(c’79-’87, ’90 & ’95-’97) Pete Weller (?), Ben Darnton (drums / vocals) & Nick Dunning (guitar / vocals).

The band released their first cassette LP, imaginatively named “First LP” in ’84, that same year “The Eclair” cassette was released, as was “20 Greatest Lovesongs”. In ’85 the trio released the “Best of the Bunkers” cassette LP, and after adding a fourth member published the “On the Doss…” EP cassette and “The Best of the Bunkers Vol.2” that same year. In ’86 the “Best of the Bunkers Volume Three” cassette was released with cover image taken outside The Wooden Bridge, Guildford.

The Bunkers in 1985. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton

The four-piece reformed in 1990, briefly; performing on 17 February ’90 at the wedding of Raymond Bishop. Then Darnton and Dunning got the band back together again in ’95, with Justin Makin (guitars / vocals) and Andrew Shilcock (keyboards / vocals). Shilcock had been a founder member, aged 12, when the seed of the band originally got together in ’79. Reunited, the band recorded “Elder Statesman” LP, which carried 10 tracks, with assistance from Tim Bird (guitar) on Like a Hurricane; and Paul Bishop (bass) on Emotionally Yours and I’m A Genius. They called it a day in ’97.

Weller’s uncle was in The Pleasers and The Flying Tigers for a while, as was Dunning and Darnton; with Darnton also doing time in Slapattack, Rockit Men, and Wildfire.

Gallery:

Sleeve for the Bunkers first cassette LP, named “First LP” c’84. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Eclair cassette from 1984. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers’ “Best of the Bunkers” cassette. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers “On The Doss…” EP cassette sleeve from 1985. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers…
The Bunkers 1986. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
It’s 1986 and Bunker member Darnton is already surround by vinyl. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton.
The Bunkers’ “20 Greatest Lovesongs” cassette sleeve. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers, 1986. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers, 1986. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers, 1986. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
1986’s “Best of the Bunkers Volume Three” cassette sleeve. The picture was taken outside The Wooden Bridge. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers in 1990. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
The Bunkers around 17 February 1990. Picture courtesy of Ben Darnton
Bunkers recording inlay from 19 Sept 1995
Bunkers recording inlay from 6 Noc 1995
Bunkers recording inlay from 28 Nov ’96
Bunkers recording inlay from 13 Feb ’97