(c’82-87) David Bailey (guitar/vocals), Michael Bailey (bass/backing vocals) and Greg Turner (drums).

Five O’Clock High with band van. Picture courtesy of Michael Bailey

In May ’82 the trio formed She’s Gone Wild, later renaming the band Carnival, then Strawberry Statement before locking in on Five O’Clock High in late ’84. The band were managed by Colin Bidwell and The Bailey’s father and mixed self penned tracks such as “Great Brain Robbery”, “Giving Guns to the Natives”, “All Ours” and “For More” with covers of 60’s classics like the Who’s “The Kids Are Alright”, The Beatles “Money” and The Troggs “Wild Thing”.

Five O’Clock High at The Pit, Knaphill

They regularly performed at local haunts such as Knaphill’s Vernon Van Go Go and the Community Centre (aka The Pit), Capstan’s Wine Bar, St. John’s and The Royal, Guildford. The bands first London gig was at the La Beat Route, Greek Street, Soho in ’84, going on to appear at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, supporting The Self with XL on 20 May ’85 and The Tramshed “New Band Nite” on 10th June. Comparisons to The Jam were common, Turner even used Rick Buckler’s old drum kit. At some point the boys recorded 5 tracks at Godalming’s Catch 44 studio.

Around New Year’s Day ’86 they released a three track (“All Ours”, “For More” and “Giving Guns to the Natives”) cassette demo EP, which featured Lisa Woolf (nee White) playing a classical score upside down on “Giving Guns to the Natives”. ’86 also saw the trio supporting The Primitives at The Bull & Gate and returning to La Beat Route. They were also definitely supporting the Cardiacs at the very last concert at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking; along with The Body Politic and Steel Bill & the Buffalos. After almost five years together the band dispersed in early ’87.

Flyer for the last concert at The Old Schoolhouse. Source: Mark Kettett

On 12 August 2021 we lost Michael Bailey. David Bailey went on to be a founding member of Vox Pop in ’92, moved to Spain, was involved in the The Real Me and Acoustic River Collective (ARC) – a group of musicians based in Almeria – and is currently recording as part of Left Bank Two.

Tracks:

All Ours

Festive Street

Giving Guns to the Natives

Great Brain Robbery

Jane

Gallery:

Five O’Clock High at The Pit, Knaphill. Picture courtesy of Michael Bailey
Five O’clock High at the Tunnel Club, Picture courtesy of Michael Bailey
Soundscene circa 1985/86
Soundscene circa 1985/86
Soundscene – 21 March 1985
1985-ish
The Royal, Guildford
Five O’Clock High at Capstan’s Wine Bar, St. John’s c’1986. Picture courtesy of Michael Bailey.
21 May 1985…The Royal, Guildford
Five O’Clock High were the “Supporting Guests” for this The Self, XL gig at The Bull and Gate, Kentish Town on 2oth May ’85.
It was “New Band Nite” at The Tramshed Theatre on !0th June ’85 and Five O’Clock High were on the stage at 8:20pm. Picture courtesy of Michael Bailey
Five O’Clock High’s set list from Primaties support slot at Bull & Gate around ’85/’86. Picture Courtesy of Michael Bailey
Carnival play The Pit (Community Centre, Knaphill) – Soundscene 26 July ’84
Neil caught a coach from Knaphill on Sunday 20th April ’86 for this top night in Soho. Picture courtesy of Neil Barker
20 May 1986: The Primitives, supported by XL, Five O’Clock High, The Self, Paul Groovy & The Pop Art Experience, and Under the Glass Bell were at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Picture sourced from Neil Barker
Five O’Clock High (l-r: Michael Bailey, Greg Turner, and David Bailey)