-
Phobia
(c’90-93) Ben Corbett (guitar / vocals), Rob Hughes (guitar) Erik ? (bass / vocals), & Scott D’Souza (drums).
Camberley’s Phobia supported the likes of PWEI and Senseless Things; got played by John Peel regularly on his Radio One show, as well as Steve Lamacq; with mentions in the NME, Sounds and Melody Maker. In earl/mid 1990 they laid down 6 tracks, around the same time (29 May) they appeared on stage at Pambalwood Ball, Hammersmith Palais. “Skimbo Says…” was released in July 1990.
Sleeve for Phobia’s Skimbo Say… demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold Their follow-up demo cassette, “FranticTeenLust…”, carrying a further 6 tracks, was released in early ’91 having recorded it in December ’90 at Vons Studios, Islington with Otteran Langrell doing the engineering. By mid/late ’91 trips up to London to perform were becoming more common such as a slot, supported by Big Boy Tomato at Pop Club, held at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, appearances at Brixton Clubhouse; while keeping local audience interested with venues like Ragamuffins, Camberley, including an appearance on the club’s stage for The Cube on 10 August ’91; The George, Ash Vale; Fox & Hounds, Fleet; and Reading’s Cartoons hosting. They did well on the US college radio network according to reports and “Evermore” and “Throwing Stones” appeared on Snakebite City, under the name Mama Cain. They were back on Snakebite City two with “Bolthole” shortly after releasing the “5’11″” and “Now Wash your Hands” EPs.
The band used the Vons Studios, Islington again for “5′ 11”; with Langrell producing, with Phobia, as well as taking care of the mix with Lee Rumble. They were scheduled to support Blur in Brighton in Aug ’91, but that appears to have fallen through when “Leisure” took off following Reading ’91. Local appearances continued for Phobia with gigs at The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot in ’92 and ’93; a venue at which they’d supported The Manic Street Preachers, with The Hysterics, and The Popguns, along with Bubble-Eyed Dog Boys and Blue Velvet, the year before; and a support slots with Mega City Four at the University of Surrey and Farnborough Tech.
The white version… 
“Thank You” from their “Skimbo Says…” demo also appeared on Farnborough Groove Vol.1. Two years later (’93), their track “The Light” appeared on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3; that same year “Touch the Ground” was included on the “Never Heard of ‘Em” compilation.
Corbett went on to work in sound mixing / engineering at ITV. D’Souza is a DJ, producer, label co-owner of taMe Music with Philipp Ort focused on techno-house, and artist known as ‘taMe’ making electronic music. Hughes also went into sound engineering. Langrell, who now resides in Brixham, Devon, went on to work with Sinéad O’Connor, Embrace, The Orb, and Brian Eno, and has achieved recognition since 2002 for his own psychedelic dub tracks and his collaborations with Simon Posford. He has released two albums on Twisted Records: Blumenkraft (2003), Skylon (2008) and one album on Ottsonic: Mir (2011). Ottsonic also released a digital live album in 2013.
Tracks:
BoltholeEvermore
Inside Out
Thank you
The Light
Throwing Stones
Touch the Ground
Gallery:
In 1993, Phobia’s “Touch the Ground” was included on the “Never Heard of ‘Em” compilation cassette. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
29 May 1990: Phobia on stage at Pambalwood Ball, Hammersmith Palais. 
29 May 1990: Phobia on stage at Pambalwood Ball, Hammersmith Palais. 
29 May 1990: Phobia on stage at Pambalwood Ball, Hammersmith Palais. 
30 September 1991: Phobia, supported by Big Boy Tomato, played Pop Club at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Miles Jacobson via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
29 July 1991: Phobia were up at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
29 July 1991: Phobia were up at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
29 July 1991: Phobia were up at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
29 July 1991: Phobia were up at the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
Phobia at The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town on 29 July 1991. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole having nicked it from Phobia!, who might just have nicked it from Mick Mercer over at Bull & Gate Memories 
Phobia’s Skimbo Say… demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Sleeve for Phobia’s FanaticTeenLust demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
A-side of Phobia’s FanaticTeenLust demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
B-side of Phobia’s FanaticTeenLust demo cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Gossville Arsonist, Aug ’91 
Phobia supporting MC4 at Surrey University in 1992… Picture courtesy (well, I stole it) of Ben Startup 
Snakebite City, which included Phobia, release date clipping. It’s 1992, but the paper and date are unknown. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Phobia supported Birdland and The Fear and Loathing at Camberley Town Football Club on 6 August 1993 according to this gig list. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Snakebite City flyer c’92. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
1993 press release from Bluefire Records launching the Snakebite City compilation with Mama Cain (aka Phobia), aong with Backlash, Big Boy Tomato, Pomeroy, Pretty Green, Trousershock BC and Peachrazor. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter. 
30 September 1991: Big Boy Tomato with Phobia and Plop at Pop Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
15 February 92: Mega City Four with Phobia, Big Boy Tomato, and Pretty Green. Source: Pete Scott via Mega City Four 
In 1993, Phobia’s “The Light” appeared on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
22 November 1991: Phobia were at Pop Club, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, supporting Ludicrous Lollipops, and The Revs. Source: Mick Mercer via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
The Gossville Arsonist fanzine’s one-line review of Phobia track from The Son of Farnborough Groove Vol.2 Aldershot, Ash Vale, Ben Corbett, Big Boy Tomato, Blue Velvet, Blur, Brighton, Brixton Clubhouse, Bubble Eyed Dog Boys, Bull & Gate, Buzz Club, Camberley, Cartoons, Farnborough Groove, Farnborough Tech, Fleet, Fox & Hounds, Hammersmith Palais, Islington, ITV, John Peel, Lee Rumble, Mama Cain, Mark Sutherland, Mega City Four, Melody Maker, NME, Otteran Langrell, Pambelwood Ball, Philipp Ort, Phobia, Pop Club, PWEI, Radio One, Ragamuffins, Reading, Rob Hughes, Scott D'Souza, Senseless Things, Simon Williams, Snakebite City, Sounds, Steve Lamacq, taMe, taMe Music, The Cube, The George, THe Hysterics, The Manic Street Preachers, The Popguns, University of Surrey, Vons Studios, West End Centre -
Geneva
(c’82-86) Paul Spittle (bass, vocals), Leigh Mock (lead guitar), Mick Boswell (guitar) and Trevor Hill (drums).
