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Lax Lifetime
(c’86-’88) Anna-Lucy Torjussen (vocals), Duncan ‘Du Kane’ Elder (lead vocal/rhythm guitar), David Maskrey (lead guitar), David Howick (drums), Anton Daniels (percussion) and Fil/Phil/Phyl B. (bass)
Originally called Yellow Lifetime they became Lax Lifetime in July ’87 and were knocking out modern dance, influenced by Prince, Cameo and Trouble Funk. A couple of months prior to the name change the band, with the addition of Damian Hand and Scampi on Sax, recorded “Step in Time” and “Shout! About” at Peppermint Studio, where they were produced by George Chambers and Elaine Fairfax.
By mid ’87 the band had released the “Beat! The Elite…” demo, noted for an unflustered style, and were regularly appearing in London, including The Greyhound, Dingwalls, Le Beat Route, and Mean Fiddler, and organizing coaches from Cranleigh, Godalming and Guildford, with tickets available at Pete’s Place and Andertons, Guildford, and sometimes The Queen Victoria, Shalford. Rehearsing three nights a week and on Sundays’ and gigging as much as possible kept the band sharp and tight. On the 15th and 18th November ’87 the band were in a studio again. This time it was FJR studios, NW10 recording the demo cassette single “Have The Time of Your Life….In Your Lifetime” with the Talking Horns: Steve Smith and Floyd.
1987’s demo cassette single “Have The Time of Your Life….In Your Lifetime”. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
1987’s demo cassette single “Have The Time of Your Life….In Your Lifetime”. Picture courtesy of Du Kane In December ’87 they were in the the Ha! Bloody Ha! studio to lay down “Sand Through Glass” again with Scampi. This was then added to the “Beat! The Elite…” demo cassette reissue, with production credits for Chambers and Fairfax. Kane was also responsible for ‘persuading’ The Rak to put on an event at Guildford Civic, at which Lax Lifetime headlined. The Rak and it’s promotor and organizer, Lance Lush, were totally fictional, with Lush purportedly organizing raves on trains from Waterloo and boats on the Thames. Torjussen left the funk band in early ’88 with the band winding up late that year.
Kane went on to be a founding member of Beautiful People, was a contributing editor for Front magazine for a few years and runs session recording outfit Replicant. With Maskrey, Kane can now be seen in The Shakespearos, along with The Vapors‘ Steve Smith.
Gallery:
Lax Lifteime band mates Anna-Lucy Torjussen and Du Kane. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
James Steen looked back at 1987 in the 31st December ’87. This is the July section of that issues and Yellow Lifetime changed their name to Lax Lifetime. 
“Have The Time of Your Life – In Your Lifetime” gets reviewed in Soundscence December 3rd 1987 
26 September 1987. Image provided by Du Kane 
Woking Soundscene May 26, 1988 
Soundscene – July 28th 1988 
Soundscene, 9 July 1987, by James Steen. Picture courtesy of Du Kane. 
Picture courtesy of Du Kane. 
News & Mail, 23 July ’87. Picture courtesy of Du Kane. 
News & Mail, 23 February 1988. Picture courtesy of Du Kane. 
Popscene, 11 July 1987 and not their first gig, as you might presume from the note. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
14 July 1987, Lax Lifetime were at THe Greyhound. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
28 November 1987: Lax Lifetime played Dingwalls, Camden Lock. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
23 January 1988, Lax Lifetime played Dingwalls, Camden Lock. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
28 Julyt 1988, Lax Lifetime were at THe Greyhound. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
16 April 1988: Lax Lifetime played Dingwalls, Camden Lock. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
“Beat! The Elite…” demo. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
“Beat! The Elite…” demo. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
“Beat! The Elite…” demo. Picture courtesy of Du Kane 
Demos, including Lax Lifetime’ “Beat! The Elite…” and “Have The Time of Your Life….In Your Lifetime”. Picture courtesy of Du Kane Andertons, Anna-Lucy Torjussen, Anton Daniels, Beautiful People, Civic hall, Cranleigh, Damian Hand, David Howick, David Maskrey, Dingwalls, Du Kane, Duncan Elder, Elaine Fairfax, Fil B., FJR Studios, Front Magazine, George Chambers, Godalming, Guildford, Ha! Bloody Ha! Studio, Lance Lush, Lax Lifetime, Le Beat Route, London, Peppermint Studio, Pete's Place, Phil B., Phyl B., REplicant, Scampi, Shalford, Steve Smith, The Greyhound, The Mean Fiddler, The Queen Victoria, The Rak, The Shakespearos, The Vapors, Yellow Lifetime -
Cardiacs
(c’77-08) – Jim “Patty Pilf” Smith (bass/backing vocals), Peter “Richard Targett” Tagg (drums), Tim “Philip Pilf” Smith (guitar / backing vocals), Ralph Cade (saxophone / triangle), Colvin “Duncan Doilet” Mayers (synth) and Michael “Peter Boker” Pugh (vocals).
Cardiacs at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking – purportedly. Formed in Kingston-Upon-Thames in ’77, Phil Gibby claimed the Cardiacs for Soundscene in the mid to late 80’s. They played The Old Schoolhouse, Woking at least six times, most notably the venues last gig with Five O’Clock High in support.
Their first gig was at The Kaleidoscope in Kingston upon Thames in ’78 as The Filth. By their second concert the band had changed their name to Cardiac Arrest, a name they kept until ’81 when they took the monica Cardiacs, with no “the”. Shortly before the release of the single “A Cake for Bertie’s Party”, Cardiacs Arrest played The Wooden Bridge, Guildford on 27 September ’78.
27 September 1978: Cardiac Arrest played the Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Source: Suey Sue via Cardiacs On 1 March ’79 they appeared at Raynes Park High School. That same year they released the “A Bus For A Bus On The Bus” 7″ single on the Tortch Records label [TOR 002] after recording the three tracks on 22 July that year at Elephant Recording Studios, London. This was after the trio of Tim Smith, Tagg and Mayers appeared as Cardiac Arrest at the Stonehenge Festival.
In fact the early Cardiacs line-up was a veritable moving feast of musicians that included the bassist from The Trudy, Jon Bastable; Dominic Luckman, Derek Tagg and Tim Quy. ’79 saw Tagg, Pugh and Cade leave the band; with Mark Cawthra joining on drums and Tim Smith taking over as lead singer with guitar duties. Then in early ’80 Sarah Cutts (sax) joined. In 1980 they self-released the cassette LP “The Obvious Identity”, named after the first track, which was only available at concerts and via mail order. They played their first gig as Cardiacs in April ’81. The next month, Cardiacs supported Birmingham progressive punk band Dangerous Girls at the infamous Fighting Cocks, Moseley. Later that year they self-released the “Toy World” cassette LP; a year when Mayers left, Cutts covered keyboards in addition to sax, then Cawthra swapped drums for keyboards and Luckman became the new drummer, finally percussionist Tim became a full-time member. The line-up settled for a while.
