When Torbay rocked to Emile Ford, The Checkmates and the local bands of the early ’60s

From the Co-Op Hall in Torquay to the Esplanade Ballroom in Paignton, the late ’50s and early ’60s brought a musical revolution to the Bay

Lionel Digby and Emile Ford 1960. Torquay Town Hall

Reporter:

Lionel Digby

13 Dec 2025 12:33 PM

By the late 1950s and the early 1960's there were regular Rock n' Roll Dance Venues across the Bay.

Torquay was on a Tuesday and Saturday nights at the Co-Op Hall. Paignton's Esplanade Ball room was regular on Friday nights. And Brixham Scala hall every Monday nights.

Co-op hall Torquay, Christmas programme 1959

All not only featuring local bands but groups and artists coming from Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol, Cornwall. With minor recording artist's from further afield as the venues gained popularity.

The 1959 Christmas UK number one hit record in the Hit Parade (The Top twenty) was Emile Ford and the Checkmates with a 1916 song called "What Do Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For" with an added Rock'n'roll beat and remained there for 6 weeks into the new year.

Christmas programme Esplanade Ballroom, Paignton 1963, featuring recording group The Federals and local bands

Emile Ford and The Checkmates played Torquay Town Hall in 1960. The Checkmates were a big band including saxophones and girl backing singers. They had 2 more top 10 hits with 'Slow Boat to China' which got to number 3 And 'Counting Tear Drops that reached number 4. Throughout 1960 they had 5 top 20 hits.

By 1962 Emile stopped touring to concentrate on record producing. But his band The Checkmates continued to tour with out him.

On Friday 13^th of Nov 1963 they appeared at the Paignton Esplanade Ballroom.

Esplanade Scala Hall Brixham 1960

In the January column, we will be looking at some early Rock names appearing at Torquay Town Hall. 'Till then, A Merry Christmas and a Rocking New Year!

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