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Casual Sax
(c’86-87) Chrissie Franey (sax), Bev Chadwick (sax) & Kaz Jones (sax).

Two thirds of Casual Sax on the University of Surrey stage with Steel Bill & the Buffalos Casual Sax were a busking 3-piece horn section (sax section really) for hire to local bands. In ’87 they supported Holy Durex, thanks to Colin ‘The Fishperson’ Robb of Steel Bill and The Buffalos, for whom Casual Sax also provided horn.
After 18 months together Franey, having completed her PhD, left to work in a hospital and play with Hank Wangford. Chadwick worked at the Royal Festival Hall, London for several years becoming the Foyer Music Programmer and is now a freelance tenor/baritone sax player taking on short and long term contracts in the UK and across Europe in jazz, soul, blues, and reggae. In the early ’90s she appeared on two of the Fugatives albums, was part of Mass Producers in the late ’90s and on the track “Out Of The Blue” for Robert Wyatt’s ‘Comicopra’ in the late 2000s with Brian Eno, Yaron Stavi, Annie Whitehead, and Alfie Benge. Jones is now a painter and printmaker.




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Backlash
(’85-’94) Vis The Spoon (guitar / vocals), Ken ? (bass) and Andy? (drums)
This West Byfleet three piece, after 6 months together, released the 5-track 15.12.85 Demo tape, in December ’85. By ’87 the band was: Vis The Spoon, Al Johnson (bass) and Joe “Mad Dog” O’Sullivan (drums). In July ’87 the band only got 4 songs in before being kicked off stage at Eclipse, Egham, while supporting The Twist and were “banned for life” from The Cricketers, Westfield in October that same year, while being supported by The Twist. More successful, and without Twist, was the “All Cars Are Red” demo cassette released in November that year, which featured “Where Did Our Love Go?” on the B-side.

Backlash’s “All Cars Are Red” courtesy of Tom Pugh 
Backlash’s “All Cars Are Red” courtesy of Tom Pugh Neil Physic took over the sticks, passing them onto Matt Alexander who appeared on the FlipTop Head tape and consequently on “Electric Groove Machine” on Snakebite City, which also carried “Some Kinda Crazy” – In the release for which they were describe as “No dodgy heavy metal band here but Woking’s finest indie/punk/pop/punk band – ANYWHERE”. Bluefire Records got them back for Snakebite City Two, which carried the track “Traction”.


In mid ’88 the band came third in the Soundscene Demo Review, with particular note paid to “Contraband”. Al Johnson was replaced by long-term bassist Duncan Disorderly (aka Dunk the Biscuit), who was subsequently replaced by ex-Deceased Disease bassist Kevin Ward for the last two years of Backlash’s reign. In late ’88 rhythm guitarist ‘Birdy’ was added. Briefly between bass players Backlash also featured Darren Searles, at the time of fellow “Sounds Around” contributors Positive Thinking and now of the mighty The Loveburns. Small World fact: Darren Searles’ brother Carl now plays in a local covers band with former ‘Lash sticksman “Mad Dog” O’Sullivan. “Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”.

“Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”. Picture courtesy of David J. Griffiths On 11 April ’89 Backlash came out of a gigging hiatus, supporting Positive Thinking at The Red Lion, Brentford. In August ’89 Phil Gibby pronounced them winners of the Cliff Richard award for longevity in his ‘Farewell Honors’. Backlash, with new member David “Birdy Strangetrousers” Griffiths, were not pleased with the mix on “Sounds Around” and re-recorded both songs and “All Cars Are Red” and stuck all 3 revamped versions on the one “A Word to the Wise” cassette EP. Erstwhile Soundscene contributor, Steve Jones was none to complimentary describing Backlash as being short of ideas and marking time by releasing songs that everyone who cared already had. In August of ’89 the bands life ban at The Cricketers, Westfield was lifted for a memorable gig, supported by Mr Ed. Then Griffiths was replaced by Dan “de Lion” Hiscocks. In late 1990 Backlash were part of the the MTV Satellite Jukebox, a 12 hour dance party staged in youth clubs all across Europe; conceived and organised by Chris Long for Youth Clubs UK (video tape exists somewhere) with Big Wednesday and Strangeland in New Haw. 1990 also saw the release of “Songs About Happiness”, the 6-track cassette EP.

