This week ‘London Shoes’ didn’t have to travel too far to reach its subject matter location – just a short 15mins train journey from my home base to East Ham–London E12.
The topic in question represents Part 4 of the London Shoes series entitled “London’s-Lost Music Venues” and takes a look at a place that I was fully aware when growing up nearby, and a venue that I actually frequented a couple of times myself in my early 20’s.
The venue itself has been closed for quite a while now, but its legacy will forever be etched in rock music history – it’s the legendary “Ruskin Arms” pub in High Street North-East Ham-E12.
The Ruskin Arms pub situated on the corner of Ruskin Avenue and High Street North, first opened its doors way back in 1899, at a time when East Ham was actually situated in what was the ‘County Borough of East Ham’ before it became a London borough – at that time it was considered quite an affluent and posh area with a high density of residential and commercial properties.
Structurally, this magnificent 3 storey building displayed all the architectural features of the pubs that were built during the late Victorian period – with timber frames, large oriel designed windows and plenty of small gables.
The Ruskin Arms soon became one of the east end’s most popular boozers, and its design and position made it a noticeable landmark in the East Ham area.
As the decades progressed through the 20th century, the pub was acquired by the large ‘Bass Charrington’ brewery chain.
But it is in terms of ‘music’ that the Ruskin Arms wrote itself into the history books.
In early 1965 two local aspiring teenage musicians by the names of Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane had a chance encounter with an older local lad by the name of Jimmy Winston.
Marriott & Lane mentioned to Winston that they were in the process of forming a ‘band’ with their mate Kenny Jones – and Jimmy Winston just happened to mention that he too was in a band that actually had a regular residency at a local pub – the Ruskin Arms in High Street North-East Ham.
In fact, Jimmy Winston’s family actually owned the Ruskin Arms at that time – and so it was convenient and easy for Jimmy’s band to perform gigs at the pub.
Steve Marriott was already familiar with the Ruskin Arms as his Dad ran a fish stall directly opposite the pub.
Seeing an opportunity to secure a venue for their newly formed band, Marriott & Lane ventured down to the Ruskin Arms to check out Jimmy Winston and his band performing on the pub’s stage – and apparently, as legend has it, by the end of that evening Steve Marriott ended up on stage accompanying the band on harmonica.
Following that nights events, Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane asked Jimmy Winston if he would like to play keyboards in the new band that they had formed with their drummer mate Kenny Jones.
Although Winston was a few years older than Marriott, Lane & Jones – his appointment to their band came in very handy, as Winston’s brother owned a van, which could be used by the band to transport their equipment from gig to gig – also, they could use the Ruskin to rehearse in, and also do a few gigs in there whilst cutting their teeth.
And that is how the now legendary iconic ‘Small Faces’ were born.
The Small Faces used the top floor of the Ruskin Arms as their rehearsal base – and in their very early days, played many of their gigs down in the Ruskin Arms bar, slowly building up a large and continually growing audience and fan base.
The Small Faces rise to fame was very swift, particularly when the legendary promoter ‘Don Arden’ (e.g. Sharon Osborne’s dad) became their manager.
Sadly, as the bands reputation and popularity grew, Jimmy Winston’s position in the band was soon in jeopardy, and by the end of their first year in existence, Don Arden had recruited the more accomplished ‘Ian (Mac) McLagan’ to replace Winston as keyboardist for the Small Faces.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Small Faces were (and still are in many respects) considered one of the legendary forerunners of the ‘Mod’ movement and genre of music – and of course, Ronnie Lane – Kenny Jones & Ian McLagan went on to join Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood to form the brilliant ‘Faces’ who were extremely successful all over the world.
Following the demise of the Small Faces and the Faces, the Ruskin Arms still clung on to its music heritage – because in the late 90’s the pub started to host annual Small Faces Conventions – which were really popular and well attended by ex-Mods from all over the country.
However, the Small Faces were not to be the only band to put the Ruskin Arms on the music map – because move on a decade to the late 70’s, another iconic band to be, cut its musical teeth down at the old Ruskin Arms.
In the mid 1970’s a local lad by the name of Steve Harris formed a heavy/hard rock band – that he named after a medieval torture device – and that band is the now globally renowned “Iron Maiden” who to date, have released over 40 albums, 12 of which have been ‘live’ recordings – an output that also includes EP’s, singles, bootlegs, compilations, box-sets and music videos.
