Our Soundscene

For anyone who vaguely recalls the Woking / GU postcode area music scene.

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  • Planetarium

    Planetarium

    (’79-80) – Russ Wilson (drums), John Dale (guitar), Alex Tedesco (?) and Leigh Eggins (bass).

    Byfleet’s 14-15 year old rockers, Planetarium fancied themselves the next Hawkwind, even covering “Silver Machine”. Their own material included “Banditz” and “Craft from the Golden Age”. Eggins’ bass reportedly used to belong to Roy Wood.

    Tedesco went on to play in Pyrford based Southern boogie 3-piece Southbound.

    Gallery:

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  • Vatmen

    Vatmen

    (c’87) – Curley Collateral (vocals), N.G. (drums), Spender Penny (lead guitar), Mr Interest (bass) and Deposit Stephens (sax).

    Reportedly the members were all tax inspectors, they also released a funk LP cassette titled “Show Me Some Love, Show Me Some Interest” featuring tracks “We’ll Tell the Truth If They Ever Catch Us” and “Glasnost Pays”. A record deal was reportedly rejected!

    Now, was this one of Soundscene’s made up bands, the fact the column was willing to “pay’ for information on the band would suggest so. If you know anything do share.

    Gallery:

  • The Red House, Woking

    The Red House, Woking

    In the 60’s The Red House held a regular Friday night Folk Club featuring the folk greats on the time, including Trevor Lucas who formed the folk band Eclection in August ’67 and was a founding member of Fotheringay. Local ‘resident’ performers included Fred Hayes, Brian Dunt, and Tom Dillon.

    The Red House held a regular Folk Night in the mid to late 60’s. Source: Sue Bradman via ‎WOKING-OLD and NEW

    When Steve Brookes left The Jam, The Red House is where the three remaining members auditioned several guitarists and a keyboardist; including Brian Viner, a guitarist from Lightwater. Donegal Joe also played the venue around that time. It was reborn as a live venue in the early 80’s, with a few notable bands gigging there including Cutting Edge‘s debut gig shortly after Panther split up.

    In the mid-eighties, McFarlane and the LeFevre brothers, who all worked behind the bar and lived above, re-established Face to Face, later called Seven, out of the pub. John Goodison, the then Red House landlord, even gave them a loan and their first break by making them the resident band, which they did for almost a year.

    The Red House is now O’Neill’s.

    Gallery:

    Red House from the air…
    Interior of The Red House. Picture courtesy of Phil Gibby
    The Red House on the right c’60’s. Source: Richard Knotek via WOKING when we were young
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  • The Woking Jazz Associates

    The Woking Jazz Associates

    (c’83-’88) Ron Clements (?), Mark Aston (Tenor Sax) and ?.

    This lighthearted jazz/swing band was founded by Clements. The group took an 18 month sabbatical in ’85-87, when Clements moved to Winchester, briefly. The Woking Jazz Associates returned on 18 December ’87 at The Blue Anchor, Byfleet.

    Aston played in Chas McDevitt’s band and is now organizing Mark’s Jazz Sessions, with his regular band mates and special guests, such as guitarist Nigel Price and vocalist Jo Harrop, in Twickenham and London. He can also be caught playing across the South of England at the likes of Pangbourne Jazz Club and Hedsor Jazz, near Marlow.

    Gallery:

    Taken from Soundscene, 10th December 1987.
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  • The Famous Rondini Brothers

    The Famous Rondini Brothers

    (c’75-’79) Chris Brayne (drums), Mick “Bloodhound” Hogsden / Bryant (keyboards / vocals); Tony Leach (keyboards / vocals); Dick Middleton (guitar); and Eddie Quinn (bass).

    This Guildford group were a regular feature of the local scene and around the country. Brayne, who had been in Stormville Shakers and Nashville Teens, was at some point replaced by Colin Garrett and then Dave Bidwell (ex-Chicken Shack and Mungo Jerry) on drums. Mungo Jerry was a common thread: Middleton, who owned a music shop in Guildford, had previously supported Gene Vincent, Johnny Halliday, had been in Mungo Jerry too; and Quinn was in the Mungo Jerry line-up in June ’78, the first Western rock group to play in Bulgaria.