22 May 1981: Cardiacs supported Dangerous Girls at Fighting Cocks, Moseley, Birmingham. Source: www.omegaauctions.co.uk Then in July ’83, Tim Smith married Sarah Cutts and around the same time Cawthra left; being replaced by William D. Drake on keyboards. Later in ’83 Marguerite Johnson (alto saxophone) and Graham Simmonds (guitar) joined bringing membership to eight. The new line-up played The Royal, Guildford on 15 March ’84 in support of Here & Now and on 11 May ’84, a line-up that lasted until July ’84 when Johnson left, followed the month after by Simmonds (who stayed on as Cardiacs’ sound engineer).
’85 saw the release of “All Shapes And Sizes”, a 7″ vinyl compilation released in France by Primitive Records that featured “It’s A Lovely Day” as the opening track on the A-side. Cardiac also appeared on “The Riverside Compilation L.P. – Laughing All The Way To The Banks” with “Wooden Fish on Wheels”. This compilation of artists, including The Body Politic and The Housemartins, who performed at The Riverside Club, Fetcham saw a limited release of only 1,500 (Ian Watson didn’t think it would sell any more) and all the bands gave their tracks free on the basis that he would only do a small run. The label was to be Z T HEE, a play on the name ZTT, a label which was huge at the time of this release. On 23 August ’85, Cardiacs were back at The Rivereside Club; headlining, with Leitmotiv in support. In December ’85 they headline the “Gig for Africa” at The Dorking Halls, with a plethora of other local bands, including Great Garden and Shoot! Dispute.
he official poster has Cardiacs headlining “Gig For Africa” at Dorking Halls – Dec 21st 1985 In March ’86 the Cardiacs are listed as coming to the Riverside Club, Fetcham and later that year, on 30 October, The Flying Tractors opened for the band at Dingwalls, Camden Lock. As mentioned earlier, with at least six appearances at The Old Schoolhouse, Cardiacs were possibly the venues most regular headliner; and they definitely graced the stage on 22 December ’86, the venues last night with Steel Bill and the Buffalos, The Body Politic and Five O’Clock High in support. Seven months later they played two nights in a row up at the Marquee (24 / 25 July ’87) and on 15 October they were playing Timebox at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, which had them bill as Mr. Smith and the Big Ship – only a true Pondie would know. On 29 November the band recorded a session for Janice Long’s Radio One Night Tracks show, which was broadcast on 30th December. By ’88 the band were playing nationally, including a memorable appearance, on 25 March ’88, supported by Blue Aeroplanes and Dubious Brothers, at the Town & Country Club. In August the session recorded for Janice Long released as a 12″ vinyl EP, on the Strange Fruit label [SFNT 013], as one of the Radio One Evening Show Sessions, carrying “R.E.S.”, “Buds and Spawn”, “In A City Lining”, and “Cameras/Is This The Life”. This was also the year the band released their first “official” vinyl LP: “A Little Man And A House And The Whole World Window”. In an interview with Soundscene reporter Phil Gibby, Cardiac saxophonist Sarah Smith, when asked why it had taken 11 years to released an LP stated “It took Jim 11 years to learn the bass lines”. Windsor’s Old Trout hosted on 6 December 1990. The 20th Reading Festival saw Cardiacs in the Radio One Session Tent on Friday, 28 August ’92.
In 2008, Tim Smith suffered brain damage after a heart attack and two strokes; going on to develop dystonia in 2008 and passing suddenly in the night on 21 July 2020.
Gallery:
Back when they were Cardiac Arrest at Raynes Park High School on 1st March 1979. 
Front cover of Cardiac Arrest’s “A Bus For A Bus On The Bus” single released in 1979 
Back cover of Cardiac Arrest’s “A Bus For A Bus On The Bus” single released in 1979 
Cardiac Arrest’s self-released cassette LP inlay (front) from 1980. 
Cardiac Arrest’s self-released cassette LP inlay (back) from 1980. 
Advert for The Royal Guildford from Sounds, 10 March 1984. Image courtesy of Pete Cole 
Cardiacs played The Royal, Guildford on 11 May ’84 (Soundscene 10 May 84) 
11 May 1984: Cardiacs played The Royal, Guildford. Advert from Sounds 12 May 1984 issue. Image courtesy of Pete Cole. 
“All Shapes And Sizes” was a 7″ vinyl compilation released in France by Primitive Records in ’85 that featured Cardiacs’ “It’s A Lovely Day” as the opening track on the A-side 
“All Shapes And Sizes” was a 7″ vinyl compilation released in France by Primitive Records in ’85 that featured Cardiacs’ “It’s A Lovely Day” as the opening track on the A-side 
“All Shapes And Sizes” was a 7″ vinyl compilation released in France by Primitive Records in ’85 that featured Cardiacs’ “It’s A Lovely Day” as the opening track on the A-side 
“All Shapes And Sizes” was a 7″ vinyl compilation released in France by Primitive Records in ’85 that featured Cardiacs’ “It’s A Lovely Day” as the opening track on the A-side 
23 August 1985: Cardiacs headlined with Leitmotiv in support at The Riverside Club, Fetcham. Source: Jonathan Brown via The Riverside Club Fetcham Leatherhead Surrey in the 80’s 
21 December 1985: The official “Gig For Africa” program has Cardiacs headlining the bill for at Dorking Halls. Source: Andrew Neil Brown 
21 December 1985: The official “Gig For Africa” program has Cardiacs headlining the bill for at Dorking Halls. Source: Andrew Neil Brown 
The official programme has Cardiacs headlining “Gig For Africa” at Dorking Halls – Dec 21st 1985 
’86 and Cardiacs are listed as coming in March at the Riverside Club, Fetcham. Picture “borrowed” from Christopher Short 
30 October 1986: Cardiacs at Dingwalls 
22 December 1986: Flyer for the last concert at The Old School House. Source: Mark Kettett 
Cardiacs at The Old School House, Woking 
Cardiacs at The Old School House, Woking 
Cardiacs at The Old School House, Woking 
Cardiacs at The Old School House, Woking 
Cardiacs at The Old School House, Woking 
It’s July 1987 and up at the Marquee we had two nights of the Cardiacs (24th and 25th). Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
15th October ’87 and Cardiacs are playing Timebox at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. 
15 Oct 1987 and Cardiacs were the mystery gig at Timebox, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Bull & Gate Memories Facebook Group 
25 March 1988: This advert from NME (19 March 1988) puts Cardiacs, supported by Blue Aeroplanes and Dubious Brothers, playing the Town & Country Club. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
A little mention of Cardiacs in this July 7th ’88 
Woking Soundscene, July 1988 
PG Tips column from the August 4th 1988 Soundscene mentions Cardiacs “Evening Show Sessions”. 
