too. (Don’t want to repeat myself and bore everyone.)
hi JOHN came across your email to Paula so you both worked at the night out well I lived in Brum until 1990 when I left to go and live in Australia well I saw your email when checking on who had appeared at the night out hoping my memory still working remember going to see the famous Brenda Lee and I was sure it was at the night out but so far have found no mention do you by any chance remember if she did appear there if not it’s got me beat
Hi Jim
I was wondering if you were the same Jim who used to
Do a bit of comedy? I was the vocalist at the Night Out in 1980, Nicole. I married Mick the ASM. Your girlfriend was Zena if I have the right person. Please email me if it’s you. I would love to hear from you. Nickysongbird@gmail.com
hi I remember those great days I was keyboard player in both bands dinsdale
And roger Rae s band miles I now live in Tenerife anybody who remembers me
Please contact me on face book or email me milesrushworth@ hotmail. Com
Or better still call me on 0034922743698 or come over for a bit of sun
The old dog is a solo singer pianist keyboard player 59 and still rocking Xxxxx
So you are still tinkling the ivories. You taught me a few riffs & tricks at the Night Out when I was having piano lessons. Walking Bass is one I can still remember, I still play a bit now – Yamaha Motif 8. But just for fun and a bit of songwriting.
I think you had a Roland Jupiter 8 – the Rolls Royce of Synths back then. Must have cost a fortune.
I was always in the wings taking photos – must have hundreds from ten years of the club.
I still remember a comment of yours concerning a female & John Wayne’s saddlebags. Least said the better !!!
Hope you are well. Tenerife sounds OK. I’m still in Sunny Brum !
Oh the good old days, I worked at the Night Out for its final 8 months, wine and food waiter, box office and tele – sales, it was my first ever job and i loved it, if it was still there today, i would be as well. If anyone remembers me please get in touch, or if there is ever a reunion please let me know. The names Marjorie Bishop and Cathy Jaques have stired a memory in the back of my mind. neil.david.wright@gmail.com
hi john good old days the nite out was one of my most enjoyable gigs I still have a few piks if you are interested kept on playing the keys pro till about 5 years ago I tinkle
everyday in my studio but seldom gig I worked for the company again in blackpool in 89
as musical director for linda Nolan at Maggie mays I was the sound man at the tower
ballroom for 3 years at edgebaston in the mid 80s if you get over to Tenerife ever
please call me om 0034922743698 bless
I saw gene pltney there with my family. I,m trying to trace the date. Does anyone know how many times he performed there also what year the night out closed? Thanks
Yes I remember you & Dee. And Peggy.
I was at the Night Out for its entire life. 1975 – 1985.
I started as a spotlight operator and finished as DSM & Lighting Engineer.
I’ve got hundreds of pics – possibly some of Misty Morning who replaced Delta Dawn if my memory is right.
I’m still in touch with Stage Manager Martin Tasker & a few others.
We worked at the Star City Casino Showroom a few years back – bumped into Mr Paul (Lillicrap) & his wife Pat Spoffard. They looked much the same.
I could write a book – in fact we were going to – but it never happened.
Hope you are all well and doing OK.
All the best, John Read
PS; You probably wont remember me – I was up in the spotlight box for most of your residency. Then came down onto stage and in the Control Room.
Hi John…thanks for the feedback…..40 years…where did it go???….Dee and I got married then divorced!!…10 years together and she is now living with our daughter in Australia!!…Peggy lost her husband about 5 years ago and started to go downhill with dementia and is now living in a home…I believe she is in her mid 80’s now….
I am sorry I can’t remember you guys up in the box!!…..The lighting was great but the sound engineers used to fiddle around with our sound ha!ha!…..
You should write the book….just do it….I have a book out on Astrology and music called YOUR PERFECT HARMONY…..you just have to go with it and I am sure the sexy 70’s and naughty 80’s have some tales to tell!!!!
Do you remember a young stage hand who tragically died in a motorbike accident I think?…I wrote a song about that….he was only about 17 I think and I believe his mother may have worked there as well…..
I am still gigging…..too bloody old now…63…I live in Spain but we are moving back to my home country of Ireland once we sell the house which in Spain could be 3 months or 10 years!!…anyway thanks for the memories…keep in touch…I am on facebook as Alan Hamilton……hope you and yours are keeping well….good luck…Alan
Hi John , my Dad , Col williams was in the band Delra Dawn , would love to get a copy of some pictures for his 80th birthday this year !