Back in 1975 Iron Maiden had secured a residency at the Cart & Horses pub in Stratford–London E15 and were building up a big reputation for their brand of heavy metal music.
By 1978 Iron Maiden had made their debut at the Ruskin Arms – and throughout the immediate following years they made many appearances down at the Ruskin, drawing in punters from far and wide.
Throughout the 1970’s & 80’s the Ruskin Arms was run by former champion boxer ‘Joe Lucy’.
East ender Joe Lucy held the British Lightweight championship belt between the years 1953 to 1955 & again in 1956 to 1957.
Now – this is where I personally have a sort of tenuous link to the Joe Lucy (and the Ruskin Arms), because back in the early 1950’s, my dear old late dad Bill, claimed that he did his National Service at the same Royal West Kent Regiment’s barracks in Folkestone, as boxer Joe Lucy.
My old dad was a good story teller, and he claims that when he newly arrived at his barracks, he was showed to his billet and introduced to his fellow billet residents.
The story goes (as relayed to me many times by my old man) that his new billet colleagues set my dad a sort of initiation task, and that task was to ‘have a word’ with the bloke down the end of the hut, and tell him to turn his bloody radio down or off, as the constant noise was getting on everyone’s nerves. So – being an obedient chap, and wanting to impress his new fellow soldier colleagues, my dad wandered down to this guy’s area of the billet and asked him in no uncertain terms to turn his radio off – to which this fella calmly squared up to my dad and lamped him one on his ‘boat’ knocking my dear old dad out sparko – and of course, that person just happened to be the one and only Joe Lucy!!!
Now – I don’t know how true that tale is, but I have no reason to disbelieve me old dad, and so I felt that this little diversionary tale was worthy of inclusion in this article – albeit a very tenuous link.
Turning back to Iron Maiden and its association with the Ruskin Arms – the pub soon became one of London’s go-to places to hear ‘live’ metal music and throughout the late 70’s and throughout the 1980’s, bands from all over the country would play the ‘Ruskin’ drawing in punters from all over the place – putting the venue well & truly on the music history map.
However, as time progressed, so did music tastes and fashions, and by the late 1990’s the popularity of ‘live’ metal down at the Ruskin Arms started to fade, and the pub started to diversify its ‘live’ entertainment more toward stand-up comedy.
Sadly the Ruskin Arms closed down completely as a pub in 2008.
There were attempts to revitalise the building by turning it into a hotel and high-end eatery, but to be fair, the surrounding area wasn’t really the ideal place for such project – and so that venture was short lived.
However, this impressive local landmark pub building is still in situ today, but is now sadly all boarded up and abandoned, and looks a sorry state.
Now – followers of ‘Shoes’ will know that I usually end a blog visit by taking in a ‘cheeky’ beer at a pub near to the subject matter – however, with the Covid19 pandemic situation still lingering about, I didn’t really fancy entering into any unknown East Ham pub.
However, having spent time photographing the Ruskin Arms, I thought that I would walk just a little further down High Street North to check out the site of what was once the East Ham branch of Barclays Bank, located on the corner of Sibley Road and High St North – a place where I worked as a Personal Loans Officer for a couple of years in the mid 1980’s – a role I thoroughly enjoyed and a branch that holds happy memories for me.
The bank building dates back to 1909. The Bank branch actually closed some years ago, at which time the premises was converted into a pub with the great name of ‘The Overdraft Tavern’. Sadly the pub is now closed too, and from what I could see, the premises now appears to be some sort of spiritual healing business – but, just like the old Ruskin Arms, at least this structurally unique old building is still standing and not redeveloped into flats.
So – that completes the ‘Ruskin Arms’ blog – an old closed down pub building in today’s world, but with a fantastic heritage, that makes it a bit special as one of London’s “Lost Music Venue’s”.
Hope you enjoyed this piece.
