(c’83-85) Paul Burden (drums) and Robin ? (guitar), John ? (bass) and Debbie ? (vocals).

We first encountered The Spin Dolls, a four piece from Woking and West Byfleet, at the ‘Animal House’ club night at The Royal, Guildford on 21 September ’83. Four months later, on 14 January ’84, The band were supporting headliners Screaming Lullabies, with Dark Paradise, COW and at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking.

14 January 1984: Old Schoolhouse ticket for Screaming Lullabies, Dark Paradise, Cow, and Spin Dolls.

They were back at The Old Schoolhouse on 26 April ’84, their “punky, new-wave” sound working well, alongide the Screaming Lullabies, No Joy, and COW, in support of goth rock band In Excelsis, formed by former UK Decay guitarist Steve Spon. The Spin Dolls’ Australian vocalist, who was oft compared to Siouxsie, Toyah or Sue Trevnor of Toxic Noize, left in early ’85. The band, despite numerous adverts in Melody Maker and other recruitment efforts were still struggling to find a new vocalist for their Banshee/New Order/Cure influenced repertoire in April of that year; although Inga Leru-Kelly stepped up to the mic for a while.

Gallery:

Robin of The Spin Dolls at Old Schoolhouse, Woking 26 April 1984.
(L-R) John, Paul Burden, and Debbie of The Spin Dolls at Old Schoolhouse, Woking 26 April 1984.
Another image of the flyer for 14 Jan 1984 Spin Dolls gig with Dark Paradise, COW and Screaming Lullabies at The Old School House. Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling.
A great use of two quid. Screaming Lullabies headlined at the Old School House, with Dark Paradise, COW and Spin Dolls in support.
Soundscene reviews opening act, The Spin Dolls, in the 19 Jan ’84 issue. The gig was on 14 Jan.
Autumn 83’s Animal House gigs, from Times Series Pop Scene from 24th September 1983
Soundscene, April 25th 1985

Screaming Lullibies headlined at the Old Schoolhouse, Woking on 14th January 1984. Dark Paradise, COW and The Spin Dolls supported. Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling