Aylesbury's Musical history

A live music nightclub in Aylesbury was prominent in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s - renamed the Friars’ Club in 1969 - which hosted many of the top artists of the time including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Cream, Otis Redding, the Clash, Hawkwind, Queen, Genesis, U2, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Marillion & the Ramones. Friars’ Club celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, by holding three special concerts that reflected the various phases of the club’s musical history. The first concert in June featured the Edgar Broughton Band, the Groundhogs, and the Pretty Things.
This was shot back in 1985 - It was a pilot for a possible documentary series called 'Rock City UK' - it was never finished or commissioned. Fronted by local lad John Otway.

[@helentrenor4655]

I saw Marillion in the Kings Head - probably in 1980. It was free and there were about 6 people in the audience, well it was - literally - a school night. Me and my friend Claire drinking pints! We were also regulars at Friars from 1979 into the 80s when we fled Aylesbury to our respective Universities. All those amazing 70/80s prog rock, punk and other gigs I went to at Friars saved me in my teenage years. I'm very grateful for it 😊

[@heathermcdougall8023]

Dave Stopps ran Friars for years, and his wife ran the press and posters you saw everywhere.They were personal friends and great , dedicated people. They fought for music in Aylesbury! They won. But now , there is nothing.

[@carsonhaught9934]

Great memories of gigs at Friars but this short doc cannot really do it justice...

[@davidsmith2356]

Aylesbury the music scene was great, even the social club in Park Street all that needed was a licence to stay open until 2am to be a brilliant club - mind you it would have meant missing a few days off school each week if it had.

[@nareshlathia5334]

I have seen this cattle grid in 1970s. It was near the Market Square. Now a cinema and restaurants in the same land.

[@simoncloake8051]

Many Friars fans slept there overnight so they could be first in the queue for tickets for the more exclusive gigs. I slept in there for the 1980 Genesis gig, brr it was a cols night

[@stevendimmock4791]

God bless the friars club. Everybody who was anybody played there and if they didn't, they'd play at dunstable queensway hall. Luckily, I lived halfway between the too. I was blessed.

[@prodicalson5243]

I can't believe Aylesbury isn't promoting this legacy to the world. I personally want more live music venue's in the town that cater for my hard n heavy taste. The Waterside theatre is such a nice venue, just wish it would put on more live music, having seen Marillion there this weekend. Such a pity and waste of musical culture.

[@AlesAndBluesGuy]

Great video great memories thanks

[@angusmeigh5141]

This looks like a very old documentary.

[@carsonhaught9934]

yes Otway has hair!

[@AndrewG1989]

And Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire. But same say that Buckingham should of been the county town of Buckinghamshire. And Aylesbury should be a 2nd biggest place in the county. With Milton Keynes which could of been in Bedfordshire or had its own county called MK County.

[@newc1531]

What do you mean by this? Indecipherable!

[@mjh5437]

Milton Keynes should be re-named Shit Hole.