Queen Mary Ballroom- Dudley Zoo

[Velvett Fogg]

Queen Mary Ballroom

Dudley Zoo

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/Unsigned%20City/44036184_6e9dc1703a.jpg

This was probably the most unusual of all the venues
to appear at, right in the middle of a Zoo!!

Thsi was a swinging place in the 60's,
and I believe is still going strong, with the modern sounds.
Many top Black country and Brum acts,
and a few top 'stars' appeared here.
Robert Plant appeared here
with 'Priory Of Brion' on the 29/10/1999.

The venue has over the time been popular
for Northern Soul etc,
and would often stage 'all dayers'

My own bands
Paint and Jardine
were booked here several times.

The band's transport entered the zoo by the back entrance,
and had to negotiate, very tight narrow roads,
through the Zoo to the ballroom.
I can tell you, with Bear Pits on the right,
and Lion pits on the left, one feared for their lives,
especially driving after a 'few' pints
in those pre-breath test days!!

[TerribleFan]

This place I'll remember for all my life.
Now next to the Dudley zoo there's a pub with important gigs often.

[Velvett Fogg]

Hi TF,

The pub was called Bentley's, and also next door to that is a Bingo Hall,
that used to be Dudley Hippodrome.
Many local and national bands played there.
Ironically I went there one night,
and the band was playing one of my songs!