Would this be at all possible ?
Hi John,
Only just read your reply to my message regarding the night out memories and yes of course I remember you and the team but lost touch with everyone often the club closed to change to the Dome 🙁
I would love to see any photos you have and can be contacted in face book under Paula Fullard.
Hi John , I’m doing a feature on The NIGHTOUT in Brians Blog . I have certain photos/adverts etc and wondered if you can help me . I’ve been in touch with Nicole who has sent me 2 photos , Thankyou Brian Davies
Nice to hear from you.
Sad to hear about Peggy. I raised a lot of money for Alzheimers a few years back by climbing mountains in Wales. 24 hours non stop – nearly killed me but I still intend to raise more. Worst illness on the planet.
The sound engineer in your day could have been Tony Jover; (Now running his own sound business)
Rick Solly (Who went off to be the Three Degrees road manager.)
Martin Tasker – Now living in Goergia with his third wife.
Dave Tree – Went off to work with Formula 1 cars.
I remember the Stage hand very well. Steve ? I was with him about an hour before he died. We were raiding the kitchens for something to eat.
He was riding home on the Bristol Rd with Nigel Gary, a spotlight operator. He turned around to indicate to Nigel that he needed petrol – then hit a tree.
It was on the front page of the Mail next day. It hit me very hard.
I’d like to hear that song. I too have written a song about a lost friend who fell victim to The Big C.
I was once signed to Warner Chappell and one of my songs was ‘promised’ to Celine Dion. (Never happened !)
Like you I have also written a book. That’s the easy part. As you may have found out, the hard part is getting people to know that it exists amongst the millions of books on Amazon.
I had a look for you on Facebook – but there were thousands of Alan Hamiltons.
Same with my name – thousands of John Reads.
Hello I was just looking on here at the comments about the night out. My dad is graham Powell who was the compare and saw this about slim and Eddie. Sadly Eddie passed a few years ago. And slim passed away a week ago I am going to his funeral today. Both my childhood hero’s
Hi Warren
I have seen your posts about the night out Birmingham.
This is your cousin Kevin Phillips trying to make contact. Not seen you now for around 20 years .
I would love to try and make contact and see you if possible.
Best regards Kevin
Hi guys, Slim was my uncle, he passed away unfortunately but has left a lot of memories for us all.
It’s nice to see people remembering him so thank you for this.
Hi my mother in law has moved in with us and we have been sorting her stuff out and came across some old night out cocktail menus she has been telling us about her time their she worked in the kitchen on deserts for around 5 years, she rembers working their till it closed just wondered if any one rembers her.her name is Jean Putnam, thanks John
Happy times stage crew and spotlight did the lights one night john was at a wedding barron nights phoned me ti say good lighting but I fodgot to put fays light on up the ladder fell in love with a few dancers and waitresses married the singer nicole I liked the shiw change overs when we could nick thd fags and beer couldnt understand wy we could have a free dinner but not pudding martin tony and jhon had one we used to drink the left over chapagne from pressy time I can remember siping champagne in marry wilsons hotel room and having a drink with lou lou
Hi I worked at the night out from the start till about 2 weeks before it closed and had some get times there. I still in touch with Betty, Mo, Tracy and Cressida who were all waitresses with me. Betty and Tracy also worked in the offices and I worked in the box office. Sorry to hear the sad news about slim he was a lovely man. Also just got back in touch with Martin Tasker. Meet up with the girls a few weeks ago and was discussing our night out days, and the strike was mentioned but none of us could remember the year or months. Iv asked martin and he’s not to sure thought about 76-78. Does anyone remember as im trying to find a news paper article that the evening mail ran with Mo and myself pictured in and would love to get a copy to show the girls when we next meet up.
I was only thinking of the strike a couple of hours ago. My father, Alan Law, was the trades union official in charge of the strike, whch had resulted from the unfair sacking of a waitress whose name I have fogotten, an Irish girl. I was his secretary and every Thursday evening the girls on strike would come and collect their £8 strike pay. They would then go to one of those Indian restaurants around Bristol Street and spend the £8! They introduced me to onion bhajis.
