(’85-’94) Vis The Spoon (guitar / vocals), Ken ? (bass) and Andy? (drums)
This West Byfleet three piece, after 6 months together, released the 5-track 15.12.85 Demo tape, in December ’85. By ’87 the band was: Vis The Spoon, Al Johnson (bass) and Joe “Mad Dog” O’Sullivan (drums). In July ’87 the band only got 4 songs in before being kicked off stage at Eclipse, Egham, while supporting The Twist and were “banned for life” from The Cricketers, Westfield in October that same year, while being supported by The Twist. More successful, and without Twist, was the “All Cars Are Red” demo cassette released in November that year, which featured “Where Did Our Love Go?” on the B-side.
Backlash’s “All Cars Are Red” courtesy of Tom PughBacklash’s “All Cars Are Red” courtesy of Tom Pugh
Neil Physic took over the sticks, passing them onto Matt Alexander who appeared on the FlipTop Head tape and consequently on “Electric Groove Machine” on Snakebite City, which also carried “Some Kinda Crazy” – In the release for which they were describe as “No dodgy heavy metal band here but Woking’s finest indie/punk/pop/punk band – ANYWHERE”. Bluefire Records got them back for Snakebite City Two, which carried the track “Traction”.
In mid ’88 the band came third in the Soundscene Demo Review, with particular note paid to “Contraband”. Al Johnson was replaced by long-term bassist Duncan Disorderly (aka Dunk the Biscuit), who was subsequently replaced by ex-Deceased Disease bassist Kevin Ward for the last two years of Backlash’s reign. In late ’88 rhythm guitarist ‘Birdy’ was added. Briefly between bass players Backlash also featured Darren Searles, at the time of fellow “Sounds Around” contributors Positive Thinking and now of the mighty The Loveburns. Small World fact: Darren Searles’ brother Carl now plays in a local covers band with former ‘Lash sticksman “Mad Dog” O’Sullivan. “Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”.
“Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”. Picture courtesy of David J. Griffiths
On 11 April ’89 Backlash came out of a gigging hiatus, supporting Positive Thinking at The Red Lion, Brentford. In August ’89 Phil Gibby pronounced them winners of the Cliff Richard award for longevity in his ‘Farewell Honors’. Backlash, with new member David “Birdy Strangetrousers” Griffiths, were not pleased with the mix on “Sounds Around” and re-recorded both songs and “All Cars Are Red” and stuck all 3 revamped versions on the one “A Word to the Wise” cassette EP. Erstwhile Soundscene contributor, Steve Jones was none to complimentary describing Backlash as being short of ideas and marking time by releasing songs that everyone who cared already had. In August of ’89 the bands life ban at The Cricketers, Westfield was lifted for a memorable gig, supported by Mr Ed. Then Griffiths was replaced by Dan “de Lion” Hiscocks. In late 1990 Backlash were part of the the MTV Satellite Jukebox, a 12 hour dance party staged in youth clubs all across Europe; conceived and organised by Chris Long for Youth Clubs UK (video tape exists somewhere) with Big Wednesday and Strangeland in New Haw. 1990 also saw the release of “Songs About Happiness”, the 6-track cassette EP.
Backlash’s “Songs About Happiness” courtesy of Tom Pugh
This EP didn’t feature Backlash’s ‘Some Linda Crazy’ (a Phil Gibby typo renaming of ‘Some Kinda Crazy’) which was #6 in Soundscene’s Top Ten Local Songs 1990. The band gigged extensively over the next few years, notably supporting Spin Doctors in Jan ’91 and Thousand Yard Stare at the Agincourt, Camberley in Oct. Over the course of Dec ’91 and Jan ’92 the band recorded 8 tracks with Paul Godfrey at Evolution Studios. These were to become the “Fliptop Head’ cassette album, featuring Neil of Big Wednesday on drums, Paul of The Outcast Band on Fiddle and Jason Orbaum on keyboards. In ’93 the band’s track “Drowning” appeared on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3. The final gigs were in ’94 at Merrist Wood and The Cricketers, the first with Hiscock before he ran to India the other with Adam Wolters on bass. Vis, Wolters and Alexander then changed the name to Brad Obscure, playing 2 gigs before dropping the curtain.