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See below the full gallery of photographs accompanying the Ruskin Arms blog
East Ham tube station – on the District Line – the nearest station to the old Ruskin Arms pub
High Street North-East Ham – which runs from the Romford Road in Manor Park, right through East Ham and beyond – and is where the Ruskin Arms pub can be found, as well as the old Barclays Bank East Ham branch building
The Ruskin Arms pub as it was when it first opened in 1899
The Ruskin Arms pub – as it stands today
Me – outside the legendary but now abandoned Ruskin Arms pub
The Ruskin Arms pub as it was in 1962
The Ruskin Arms pub is situated on the corner of Ruskin Avenue and High Street North – E12
The original design structures of this magnificent 3 storey building displayed all the architectural features of the pubs that were built during the late Victorian period – with timber frames, large oriel designed windows and plenty of small gables
Me – outside one of the old entrances to the Ruskin Arms pub
Another view of the now abandoned Ruskin Arms pub
Reminders of better days, can still be seen on the walls of the Ruskin Arms pub
One of the old entrances to the Ruskin Arms pub
Me – outside the bar entrance to the Ruskin Arms pub
In the late 90’s there were attempts to revitalise the old Ruskin Arms building by turning it into a hotel and high-end eatery, but to be fair, the surrounding area wasn’t really the ideal place for such project – and so that venture was short lived.
One of the very first promo shots of the ‘Small Faces’ – with original keyboard player ‘Jimmy Winston’ 2nd from the right 🙂 From L to R:- Steve Marriott – Ronnie Lane – Jimmy Winston – Kenny Jones
Another early promo shots of the ‘Small Faces’ – with original keyboard player ‘Jimmy Winston’ 1st left From the right 🙂 From L to R:- Jimmy Winston – Kenny Jones – Ronnie Lane – Steve Marriott
By late 1965 at the end of the 1st year in existence of the Small Faces – the experienced Ian McLagan had replaced Jimmy Winston on keyboards. From L to R:- Ian McLagan – Ronnie Lane – Kenny Jones – Steve Marriott
Following the demise of the Small Faces, Ronnie Lane-Kenny Jones & Ian McLagan recruited Rod Stewart & Ronnie Wood – and the excellent ‘Faces’ were born 🙂 From L to R:- Rod Stewart – Ian McLagan – Ronnie Wood – Kenny Jones & Ronnie Lane in front.
Just a short walk away from the Ruskin Arms pub – the legacy of the Small Faces and their past association with the area – still has an influence today
A photo of me taken earlier this year – in ‘Ronnie Lane’ Manor Park
Throughout the 1970’s & 80’s the Ruskin Arms was run by former champion boxer ‘Joe Lucy’. East ender Joe Lucy held the British Lightweight championship belt between the years 1953 to 1955 & again in 1956 to 1957
In 1978 Iron Maiden made their debut at the Ruskin Arms – and throughout the immediate following years they made many appearances down at the Ruskin, drawing in punters from far and wide.
Into the 1980’s, and now an extremely popular act amongst ‘metal’ fans – Iron Maiden never forgot their Ruskin Arms roots
An old photo from the 1980’s that shows just how popular ‘live’ metal music was down at the Ruskin Arms – coach parties and tour buses parked outside every week
London Shoes – Blogs Published by Geoff Clements · 2 hrs · Edited · As Iron Maiden’s success ascended, they never forgot their Ruskin Arms roots:-
Despite changing times the Ruskin Arms clung on to its music heritage – and in the late 90’s the pub started to host annual Small Faces Conventions – which were really popular and well attended by ex-Mods from all over the country
A view of a Covid19 impacted ‘High Street North’ looking south towards East Ham – photo taken from outside the Ruskin Arms pub
Just a little further down the road from the Ruskin Arms pub is the site of what was once the East Ham branch of Barclays Bank, located on the corner of Sibley Road and High St North – a place where I worked as a Personal Loans Officer for a couple of years in the mid 1980’s
The lovely old Barclays Bank East Ham branch building dates all the way back to1909
Another view of the site that was once the East Ham branch of Barclays Bank, located on the corner of Sibley Road and High St North – a place where I worked for a couple of years in the mid 1980’s
When the Barclays Bank East Ham branch closed and moved to a new location in High Street North – the premises was converted into a pub with the great name of ‘The Overdraft Tavern’. Sadly the pub is now closed too
Me – outside the entrance to what was once the East Ham branch of Barclays Bank – where I worked for a couple of years in the mid 1980’s
Superb piece. The sad demise of so many of London’s grand and historic pubs is quite shocking. Memories such as you have shared in this wonderful blog are so important. Agree with you about the Faces and Small Faces, both brilliant and super influential
Hi Neil it’s tracy remember Trevor who did your lights and road crew
Absolutely brilliant – if you’re a Marriott fan, look up the Small Fakers when live gigs start up again, a tribute band but the best I’ve ever seen
Wonderful evocative piece of writing thanks Geoff
Love this Geoff. One of my favourite bands Small Faces not Iron Maiden
The Ruskin reopened as a hotel and events (weddings etc) venue in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, but I know it wasn’t as successful as intended. Sometime afterwards, the pub “proper” also re-opened, though more of what I’d call a bar. It did feature memorabilia that gave a nod to it’s past and also had live music at weekends. We drank in there a couple of times during weekday afternoons – it was OK though nothing to make a effort to go to regularly. Sadly, it lost it’s licence a few years ago due to serious “trouble” outside one night. We walked past The Overdraft Tavern a couple of weeks ago and it was certainly open with “punters” drinking inside. When it first opened quite a few years back we tried it, but were “underwhelmed”.
