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On this day, 1 April 1962, British band The Temperance Seven played Cardiff New Theatre. Also on the bill were Bert Weedon, Chas McDevitt and Shirley Douglas and The Echoes.
The Temperance Seven was founded at Christmas 1955 by students at the Chelsea School of Art, though the band mythologized its foundation as dating from 1904 at the fictitious Pasadena Cocoa Rooms, Balls Pond Road, North London.
The three founder members were Paul McDowell (who originally played trombone), Philip Harrison (who originally played banjo) and Brian Innes (drums). Gradually the band evolved into a nine-piece ensemble with a light-hearted and humorous performing style, although they were all serious musicians. The name "Temperance Seven" was suggested by Dougie Gray, of the Alberts.
In 1960, they recorded "Ukulele Lady" with vocal refrain by Peter Sellers, produced by George Martin. It was featured on Parlophone PMC 1131, a 12-inch album called Peter and Sophia (Loren).
In 1961, the Temperance Seven achieved a UK number-one single with "You're Driving Me Crazy", arranged by Frank Skinner and produced by George Martin. It was followed by "Pasadena", which reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart.
They toured the UK widely that year, often in shows promoted by their manager Ralph Peters, and their performances acquired a set routine beginning with the last few bars of "Pasadena" (which became their signature tune) and ending with the stirring strains of the "Gaumont-British News". By the summer of 1961, their fame was such that they appeared at the London Palladium for a two-week top of the bill performance. This was arranged by Peters in combination with an appearance at that year's Royal Variety Performance.
Between 1962 and 1963, the Temperance Seven provided musical interludes for The Arthur Haynes Show on the BBC Light Programme.
