(c’94-’96) Simon Beagley (vocals), Jim “Jimbo” Norris (guitar), Sean Wilkinson (guitar), Ben Norris (bass), and Steve Collings (drums).

Insert for the “(Skipper)” cassette EP released in ’94 on Bluefire Promotions. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold

This Camberley based band, one of the two to come together after the demise of Pretty Green, the other was The Hairy Things. Skipper released the “(Skipper)” cassette EP in ’94 on Bluefire Promotions. That same year they released the 7″ single “We’ve Got It All” in the UK on Icarus Records [ARUS 003]. The 3 tracks, that included “Heroine” and “Grateful”, were recorded at Monster Studios, Leatherhead and produced by Chris Stevens. This was the same label as Who Moved the Ground? who they gigged with regularly.

9 April 1994: Ticket for The Outcast Band, Who Moved the Ground! and Skipper at the National Rifle Range Pavilion, Bisley. Source: Blag Promotions

On 9 April ’94 the two bands, Skipper and Who Moved the Ground?, supported The Outcast Band at the National Rifle Range Pavilion, Bisley. In September ’94, Skipper performed four times: On 3 September at the Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell with The Love Family and Big Boy Tomato; on 10 September at an all-day event at The Wheatsheaf, Aldershot with Serious Plankton and Toys in the Attic; on 14 September at the Powerhaus, Islington; and a week later on 21 September at Aitch’s, Godalming with Who Moved the Ground? The following month the band supported The Counterfeit Stones at The Red Lion, Brentford on 7 October; followed by an appearance the next day with Who Moved the Ground at The White Hart, Frimley. Two weeks later, on 22 October ’94, they were back supporting The Counterfeit Stones, this time at The Swan, Fulham. In November the Icarus Records label, to help promote the single, team up with Critical Club for an event at the West End Centre, Aldershot that featured Skipper, Who Moved the Ground?, and Meanwhile.

19 November 1994: Icarus Records promo gig with Skipper, Who Moved the Ground! and Meanwhile.

On 3 February ’95, Redefining Beautiful opened the first Splatch! with Meanwhile, The Baby South, and Skipper also on the bill for this event at the Civic Hall, Guildford. The band were back at South Hill Park on 9 March ’95, this time for The Shed with Headcopter. When Ben Norris left Paul Pomeroy picked up bass duties. Shortly after, on 28 June ’95, Skipper were at the Bull and Gate, Kentish Town; and two days, on 30 June ’95, Skipper were supporting Feckle, along with The Perishers, at Blades Bar, Basingstoke. Bluefire Records put “Indian Giver” on “Snakebite City Three” [BLU06] in ’95, while Farnborough Groove picked up “Cheated” for “Farnborough Groove Strikes Back! Vol.5”. On 26 October ’95, the Starfish Club at Dublin Castle, London hosted headliners The Mystics, supported by Skipper and Sludge Nation.

“Indian Giver”, track 2 from the “(Skipper)” EP, also appeared on Spangle Records [SPANG 003] “Club Spangle Number 3″ compilation 7” EP in 1996. That same year “Grateful” was published on “The Best Farnborough Groove In The World – Ever! Vol.6” and Bluefire Records [BLU07] “Snakebite City Four”.

Collings played drums on the B-side of The Vinegar Blossom‘s “Absence of A Choice”, 7″ single, released in Germany in September ’91.

Tracks:


Gallery:

Bluefire Records put Skipper’s “Indian Giver” on “Snakebite City Three” [BLU06] in ’95
Skipper’s “Grateful” was published Bluefire Records “Snakebite City Four” in 1996.
Skipper’s “Cheated” appear on Farnborough Groove Vol.5 in 1995. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
Skipper’s “Grateful” appear on Farnborough Groove Vol.7 in 1996. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
Skipper get a brief mention in this review of Farnborough Groove Vol.5 in the Staines & Ashford News from 8 Sept 1994.

Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD
26 October 1995: The Starfish Club, Dublin Castle, London – The Mystics supported by Skipper and Sludge Nation. Source: Wendy McNally via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
28 June 1995: Skipper at The Bull and Gate, London. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
28 June 1995: Skipper at The Bull and Gate, London. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
28 June 1995: Skipper at The Bull and Gate, London. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
28 June 1995: Skipper at The Bull and Gate, London. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave
Back of sleeve cover for 1994’s Skipper 7″ single “We’ve Got It All” in the UK on Icarus Records [ARUS 003]. On the B-side were “Heroine” and “Grateful”.
Side B for 1994’s Skipper 7″ single “We’ve Got It All” in the UK on Icarus Records [ARUS 003]. On the B-side were “Heroine” and “Grateful”.
Side A for 1994’s Skipper 7″ single “We’ve Got It All” in the UK on Icarus Records [ARUS 003]. On the B-side were “Heroine” and “Grateful”.
Front sleeve cover for 1994’s Skipper 7″ single “We’ve Got It All” in the UK on Icarus Records [ARUS 003]. On the B-side were “Heroine” and “Grateful”.
Cassette for the “(Skipper)” cassette EP released in ’94 on Bluefire Promotions. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold
September / October 1994 Gigs for Skipper with Love Family, Big Boy Tomato, Serious Plankton, Toys In The Attic, Who Moved The Ground! and The Counterfeit Stones
Skipper’s “Indian Giver” appeared on Spangle Records [SPANG 003] “Club Spangle Number 3 Three” compilation 7″ EP in 1996.
Review of Skipper and Headcopter gig at The Shed, South Hill Park on 9th March 1995 from Home and away fanzine by Bruno.
30 June 1995: Advert from Donut Vol.2 (June 1995) has Skipper supporting Feckle, along with The Perishers, at Blades Bar, Basingstoke. Source: www.razrazzle.wordpress.com
3rd February 1995: Skipper were on the bill of the firzt Splatch!. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene