The Anacondas Skiffle Group story: the end of the prehistoric events before the Third Ear Band (part 3/3).

(read the second part of the story HERE )

After the sudden success due to winning the band competition promoted by the Croydon Jazz Club...

July 5, the Croydon "Times and County Mail" announced the invitation of Anacondas for receiving the "Tommy Steele Trophy" as winner of the contest. 

On July 8, the band received the "Tommy Steele Trophy" at the Savoy Cinema, Croydon. It is reported in the "Croydon Times" on next Friday:

On August 27 they play at the Savoy Cinema in Wandsworth in an evening called "The Skiffle Night". News of this is given by the "South Western Star" that announcing the presence of the Anacondas writes:

 

"The Skiffle Nights are to be tried out for four weeks and if proven successful they will become a regular feature throughout the winter months. "But," manager Cave points out, "over enthusiastic teenagers in the audience will be asked to restrain themselves if they wish the shows go on because any resulting rowdyism will definitely mean the end of "Skiffle at the Savoy"."

 

On November the band play a set a concert at the Croydon Civic Hall in aid for a fund a social centre. "The Stage" reports it on November 26.

On 14 November, the band is quoted in a long article titled "On the Bandstands" about the many Skiffle groups on the scene published by "The Stage"...

On 14 December at Jazz Club, Anacondas in concert with Seth Marsh's Jazzband (Croydon "Times and County Mail", 13-12-1957)

On December 17th, Anacondas play at the Granada of Thornton Heath in a evening announced as "The Anacondas in Folk, Blues and Skiffle" ("Norwood News", 13 December).

Same gig but announced by Croydon "Times and County Mail" on 13 Dec. 

Few days later, Anacondas was quoted in an article printed on Croydon "Times and Country Mail" on 20 December 1957 about a strange event...

Then, on December 20th, the band is on stage at the Park Lane Ballroom (Croydon) for an event promoted by the Jazz Club, "Festival of Jazz Boxing Night", with other five bands involved: Teddy Layton Jazzband, Bell-Holloway Big Nine, Jupiter Jazzband, Saffron Valley Group and Nomade Group.

On January 21th, 1958 the band is on stage at the Granada of Thornton Heath (Croydon "Times and County Mail", 17 January, 1958).

Same event announced by Croydon "Times and County Mail" on 17 January.

At this point the news about the band disappeared from the newspapers. 

Despite their local notoriety, the numerous concerts they played, and the prestigious recognition they received, The Anacondas never transcended the limits of the provincial dimension to become a professional group at a national level.

In the absence of direct evidence, it's plausible that the six musicians after months of sacrifice decided to give up. So, it was probably the end of The Anacondas, which occurred, as Glen recounted, overnight. 

The cause? A newspaper investigation in late 1957 established that there were 50,000 active skiffle bands in England... reason why.

no©2023 LucaChinoFerrari (unless you intend to make a profit. In which case, ask first)

The Anacondas Skiffle Group story: some prehistoric events before the Third Ear Band (part 2/3).

(For reading the first part of the story click HERE)

Our story about the very first known band involved Glen Sweeney is now focused on the Croydon area, where the young Glen (born Gordon) moved his first steps in the music business. In the absence of direct witnesses, it's the local press to guide us in this account...

The period is first half 1957-beginning 1958, the band The Anacondas Skiffle Group - a non-professional six musicians band who's playing in the Croydon area and becoming soon a sort of local heroes. In their repertoire there are songs as "Frankie and Johnny", "Green Back Dollar" and the teenagers favourite "Puttin' on the Style".

Local news reports inform us that on April 12, 1957 the Anacondas play at the Park Lane Jazz Club of Coydon, located at the Park Lane Ballroom, with on the same bill the Dick Charlesworth Jazzband (Croydon "Times and County Mail", 12 April 1957).

Three days later, on Monday 15 April, for the Bank Holiday Monday they are at the same club playing with two other bands, Seth Marsh Jazzband and Saffron Valley Band.

 

On May 11, the Anacondas play at the Streatham Baths for the Communist Party (!). It is announced by "The News" (the Streatham local newspaper) the day before.

 

 

In June, the Croydon Jazz Club, sponsored by the local Croydon "Times and County Mail" newspaper, launches a competition for young skiffle bands called "The Amateur Skiffle Group Competition" in which eight bands participate. 

The event is featured by the "Times and County Mail" on the 14th in an article entitled "Winning skifflers will receive cup and cash":

 

It's June 22, 1957. That night at the Croydon Civic Hall, in front of about 800 young fans, it's really the Anacondas who win. 

It is reported in the Croydon "Times and County Mail" a week later on June 28 with an extensive report:

 

 

On the same page, an article goes into the facts of the evening:

 

The effect on press and public is immediate, and from then on they will be invited often to play in the surrounding area.

 

A rare photo of the band with Glen Sweeney sitting front center.

 

(to be continued)

no©2023 LucaChinoFerrari (unless you intend to make a profit. In which case, ask first)