    On 23 November ’75, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea was hosting Osibisa with The Famous Rondini Brothers and Quadraphonia Road Show in support. Almost a month later, on 20 December ’75, the band supported Stallion at the Hastings’ Pier Pavilion, along with Sounds.

    The Famous Rondini Brothers disbanded in late ’77 or ’78.

    Middleton went on to play in House, and with Leach they both played in Headwaiter. Brayne was also in Mungo Jerry and House as well as Backhurst and Poker. Sadly, Bidwell left us in ’77.

    They reformed for a one-off gig at Stoke Hotel, Guildford on 11 November ’79 with Quinn, who had just been kicked out of Mungo Jerry, on bass; and Dave Ramsey taking Bidwell’s drumming stool. Ramsey had previously stood in for Bidwell at the Marquee, supporting a Italian fusion rock outfit, possibly NME favorites Nova or Agora; with John Coghlan, the original drummer with Status Quo, and Jackie Lynton in the audience.

    Hogsden / Bryant sadly passed away in 2018, as did Quinn a few years prior. Garrett, who joined Crosswinds, is currently banging skins with Spriggan Mist and Guildford band Nick of Time; and has also performed and recorded with Keith James.

    Gallery:

    The Famous Rondini Brothrs supported Osibisa at Hastings Pier in 1975
    Hastings Pier in 1975
    11 November 1979: Sally Clark gives a quick review of The Famous Rondini Brothers return for the Barbed Wire fanzine Vol3 No1, Jan/Feb 1980. Image courtesy of Fred Pipes
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  • Deadlock

    Deadlock

    (c’79-81) – Mark “Fes” Ferris (vocals), Paul “Puke” Firth (guitar), Richard “Rus” Rusling (bass) and John “J.J.” Jerrom (drums).

    Deadlock – “Scrap The Town Hall” photo shoot – March 1980

    This punk 4-piece originated at Heron Wood Comprehensive in Aldershot in ’79. The then 16 year olds became a bit of a local cult band in early 1980, playing their songs about the boredom of living and growing up in Aldershot at gigs around Aldershot, Ash, Farnborough and Fleet area. “Scrap the Town Hall”, an anti proposed Rushmoor Council offices anthem, boosted their notoriety.

    Deadlock – “Scrap The Town Hall” photo shoot – March 1980

    Farnborough Tech‘s Rugby Union Football Club hosted the band, along with Lethal Dose, on 14 November ’80 after the cancellation of a gig at the same venue on 31 October due to licensing issues. On 21 January ’81 a punk gig was organized at Ash Vale’s Victoria Hall featuring Graffiti, Deadlock and The Crew. Live bands were not allowed at the 100 person capacity Hall; but punk being punk 300 tickets were sold and the venue was crammed. Using the other bands’ gear, The Crew were the first and only band to play that night, as the police arrived during their set and shut the show down.

    Deadlock rented Fleet’s Youth and Community Centre for a gig on 10 March ’81. Seventeen days later the band were back at the Technical College, Farnborough, supporting Human Beings.

    They disbanded in 1981, a few home-made cassettes – including a 14-track demo you could pick up for a quid at the time – and grainy photos the only record of those days.

    They have since reformed and now tour as Deadlock UK.

    Gallery:

    Deadlock
    Deadlock Rehearsal ’80
    Deadlock Rehearsal ’80
    Deadlock Rehearsal ’80
    Deadlock Poster ’81
    Deadlock Playlist ’81
    Deadlock – “Scrap The Town Hall” photo shoot – March 1980
    Deadlock – “Scrap The Town Hall” photo shoot – March 1980
    Deadlock – Flyer ’80
    Deadlock – Flyer ’81
    Deadlock – Flyer ’81
    Deadlock – Flyer ’81
    Deadlock – Playist for Farnborough Tech ’80
    John Jerrom, Deadlock – Farnborough Tech ’80
    John Jerrom, Deadlock – Farnborough Tech ’80
    Deadlock – Farnborough Tech ’80
    Richard Rusling, Deadlock – Farnborough Tech ’80
    Paul Firth, Deadlock – Farnborough Tech ’80
    Mark Ferris, Deadlock – Farnborough Tech ’80
    Deadlock – Aldershot News photo shoot outside the Town Hall, Farnborough, March ’80
    Deadlock – Aldershot News, March ’80
    Deadlock – Aldershot News, 31 October ’81
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  • Bloodhound

    Bloodhound

    (c’79-’81) – Mick “Bloodhound” Hogsden / Bryant (wurlitzer piano / vocals / drums), Brain ‘Jammy’ Robinson (guitar), Brian ‘Mr Whippy’ Hosking (bass), Alan ‘Algie’ Watkin (drums /vocals), Neil ‘Lofty’ Pyzer (sax), Paul ‘Bud’ Read (trumpet / congas / percussion).

