Forum Topic

Blue Triangle Club

I've just had someone mention the Blue Triangle Club on the Save the Starlite page. Apparently it was near the ABC Cinema in Ealing. Can anyone tell me more about it? I've never heard of it before but I'm told it hosted gigs by some famous names.

Albertina McNeill ● 4275d17 Comments

Yes TonyWhen the store on Chiswick High Road closed a good few years ago now it had an amazing triple level 'Z' gauge layout with full scenery and five running engines for sale. IIRC it was priced at........£8000!

Nigel Brooks ● 4274d

Thankyou Nigel, Yes it was Jones Brothers!I'd never heard of 'Z' gauge, Googled it and was as usual impressed with the Marklin ones,they look like they're made byFaberge and cost just slightly less than an egg.

Tony Wood ● 4274d

Documentary in the works: "Suburban Steps to Rockland" http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/426111/Ealing-power-of-R-B-celebrated

Albertina McNeill ● 4274d

"Sorry, miles off-track (pun intended) from the Blue Triangle."No need to apologise Nigel, these interesting topic developments are fun.

Gerry Tan ● 4275d

On the corner, by the alleyway. Yes I remember it well, believe it was called Jones Brothers.There was also a fabulous model train shop at the top of TGT on Chiswick High Road. It had a multi-level 'Z' gauge model railway built into a glass coffee table, full scenery and engines the size of your thumb.Sorry, miles off-track (pun intended) from the Blue Triangle.

Nigel Brooks ● 4275d

I used to haunt that brilliant model shop in TGT can't think of the name now,you'll probably know it.

Tony Wood ● 4275d

Thank you Tony, some old synapses fired off for that memory.Used to love working on Turnham Green Terrace as a 15-year-old. I worked in a cracking little family-run shop named Goring Electrical which seemed to act like a magnet for all of the film, music and TV personalities (when that word meant something) who lived in the area.

Nigel Brooks ● 4275d

Yes Nigel you do remember correctly it was with John McVies dad,they lived in Broughton Rd. I only went to the Blue Triangle a couple of times saw the Pretty Things and somebody else,I don't think it was a very regular gig. The hall was associated with the YMCA in Bond St. the club taking it's name from the YMCAs logo.

Tony Wood ● 4275d

Most definitely to the west behind the shops.Funny reading about Long John Baldry. Hid dad used to have a carpet shop on Turnham Green Terrace called Celebrity Carpets and his partner was IIRC John McVie's dad (I used to work opposite as a 'Saturday Boy' in an electrical shop.

Nigel Brooks ● 4275d

Never got to the Starlite but remember Oldfield Tavern, The White Hart and Hambrough Tavern, Southall, and The Railway Hotel where we used to rehearse. Also remember being refused entry to The Byron just before we were to go on, because we were not wearing ties!  The big place in those days was Burtons in Uxbridge and ultimately, The Marquee. Never got that far but enjoyed every moment of it.

Brian Davis ● 4275d

Its amazing what a rich history Ealing has for R&B and Rock 'n Roll and mainstream 'pop' music. The nascent Rolling Stones, Freddie Mercury, The Pet Shop Boys, a very young and almost unknown Rod Stewart, Matt Munroe, Dusty Springfield, Lonnie Donigan and many more, graced the bars and stages bach rooms of quite a few 'dives' - perhaps someone(a wordsmith like person) should research and write about the rich music heritage and history of Ealing's involvment. Anyone interested?

Gerry Tan ● 4275d

Thanks Chris, I'm amazed at the places that have been used as venues over the years.

Albertina McNeill ● 4275d

That's fascinating Brian. Did you ever play the Starlite Ballroom in Greenford? Steampacket played there but not with Rod Stewart: https://facebook.com/SavetheStarliteGreenford (no need to log in to see this page)

Albertina McNeill ● 4275d

It was indeed behind the shops directly opposite what is now Perceval House.  I think it now Little Acorns nursery.  I played in a band there in the 60's.  An all-nighter with some local musicians including a young Rod Stewart and Long John Baldry. Should be part of Ealing's music history.

Brian Davis ● 4275d

I seem to recall the Blue Triangle, was to the west of the cinema, behind the parade of shops, and reached by alley between the shops and start of offices on Uxbridge Road. It looked like a large scout hut type building.  Like Nigel, I was too young to go there, hopefully someone here may have some more info.

Chris Edwards ● 4275d

Thanks Nigel, I've never come across it before. Do you mean it was to the east or the west of the cinema? East would be were the Thai restaurant was and west where that little passage way leads to Mattock Lane.

Albertina McNeill ● 4275d

It was like a massive garden shed and the entrance was down the side of the parade of shops on the little lay-by between the ABC and the start of the offices.You could see it from the ABC car park.Too young to have gone there myself (only remember it because I did my cycling proficiency test in the car park having just got my bike from Halfords) but there are some references to it on Google.

Nigel Brooks ● 4275d