PLIMSOLL SANDWICH
Last updated: 29-04-2021
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Basic Information
- Ipswich, Suffolk, Uk
- Unknown
1970s - Undated
Musicians
Record Labels
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Lead Vocals: Ralph Mayer (2)Sheri Kershaw nee ??
Lead Vocals: Adrian Slim Hopgood
Guitar: Robbie Gladwell (2)Dave Lingard
Keys: Bill Haige Joyce
Flute, Sax, Tam: John Hillyard (Hilliard)
Percussion: Bob Gaines (USA)
Bass: Brain Wells (USA) (2) Neil Hamilton
Drums: Gerry Gillings (2) ??
From Ipswich Evening Star
Reunion gig: African Project charity event Kesgrave Social Club on 27 April 2018
Ralph formed the band in the late 1960s and 70s, as The Kings, who went on to become the Kings Showband, then Plimsoll Sandwich and Tangent.
“We were resident at the Copdock Hotel for 14 years and were called Tangent for dinner dances and functions and Plimsoll Sandwich for soul, funk and rock’n’roll gigs,” Ralph said.
Other musicians included Bill Haige Joyce, who played keyboards for Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Lane’s big band, Mick Hanson, an acclaimed world-class jazz guitarist, John Hillyard on flute and sax who became a Suffolk police diver. Adrian “Slim” Hopgood, Bob Dore and Gerry Gillings.
Ralph said the name “Plimsoll Sandwich” was inspired by Robbie Gladwell, because when they were performing for dinner dances, the musicians wore aubergine-coloured suits, but Robbie sometimes turned up wearing plimsolls.
“So when I said, ‘What are we going to call this big showband?’, Robbie said, Plimsoll Sandwich!”
After leaving the band in 1980, Ralph joined Bob Miller and the Millermen, taking over from Vince Hill and Matt Monro. He then went to Australia for 18 years and has performed with many top names, including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Drifters and Edwin Starr.
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| Releases | ||||
| Cover | Title | Studio | Label | YoR |
 | FOR NIGHT STARVATION | HILLSIDE STUDIO | HILLSIDE RECORDS | 1975 |