    All the Bloodhound members had quite a history: Watkin, Hogsden / Bryant – a hairdesser from Godalming – and Robinsion had all played in Aldershot based Grapevine, which was managed by Hosking; who had been in The Kool. Watkin had been in The Embers; then agency band Rubber Duck; had the occasional appearance in House, joined Jackie Lynton before becoming a Bloodhound. Hogsden / Bryant had also been in The Famous Rondini Brothers before joining Jackie Lynton. Read was in Bubz, with Tony and Kevin Meynall of Squire. Pyzer was in, Melody Maker contest finalists, Jasmine Pie and had a stint in White Gold. Hosking gigged with Marty Wilde once or twice and started the Mick Bryant Band with Hogsden / Bryant.

    The Mick Bryant Band became Bloodhound. This 6-piece band played The Three Lions, Farncombe on 17 May ’79 and The Wooden Bridge, Guildford 10 days later; returning to the Three Lions in 14 June. They spent time in Chestnut Studios, Churt in late ’79, and at one-point Hogsden provided backing vocals for a Graham Cooper LP track recorded at the studio, and in early ’80 with Tim Wheatley producing a demo tape. A later brass / horn section consisted of Paul Allen (trumpet), David White (trumpet) and Nick Gibson (sax). Bloodhound featured on the compilation LP of Guildford bands “Remember When”.

    The band reformed in the mid 80’s playing The Cricketer’s, Westfield on 25 July ’86.

    Pyzer went on to play sax with UBz and was in Microdot releasing two acid house tracks with the outfit in ’87. He went on to tour with Howard Devoto and Case before joining Spear of Destiny. He was a founder member of The Kick Horns and has recently worked with Eddie Floyd, Jimmie James and The Foundations. He has also worked with Pauline Black, Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band and Blue Zoo; and is currently in The Selector.

    Gallery:

    Sally Clark interviews Bloodhound for Barbed Wire Volume 3 Number 1 Jan/Feb 1980. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    The Cricketers, Westfield used to place ads in the local papers – Blood Hound played there on Saturday, 25 July ’86. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records.
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  • Grandpa’s Spells

    Grandpa’s Spells

    (c’87 to date) – ?

    Named after a 1924 piano rag written by Jelly Roll Morton, Grandpa’s Spells were a 6-piece band from Yateley that played jazz and dixieland. On 5 October ’87 the band played at The Crown, Horsell.

    Having adopted a stripey waistcoats and boater uniform they can now be found entertaining shoppers in Wokingham, at the Woking bandstand in Cawsey Way. They also played their jazz at the 120th Birthday Party of Guildford Castle Grounds on 28th June 2008.

    Gallery:

    Soundscene Gig List 1st October 1987
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  • UBz

    UBz

    (c’78-’82) Dylan Cole (lead guitar / vocals), Dave “Fish” Mikhail (bass / vocals), and Mark/y Charles (drums).

    A shot of Umpty’s Balcony (aka UBz) graffiti. Picture by and courtesy of Fred Pipes.

    UBz’s, who were formerly known as Umpty’s Balcony – graffiti for whom became ‘notorious’ around Guildford c’79; much of it was allegedly done by ex-Etonian punk Nick Embiricos – first gig was in Brighton in early ’79, under the arches near the aquarium (probably The Alhambra); where they had to get ‘forceful’ with the manager to get paid. This was back in the day when Angie ? was on vocals. The band practiced in their own rehearsal room in a house, owned by Mark Charles’ parents, in Llanaway Road, Godalming.

    They were quite a prolific live band around Guildford, appearing at The Royal, The Wooden Bridge, Stoke Hotel, or anywhere that would have them; including Bunters, Guildford a couple of times! They also played the Stonehenge Free festival in ’79, sometime between 15 and 27 June, belting out the likes of “I Won’t Be Your Hunchback No More” and “Nigel’s Dead”. In September ’79 the band spent a day at Chestnut Studios, Churt, leaving with a master tape.

