Apollo 11 Moon Landings July 1969

Apollo 11 Moon Landings July 1969

by Pete Clemons

For those with long memories, I am guessing you can remember exactly where you were, when man first landed on the moon during July 1969. I personally, can remember being transfixed by this incredible voyage of exploration made by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. The entire mission lasted just over eight days from its launch date of 16th July to when it splashed down on the 24th.

Of course, not everyone was convinced that the moon landings were for real. I can still hear my Mum telling us how it was all fake and being staged in a desert somewhere. And of course, soon after, there was a film with a similar storyline.

But what else was going on at that time? I’m sure there will be others reviving memories as to what was being shown on the TV and cinema back then, along with other events. But thought I would revisit, and try to capture, the music scene both locally and nationally.

On the evening of the blast off you could find Derek Brimstone performing at the Drumbeat Club held at the Globe Hotel in Warwick.

The following day, the 17th July, saw Magna Carta at The Biggin Hall Folk Club on the Binley Road. And Friday 18th there was a visit of Jackie and Bridie (Jacqueline McDonald and Bridie O’Donnell) to the Mercers Arms.

The highlight of the Saturday evening, as far as my research took me, was a band called Life who were appearing at The Sportsman’s Arms. However, on the evening of the landing, Sunday 20th July, you had a choice of seeing either Roger Williamson at the City Arms Folk Club in Earlsdon or Black Velvet at The Mercers Arms.

Monday 21st gave you the opportunity of seeing The Mike Cotton Sound who were on at the Chesford Grange. This was followed by 60s-star Tommy Bruce who was appearing, in city centre on Tuesday 22nd, at the 40 Thieves, later known as Busters.

It was back down to the Drumbeat Club, Warwick on the 23rd for a visit by Colin Scott. And finally, splashing down at the Biggin Hall Folk Club on the 24th July was Gerry Loughran.

Nationally, the UK singles chart for 16th July looked like this:

1. Something in the Air – Thunderclap Newman

2. In the Ghetto – Elvis Presley

3. Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones

The chart altered slightly for the week of 23rd July when ‘Give Peace a Chance’ by the Plastic Ono Band appeared at number 2 and Thunderclap Newman and The Rolling Stones swapped positions. Top album in the UK during this entire duration of the Apollo 11 mission was Jim Reeves with ‘According to my Heart’. It was eventually dislodged by Jethro Tull during early August. Perhaps influenced by events, the soundtrack to ‘2001 a Space Odyssey’ began to make a rapid re-entry to the chart during this time.

Other prominent singles that were getting airplay on the radio, and youth clubs, included The Beatles with ‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’, ‘Time is Tight’ by Booker T and the MGs, ‘Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’’ by Crazy Elephant and ‘It Mek’ by Desmond Dekker.

Over in America it was the original soundtrack to ‘Hair’ that had peaked in the album charts. While topping the billboard singles charts throughout the entire moon landing period was ‘In the Year 2525’ by Zager and Evans.

Released to coincide with the Apollo 11 mission was David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’. Released during July 1969 it took a little time to climb the chart but by September it had touched down at number 5. The single was far more successful on its re-release during 1975 when it hit number 1.

While most of us were glued to the screen for the return of the Command Module as it made its splashdown into the Pacific, Pink Floyd were actually jamming to it during an interlude for a live, late night broadcast, on the BBC. The tune, never released but is widely available on youtube. Titled ‘Moonhead’, it is a remarkably atmospheric bluesy piece by a band just on the up after a period in the doldrums.

Coventry's Roger Williamson