I spent a week with the Small Faces in a hotel in Torquay when I was 15 lol
Great work again Geoff.
The Ruskin Arms was just ONE of my local pubs I used frequent between the years 1962 to 1973, and I spent many a Saturday night at the Ruskin with my then neighbours.
As I told you when you kindly did my ‘The Real Del-Boy’s London’ blog, I too had a run in with Joe Lucy, who fortunately ended up apologising to me.
Also, I knew nothing of the music going on at the Ruskin Arms (I was probably to drunk), and my evenings in there would always without fail, end up with us all going back to one of our houses in Sheridan Road to continue our partying.
Thank you again for a great article to read. It did bring back a lot of memories for me as I used to visit the pub for the music. One was an all girl group who’s name I can’t remember but they were good.
Thank you Peter, I’m really pleased you enjoyed the blog – and thank you too for sharing your own personal memories of the pub – you never know, there may be a another reader who remembers the name of the girl group you mention.
Cheers…..GEOFF (London Shoes)
Hi there. Fascinating to read the history of the Ruskin Arms and the “Small Faces “ and “ Maiden “ playing there. I can remember one all girl band playing in Canningtown in the Mid 70’s and that was “ Mother Superior “ l did see another all girl band at the Hammersmith Odeon- “ Girlschool “- but I don’t know if they played in the east end. Great memories. Peter
Hi Peter – thank you for contacting me via my London Shoes website – really appreciate it, and Im glad to hear that you enjoyed my Ruskin Arms blog – I certainly enjoyed doing it, as I have with all the other ‘London’s Lost Music Venue’s’ blogs I’ve done……nothing better than re-living ones youth :-))
Also – thanks for sharing your memories/recollections……’Girlschool’!!! now there was a band. I believe they played support o Motorhead on a few UK tours.
Cheers……GEOFF CLEMENTS (www.londonshoes.blog)
Hi Geoff. Thanks for your reply. Im a Kiwi who sailed on British ships in the mid 70s! I stayed at Anchor House in Canning town when I was on leave and of course the Bridge house and the Royal Oak were two of my regular haunts! It is absolutely mind boggling when you read all the “ names “ who played there. I remember being impressed , one time I was on leave , with a group “ Powerpak “ who I saw a few times at the Bridge house. Then I went back to sea and next time I got back they had gone. That is why reading about the Ruskin Arms was so fascinating to me. Keep up the good work. Happy new year. Peter
Hi Peter – cheers for your most recent comments – & apologies for my delay in response…..bloody Covid ‘got’ me!!!
That is one interesting personal story you have there mate – I’m sure that there will be future readers/viewers of this particular blog, who will also be interested in your recollections/experiences of lost venues like the ‘Ruskin’.
Its interesting that you mentioned the ‘Bridge House’ – as that was one of the very few venues that I never ever visited – and I have no idea as to why that didn’t happen!! So many people add comments about the Bridge House, and its a shame that the original building is no longer there – because if it was, it would give me something tangible, to photo and create a blog around !!!
Peter – I don’t know if you are aware – but there are currently 6 “London’s Lost Music Venues” blogs published on my London Shoes website – plus Ive also done 3 blogs on “London’s Lost Recording Studios” (where some of the greatest albums ever, were recorded).