6 December 1990: Cardiacs were at The Old Trout, Windsor. Source: Phil Armstrong via Cardiacs 
NME ad for Reading ’92 with Cardiacs in the Session Tent on Aug 28th 
Reading ’92 Ad / Flyer with Cardiacs in the Session Tent on Aug 28th 
Cardiac’s “Wooden Fish on wheels” appears on this compilation of some of the artists who performed at The Riverside Club, River Lane, Fetcham. 
Cardiac’s “Wooden Fish on wheels” appears on this compilation of some of the artists who performed at The Riverside Club, River Lane, Fetcham. 
Birmingham, Blue Areoplanes, Bull & Gate, Camden Lock, Cardiac Arrest, Cardiacs, Colvin Myers, Dangerous Girls, Derek Tagg, Dingwalls, Dominic Luckman, Dorking, Dubious Brothers, Elephant Recording Studios, Feltham, Fighting Cocks, Five O'Clock High, Gig for Africa, Graham Simmonds, Great Garden, Guildford, Here & Now, Janice Long, Jim Smith, Jon Bastable, Kentish Town, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Leitmotiv, Marguerite Johnson, Mark Cawthra, Marquee, Michael Pugh, Moseley, Mr. Smith and the Big Ship, Night Tracks, Old Trout, Peter Tagg, Phil Gibby, Primative Records, Radio One, Ralph Cade, Raynes Park High School, Reading Festival, Sarah Cutts, Shoot! Dispute, Soundscene, Steel Bill & the Buffalos, Stonehenge Festival, The Body Politic, The Dorking Halls, The Filth, The Flying Tractors, The Housemartins, THe Kaleidoscope, The Old Schoolhouse, The Riverside Club, The Royal, The Trudy, Tim Smith, Timebox, Tortch Records, Town & Country Club, William D. Drake, Windsor, Woking, Wooden Bridge -
Plan A
(c’83) – Andy Davis (bass) and Andy Robertson (sax)
This Guildford duo presented “abstract” performances that included spray painting sheets, percussive work with milk bottles and pipes and self expression. They are known to have opened for Pied Piper and the Rats, La Maison Du Chants, and Freedon Dance, at The Old Schoolhouse, Woking in August ’83.
Davis and Robertson also performed in Longpig.
Gallery:
Soundscene, August 16th 1983 
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Swivel Corps
(c’83 – ’86) Mark Webley (vocals/guitar), Glenn Havelock (bass/vocals) Kate ? (trumpet/percussion/b.vocals) Alan Wright (synths) and Tim “Tixbo” Lain (drums).
26 January 1986: Swivel Corp and The Larks opened up for The Higsons Source: Jonny Mendelsson via The LARKS
Forming in ’83, the band’s original drummer was replaced by Lain in November, after he responded to an advert. In May ’85, the band entered the University of Surrey Student Band Competition, along with Holy Durex and Fantasy Lies, and won, before the evening was headlined by the Geisha Girls.
Swivel Corp were once described as the “Talking Heads” of Surrey University and they supported, along with The Larks, The Higsons on their penultimate gig at the University of Surrey’s No-Wave Society’s main hall gig on 25 January 1986. The band undertook a couple of studion sessions, but no recordings have been uncovered as yet and were the bridesmaid at performance at the Portsmouth Polytechnic as well as University of Surrey. They disbanded in mid-’86.
Lain is currently drumming with Farnham based Hurly Burly.
Gallery:
Swivel Corps Cassette. Picture courtesy of Ian Lain 
Swivel Corps Cassette. Picture courtesy of Ian Lain 
SUSU Bare Facts Magazine, 31st January 1986 
SUSU Bare Facts Magazine, 24th January 1986 
Bare Facts – Feb 14th 1986 -
The 1977 Gig List
What follows is a list of gigs, with images of tickets, adverts and flyers where possible, either at GU postcode venues or featuring bands, listed in bold, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene in 1977:
January 2
Roundhouse, London: Pink Fairies w/ The Stranglers, Little Bob Story, and The Gorillas
2 January 1977. Source: Henry Menicol via Keep It Out Of Sight January 20
Gaumont, Ipswich: Genesis
Red Deer, South Croydon: The Stranglers
Ad from Melody Maker of 22 January 1977 January 21
De Montfort Hall, Leicester: Genesis
The Star, Guildford: Sean CannonJanuary 22
The Marquee, London: Bearded Lady w/ The Jam
De Montford Hall, Leicester: GenesisJanuary 23
Hippodrome, Bristol: Genesis
Toby Jug, Tolworth: The StranglersJanuary 25
The 100 Club, London: Roogalator w/ The JamJanuary 30
Rainbow Theatre, London: Climax Blues Band w/ The Stranglers
Ad from Melody Maker of 22 January 1977 February 3
University of Surrey, Guildford: Osibisa / John MilesFebruary 5
Crawley College, Crawley: Little Bob Story w/ The Jam
5 February 1977: The Jam supported Little Bob Story at Crawley College 
The Up + Coming No.1 fanzine lists the up and coming gigs for February 1977, including The Jam. February 7
Nashville, London: The JamFebruary 9
Centre Halls, Woking: The StranglersFebruary 11
Village Hall, Cranleigh: Eric Clapton
Technical College, Basingstoke: Strider w/ House
11 February 1977: Strider with House. Image courtesy of Raz Razzle February 18
Crawley College, Crawley: The StranglersFebruary 19
The Hunt Hotel, Leighton Buzzard: The Jam
19 February 1977: Handbill for The Jam at The Hunt Hotel, Leighton Buzzard. Source: www.tracks.co.uk February 21
Nashville, London: The JamFebruary 24
The Roxy, London: The Jam w/ Rejects
24 February 1977: The Jam are listed on the Roxy Club’s February date sheet. February 29
The Roxy, London: The StranglersMarch 3
Huddersfield Polytechnic, Huddersfield: The Stranglers w/ The VibratorsMarch 4
University of Surrey, Guildford: Procol Harum
Lafayette, Wolverhampton: The Stranglers w/ George Hatcher BandMarch 5
City of Leicester Polytechnic, Leicester: The Jam
Electric Circus, Mancgester: The StranglersMarch 6
Tow Bar Inn, Eggremont: The StranglersMarch 7
Town Hall, Hawick: The StranglersMarch 8
Barbarellas, Birmingham: The StranglersMarch 9
Red Cow, London: The Jam
Unity Hall, Wakefield: The Stranglers
Guild Hall, Portsmouth: Graham Parker & The RumourMarch 11
University of Surrey, Guildford: Roy HarperMarch 22
Roxy Club, Covent Garden: The Jam w/ The RejectsMarch 29
Roxy Club, Covent Garden: The StranglersApril 17
The Roundhouse, London: The Stranglers w/ Cherry Vanilla, and The JamApril 19
Marquee, London: Remus Down Boulevard w/ Jackie Lynton
April 1977 Marquee Club concert handbill. Source: www.tracks.co.uk April 23
University of Surrey, Guildford: Roy Harper and Chips w/ Black Sheep
Marquee, London: The Jam w/ The Stukas
Queen of Heaven Church Hall, Frimley: Straightshooter
23 April 1977: Straightshooter played at Queen of Heaven Church Hall, Frimley. Source: Dominic O’Riley via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia April 25
Palais des Glaces, Paris: Tyla Gang w/ The StranglersMay 1
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Clash w/ The Jam, The Buzzcocks, Subway Sect, The Stile and The PrefectsMay 6
University of Surrey, Guildford: Richard & Lind Thompson w/ Richard DiganceMay 7
University of Surrey, Guildford: Jasmine Pie (Surrey heat of Melody Maker’s Rock/Folk Contest 1977)May 9
The Rainbow Theatre, London: The Clash w/ The Jam, The Buzzcocks, Subway Sect, and The PrefectsMay 12