Byfleet based Geneva were known for their ‘massive’ PA, pyros, and loud Rush-inspired rock tracks such as ‘Formula One’, which was compared to the closing track from the Signals album: ‘Countdown’. With all their gear it was a squeeze to fit onto The Royal, Guildford’s stage or into the corner at The Cricketers, Westfield. Their own tracks included “Release the Child” and crowd favorite “Never You and Me”. They also played a mean cover of “Turn to Stone”.
Soundscene 26th April 1984 
Soundscene – Jan 10th 1985 
Soundscence, April 11th 1985 -
Herbaceous Borders
(c’88 -’89) Paul Bushell (vocals / guitar), Steve Fisher (keyboards / backing vocals / drums) Shaun O’Conner (bass) and Alan Davis (drums).
This four piece, named after a Gardener’s World video special on herbaceous borders, debuted at the Cricketer’s, Westfield in May ’88, adding Kevin Whitchurch (sax) later in their tenure, and returning to the pub on 9 September that year. They specialized in rock music, as their influences, Dire Straits, Genesis and Led Zeppelin would indicate, covering classics such as ‘Pinball Wizard’ and ‘Golden Brown’. All the bands own material was written by Fisher who aimed to provide songs with “cryptic messages that mean little to anyone except himself.” After a hiatus they re-emerged as John Fiddle and the Freewheelers supporting Getz Loose at The Grey Horse, Kingston only to dispel reformation rumors in early ’89, with Fisher going to Call of Cain and Bushell to Van Gogh and the Earlobes.
Woking News & Mail Soundscene, August 25th 1988 
Soundscene, September 22nd, 1988 
Borders dispel rumers of reformation in this undated Anton Joiner Soundscene article from early ’89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks -
The 1968 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 if we have an image, we like to claim are part of the Woking/GU Soundscene in 1968:
January 4
The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Keith Smith
Keith Smith appeared at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford on 4 January ’68 thanks to the Jazz Club (Melody Maker w/e 6 January ’68) The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Max Collie’s Rhythm Aces
Max Collie’s Rhythm Aces advertise their UK tour includin The Wooden Bridge, Guildford on 4 January ’68 in Melody Maker (w/e 6 January ’68) January 19
Big C, Farnborough: Diane Ferrez and The Ferris WheelJanuary 27
The Marquee, London: The Gods w/ CircusFebruary 2
Big C Club, Farnborough: The Equals
Pantiles, Bagshot: The Ferris WheelFebruary 6
Cromwellian, Kensington: Wishful ThinkingFebruary 10
Civic Hall, Guildford: CircusFebruary 11
Pantiles, Bagshot: The Ferris WheelFebruary 15
The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Brian Rutland
The Wooden Bridge Jazz Club bought Brian Rutland to Guildford on 15 February ’68 (Melody Maker w/e 17 February ’68) February 17
The Big C Club, Farnborough: Moon’s TrainFebruary 23
The Big C Club, Farnborough: The Fantastics
1968: Advert for the Big C – Feb 23: The Fantastics; Feb 24: Junior Kerr and Linda Lewis with The White Rabbit February 23
Big C Club, Farnborough: Junior Kerr and Linda Lewis w/ The White RabbitMarch 9
The Barn, Penzance: Mike Raynor & The Condors
9 and 16 March 1968: Mike Raynor and The Condors were at The Barn, Penzance. Source: Richard Prest March 10
The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Ten Year After
March 12
Pantiles, Bagshot: The Ferris Wheel
The Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames: Mike Raynor & The CondorsMarch 15
Carousel Club, Farnborough: John Drevar’s Expression
1968: Advert for the Carousel Club. March 15: John Drevar’s Expression; March 16 Little John and the Shadrocks; March 17: Golly’s Grumble; March 19: The Marvelettes; and March 20: Geno Washington and Ram Jam March 16
Carousel Club, Farnborough: Little John and the Shadrocks
The Barn, Penzance: Mike Raynor & The CondorsMarch 17
Carousel Club, Farnborough: Golly’s GrumbleMarch 18
The Blue Horizon, The Nags Head, Battersea: Fleetwood Mac w/ Duster Bennett
Melody Maker 16 March 1968: Duster supported Fleetwood Mac at the Nag’s Head on 18 March. March 19
Carousel Club, Farnborough: The MarvelettesMarch 20
Carousel Club, Farnborough: Geno Washington and Ram JamApril 5
Pantiles, Bagshot: The Ferris WheelApril 6
Agincourt Ballroom, Camberley: Circus
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Wishful Thinking
6 April 1968 April 18
Agincourt Ballroom, Camberley: The Ferris WheelApril 20
Civic Hall, Guildford: CircusMay 6
Civic Hall Guildford: Circus
Cromwellian, Kensington: Wishful ThinkingMay 9
Town Hall, Farnborough: Status QuoMay 17
Agincourt, Camberley: James and Bobby PurifyMay 19
The Marquee, London: CircusMay 20
Cromwellian, Kensington: Wishful ThinkingMay 21
Cromwellian, Kensington: Wishful ThinkingMay 24
Guildford College, Guildford: Moon’s TrainMay 25
Technical College, Farnborough: Moon’s TrainMay 26
The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: Ten Years AfterJune 10
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Move w/ Circus and Episode SixJune 14
The Marquee, London: Jethro Tull w/ Duster BennettJune 17
The Blue Horizon, The Nags Head, Battersea: Duster Bennett
Melody Maker 15 June 1968: Duster is up the Nag’s Head on the 17 June. June 21
Anchor Inn, Godalming: CircusJuly 5
Bush Hotel, Farnham: Mike Chapman w/ Mike Vines, John Davies, Andy Fernbach, John Lathey, and Ian A. Anderson
5 July 1968: The Bush Hotel hosted “An Evening With The Blues”. Source: Ian Anderson via Historic Farnham Town & Surrounding Villages July 7
Woburn Music Festival: Fleetwood Mac w/ John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Champion Jack Dupree, Tim Rose, Duster Bennett, and Taste.