Backlash’s “Songs About Happiness” courtesy of Tom Pugh This EP didn’t feature Backlash’s ‘Some Linda Crazy’ (a Phil Gibby typo renaming of ‘Some Kinda Crazy’) which was #6 in Soundscene’s Top Ten Local Songs 1990. On 3 November ’90 the band were headlining at All Saints Church Hall, New Haw, with The Mourning After and Alternative Law in support. The band gigged extensively over the next few years, notably supporting Spin Doctors in Jan ’91, appearing at Ragamuffins, Camberley on 4 June that year, where they returned on 13 August ’91. They opened for Thousand Yard Stare at the Agincourt, Camberley in Oct and partook in The Cube’s Xmas Do, at Ragamuffins on 23 December ’91 with Trousershock B.C. Over the course of Dec ’91 and Jan ’92 the band recorded 8 tracks with Paul Godfrey, of The Outcast Band, at Evolution Studios. These were to become the “Fliptop Head’ cassette album, featuring Neil of Big Wednesday on drums, Paul of The Outcast Band on Fiddle and Jason Orbaum on keyboards.
Backlash were back at ragamuffins on 7 July ’92 for The Cube, and again on 8 September and 8 December. In ’93 the band’s track “Drowning” appeared on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3 and we know that Backlash put on a show on 17 August ’93 at Ragamuffins. The final gigs were in ’94 at Merrist Wood and The Cricketers, the first with Hiscock before he ran to India the other with Adam Wolters on bass. Vis, Wolters and Alexander then changed the name to Brad Obscure, playing 2 gigs before dropping the curtain.
Tracks:
All Cars Are Red:
Don’t Touch Me:
Drowning:
Electric Groove Machine:
Ghosts:
Incredulous:
Johnny:
Let Me Take It
Silly Man:
Traction:
Where Did Our Love Go?:
Video:
‘Don’t Touch Me’ live West End Centre, Aldershot ’93:Gallery:

9 April 1993: Big Boy Tomato and Backlash played the Totally Wired Club, The Powerhaus, London as promoted by Paul Talling. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
“Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”. 
“Sounds Around” was a 1988 compilation of local bands compiled by Tim Laws of Two Extremes, who also ran the Sounds Associated Recording (SAR) studios in Byfleet on the Sounds Associated label [SAR 1001]; which carried two Backlash tracks: “Ghosts” and “Johnny”. 
“Drowning” by Backlash was included on Return of Farnborough Groove Vol.3 in 1993. Picture courtesy of Pete Cole 
Backlash’s “Some Kinda Crazy” was 6th in the Soundscene’s Top 10 local songs of 1990, although it was listed as ‘Some Linda Crazy’. Clipped from 3 Jan ’91 Soundscene column. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
68 Floods share the Cliff Richard Award with Backlash in the Phil Gibby farewell awards from August ’89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
1993 press release from Bluefire Records launching the Snakebite City compilation that included Backlash, along with Big Boy Tomato, Peachrazor, Pomeroy, Pretty Green, Trousershock BC and Mama Cain (aka Phobia). Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Dan Hiscocks’ Woking Soundscene review of Backlash at The Red Lion, Brentford on 11 April ’89, where they supported Positive Thinking. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Snakebite City flyer c’92. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Backlash, supported by Kambium, played Camberley Town Football Club on 9 July 1993 according to this gig list. They also played the venue on 13 August supported by Peachrazor and Trouseshock BC. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
Backlash, along with Peachrazor and Pretty Green, played The Fox and Hounds, Fleet on 4 September 1992 according to this unidentified fanzine gig list. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
3 November 1990: Backlash headlined this gig at All Saints Church Hall, New Haw with Alternative Law and The Mourning After (their 1st gig) in support. 
Snakebite City, which included Backlash, release date clipping. It’s 1992, but the paper and date are unknown. Picture courtesy of Steve Porter 
“Fill In The Date” poster for Backlash with Staggerance. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
PG Tips c’88 highlights Backlash’s flyposting – sends Tin Tin (that’s me) to investigate… Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Backlash in PG Tips possibly from 22 Dec 1988, mentioning addition of ‘Birdy’ to the band and quest for support slots. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Vis of Backlash. Picture courtesy of Brian Canine. 
Backlash c’89. Picture courtesy Vis via Brian Canine. 