Nags Head, High Wycombe: The Jam w/ WireMay 18
Civic Hall, Guildford: Judas PriestMay 19
University of Surrey, Guildford: John Mayall BandMay 21
City Hall, St. Albans: The Clash, w/ The Jam, The Buzzcocks and Slits
21 May 1977: The Jam supported The Clash, along with The Buzzcocks and Slits at City Hall, St. Albans.
Source: Rock Candy MagazineMay 22
City Hall, Glasgow: The Stranglers w/ LondonMay 26
St. Andrews City Hall, Norwich: The Stranglers w/ The Only OnesMay 27
Civic Hall, Guildford: Frankie Miller
Pavilion, West Runton: The Clash w/ The Buzzcocks, The Jam, and Subway Sect
27 May 77: The Jam, and others, were at the West Runton Pavilion. Source Mark Lattaway via West Runton Pavilion… gone but not forgotten 
27 May 1977: The Jam, and others, were at the West Runton Pavilion. Source: Chris Grief via West Runton Pavilion… gone but not forgotten. May 28
Music for Socialism, Battersea Arts Centre, London: Henry Cow, w/ Red Balune, Talisker, 0dB, and Earthforce
De Montfort Hall, Leicester: The Clash, The Jam, Subway Sect, and The SlitsMay 29
Civic Hall, Guildford: The StranglersMay 31
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton: The StranglersJune 2
Civic Hall, Wolverhampton: Dr. Hook w/ Unicorn
UK Too Many Crooks Tour dates advert from ’77. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collector’s Records June 3
De Montfort University, Leicester: Dr. Hook w/ Unicorn
Civic Hall, Guildford: UFO
June 4
Recreation Centre, Farnborough: CaravanJune 5
Colston Hall, Bristol: Dr. Hook w/ Unicorn
Electric Circus, Manchester: The StranglersJune 6
Fairfield Hall, Croydon: Dr. Hook w/ UnicornJune 7
The Marquee, London: Jackie Lynton
Odeon, Hammersmith: Dr. Hook w/ UnicornJune 8
New Theatre, Southport: Dr. Hook w/ Unicorn
The Winning Post, Twickenham: The JamJune 9
Free Trade Hall, Manchester: Dr. Hook w/ UnicornJune 10
Apollo, Glasgow: Dr. Hook w/ UnicornJune 11
City Hall, Newscastle: Dr. Hook w/ Unicorn
Redlands Teacher Training, Bristol: The Jam w/ The Cortinas
Recreation Centre, Farnborough: Screaming Lord Sutch, w/ Shakin Stevens and The Sunsets, Flying Saucers, Rock Island Line, and Thunderbird.
11 June ’77: One-day Silver Jubilee “Rock ‘N Roll” concert featuring Screaming Lord Sutch, Shakin Stevens and The Sunsets, Flying Saucers, Rock Island Line, and Thunderbird.
Source: Steve McKeown via Farnborough (Hants) NostalgiaJune 12
City Hall, Sheffield: Dr. Hook w/ Unicorn
Top Rank, Sheffield: The Stranglers w/ DronesJune 15
City Hall, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne: The Stranglers w/ LondonJune 17
Seaburn Hall, Sunderland: The Jam
June 26
Civic Hall, Guildford: Caravan
The Roundhouse, London: The Stranglers w/ The Cortinas
Fairfield Hall, Croydon: Cado Belle, w/ Steve Adams, Paul Goodman, Richard Piper, Hokum Kavana, Mike Waller, Breaker, Girl, Jack Easy, Jasmine Pie, Joe’s Diner, Roger The Cat, Six Hand in Tempo, Six of One, Staa Marx, and Tiger Lily (Melody Maker Rock/Folk Contest National Final)
26 June 1977: Jasmine Pie performed at the National Final’s of Melody Maker’s Rock / Folk Contest. Picture courtesy of Gerald Eyton-Jones July 2
Free Festival, University of Surrey, Guildford: Darts, w/ Warren Harry, John Martyn, HeadwaiterJuly 7
Mr. Digby, Birkenhead: The JamJuly 8
Town Hall, Middlesborough: The JamJuly 9
California Ballroom, Dunstable: The Jam w/ ChelseaJuly 10
Top Rank, Sheffield: The JamJuly 12
Tiffany’s, Shrewsbury: The Jam
12 July 1977: Poster for The Jam at Tiffany’s, Shrewsbury. Source: www.tracks.co.uk July 13
The Woodenbridge, Guildford: After The Fire
Shuffles, Glasgow: The JamJuly 22
West Runton Pavilion, Cromer: The Jam w/ The Boys, and The Advertisers
22 July ’77: The Jam were at West Runton Pavilion July 23
Town Hall, High Wycombe: The Jam w/ New Hearts, and Cock SparrerJuly 24
Hammersmith Odeon, London: The Jam w/ The Boys, and The SaintsAugust 5
2nd Mont de Marsan Punk Festival, France: The Clash w/ The Damned, Eddie & The Hot Rods, The Jam, Dr. Feelgood, Bijou, Little Bob Story, Tyla Gang, The Police, Asphalt Jungle, Electric Callas, Maria & The Garcons, The Boys, The Rings, and The Rich KidsAugust 6
2nd Mont de Marsan Punk Festival, France: The Clash w/ The Damned, Eddie & The Hot Rods, The Jam, Dr. Feelgood, Bijou, Little Bob Story, Tyla Gang, The Police, Asphalt Jungle, Electric Callas, Maria & The Garcons, The Boys, The Rings, and The Rich KidsSeptember 3
Rider Open Air Festival, Scheeßel, Germany: Byrds, Nektar, Barclay James Harvest, Camel, Steppenwolf, Golden Earring, Colloseum II, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Caravan, Klaus Schulze, Karthago, Long Tall Ernie & The Shakers, Eddie & The Hotrods, Ruphus, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Fairport Convention, Damned, and Stranglers.