Duster Bennett played the Woburn Music Festival on 7 July 1968. Source: Rory Gallagher 
Melody Maker 6 July 1968: Duster Bennett was on the bill at Woburn Music Festival July 8
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Equals w/ The Loris, and The SwitchJuly 12
The Marquee, London: Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation w/ Duster BennettJuly 13
The Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames: Mike Raynor & The CondorsJuly 14
The Marquee, London: The House of Lords w/ Duster BennettJuly 16
Atalanta Ballroom, Woking: The Equals w/ CircusJuly 19
Pantiles, Bagshot: The Ferris WheelJuly 22
Marquee, London: Taste w/ Duster Bennett
Melody Maker 20 July 1968: Duster supports The Taste at the Marquee on 22 July. July 23
Henry’s Blueshouse, Crown Hotel, Birmingham: Duster Bennett
Melody Maker 20 July 1968: Duster Bennett is listed to play the Crown Hotel, Birmingham on 23 July July 26
Town Hall, Torquay: Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac w/ Duster Bennett
26 July 1968: Peter Green’s Fleetwod Mac supported by Duster Bennett at the Town Hall, Torquay. Source: Duster Bennett – Remembered August 5
Civic Hall, Guildford: Marmalade w/ Rainbow Ffolley, and Circle LineAugust 10
The Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames: Mike Raynor & The CondorsAugust 13
The Marquee, London: John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers w/ Duster BennettAugust 14
The Marquee, London: Joe Cocker w/ Duster BennettAugust 17
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Wishful ThinkingAugust 20
Civic Hall, Guildford: Ben E. King
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Wishful ThinkingAugust 21
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Wishful ThinkingAugust 22
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Wishful Thinking
The Wooden Bridge, Guildford: New Era Jazzband
The Woodenbridge Jazz Club bought the New Era Jazzband to Guildford on 22 August ’68 (from Melody Maker w/e 24 August 1968) August 23
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Wishful Thinking
The Marquee, London: Jethro Tull w/ Duster Bennett
Melody Maker 24 Aug 1968: Two Melody Maker ads puts Duster Bennett supporting at the Marquee supporting Jethro Tull and at Bluesville ’68 supporting Fleetwood Mac August 30
Bluesville ’68 Club, The Manor House Tavern, Hackney: Fleetwood Mac w/ Duster Bennett
30 August 1968 August 31
Mothers, Birmingham: Duster Bennett w/ Bakerloo Blues Line
31 August 1968: Duster Bennett supported by Bakerloo Blues Line play Mothers, Birmingham. Melody Maker Ad. September 1
Bluesology Festival, Chateau Impney, Droitwich: Geno Washington w/ John Mayall, Cliff Bennett, Jo Cocker, Duster Bennett, Jasper Stubbs, and The Passion Forest
Melody Maker 24 Aug 1968: Advert for the Bluesology Festival, with Duster Bennett on the bill for 1 Sept. 
Bluesology Festival Advert from Melody Maker 31 August 1968 issue lists Duster Bennett playing the first day September 5
Pied Bull, North London: Duster Bennett
5 September 1968: Duster Bennett was at the Pied Bull, North London according to this listing from Melody Maker 31 August 1968. September 7
Double Booking? – Conway Hall, London: Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation w/ Free, Champion Jack Dupree, Duster Bennett, Dynaflow Blues, Ian Anderson and Elliot Jackson, and Bruno’s Blues Band.
Double Booking? – The Rectangle, Lichfield: Duster Bennett w/ Ground Hog Willis, and Rambling Jug Band
September 14
Mothers, Birmingham: Duster Bennett w/ Pegasus
September 15
Bottleneck Blues Club, The Railway Tavern, Stratford: Duster Bennett
Ad from 14 September 1968 Melody Maker has Duster Bennett headlining at the Railway Tavern, Stratford on 15 September September 17
Double Booking? – Klooks Kleek, Railway Hotel, West Hampstead: Fleetwood Mac w/ Duster Bennett
Double Booking? – Henry’s Blueshouse, Crown Hotel, Birmingham: Duster Bennett
21 September 1968 Melody Maker advert puts Duster Bennett at the Crown Hotel, Birmingham on 17 September September 18
The Marquee, London: Fairport Convention w/ Duster Bennett
Ad from 14 September 1968 Melody Maker showing Duster Bennett supporting Fairport Convention at the Marquee on 18 September September 22
The Place, Hanley: Duster BennettSeptember 24
Klooks Kleek, The Railway Hotel, Hampstead: Fleetwood Mac w/ Duster Bennett
24 September 1968: Duster Bennett supported Fleetwood Mac at Klooks Kleek, Railway Hotel, Hampstead. Source: Charlie Reavley via Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac September 28
400 Ballroom, Torquay: Mike Raynor & The CondorsOctober 2
The Marquee, London: Fairport Convention w/ Duster BennettOctober 6
The Gin Mill Club, Godalming: Duster Bennett
1968: Poster for Duster Bennett at Gin Mill. Source: Robert Clayson October 9
Blues Loft, High Wycombe: Ian AndersonOctober 15
University of Surrey, Guildford: The YardbirdsOctober 19
The Cobweb, St. Leonards: Mike Raynor and The Condors w/ The Inventive Mr. Jeff
19 October 1968: The Cobweb, St. Leonards hosted Mike Raynor and The Condors October 25
Club Lafayette, Wolverhampton: Duster BennettOctober 26
University College, London: Grapefruit w/ Nashville Teens, and Mustang
November 1
Blues Loft, High Wycombe: Duster Bennett w/ Smokey RiceNovember 8
University of Surrey, Guildford: Barclay James HarvestNovember 10
