January 1966 and this is what happened February 1966 The Kinks and The Stones had records out, among others and a large number of concerts took place March 1966 “We’re more popular than Jesus now” - John Lennon   April 1966 The Riot Squad, Wimple Winch, and The Buzz May 1966 The NME Poll Winners Concert at The Wembley Empire Pool featuring among others The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. held on 1st May June 1966 The Beatles Paperback Writer single is released 10th June, with the track Rain as the b side. It is reported that Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker have joined forces to become known as Cream   July 1966 The Beatles flee riots in Manila after allegedly snubbing the President’s wife, Imelda Marcos. They had failed to turn up for a reception held in their honour, and Creams existence is confirmed with Eric Clapton's departure from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers   August 1966 The Small Faces single All Or Nothing is released, and The Beatles Revolver and Yellow Submarine/ Eleanor Rigby are also released   September 1966 Jimi Hendrix arrives in England (24th), accompanied by his new manager, ex-Animals bassist Chas Chandler, who first saw Hendrix (as Jimmy James & the Blue Flames) at Greenwich Village’s Café Wha on July 4th. The pair stage auditions for a new band at the Birdland in London on the 29th. Noel Redding (ex-Loving Kind) subsequently joins as bass guitarist.   October 1966 singles. The Yardbirds release Happenings Ten Years Time Ago Cream release Wrapping Paper. and The Moody Blues release Boulevard De La Madelaine. Later in the month Vocalist/guitarist Denny Laine quits The Moody Blues. The Moodies promptly disband.  Mitch Mitchell (ex Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames) joins up with Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding and The Jimi Hendrix Experience is born   November 1966 The Kinks release their single Dead End Street, plus a new LP Face To Face and Pete Quaife rejoins the band! The Moody Blues quickly re-form with new members Justin Hayward (guitar) and John Lodge (bass). Lodge is an old Birmingham friend of the group while Hayward is recommended to the Moodies by Eric Burdon.   December 1966 Donovan's Sunshine Superman, Jimi Hendrix Experience Hey Joe are released. The final Ready Steady Go programmes are broadcast. Guests include Dave Dee etc (2nd), Jimi Hendrix, Marc Bolan, The Move (9th), Keith Relf, The Troggs (16th), Eric Burdon, Alan Price, The Who, Donovan, the Spencer Davis Group and Paul Jones (23rd)   All this is brought to you by the wonderful folks at Marmalade Skies, the home site of all things British psychedelia Remember The Times