3 & 4 September 1977: Camel, Stranglers, and Graham Parker all on the bill for Rider Open Air Festival in Scheeßel, Germany. Source: www.omegaauctions.co.uk September 4
Rider Open Air Festival, Scheeßel, Germany: Byrds, Nektar, Barclay James Harvest, Camel, Steppenwolf, Golden Earring, Colloseum II, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Caravan, Klaus Schulze, Karthago, Long Tall Ernie & The Shakers, Eddie & The Hotrods, Ruphus, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Fairport Convention, Damned, and Stranglers.September 10
Nashville Rooms, London: The Jam w/ The JoltSeptember 11
100 Club, London: The Jam w/ The New HeartsSeptember 24
Centre Halls, Woking: The CrabsSeptember 27
Civic Hall, Guildford: Sutherland Brothers w/ Quiver (revised date)September 29
Gaumont, Southampton: CamelOctober ?
Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke: Trapeze w/ Human BeingsOctober 6
Winter Gardens. Malvern: The Stranglers w/ The Mutants and/or The Drones
6 October 1977: Poster for The Stranglers at Winter Gardens, Malvern. Source: www.malvernrockarchive.org.uk 
6 October 1977: Ticket for The Stranglers at Winter Gardens, Malvern. Source: www.malvernrockarchive.org.uk 
6 October 1977: Poster for The Stranglers at Winter Gardens, Malvern. Source: www.malvernrockarchive.org.uk
October 12
City Hall, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne: The StranglersOctober 13
University of Surrey, Guildford: Phil ManzaneraOctober 18
Civic Hall, Guildford: Sutherland Brothers w/ Quiver (cancelled)October 19
Top Rank, Sheffield: The Stranglers w/ Drones, and 2.3October 22
The Marquee, London: Advertising w/ The Members
Exhibition Centre, Bristol: The Stranglers w/ The DictatorsOctober 23
Youth Centre, Guildford: Van McCoy (The Disco-Kid)October 24
Technical College, Guildford: Burlesque
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Kursaals w/ The CortinasOctober 28
University of Surrey, Guildford: The Stranglers w/ DictatorsOctober 30
Civic Hall, Guildford: Meal Ticket
Top Rank, Reading: The Stranglers w/ DictatorsOctober 31
Civic Hall, Guildford: Elvis Costello w/ Ian Dury, Nick Lowe, Wreakless Eric, and Larry Wallis (Live Stiffs event)November 8
Roxy Club, London: Crisis w/ Youthenasia, and The Plague
The Rochester, Stoke Newington: Johnny Curious w/ The Stranglers
8 November 1977: The Stranglers supported Johnny Curious at The Rochester, Stoke Newington and it was free! Source: Rob Jarvis via Keep It Out Of Sight November 10
Top Rank, Sheffield: The JamNovember 11
University of Surrey, Guildford: Barbara Dickson
Trinity College, Dublin: The Stranglers w/ The Radio StarsNovember 12
Tivoli Theatre, Dublin: The Stranglers (no show) w/ The Radio Stars, and The Vipers
November 17
Eric’s, Liverpool: The Rezillos w/ The Pleasers
17 November 1977: The Pleasers supported The Rezillos at Eric’s, Liverpool. Source: Nevil Kiddier via Keep It Out Of Sight November 18
University of Surrey, Guildford: John Martyn w/ The Brains TrustNovember 19
Technical College, Guildford: Sham 69November 20
Empire Theatre, Liverpool: The Jam
First page of Cowbell Agency performance contract signed by John Weller. Source: www.tracks.co.uk 
Seciond page of Cowbell Agency performance contract signed by John Weller. Source: www.tracks.co.uk November 23
Upstairs at Ronnies, London: T. T. Transmission
23 Nov 1977: T. T. Transmission appeared Upstairs at Ronnies. Picture courtesy of Mark Terry. November 25
University of Surrey, Guildford: Linda Lewis
De Nieuwe Pul, Uden, Netherlands: Caravan w/ Doug Ferguson BandNovember 26
Tholehal, Tolleboek, Netherlands: Caravan w/ Doug Ferguson BandNovember 27
The Marquee, London: Suburban Studs w/ The Members
De Buitensocietelt, Zutphen, Netherlands: Caravan w/ Doug Ferguson Band
Top Rank, Sheffield: The Jam w/ New HeartsNovember 28
De Speeldoos, Zaandam, Netherlands: Caravan w/ Doug Ferguson Band
Top Rank, Birmingham: The JamNovember 29
Civic Hall, Guildford: Little Bob Story
Centre Halls, Woking: Wilko Johnson
Apollo, Manchester: The JamNovember 30
The Apollo, Glasgow: The Jam w/ The New Hearts, and The JoltDecember 1
Centre Halls, Woking: Ribs w/ OutpatientsDecember 3
The Star, Guildford: Gina & The Rockin’ Rebels
The Woodenbridge, Guildford: Prime Suspects
University of Surrey, Guildford: Frankie Miller w/ Meal Ticket
Roxy Club, London: Crisis w/ The ValvesDecember 4
Locarno, Bristol: The JamDecember 5
Village Bowl, Bournemouth: The Jam
Top Rank, Brighton: The JamDecember 7
King’s Head, Guildford: Evil WeaselDecember 9
University of Surrey, Guildford: Cousin Joe From New OrleansDecember 11
The Greyhound, Croydon: The Jam w/ The New HeartsDecember 12
University of Surrey, Guildford: The DamnedDecember 17
Agincourt, Camberley: Straightshooter w/ Eclipse, and Midnight Circus
17 December 1977: Straightshooter, Eclipse, and Midnight Circus at Agincourt. Source: Dominic O’Riley via Farnborough (Hants) Nostalgia December 18
Hammersmith Odeon, London: The Jam w/ The New HeartsDecember 29
Music Machine, Camden: Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days w/ Stamps
29 December 1977: Jackie Lynton’s Happy Days, supported by Stamps, played the Music Machine, Camden according to this advert from NME December 1977. Source: Paul Rodgerson via Keep It Out Of Sight December 31
Centre Halls. Woking: The CrabsForward to
The 1978 Gig ListBack to