Civic Hall, Guildford: Fairport Convention w/ Roy Harper, Barclay James Harvest, Bridget St. John, Third Ear Band, Ron Geesin, and Tim Hollier
Pantiles, Bagshot: The Ferris WheelNovember 16
Technical College, Farnborough: The Ferris Wheel w/ The GodsNovember 23
Toft’s, Folkstone: Dr K’s Blues Band w/ Duster Bennett
23 November 1968: Dr K’s Blues Band supported by Duster Bennett played Toft’s, Folkstone. Source John Bannon via Jon Hiseman’s COLOSSEUM and JCM – Fan Page. December 7
Ungdonklubberne, Roskilde: Mike Raynor & The Condors w/ Raws
Beat House Club, Anlaegspavillonen, Slagelse: Mike Raynor & The Condors
Conway Hall, London: Bobby Parker Blues Band w/ Champion Jack Dupree, Duster Bennett, Chris Jones, Alexis Korner, Dave Kelly, Gordon Smith, T.S. McPhee, and Mike Vernon
Melody Maker 30 November 1968 Ad for Blues Concert at Conway Hall, London on 7 Dec 68 December 8
Civic Hall, Guildford: Pete Brown and his Battered Ornaments, Michael Garrick Quintet, Don Rendell, Ian Carter, Jeremy Robson, John Smith, Ron Geeson, Helix, and Friends of the PoorDecember 13
Brunel University, Uxbridge: Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band w/ Nashville Teens, and Krisis
13 December 1968 – Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band are supported by the Nashville Teens at the Brunel University Xmas Rave. December 15
The Dug Out Club, Bristol: Duster BennettDecember 17
Technical Institute, Guildford: The Action w/ Blossom Toes, and Different Shades of BlueDecember 20
Blues Loft, High Wycombe: Duster Bennett w/ Ian Anderson, Alexis Korner, Mike Raven, and Killing FloorDecember 21
Town Hall, Glastonbury: Eclection! w/ Duster Bennett
Village Hall, Cranleigh: The Riot Squad w/ The Triffik Organization
December 22
The Stoke Hotel, Guildford: Helix, Clive Young, Al MacKenzie, Graham Clarke, Bob Thomas, and Nick Gray
22 December 1968: “100 Watts of Ancient Sky” was a Whole poetry and music event featuring Helix, Clive Young, Al MacKenzie, Graham Clarke, Bob Thomas, and Nick Gray performing at The Stoke Hotel. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes December 28
The Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames: The Sky (formerly Mike Raynor & The Condors)
28 December 1968: Sky (formerly Mike Raynor and The Condors) at the Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames Back to
The 1967 Gig ListForward to
The 1969 Gig List1968, 400 Ballroom, Agincourt, Al MacKenzie, Alexis Korner, Anchor Inn, Andy Fernbach, Anlægspavillonen, Atalanta Ballroom, Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Bagshot, Bakerloo Blues Line, Barclay James Harvest, Battersea, Beat House Club, Ben E. King, Big C, Big C Club, Birmingham, Blossom Toes, Blues Loft, Bluesology Festival, Bob Thomas, Bobby Parker Blues Band, Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Brian Rutland, Bridget St. John, Bristol, Brunel University, Bruno’s Blues Band, Bush Hotel, Camberley, Carousel Club, Champion Jack Dupree, Chateau Impney, Chris Jones, Circle Line, Circus, Civic hall, Cliff Bennett, Clive Young, Club Lafayette, Cranleigh, Cromwellian, Crown Hotel, Dave Kelly, Diane Ferrez, Different Shades of Blue, Don Rendell, Dr K's Blues Band, Droitwich, Duster Bennett, Dynaflow Blues, Eclection!, Elliot Jackson, Episode Six, Fairport Convention, Farnborough, Farnborough Tech, Farnham, Fleetwood Mac, Folkstone, Free, Friends of the Poor, Geno Washington, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, Gin Mill, Glastonbury, Godalming, Golly's Grumble, Gordon Smith, Graham Clarke, Grapefruit, Ground Hog Willis, Guildford, Guildford College, Hampstead, Hanley, Helix, Henry’s Blueshouse, High Wycombe, Ian A. Anderson, Ian Anderson, Ian Carter, James and Bobby Purify, Jasper Stubbs, Jazz Club, Jeremy Robson, Jethro Tull, Jo Cocker, Joe Cocker, John Davies, John Drevar's Expression, John Lathey, John Mayall, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, John Mayall's Blues Breakers, John Smith, Junior Kerr, Keith Smith, Kensington, Killing Floor, Klooks Kleek, Krisis, Lichfield, Linda Lewis, London, Lttle John and the Shadrocks, Marmalade, Marquee, Max Collie's Rhythm Aces, Melody Maker, Michael Garrick Quintet, Mike Chapman, Mike Raven, Mike Raynor and The Condors, Mike Vernon, Mike Vines, Moon’s Train, Mothers, Mustang, Nashville Teens, New Era Jazzband, Nick Gray, Pantiles, Pegasus, Penzance, Pete Brown and his Battered Ornaments, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Pied Bull, Railway Hotel, Rainbow Ffolley, Rambling Jug Band, Raws, Ron Geesin, Roskilde, Roy Harper, Sky, Slagelse, Smokey Rice, St. Leonards, Status Quo, T.S. McPhee, Taste, Technical College, Technical Institute, Ten Years After, The Action, The Barn, The Blue Horizon, The Cobweb, The Dug Out Club, The Equals, The Fantastics, The Ferris Wheel, The Gods, The House of Lords, The Inventive Mr. Jeff, The Marvelettes, The Move, The Nags Head, The Nashville Teens, The Passion Forest, The Place, The Playhouse, The Railway Hotel, The Rectangle, The Sky, The Stoke Hotel, The Triffik Organization, The White Rabbit, The Yardbirds, Third Ear Band, Tim Hollier, Tim Rose, Toft's, Torquay, Town Hall, Ungdonklubberne, University College, University of Surrey, Uxbridge, Village hall, Walton on Thames, West Hampstead, Wishful Thinking, Woking, Wolverhampton, Wooden Bridge -
Van Gogh and the Earlobes
(c’87-’89) Jake Spires (vocals / harmonica), Dan Hiscocks (drums), Ed Walters (bass), Peter Bailey (vocals), and Ian Smith (guitar).
