LilyFogg.com - Clarence's and the 1960s to 1980s music scene in Halifax

On the 2nd of December 1967 the premises above Dolci's shoe shop at 15-17 Crown Street in Halifax, West Yorkshire opened for business in their new guise.

Clarence's, Paul Mountain's club, was born and from December 1967 until November 1980 Paul provided the young people of Halifax with access to some of the finest music and entertainment available in the UK. Being just a two minute gentle stroll from the Upper George ensured its almost instant success.

From an early start in the music and club business as one of the founders of Plebeians (The Halifax Jazz Club) - or Plebs as it was better known - in 1961, Paul continued to run the club until mid 1968. In late 1967, able to sense that the year had brought with it many important changes to the music scene, he decided that the time had come for something different.

His timing was perfect. The Crabtree brothers, Shirley and Max, had decided that they had had enough of running their Big Daddy club in Crown Street, and after name changes that took it from Big Daddy's to The 2 + 2 Club, and then The Scene they let it be known that the lease was for sale. Paul heard about the opportunity and after a brief meeting with the Crabtrees found himself with new premises, just yards away from Plebs, and a brand new business.

For now let's start with a list of some of the gigs at Clarence's and Good Mood.

More detail will be added as and when time permits so get your brain cells working and let's try to get a complete gig list for Paul's superb club. If you can add any dates or have any other memories you want to share use the 'contact Lily' link at the bottom of the page. Were you there? Did you play there? Do you have any photos? Did you have to carry your amps and guitars up the cast iron fire escape to the second floor? Do you remember the Friday night discos? If this page is of interest then tell your friends about it or even better, link to it, or blog about it.