    UBz’s master tape from a recording session at Chestnut Studios on 26 September 1979. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles.

    12 November ’79 saw the band supporting at Bunters, with Rockola headlining. UBz were at The Wooden Bridge on 9 February ’80 for a Barbed Wire benefit that saw Noit Otni & the Pits and UBz support The Vapors, who were too famous by the second run of posters to put on the bill so were listed as The Japanese Prisoners.

    They came 3rd in a Surrey / Hants Music Competition in early 1980 at The Maltings, Farnham, where they competed against Impulse, Lynx, Stripes, and Phantom Zone, missing out on a 500 quid recording contract with Ray Dorset’s Satellite label. UBz, supported by The Grenades, were at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford on 4 October ’80. On 29 November ’80 UBz headlined at The Royal, supported by The Rams and Zero Time. The next month, on 9 December, UBz were up in town supporting Kidz Next Door at the Pied Bull, Islington.

    In addition to supporting The Vapors, Nips and Dolly Mixtures locally and in London (notably with The Vapors at the Marquee, London on 17 Feb ’80 and Music Machine, London on 12 April ’80), UBz supported Toyah on her College Tour at Guildford’s Civic Hall (15 January 1981) when the promoter called Bonaparte’s record shop looking for a local band and Dylan happened to be standing there.

    Support band, UBz, backstage at Toyah’s Civic Hall, Guildford gig on 15 January ’81. Picture courtesy of Sharon Pilling

    A few days prior to supporting Toyah, UBz made their debut appearance in Woking at The Cricketers, Westfield on 9 January ’81. They would at times be joined by Neil “Not Nice” Pyzer (Sax), but were always followed by members of the fan base known as the ‘Fish Army’. On 18 June ’81 the band supported electronica soloist Sinister Dexter at the Clarendon Hotel, Hammersmith. At some point Charles was replaced by Guy ? on drums. The band also worked on an EP carrying “Yesterday’s Fun”, “I Know You Like Me” and “Anita Blood”, recording at Chestnut Studios again, but it’s unclear if it made the light of day.

    Charles and Dylan reconnected with Steve Smith of The Vapors in ’83, forming Shoot! Dispute. Charles and Pyzer were in Microdot together producing two acid house tracks in ’87 and Charles is currently recording with Natalya KD, in a new band: PerFect C#nTs. Pyzer also performed in Jasmine Pie, White Gold, Bloodhound, and Crosswinds; and went on to tour with Howard Devoto and Case before joining Spear of Destiny. He was a founder member of The Kick Horns and has recently worked with Eddie Floyd, Jimmie James and The Foundations. He has also worked with Pauline Black, Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band and Blue Zoo; and is currently in The Selector.

    Gallery:

