The Showbiz XI was (and is still today) is a London-based celebrity football team that plays matches to raise money for charities. It includes sports figures, actors and musicians. The mid-1960s squad pictured in this photograph is mostly unknown to me (reader contributions appreciated) except for Dave Davies (second from right, back row), Ray Davies (second from left, front row) and Tom Courtenay, middle figure, front row).
Didn't Texan P.J.Proby also have a bash at playing football in the mid 60's when he came to England?
ReplyDeleteThat wouldn''t surprise me, but I'm not aware of it. I will research the matter. Please check back. I'm glad you found me. Please visit again. Curtis
DeleteP.J.Proby lived in Chelsea in the mid 60's.I heard that now & again he went & trained with Chelsea F.C. Must have been difficult for him as he came from Texas & his top sports were boxing,baseball, & American Football.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't find anything re P.J. Proby and football, but definitely enjoyed catching up on his life history, for which I thank you. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that at some point he played against the Showbiz XI. He certainly would have been aware of them. Thanks again. Curtis
DeleteP.J.Proby was & still is a good mate of Jess Conrad so maybe once or twice captain Jess gave P.J. a game. P.J. may not be able to play "footie" any more these days but his voice is still amazing for a 75 year old singer.
ReplyDeleteI would dearly love to see and hear P.J. Proby perform. Unfortunately, I'm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and he doesn't play around these parts. But I'll keep my eye out. Curtis
DeleteYou'll have to see him on You Tube then my friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's probably the way it will be. Curtis
DeleteI played for the team for quite alot of games around mid sixties. We had to have a few none showbiss players who were good footballers. Like former Totenham and England centre forward, and ex ireland international inside left.As we played against good teams, such as Chelsea. I always remember Jess Conrad. Always good for a laugh.
ReplyDeleteDr Who assistant Frazer Hines is the only player I can recall when the Showbiz XI played in Tonbridge
ReplyDeleteI also played for the Showbiz team as I was in the business and knew Jess quite well. Memorable games at High Wycombe where we had a star studded team which included Tommy Steele, Kenny Lynch, Rod Stewart & Richard O’Sullivan, Leicester, where an ex Leicester City
ReplyDeleteVeterans team completely overwhelmed us and Ilford, where Geoff Hurst was the referee and Ray & Dave Davies put on a show. Jess did a great job in getting the star names to turn out for the various charities .
I wish there were more detailed records, and with pictures. The showbiz X1 played on Bootle Merseyside, many years ago. The match was to raise money for a new church social club, but, no one still with us from the time has any printed materail, no pictures, nothing. Very sad. I do know though, that Tommy Steele, Norman Rossington and Harry Fowler all played.
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