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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 Barbed Wire, Bloodhound, Blue Zoo, Bonepartes, Brighton, Bunters, Case, Chestnut Studios, Churt, Civic hall, Clarendon Hotel, Crosswinds, Dave Mikhail, Dolly Mixtures, Dylan Cole, Eddie Floyd, Farnham, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, Godalming, Guildford, Hammersmith, Howard Deveto, Impulse, Islington, Jasmine Pie, Jimmie James, Kidz Next Door, Lynx, Mark Charles, Marquee, Microdot, Music Machine, Natayla KD, Neil Pyzer, Nick Embiricos, Nips, Noit Otni & The Pits, Pauline Black, Phantom Zone, Pied Bull, Rockola, Shoot! Dispute, Sinister Dexter, Spear of Destiny, Steve Smith, Stoke Hotel, Stonehenge Festival, Stripes, The Alhambra, The Cricketers, The Foundations, The Grenades, The Kick Horns, The Maltings, The Rams, The Royal, The Selector, The Vapors, Toyah, UBz, Umpty’s Balcony, Westfield, White Gold, Wooden Bridge, Zero Time -
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 PlaceJanuary 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 CrowFebruary 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 FourFebruary 22
East Neuk, Aberdeen: Mega City FourFebruary 23
The Gateway, Inverness: Mega City FourFebruary 24
Potterrow, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh: Mega City FourFebruary 27
Take Two, Sheffield: Mega City Four w/ The BlandFebruary 28
Jerico Tavern, Oxford: Mega City FourMarch 2
Manner Night Spot, Swansea: Mega City FourMarch 5
The Powerhaus, London: Mega City FourMarch 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 FourMarch 17
Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Corn Dollies w/ Mulberry Ceilings, The Aurbisons, and Milltown BrosMarch 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 NetworkMarch 25
The Cricketers, Westfield: The 68 Floods
Rock Garden, London: Phone the Pope
Working Men’s Club, Woking: FlashbackMarch 26
The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: Instinction
Working Men’s Club, Woking: BordersMarch 27
The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: The Hillbillies
The Red Lion, Chobham: Nicky PapasMarch 28
The Cotteridge, Woking: The Honky Tonk Heroes
The King’s Arms, Goldalming: Nicky PapasMarch 29
The Lion Brewery, Ash Vale: The Little Piggy BandMarch 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 PappasApril 11
Red Lion, Brentford: Positive Thinking w/ BacklashApril 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 FourApril 15
Youth Centre, Taunton: Mega City Four
The Buzz Club, West End Centre, Aldershot: Bradford
Civic Hall, Guildford: SohoApril 21
Bull & Gate, Kentish Town: Mega City FourApril 23
Barrel Organ, Birmingham: Mega City FourApril 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 DaMay 11
The Venue, Cardiff: Mega City Four
Jolly Butcher, Dorking: Ob Jay DaMay 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 FourMay 14
Bowes Lion House, Stevenage: Mega City FourMay 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 FourMay 18
Take Two, Sheffield: Mega City Four w/ Loaded, and Skyfire
Jolly Farmer, Buckland: Ob Jay DaMay 19
Marshall Rooms, Stroud: Mega City FourMay 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 DaMay 24
Limeburners, Billingshurst: Ob Jay DaMay 25
Crocks, Redhill: Ob Jay DaMay 26
Civic Hall, Guildford: The Men They Couldn’t Hang w/ Sammy Rat’s Big Big Blues BandMay 28
Surrey Oaks, Newdigate: Ob Jay DaMay 29
Pilgrims, Dorking: Ob Jay DaMay 31
The Dial, Derby: Mega City FourJune 1
Princess Charlotte, Leicester: Mega City FourJune 2
Broadwalk, Manchester: Mega City Four
Civic Hall, Guildford: Big CountryJune 3
Porterhouse, Retford: Mega City Four
British Legion, Redhill: Ob Jay DaJune 5
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 6
Art Centre, Norwich: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 7
Adelphi, Hull: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 8
Riverside, Newcastle: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 9
Roadmenders, Northampton: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 10
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 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 DaJune 13
Busby’s, Bristol: Mega City Four