    Sometime between 15 and 27 June 1979: Umptys Balcony on stage at Stonehenge Free Festival, with Angie ? on vocals. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles.
    UBz supporting The Vapors at the Music Machine on the 3rd or 26th October 1979. Source: Mark Charles
    At the corner of Tunsgate and Sydenham Rd. is pictured one of Umpty’s Balcony’s ‘notorious’ Guildford graffiti, circa ’79. Much of it was allegedly done by ex-Etonian punk Nick Embiricos. Umpty’s Balcony later became known as The UBz. Picture courtesy of Alan Fred Pipes
    Mark Charles of UBz at The Woodenbridge, Guildford in ’79. Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes
    Dylan and Fish of the UBz at the Wooden Bridge, Guildford, c 1979. Photo by Katie Law, courtesy of Fred Pipes
    17 Feb 1980: UBz when supporting The Vapors, at the Marquee, London. Source: Neil Pyzer
    17 Feb 1980: UBz when supporting The Vapors, at the Marquee, London. Source: Neil Pyzer
    17 Feb 1980: UBz (possibly during soundcheck), when supporting The Vapors, at the Marquee, London. Source: Neil Pyzer
    17 Feb 1980: UBz (possibly during soundcheck), when supporting The Vapors, at the Marquee, London. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles.
    28 March 1980: The Vapors Ed Bazalgette watching UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: The Vapors Ed Bazalgette watching UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; with Alan Neve on cardboard/air guitar. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; with Alan Neve on cardboard/air guitar. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; with Alan Neve on cardboard/air guitar. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; with Alan Neve on cardboard/air guitar. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; with Alan Neve on cardboard/air guitar. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; with Alan Neve on cardboard/air guitar. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    U28 March 1980: UBz at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Photograph by and courtesy of Fred Pipes
    4 Oct 1980: UBz, supported by The Grenades, were at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Source: Mark Charles
    12 November 1980: Set list for UBz’s gig at Bunters, Guildford
    29 November 1980: UBz, supported by The Rams and Zero Time, played The Royal, Guildford. Picture courtesy of David Norgrove
    9 December 1980: Flyer for Kidz Next Door supported by UBz at the Pied Bull, Islington.
    9 January 1981: UBz appeared at The Cricketers, Westfield. Clipping from Soundscene column 15 January 1981. Source: Mark Nesbit.
    UBz were interviewed for Shout! fanzine writer Pedro for Issue #1 in 1981. Picture courtesy of Still Unusual
    Interview with Shout! fanzine writer Pedro for Issue #1 in 1981. Picture courtesy of Still Unusual
    18 June 1981: UBz played Clarendon Hotel, Hammersmith
    Up in the Army & Navy roof garden in 1982/3 it’s UBz. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles.
    UBz, when called Umpty’s Balcony, at Surrey University. Picture courtesy of Mark Charles.
    It’s Malcolm Wyatt’s old badge collection, including example/s from UBz. Picture courtesy of Malcolm Wyatt
    UBz badge in black, found in attic. Source: Martin Choularton via Guildford Town Past & Present
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  • The 1989 Gig List

    The 1989 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 1989:

    January 4
    Sir George Robey, London: Mega City Four w/ The Milk Monitors, Sister Midnight, and Kiev Exocet

    January 8
    Sir George Robey, London: Long Tall Texans, Bob Hope, Sugar Mountain, Midniters, Waterfront, Between Two Worlds, Heartbreak Beat, The Gift, Beef, and The Hiding Place

    January 20
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Mega City Four w/ Jon Fit Beast, Bastard, Erick, Paris in the Fall, The Big Boat, and Hungerford Hitmen

    January 28
    Unknown venue (Julie’s 21st Birthday): Three Times The Crow

    February 2
    The Greyhound, London: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things and Snuff

    2 February 1989: Mega City Four, Senseless Things, and SNUFF at The Greyhound, London. Source: Paul White via Mega City Four

    February 9
    Arts Centre, Norwich: Mega City Four

    February 22
    East Neuk, Aberdeen: Mega City Four

    February 23
    The Gateway, Inverness: Mega City Four

    February 24
    Potterrow, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh: Mega City Four

    February 27
    Take Two, Sheffield: Mega City Four w/ The Bland

    February 28
    Jerico Tavern, Oxford: Mega City Four

    March 2
    Manner Night Spot, Swansea: Mega City Four

    March 5
    The Powerhaus, London: Mega City Four

    March 11
    The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: The Stone Roses w/ Jive Turkey, and The Colour Mary

    1989 – The Stone Roses supported by Jive Turkey and The Colour Mary and Bradford at The Buzz Club

    March 12
    Mean Fiddler, London: The Button Factory

    March 14
    Riverside, Newcastle: Mega City Four

    March 17
    Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Corn Dollies w/ Mulberry Ceilings, The Aurbisons, and Milltown Bros

    March 23
    The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: Covers
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Button Factory, Calamity Sax, Van Gogh and the Earlobes, Too Many Cameras, and Napalm Groove Squad (for The Devil’s Dance Party)

    March 24
    The Cricketers, Westfield: The Click
    The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: Old Boy Network

    March 25
    The Cricketers, Westfield: The 68 Floods
    Rock Garden, London: Phone the Pope
    Working Men’s Club, Woking: Flashback

    March 26
    The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: Instinction
    Working Men’s Club, Woking: Borders

    March 27
    The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: The Hillbillies
    The Red Lion, Chobham: Nicky Papas

    March 28
    The Cotteridge, Woking: The Honky Tonk Heroes
    The King’s Arms, Goldalming: Nicky Papas

    March 29
    The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: The Little Piggy Band

