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Coffin-Dodger Renegades: Bournemouth Beat 78-87
The English south coast town
of Bournemouth has long had a reputation for attracting affluent oldies to
spend their final years on the planet basking in a seemingly pine-tree laden
paradise. As such, its genteel image has ensured that the country’s popular
music press would not touch the place (and its surrounds) with the proverbial
bargepole, instead choosing to focus on fractious provincial musical hotbeds
such as Liverpool and Manchester. However, despite being shunned by the media
(and having to battle against the general local apathy to anything new or
different), there were still local residents young and determined enough to get
their own bands together. Sadly, despite such efforts very few participants in
the local scene ever “made it” – those odd individuals who did (such as Robert Fripp, Andy Summers and Al Stewart) had to move on to get
anywhere.
Those mentioned above were of the sixties "beat" era that was originally inspired by the advent of rock 'n' roll. However the explosion of punk and the DIY culture in the late 70’s kick-started a whole new generation of noise-makers. The “Godfathers” of the Bournemouth new-wave were (The) Tours who amazingly had their independently-pressed 45 frequently played on the Radio 1 Peel show, and consequently won themselves a contract with Virgin Records - although (perhaps inevitably) it all ended in tears. However, this feature mainly showcases acts in the “second-wave”*, as I had moved along the coast to the town in 1981 (from where I came from it seemed like a glittering metropolis - really), and apart from playing in and recording with various bands, blagged tapes whenever I could of other projects from friends and acquaintances I made on the local scene. To some my “hobby” seemed a bit odd at the time, but in retrospect I’m pleased I made the effort - and not just so the recordings can appear here. I do actually like most of the tracks featured below to some degree, and enjoyed listening to them again whilst transferring to digital format.
* update 2013: thanks to the contributions of others since this feature first went online, earlier acts and recordings are now much better represented
Anyway, during my time there,
the local music scene was probably as vibrant as it could be given the area's
relative lack of street-cred. There were several affordable recording studios
available (Misty, Arny’s Shack, Studio 95) where cash-strapped combos could
record demos (to be inevitably rejected by record companies), and live venues
(such as the Midnight Express and
Upstairs At Eric's) that featured local
bands as well as “signed” touring ones – and we even got paid for performing our
own material, which is something today’s wannabe’s can only envy. It was also
fairly well documented by Coaster Magazine, an independent monthly publication set up to
promote alternative local events that the town’s more traditional (and
conservative) parochial press had no interest in.
However despite all this, things petered out somewhat by the mid 80’s: the sudden closure of the Midnight as a live venue at the end of 1983 was a major blow, also the advent of affordable home-recording technology signalled the demise of the band ethic anyway (some examples of this trend feature here). I therefore moved on, sporadically revisiting the town over the following decade or so, before briefly residing there again in the late 90’s. From what I have seen, local band activity has since been far less overt than in my day (but then again I’m probably too old and cynical now to be interested anyway). However, I believe the town has now acquired some kind of status as a haven for dance ravers – most ironic, given its previous rep as God’s waiting room.
Now onto the recordings themselves, in rough chronological order with all known info regarding places, dates, and personnel - if anyone out there wishes to correct or add to any details below, please get in touch (thanks to those who have already done so). Also any other comments are invited, especially from those featured here or who otherwise participated in the scene - offers of copies of other related recordings to add to this collection are particularly welcomed.
Click on the track title to listen. Please note: prohibitive costs restrict the tracks to approx 1-minute edits. Anyone interested in obtaining the complete recordings, please email me.
* update 2013: thanks to the contributions of others since this feature first went online, earlier acts and recordings are now much better represented
THE WASTERS –
GUILTY MAN
Recorded at Movement Studio Bridgwater c.1979. Personnel: Ken Palmer (vocal/guitar) Pat Tedd (guitar/vocal) Dave Emeney (bass/vocal) Pete Evans (drums).
THE CLINIC –
YANGTZE
Recorded c.1979. Personnel: Hugh Wheadon (vocal/guitar) Nick May (guitar) Tony West (bass) Dave (drums).
ENEMY SECT –
DOGFIGHT
Recorded in rehearsal c.1980. Personnel: Bev Rogers (vocal) Pete Kenton (guitar) Russell Elliott (bass) Adrian Hart (drums).
