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PLIMSOLL SANDWICH

Last updated: 29-04-2021
Neil Hamilton (left) and Ralph Meyer, who are reuniting the 70s band Plimsoll Sandwich for a charity

 

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.A flyer of 70s Ipswich band Plimsoll Sandwich

“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.

One member was Robbie Gladwell, who became Cockney Rebel’s guitarist and has worked with many other famous names, while another was Sherri Kershaw, who married chart star Nik and toured the world with him.

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
PLIMSOLL SANDWICHFOR NIGHT STARVATION HILLSIDE STUDIO HILLSIDE RECORDS 1975