    March 30
    The Star, Guildford: The Flying Tigers w/ Germination

    30 March 1989: Flying Tigers with Germination played The Star, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

    March 31
    The Old Swan, Thames Ditton: Nicky Pappas

    April 11
    Red Lion, Brentford: Positive Thinking w/ Backlash

    April 13
    Bull and Gate, Kentish Town: FRA
    Cellar Bar, South Hill Park, Bracknell: Mega City Four w/ Cesspit Rebels, and Thrilled Skinny (who didn’t show)

    April 14
    Guildhall Arts Centre, Gloucester: Mega City Four

    April 15
    Youth Centre, Taunton: Mega City Four
    The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Bradford
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Soho

    April 21
    Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Mega City Four

    April 23
    Barrel Organ, Birmingham: Mega City Four

    April 30
    Moseley Dance Centre, Birmingham: Gaye Bykers on Acid, Mega City Four, Anhrefn, Snuff, Senseless Things, Magnolia Seige, Voiceless, The Wasp Factory, Romeo Suspect, and Collapse.

    Nice line-up, including MC4, for the “Indie” festival in ’89

    May 3
    National Ballroom, Kilburn: The Happy Mondays w/ The Shamen, The Band of Holy Joy, The Jazz Butchers, The Seers, Stitch, Mega City Four, and King of the Slums

    May 6
    Frimley Community Centre, Frimley: Dross

    May 9
    The Cock, Southwater: Ob Jay Da

    Duchess of York, Leeds: Mega City Four

    May/June 1989 Mega City 4 Tranzophobia Tour dates. Source: Inge Hope Voysey

    May 10
    Trades Club, Hebdon Bridge: Mega City Four
    Six Bells. Horley: Ob Jay Da

    May 11
    The Venue, Cardiff: Mega City Four
    Jolly Butcher, Dorking: Ob Jay Da

    May 12
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Pop Will Eat Itself

    12 May 1989: PWEI at University of Surrey, Guildford. Ad from Record Mirror 6 May 1989 Image courtesy of Pete Cole

    May 13
    Junction 10, Walsall: Mega City Four

    May 14
    Bowes Lion House, Stevenage: Mega City Four

    May 15
    Knights, Chester: Mega City Four
    Pilgrim, Dorking: Ob Jay Da
    Sir George Robey, London: Hard Options, The Wild Bunch, Big Boy Tomato, Lemon, Another Cuba, and Mutant Frogs

    15 May 1989: Big Boy Tomato were at the Hellfire Club at Sir George Robey, London with Hard Options, The Wild Bunch, Lemon, Another Cuba, and Mutant Frogs

    May 17
    Coventry Polytechnic, Coventry: Mega City Four

    May 18
    Take Two, Sheffield: Mega City Four w/ Loaded, and Skyfire
    Jolly Farmer, Buckland: Ob Jay Da

    May 19
    Marshall Rooms, Stroud: Mega City Four

    May 20
    Greyhound, Fulham: Mega City Four
    West End Centre, Aldershot: McCarthy, w/ The Ha Ha Men and Railroad Earth

    20 May 1989 – McCarthy, w/ The Ha Ha Men and Railroad Earth played the West End Centre, Aldershot

    May 22
    Five Bells. Pulborough: Ob Jay Da

    May 24
    Limeburners, Billingshurst: Ob Jay Da

    May 25
    Crocks, Redhill: Ob Jay Da

    May 26
    Civic Hall, Guildford: The Men They Couldn’t Hang w/ Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues Band

    May 28
    Surrey Oaks, Newdigate: Ob Jay Da

    May 29
    Pilgrims, Dorking: Ob Jay Da

    May 31
    The Dial, Derby: Mega City Four

    June 1
    Princess Charlotte, Leicester: Mega City Four

    June 2
    Broadwalk, Manchester: Mega City Four
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Big Country

    June 3
    Porterhouse, Retford: Mega City Four
    British Legion, Redhill: Ob Jay Da

    June 5
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 6
    Art Centre, Norwich: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 7
    Adelphi, Hull: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 8
    Riverside, Newcastle: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 9
    Roadmenders, Northampton: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 10
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 11
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da
    Rock Garden, Covent Garden: Red 57 w/ Yellow Darkness, and If This Was You

    11 June 1989: Yellow Darkness band pass for Rock Garden. Picture courtesy of Marcus Cowley
    11 June 1989: Yellow Darkness played the Rock Garden. Picture courtesy of Marcus Cowley