WHITE YOUTH IN ASIA – DAYS OF YOUTH
Recorded c.1980. Personnel: Hugh Wheadon (vocal/guitar) Keith Lawes (guitar) Tony West (bass) Marc Ford (drums).
FUTURE CLASSICS –
ESPIONAGE
Recorded live at The Exeter
Bowl August 1980. Personnel: Ken Palmer (vocal/guitar) Alan Lockett
(guitar/vocal)
THE SWITCH –
NOT RECEIVING YOU
Recorded at Movement c.1980. Personnel: Pat Tedd (vocal/guitar) Tony
Davies (guitar/backing vocal) Pat Davey (bass) Pete Evans (drums).
7EVEN – DANCING IN THE RED ZONE
Recorded at Misty Studio c. early 1981. Personnel: Paul Chambers (vocal/keyboards) Alan Lockett (guitar/vocal) Steve Jeff (bass) Mike Barnes (drums).
THE OBSERVANT TRAINS – IT’S YOU
Recorded c.1981. Personnel: Marc Long (vocal/guitar/drum programming) Keith Lawes (keyboards) Tony West (bass).
THE CHASE – FIT TOGETHER
Recorded at The Music Room Canford Cliffs 1981. Personnel: Adrienne Loehry (vocals) Sarah Quilter (vocals) Steve Smith (keyboards/vocal) Paul Holman (guitar/vocal) Andy Place (drums/vocal) Nigel Hopkins (horns).
MENU – WAITING FOR A STRANGER
Recorded c.1981. Personnel: Andy Janik (vocal/guitar) Rob Poole (guitar) Richard Furter (bass/vocal) Andy Park (drums) John Grey (saxophone).
THE CHOIRBOYS – LIVING DEAD
Recorded at Misty summer 1981. Personnel: Phil Joseph (vocal/guitar) Mike Leyton (keyboards/backing vocal) Keith Knight (bass) Paul Case (drums).
THE INSTANTS – THE URBAN GYPSY
Recorded live at The Palace Vaults August 1981. Personnel: Joe Morelli (vocal/guitar) Mark Pentling (guitar) Gavin Underhill (keyboards) Phil Millward (bass) Paul Morgan (drums).
KISSING SHARKS – THERE’S NO DANGER
Recorded at Misty c.1982.
Personnel: Paddy O’Toole (vocal/guitar) Mike Cotton (vocal/bass) Pete Evans
(drums).
KHMER ROUGE – TURN IT OUT
Recorded at Misty April 1982.
Personnel: Pete Kenton (vocals/guitar) Helen Willis (vocals) Gavin Underhill
(keyboards) Russell Elliott (bass) Mark Bishop (drums/conga).
GHOST KLUB – LISTENING TO THE LANGUAGE
Recorded at Misty 1982. Personnel: Stephen Palfrey (vocal) Ian Hannen (guitar) Julian Robinson (guitar) Vaughan Williams (bass) Martin Gale (drums).
STRAWBERRY 5!! - RELAPSE
Recorded live at Midnight
Express May 1982. Personnel: Tim Brown (vocal/harmonica) Mark Conroy (guitar)
Henry Brown (keyboards) Brian Edge (bass) Mark Bishop (drums).
LOCO – TEAR DOWN THE MYSTERY
Home demo recorded c.1982. Personnel: Alan Lockett (vocals/guitars/bass) Dr Rhythm (drums).
Home demo recorded on Akai 2-track reel-to-reel 1982. Personnel: Joe Morelli (vocal/guitar) Guy Cresswell (bass) Dr Rhythm (drums).
RHINO JIVE – SO LONG SINCE WE WERE YOUNG
Recorded live at Midnight Express January 1983. Personnel: Peter Goslin (vocal/keyboards) Adam Crew-Gee (guitar) Guy Snook (bass/backing vocal) James Surridge (drums) Sarah-Jane Woodward and Andrea (backing vocals).
E B DANCE – AFRICA
Recorded live at The Academy
February 1983. Personnel: Tony Myers (vocal/saxophone) Nick McAvoy
(vocal/saxophone) Terry Spiers (saxophone) Paul Smith (guitar) Paul Darville
(bass) Mark Spiers (drums) Plim (percussion).
