A memory returned to me recently of hearing a Jethro Tull album on the 8 track car stereo of an agent I used to find bookings for the rock band I managed in Manchester around 1971-74. I was on the way to be introduced by Roy, a middle aged impressario to the dubious delights of a nightclub behind Whitworth Street, known as Mr Smith’s. I came to know the club as a seedy venue for strippers, musicians and a late night hangout for revellers. In those days prior membership of at least 48 hours was required to buy alcohol and license conditions made it necessary to buy food as well. The sausage/chicken and chips in a basket was very popular. I was unaware then of its long history, which surprised me when I researched it using Google.
In the 60’s match days would see United and City players in there (George Best and Mike Summerbee of note) and many well known acts appeared there:
Georgie Fame
Dusty Springfield
Tommy Cooper
The Kinks
Gene Pitney
Champion Jack Dupree
Lonnie Donegan
Adam Faith
The early 70’s saw the likes of
Barclay James Harvest
Magna Carta
Camel
Thin Lizzy
Van der Graaf Generator
Mott the Hoople
Greasy Bear ( a local band I knew personally)
In the mid 60’s the owners moved to London and set up a version of Mr Smith’s in Catford. Unfortunately it became subject to the unwelcome attentions of rival gangs, especially the Krays and Richardsons, and was the scene of a notorious fatal shootout. The owners returned to Manchester. This makes me wonder about an episode of Life on Mars centred around a corrupt night club frequented by footballers. Was it inspired in any way by Mr Smith’s? It wasn’t really a student venue because of the drinks prices, but Bruce Mitchell, the drummer with Greasy Bear, tried to set up regular gigs there promoted by his brainchild Music Force, with the intention of encouraging local music.
I was told a story by my agent about London gangsters planning to muscle in on Manchester. When a group of them travelled up by train they were met on the platform by a small army from the local underworld. Allegedly the police turned a blind eye to the pitched battle that ensued and the Londoners were sent back on a train. If there is any truth to this how was the intelligence of their plans and journey gained? The connections of Mr Smith’s in both cities might be a plausible scenario for a fictional episode of the future series of Life on Mars.
Chronicles 