If you haven’t seen these as yet – check them out by going to London Shoes website main-menu – go to ‘Categories’ then to ‘Music’ – where you will find them.
All the best Peter
Cheers…..GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
The Small Faces revivals at the Ruskin Arms were fantastic.
What a good time we had.
John Helier and Molly made an event to look forward to each year and the two memorials of Ronnie’s and especially Steve’s at the Astoria will never be forgotten – Good times.
“We are the mods we are we are the mods we are we are we are the mods”.!!!!
Thanks Mick for sharing your own personal experiences and memories of the Ruskin,especially the Small Faces ‘revival’ events – I’m envious ?
Cheers……GEOFF (LONDON SHOES)
Hello Geoff,
I just happened to Google the Ruskin Arms and picked up on your site.
I was a regular to the pub back in the early 70’s and many of the great music pubs that were around in that era with some great bands playing in them.
One the best and most famous music pubs which presume you know of was the Bridge House in Canning Town sadly demolished in 2002 hence no current pics and its location was/is a bit ‘industrial’.
The Bridge House had an interesting and colourful music history and its own record label – reckon must be worth a visit for your “London’s Lost Music Venue’s” series.!!
The BH forum run by Terry Murphy sadly closed some years ago but there is still some useful info around on the web.
Check out this recording of ‘Powerpack’ at the BH on https;//soundcloud.com/basildon-studio/july-morn-powerpack-with-terry-newman.
I also have a recording of this band at the RA back in 1973..must be unique I should think.
You may know that one of the bands of that era called RDB still have reunion gigs at the Crown, Roneo Corner on occasions…and may do again one day.
Cheers for now….. Rob
I lived in that top right room facing out on to the street for a year in the early nineties when Jack was running the place. Good times.
Thanks Kieran for sharing your connection with the iconic Ruskin Arms – really appreciate it?
GEOFF (LONDON SHOES)
http://www.londonshoes.blog
Thank you so much for this, I was a fairweather ‘regular’ at the Ruskins for a few years in the early to mid 90s and I loved it there – great camaraderie , proper spit and sawdust pub area, and then when the music in the backroom was on the money then we would give up our seats round the table and hang out around the dancefloor. There were not many places that catered for rock and metal that close to where I grew up in Romford and Hornchurch so the Ruskin Arms was a welcome retreat and a great place to catch up with mates when I came back from uni.
I was aware of the Iron Maiden connection, I wish I had also known about the Small Faces connection too. It is so sad that it closed down but I guess all I can do is smile about the fact that at least I was there when it was open and experienced some really great times there.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to contact my London Shoes website – really appreciate it?
Also, many thanks for sharing your recollections/memories of the Ruskin Arms – I’m sure that there will be many future readers of this blog that will enjoy your comments.
Cheers……GEOFF (LONDON SHOES)
http://www.londonshoes.blog
great piece, just one small error, in 1899 east ham was not part of london
Cheers for pointing that out Brian – much appreciated – I will amend the article narrative accordingly – GEOFF (LONDON SHOES – http://www.londonshoes.blog)
I miss the Ruskin arms. Hardly nowhere to listen to rock music now days. Only place u could buy a snake bite and feel at home.
I know what you mean Lisa – even the ‘grass roots’ music scene is corporatised these days (pre-Covid of course) Perhaps things might change ‘post’-Covid!!!
I agree Lisa I miss the Ruskin arms
I think the girl group you are referring to was The Mission girls and also appeared on opportunity Knocks.
I was born in 1958 at 347 High Street North, not far from the Ruskin Arms (delivered by the legendary local GP Dr Striesow). My grandfather had the chemist shop, Duncan’s, at 347. Although we moved to Seven Kings long before I was old enough to drink in pubs, we often went back to East Ham to visit friends, and I fondly remember the wonderful Victorian/Edwardian gothic architecture of High Street North – including the splendid Ruskin Arms. Thank you for this great piece of nostalgia!