Take Two, Sheffield: Cardiacs
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 14
Burberries, Birmingham: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 15
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 16
Snakepit, Hudderfield: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 17
University of Warwick, Coventry: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 18
Escape Club, Brighton: Mega City Four
Civic Hall, Guildford: Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 19
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 20
West Indian Centre, Southampton: Mega City Four
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 21
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 22
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 23
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 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 DaJune 26
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 27
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 28
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 29
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJune 30
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJuly 1
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJuly 2
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJuly 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 DaJuly 5
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJuly 6
St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Guernsey: Ob Jay DaJuly 10
Pilgrim, Dorking: Ob Jay DaJuly 12
Limeburners, Billingshurst: Ob Jay DaJuly 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 FourJuly 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 DaAugust 3
The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Mr Ed
Take Two, Sheffield: Last of the Teenage Idols w/ Calamity Sax, and Dollar BabiesAugust 4
Five Bells, Pulborough: Ob Jay DaAugust 7
Pilgrim, Dorking: Ob Jay DaAugust 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 CrowAugust 19
Guildford Civic Hall, Guildford: Calamity Sax w/ Napalm Groove Squad, Play Dixie, The Button Factory and The HypeAugust 20
The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the EarlobesSeptember 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: FlashbackSeptember 30
West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: Company of Cowards w/ FranticOctober 2
The Duchess, Leeds: Mega City Four w/ Rodney Allen
October 14
Royal Oak, Passfield: FranticOctober 15
Sheffield University: Mega City FourOctober 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 ProlesNovember 2
West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham: ATG w/ The Ha Ha Men & FranticNovember 4
Fox And Hounds, Fleet: Who Moved The Ground?November 5
University of Surrey, Guildford: Carter The Unstoppable Sex MachineNovember 8
Civic Hall, Guildford: Fish
November 9
Théâtre Barbey, Bordeaux: Mega City FourNovember 10
University of Surrey, Guildford: The House of LoveNovember 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: BlissNovember 17
The Parrot Inn, Shalford: Flying Tigers w/ Walking the Dog
November 18
The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ StrangelandNovember 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 WednesdayNovember 25
The George, Ash Vale: FranticNovember 26
The Castle, Crondall: Who Moved The Ground?
Brunel University, Uxbridge: Mega City FourDecember 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 CatholicsDecember 9
Assembly Rooms, Whitstable: Mega City FourDecember 11
The Richmond, Brighton: Mega City Four w/ The InstigatorsDecember 12
Lion Brewery, Ash: Who Moved the Ground?
Kalidescope, Birmingham: UK Subs w/ Mega City FourDecember 13
Broken Doll, Newcastle: Mega City Four w/ The InstigatorsDecember 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 InstigatorsDecember 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 LoweDecember 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 AmoebasDecember 17
Arts Centre, Bridgewater: Mega City Four w/ Parachute MenDecember 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 ThingsDecember 21
Bierkeller, Bristol: Mega City Four w/ The SeersDecember 22
Caribbean Club, Basingstoke: Mega City Four w/ Senseless ThingsDecember 23