The 1976 Gig List0dB, 100 Club, 1977, 2.3, 2nd Mont de Marsan Punk Festival, Advertising, After the Fire, Agincourt, Apollo, Asphalt Jungle, Barbara Dickson, Barbarellas, Barclay James Harvest, Battersea Arts Centre, Bearded Lady, Bijou, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Black Sheep, Bournemouth, Bristol, Burlesque, Byrds, Cado Bell, California Ballroom, Camel, Caravan, Centre Halls, Chelsea, Cherry Vanilla, Chips, City Hall, City of Leicester Polytechnic, Civic hall, Climax Blues Band, Cock Sparrer, Colloseum II, Colston Hall, Cousin Joe From New Orleans, Cranleigh, Crawley, Crawley College, Crisis, Cromer, Croydon, Damned, Darts, De Buitensocietelt, De Montfort, De Montfort Hall, De Nieuwe Pul, De Speeldoos, Dictators, Doug Ferguson Band, Dr. Feelgood, Dr. Hook, Drones, Dublin, Dunstable, Earthforce, Eclipse, Eddie & The Hot Rods, Eddie & The Hotrods, Egremont, Electric Callas, Electric Circus, Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton, Evil Weasel, Exhibition Centre, Fairfield Hall, Fairport Convention, Farnborough, Flying Saucers, France, Frankie Miller, Free Trade Hall, Frimley, Gaumont, George Hatcher Band, Germany, Gigs, Gina & The Rockin' Rebels, Girl, Glasgow, Golden Earring, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Guild Hall, Guildford, Hammersmith, Hammersmith Odeon, Hawick, Headwaiter, Henry Cow, High Wycombe, Hippodrome, Hokum Kavana, Huddersfield, Huddersfield Polytechnic, Ian Dury, Jack Easy, Jackie Lynton, Jackie Lynton's Happy Days, Jasmine Pie, Joe's Diner, John Martyn, John Mayall band, John Miles, JOhnny Curious, Judas Priest, Karthago, King's Head, Klaus Schulze, Lafayette, Larry Wallis, Leicester, Leighton Buzzard, Linda Lewis, Little Bob Story, Locarno, London, Long Tall Ernie & The Shakers, Malvern, Manchester, Maria & The Garcons, Marquee, Meal Ticket, Melody Maker, Middlesborough, Midnight Circus, Mike Waller, Mont de Marsan, Mr Digby, Nashville Rooms, Nektar, Netherlands, New Hearts, New Theatre, Newcastle, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Nick Lowe, Norwich, Odeon, Osibisa, Outpatients, Palais des Glaces, Paris, Paul Goodman, Pavilion, Phil Manzanera, Pink Fairies, Portsmouth, Prime Suspects, Procol Harum, Queen of Heaven Church Hall, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Quiver, Rainbow Theatre, Reading, Recreation Centre, Red Balune, Red Cow, Red Deer, Redlands Teacher Training, Remus Down Boulevard, Ribs, Richard & Linda Thompson, Richard Digance, Richard Piper, Rider Open Air Festival, Rock Island Line, Roger The Cat, Roogalator, Roundhouse, Roxy Club, Roy Harper, Ruphus, Scheeßel, Screaming Lord Sutch, Seaburn Hall, Sean Cannon, Shakin' Stevens, Sham 69, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Shuffles, Six Hand in Tempo, Six of One, Slits, Southampton, St. Albans, St. Andrews City Hall, Staa Marx, Stamps, Steppenwolf, Steve Adams, Stoke Newington, Straightshooter, Stranglers, Subway Sect, Sutherland Brothers, T. T. Transmission, Talisker, Technical College, The 100 Club, The Advertisers, The Boys, The Brians Trust, The Buzzcocks, The Clash, The Cortinas, The Crabs, The Damned, The Dictators, The Disco Kid, The Drones, The Gorillas, The Greyhound, The Hunt Hotel, The Jam, The Jolt, The Kursaals, The Mutants, The Nags Head, The New Hearts, The Plague, The Pleasers, The Police, The Prefects, The Radio Stars, The Rainbow Theatre, The Rejects, THe Rezillos, The Rich Kids, The Rings, The Rochester, The Roundhouse, THe Roxy, The Saints, The Slits, The Star, The Stile, The Stranglers, The Stukas, The Sunsets, The Valves, The Winning Post, Tholehal, Thunderbird, Tiffany's, Tiger Lily, Tivoli Theatre, Toby Jug, Tolleboek, Tolworth, Top Rank, Tow Bar Inn, Town Hall, Trinity College, Twickenham, Tyla Gang, Uden, UFO, Unicorn, Unity Hall, University of Surrey, Van McCoy, Village Bowl, Village hall, Wakefield, Warren Harry, West Runton, Wilko Johnson, Winter Gardens, Wire, Woking, Wolverhampton, Wooden Bridge, Wreakless Eric, Youthenasia, Zaandam, Zutphen -
The Staggerance
(c’90-’91) – Leo Hamilton (bass/vocals), and Mark E Brenchley (guitar/vocals).
Staggerance at The Cricketers, Westfield in 1990. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks The duo known as The Staggerance were 16 when they started the band along with a drum machine.They hit the Woking indie scene running with some of the best song-titles ever – “Chippy’s Got A Spinach Bhaji”, “Home Battered Fillet of Cod”, “I Wish my Dad was Herman Munster”. “Keith Chegwin’s on the Bottle”, “Jim Bowen (What a Nice Man)”, and “Jimmy Hill (What’s He Ever Done)” among them. The first inkling of what was to come came in the form of the “Live Fish” cassette demo. The demo pre-dated any live appearances and carried 4 tracks: “Bad Trip”, “Vacant of Sense” and the aforementioned “Home Battered…” and “Vile Filthy…”.
Their rabid Woking College following gobbled up their “silly” punk songs and secured several Crix gigs supporting Backlash. “We realized very early on that it would be a very good idea to get them to support us” reported Vis of Backlash, while Brenchley advises that the “Woking College following were tested and given the all clear by what was then MAFF, later DEFRA.”
Oft reviewed by Phil Gibby in Soundscene, two Cassette EP’s titled “Men With A Porpoise”- which was dedicated to Woking FC – and “Surplus Bedding” hit the ground running, while The Staggerance’s ‘Vile Filthy Noise’ was #8 in Soundscene’s Top Ten Local Songs 1990. Nov ’91 saw disbandment rumors confirmed. Brenchley formed Woking four piece Space Heroes in Turmoil. Hamilton went on to join Big Wednesday, playing bass for them for 2 years, later playing guitar for the Emma Wilson Band who toured with The Fine Young Cannibals. By mid-2001 Hamilton was performing solo in London to some positive reviews.
Tracks:Gallery:
Staggerance get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
Soundscene Gigs Column, January 31st 1991. 
“The only thing fishy was the sound” and the picture which is of Big Wednesday, not The Staggerance 
Staggerance at The Cricks, November 1990. Photos courtesy of Gareth Ellis. 
Staggerance at The Cricks, November 1990. Photos courtesy of Gareth Ellis. 
Soundscene reviews “Men with a Porpoise” in the 31st Jan ’91 issue. Picture courtesy of Harry Tuttle. 