PS going off at a bit of a tangent, some friends of mine used to live in the cottage in Arkesden where Steve Marriott tragically lost his life. You could still see scorch marks on some of the rafters 😱
Hi Miranda,
I just wanted to thank you personally for taking the time and trouble to contact me via my London Shoes website, and I’m so pleased to hear that you enjoyed my ‘Ruskin Arms’ blog – I certainly enjoyed doing it, during the 1st Covid lockdown period👍
I too have connections with East Ham, in that I worked in a bank in High Street North during the 1980’s – but also, like you, I lived in Seven Kings (I grew up there, it’s my hometown – 1962 to 1974), and so the Manor Park/Forest Gate/East Ham areas, are very familiar to me – and I have very happy memories of those places😊👍
Miranda, I’m sure that there will be future readers of this particular blog, who may well have memories or connections to the places you mention – and who themselves may add their memories/connections to this blog.
Kind regards
Geoff – http://www.londonshoes.blog
I first went in there May 1982 (I was still only 14!), about 6 months after Maiden played their farewell gig (thinly disguised under the name of Genghis Khan (one of their instrumental tracks), the place was absolutely heaving, I heard). It was my regular for very many years. I knew Joe & Tom a little (well, as a regular, you would!) and Jak Singh who took over (much, I believe, to Tom’s disgust).
I can’t recall when I stopped being a regular, some time in the late 90’s after I’d moved out to Chadwell Heath, I think, but it was never quite the same after Jak took over. He meant well, but he had some very strange notions & didn’t really understand the regular rock crowd (although removing the partitions to make one large bar was a good idea – we started talking to regulars we’d been seeing for years, but were always in a different bar to!). As for his son Pete, who was heavily involved in running it, the less said, the better… {rollseyes}
Friday night was the main band night, with a lesser band on Sunday; Saturday was a DJ, Neil (I’ve forgotten his surname!), I used to do the lights for him for part of the evening & help him pack up. On bands, I don’t recall any female musicians, let alone an all-girl band, there. I’m damn sure Girlschool never played there (nor Rock Goddess). Yes they were Motorhead’s support act one tour; they also did the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre EP with them (the one with Philthy Phil posing in a neck brace, cos the silly bleeder had broken it falling down stairs!).
The band that had the biggest following immediately post-Maiden was Electrix. They had a shrieking coloured chap as vocalist/guitarist, and a bassist, Sammy, who looked shorter than his bass! He later resurfaced in another band by the name of Ocean. I believe Praying Mantis and Persian Risk (Phil Campbell, yes, Motorhead’s Phil Campbell) played there, though I never saw them. The three best bands I ever saw there were Desolation Angels, Chariot, and Elixir.
The pub even had a football team for a few years. I know, cos I was in it throughout its existence! We couldn’t get enough together for a full team, but we managed to persude Jak to cough up for a kit (Wolves colours, for some reason), entered a 6-a-side league for 3 years, broke up the next year because of internal conflict (too many arguments!), and then restarted the following year (with me managing) for a further 3 years. We were never any good, partly because Sunday morning after the Saturday night before probably wasn’t the best idea! But we also discovered, second or third year in it, that we were in the strongest division of the league (it ran 4 days a week from late May). But the other teams loved us for our attitude – we got thumped, cheerfully shook hands, and came back next year slightly better (or slightly less bad, anyway)!
Ahhhh! Memories…
Hi Mike,
I just wanted to thank you personally for taking the time and trouble to contact me via my London Shoes website – and I’m glad that you enjoyed my little blog about the good old ‘Ruskin Arms’.
More importantly mate, I want to thank you for sharing your memories, connections and recollections of your times spent at this once excellent live music landmark – what a fantastic series of memories and stories you have there – and such a great read👍
I’ve published your ‘memories’ on the ‘Comments/Feedback’ section at the very end of the blog & its gallery, as I am absolutely sure that there will be many future readers of this blog who will be really interested and will enjoy your recollections and involvements with the old Ruskin, and I have no doubts that your ‘stories’ will encourage others to add their comments 👍👍
Once again – many thanks & very much appreciated.
Cheers…..GEOFF
http://www.londonshoes.blog
I remember seeing Iron Maiden in 1979 in the Ruskin. 1979 was a great year. Knebworth (Aug 4) with Led Zeppelin, Monsters of Rock at Donnington, Reading Festival, Tuesday night at Oscars (sadly the Greengate pub we knew as Oscars in Newbury Park is no longer) and a relatively unknown band in East London.
East Ham was a few miles from where I lived in Seven Kings although I would often venture out to a pub on the Romford Rd in Newham to watch a band called JJ Foote on a Friday.
