(c’91-’92) Rod Pireira (guitar / vocals), Matthew Wheatley (drums / vocals) and Wil ? (bass vocals).

Big Sun T-Shirt. Source: Graham Burgess

Formed by Pireira, lead singer of Frantic, and managed by Sean Connor, who worked at Princes Hall, Aldershot; one of their earliest gigs saw them step in for Railroad Earth at Princes Hall on 1 May ’91 with Trousershock BC and Peachrazor in support. The next month, on 13 June, they entered The Buzz Club‘s Midsummer Madness Band Competition at the West End Centre, Aldershot; where they competed against Frayed Edge, Palmaviolet, Sliver, Who Moved The Ground?, and The Cesspit Rebels. Who made it to and won the final on 22 June is currently lost to the mists of time. More gigs with Trousershock BC followed, including a tense one on a Saturday in North Camp to a bunch of drunk squaddies. Their last local gig we have records for at this time was a headliner at Ragamuffins, Camberley on 6 August ’91. At the end of the year, on 11 December ’91, Big Sun supported The Shapes and Crystal Injection at Butterfly Evolution Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town.

Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release pack. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

During ’91 they released a promo 7″ single [BS 1] on Headfull Records called “Welcome to The Realm of Doctor POP (Pt. 1)” carrying “Toys and Television“, and “Elizabeth“ on the B-side; recorded at Jacob’s Studio, Farnham with Ken Thomas producing and engineering and The Music Room, Farnham with Paul Travers producing and engineering, respectively. The B-side featured additional backing vocals by Jo Machin and Sean Connor on keyboards.

Big Sun’s track “Ravachol” was included on Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 in 1992. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

In ’92 “Ravachol” was included on Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2, a track that receive a neutral review by The Gossville Arsonist fanzine standards.

Tracks:

Gallery:

B-side of Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single on Headfull Records. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
A-side of Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single on Headfull Records. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
Info sheet from Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release pack. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
Info sheet from Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release pack. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
Sleeve of Big Sun’s Promo 7″ single release. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
11 December ’91. Big Sun supported The Shapes and Crystal Injection at Butterfly Evolution Club. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
The Gossville Arsonist fanzine’s one-line review of Big Sun track from The Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2