Formed by Hiscocks and Bailey, they started as a 4-piece with Smith and Walters, before adding Spires..in fact the band occasionally pulled “guest” musicians/performers from the audience including Aled Jones (harmonica) and ex-Trashqueen roadie Graham Clayton for a vocal.
Van Gogh’s first gig, only 3 weeks after forming, was to a non-responsive crowd at Woking College. They were once touted for a warm-up slot on a prime-time TV show (which, I do not know) but were also well known for their exploits in the raft race held on Goldsworth Park Lake. Their biggest headline came when a schoolgirl ran off to Manchester with Bailey. Damian Wilson, of The Button Factory, is reported to have said of Van Gogh’s Bailey “he’s a better singer than myself”.
On 15 April ’88 the band received a better reception at Woking College and in September ’88 they were part of “Showcase ’88”, two of numerous gigs at venues such as Brooklands College; The Lion Brewery, Ash; and The Three Lions (Scratchers), Farncombe. Many of their most notable appearance occurred at The Cricketers, Westfield – the ‘local’ for Woking College students. They closed out ’88 with some time recording in a London studio. Smith left at the end of ’88 to pursue a journalistic career in New York, his rumored replacement being Arno Spires (guitar). Arno was certainly involved in the recording of the bands first demo cassette, “Van Gogh Through The Beers”.
“Through the Beers” demo tape cover… The job eventually fell to Paul Bushell in early ’89. Not long after this Bailey moved on to Calamity Sax. Calamity and Van Gogh then proceeded to both appear at The Devil’s Dance Party at the Civic Hall, Guildford in March ’89. In August ’89, Van Gogh picked up the Sigue Sigue Sputnik award in the Phil Gibby farewell honors, as well as sharing the Most Momentous Occasion with Guildford Live Aid. In Jan 1990 the band released their second demo cassette, “One Hundred Percent…” carrying four original tracks. Oliver Angel replaced Ian Smith for the recording and subsequent gigs. The end of Van Gogh and the Earlobes was, some say on the same day (27 July) as Van Gogh’s untimely demise, hailed by Hiscocks backpacking Europe and India.
Bailey now fronts folk rockers Leatherat. Bushell is no longer with us unfortunately.
19 December 1988: Tickets for Van Gogh and the Earlobes’ lunchtime gig in the Main Hall, Woking College. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Soundscene’s Gigs Column, August 4th 1988 
July 28th, 1988 Soundscene sparks rumours of Body Politic reformation, and suggests Van Gogh… will be part of Woking Showcase gig 
A little mention of the Earlobes in this July 7th ’88 Soundscene piece by Phil Gibby 
Perpetual PG Tips material, Van Gogh appear again on May 26 1988 
A snippet from Soundscene’s PG Tips (as written by Phil Gibby) – May 19, 1988 
Soundscene, May 26th 1988 – really hard to read, and I thought twice about posting this, but lets take the good with the bad 
Soundscene, April 21st 1988 
Taken from Soundscene’s PG Tips July 14th ’88 
PG Tips column from the August 4th 1988 Soundscene adds fuel to the fire that was the Button Factory / Van Gogh and The Earlobes rivalry… 
Pete Bailey gets an apology, kind of…. As taken from Soundscene’s PG Tips 18th August 1988. 
David Rose reviews Van Gogh and the Earlobes in 22 September ’88’s Soundscene. Picture courtesy of Vis The Spoon 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes playing at Centre Halls, Woking for Brooklands College party. The year is possibly ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes playing at Centre Halls, Woking for Brooklands College party. The year is possibly ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes playing at Centre Halls, Woking for Brooklands College party. The year is possibly ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes playing at Centre Halls, Woking for Brooklands College party. The year is possibly ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes playing at Centre Halls, Woking for Brooklands College party. The year is possibly ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
BB reviews Van Gogh… at Brooklands College gig held at Centre Halls, Woking. Date unknown, but we’d guess ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
From the 15 December ’88 Soundscene column, Phil Gibby profiles latest news on Van Gogh. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Phil Gibby mentions Van Gogh and the Earlobes twice in this PG Tips section, possibly from 22 Dec 1988 – a bad week for typos. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Review of Van Gogh and the Earlobes 23 December 1988 gig at The Cricketer’s, Westfield. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh get a string of mentions in this undated PG Tips. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes get mentioned in PG Tips again (date unknown). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh Article from Soundscene (date unknown). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh win the “Anything for Publicity Award” in the PG Tips December 1988 honors list. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Early ’89 and Paul Bushell confirms he has joined Van Gogh and the Earlobes (last paragraph). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Soundscene article from ’89 on the demise of Van Gogh an the Earlobes. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Backstage Pass for The Devil’s Dance Party, 23 March 1989, that included Van Gogh and the Earlobes. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Review of The Devil’s Dance Party from Soundscene (30 March ’89 column), that included Van Gogh and the Earlobes. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh clipping from Soundscene, date unknown. Picture courtesy of Dan Hiscocks 
Van Gogh reformation unlikely as Hiscocks goes backpacking. Soundscene clipping, date unknown. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh annouce, another, Farewell gig at The Cricketers, Westfield following Showcase ’88…Soundscene clipping, date unknown. Picture courtesy of Dan Hiscocks 
Van Gogh annouce “One Hundred Percent…” demo release. Soundscene clipping, 18 Jan 1990. Picture courtesy of Dan Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes “…Through the Beers” cassette released. Soundscene clipping, date unknown. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes “…Through the Beers” cassette released. Soundscene clipping, date unknown. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Clipping from 6 January 1990 Soundscence. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Clipping from 21 December 1989 Soundscene. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh in caricature. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Phil Gibby reviews Van Gogh’s first gig for Soundscene (date unknown). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
PG Tips clipping from Aug 1989 puts next Van Gogh gig on Aug 20. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh pick up the Sigue Sigue Sputnik award and share Most Momentus Occassion in the Phil Gibby farewell honors, August 1989. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh and the Earlobes Soundscene column clipping (date unknown). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Van Gogh exceeded expectations at Showcase ’88, held at Centre Halls, Woking in Sept ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks Aled Jones, Arno Spires, Ash, Brooklands College, Calamity Sax, Civic hall, Cricketers, Damian Wilson, Dan Hiscocks, Ed Walters, Goldsworth Park, Graham Clayton, Guildford, Guildford Live Aid, Jake Spires, Leatherat, Lion Brewery, Oliver Angel, Paul Bushell, Peter Bailey, PG Tips, Raft Race, Scratchers, Showcase '88, The Button Factory, The Devils Dance Party, Trashqueen, Van Gogh and the Earlobes, Westfield, Woking, Woking College -
Napalm Groove Squad
(c’88-’89) Dylan Owen (vocals), Luke Randall (guitar), Matthew ? (bass) and Mark Ward (rhythm guitar).