26 April 1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
“Fill In The Date” poster for The Staggerance and Backlash. Picture courtest of Nathan Argonaut 
Staggerance’s “Vile Filthy Noise” was 8th in Soundscene’s Top 10 local songs of 1990. Clipped from 3 Jan ’91 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks -
The Contaminated
(c’82-84) – Ian “Lank Genocide” Beauchamp (drums), Simon “Ollie” Parrish (bass), Andy “Big John” ? (guitar), and Al “Al” Keating (vocals)
Horsell based punk band The Contaminated were form in 1982. They rehearsed in Horsell and at the Youth Club on Walton Road, Woking; playing around 100 gigs in and around Woking and Guildford and up into London. In the early 80’s, The Plague organized ‘The Sty’ rock / punk club nights the West End Centre, Aldershot and The Contaminated were one of the bands booked. During there run Keating was replaced by Paul (Oggie / Og) ? and Jonny Bowden joined to replace Parrish. They cited their influences as being from Flux of Pink Indians to Dead Kennedy’s to reggae and heavy metal.
By Late ’83 Beauchamp, Oggie, Bowden and Billy McDermidd were also playing in Byfleet based Jaded Asylum. The 1 February ’84 found The Contaminated headlining the ‘Animal House’ at The Royal, Guildford with Crisaticit in support. A few days later, on 9 February ’84, the band were at The Old School House, Woking for a punk night that included Black Easter and The Plague.
Bowden is known to have lent early Backlash his bass amp on occasion! Beauchamp currently plays with punk tribute band Sounds of the Suburbs.
Gallery:
Soundscene, 23rd January 1984, written by Sara Murphy and Tim Masters 
In the early 80’s, The Plague organized ‘The Sty’ rock / punk club nights the West End Centre, Aldershot. This one on 30 January 1980-something, featured The Plague, Contaminated, and Maxi Puch and The Macho Moped Men. Picture courtesy of Ade Street 
In the 9th Feb’ 1983 Soundscemne, Bostich takes offense at the coverage The Contaminated were given… 
Al Keating, Aldershot, Animal House, Backlash, Billy McDermidd, Crisaticit, Guildford, Horsell, Ian Beauchamp, Jaded Asylum, Jonny Bowden, London, Maxi Puch and the Macho Moped Men, Simon Parrish, Sounds of the Suburbs, The Contaminated, The Old Schoolhouse, The Plague, The Royal, The Sty, West End Centre, Woking, Youth Club -
Womb
(c’93-’96) – Rob Foster (guitar/vocals), Andy Leighton (bass), Paula Benham (keyboards), and Rupert Hollis (drums)
Womb at The Cricketers, Westfield Womb formed thanks to the bassist with Big Belief and a recording session at his WTD Studios in Shere where Rob Selway introduced Foster, who’d been in F-File, to Leighton and Benham, and was later introduced to Hollis, who’d played drums in Big Belief. This session became the album “Great Big Wall”, after which Justin Coll of Pentagon Promotions took on the role of band management.
In ’94, Womb secured second place at one of The Tumbledown Dick’s battle of the bands competition; and played to 1,500 people at Guilfest (it was a one day event back then) along with Ralph McTell, Tom Robinson and John Otway Big Band. Womb also opened The Maltings based Farnham Fusion Festival that year. ’95 saw Womb’s final gig at the H.G. Wells Suite, Woking.
Foster is currently a solo artist, jingle producer and sound man at Radio Woking; while Leighton is playing with Shooting Fish.
Video:
Live at The Cricketers, Westfield ’94 Live at Woking Town Centre, May 10th 1996 Live at The Stoke Hotel Andy Leighton, Big Belief, Cricketers, F-File, Farnham, Farnham Fusion Festival, Guildford, GuilFest, H.G. Wells Suite, John Otway Big Band, Justin Coll, Paula Benham, Pentagon Promotions, Radio Woking, Ralph McTell, Rob Foster, Rob Selway, Rupert Hollis, Shere, Shooting Fish, The Maltings, The Stoke Hotel, Tom Robinson, Tumbledown Dick, Westfield, Woking, Womb, WTD Studios -
Frantic
(c’89-90) – Rod Pireira (vocals), Daren Grout (guitar), Darren Butler (bass) and Isobel Jones (drums).
A raw Frantic t-shirt. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter Born out of the creative hotbed that was West Surrey College of Art and Design, Frantic’s Pixies-esque sound charmed many. An early triumph was their support, with Blue Velvet, of Morrisey’s ‘favorite band’ band Bradford at The West End Centre, Aldershot in November ’89. The next year, the band’s headlining debut at The Cricketers, Westfield in January left the band’s manager, Bjorn proclaiming “We’re going to be massive”, a few day’s later they were at The Fox & Hounds, Fleet for a similarly well received showing. The next month they were playing the Lady Owen Arms, London and then supported Who Moved The Ground?, with Fear and The Sack at the West End Centre on 31 March ’90. Ten weeks later, on 9 June, they were back at the venue with Bubble-Eyed Bog Boys, supporting Carter USM.
1990 saw the release of two demo cassettes, the eponymous “Frantic”, recorded at Soundwerx, Stroud, This presented to the world 5 tracks: “Goodbye”, “Dummy Too Real”, “Velveteena”, “I’m Alive” and “Delirious”. The second, “Blue”, with it’s hand painted sleeves; which was recorded at Ghost Studios, Send; was a four track cassette EP, carring “Nutritious”, “Blue”, “Untitled” and “Pop Song”.
Frantic continued to play regularly and supported The Ha Ha Men on a number of occasions, and vice versa. A signature track was their cover of “Ring of Fire”. A 7″ single was produced at some point. On 6 July ’90, the band were supported by Who’s the Spy? at the Labour Hall, Cove. This was the band’s last gig, with Frantic morphing, with Pirerra who was originally from King’s Lynn, forming Big Sun and Grout joining forces with Steve Porter, Jason Barker, and Shaun Jackson to form Peachrazor.
Gallery:
Picture courtesy of Chewtonia 
Frantic at @foxandhoundsfleet. Picture courtesy of Chewtonia 
11 November 1989 – Buzz Club Flyer 
31 March 1990: Who Moved The Ground?, supported by Fear, The Sack, and Frantic, were at the West End Centre, Aldershot. On 9 June Frantic were back supporting Carter USM. Source: Who Moved The Ground? 
Frantic’s “Blue” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Frantic’s “Blue” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Frantic’s “Blue” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
A-side of Frantic’s “Blue” demo cassette, carrying “Nutritious” and “Blue”. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
B-side of Frantic’s “Blue” demo cassette, carrying “Untitled” and “Pop Song”. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Frantic’s “Frantic” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Frantic’s “Frantic” demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Soundscene’s review of 1990… Aldershot, Big Sun, Blue Velvet, Bradford, Bubble Eyed Dog Boys, Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, Carter USM, Cove, Cove Labour Hall, Cricketers, Daren Grout, Darren Butler, Fear, Fleet, Fox & Hounds, Frantic, Ghost Studios, Isobel Jones, Jason Barker, Labour Hall, Lady Owen Arms, London, Peachrazor, Rod Pireira, Send, Shaun Jackson, Soundwerx, Steve Porter, Stroud, The Ha Ha Men, The Sack, West End Centre, West Surrey College of Art and Design, Westfield, Who Moved the Ground?, Who’s The Spy -
Black Easter
(c’82-84) Grant Taylor (lead guitar), Shaun Burt (vocals), Rich Sime (bass), and Jamie Abethell (drums).
