(c’77-78) Ian Balchin (guitar / vocals), Butch Beagley (guitar / lead vocals), Richard “Taff” Evans (drums) and Duncan Redpath (bass)

All the members of this four piece attended Woking Grammer School. They released one 7″ on Woking based Aerco Records (AERS 101) in ’78, featuring the Ribs logo designed by Jeremy Evans and carrying “Man With No Brain” on the A-Side and “Long Time Coming” on the flipside, with both tracks produced by Steve C. Smith and engineered by John Reddie; who are both better known for their engineering and production work for classical and medieval music. Smith attended the Tonmeister course at the University of Surrey, and it is believed that Ribs’ single was recorded at the university’s studios.

Ribs had signed the recording contract following a gig in The Albion, Woking. The Albion was one of the many local venues they played, a list that included the Centre Halls, Woking (on 1 December ’77 supported by Outpatients). Unfortunately, Sounds and Melody Maker were not particularly positive about “Man With No Brain”.

Balchin, of Byfleet, was known to News & Mail staff as one of five Woking Grammer boys who came to the paper’s offices to complain about the schools “get your hair cut” ultimatum.

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