The Cricketers, Westfield: Van Gogh and the Earlobes w/ Backlash
Grey Hound, Fulham: Mega City Four w/ Senseless Things, The Instigators and SnuffDecember 24
Sir George Robey, Finsbury Park: Mega City Four w/ SnuffDecember 28
The Cricketers, Westfield: Backlash w/ Strangeland
The George, Ash Vale: Explodehead
Lion Brewery, Ash: The Rockit Men
The Maltings, Farnham: Hot ClubDecember 29
Royal Oak, Passfield: Rattlesnake
The George, Ash Vale: Smokey Joe
Lion Brewery, Ash: The Press
Cricketers, Westfield: TouchDecember 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 FourGo forward to
The 1990 Gig ListGo back to
The 1988 Gig List1 in 12, 1989, Aberdeen, Adelphi, Aldershot, Anhrefn, Another Cuba, Art College, Arts Centre, Ash Vale, Assembly Rooms, ATG, B -Movies in Black and White, Backlash, Bad Soul, Barrel Organ, Barrell Organ, Basingstoke, Bastard, Beef, Benedicts, Between Two Worlds, Bierkeller, Big Boy Tomato, Big Country, Big Time, Big Wednesday, Billingshurst, Birmingham, Bitter Sweet, Blinder, Bliss, Blow by Blow, Blue Velvet, Bob Hope, Bordeaux, Borders, Bournemouth, Bow, Bowes Lion House, Bradford, Brentford, Bridgewater, Brighton, Bristol, Broadwalk, Broken Doll, Brunel University, Buckland, Burberries, Busby's, Buzz Club, Calamity Sax, Camberley, Camberley Town Football Club, Cardiacs, Cardiff, Carribbean Club, Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, Cesspit Rebels, Cheltenham, Chester, Chobham, Church Hall, Civic hall, Cockney Rebel, Collapse, Community Centre, Company of Cowards, Corn Dollies, Covent Garden, Coventry, Coventry Polytechnic, Covers, Cranleigh, Cricket Pavilion, Crocks, Crondall, Cry Sisco, Derby, Dollar Babies, Dorking, Dross, Duchess of York, Eager Sin Babies, East Neuk, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University, Erick, Escape Club, Explodehead, Farnham, Fish, Flashback, Fleet, Flicks, Forrest & The Choppers, Fox & Hounds, FRA, Frantic, Frimley, Fulham, Gaye Bykers on Acid, Germination, Gig List, Gigs, Glastonbury, Gloucester, Godalming, Gomsall, Green Dragon, Greyhound, Guernsey, Guildford, Guildhall Arts Centre, Hard Options, Haselmere, Haslemere Hall, Heartbreak Beat, Hebdon Bridge, Hot Club, Huddersfield, Hull, Hungerford Hitmen, If This Was You, Infernal Triangle, Inside Out, Instinction, International Resque, Inverness, It Bites, Jerico Tavern, Jez Lowe, Jim & Dave, Jive Turkey, Jolly Butcher, Jolly Farmer, Jon Fit Beast, Junction 10, Kalidescope, Kennington, Kenton, KGB, Kiev Exocet, King of the Slums, Knights, Last of The Teenage Idols, Leadmill, Leeds, Leicester, Lemon, Limeburners, Liphook, Live and Breathe, Loaded, London, Long Tall Texans, Longcross, Los Dildos, Lowell Fulson, Lyne, Magnolia Siege, Manchester, Manner Night Spot, Marlon, Marquee, Marshall Rooms, McCarthy, Mean Fiddler, Mega City Four, Midnighters, Milltown Bros, Moseley Dance Centre, Mr Ed, Mulberry Ceilings, Mutant Frogs, Napalm Groove Squad, Ned Pamphillon, New Breed, Newcastle, Newdigate, Nicky Papas, Nobody Called Ruth, Northampton, Norwich, Ob Jay Da, Old Boy Network, Opera on the Green, Oxford, Paris in the Fall, Passfield, PDQ, Phone the Pope, Phyl Da Bass, Pilgrim, Play Dixie, Pop Will Eat Itself, Porterhouse, Positive Thinking, Potterrow, Primal Scream, Princess Charlotte, PWEI, Queen Mary College, Railroad Earth, Rattlesnake, Raw Ho!, Red 57, Redhill, Retford, Riverside, Roadmenders, Rob Rose Band, Rock Garden, Rodney Allen, Romeo Suspect, Rosettes, Royal Oak, Rusty Bucket, Sammy Rats Big Big Blues Band, Screaming Amoebas, Screw Loose, Senseless Things, Shaftsbury Hall, Shalford, Sheffield, Sheffield University, Shepherd's Bush, Showcase '89, Sir George Robey, Sister Midnight, Skyfire, Smokey Joe, Snakepit, Snuff, Soho, Something Pretty Beautiful, Southampton, Southwater, St. Pierre’s Park Hotel, Steve Harley, Steve Harley and the Cocknet Rebel, Steven Henderson, Stevenage, Stone Cold, Strangeland, Stroud, Sugar Mountain, Surrey Oak, Swansea, Take Two, Taunton, Thames Ditton, Théâtre Barbey, The 68 Floods, The Albion, The Aurbisons, The Band of Holy Joy, The Big Boat, The Bland, The Button Factory, The Buzz Club, The Candyage, The Castle, The Cateran, The Catholics, The Click, The Cock, The Colour Mary, The Compasses, The