Black Easter, Farnborough c’82 This Farnborough punk band – Taylor, Sime & Abethell all went to Oak Farm School and lived on the same estate, Burt was from Fleet – formed in early ’82 and supported bands such as Subhumans, Flux of Pink Indians and Cult Maniax as well as hiring out local halls etc for gigs. One of the bands first gigs was at The Maltings, Farnham on 7 Feb ’82. The next month they supported Exit at the West End Centre. Aldershot. The Royal, in Guildford, at the time Simon George and Kirk were handling the the bookings there, was also a regular venue. They recorded a few demos, notably they record their set at The Sir George Robey, London; self-releasing the 9 tracks as a single sided cassette titled imaginatively “Live At The Sir George Robey Pub, London”.
Taylor’s “What The Fuck”, Burt’s “Rockin’ Chair”, and the Sime penned “Day Of The Jackel” and “Action Speak” from the Robey set would go on to be released by Keith Bagley’s London based label Illuminated Records [KILL13] as the “Ready to Rot” 7″ vinyl EP in late ’82, pressed at Orlake Records. The record was available from the band from their North Warnborough Village Hall gig on 13 November ’82 onwards.
’82 was closed out at Farnborough Tech, on 17 December, with Black Easter headlining. On 28 January ’83, Black Easter supported The Normals, with Capricorn, Cry Havoc and Les Strawberries at Basingstoke Technical College. Whether or not Liz Hurley had anything to do with the band’s booking by Basingstoke Technical College Student Union we have yet to confirm. In May ’83 Black Easter supported Clone, along with Maxi Puch & The Macho Moped Men at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot. A few month later, in July/August Sime was replaced on bass by Paul Pomeroy. Burt then left the band and joined the army in late ’83; he was replaced on vocals by Farnborough and former Oak Farm boy Jem Hammick whose first gig with Black Easter was January ’84. The following month Black Easter were at the Old School House, Woking for a punk night that included The Contaminated and The Plague, and at Caird Hall. At a 14 March ’84 gig at the Country Club, Fleet; supporting Little Skeletons, the band played one song before having the power turned off.
Roy Delaney, a regular at the legendary Feltham Football Club punk gigs, recalls Black Easter’s “What the Fuck” was on the tape the organizers always played between bands. All the FFC regulars could sing it word for word, but nobody knew who it was by until Black Easter played at an all-dayer there. Thehe crowd went insane when they played it! Black Easter played their final show in October 1984. Hammick left and they added a female Sax player called Laura and changed the band name to Spiketeam; with guitarist Taylor taking over on vocals.
In ’93, Redrum Records, included Black Easter’s “What the Fuck” as the opening track on the “Killed by Death” compilation, the fifth in a series of releases in Australia. Then in May ’18, Fab Fuhrer Records released a limited edition of 50 copies of punk rarities from ’77 through ’83 in Belgium, dedicated to Porky Säteri, titled “Useless Eaters & Other Losers” [HIT-15] that included “What the Fuck”. The track has also been covered and released by The Spits on “The Spits Live 1”, Rupture on “Shat from the Tomb” and “Orangutan Suicde Sessions”, and by New York City’s Creem on “Creem”.
Taylor became a member of Spike Team after Black Easter, them KERB before passing away on 11 August 2014. Hammick also regrettably passed a few years earlier on 10 April 2005. Abethell went on to drum with Chelsea, before joining Taylor in Spike Team and KERB, then went onto The Vein. Pomeroy, who formed Second Balcony Jump and Pomeroy, also joined Spike Team and KERB, then went onto The Vein. We are not sure what happened to Burt after joining the army in late ’83
Tracks:
Gallery:
Grant Taylor, lead guitarist with Black Easter 
Black Easter supported Clone at 5’s Wine Bar, with Maxi Puch & The Macho Moped Men – 31 May 1983 
Black Easter at Old School House, Woking,
9 Feb 1984
Black Easter at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot on 31 May 1983 
27 March 1982: Exit with Black Easter played the West End Centre. Aldershot. 
The Maltings, 7th Feb 1982 
Black Easter, Farnborough c’82 
Black Easter, Farnborough c’82 
Black Easter played Farnborough Tech, 17 December 1982 
Black Easter at Old School House, Woking,
9 Feb 1984
Black Easter and friends. 
Jem Hammick, vocalist with Black Easter, at Caird Hall on February 25th 1984 
Black Easter – North Warnborough Village Hall – 13 November 1982 
Black Easter at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot on 31 May 1983 
Black Easter at 5’s Wine Bar, Aldershot 31st May ’83. Picture courtesy of Llerreppep Nevets. 
1982. Picture courtesy of Llerreppep Nevets 
Black Easter at Warnborough Village Hall, 13 November 1982. Picture courtesy of Llerreppep Nevets. 
Black Easter, while not listed, supported at this gig on 18 Oct 1982 
28 January 1983: Black Easter supported The Normals, with Capricorn, Cry Havoc and Les Strawberries at Basingstoke Technical College. Source: Simon Moor via Mega City Four 
Black Easter’s Shawn Burt, somewhere in Basingstoke. Source: Black Easter 1982/1984 Spike Team 1984/1986 KERB 2012/2013 The Vein 2015 
5's Wine Bar, Aldershot, Basingstoke, Black Easter, Caird Hall, Capricorn, Chelsea, Country Club, Creem, Cry Havoc, Cult Maniax, Exit, Fab Fuhrer Records, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Farnham, Feltham Football Club, Fleet, Flux of Pink Indians, Grant Taylor, Guildford, Illuminated Records, Jamie Abethell, Jem Hammick, Keith Bagley, KERB, Les Strawberries, Little Skeletons, Liz Hurley, London, North Wanborough, Oak Farm School, Orlake Records, Paul Pomeroy, Pomeroy, Porky Sateri, Redrum Records, Rich Sime, Rupture, Second Balcony Jump, Shaun Burt, Simon George, Sir George Robey, Spiketeam, Subhumans, The Contaminated, The Maltings, The Normals, The Old Schoolhouse, The Royal, The Spits, The Vein, Village hall, West End Centre, Woking
Our Soundscene 
Human beings takes me back to 1981. Followed them all over the Surrey reading area for a year a great band and 3 good guys playing well written songs of the era. I wish john Tim and steve well what ever they are doing now. Should reform for a few shows just like Oasis but do the wooden bridge.
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