In the 1960s those then in their teens and 20s were the first generation for decades not conscripted into military service for two years.

Ipswich Star: Lord Bernard's Baby Brown Bash Band at the Stowmarket Cavern. With Jock Davies on vocals, Robbie Robertson drums, Martin Bloomfield bass, Brian Rudd trumpet, Danny Pitcher saxophone, Bernard Western saxophone and Chris Outhwaite guitar.Lord Bernard's Baby Brown Bash Band at the Stowmarket Cavern. With Jock Davies on vocals, Robbie Robertson drums, Martin Bloomfield bass, Brian Rudd trumpet, Danny Pitcher saxophone, Bernard Western saxophone and Chris Outhwaite guitar. (Image: submitted)

In November 1960 the last men entered service and call-ups formally ended on December 31, 1960.

With the freedom to enjoy themselves, now the austere 1950s were over, many were inspired by the new sounds of British rock and pop bands forming all over the country.

Ipswich Star: Fleece on stage locally in 1968 with (from the left) Malcolm Studd drums, Pete Jordon saxophone, Ian Peppercorn bass, Tina Twink Connolly vocals and Tony Barber keyboard.Fleece on stage locally in 1968 with (from the left) Malcolm Studd drums, Pete Jordon saxophone, Ian Peppercorn bass, Tina Twink Connolly vocals and Tony Barber keyboard. (Image: submitted)

Recently Days Gone By featured St Matthew’s Baths Hall, Ipswich, where many famous bands played, and reader Graham Day of Stowmarket has recalled going to local band gigs. Today I feature some of those line ups from the 1960s in photos, mostly submitted by band members.

Graham Day said: “When I saw Led Zeppelin in Ipswich for the princely sum of £1. Growing up in Ipswich as a teenager in the 1960s, I first became aware of the use of St Matthew’s Baths as a venue for entertainment when I saw a poster in the town centre advertising “Bluesville”. The star attraction that Monday evening was the Steam Packet, a band with singers Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll, and Rod “The Mod” Stewart, backed by the Brian Auger Trinity. Monday nights during the winter were Bluesville Club nights, run by Nanda and Ron Lesley.

Ipswich Star: A popular venue was the Forum at Felixstowe. Dizzy Heights were there in 1966 with Shane Twomey, Jack Levene, David Manning, Paul Quimby and Paul Gill.A popular venue was the Forum at Felixstowe. Dizzy Heights were there in 1966 with Shane Twomey, Jack Levene, David Manning, Paul Quimby and Paul Gill. (Image: submitted)

“In summer months, when the pool at St Matthew’s Baths was open, the club moved to the Manor Ballroom. Acts seen on those Monday evenings included Lindisfarne, The Move, featuring the excellent vocals of Carl Wayne and guitar playing of Roy Wood, the excellent Spencer Davis group with Steve Winwood on vocals and keyboards. In November 1971 the mighty Led Zeppelin came to town. One of my neighbours, who I grew up in the Stoke area of Ipswich with, was Eric Fleet. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of bands. He worked at “Bluesville” spinning the discs before the live acts appeared on stage. Why did Zeppelin come to Ipswich? Eric said that it was by way of a thank you to Nanda and Ron who had given them some of their very early gigs.

“I walked to the Bath’s Hall box office one lunchtime from my workplace at County Hall and purchased two tickets for £1 each. My workmates were consumed with jealousy and sent me to Coventry for several weeks. The set kicked off apace with Immigrant Song, and other highlights for me included Rock and Roll, Dazed and Confused and Whole Lotta Love. This was also the first outing of the wonderful Stairway to Heaven. During the concert the floor was shaking as if it was trying to remind us that there was a swimming bath underneath.

Ipswich Star: One of the best known local singers and musicians is Jock Davies, who has been in many line ups over the past 50 years. This picture was taken at the Margaret Catchpole pub in Cliff Lane, IpswichOne of the best known local singers and musicians is Jock Davies, who has been in many line ups over the past 50 years. This picture was taken at the Margaret Catchpole pub in Cliff Lane, Ipswich (Image: submitted)

“In the ensuing years I have taught French students English during their vacations. One session I ran was on musical likes and many of the students said rock music and in particular Led Zeppelin. They had looks of incredulity when I told them I had seen the band and it only cost £1.

In my youth I would travel around the different dances with great local band bands, held in church halls, schools and other venues. One of my favourite bands was St Willy Cool School.”

