(c’82-’85) – Kaz Jones (sax/piano), Andi McInnes (vocals/bass), and Pete Martin (guitar).

Funtime gigging at Dunsfold Barn in November ’84. (LtoR: Patterson (drums), Jones (sax), and Martin (guitar). Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones

This Guildford 3-piece, influenced by early Birthday Party, The Cramps, and The Gun Club, were joined by Xan Phillips (bass), Ian ‘Patsy’ Patterson (drums) and Nigel Spaughton (guitar) and sometimes Poodle (guitar) to flesh-out the sound when performing live. The band rehearsed in a storeroom on Walnut Tree Close, and at the same house as Just So Stories – in which Jones was a member – and UBz; a squat on Llannaway Road, Godalming.

Over the 27 to 28 May ’84 the band recorded three track at Livingstone Studios, Wood Green, London: “And If…Stolen”, “Pool of Laughter” and “Tailfin Boulevard”. These were produced and engineered was Tony ‘Nod’ Harris who subsequently went on to produce/engineer the likes of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Yazz, Coil, X-Ray Spex, Sisters of Mercy and REM.

In November ’84 the band played at a Dunsfold Barn and later in the year supported LongPig at The Royal, Guildford on Christmas Eve 1984.

Jones would later be found performing with Casual Sax, Holy Durex, and Steel Bill & the Buffalos. McInnes had come from Disruptive Patterns and was also in Imperfect Hold and was the designer for The Vapors “Turning Japanese” single cover.

Tracks:

Gallery:

Funtime’s Pete Martin during a recording session at Livingston Studios. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones
Funtime’s Nigel Spaughton rehearsing in Godalming. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones
Funtime’s Ian “Patsy” Patterson rehearsin in the storeroom on Walnut Tree Close. Picture coutesy of Kaz Jones
Funtime’s Pete Martin rehearsing in the storeroom on Walnut Tree Close. Picture coutesy of Kaz Jones
24 December 1984: Funtime playing The Royal, Guildford; supporting LongPig. Picture courtesy of Andy Davis
24 December 1984: Kaz Jones of Funtime, supporting LongPig at The Royal, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones