Based in Ormskirk, Nr. Merseyside, UK and formed in 1969 by vocalist Roy Smith and guitarist Keith Hubbard from the remnants of their recently disbanded band ‘The Rebels’, ‘Caliban’ included, together with Roy and Keith, ex Rebels drummer Chris Kenny and new found acquaintance bass guitarist Ray Chapman.
The first gig was at the Ba’ Ba’ Lou Club in Seel Street Liverpool, the band received a great reception. There then followed a three week tour of Denmark, this really got the band together. On their return, the band’s next gig was at Liverpool’s Knightsbridge Club.
Throughout the following year ‘Caliban’ established a following, appearing at many of Liverpool’s favourite haunts including the Knightsbridge, the Ba’ Ba’ Lou, Dino’s then Gulliver’s, the Victoriana, the Timepiece, the Mardi Gras etc; as well as local comprehensive school and college functions. ‘Caliban’ played extensively throughout the UK, taking gigs at university’s, clubs, major pub rock venues, and festivals, including the Windsor festival and a number of appearances at the famous Greyhound pub in London, they also made further excursions into Europe.
In November 1972 the band were approached by the management of Liverpool’s Cavern, with a view to playing at the club, a date was set and ‘Caliban’ made their first Cavern appearance on 19th January 1973. Five further appearances ensued before the final performance when, after notification that the club was to close; the band was invited by Cavern Club owner Roy Adams, to be on the bill for the final night at the world famous venue.
The date was Thursday 27th May 1973; The Cavern Club closed its doors forever at 6am Friday 28th May 1973.
The bill for the final night was Merseyside bands; Strife, Wardog, Bilf Slat, Harpoon Caliban, Supercharge and from London, Hackensack. The all-night session was recorded on the Rolling Stones mobile studio and was to be released by London Music Management.
A little later with the Cavern now closed, owner Roy Adams offered ‘Caliban’ a spot on the opening night of the New Cavern which was to be situated on the opposite side of Mathew Street in the old Fruit Exchange.
The opening was set for 16th August 1973; ‘Caliban’ would be support to ‘Roy Woods Wizard’.
Over the following year 'Caliban' made numerous appearances at the New Cavern including being supported by now top rock act, ‘Judas Priest’.
On June 23rd 1974, drummer Chris Kenny played his final gig with the band. Suffering from a long term illness, he could no longer stand the rigours of life on the road.
With replacement John McCauley in place, ‘Caliban’ continued to tour but although John was a top drummer and while the band were still being successful, things were never the same, After a final gig at Warwick University with a support bill including ‘Gravy Train’ and the then unknown ‘Cockney Rebel’; 'Caliban' was no more.
CD available
Gonnarockyerjocksoff!
The Rebels 1963 that became Caliban 1971
ReplyDeleteThe Rebels were formed at St Anne’s CYMS, Ormskirk in 1963, smack bang in the middle of the Mersey Beat boom. Playing all the usual Merseyside venues, the band played its first gigs at Liverpool’s Cavern Club in early 1964.
After playing venues all around the U.K. the band eventually and mainly due to drummer Chris Kenny sufferring a serious illness, folded in the later end of 1967.
In 1971, the band then reformed with one member change, bass guitarist Ray Chapman replacing original member Derek Brough. Changing the bands name to Caliban, they toured both the U.K. and Europe and we’re one of the bands that played on the final night of the original Cavern Club.
After 50 years since Caliban hit the road in 1971, Caliban have at last had recording recognition with two album releases of band demos and a live recording taken from the mix on the final night at Liverpool’s Cavern Club.
The only sadness is that drummer/vocalist Chris Kenny is no longer here to celebrate this bit of success.
Being hard edged Rock, the music will not be to everybody’s taste to say the least, but it is both live and honest.
The photo’s below, show The Rebels 1963 and Caliban 1973.
A Big Thank You to Seelie Court Records for having the confidence in Caliban while releasing these albums.
From the (Insane Mentality) Cd sleeve.
Studio demos by legends in Liverpool, Caliban play proto punk edged hard rock that conjurs elements of the Who, Stackwaddy, Third World War and Deep Purple, wild and aggressive singing and even an occasional hint of a Johnny Rottenesque sneer and Daltrey stutter. Guitar dominated, Judas Priest once supported them, Caliban had a huge live following but never scored a recording deal. Hints of Glam mainlining Nihilism via monster riffs.
Links-:
https://www.discogs.com/release/21476548-Caliban-Live-At-The-Last-Night-Of-The-Cavern-1973
https://www.discogs.com/release/21476833-Caliban-Insane-Mentality/image/SW1hZ2U6NzA3OTQ0Mjc=