Ipswich Star: The Sulivan James Band formed in 1965. The band featured Dick Mowles, Mick Noller, Neville Mowles, Dick Mayhew, Dick Main, Ron West and Mike Finbow Picture: IAN MCGRATHThe Sulivan James Band formed in 1965. The band featured Dick Mowles, Mick Noller, Neville Mowles, Dick Mayhew, Dick Main, Ron West and Mike Finbow Picture: IAN MCGRATH (Image: Archant)

Were you in a band locally or have memories of those times? Send your memories, with a photo if possible, to David Kindred, Days Gone By, Ipswich Star/EADT, Portman House, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1RS or e-mail info@kindred-spirit.co.uk

Ipswich Star: The Sonics with Jim Bobby, Mick Morley, Alex Shulver, Barry Dye, Sue Carey and Clive Frindle. The band was formed in 1963.The Sonics with Jim Bobby, Mick Morley, Alex Shulver, Barry Dye, Sue Carey and Clive Frindle. The band was formed in 1963. (Image: submitted)

Ipswich Star: Paul Glazebrook with The Epics and fans at the ABC cinema, in 1964. The Epics line up also included Dave Lingard, Pete Girling and Brian Park Picture: IVAN SMITHPaul Glazebrook with The Epics and fans at the ABC cinema, in 1964. The Epics line up also included Dave Lingard, Pete Girling and Brian Park Picture: IVAN SMITH (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Rod Stewart was at the Manor Ballroom in 1966 with Shotgun Express. He was also a regular visitor with the band Steam Packet.Rod Stewart was at the Manor Ballroom in 1966 with Shotgun Express. He was also a regular visitor with the band Steam Packet. (Image: archant)

Ipswich Star: The Wild Oats formed in 1961 as the Rebels and changed their name in 1963 and split up in 1967. The line up, from the left, was Bryan Scarlett, Rod Goldsmith, Trev Roland, Carl Harrison, Brian Brown. Robin Hare is under the van.The Wild Oats formed in 1961 as the Rebels and changed their name in 1963 and split up in 1967. The line up, from the left, was Bryan Scarlett, Rod Goldsmith, Trev Roland, Carl Harrison, Brian Brown. Robin Hare is under the van. (Image: submitted)

Ipswich Star: The Pete Croft Blues Band in 1968. From the left Peter Croft, Johnny Roach, Phil Quinby, and Paul Gill.The Pete Croft Blues Band in 1968. From the left Peter Croft, Johnny Roach, Phil Quinby, and Paul Gill. (Image: submitted)

Ipswich Star: Cool School formed in 1968, they played gigs all over Suffolk and Norfolk. In the picture, from the left are, John McRae, Roger Clarke-Johnson, Jerry Hovell, Nick Wymer and Sem Seabourne.Cool School formed in 1968, they played gigs all over Suffolk and Norfolk. In the picture, from the left are, John McRae, Roger Clarke-Johnson, Jerry Hovell, Nick Wymer and Sem Seabourne. (Image: submitted)

Ipswich Star: The Nite Sect played all the large venues locally during 1965 and 66. This line up was Sem Seabourne, Derek Barber, Roger Clarke Johnson, Ken Smith and Mel Brieley. Picture: IAN MCGRATHThe Nite Sect played all the large venues locally during 1965 and 66. This line up was Sem Seabourne, Derek Barber, Roger Clarke Johnson, Ken Smith and Mel Brieley. Picture: IAN MCGRATH (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Paul Glazebrook was in several bands. He was with the Silhouttes when this photograph was taken in 1960. They are from the left, Gerry Gillings, Paul Glazebrook, Mick Reeve, Clive Blockley, John Burns and Morton Lewis.Paul Glazebrook was in several bands. He was with the Silhouttes when this photograph was taken in 1960. They are from the left, Gerry Gillings, Paul Glazebrook, Mick Reeve, Clive Blockley, John Burns and Morton Lewis. (Image: Submitted)

Ipswich Star: Les Blues at Ipswich Dock in 1964, with from the left, Gerry Gillings, Morton Lewis, John Game, Gino Washington and Koll Petterson. Gino Washington was then an American serviceman based at Bentwaters. After returning to America at the end of his service he returned to Britain and was part of the nationally famous Ram Jam Band.Les Blues at Ipswich Dock in 1964, with from the left, Gerry Gillings, Morton Lewis, John Game, Gino Washington and Koll Petterson. Gino Washington was then an American serviceman based at Bentwaters. After returning to America at the end of his service he returned to Britain and was part of the nationally famous Ram Jam Band. (Image: Submitted)

Ipswich Star: One of several line ups featuring Nick Wymer (front centre) was Cottonwood, with Billy Gray Terry Mayhew and Gerry Moores.One of several line ups featuring Nick Wymer (front centre) was Cottonwood, with Billy Gray Terry Mayhew and Gerry Moores. (Image: Submitted)

Ipswich Star: Graham Day recalls the Bluesville gigs in Ipswich held at the Manor Ballroom and the Baths Hall. This is an advertisement for Bluesville at the Manor Ballroom, Ipswich, on September 26, 1966, when Cream were there. The line up of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker was yours for a few pence.Graham Day recalls the Bluesville gigs in Ipswich held at the Manor Ballroom and the Baths Hall. This is an advertisement for Bluesville at the Manor Ballroom, Ipswich, on September 26, 1966, when Cream were there. The line up of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker was yours for a few pence. (Image: archant)