Backlash at Virginia Water Country Park. Picture by Jamie Beeden 
Side 2 of “Fliptop Head” cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Side 1 of “Fliptop Head” cassette. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
The full cassette sleeve to “Fliptop Head”. Picture courtesy of Sid Stovold 
Alexander of Backlash at The Cricketeers, Westfield. Picture by Jamie Beeden 
Vis of Backlash at The Cricketeers, Westfield. Picture by Jamie Beeden 
Backlash’s Vis at The Marquee Club, London. Picture by Jamie Beeden 
1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
1990. Picture courtesy of Nathan Argonaut 
There can’t be many of these around… 

Soundscene Gig List, 1st Oct ’87 – the fateful Backlash / The Twist gig that lead to being “banned for life” from The Cricketers, Westfield. 
1985 and Backlash’s first demo. Picture courtesy of Vis The Spoon 
Late ’85, possibly early ’86 and Soundscene reviews Backlash’s first demo. Picture courtesy of Vis The Spoon. 
Soundscene, 15th October 1987 
Soundscene’s 8th October 1987 issue did not predict the lifetime ban Backlash received, while supporting The Twist, at The Cricketers, Westfield. 
A while ago Hiscocks posted this to his page. In Dan’s words: “Sorting through my gig bag an old Backlash set list stirs a few memories. Must have been quite a late one with Weirdos and Bugs in it.” Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks. 
Backlash get a mention in 1991 in review, from the 2nd Jan 1992 Soundscene column. 
Soundscene Gigs Column, January 31st 1991. 
Soundscene – July 28th 1988 
Summer Thrash 1989 and Backlash were in Walton with Two Extremes and Westfield with Mr. Ed. The “2 others” turned out to be 3 others: New Breed, Big Time, and Yankees Drums Ticks. Image Credit: Denise Brewer 
1991 
Fliptop Head cassette album sleeve 
Fliptop Head lyric sheet 
Pete Cole’s birthday invite… 
Backlash’s Mucking Farvelous was a promo only cassette featuring the tracks All Cars Are Red, Some Kinda (Linda!) Crazy – the “Linda” refers to a Soundscene sub-editing gaff where the ‘K’ became an ‘L’ – Hold Me Tight and Ghosts 
Backlash’s final-ish gig – Merrist Wood, 1994 
Backlash’s Fliptop Head 
Woking News and Mail – 20 Sept 1990 
Backlash’s 3-track cassette EP “A Word to the Wise”. 
Backlash’s “Songs About Happiness” courtesy of Tom Pugh 

David Griffiths 
The white version… 

19 March 1993: Backlash, Pretty Green and Peachrazor at The Cricketer’s Westfield. 
Adam Wolters, Agincourt, Al Johnson, All Saints Church Hall, Alternative Law, Backlash, Big Wednesday, Birdy, Bluefire Records, Brad Obscure, Brentford, Byfleet, Camberley, Cricketers, Dan Hiscocks, Darren Searles, David Griffiths, Deceased Disease, Duncan Disorderly, Eclipse, Egham, Evolution Studios, Farnborough Groove, Jason Orbaum, Joe O'Sullivan, Kevin Ward, Matt Alexander, Merrist Wood, Mr Ed, MTV, Neil Physic, New Haw, Paul Godfrey, Phil Gibby, Positive Thinking, Ragamuffins, Snakebite City, Sounds Around, Sounds Associated Recording, Soundscene, Spin Doctors, Steve Jones, Strangeland, The Cube, The Loveburns, The Mourning After, The Outcast Band, The Red Lion, The Twist, Thousand Yard Stare, Tim Laws, Trousershock B.C., Two Extremes, Vis The Spoon, West Byfleet, Westfield -
Steel Bill & the Buffalos
(c’85-88) Colin “The Fishperson” Robb (bass), Steve Griffiths (vocal / guitar), Mick Highgate, Kaz Jones, Chris McIndoe (keyboards) and Bev Chadwick (sax).

In ’85 the band were part of Guildford Live Aid along with LongPig and other bands. On 18 July ’86 the band supported Phoney American Accents at The Crypt, Deptford along with The Unknown Colours. Ten days later, on 28 July ’86, Steel Bill and The Buffalos were at the The Old Schoolhouse, Woking, with The Lost Prophets (not Pontypridd’s pride and joy – they arrived 11 years too late). Teaming up with Ozric Tentacles promoters in late ’86 saw the Bill’s on the bill for a couple of gigs on the Stoned Out of Our Heads tour, including The Crypt, at the Recreation Centre, Farnborough where they co-supported with Phoney American Accents and The Magic Mushroom Band. This was followed by supporting Voodoo Child (psychedelic rock group who released one album: “Acid Tales And Mermaids” in 1986 on Aftermath) at University of Surrey on 31 October. In November that year Steel Bill and The Buffaloes headlined a Buzz Club at the West End Centre. Aldershot, with West One, FRA, and Second Balcony Jump in support. They were also definitely supporting the Cardiacs at the very last concert at The Old Schoolhouse; along with The Body Politic, and Five O’Clock High.
In ’87 the 7″ Four Fleas on the Dark Dog of Night four track EP was released on the Space Pig label and featured ‘Louis the Buffalo’, ‘Laura’s Secret Garden’, ‘Cardboard Church’ and ‘Concrete Necklace’.