BLUE NILE – SAILING ON ICE
Recorded at Arny’s Shack
Parkstone March 1983. Personnel: Vicky Hamilton (vocal) Alan Lockett (guitar/backing vocal) Gavin Underhill (keyboards) Russell Elliott (bass) Mark Bishop (drums)
Sarah-Jane & Andrea (backing vocals).
PETE & HELEN – NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN
Home demo recorded 1983. Personnel: Pete Kenton (vocal/guitar) Helen Willis (vocal) Adrian Hart (programming).
NICK WAUGH – IN RETROSPECT
Recorded at Studio 95 1983. Personnel: Nick Waugh (vocal/acoustic guitar/percussion).
LOVE ON THE DOLE – COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
Recorded live in Poole July 1983. Personnel: Joe Morelli (vocal/guitar) Tony Lucas (bass synth) Nick Waugh (drums) The Dolettes (backing vocals).
PLAY FOR TODAY –
COMPROMISE
Recorded at Misty August 1983. Personnel:
Jane Evans (vocal) Dave Gillespie (guitar) Trevor Ricketts (bass)
Chris Foot (drums).
SK
Recorded at Misty October 1983. Personnel: Lee a.k.a. Sketch (vocal) Alan Lockett (guitar) Gavin Underhill (keyboards) Russell Elliott (bass) Mark Bishop (drums).
DANZE FRAKCHA – WE CAN WISH
Recorded at Studio 95 April 1984. Personnel: Nick McAvoy (vocals/saxophone) Tony Lucas (guitar) Gavin Underhill (keyboards) Nick Hamper (bass) Chris Veals ("Simmons" drums) Plim (percussion).
THE JILL PROJECT – TALK SOME TRASH
Recorded at The Music Room 1984. Personnel: Jill Cavill (vocals) Alan Lockett (guitar/drum programming) Steve Smith (bass synth) Mark Bishop (percussion).
IDIOM TRIBE – TURN THE TABLES
Recorded at Studio 95 1984. Personnel: Tim McAuliffe (vocal) John Webb (guitars) Budge Magraw (bass) John Small (drums) Nick McAvoy (saxophone).
BELLAPHON – BELLAPHON
Recorded at Studio 95 c. summer 1984. Personnel: Jayne Bennett (vocal) Brett Green (guitar) Phil Millward (bass) Steve (drums).
IN AT THE DEEP END – IMAGES
Recorded at Arny’s Shack c. summer 1984. Personnel: Martin Warman (vocal/guitar) Guy Cresswell (bass/backing vocal) Mark Bishop (drums).
JOE MORELLI – ROAD TO UTOPIA
Home demo recorded on Akai 2-track reel-to-reel c.1984. Personnel: Joe Morelli (vocals/acoustic guitar/keyboards) Dr Rhythm (drums).
HOUSE ON FIRE – LIVING LIKE STRANGERS
Recorded live at The Rooftop (formerly Upstairs at Erics) 1985. Personnel: Graham Davies (vocal/acoustic guitar) Paul Read (guitar) Martin Davies (bass) Nick Waugh (drums/vocal).
The above list may seem extensive, but for every act featured here there were at least two more active on the local scene, most of which I never even saw (or heard), never mind acquiring a recording of - in retrospect, wish I'd tried a bit harder now! Notable absentees include (relative) big-shots such as (The) Cosmetics, featuring former Tour Richard Mazda who went on to carve out a career as a producer, whilst other members later had chart success with Tom Robinson and Terence Trent Darby, and Biz Internationale, who released a 45 on a major label and regularly supported chart acts (Tina Turner, Rose Royce) and Radio 1 DJ's whenever they gigged locally. The latter were fronted by another ex-Tour and local legend Ronnie Mayor, whose "We're not worthy" status meant I never had the bottle to ask for a tape, despite seeing the band perform at least twice).