Originally using the Ramones’ inspired Teenage Labotomy moniker, the Napalm Groove Squad boys played a number of reimagined covers and self-penned tracks that included ‘Long Lost Friend’, “Flesh”, “Brand New Mini” and “Wildcat”. Rumored to have split in June ’88, they were looking for a bassist in July, having ousted Matthew – apparently he was too sensible – but eventually moved Ward to the 4-string. They were a regular feature at The Cricketers, Westfield and in September ’88 they played ABC Music’s Showcase ’88, at Woking Centre Halls. This event was originally pitched as Woking Live Aid and Naplam Groove Squad were the first confirmed act by gig organizer Kim Joseph. The band returned to the Centre Halls later that year, supporting Van Gogh and the Earlobes at the Brooklands College Ball.
Backstage Pass for The Devil’s Dance Party, 23 March 1989, that included Napalm Groove Squad. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks The band had just recorded the three-track demo EP entitled “Live and Raw”, which opened with the instrumental “Brand New Mini” leading straight into “Daddy Loves Mummy,” and wrapped up with the 7 minute 1 second long “Long Lost Friend”. Reports revealed that at least one big name label requested a copy of “Live and Raw,” and others seemed set to follow. The demo, no doubt, also helped with their desire to secure more gigs on the London alternative circuit, with one band member openly admitting to not wanting to be labelled a Woking band. “Brand New Mini” went on to win PG Tips’ “Best Track of ’88”. More split rumors emerged in early ’89, but the band appeared at The Devils Dance Party at the Civic Hall, Guildford in March and were up at the Rock Garden, Covent Garden on 22 July for a noon gig.
August 18th 1988 Gigs Column from Soundscene 
Naplam Groove Squad, Body Politic, Great Garden, & Dance Factory possibly in Woking Live Aid line-up (Soundscene – August 4th 1988) 
July 28th, 1988 Soundscene sparks rumours of Body Politic reformation, and suggests NGS will be part of Woking Showcase gig 
From the July 7th 1988 Soundscene Gig list 
A little mention of Naplam Groove Squad in this July 7th ’88 Soundscene piece by Phil Gibby 
A little snippet from Soundscene’s PG Tips, May 26th 1988. 
Soundscence, June 9th 1988 
Soundscene’s PG Tips – July 14th 1988 
Clipped from Soundscene’s PG Tips July 28th,1988 
Soundscene lead story August 4th 1988… 
Soundscene – September 1st 1988: Napalm Squad in the raw 
BB reviews Napalm Groove Squad at Brooklands College Gig held at Centre Halls, Woking with Van Gogh headliing. Year unknown, but probably ’89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Napalm Groove Squad colected two awards in PG Tips December 1988 honors list; 
Review of The Devil’s Dance Party from Soundscene (30 March ’89 column), that included Napalm Groove Squad. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Napalm Groove Squad were the 5th Band on at Showcase ’88, held at Centre Halls, Woking in Sept ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks -
Hoax
(c’85-’92) Richard Bryant (bass), Jules Brient (vocals), Chris Quick (guitar), John Donne (drums), and Jamie Harper (rhythm guitar).
We know very little about Hoax. They formed in ’84, played varies local venues including The Royal, Guildford with Siege and The George, Ash Vale and may have been Foreigner / heavy metal orientated.
Hoax played The George, Ash Vale on 21 August 1992 according to this unidentified fanzine gig list. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Soundscene, 10 January 1985 -
Milky Bar Kids
(c’84/85) Tony Nunn (guitar), Jim Smith (bass), Andy Brown (vocals), Graham Wood (lead guitar), and Steve King (drums).
Byfleet’s The 68 Floods, in their formative years, went by this Milky Bar Kids moniker. Nunn had previously been in Woking College rock band Strutter. King took a sojourn in late ’84 and was replace by Martin Smith. In ’85 the band released the “Losing You” cassette single, recorded at New Haw’s TSI Studios and B-sided by a cover of The Rolling Stones “Route 66”; both produced by Hum, of FEG. This single was submitted for the Soundscene Miss Woking Pop Cabaret competition. King rejoined and took back the drummer stool in March/April ’85. In May they hit Catch 44 Studios, Godalming to record an EP cassette. After which they renamed as The 68 Floods.
Soundscene, 20th September 1984 
Soundscene – July 28th 1988 – Reviewing two demos from The 68 Floods and their alter-egos, The Milky Bar Kids. Chris was struck by the amount of apathy he considered to be coming out of the speakers, but for Phil Gibby The 68 Floods have always given the impression of being smarter then the average local band. 