The union members of our branch, mainly commercial lorry drivers, would picket there every Saturday night, myself included, and also my small son who was in a pushchair, so I would guestimate around 1974/75.
Hi i gigged The Night Out back in he 70’s , I remember how impressed I was with the resident drummer , I seem to remember him to be quite a large gent with a double bass drum set up , white in colour I think. Anyone know his name or even know of him today. Kind regards Steve Rich.
Hi went to the night out several times, but the most memorable was when princess Ann chose it for the save the children charity and we had to pay extra to attend, but had the option of your money back.
But it was a night not to be missed with so many top acts that I can’t remember them all, if anyone has a list would be great.
I can remember it cost about £25 I think, and that was a lot to me than, and my shock when they came around with raffle ticket,yes I’ll have some I said, shock £5 each,happy memories.
In early/mid 1970’s I used to work for an Agricuiltural Fertilizer Company in Suffolk. Each year we attended the Royal Show at Kenilworth…Mid week our boss used to take a group of us to the Night Out in Birmingham as a treat. I remember seeing Roy Orbison there and shaking hands with him afterwards. I think we also saw Del Shannon there. Fantastic shows and great atmosphere.
hi everyone who submitted comments to the nightout forum i worked thier for about 2 years left 2 weeks before it closed down were gene pitney was the last ever act i was the tall scottish wine waiter who i must admit enjoyed a wee drink i was invited to the last evening even though i was fired 2 weeks beforhand thus i liked a wee drink brill night remember tina fisher nee hicks plod cathy jacqes peggy kieth barber boss of wine waiters and who could forget delectable cressida and lots more great great times i am now a forklift driver in coatbridge near glasgow best wishes to you all take care dannyx
Thanks Dean Lister 18/12/17,sorry for news about Eddie, good memories
Thanks Dean Heath 11/1/18, sorry for news re ” Slim ” again good memories
Really good memories of Night Out, used to repair the kitchen equipment, & at times help out on the door, thanks both
Remembering seeing The Nolan’s..my mom and dad took !e and my twin sister for our 15 birthday.. We had the very front seat to the centre of the stage..I don’t remember what I ate CU’s it was dinner and dance. The Nolan’s were amazing..highlight of my life..
I remember Graham Powell, i was a friend of his wifes and went with her to several nights there, Cliff Richards, Jim Davidson and the Nolans. Great times. Graham had 2 kids one was Warren and i would like to hear any update from the family.
I First Visited The Night Out In 1977 When I Was Courting My First Wife. We Saw Marti Caine That Night. I Also Saw The Four Tops, The Barron Knights, The Rockin Berries, The Shadows, Carole Lee Scott And The Grumbleweeds. I Met Carole Lee Scott And The Grumbleweeds After The Show And They All Signed The Grumbleweeds Album “ Woraveagorinmepocket”. My Most Outstanding Memory From All Of My Visits Was The Night I Went To See The Shadows, With The New Street Branch Of The British Rail Welfare Fund. Paul Burrel Was The DJ At The Time. Paul Put On “ Superman” By Black Lace, But Nobody Was Doing The Actions. Paul Asked For A Volunteer To Come Up On Stage. I Did And Infront Of All My Work Colleagues And A Packed Auditorium I Did “ Superman Absolutely Perfectly And Earned A Free Drink For My Lady Friend And I From Paul. At The Time I Was A Volunteer At Radio Lollipop At Birmingham Children’s Hospital , Using The Nickname Mad Mike And I Was Also A Part Time Mobile DJ. Paul, I Seem To Remember, Was A Volunteer At BHBN.
All these memories does any body remember Gary Bardey in misty morning the group were from Worthing if so how is he going .
I worked there and was the first wine waitress and worked with Geovanii. Oh my happiest days
Loved the night out. As a very young man l worked at Moss Bros Temple Street and we used to get staff tickets for shows. When lt was my turn l got tickets for Roy Orbison it was a fantastic show one of my life time memories. Some 45 years later l have just met his son
I’m doing a feature on The NIGHTOUT on Brians Blog ( Music and Entertainment Worldwide) If anybody has any photos/ adverts etc please Email me . I will also mention staff as well . Thankyou Brian Davies
I was the drummer there with Dinsdale, late 78 for almost 3 years, fantastic experience, we learned so much watching some amazing artistes… Our last line up before we finished there included a musician called Mike Stevens, he is the musical director for Take That and ELO. Check his story in Wikipedia. Memories never to be forgotten. I’m still performing (covid permitting) too old I know but I still live it!!