Here’s a (probably not exhaustive) roll-call of other early-to-mid 80’s Bournemouth and Poole popsters (plus those from the contiguous area also involved), mostly plucked from the pages of Coaster (I still have the back-copies in my possession) - like those featured above, most if not all wrote and performed original material to some extent, the styles of music ranging from raw punk to jazz-funk:
Da Biz (morphed into Biz Internationale) / Apres Ski (mostly ex-Biz Internationale) / Hollows (morphed into Kissing Sharks) / Rive Gauche (morphed into Rhino Jive) / The Accused (morphed into Prima Voice) / Prima Voice / Impossible Extras (a Prima Voice offshoot) / Fascinators (another Prima Voice offshoot) / Ça Va Ça Va (amazingly secured a major record contract thanks to then-top-DJ Peter Powell, but consequently sank without trace despite massive industry hype) / Self Abuse (reformed a few years back and are still going strong) / Intestines (have now been around for over 30 years) / Charm School (a.k.a. Sportsday, mostly ex-Chase) / The Skavengers / Contacts / Catholic Girls / Rikki and the Cufflinks / Elysian Fields / Freedom Fighter / Surfin Dave / The Living Daylights / Agent Orange / XS / Scratch (featuring Paul Stacey of Oasis fame) / Scribbly Scratch / The Pink Sugar Mice / The Gooch Affair (alter ego of Strawberry 5!!) / The Outsiders / Luther / Dancing In English / Dancing On The Ceiling / Dansette / Electric Boy / Shy Boys / Doot Doot / Martial Law / The Martian Schoolgirls (featuring one “Jim Slip” – probably not his given name) / The Mad are Sane / De Rigueur / Ici La / Parasites / Animal Haircuts / Zen / Axecution / Dissidents / Tim Holliday and the Last Resorts (ho ho) / The Marxist Brothers (morphed into Unrest Work and Play) / Red Day / Day One / Electric Boy / Un Deux Twang / Hi Roller / Avante / Truffle / The Grip / Demented / Josh and Jon at the Junkyard / Butcher / Blue Cadillacs / Gringo / Damocles / Men In The Garden / The Flares Of Satan / Mission Implausible / Confessions of Sin / The Void / Pleasure of the Void / Micky Fudge / The Press / Subhumans / Manhattan Slide / Credits / Tortured Youth / The God Squad / Dance Squad / Ptarmigan / Rix / Helicopter Men / Jack In Irons / The Illegitimate / Hippo / Licks 'n' Vixen / Crying Shame / Bazuzu / Chain Reaction / Dylemma / Magnetics / Slupia Nova / The Unit / Dance Problem / Rocky and the Hurricanes / Model Citizens / Watch / The Third Side / Roadworks / High Risk / Dick Strempo / The Government / Mr Blasé / Item 16 / Man Bites Dog / Red Square / Driving Force / Frank Slob and the Slobettes / The Big Sleep / Agagaga / Single Out / Pig On Heat / Shock to the System / Unicorn / Belladonna Milkshake / The Ears / Rooms Over Passageways / Fury / Silent Attack / Random Hold / Opera / The Executives / Shicane / Molten Death / Gerry Hackett and the Fringes / The Human Tortoise / Surge / Peeping Toms / Florida / Cabin Boys / The Processors / Treason / River Run Red / B4 / Rib Joints / Toxic Shock / Waveband / The Erics / Nature's Rave / Readers Wives / TV Slaves / Point Blank / Mousey and the Cheesy Bits / Chasing Frames / Gala / The Pressure Group / Takano / Ulterior Motive / Tales From The Riverbank / Five / The Chuck Janski Five / Rich Bitch / Syndicate / Yip Yip Coyote / Wotzat / The Conspiracy / Night Shift / Inside Story / Don't Walk Gig / Zips / Snatch / Givin’ Hed (ooh er missus)... and that doesn't include the folkies, old-fashioned jazzers and (semi) pro function bands! N.B. if anybody out there knows of any related websites for anyone credited here that I've not already linked to, then please get in touch...
Brief reviews of gigs by some of the acts mentioned can be found by clicking here. Several of those listed above were also featured on an early 80's compilation LP called The Apprentices Dance (only released in the States). And if you have a general interest in the UK post-punk DIY scene, then check out the Messthetics series of CD's (again, an American label - it seems the Yanks have a lot more respect for this music than we do ourselves...)