Their July ’88 gig at the University of Surrey Students Union (Dave Guerin did the sound) was hailed as the gig of the year. September that year saw them headline and win at “Showcase ’88” held at Centre Halls, Woking, and back at Surrey University later in October for their farewell gig. In Soundscene’s New Years Honors, a PG Tips tradition, three awards went to Steel Bill & the Buffalos: “Travel Scholarship Award” for Griffiths, “Memorial Award” (shared) and the “Golden Dentures Trophy”. The following year they picked up ‘The Andrew Lloyd Webber’ award in Soundscene’s Phil Gibby farewell honors.
Griffiths left for Australia and later became lead singer with Australian Doors, where he is still active in Sydney. Steel Bill later morphed into Jim Morrison. Robb died of oesophageal cancer in 2010, shortly after he gave me the okay to use his pictures below. Chadwick is a traveling saxophonist. A few years back Poodle was gigging around the World with F1’s Eddie Jordan at various billionaires parties.
Louis the Buffalo:
Laura’s Secret Garden:
Cardboard Church:
Concrete Necklace:Gallery

15 November 1986: Flyer for Steel Bill and The Buffaloes supported by West One, FRA, and Second Balcony Jump at West End Centre, Aldershot. Source: West One 
Steel Bill and the Buffalos were the last band on at Showcase ’88, held at Centre Halls, Woking in September; which they won. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Aug ’89 and Steel Bill pick up ‘The Andrew Lloyd Webber’ award in the Phil Gibby farewell honors. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Steel Billl clipping from Soundscene (date unknown, but probably 1988). Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Three awards for Steel Bill & the Buffalos in the PG Tips December ’88 honors: “Travel Scholarship Award” for Griffiths, Memorial Award (shared) and the “Golden Dentures Trophy”…Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Is ‘the man’ Griffiths? PG Tips – date unknown, possibly 1988/89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Colin “The Fishperson” Robb of Steel Bill and the Buffaloes. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones 
Griffiths and Jones of Steel Bill and the Buffaloes at a University of Surrey Students Union gig in 1988. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones 
Steel Bill and the Buffaloes live. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones 
Robb and Griffiths up front at a Steel Bill and the Buffaloes gig. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones 
Steel Bill and the Buffaloes at a University of Surrey Students Union gig in 1988. Picture courtesy of Kaz Jones 

Surrey University’s Barefacts mag hype’s Steel Bill’s final gig – Oct 21st 1988 
22 Nov ’86 gig ad 
18 Oct ’86 gig poster 
Steel Bill’s support of Phoney American Accents, Ozric Tentacles and The Magic Mushroom Band at The Crypt reviewed by Tim Garrard in Bare Facts… 
Steel Bill and The Buffalos supported Voodoo Child at Surrey University on October 31st. Tim Garrard wrote this review for the November 7th issue of the SUSU Bare Facts Magazine.
Voodoo Child were a psychedelic rock group who released one album: Acid Tales And Mermaids in 1986 on Aftermath.
22 Nov’ 86 gig flyer 








Steel Bill gets the very briefest of mentions in this clipping from the Nov 28 ’86 issue of the University of Surrey Student Union Bare Facts 






It’s Steel Bill’s last gig – October 29th, 1988 at the Student Union, Surrey University. 
The “Brain Sweat!” Album Cover for live recording 0f Surrey University gig. 