Hi all I was wondering if anyone remembers The Saracens they were house band for a while myself and my bestie used to get tickets just to go and see them when they left the night out we followed them to The Fox and Goose and also The Railway pub I remember getting thrown out the fox and goose cos I was under age just wondering if anyone has any memories of The Saracens who later changed their name to Marks Bros
saw buddy rich band-fantastic
Classic 1970s nightclub. The local comedians joke was that a table for two at the Night Out was the size of a matchbox. All dinners bought in preprep. A true ‘Cabaret Restaurant’
Saw Val Doonican there on his old rocker chair (he swore when his radio mike fed back)
Also saw Cleo Laine in some kind of variety showband act
One of the last acts there were The Three Degrees.
When we went on a staff night out from The Cresta in Solihull we always ended up at The Night Out.
Saw Freddie starr,mud,sweet,rubbettes,vanity fair and Gary glitter at night out. Great venue.
I also saw mud at the night out .There was 3 other groups on as well , I think one was the rubbettes . Can you remember the other 2.
I saw Freddie Starr there too!!!
Hi
I have fond memories of the Night Out. Gave me a live of music from a young kid to carry on on life as a performer
Seeing stars like Ellie Brooks etc at 16 was amazing
Can anyone jog my memory. I knew a keyboard player in the band. His name was John and his partner Was Emmanuel I believe. ? Any ideas
The resident host Grahame Powell was a friend as i played in a band with him and when me and my mate finished a gig we would get in free at about midnight and spend the last 2 hours getting drunk,happy days.
hi graham now lives in Majorca I live in Tenerife 7 years managed to keep going as a keyboard player singer till a few years ago worked with graham at the levante in Majorca in 2010 did a few cruises I am solo now do an Elton john trib fond memories of how it
still should be done bless
I remember Graham, i used to go to the Night Out with his wife at the time, we saw Cliff Richard and Jim Davis. He and his wife were going thru a tough time if i remember right and they had 2 children a boy and a girl ?
hi all my name is danny smith the scottish guy worked at the night out for 2 and ahalf years I LEFT 1MONTH BEFORE IT CLOSED DOWN MY BOSS WAS KIETH BARBER AND GM WAS PAUL LILLIECRAP HONEST GOOD TIMES WAS INVITED TO THE LAST EVENING WHICH FEATURED GENE PITNEY WHAT A NIGHT REMEMBER TINA FISHER AND PLOD /CARL BOULTER LYN AND MANY OTHERS SORRY TO MISS REHUNION ON 19TH APRIL NOW LIVE IN COATBRIDGE NEAR GLASGOW ONE OF BEST JOBS I EVER HAD WILL NEVER GOOD TIMES SHOWADDYWADDY WERE GREAT ALSO THE NOLANS GOD BLESS BERNIE XXX
Hi I worked at the Night Out for many years, firstly as a dancer then when the club changed the format, I was invited to audition as a singer for Roger Rae’s new band. As luck would have it I got the job along with two other girls Heather,Mini and myself and later joined by Rose Smith when Mini left. Great days under the management of Paul Lillycrap and with compare Grahame Powell.
Fab band,staff and atmosphere. Sharing the stage with artists like Gene Pitney,Dr Hook,Jim Davidson,The Three Degrees, Edwin Starr, Jack Jones and many many more. If only we could turn the clock beck hey.
God bless Roger Rae who died a few years ago. Cheers Paula
HI PAULA I SEEM TO RECALL A COUPLE OF WAITRESSESS WHO HAD AN AUDITION TO JOIN ROGER RAES BAND I WORKED THIER FOR NEARLY 3 YEARS I LEFT 3 WEEKS BEFORE IT CLOSED DOWN BUT WAS INVITED TO COME ALONG FOR THE LAST EVENING WERE IT WAS GENE PITNEY WAS ON VERY GOOD TIMES WAS HAD I WAS THE SCOTTISH GUY DANNY SMITH WHO WAS A WINE WAITER I HAVE JOINED THE NIGHT OUT FORUM AND MANAGED TO CONTACT A FEW OLD STAFF WHO WORKED THIER I HOPE YOU ARE WELL AND BEST WISHES FOR THE FUTURE ALL THE BEST DANNY X
I remember you Paula one day we might catch up
Miles keyboard player Calleo salvaje. Tenerife
Hello Paula, I remember you very well. I was at the Night Out for its entire ten years.
