*EEL~PIE~ISLAND~WAVE(C)

A Tribute to Rythmn & Blues: 50 Years On..

 

 

On the left of the River Thames is EEL PIE ISLAND as seen from the Twickenham side. Served by a single foot bridge - it's there if you squint. There is no road traffic on the island.  

The former Eel Pie Hotel has private houses built on the original site. 

 

"Just think how Mick and Keef, Brian, Bill & Charlie et al, had to hump heavy gear across the narrow bridge from their van to the EPI Hotel ( www.eelpie.org ) - and back!"

 

 

 "The heritage and emergence of rhythm & blues in the south-west London area is where it all began in the early 1960’s – at the then famous Eel Pie Island Hotel (Burnt-down in 1967) in Twickenham.  

 

In addition, the Crawdaddy Club, the Station Hotel,  the Imperial, and l’Auberge were just some of the famous venues in the Richmond - Twickenham - Kingston 'triangle' which made the 'gritty' sound of R & B  world famous. Along side this, its northern compatriate - the slightly earlier version of Liverpool's Mersey Sound revolution - was already underway. 

 

The emerging young talent included The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Rod Stewart and many more; all beginning their historical rise to world fame."

 

The Eel Pie Club continues the local musical traditions in much the same way as the Cavern Club in Liverpool does. Regular EPC R&B sessions are held in the Cabbage Patch Pub in Twickenham. www.eelpieclub.com

 

 

GUITARS to be PLAYED at either THE EEL PIE CLUB or on EEL PIE ISLAND - TWICKENHAM LONDON UK..