1960s at The Troubadour

The 1960s was a defining decade in the Troubadour’s history. But as the old saying goes ‘if you can remember the ‘60s you weren’t there’ and as a result we have very little in the way of hard facts, dates and photos.

We are frequently contacted by people who used to hang out at the Troubadour at this time and the personal anecdotes are always a pleasure to come across. Many people were so drawn to the uniqueness of The Troubadour and everything that it embodied that they practically lived here. They’d do a bit of washing up or odd jobs in return for an endless supply of coffee and soup, good company and great music. It was a place for free thinkers. The Troubadour encapsulated the spirit of the time.

Help us piece together the past

If you have any information, anecdotes, stories, photos, or any memorabilia relating to the Troubadour in the ‘60s (or indeed any other time) then do please get in touch by emailing susie@troubadour.co.uk. The Troubadour is the Troubadour because of its history. As its current custodians, we feel that documenting its past is as important as ensuring its future.

Currently we do know that:-

1962 - Bob Dylan played his first impromptu gig at the Troubdour. He was a guest of Richard Farina who was a regular musician at the Troubadour. Amazingly, Alison Chapman McLean's photo of this has found it way to us via [Richard Farina's website] (http://www.richardandmimi.com/troubadour.html)

The above photo shows Fariña, Dylan, and von Schmidt living it up. Off to the side are Ethan Signer (back turned) and Martin Carthy. This photo also appeared in Positively 4th Street, but was not credited to Alison Chapman McLean, and Martin Carthy was not identified

We also know that:- 1961 – Paul McNeil played

In 1962 the following played: Davey Graham, Martin McCarthy, Jeanie Robertso, The McPeakes, Nigel Denver, Dick Farina, Louis Killen all played.

Paul Simon played in 1963/64.

Michael Van Bloeman founder of The Troubadour. Photo taken in 1964.

London '60s week

In July 2010 we will be collaborating with London 60s week. http://www.london60sweek.co.uk/. This is a celebration, 50 years on, of an extraordinary decade when London led the world in a new cultural and social direction. There’ll be live performances, talks, fashion shows, films and loads more.