    June 12
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 13
    Busby’s, Bristol: Mega City Four
    Take Two, Sheffield: Cardiacs
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 14
    Burberries, Birmingham: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 15
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 16
    Snakepit, Hudderfield: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 17
    University of Warwick, Coventry: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 18
    Escape Club, Brighton: Mega City Four
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 19
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 20
    West Indian Centre, Southampton: Mega City Four
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 21
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 22
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 23
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 24
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da
    Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things, and The Eclairs

    24 June 1989: Mega City Four with Senseless Things, and The Eclairs were at Buzz Club, Aldershot. Source: Robert Horrocks via Mega City Four
    24 June 1989: Mega City Four supported by The Eclairs at The Buzz Club…

    June 25
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 26
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 27
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 28
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 29
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    June 30
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    July 1
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    July 2
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    July 3
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da
    Civic Hall, Guildford: It Bites w/ Blinder

    July 4
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    July 5
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    July 6
    St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay Da

    July 10
    Pilgrim, Dorking: Ob Jay Da

    July 12
    Limeburners, Billingshurst: Ob Jay Da

    July 15
    Showcase ’89, Civic Hall, Guildford: Two Extremes, Calamity Sax, Wise Child, The Ha Ha Men, Forrest & the Choppers, Bitter Sweet, Screw Loose and The Hype

    July 22
    The Albion, Aldershot: Frantic
    Leadmill, Sheffield: Mega City Four w/ The Family Cat
    Rock Garden, Covent Garden: Napalm Groove Squad (noon)

    July 23
    Brunel University, Uxbridge: Mega City Four w/ The Price

    July 28
    Greyhound, Fulham: Mega City Four

    July 29
    Walton Playhouse, Walton on Thames: Backlash w/ Two Extremes, New Breed, Big Time, and Yankees Drums Ticks

    July 30
    Surrey Oak, Newdigate: Ob Jay Da

    August 3
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Mr Ed
    Take Two, Sheffield: Last of the Teenage Idols w/ Calamity Sax, and Dollar Babies

    August 4
    Five Bells, Pulborough: Ob Jay Da

    August 7
    Pilgrim, Dorking: Ob Jay Da

    August 9
    The Old Trout, Windsor: Mega City Four w/ The Price and B-Movies in Black and White

    August 15
    The George, Ash Vale: Three Times The Crow

    August 19
    Guildford Civic Hall, Guildford: Calamity Sax w/ Napalm Groove Squad, Play Dixie, The Button Factory and The Hype

    August 20
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the Earlobes

    September 9
    The Plough, Kenton: Mega City Four
    The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: International Resque

    9 September 1989: International Resque hit the Buzz Club, Aldershot. Source: International Resq

    September 15
    Marquee, London: Mega City Four w/ The Cateran & Think, and Ned Pamphillon

    September 18
    Opera On The Green, Shepherd’s Bush: The Spy’s Trademark w/ Three Times The Crow

    18 September 1989: The Opera On The Green, Shepherd’s Bush ‘Showcase Night’ featured The Spys Trademark and Three Times The Crow.

    September 23
    Haslemere Hall, Haslemere: Flashback

    September 30
    West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: Company of Cowards w/ Frantic

    October 2
    The Duchess, Leeds: Mega City Four w/ Rodney Allen

    October 14
    Royal Oak, Passfield: Frantic

    October 15
    Sheffield University: Mega City Four

    October 21
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash
    Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Primal Scream w/ The Ruby Tuesdays, and Something Pretty Beautiful

    21 October 1989: Ticket for Primal Scream, The Ruby Tuesdays, and Something Pretty Beautiful. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole
    21 October 1989: Flyer for Primal Scream, The Ruby Tuesdays, and Something Pretty Beautiful. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole

    October 26
    Fresh, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Bow w/ The Candyage, and Blue Velvet

    October 27
    Fresh, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Railroad Earth, The Happy Few, and The Proles

    November 2
    West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: ATG w/ The Ha Ha Men & Frantic

    November 4
    Fox And Hounds, Fleet: Who Moved The Ground?