Tracks:
All Cars Are Red:
Don’t Touch Me:
Drowning:
Electric Groove Machine:
Ghosts:
Incredulous:
Johnny:
Let Me Take It
Silly Man:
Traction:
Where Did Our Love Go?:
Video: ‘Don’t Touch Me’ live West End Centre, Aldershot ’93:
Gallery:
9 April 1993: Big Boy Tomato and Backlash played the Totally Wired Club, The Powerhaus, London as promoted by Paul Talling. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole“Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”.“Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”.“Drowning” by Backlash was included on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3 in 1993. Picture courtesy of Pete ColeBacklash’s “Some Kinda Crazy” was 6th in the Soundscene’s Top 10 local songs of 1990, although it was listed as ‘Some Linda Crazy’. Clipped from 3 Jan ’91 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks68 Floods share the Cliff Richard Award with Backlash in the Phil Gibby farewell awards from August ’89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks1993 press release from Bluefire Records launching the Snakebite City compilation that included Backlash, along with Big Boy Tomato, Peachrazor, Pomeroy, Pretty Green, Trousershock BC and Mama Cain (aka Phobia). Picture courtesy of Steve PorterDan Hiscocks’ Woking Soundscene review of Backlash at The Red Lion, Brentford on 11 April ’89, where they supported Positive Thinking. Picture courtesy of Daniel HiscocksSnakebite City flyer c’92. Picture courtesy of Steve PorterBacklash, supported by Kambium, played Camberley Town Football Club on 9 July 1993 according to this gig list. They also played the venue on 13 August supported by Peachrazor and Trouseshock BC. Picture courtesy of Steve PorterBacklash, along with Peachrazor and Pretty Green, played The Fox and Hounds, Fleet on 4 September 1992 according to this unidentified fanzine gig list. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter3 November 1990: Backlash headlined this gig at All Saints Church Hall, New Haw with Alternative Law and The Mourning After (their 1st gig) in support.Snakebite City, which included Backlash, release date clipping. It’s 1992, but the paper and date are unknown. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter“Fill In The Date” poster for Backlash with Staggerance. Picture courtesy of Nathan ArgonautPG Tips c’88 highlights Backlash’s flyposting – sends Tin Tin (that’s me) to investigate… Picture courtesy of Daniel HiscocksBacklash in PG Tips possibly from 22 Dec 1988, mentioning addition of ‘Birdy’ to the band and quest for support slots. Picture courtesy of Daniel HiscocksVis of Backlash. Picture courtesy of Brian Canine.Backlash c’89. Picture courtesy Vis via Brian Canine.Backlash at Virginia Water Country Park. Picture by Jamie BeedenSide 2 of “Fliptop Head” cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid StovoldSide 1 of “Fliptop Head” cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid StovoldThe full cassette sleeve to “Fliptop Head”. Picture courtesy of Sid StovoldAlexander of Backlash at The Cricketeers, Westfield. Picture by Jamie BeedenVis of Backlash at The Cricketeers, Westfield. Picture by Jamie BeedenBacklash’s Vis at The Marquee Club, London. Picture by Jamie Beeden1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan ArgonautThere can’t be many of these around…Soundscene Gig List, 1st Oct ’87 – the fateful Backlash / The Twist gig that lead to being “banned for life” from The Cricketers, Westfield.1985 and Backlash’s first demo. Picture courtesy of Vis The SpoonLate ’85, possibly early ’86 and Soundscene reviews Backlash’s first demo. Picture courtesy of Vis The Spoon.Soundscene, 15th October 1987Soundscene’s 8th October 1987 issue did not predict the lifetime ban Backlash received, while supporting The Twist, at The Cricketers, Westfield.A while ago Hiscocks posted this to his page. In Dan’s words: “Sorting through my gig bag an old Backlash set list stirs a few memories. Must have been quite a late one with Weirdos and Bugs in it.” Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks.Backlash get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column.Soundscene Gigs Column, January 31st 1991.Soundscene – July 28th 1988Summer Thrash 1989 and Backlash were in Walton with Two Extremes and Westfield with Mr. Ed. The “2 others” turned out to be 3 others: New Breed, Big Time, and Yankees Drums Ticks. Image Credit: Denise Brewer1991Fliptop Head cassette album sleeveFliptop Head lyric sheetPete Cole’s birthday invite…Backlash’s Mucking Farvelous was a promo only cassette featuring the tracks All Cars Are Red, Some Kinda (Linda!) Crazy – the “Linda” refers to a Soundscene sub-editing gaff where the ‘K’ became an ‘L’ – Hold Me Tight and GhostsBacklash’s final-ish gig – Merrist Wood, 1994Backlash’s Fliptop HeadWoking News and Mail – 20 Sept 1990Backlash’s 3-track cassette EP “A Word to the Wise”.Backlash’s “Songs About Happiness” courtesy of Tom PughDavid GriffithsThe white version…19 March 1993: Backlash, Pretty Green and Peachrazor at The Cricketer’s Westfield.
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