Danze Frakcha press cutting 1984
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Update January 2010:
In the interests of expanding this site, I recently managed to acquire a copy of the above-mentioned LP The Apprentices Dance (at considerable expense, but less than the going rate for what has become a collector's item). It volunteers relatively little information about those featured on it (7 acts contributed 2 tracks each), including the significance of what to me is a puzzling and irrelevant title (answers on a postcard - sorry, in an email please)*. According to Coaster magazine, Ronnie Mayor put together the compilation on a "very stringy shoestring budget" - at a guess, the other acts involved "donated" their (demo) recordings in exchange for forthcoming royalties after the album's release. But if that was so, I'd be surprised if they ever saw a cent from it! Anyway, below are sample sounds from the album, with what info I could glean from the sleeve:
* update 2013: Ronnie Mayor has recently got in touch and explained the title - after he left school he served an engineering apprenticeship, and every year they held an "apprentices dance". He saw the local bands as serving their musical apprenticeship so named the album accordingly. He has also informed me that when setting up this project he approached all the then-top local bands to participate, but most turned him down.
TOURS - LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Recorded at Spaceward Studios May 1979. Written by Ronnie Mayor.
CONTACTS - YOUNG GIRLS
Recorded at Movement Studio July 1980. Written by Janik/Dobson.
SURFIN DAVE - STATESIDE CENTRE
Recorded at Misty Studio March 1981. Written by Dave Colman/Kevan Mayor.
DA BIZ - ON THE BEACH
Recorded at Movement and Rockfield Studios 1980. Written by Ronnie Mayor.
PAUL CHAMBERS - TAKE A TICKET
Recorded at Movement Studio May 1980. Written by Paul Chambers.
HOLLOWS - HOLLOW MAN
Recorded at Misty Studio May 1981. Written by O'Toole/Cotton.
ÇA VA ÇA VA - A MAN IN SORROW
Recorded at Misty Studio February 1981. Written by Paris/Hixon/Hixon/Hallet.
Not having heard anything by the acts on this album prior to getting hold of it, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to write a review - you can read my thoughts on it on Discogs.
Also, if like me you wish to indulge in further reminiscences of the Bournemouth band/gig/club scene from days gone by (and you don't mind perusing those dreadful "community" sites), then check out The Third Side and Beyond and Hampshire & Dorset Musicians Past & Present (that's a bit of a mouthful - it should have just been called "Bournemouth Muso's"!)
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Update summer 2010:
1 - I have contributed quite a few photos to the H&DMP&P Facebook group page (link above), some of which are not on this site...
2 - The Bournemouth Daily Echo has published not one but two features on the 80's Bournemouth band scene in recent years (partially based on my own recollections), which shows just how times have changed - click on the titles below to view:
And The Beat Goes On (2002)- printed in the Echo magazine, from phone interview conducted by Echo reporter Nick Churchill
Sounds Of '80s Respooled (2010) - another Nick Churchill article using material taken from this page (online version here)
3 - You might be interested to hear that reissue/archive specialists Cherry Red Records have put out a (mostly previously unreleased) Tours CD compilation... a mere 30 years after the tracks were originally recorded!
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Update April 2011:
A fellow participant (who wishes to remain anonymous) has kindly sent me digital copies of Bournemouth music scene-related recordings (owned by himself and other friends and acquaintances) that were actually pressed and released as 7" 45's or EP's - here's a few selected samples (thanks to all those concerned):
THE TALKIES - MONDAY MORNING
From Aerco EP AERE-1108, released 1978. Personnel: Richard Mazda (vocal/guitar). AN Others (bass/drums).
COSMETICS - GUILT
From Virgin 45 VS 340, released 1980. Personnel: Richard Mazda (vocal/guitar) Mike Barnes (drums) AN Other (bass).
THE SKAVENGERS - PARTY GIRLS
From Identity Discs EP ID 001, released 1980. Personnel: Pete Christie (vocal/guitar) Chris Haines (bass/backing vocal) Dave Parsons (drums).
RONNIE MAYOR - HOLIDAY THEME
From Do It Records 45 DUN 15, released 1981. Personnel: Ronnie Mayor (guitar) Steve Ennever (keyboards) Ian Sandy (bass) Paul Beavis (drums).