Spotlight Op. – Stage Hand. Assistant Stage Mngr. – Deputy Stage Mangr – Lighting Engineer. I was the chap who always had his camera with him. I’ve still got all those photos. Hundreds, maybe more. You may remember me as the idiot who was impaled on a microphone stand and spent three weeks in Intensive Care. All the dancers sent me a lovely signed card – which I left in the Birmingham Accident Hospital when I left. Always regret that. They were certainly Golden Years full of very happy memories. (Apart from the mike stand !)
Didn’t you go out with the trumpet player, Paul Davis ? Or was that Maxine ?
Was Mini the lovely black singer who called everyone Big Ears ?
I’ve still got the Stage Diaries from all ten years – some stories in them !
I’m still in touch with a few stage crew from then. Do you keep in touch with any of the dancers ?
Hope you are well.
John
I’m on here further down too. (Don’t want to repeat myself and bore everyone.)
hi JOHN came across your email to Paula so you both worked at the night out well I lived in Brum until 1990 when I left to go and live in Australia well I saw your email when checking on who had appeared at the night out hoping my memory still working remember going to see the famous Brenda Lee and I was sure it was at the night out but so far have found no mention do you by any chance remember if she did appear there if not it’s got me beat
Regards
Jim
If there is another reunion in 2015 could someone let me know as i would like to attend as I use to work there. Thanks
My friend worked at the Night out Marjorie Bishop she worked with Cathy Jaques she ran the waitresses. If there is a reunion please email me
Hi Jim
I was wondering if you were the same Jim who used to
Do a bit of comedy? I was the vocalist at the Night Out in 1980, Nicole. I married Mick the ASM. Your girlfriend was Zena if I have the right person. Please email me if it’s you. I would love to hear from you. Nickysongbird@gmail.com
hi I remember those great days I was keyboard player in both bands dinsdale
And roger Rae s band miles I now live in Tenerife anybody who remembers me
Please contact me on face book or email me milesrushworth@ hotmail. Com
Or better still call me on 0034922743698 or come over for a bit of sun
The old dog is a solo singer pianist keyboard player 59 and still rocking Xxxxx
Hello Miles,
So you are still tinkling the ivories. You taught me a few riffs & tricks at the Night Out when I was having piano lessons. Walking Bass is one I can still remember, I still play a bit now – Yamaha Motif 8. But just for fun and a bit of songwriting.
I think you had a Roland Jupiter 8 – the Rolls Royce of Synths back then. Must have cost a fortune.
I was always in the wings taking photos – must have hundreds from ten years of the club.
I still remember a comment of yours concerning a female & John Wayne’s saddlebags. Least said the better !!!
Hope you are well. Tenerife sounds OK. I’m still in Sunny Brum !
All the best, John Read. DSM & LIghting Engineer.
Oh the good old days, I worked at the Night Out for its final 8 months, wine and food waiter, box office and tele – sales, it was my first ever job and i loved it, if it was still there today, i would be as well. If anyone remembers me please get in touch, or if there is ever a reunion please let me know. The names Marjorie Bishop and Cathy Jaques have stired a memory in the back of my mind. neil.david.wright@gmail.com
hi john good old days the nite out was one of my most enjoyable gigs I still have a few piks if you are interested kept on playing the keys pro till about 5 years ago I tinkle
everyday in my studio but seldom gig I worked for the company again in blackpool in 89
as musical director for linda Nolan at Maggie mays I was the sound man at the tower
ballroom for 3 years at edgebaston in the mid 80s if you get over to Tenerife ever
please call me om 0034922743698 bless
I saw gene pltney there with my family. I,m trying to trace the date. Does anyone know how many times he performed there also what year the night out closed? Thanks
Hi…..I was in the resident group from 1976 / 77 MISTY MORNING …keyboard player.
Ended up marrying one of the dancers Dee who was still there to the end I believe and her mother was Peggy Neal the Sales Manager….
Anyone remember Misty Morning and any of the above……..xxx
Hello Alan,
Yes I remember you & Dee. And Peggy.
I was at the Night Out for its entire life. 1975 – 1985.