Anyway, back at the Ruskin we went quite heavy on the drinking… barley wine by the pint for me. You could have a good evening if you were lucky enough to have a £10 note.
I remember a support band called First Aid. I had never heard of Iron Maiden and didn’t know their music. They had no recording contract at that time but I remember reading in Sounds magazine an honorable mention probably from Geoff Barton.
I wondered after the first time I saw them how long it would be before they had a contract. They were clearly on their way and if Dave Murray wasn’t destined to be one of the guitar greats, who would?
Punk and its ‘New Wave’ derivative (not to be confused with ‘NWOBHM) were in the ascendant back then and sadly some of the ‘greats’ were no more… Deep Purple, Sabbath, Lynnyrd Skynnyrd… to name a few – but NWOBHM provided Angel Witch, Saxon, Diamond Head and looking back on it (I am 63 now) I was lucky to be young in this time.
I remember seeing Dave Murray in Oscars one Tuesday. I tried to flog him a bootleg Zeppelin cassette tape. I must have been skint.
In those days, I think it was Neal Kay, perhaps in 1980, who ran the requests from his mic on the stage at Oscars. You could have 3 requests but at least one of them had to be for a NWOBHM band. Credit to Neal Kay for encouraging us diehard Zeppelin/Priest/Sabbath/AC/DC fans for giving groups like Iron Maiden the leg up. And what a journey.
I also saw Girlschool, I think as support to Sabbath at Hammersmith.
Hi Paul,
Just wanted to say thanks for contacting my London Shoes website and for sharing your memories of the Ruskin Arms and your recollections of other bands and events from the late 70’s.
Its a very interesting read you’ve provided there mate, and one that I am sure future readers of this particular blog – will be interested in and enjoy.
Co-incidentally, I too grew up in Seven Kings, and although I am a couple of years older than you (I’m 65) – I frequented a lot of the local ‘music’ venues/pubs at that time – plus many more ‘up west’ in Soho and surrounding areas.
I also remember seeing JJ Foote a couple of times – at the now, also derelict ‘Hinds Head’ pub – a few yards down from Chadwell Heath station – where a number of the “B Listed” London bands of the day, would play, on a Saturday night.
However – the main venue where I saw all the ‘greats’ mention – such as Purple – the Sabs – Rory Gallagher plus many many more – was at the Dagenham Roundhouse. I had some brilliant nights down there, and those memories are precious to this day…..and also, I could walk home if I didn’t have the bus fare – although it was a long walk – especially with a belly full of Watney’s or Double Diamond :-))
Anyway Paul – I have published a number of “London’s Lost Music Venue” blogs on my London Shoes website – which I think you’ll enjoy.
Just go to the main menu and click on Categories – then Music – and you will be able to track them down from there.
All the best
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Does anyone remember the club in Mile End called The A Train it was mainly soul music this would be in the late 60’s
I used to drink in the Ruskin when Jak was “running it, probably not the right person to work in hospitality. He was a big bloke & I saw him punch individual customers if they became noisy after a few drinks, other publicans would probably just sent them on their way. I used to attend the live music nights but in the end I drifted away to drink in the Denmark Arms in East Ham, Jak was never an asset & I believe he was partially to blame in the pub’s demise.
Hi Mick,
Thank you for contacting my London Shoes website – and for sharing your personal recollections and comments about the old pub – much appreciated
Cheers
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
I frequented the ruskin arms back in 1967/8 with my friend’s we did some go go dancing my friend sue had a regular gig there , the resident singer was a bloke called Bobby Diamond who encouraged me to take up modelling..there were many times I’d hear bands rehearsing upstairs didn’t know then thry were to become famous. Enjoyed the other stories on here how tine flies by
Hi Elaine,
Many thanks for contacting my London Shoes website and for sharing your memories and recollections of the ‘Ruskin’ – a great story, that future readers of.
this blog article will enjoy
Cheers…..GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Fantastic account of a wonderful era in East London music. Friends and I were regular attendees across many establishments up and down the Romford Road. It was a brilliant period in rock music and sad to see most of it gone. The Cart & Horses do a fantastic job at keeping it alive. Truly great memories and thank you for reminding me how good it was!
Hi Steve,
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to contact my London Shoes website with your feedback and kind comments – really appreciate it and I’m so glad you enjoyed my little ‘Ruskin’ blog.