Cotteridge Hotel, The Cricketers, The Devils Dance Party, The Dial, The Eclairs, The Family Cat, The Flying Tigers, The Gateway, The George, The Gift, The Greyhound, The Ha Ha Men, The Hamsters, The Happy Few, The Happy Mondays, The Hiding Place, The Hillbillies, The Honky Tonk Heroes, The House of Love, The Hype, The Instigators, The King’s Arms, The Lion Brewery, The Little Piggy Band, The Maltings, The Men They Couldn't Hang, The Milk Monitors, The Old Swan, The Old Trout, The Parachute Men, The Parrot Inn, The Plough, The Powerhaus, The Press, The Price, The Proles, The Red Lion, The Richmond, The Rockit Men, The Ruby Tuesdays, The Seers, The Shamen, The Sinders, The Spy's Trademark, The Star, The Stone Roses, The Things, The Three Lions, The Venue, The Wasp Factory, The Wild Bunch, Think, Three Times The Crow, Thrilled Skinny, To The Fountain, Too Many Cameras, Touch, Trades Club, Two Extremes, UK Subs, University of Surrey, University of Warwick, Uxbridge, Van Gogh and the Earlobes, Voiceless, Walking the Dog, Walsall, Walton on Thames, Walton Playhouse, Waterfront, West End Centre, West Indian Centre, West Surrey College of Art & Design, Westfield, Whitstable, Who Moved the Ground?, Windsor, Wise Child, Woking, Working Men's Club, WSCAD, Yankees Drums Ticks, Yellow Darkness, Youth Centre -
The Fix
(c.’76-’80) Brian Hanlon (lead / rhythm guitar / vocals), Pete Alvis (rhythm guitar / vocals). Nigel Turner (bass / vocals), Paul Cane (drums).
This band came from humble Status Quo-esque beginnings to become heavily influenced by The Jam and anything Mod related from 78 to 80. Gigging around in various places on the local circuit, they also recorded several demos in Farnham and also Ark Studios in Kingston. Most notably, they supported the original line-up of Squire, including Steve Baker, at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford in ’79.
Both Hanlon and Turner went on to form and play in various other bands, such as, Precious Few, XLR-8, which also included Alvis, and China Heart.
Gallery:
The Fix. Picture courtesy of William de Kock -
Tamberlaine
(c’94-95) Darren Robinson (vocal / guitar), John Picarillo (drums), Malcolm Smith (lead guitar, b.vocals) and Billy Adam (bass, b.vocals).
The band, who had all been members of Sweetlife, were initially managed by Andrew Stevens, then Coulsdon based Mirage Music Artist Management. In mid to late ’94 the band released of the 5-track “Of There’s Freedom In Our Hearts…” demo cassette. On 6 August ’94 1994, Tamberlaine supported Vox Pop at The Cricketers, Westfield.
In ’95, David Bailey replaced Adam on bass and backing vocals and Smith left. Shortly after the, now 3-piece, band released the “Out Of Our Heads” demo which was engineered by Andy Levine having been recorded at RMS Studios. They went on to become My Revolution and then Explain. Listed as My Revolution, the track “Out of My Head” appeared on Farnborough Groove Vol.6.
Bailey, who’d been in Five O’Clock High and Vox Pop, was in Summerbee at around the same time as Tamberlaine and has since moved to Spain, was involved in the The Real Me and Acoustic River Collective (ARC) – a group of musicians based in Almeria – and is currently recording as part of Left Bank Two.
Tracks:
Gallery:
1994: Tamberlaine support Vox Pop at The Cricketers, Westfield. Picture courtesy of David Bailey 
Sleeve to Tamberlaine’s “If There’s Freedom In Our Hearts” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Side 1 of Tamberlaine’s “If There’s Freedom In Our Hearts” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Sleeve to Tamberlaine’s “Out Of My Head” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
A-side of Tamberlaine’s “Out Of My Head” demo. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
“Out of My Head” appeared on Farnborough Groove Vol.6, after the band changed their name to My Revolution. -
Phantom Zone
(c’79-’80) ? members
This was a Guildford band doing original songs and covering the like’s of Max Crook / Del Shannon’s “Runaway”. They came 2nd in the Surrey / Hants Music Competition in early 1980 at Farnham Maltings, where they competed against Impulse, Lynx, Stripes, and UBz, missing out on a 500 quid recording contract with Ray Dorset’s Satellite label.