I started as a spotlight operator and finished as DSM & Lighting Engineer.
I’ve got hundreds of pics – possibly some of Misty Morning who replaced Delta Dawn if my memory is right.
I’m still in touch with Stage Manager Martin Tasker & a few others.
We worked at the Star City Casino Showroom a few years back – bumped into Mr Paul (Lillicrap) & his wife Pat Spoffard. They looked much the same.
I could write a book – in fact we were going to – but it never happened.
Hope you are all well and doing OK.
All the best, John Read
PS; You probably wont remember me – I was up in the spotlight box for most of your residency. Then came down onto stage and in the Control Room.
Hi John…thanks for the feedback…..40 years…where did it go???….Dee and I got married then divorced!!…10 years together and she is now living with our daughter in Australia!!…Peggy lost her husband about 5 years ago and started to go downhill with dementia and is now living in a home…I believe she is in her mid 80’s now….
I am sorry I can’t remember you guys up in the box!!…..The lighting was great but the sound engineers used to fiddle around with our sound ha!ha!…..
You should write the book….just do it….I have a book out on Astrology and music called YOUR PERFECT HARMONY…..you just have to go with it and I am sure the sexy 70’s and naughty 80’s have some tales to tell!!!!
Do you remember a young stage hand who tragically died in a motorbike accident I think?…I wrote a song about that….he was only about 17 I think and I believe his mother may have worked there as well…..
I am still gigging…..too bloody old now…63…I live in Spain but we are moving back to my home country of Ireland once we sell the house which in Spain could be 3 months or 10 years!!…anyway thanks for the memories…keep in touch…I am on facebook as Alan Hamilton……hope you and yours are keeping well….good luck…Alan
Hi John , my Dad , Col williams was in the band Delra Dawn , would love to get a copy of some pictures for his 80th birthday this year !
Would this be at all possible ?
Many thanks Donna
Hi John,
Only just read your reply to my message regarding the night out memories and yes of course I remember you and the team but lost touch with everyone often the club closed to change to the Dome 🙁
I would love to see any photos you have and can be contacted in face book under Paula Fullard.
Hoping your ok
Paula
Hi John , I’m doing a feature on The NIGHTOUT in Brians Blog . I have certain photos/adverts etc and wondered if you can help me . I’ve been in touch with Nicole who has sent me 2 photos , Thankyou Brian Davies
Hello Alan,
Nice to hear from you.
Sad to hear about Peggy. I raised a lot of money for Alzheimers a few years back by climbing mountains in Wales. 24 hours non stop – nearly killed me but I still intend to raise more. Worst illness on the planet.
The sound engineer in your day could have been Tony Jover; (Now running his own sound business)
Rick Solly (Who went off to be the Three Degrees road manager.)
Martin Tasker – Now living in Goergia with his third wife.
Dave Tree – Went off to work with Formula 1 cars.
I remember the Stage hand very well. Steve ? I was with him about an hour before he died. We were raiding the kitchens for something to eat.
He was riding home on the Bristol Rd with Nigel Gary, a spotlight operator. He turned around to indicate to Nigel that he needed petrol – then hit a tree.
It was on the front page of the Mail next day. It hit me very hard.
I’d like to hear that song. I too have written a song about a lost friend who fell victim to The Big C.
I was once signed to Warner Chappell and one of my songs was ‘promised’ to Celine Dion. (Never happened !)
Like you I have also written a book. That’s the easy part. As you may have found out, the hard part is getting people to know that it exists amongst the millions of books on Amazon.
I had a look for you on Facebook – but there were thousands of Alan Hamiltons.
Same with my name – thousands of John Reads.
All the best for now. John
Hi John….thanks for the reply……I have a web site http://www.alanhamilton.co/musicand astrology should get me…or email at hamiltonalan1@hotmail.com ..it would be great to reminisce a little….it was sad about the Steve …..
if you facebook my book page…YOUR Perfect Harmony probably come up easier than my name
Drop me a line email,whatever….I will send you my song if you send me yours!!!
