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Classic Vinyl

With Allan Day

The Sultans/Sands Of Time/The Going Concern 1965-1968

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Guitarist Ralph Clark in Sands Of Time 67-68 Sands Of Time gig at Mount Forest Hall
 The Sultans on the steps at Talisman 65-66 The Sultans Publicity Shot Sultans at Practice Rocking In Talisman 67'
 The Mighty Sultans Van The Going Concern 1969 Bass Player On The Move Don Day on Bass 1969

With all the excitement of our old Strange Brew Band possibly getting back together for a reunion engagement, it brought to the forefront, another band and their members I have wanted to do a story about for quite sometime. The band I am writing about this week evolved into 3 different bands all covering the exciting music of the era. Originally forming in the Durham, Ontario area--The Sultans who eventually split into The Sands Of Time and The Going Concern.

As many of the cktimes readers in the northern Ontario might remember---this band had a huge following and played all the venues in the area. A big thanks to the Johnston family for the band pictures of the Sultans and Sands Of Time--their overall support of the band and music---they supplied the basement room for many a practise session, the upkeep of the travelling van and were always there to help out when needed. Every band needs family support to make it work and the Johnston's did just that.

65'-66' The Sultans band members are: Paul Elder/guitar, Ralph Clark/rhythm guitar, Doug Dickson/singer, Ralph Johnston/bass, Ross Johnston/sax and John Lunn/drummer. Check out the Sultans Van that got them to their many, many gigs (and sometimes not) Shades of Ian Stewart (Rolling Stones) travelling the country side to play to the masses. This band played teen dances, some weddings and travelled to Hanover, Owen Sound, Talisman Ski Lodge (house band) Clinton/Lucan and one of their career highlights was travelling all the way to Brantford for a gig. Check out some of the rare gear in the photos, Gretch, Silvertone, Fender teles, Fender Precision bass, Fender Super Reverb Amps, Farfisa Keyboard all SUPER equipment and hopefully, they still have them---you have to love the drum skin Sultan artwork. A regular playing, paying gig back in 65-66 was $15-$20 for each band member---some songs from their list: the Beatles--Money, Hold On, Who Do You Love, Secret Agent Man, Working In A Coalmine and Bluebirds Over The Mountain

67'-68' The Sands Of Time band members are: Don Dixon/singer, Rick Meyers/drummer, Ralph Clark/lead guitar, Ross Johnston/sax, Ralph Johnston/bass, Neville Leake/keyboards. A few band member changes made, but they were still the most popular band in the area for all the local dances---they practised and played at the Kon Tiki Club in Durham (they had to clean the place after Friday night gigs for this privilege) one of their biggest gigs was held in Mildmay, that had an attendance of 500 people. One of the more funnier incidents at a gig was at a huge dance held in Blyth, while 2 of the band members took a short drive during the 2nd intermission to get a breath of fresh air!!!! came back to find the police had shut the dance down because of fighting---they still got paid, the band was now making $25-$30 a night, also some songs were Working In A Coalmine, It's Not Unusual and Johnny Rivers "Poor Side Of Town"

67'-68' The Going Concern band members are: Pete Hillyer/manager, Doug Dickson/singer, Don Day/bass, replaced bass player Doug Knowles, Paul Elder/guitar, Wayne Caswell/Rhythm guitar and John Lunn/drummer. With the arrival of Don Day on bass, the band went to a 4 piece operation. I saw them play many many times and it brings back many fond memories. I was a HUGE fan of The Going Concern and got to play their lights at some of their dances as a young lad (I wasn't that good either hahahah) but this band set off in motion the idea that I wanted to definitely play in a band----Who were their influences? Well they followed the Ugly Ducklings around, like I followed them and they had a huge Rolling Stones sound (like most bands in the 60's).They also played many of the areas top dance halls---OSCVI, Drum beat Club (Collingwood), Talisman, The Kon Tiki and Meaford. Some of their song set lists were: the Ugly Ducklings Nothing, 10:30 Train, 7 & 7 Is, 13th Floor Elevators, Stones Satisfaction, Who do You Love, Windy City and Caravan was always a drum favourite---a more sophisticated rockin set list and making $30-$50 a man per night. Transportation for this time period was 2-- 57 Chevy's--two toned blue/green, packed to the rafters and driven by David Hoath/roadie manager and brother Don Day driving the other one. Check out the very cool photo of brother Don on his way to band practise----a dedicated musician---Now I know most of these band members are still residing in the Owen Sound area and they should consider a possible reunion of some sorts---I know i would be there and a lot of their other fans would love to see them perform---if your reading this column and know the boys, let them know of your support and help get them back on stage. Hey I just thought of this, how about joining us on our comeback for an evening!!!!!!!!!!

Stones tidbit: Yes!! The Stones were paid $25 MILLION for the use of "Start Me Up" to launch Windows 95---all those years of not being paid or being paid poorly did pay off---so enjoy this weeks youtube Start Me Up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOYOExbzv-8

My other favs for this weeks youtube are a couple of oldies from the Going Concerns set list Love's 7&7 Is http://youtube.com/watch?v=vEC4LWbI1VU Doug Dickson sang these songs superbly---- The 13th Floor Elevators "Your Gonna Miss Me" http://youtube.com/watch?v=lWCmx1QQgIQ&mode=rel...ated&search <http://youtube.com/watch?v=lWCmx1QQgIQ&mode...&search> = The Ugly Ducklings "Nothing" http://youtube.com/watch?v=Goc9uPOeZig&mode=rel...ated&search <http://youtube.com/watch?v=Goc9uPOeZig&mode...&search> = and "Gas Light" http://youtube.com/watch?v=cMVrLAW-x5Y and a recently added live performance 1989 at the Diamond Club in Toronto "She Ain't No Use To Me" http://youtube.com/watch?v=_enVRFqFJTA

Hope you enjoyed this weeks column and see you in 2 weeks---contact me at bluesslider88@yahoo.ca or at cktimes with any comments you would like to make about classic vinyl



Allan Day----long time acquaintance of John Gardiner----I presently live in Goderich Ontario, retired (oh yeah) and live for the sound of music, especially from the 60's music explosion---I hope you enjoy some of my articles and they bring back some lost memories of bands gone by. Now I have to let you know that I am a HUGE Rolling Stones fan, collector, historian and I hope to hear any stories you might have on this GREAT Band from the 60's----email me at CK Times and let me know what you have or memories you have of this group. I will include stories and short stories on The Stones each week.