Cheltenham claims its part in the history of Rock’n’Roll as the birthplace of the founding member of The Rolling Stones Brian Jones. This blog shows some of the places in Cheltenham associated with Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones.
‘Rosemead’ 17 Eldorado Road, Lansdown
Brian Jones’ family lived there when Brian was born on 28 February, 1942 . His parents, Louis and Louisa Jones, encouraged him from early age to take up music. There is a blue plaque at the entrance to ‘Rosemead’ paid for by the Brian Jones fan club.
335 Hatherley Rd, Up Hatherley
Dean Close Preparatory School, Lansdown
In Dean Close Preparatory School Brian got his primary education. He took piano lessons and his teachers very quickly discovered his rare musical talent. He eventually took up the clarinet and played it at the school orchestra.
Pate’s Grammar School
After passing his eleven-plus in 1953 Brian went to Cheltenham Grammar School for Boys. His exam results were excellent, but his refusal to conform to the authority brought the anger of the teachers upon him. At the time Brian attended the school, the building was situated in the lower part of the High Street. Since then the site has long been given over to the shops and the school is now located on the western side of the town in a modern building.
Former Odeon Cinema, Pittville
The Rolling Stones performed 2 sell out shows in Cheltenham Odeon on 8th October 1963 and then again 10th February and 10th September 1964, as well as 27th September 1965. The September performance in 1964 was compered by Don Spencer and the evening was started by The Innocents, Mike Berry and the Mojos. The Gloucestershire Echo reported: “Police officers, security men, commissionaires and first aid men linked arms last night to prevent screaming fans from rushing the stage at both perfomances by the Rolling Stones at the Odeon Cinema. One girl managed to clamber onto the platform, but was quickly hauled down. During their lively act the Stones were pelted with sweets and other objects as tokens of affection … After the show crowds of fans waited outside in front of the cinema, but the Rolling Stones slipped out the back way with a police escort and went off in their own car.”
St. Mary’s Church
Cheltenham Cemetary and Crematorium, Prestbury
Beechwood Shopping Arcade, High Street
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Leckhampton
16-year-old Brian visited every week in the 1950s the Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley, today the pub has plans for permanent display of Brian Jones memorabilia, which will include pictures of Brian, paintings and even a replica of the musician's Teardrop guitar. Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley was once known as Club 66 and was a starting point for Brian's musical career. When it is complete, the museum will be a permanent tribute to the rock legend. The museum is due to be opened in October by 60s star PJ Proby.
Posts
This is a great site
ReplyDeleteBrian's home in Eldorado Road where a Civic Society Blue Plaque was erected by his former Cheltenham based Fan Club on the 3rd July 2003, and features on pages 34/35 of the 2009 published book: Commemorative Plaques of Cheltenham ISBN: 9781873877937
ReplyDeleteJust happened upon this site, looking for info on Brian, I've always loved the Stones but never knew much on Brian. Recently read the article in the latest issue of my husbands Playboy mag, it got me thinking about him. He was something else, too bad he did so many drugs. Like George Harrison said, if he would have had a little more love around him, he may have changed. Fan forever, Peace Brian, Janet
ReplyDeleteThis is a very informative site. It summarizes Brian's life with pictures quite well. I always wonder what Brian would be doing now. I know he would be amazed at such things as You Tube and I Tunes. He never did like signing contracts, according to a video clip I saw of him, and putting his music out on the above music formats would have delighted him.
ReplyDeleteSue/USA
is that the david reynolds i met who was involved with the BJFC? this is carlos, gaffa, long time no hear. how can i contact you?
ReplyDeletetake care, mate
carlos
Is the museum open at the Inn now?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing a book about the Stones' early shows featuring Brian. If anyone has any memories I'd love to hear from them.
ReplyDeleteBy now everyone's aware of the book, Brian Jones the making of The Rolling Stones. ? Very detailed biography and analysis of his impact.
ReplyDeleteInteresting
ReplyDeleteI went to the Wheatsheaf inn after the gathering at the cemetery on the 50th anniversary of Brian’s death. The only Brian related thing in the entire place was one photograph of Brian. An employee took us round the back to see the former skittle alley, but it is now just a rental hall for parties and karate classes. What a shame there isn’t any memorabilia at all. Maybe one day, it would be great to revive his legacy in his home town.
ReplyDeleteMy husBand Kenneth ILOTT was at Cheltenham Grammar school and use to play with Brian Jones.
ReplyDeleteBrian also attended St James Primary School. I was a pupil at the school when he died and there was an announcement made about the death of this former pupil by Mr Strickland the Deputy Head, who went on to tell us that he was not an example to follow. As it was a school with pupils aged 5-11, many were nonplussed by this statement (including me, as i was only about 6 at the time!)
ReplyDelete