BIZ INTERNATIONALE - STAY TRUE
From WEA 45 K 19253, released 1982. Personnel: Ronnie Mayor (vocals/guitar) Bob Harder (keyboards) Graham Millman (trumpet) Martin Bradford (saxophone) Dave Hutton (trombone) Ian Sandy (bass) Nicky Buckle (drums) Paul Beavis (percussion).
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My modest and mysterious fellow ex-scenester has also donated more recordings to the cause - here are a few more selected snippets:
THE MOPEDS - I'M A PERVERT
Recorded at Misty 1978. Personnel: Andy Janik (vocal/guitar) Steve Jeff (bass/backing vocal) Dave Parsons (drums/backing vocal).
INTERFERENCE - VISUAL
Recorded c. late 1970's. Personnel: John Lilley (vocal/guitar) Paddy O'Toole (keyboards) Mike Cotton (bass) Pete Abrahams (drums).
THE SHADES - REJECTED
Recorded at Misty Spring 1979. Personnel: Andy Janik (vocal/guitar) Mike Dobson (keyboards/guitar) Phil White (bass) Dave Parsons (drums).
THE 53 RUMANIANS - THE THREE RUMANIANS
Recorded c.1980. Personnel: Trevor King? (vocal/guitar). AN Others (bass/drums).
TOCAIROGO - FRIENDSHIP
Recorded at Arny's Shack c.1984. Personnel: John Lilley (vocal/guitar) Ian Sandy (keyboards/bass) Dave Parsons (drums).
Note: the Mopeds and Shades tracks were recorded at the original Misty that was Mark Eden's garden shed in Parkstone, rather than what was later the studio in Norwich Avenue behind The Triangle...
In for a penny, in for a pound: here are some more tracks from my own collection that never made it when the site originally went online:
JOE MESSAGE - JUDY WAS A PUNK
Home demo recorded c.1980. Personnel: Keith Lawes (vocal/instruments).
DANCE PROBLEM - REMEMBER THE HEAT
Recorded at Misty Easter 1981. Personnel: Sebastian Wood (vocal/guitar) Mike Dobson (guitar) John Rivett (bass) Phil Hopkins (drums).
LIAM KING - UNDER THE PRESSURE OF LOVE
Recorded at Studio 95 1983. Personnel: Nick McAvoy (vocals/drum programming) Nick Hamper (bass). AN Others (guitar/keyboards).
FASCINATORS - INSIDE A PERECT PRISON
Recorded in Chippenham c.1985. Personnel: Mike Butcher (vocal/guitar) Tim Mycroft (keyboards/backing vocal) Patrick Forrester (guitar) Martin Legname (bass) Plim (percussion?).
THE BURNING BEAT BABIES - SHE'S FALLEN IN LOVE
Recorded in London c.1986. Personnel: Mark "George" Cokes (vocal/guitar) Jeff Smith (bass/backing vocal) Mark Bishop (drums).
VICKY AND GERALDO - ALL NIGHT ALL NIGHT
Recorded in London c.1986. Personnel: Vicky Hamilton (vocals) Geraldo D'Arbilly (instruments/programming/backing vocal).
BEATMANIACS - SATISFIED
Recorded in London 1987. Personnel: Paddy O'Toole (vocal/guitar) Mike Cotton (vocal/bass) Mark Bishop (drums).
BAND UNKNOWN - TITLE UNKNOWN
Recording date unknown. Personnel unknown.
It may possibly pique your curiosity that I have recently been contacted by Luther, whom some may recall being an active local musician back then. He claims that my overview (and recollection) of the scene is biased, and asserts that his own bands were "bigger and better" than the likes of Cosmetics and Biz Internationale (and should get due credit accordingly). I have invited him to submit some recordings that I could feature on the site (whereby listeners could decide for themselves, at least in musical terms if not status), but sadly none have yet been forthcoming...
Also: if you were involved in the Bournemouth early 80's music scene then you will probably be aware of (or even have participated in) the annual Bournemouth Beat Contest held in the Winter Gardens at the height of summer (and organised by the legendary England "John Bull" mascot Ken Baily). Some acts that entered (such as my first Bournemouth band The Instants in 1981) may have had genuine aspirations to win, but others approached it in a less-committed manner, taking it as an opportunity to indulge themselves in one-off projects/collaborations of an experimental/weird nature, as typified by this video - as Bones might have said to Captain Kirk: "It's art Jim, but not as we know it!"
