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Monday 9 April 2018

The Go Go Five rock around Milford

An exciting and inspiring band, The Go Go Five was co-founded by local music industry guru, Ivan Chandler.

Ivan is now a resident of Milford on Sea and originates from Windlesham in Surrey. He has worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 30 years having held executive positions at Paramount Pictures, Elton John’s Rocket Music Co. and Motown International. He was also the music consultant for PACT (the UK trade association for independent television, film and content companies). He is also a music supervisor, music licensing executive, music publisher, keyboard player, composer, trainer in music copyright and a forensic musicologist..


As an accomplished keyboard player (having played for Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Cat Stevens and Kiki Dee), some years ago Ivan decided to put a new band together. He envisaged an instrumental group based on Booker T. & the MGs and featuring top guest vocalists. What Ivan knew would be a key and essential part was a guitarist with whom he musically clicked and who could “cut it” on every show.


When Ivan walked into a music shop in Camberley in the Spring of 2002, he met the owner Jonathan MacDonald. They immediately jelled, had a similar sense of humour and coincidentally both had the same musical vision.

It wasn’t long before a drummer and bass player were brought in and, after only one rehearsal, the band was launched at Ivan’s birthday party at his house on Saturday August 17th. It was such a great party that the house caught fire!! It was all so crazy that calling the band The True Mentals was perfect. 

Over a period of 15 years, the band has played at Jagz in Ascot, The Jazz Cafe at the Madejski Stadium, Reading, 4 of the 5 pubs in Windlesham and an annual feature at the famous Jazz Day, first Sunday in September at The Brickmakers. 

In 2009, the band changed its name to Chuck Chandler and the Go Go Five, simplified in 2017 to The Go Go Five, to reflect their explosive mix of ’60s Soul, Jazz, Rock & Blues.


The band prides itself on the calibre of artists who regularly perform. Currently the rhythm section comprises Ed James Jordan on drums and Chris Hampson on bass. Christina Al-Wakil is currently featured as a vocalist who also blows a mean trumpet, flugel horn and flute. The band is also immensely honoured to feature Dunx (James Duncan Byiers), bringing amazing vocals and beautiful guitar playing to the mix. 

The brilliant Saxophonist Sean Horsey often appears on stage, as do the bassists Marco Laver and Steve Mills (not at the same time!). Drummers including Tom Compton (residing in Keyhaven!), Julian Bown and Chris York are regulars and guest vocalists include Jackie Rawe (ex-Shakatak), from New Zealand we have Rietta Austin, from Australia there is Jo Elms, Sylvia Mason (who Jonathan first saw performing at Glastonbury with The Pet Shop Boys), Rose Kimberley, Dorie Jackson, Mandy Bell, Kerry Barnard (Q The Music – James Bond Tribute), David Ribi (star of West End Musicals), Hannah White, Kate Brown (of The Boxettes), Roy Gayle (Hot Gossip and Frank The Cat) and Luddy Samms (of The Drifters). 

The Go Go Five often include a Motown Revue as part of their uplifting, inspiring and truly exciting show…but frankly, anything can happen on the night. 


Next Local Gigs:

Saturday 19th May: Milford On Sea Social Club. 67 High St, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG 
Free Entry for Members / Non-Members £2.00! Arrive for 7.30pm 

Saturday 30th June: The Red Lion, 32 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QD
Free Entry – Music from 8pm


The Go Go Five
www.thegogofive.com or click to find their Facebook page.

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