Look forward to hearing from you with some potentially embarrassing photos??? lol
Thanks and look forward to hearing from you….regards Alan
I remember you very well I was the first wine waitress and use to date Gary Bardey Di you know how he is going
I remember you very well do you know how Gary Bardey is I was a great friend of his
Is Eddy, Slim, Pat & Paul Lillicrap still going strong, good memories of The Night Out
Hello I was just looking on here at the comments about the night out. My dad is graham Powell who was the compare and saw this about slim and Eddie. Sadly Eddie passed a few years ago. And slim passed away a week ago I am going to his funeral today. Both my childhood hero’s
Hi Warren,
I remember you, i was a friend of your Mom’s for a couple of years and used to go with her to the Night Out. How is she these days ?
Warren! amazing to see your message.
I was the DJ at Caister in 1987. I am now working at Grand Cayman–in the Caribbean.
do let your dad know!! My email is spencerturner1965@gmail.com
Hi Warren
I have seen your posts about the night out Birmingham.
This is your cousin Kevin Phillips trying to make contact. Not seen you now for around 20 years .
I would love to try and make contact and see you if possible.
Best regards Kevin
Hi Barry my dad was Eddie he sadly passed away 12 years ago now.And we lost slim a couple of years ago
Hi guys, Slim was my uncle, he passed away unfortunately but has left a lot of memories for us all.
It’s nice to see people remembering him so thank you for this.
Kev omg cuz ive missed ya man. Hope you read this. My email is powelly2208@gmail.com message me xxx
Hi my mother in law has moved in with us and we have been sorting her stuff out and came across some old night out cocktail menus she has been telling us about her time their she worked in the kitchen on deserts for around 5 years, she rembers working their till it closed just wondered if any one rembers her.her name is Jean Putnam, thanks John
Dean heath. Your uncle was my childhood hero.took me to see meatloaf loved the bones of the man
Happy times stage crew and spotlight did the lights one night john was at a wedding barron nights phoned me ti say good lighting but I fodgot to put fays light on up the ladder fell in love with a few dancers and waitresses married the singer nicole I liked the shiw change overs when we could nick thd fags and beer couldnt understand wy we could have a free dinner but not pudding martin tony and jhon had one we used to drink the left over chapagne from pressy time I can remember siping champagne in marry wilsons hotel room and having a drink with lou lou
Hi I worked at the night out from the start till about 2 weeks before it closed and had some get times there. I still in touch with Betty, Mo, Tracy and Cressida who were all waitresses with me. Betty and Tracy also worked in the offices and I worked in the box office. Sorry to hear the sad news about slim he was a lovely man. Also just got back in touch with Martin Tasker. Meet up with the girls a few weeks ago and was discussing our night out days, and the strike was mentioned but none of us could remember the year or months. Iv asked martin and he’s not to sure thought about 76-78. Does anyone remember as im trying to find a news paper article that the evening mail ran with Mo and myself pictured in and would love to get a copy to show the girls when we next meet up.
Hi there
I was only thinking of the strike a couple of hours ago. My father, Alan Law, was the trades union official in charge of the strike, whch had resulted from the unfair sacking of a waitress whose name I have fogotten, an Irish girl. I was his secretary and every Thursday evening the girls on strike would come and collect their £8 strike pay. They would then go to one of those Indian restaurants around Bristol Street and spend the £8! They introduced me to onion bhajis.
The union members of our branch, mainly commercial lorry drivers, would picket there every Saturday night, myself included, and also my small son who was in a pushchair, so I would guestimate around 1974/75.
Happy days.
My daughter won a talent contest with the mini metros has anyone got any photos
Hi i gigged The Night Out back in he 70’s , I remember how impressed I was with the resident drummer , I seem to remember him to be quite a large gent with a double bass drum set up , white in colour I think. Anyone know his name or even know of him today. Kind regards Steve Rich.
Hi went to the night out several times, but the most memorable was when princess Ann chose it for the save the children charity and we had to pay extra to attend, but had the option of your money back.
But it was a night not to be missed with so many top acts that I can’t remember them all, if anyone has a list would be great.
I can remember it cost about £25 I think, and that was a lot to me than, and my shock when they came around with raffle ticket,yes I’ll have some I said, shock £5 each,happy memories.
