Dave Clark Five

Dave Clark Five

by Pete Clemons

I wonder if anyone has ever noticed that, unlike many other groups from the 1960s, the music of The Dave Clark Five has not been as freely released over the last four decades. And then, it has only ever been in compilation form.

That is because Dave Clark, himself, owns the entire back catalogue, keeping it under tight control. It took a long time for a collection of their work to be released during the era of the compact disc.

Founded by Dave Clark, the 5-piece consisted of Clark (drums), Mike Smith (vocals, keyboard), Lenny Davidson (guitar), Denny Paxton (saxophone), and Rick Huxley (bass). And 2020 marks 60 years since the band formed. And this has been marked by a release called All the Hits which, incredibly, hit the top ten albums.

I recently came across a fascinating cutting from January 1964 which gives an idea of how successful The Dave Clark Five had been back then. It reads:

The Dave Clark Five, sales of whose exciting record 'Glad All Over' passed the 500,000 mark on Christmas Eve, have an extended player (EP) released this week. There are four swinging party type tracks 'Do You Love Me', 'I Know you', 'Poison Ivy' and 'No time to Lose' which is certain to be a best seller as well.

The second quarter million sales of 'Glad All Over' were notched up in just over a week. Dave heard that it had sold 250,000 copies just in time for his 21st birthday on December 15.

Shortly afterwards Dave signed a £50,000 a year contract with Harold Davison and in March set out on a six week nationwide tour. 'Glad All Over' has now been released in America on the Epic label, but in England Dave and the band are considering material for a follow up single.

'We have several ideas under discussion' he told us. 'Nothing definite has been settled yet, but one thing is certain. It will be different from 'Glad All Over' although we intend to keep the stomping beat'.

The tour mentioned in the article did include Coventry and hit the theatre during April 1964. Held on a Sunday it included The Hollies, The Kinks and The Mojos.

Despite massive sales in the UK, along with their huge popularity, 'Glad All Over' was the bands only number 1 here. Although they did achieve several in the US and Canada where they were also incredibly popular.

I understand that this latest compilation is the first top ten chart placing for the band since 1978 and is available in vinyl also.'It’s a trip for me to go back to vinyl. The 60s revisited. This album covers our hits from around the world on both CD and magical vinyl' says Dave Clark.