Soundscene – April,11th 1985 
Woking Soundscene – Jan 24th 1985 
Dirty Sock prizes from the Milky Bar Kids – January 3rd, 1985 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. 
The Milky Bar Kids at at the Sea Cadet Hall, Guildford in 1984. -
Crisis
(c’77 – ’80) Frazer Towman (vocals), Rob Ledger (drums), Douglas Pierce (Rhythm Guitar) Tony Wakefield (Bass), and Lester “Lester Picket” Jones (lead guitar)
This Surrey punk band, that claimed Guildford as their home, performed at Rock Against Racism (RAR) and Anti-Nazi League (ANL) rallies as well as Right to Work marches. Sounds used the phrase “Music to March To” to describe the noise produced by founding members “Phrazer” Towman of Ash, Londoner “Insect Robin the Cleaner” Ledger, Pierce of Brookwood and Addlestone native Wakefield – who used to be in the Who / Status Quo covers band Backwater – and “Lester Picket” Jones, also of Brookwood. As well as RAR and ANL gigs the band played all over London including Acklam Hall and The Roxy, and across the country as well as ‘back home; at the University of Surrey, supporting The Ruts, and The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. The Roxy was run by somewhat seedy Kevin St John who also managed Crisis for a time, until his murder. The Roxy saw them support Adam & The Ants, Slaughter & The Dogs and Sham 69 and then sleeping on the first train back to Woking. But they also headlined at the venue towards the end of ’77; on 8 November they were supported by Youthenasia, and The Plague. The following month, on 3 December, their support came in the form of The Valves.
There was a John Peel session on 11 January ’78, followed by their first single, titled ‘No Town Hall’, released by Peckham Action Group, although some reports put this the other way around.
8 days after Peel, Crisis supported Sham 69 at Woking Centre Halls with Speedometers, Menace and Masterswitch, the ticket retailing for a quid. Frazer came on and rushed about the stage wearing a mask. Also in ’78, Crisis played live with Adam and the Ants again at South Bank Polytechnic, London, the recordings of which have disappeared and the gig ended in a bit of a riot. Just over a year later Phrazer was replaced by Dexter and Insect Robin the Cleaner was temporarily replaced by Jane Roberts, the drummer with Revolt, who performed a gig or two with the band but was deemed unsuitable and replaced by Luke Rendall. In ’79 the band undertook a month long tour of Norway, with reggae band Cygnus, thanks to the SWP and Socialist Nordski. The second single “UK 79 / White Youth” was released in 1979 on the bands own label Ardkor, having licensed the Peel Session recordings from the BBC instead of re-recording. The “Hymns of Faith” 12″ E.P, released on Ardker Records (CR1003), in April 1980 opens with “On T.V.” and closes with “Kanada Kommando”.
The original “Hymns of Faith 12” EP… The cover art was drawn by Crisis roadie, Flea, who also drew the cover for the ‘UK79’ single. “Hymns…” was re-released by La Vida Es Un Mus (MUS41) in 2010, with a limited 700 copies on vinyl. After performing their last show in Guildford on 10 May ’80, supporting Magazine and Bauhaus no less, the band broke up. Issue No.4, the June/July ’80 issue, of Down in the Street, featured the band along with Actifed, Matrix, and Revolt.
Pearce and Wakefield went on to form Death in June in ’81, before Wakefield later formed Above the Ruins and Sol Invictus. Rendall joined Theatre of Hate, and Jones formed Carcrash International. Two releases came out about a year after the split. A 7” single featuring the two remaining tracks from the Peel Session, “Alienation” and “Bruckwood Hospital” (about Brookwood Hospital) on Ardkor and a 12” EP, ‘Holocaust UK’, which featured the tracks from the first two singles. 1997 saw the CD compilation ‘We Are All Jews And Germans’ released by World Serpent and organized by Pearce, with all of the original releases plus demos and a live recording made during their tour of Norway. In 2005, a further Crisis discography was compiled on a single CD titled “Holocaust Hymns”, released by Apop Records and in 2008 a recording of their final show was released as the “Ends!” by Hardcore Records (HCR002).
After performing their last show in Guildford on 10 May ’80, supporting Magazine and Bauhaus, Crisis broke up. A recording of the gig was released in 2008. More recently, the ‘Kollectiv’ double LP on La Vida Es Un Mus has been released. Crisis make an honorable appearance in “Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter’s Guide to Underground Rock, 1970-1982” By George Gimarc which mentions the release of their first record “No Town Hall (southwark)” on Peckham Action Group on 12 October ’79 and asks how a punky protest band arose from the green countryside of Guildford.
Many years later, Wakefield formed 1984 to play the Crisis songs he’d written, with gigs across Europe with the promoters tending to market the Crisis angle. In 2017, 40 years on, Crisis reformed with a line-up of Wakefield (bass / vocals), Rendall (drums), Clive Giblin (lead guitar / vocals), Mark Geraghty (rhythm guitar) and Pete Fordham (vocals).
Tracks:
UK ’78
Gallery:
The Barbed Wire Fanzine (Vol.2 No.2 May 1979) reviewed Crisis’ 7″ No Town Hall, which was released on the Action Group Records label [NOTH 1] in 1978. ‘No Town Hall’ was the A-side, with ‘Holocaust’ and ‘P.C. One Nine Eight Four’ on the B-side. Pictured courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Crisis, plus one, in Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
In January 1979, Crisis were covered in Barbed Wire (Number 0)…Thanks to Fred for use of pic. 
Printed in fanzine Barbed Wire, January 1979 Number 0 (issue 1) it’s a Crisis interview…page 6. Thank to Fred for the pic. 
Printed in fanzine Barbed Wire, January 1979 Number 0 (issue 1) it’s a Crisis interview…page 8. Thank to Fred for the pic. 
Printed in fanzine Barbed Wire, January 1979 Number 0 (issue 1) it’s a Crisis interview…page 7. Thank to Fred for the pic. 
