(c.’86-’88) Chris Keating (bass / backing vocals) Carl Launchbury (drums) Bruno Skrastins (guitar / vocals).

Based around Ash/Aldershot, the F-One-Elevens (F1-11s) formed in August ’86 following a jam session at the Strawberryfields Rehearsal Studio at Burrows Lea Farm, Peaslake. The F1-11s aimed to write, arrange and play punk edged power-pop, in the style of Stiff Little Fingers, The Jam, The Clash etc.

Keating had previously played with Maxi Puch and the Macho Moped Men and The Plague; Launchbury with The Vulgar Brothers; Skrastins with This Breed of Heroes, The Little Winkies/Press Gang and Cheap Thrills. Throughout the remainder of ’86 and into ’87, the band played repeat gigs at the Lion Brewery Ash, and The Crimea, The Rising Sun and The Beehive in Aldershot. Although well received, the band struggled to get away from the local pub circuit and into the indie/punk scene.

The Vulgar Brothers revival led to the departure of Launchbury, who was replaced by Colin Brook-Jones. The new line up recorded a 2-song demo tape at the Limelight Recording Studios located in the West End Centre, Aldershot. However, following lacklustre gigs at the Rising Sun, Aldershot and the Thurlow Arms near Cranleigh, the F1-11s faded, then folded.

Following a chance meeting in July ’88 with Patrick James of West One; The F1-11s were invited to reform to support West One and the Rising Signs at a forthcoming gig at the West End Centre. The band re-recruited Launchbury, rehearsed throughout the Summer and on 2nd September 1988 played to a packed out and enthusiastic crowd at the Westy. The band, regarding this as going out in a blaze of glory, called it a day for good.

Skrastins was a founding member of J.C. Regulator in ’92.

Gallery:

The F1-11s at the Beehive, Aldershot. (L-R: Skrastins, Launchbury, and Keating). Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman
The F1-11s during rehearsals at Strawberryfields Studios, Peasmarsh. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman.
The F1-11s during rehearsals at Strawberryfields Studios, Peasmarsh. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman.
Colin Brook-Jones of The F1-11s. Picture courtesy of Bruno Bannerman.
2 September 1988: Flyer for West One supported by Rising Signs, and F1-11 at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: West One
2 September 1988: Poster for West One supported by Rising Signs, and F1-11 at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: West One

2 September 1988: Poster for West One at the West End Centre, Aldershot. They were supported by supported by Rising Signs, and F1-11. Source: West One
2 September 1988: The F1-11s at the West End Centre, Aldershot. Picture courtesy of Bruno