18 July 1986 
Flyer for the last concert at The Old Schoolhouse. Source: Mark Kettett Aldershot, Australian Doors, Bev Chadwick, Buzz Club, Cardiacs, Centre Halls, Chris McIndoe, Colin Robb, Five O'Clock High, FRA, Guildford Live Aid, Jim Morrison, Kaz Jones, LongPig, Mick Highgate, Ozric Tentacles, Phoney American Accents, Second Balcony Jump, Space Pig, Steel Bill & the Buffalos, Steve Griffiths, The Body Politic, The Magic Mushroom Band, The Old Schoolhouse, The Unknown Colours, University of Surrey, Voodoo Child, West End Centre, West One, Woking -
Orphic Soop
(c’93-’98) Arno Spires (guitar), Jake Spires (piano), Damian Wilson (vocals), Matt Webb (bass), Omar Hayes (drums).

Formed in ’93 Orphic Soop gigged regularly on the local music scene through ’94. Around this time Wilson was replaced by Mick Hosie and they took the act national. After a gig at the Marquee (c’94) the band signed to Almo. They were back at the Marquee on 25 March ’95 opening for Dirty Strangers. In ’96 the Almo Sounds label released the ‘Groove Dictation’ EP featuring the title track, “Dead by Tomorrow”, “Denied”, and “All I Want to Do”.

“Dead by Tomorrow” appeared on the Pinnacle Independent News label’s Upfront Pinup 2:4 compilation in 1996. In October ’96 they supported Reef for the first four gigs of the Glow tour. The opening track, Here & Now, to their yet to be released album appeared on Kerrang’s compilation CD: Radio Kerrang No.4 in ’97. That album, tiled “23” featured 11 tracks, was produced by David Bottrill, and went out on the Birth label in ’98. That same year the band toured with Deep Purple.

In ’99 “Here & Now” was published in Spain on the Rock Sound Sampler – Volume 11 on the Rock Sound [RSCDE011] and Freeway Ediciones [RSCDE011] labels. While the band are no more, they still get the occasional radio play: http://comeonletsrock.co.uk/2010/01/29/new-year-new-bands-31st-january-2010/.
Tracks:

Orphic Soop graffiti, Paradise Circus, Birmingham 
25 March 1995: Orphic Soop support Dirty Strangers. Source: Steve Gray via Marquee Club London 
17 June 1996: Orphic Soop along with Sten, supported Nilon Bombers at Splash, The Water Rats, Kings Cross. Source: Wendy McNally via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
2 November 1996: Orphic Soop headlined a gig at Dublin Castle, Camden, supported by Headcleaner and Night Nurse. Source: Wendy McNally via BULL & GATE MEMORIES – remembering all who sailed in her musical tidal wave 
11 February 1996: Ticket for Apes, Pigs & Spacemen supported by Cecil and Orphic Soop at the Jug of Ale, Moseley. Reportedly, Orphic Soop were replaced by Send No Flowers on the day. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene 
Orphic Soop appeared at the Ambient Green Picnic, Guildford in 1998. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene 
Orphic Soop appeared at the Ambient Green Picnic, Guildford in 1998. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene 
19 September 1997: Orphic Soop headlined Mutley C’s Homegrown, with Lacuna, Leith and Mindwire at the Agincourt, Camberley. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene 
1994: Orphic Soop were at the Marquee, London. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks 
Review of Orphic Soop’s “Groove Dictation” from Music and Media 27 July ’96 
Second picture of an unknown woman in front of Deep Purple UK tour poster, with special guests Orphic Soop, pops up. 
In May ’99 the University of East Anglia student newsletter called Concrete had an insert titled ‘Century’ looking back at their past. Orphic Soop get a mention, but for how wrong the reviewer was at the time… 



Absolutely no idea who she is, but behind her is the Deep Purple UK Tour poster from 1998, with Orphic Soop listed as special guests. 


October 1996 gig list. Source: The Surrey & NE Hampshire Music Scene Facebook Group 
Orphic Soop mailer for 1996. Picture courtesy of David Lapage 
Thanks to Lou Irvine for this shot of Orphic Soop 

15 February 1997: The Farnham Fusion Festival took place at the Maltings, featuring Alabaama 3, Womb, Beth Orton, Loop Guru, Dr Didg, Orphic Soop, Terminal Head, Redwood,, The Dolman, Pineapple Tribe, Fish Pig, Seed & The Bridge, Decon Prom, Jabanna, Alien Mutation, Peter Sarstedt, Blazing Homesteads, and Past Caring 





So, who recalls Radio Kerrang CDs. This one from 1997 features Orphic Soop along with Bush, Human Waste Project, Midget, Cecil, Rachel Stamp, The Pixies, Sepultura, Will Haven, Judas Priest, Dust Junkys, Beekeepers, and Foil


































































































































































































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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