Gallery:
Taken from the May/June 1980 issue of Barbed Wires – Vol 3 No 2 (issue 6) – Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes -
Approved Men
(c’79-81) Charlie Rashbrook (vocals), Ross Brown (guitar), Julian “Dooley” Robinson (rhythm guitar), Colin Short/Shaw (bass) and Herbie Williams (drums).
Front of the outer sleeve of screen printed copy of “Quite Like You” Formed in ’79, the band’s name reportedly came from an inscription on a beam at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford where Brown, Rashbrooke and Robinson were pupils. They performed their debut at the Royal Grammar School on 14 December ’79 with B.J. and the Mars Bars for the VIth Form Christmas Party. Gigging extensively around Guildford and Woking, including The Royal, Guildford and The Wooden Bridge, Guildford; they definitely appeared at The Wooden Bbridge on 7 march ’81 for a ‘Rock Against Cruise Missiles’ gig. In the early ’80’s you could have seen some “Approved Men” graffiti on the side of the Yvonne Arnaud.
In 1980 they entered Pebble Beach Studios, Worthing for 3 hours and, with the help of producer Tony “Nod” Harris, – a regular at the King’s Head – self-published the “Quite Like You” 7” white label [JR001] with “So Sad” and “’Somewhere to Run” on the B-side. They recorded all three tracks in an afternoon, speeding up “Quite Like You”. The one note synth part on “So Sad” was played by Brown on an ARP synth, an artist who was in the studio that week had hired and happened to still be in the studio. Depending on your source, either 100, 250 or 500 were pressed (funded by Rashbrook’s father), but each one does feature unique hand drawn artwork. There was a picture sleeve too, which Brown hand screen printed, for about fifty or so singles.
The track was played by John Peel on March 6th that same year, in the ‘New To You’ section of his show. The transcript of that section of Peels show reads: “I’ve always enjoyed the way that record companies work, in that if a band from one particular town is successful they don’t assume it’s anything to do with the band but rather something to do with the town. And of course recently all these record companies have been sending people to camp out in Coventry in the hope of finding a band there. Now with the success of The Vapors who come from the Guildford area; well it could be an opportunity for The Approved Men who also come from Guildford.
The complete John Peel Show of 6th March 1980, featuring The Approved Men This is their “Quite Like You”. The segment closed with Peel saying “I think that’s true of almost everybody actually. That’s The Approved Men and it’s called “Quite Like You” and according to the band, and I see no reason to doubt them they’ve only had 500 copies of that pressed and it doesn’t seem to be on any specific label. So if you want to get a copy of it you have to write to Colin, 55 Station Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey. You want that again: Colin, 55 Station Road, Shalford, S. H. A. L. F. O. R. D. Guildford, Surrey. The band then meet and courted John Weller with aim of securing management, but it never happened. They called it a day in ’81, but the single is still in demand by John Peel collectors.
Brown is now the retired Dean of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London and making music again as Ross Brown.
Tracks:
Gallery:
7 March 1981: Approved Men and support were at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Source: Ross Brown via Guildford Town Past & Present 
7 March 1981: Approved Men played the Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Chris Try. 
14 December 1979: Approved Men and B.J and the Mars Bars played at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford’s VIth Form Christmas Party. Picture courtesy of Chris Try. 
Picture courtesy of Heather Tipton 
Alan Neve reviewed Approved Men’s 7″ for the last ever issue of Barbed Wire – May/June 1980 Vol 3 No 2 (issue 6) – Picture courtesy of Fred Pipes 
Example of ‘unique’ artwork for each pressing 
Example of ‘unique’ artwork for each pressing 
Side A of a screen printed copy, carrying “Quite Like You” 
Side B of a screen printed copy, carrying “So Sad” and “Somewhere to Run” 
Front of the outer sleeve of screen printed copy of “Quite Like You” 
Back of the outer sleeve of screen printed copy of “Quite Like You” Approved Men, B.J. and the Mars Bars, Charlie Rashbrook, Colin Shaw, Colin Short, Guildford, Herbie Williams, John Peel, John Weller, Joulian Robinson, Pebble Beach Studios, Rock Against Cruise Missiles, Ross Brown, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Grammer School, Shalford, The King's Head, The Royal, The Vapors, Tony Harris, University of London, Woking, Wooden Bridge, Worthing -
Consider Her Ways
(c’81) Mark Donmall (vocals), Ian Redgewell (bass), Mark Mosforth (guitar), Sniff (sax) & Paul Farley (drums).