In early/mid 1970’s I used to work for an Agricuiltural Fertilizer Company in Suffolk. Each year we attended the Royal Show at Kenilworth…Mid week our boss used to take a group of us to the Night Out in Birmingham as a treat. I remember seeing Roy Orbison there and shaking hands with him afterwards. I think we also saw Del Shannon there. Fantastic shows and great atmosphere.
hi everyone who submitted comments to the nightout forum i worked thier for about 2 years left 2 weeks before it closed down were gene pitney was the last ever act i was the tall scottish wine waiter who i must admit enjoyed a wee drink i was invited to the last evening even though i was fired 2 weeks beforhand thus i liked a wee drink brill night remember tina fisher nee hicks plod cathy jacqes peggy kieth barber boss of wine waiters and who could forget delectable cressida and lots more great great times i am now a forklift driver in coatbridge near glasgow best wishes to you all take care dannyx
Is that you goafa. Danny smith
Thanks Dean Lister 18/12/17,sorry for news about Eddie, good memories
Thanks Dean Heath 11/1/18, sorry for news re ” Slim ” again good memories
Really good memories of Night Out, used to repair the kitchen equipment, & at times help out on the door, thanks both
Hi I worked behind the bar for about two year I remember val and peggy
also john baliy and tony wilkie who has now passed away
good time good day
Remembering seeing The Nolan’s..my mom and dad took !e and my twin sister for our 15 birthday.. We had the very front seat to the centre of the stage..I don’t remember what I ate CU’s it was dinner and dance. The Nolan’s were amazing..highlight of my life..
I remember Graham Powell, i was a friend of his wifes and went with her to several nights there, Cliff Richards, Jim Davidson and the Nolans. Great times. Graham had 2 kids one was Warren and i would like to hear any update from the family.
Worked at the night out for a while as a wine and a drink Waiter.
Remember Mr Keith floor manager.
I First Visited The Night Out In 1977 When I Was Courting My First Wife. We Saw Marti Caine That Night. I Also Saw The Four Tops, The Barron Knights, The Rockin Berries, The Shadows, Carole Lee Scott And The Grumbleweeds. I Met Carole Lee Scott And The Grumbleweeds After The Show And They All Signed The Grumbleweeds Album “ Woraveagorinmepocket”. My Most Outstanding Memory From All Of My Visits Was The Night I Went To See The Shadows, With The New Street Branch Of The British Rail Welfare Fund. Paul Burrel Was The DJ At The Time. Paul Put On “ Superman” By Black Lace, But Nobody Was Doing The Actions. Paul Asked For A Volunteer To Come Up On Stage. I Did And Infront Of All My Work Colleagues And A Packed Auditorium I Did “ Superman Absolutely Perfectly And Earned A Free Drink For My Lady Friend And I From Paul. At The Time I Was A Volunteer At Radio Lollipop At Birmingham Children’s Hospital , Using The Nickname Mad Mike And I Was Also A Part Time Mobile DJ. Paul, I Seem To Remember, Was A Volunteer At BHBN.
All these memories does any body remember Gary Bardey in misty morning the group were from Worthing if so how is he going .
I worked there and was the first wine waitress and worked with Geovanii. Oh my happiest days
Very usrful
My Nan Peggy Slater/McCauley used to work there
Loved the night out. As a very young man l worked at Moss Bros Temple Street and we used to get staff tickets for shows. When lt was my turn l got tickets for Roy Orbison it was a fantastic show one of my life time memories. Some 45 years later l have just met his son
I’m doing a feature on The NIGHTOUT on Brians Blog ( Music and Entertainment Worldwide) If anybody has any photos/ adverts etc please Email me . I will also mention staff as well . Thankyou Brian Davies
I was the drummer there with Dinsdale, late 78 for almost 3 years, fantastic experience, we learned so much watching some amazing artistes… Our last line up before we finished there included a musician called Mike Stevens, he is the musical director for Take That and ELO. Check his story in Wikipedia. Memories never to be forgotten. I’m still performing (covid permitting) too old I know but I still live it!!
Hi Terry.
Hi all I was wondering if anyone remembers The Saracens they were house band for a while myself and my bestie used to get tickets just to go and see them when they left the night out we followed them to The Fox and Goose and also The Railway pub I remember getting thrown out the fox and goose cos I was under age just wondering if anyone has any memories of The Saracens who later changed their name to Marks Bros
I was Stage Manager at the Night Out during Saracen’s time. Think I may have a copy of an LP of them somewhere!
See these Facebook pages:-
http://www.facebook.com/The-Night-Out-Theatre-Restaurant-1932657676993572
and/or
http://www.facebook.com/groups/1915243565171976