Comments like your makes the effort I put into producing my blogs – all worth while
Cheers
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Hello again Geoff
Well done on another interesting account of the Ruskin Arms.
I actually worked in the pub installing a new bar,think it was in the late sixties.Remember Joe Lucy and he’s Lonsdale belt hanging proudly behind the bar.
He had a young son Tom who l believe was in a few TV shows
(Londons burning) was one.
The all girl band were the Mission Belles at the time.
I’m a big Small Faces fan,Steve Marriott went to Sandringham school in Forest gate as l did and was picked from about 500 boys for the musical Oliver.
And later the great Small Faces were formed
Thanks again for London shoes
Geoff
My pleasure Geoff – glad you enjoyed them.
A great venue, I have had a few beers in there when I used to live in Halley Road however, the pub is in Manor Park, not East Ham – E12 not E6.
Many thanks – for clarifying the postcode
Geoff (www.londonshoes.blog)
I really enjoyed reading again about the Ruskin and all of the comments underneath. I grew up in Seven Kings too and done my city & guilds at Newham college East Ham 88-92 and used to have the odd pint in the Ruskin at lunch, as I was always a big music fan as a kid and knew of its musical history.
So many great pubs around East london have gone, along with it live music venues. Growing up The Cauliflower in Ilford was one i loved and was architecturally similar to the Boleyn with its beautiful hardwood divides and edged glass. It’s nice to see that the Boleyn is still going strong. The lord Rodney’s head in Whitechapel was another pub we used growing up, The Burns Brothers were a good little band who used to play in there.
I noticed a few mentioned the Mission Belles girl band, my dad used to see them in the Royal Oak Dagenham and said they used to pack the place out.
I’m over in Horncurch now and the Crown has live music, Scam 69 are a great post punk covers band who play there sometimes.
A side note kind of linked, I played veterans football for a team a few years ago and we played against ‘Iron Maiden’, on the pitches opposite Orients ground. Steve Harris from the band set the team up.
Coincidentally the old landlord of the Ruskin Mentioned a few times above now owns my local The Chequers and him and his son managed to drive a lot of old good customers away when he took over, no idea how to run a good pub!
Anyway thanks for all the good stories and memories!
Hi Brian,
Thanks for taking the time & trouble to contact me via my London Shoes website – and I’m glad you are enjoying my blogs – there are currently over 600 published, so there’s bound to be some within them that would interest you – particularly ‘music’ related and East London landmarks.
I’m a few years older than your good self – but, as a Seven Kings boy myself, it sounds like we probably used to frequent the same sort of places.
The ‘Cauliflower’ was one of ‘locals’ – as was the ‘Prince of Wales’ in Green Lane. I lived close to ‘The Ash Grove’ so that too was a convenient drinking hole for me.
Being a big ‘Hammers’ fan, I was a regular in the Boleyn on match days – and in the 1980’s I worked in Whitechapel, and so frequented most of the pubs located near the tube station – most lunchtimes and after work.
I’ve lived in Romford for the past 35yrs – and pop into The Chequers and the Crown now and then, for a swift half or two.
Interestingly – you mention the Lord Rodney’s Head and the ‘Burns Brothers’ – I am a member of the RAFA Social Club in Carlton Road Romford – and one of the ‘acts’ we book on a regular basis – are the ‘Burns Brothers’. Without being unkind, they are of more (shall we say) senior years – so I’m guessing they are probably to same band.
Anyway – thanks for sharing your comments – I know that future readers of this particular article will read your memories/recollections with interest.
All the best
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
BP – If by ‘the old landlord’, you mean Jak Singh (who, to me, isn’t the old landlord, because that would be be Joe), oh my, oh dear. He means well, but he really doesn’t have a sodding clue. He is not a people person in any way, though he does try. As for his son (if it’s Pete), one word – chav. I am sorry for the fate of The Chequers!
Used to drink in the Ruskin during the Joe Lucy period. He appeared to be such a nice quiet man. But always had a visable presence in the bar. We used to go there for the music, but also for the women. Actually met a very long term girlfriend in the Ruskin. Oh what memories!
Iron Maiden wouldn’t have secured a residency at the Cart & Horses in 1975, as they were apparently only formed on Christmas Day of 1975. Was it 1976 maybe ?