Dexter and Lester, of Crisis, also made the cover of the last ever Barbed Wire fanzine – May/June 1980 Vol 3 No 2 (issue 6). Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Dexter and Lester of Crisis in Guildford early in 1980. This was used on the cover of the Barbed Wire Vol.3 #2 fanzine. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Phil Brett reviewed Crisis’ West Surrey School of Art & Design, Farnham gig for Barbed Wire, Vol.2 No.2, May 1979 
26 Oct 1979: Ticket for The Ruts supported by Crisis at University of Surrey 
16 December 1979: Crisis played the Windsor Castle, London. 
Dexter and Lester, of Crisis, were interviewed by Fred Pipes for the very last ever Barbed Wire fanzine – May/June 1980 Vol 3 No 2 (issue 6). Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Issue No.4, the June/July ’80 issue, of Down in the Street, featured Crisis. Picture courtesy of John Hudson 
It’s Malcolm Wyatt’s old badge collection, including example/s from Crisis. Picture courtesy (I stole it) of Malcolm Wyatt 
Source: FearAndLoathingFanzine.com 
Source: FearAndLoathingFanzine.com 
The re-released “Hymn of Faith” front cover 
The re-released “Hymn of Faith” back cover 
The re-released “Hymn of Faith” sleeve insert. The pictured ‘punks’ are not Crisis. 
I’ve lost track of which fanzine this clipping was from – might be Grinding Halt – any clues very welcome… 
Crisis in “Punk Diary: The Ultimate Trainspotter’s Guide to Underground Rock, 1970-1982” by George Gimarc 
Gig reviews from the Grinding Halt No.5 fanzine 
Gig reviews from the Grinding Halt No.5 fanzine 1984, Acklam Hall, Actifed, Adam & The Ants, ANL, Anti-Nazi League, Apop Records, Ardkor, Backwater, Barbed Wire, Bauhaus, Carcrash, Carcrash International, Centre Halls, Crisis, Cygnus, Death in June, Dexter, Douglas Pierce, Down in the Street, Fear and Loathing, Frazer Towman, Fred Pipes, George Gimarc, Grinding Halt, Guildford, Hardcore Records, Jane Roberts, John Peel, Kevin St.John, La Vida Es Un Mus, Lester Jones, Luke Rendall, Magazine, Malcolm Wyatt, Masterswitch, Matrix, Menace, Norway, Peckham Action Group, Punk, Punk Diary, RAR, Revolt, Right to Work, Rob Ledger, Rock Against Racism, Sham 69, Slaughter & The Dogs, Socialist Nordski, Sounds, South Bank Polytechnic, Speedometers, Surrey, SWP, The Plague, THe Roxy, The Ruts, The Valves, Theatre of Hate, Tony Wakefield, University of Surrey, Windsor Castle, Woking, Wooden Bridge, World Serpent, Youthenasia -
Salt Solution
(c’84-’93) Doug McKeller (drums), Simon Bartlett (bass, backing vocals), Robert Bathurst (lead & rhythm guitar) and Martin Day (vocals, lead & rhythm guitar)
Out of Mervyn Sprockett And The Crankshaft Assembly the four members morphed into Salt Solution, which was announced in Soundscene in January ’84. McKeller, ex-Dark Paradise, was replaced by Andy Clark on drums, as he became the bands manager for a couple of years. In August ’84 the band appeared at the Greenbelt Festival at Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. The Salties, following an audience participation number at a Knaphill gig, added Pete Milner (sax / keyboards) and continued as a 5-piece. A predominantly live christian rock band, they did release the “Your Country Needs You” single, on the Embryo Arts label [EAS 7], backed by “New Life” and recorded at Scarf Studios on Furze Street, Bow, in ’86.
In ’87, Salt Solution played at Brixton Academy to a few thousand gig goers, and continued gigging through the early 90’s. The band’s “The Art Of Growing Old” featured on the American ACM (Alternative Christian Ministries) Journal’s 3rd Anniversary Compilation CD, released in the US in ’92. This featured, to quote the packaging ‘twenty independent artists and twenty-one alternative songs from… New Zealand, England, Sweden, and America’. A four-track cassette demo followed a short recording hiatus prior to the bands demise in ’93. In 2000 came the “Arctic Frosties” retrospective album release.
Tracks:
Gallery:
…and Salt Solution were born. Soundscene, 19th January 1984 
Soundscene, 22nd October 1987 
Soundscene, 15th October 1987 
The band’s “The Art Of Growing Old” featured on the American ACM Journal’s 3rd Anniversary Compilation CD, Front cover of the “Your Country Needs You” single 
Back cover of the “Your Country Needs You” single 
A-side of the “Your Country Needs You” single 
B-side of the “Your Country Needs You” single 
L to R: Andy Clark, Rob Bathurst, Simon Bartlett (obscured) & high jumping Martin Day. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Salt Solution: L to R Pete Milner, Andy Clark, Simon Bartlett, Rob Bathurst, Martin Day. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
The retrospective “Arctic Frosties” album from 2000. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
“Arctic Frosties” back cover image featuring Andrew Clark and Simon Bartlett. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
The Art of Growing Old” demo cassette cover. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Salt Solution Demo cassette cover 1984. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Press cuttings from 1984 and the release of Salt Solution’s single “Your Country Needs You”. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Woking Informer clipping from 1984 and the release of Salt Solution’s single “Your Country Needs You”. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Robert Bathurst and Martin Day, mid 80’s. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Simon Bartlett on bass and Martin Day in open-air performance mode. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
An outdoor gig in Woking, 1984: Top to Bottom: Rob Bathurst, Doug McKellar, Martin Day, Simon Bartlett. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
“Live At The Brixton Acaemy” video cover. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Rob Bathurst & Martin Day at the Greenbelt Festival 1984. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com 
Martin Day and Andy Clark performing ‘Get Out’, mid 80’s. Image courtesy of Martin Day via www.shallowdeep.com
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person