(c’89-?) – Ben Darnton (drums), Chris Turner (vocals / guitar), and Steve Keen (bass).

Rockit Men at the White Lyon, Worplesdon 1989. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

This sound 3-piece covered the likes of Iggy Pop to Buddy Holly; with ex-Dark Paradise Turner pitching the collaboration, that included ex-The Flying Tigers‘ Darnton and Keen as a “good pub band, good entertainment”.

The band’s first gig was at The Cricketers, Farncombe in ’89. The Rockit Men were also rocking it at The White Lyon, Worplesdon in ’89 and appeared at The Lion Brewery, Ash a few times. On 16 December ’89 the band played The Compasses Inn, Gomshall.

The Rockit Men at Lion Brewery, Ash at Christmas. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

The Rockit Men rocked the White Hart, Farncombe again on 21 January ’90 with the band back at The Lion Brewery, Ash on 17 March ’90. The White Hart, Farncombe welcome the trio back on 18 March ’90. On 26 April ’91 they played Flicks, Guildford; returning on 30 June for the princely sum of 60 quid; and back again the month after on 26 July ’91 to support Yellow Darkness at the Guildford venue.

While all the members of Rockit Men would appear in The Flying Tigers at some point; Turner and Darnton both performed as two thirds of Wildfire in parallel to being Rockit Men. Turner, as well his stint with Dark Paradise, had been in ‘Arf Cut.

Gallery:

Rockit Men at the White Lyon, Worplesdon 1989. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
The Rockit Men at Lion Brewery, Ash at Christmas. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
Dylan reviews the bands first gig at The Cricketers, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
Set List for Rockit Men’s last gig. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
16 December 1989: Gig List (from unknown local rag) puts Rockit Men at The Compasses, Gomsall. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
17 & 18 March 1990: Rockit Men were at Lion Brewery, Ash and White Hart, Farncombe respectively. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
21 January 1990: Rockit Men rocked the White Hart, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
30 May 1991: Rockit Men received 60 quid for playing Flicks, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
26 April 1991: The Rockit Men’s setlist for Flicks, Guildford. Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
26 April 1991: Rockit Men were at, the old cinema, Flicks, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
26 July 1991: Gig Listing (from unknown local rag) has the Rockit Men supporting Yellow Darkness at Flicks, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records