A LOCAL author has released a book chronicling pop music in Salisbury from 1958 to 1980.

The Last Time (Pop Music in Salisbury 1958-80) by Simon Hurford focusses on famous groups and performers who played at The Gaumont, City Hall, and Alex Disco – including huge names such as Rolling Stones and David Bowie.

Simon wrote in your Salisbury & Avon Gazette in 2023 appealing for people’s memories of the city’s bustling music scene in the 60s and 70s.

And he has now had the book printed.

“Chapters include Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Cliff Richard, Rolling Stones, local heroes Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, Small Faces, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Move, Love, Van Morrison, Cream, Steeleye Span, Strawbs, and many others, plus a chapter on local groups who were making a name for themselves in their own right,” Simon said.

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“A Gig Guide for the City Hall, Gaumont and Alex Disco is also included.”

This latest book follows on from his previous work, There’s A Place (The Beatles in the West Country 1962-64).

Picture: Simon Hurford

Simon said: “This book covers not only the Salisbury concert at Salisbury City Hall on June 15 1963, but also the Fab Four’s 2 gigs at Stroud Subscription Rooms in 1962, gigs at Bristol Colston Hall in 1963 and 1964, Bath Pavilion also in June 1963 and the group’s week long residence at Weston-Super-Mare in July 1963, where they were able to relax by the seaside and have a break from the constant travel that touring involved.

“There are chapters on the individual Beatles, their early shows in Liverpool and Hamburg, the filming of Help on Salisbury Plain, and the group’s one off appearance on Discs-A-GoGo in 1962.”

Anyone interest in buying the books is asked to email sphurford@yahoo.co.uk.

Both books are priced at £22 and postage will be £5.