Evolved out of Scrag End, which formed at Bishop Reindorp School. Originally fronted by Alex Blake (vocals), he was replaced by drummer Donmall. Paul Newman (bass) went to America and Redgewell stepped into his shoes. The bands track “Snatch” was a crowd favorite.
Gallery:
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The Curse
(c’88-90) Joe Gomez (vocal), Dave Kent (guitar), Will Kent (bass/keyboards), and James Bobbett (drums).
The band played sets of covers and originals, citing The Cult, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, The Mission, Simple Minds, U2, The Police, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones as influences and gigged throughout Surrey. We know the band played at the Hand and Spear, Weybridge in ’88, and The Cricketers, Westfield in April ’89.
Paul Rees was their Audio & Video Engineer and the video for their original song “Saturday Morning” was shot on the roof of Rees’ home in St George’s Hill.
Dave and Will Kent, along with Gomez were last seen in Velvet Razor / Original Sin, a heavy rock band started in 1992, who were joined by Paul “Dame Edna” Etheridge (vocals).
Tracks:
Gallery:
A still from the video for “Saturday Morning” 
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Square One
(c’81-’82) Robert Jacob (guitar / vocals), Beverley Jacob (keyboards / vocals); Solo (bass / vocals) and Gary Smith (drums).
Described as New Wave / Experimental / Indie Rock this Woking / Weybridge combo was formed by ex-Noit Otni & The Pits and The Volunteers frontman Jacob with members of The Alligators. The band gigged in London, notably the Hope & Anchor, Islington; and before touring the Netherlands (Amsterdam) they released the “Numbers” 7″ EP on the Sacre Bleu label (SABLE10) backed with “Coloured Sand” and “Hollywood” in August ’81. This was only available from Bonapartes, Guildford and Subway. The tracks were recorded in Paris, along with some unreleased material.
The band returned to the UK and recorded some further tracks at a studio in Putney, including “Down From The North” and “Picture Of You”. At this time Adam Hart Dyke (guitar) joined the band, bringing their number to five. No tracks from the Putney sessions were ever released at the time.
By the mid ’80s Hart Dyke was in the group Empire Of Lights.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Adam Hart Dyke joined Square One in late ’81 / early ’82. 
Front cover of “Numbers”, Square One’s 7″ EP on the Sacre Bleu label (SABLE10) backed with “Coloured Sand” and “Hollywood”. 
Back cover of “Numbers”, Square One’s 7″ EP on the Sacre Bleu label (SABLE10) backed with “Coloured Sand” and “Hollywood”. 
Side B of the “Numbers” EP by Square One’s 
A-Side of 7″ EP “Numbers”. 
Side B of the “Numbers” EP by Square One’s 
B-Side of 7″ EP “Numbers”. 
Soundscence ’81 (Date TBC). Picture courtesy of Chris Turner. 
Robert Jacob of Square One 
Beverley Jacob of Square One 
Square One in Paris (L-R) Solo, Jacob, Jacob, and Smith 
Smith during rehearsals 
Smith of Square One 
Solo performing as part of Square One 
Beverley Jacobs of Square One -
32:20
(c’80-’81) Russ Good (drums), Steve Collins (guitar), Dave Mepstead (bass) and John Atterbury (vocals).
This four piece, named for either the Bible verse Deuteronomy 32:20 or the The 32:20 Winchester (32 caliber bullet of .312-inch-diameter and standard black-powder charge of 20 grains) attempted to recruit a keyboardist / sax player some time in ’81. They also mocked Woking College heavy metal band Strutter while supporting them and went on to play The Cricketers, Westfield on the 20 and 27 February ’81. At some point Good was replaced by Martin Fabb (or was it the other way around?).
Good would go on to appear in Life Under One Sun and Shooting at Strangers.
Gallery:
Soundscene 29th Jan ’81. Picture courtesy of Chris Turner 
Soundscene 1981 (Date TBC). Picture courtesy of Chris Turner.
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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