    November 5
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine

    November 8
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Fish

    November 9
    Théâtre Barbey, Bordeaux: Mega City Four

    November 10
    University of Surrey, Guildford: The House of Love

    November 11
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Bradford w/ Frantic & Blue Velvet

    Bradford played The West End Centre supported by Frantic and Blue Velvet.

    November 12
    University of Surrey, Guildford: Bliss

    November 17
    The Parrot Inn, Shalford: Flying Tigers w/ Walking the Dog

    November 18
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Strangeland

    November 22
    West End Center, Aldershot: The Ha Ha Men w/ Frantic
    Queen Mary College, London: Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine w/ Mega City Four

    22 November 1989: Mega City Four supported Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine at Queen Mary College, London

    November 24
    Longcross Church Hall, nr. Lyne: Backlash w/ Big Wednesday

    November 25
    The George, Ash Vale: Frantic

    November 26
    The Castle, Crondall: Who Moved The Ground?
    Brunel University, Uxbridge: Mega City Four

    December 3
    Camberley Town Football Club, Camberley: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things

    December 4
    Fresh, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Too Many Cameras w/ Marlon, and The Sinders

    Picture courtesy of Marcus Cowley

    December 5
    Fresh, Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Bad Soul w/ Yellow Darkness, and The Catholics

    December 9
    Assembly Rooms, Whitstable: Mega City Four

    December 11
    The Richmond, Brighton: Mega City Four w/ The Instigators

    December 12
    Lion Brewery, Ash: Who Moved the Ground?
    Kalidescope, Birmingham: UK Subs w/ Mega City Four

    December 13
    Broken Doll, Newcastle: Mega City Four w/ The Instigators

    December 14
    Youth Project, Farnham: Who Moved the Ground?
    West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: Frantic w/ The Ha Ha Men
    Green Dragon, Liphook: Jim & Dave
    Lion Brewery, Ash: KGB
    THe Three Lions, Godalming: Rosettes
    Cricketers, Westfield: Too Many Cameras
    1 in 12, Bradford: Mega City Four w/ The Instigators

    December 15
    The Compasses, Gomsall: Los Dildos
    Royal Oak, Passfield: Stone Cold
    Lion Brewery, Ash: Nobody Called Ruth
    Cricketers, Westfield: Forrest & The Choppers
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Infernal Triangle
    Cricket Pavilion, Cranleigh: Jez Lowe

    December 16
    The Cricketers, Westfield: The Ha Ha Men w/ Frantic
    Royal Oak, Passfield: Live and Breathe
    Lion Brewery, Ash: Rosettes
    West End Centre, Aldershot: Lowell Fulson
    Compasses, Gomshall: The Rockit Men
    Civic Hall, Guildford: Cry Sisco, KGB, Steven Henderson, and Phyl Da Bass
    The Maltings, Farnham: The Hamsters
    Shaftsbury Hall, Cheltenham: Mega City Four w/ The Things and Screaming Amoebas

    December 17
    Arts Centre, Bridgewater: Mega City Four w/ Parachute Men

    December 18
    The Cricketers, Kennington: Raw Ho! w/ Eager Sin Babies, and Yellow Darkness

    18 December 1989: Yellow Darkness played The Cricketers, Kennington. Picture courtesy of Marcus Cowley.

    December 19
    Benedicts, Bouremouth: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things

    December 21
    Bierkeller, Bristol: Mega City Four w/ The Seers

    December 22
    Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things

    December 23
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the Earlobes w/ Backlash
    Grey Hound, Fulham: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things, The Instigators and Snuff

    December 24
    Sir George Robey, Finsbury Park: Mega City Four w/ Snuff

    December 28
    The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Strangeland
    The George, Ash Vale: Explodehead
    Lion Brewery, Ash: The Rockit Men
    The Maltings, Farnham: Hot Club

    December 29
    Royal Oak, Passfield: Rattlesnake
    The George, Ash Vale: Smokey Joe
    Lion Brewery, Ash: The Press
    Cricketers, Westfield: Touch

    December 30
    Three Lions, Farncombe: Blow By Blow
    Compasses, Gomshall: Inside Out
    Royal Oak, Passfield: PDQ
    The George, Ash Vale: Rusty Bucket
    Flicks, Guildford: Rob Rose Band
    Assembly Rooms, Glastonbury: Mega City Four

    Go forward to
    The 1990 Gig List

    Go back to
    The 1988 Gig List

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  1. 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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