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Update April 2012:
Dave Foster (who produced several local acts at his Canford Cliffs studio The Music Room) recently got in touch with me via the site and has kindly forwarded a load of recordings (with re-mastering done where necessary!), some of which are featured below:
THE ACCUSED - RATS
Recorded at Mick Whitlock's place and Cosmic Curate's Wallisdown early 1980's. Personnel: Mick Whitlock (vocal/guitar) Bob Shearn (guitar) Mike Butcher (keyboards) Tim Mycroft (keyboards) Martin Legname (bass) Pete Redfearn (drums).
SPORTSDAY - CREEP THROUGH THE SLEEP
Recorded at The Music Room c.1982. Personnel: Adrienne Loehry (vocal) Sarah Quilter (vocal) Paul Holman (vocal/guitar) Steve Ennever (keyboards/bass) Andy Place (drums)
AVANTE - SNAKE IN THE GRASS
Recorded at the Music Room c.1983. Personnel: Jill Cavill (vocal) Simon Wood (guitar) Matt Stevenson (keyboards) Graham Zebedee (bass) Mervyn Steele (drums).
PRIMA VOICE - RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
Recorded at Misty Studios c.1983. Personnel: Mick Whitlock (vocal/guitar) Mike Bienvenu (keyboards) Martin Legname (bass) Plim (drums).
CINEMA 35 - TONIGHT
Recorded at Paul and Jeremy Stacey's home studio c. mid 1980's. Personnel: Ian Sandy (vocals/bass) Marc Long (guitar/keyboards) Eddie Moors Jr (keyboards) Paul Beavis (drums).
STEVE ENNEVER - MESSAGE FROM CHINA
Recorded at The Music Room early/mid 1980's. Personnel: Steve Ennever (vocals/keyboards/programming).
ADRIENNE LOEHRY - EDUCATED IDIOTS
Recorded at Paul and Jeremy Stacey's home studio c. mid 1980's. Personnel: Adrienne Loehry (vocals) Paul Stacey (guitar) Steve Smith (keyboards) Paul Beavis (drums).
Here's one more thing from my own collection - as well as playing in various bands, like others I was also doing my own lo-fi thing in bedsitland - in fact the project name was inspired by that and a certain 60's cult TV series:
MAN IN A BEDSIT - SWIRL
Recorded at home on Sharp GF-555 double tape deck c.1983. Personnel: Gavin Underhill (keyboards/drum programming).
I recently spotted and picked up on Discogs (for a reasonable price) the following 12" single that came out in Germany in 1985:
DANCING IN ENGLISH - THE MISSION
Released on ZYX Records 5333, produced by Steve Ennever and Mark Eden. Personnel: Colin Hemmings (vocals) Alan Davis (guitar) Iain Cameron (keyboards) Chris Brake (bass) Mark Spiers (drums) Ian Vowles (persussion).
There is another track of theirs on YouTube that features none other than everybody's (ex?!?!) favourite Aussie painter and entertainer Rolf Harris playing his didgeridoo! Although I wasn't aware of their singer's participation in the 80's Bournemouth band scene at the time, in the late 1990's I did a gig with him in a Queen tribute band - as far as I'm concerned, Colin IS Freddie Mercury!
Talking of YouTube, fellow scene alumnus Joe Morelli has started posting newly-made videos to accompany old recordings he was involved in - to take a look, click here. He has also made the "Instants EP" (recorded at Misty Studio April 1981) available as MP3 downloads from Amazon, Itunes and CDbaby, and has posted his old band pics on Photobucket. Not only that, but he has also informed me that "the album 'The Road to Utopia' is now available for the global internet population of the Earth to download, if they feel so inclined" on Itunes and CDbaby...
Keith Collins who is a veteran of the Bournemouth music scene going as far back as the 50's (and who administers the Facebook "Bournemouth Muso's" website) has a regular show on The Park FM community radio station called "Forever Young" (broadcast "live" on the internet on Mondays from 8pm til 10pm, repeated Sundays 10am til noon) in which he features locally-produced music, and from time to time may even play stuff from this era - I am planning on forwarding a comprehensive selection of material related to this page to Keith in the near future with that very reason in mind: if anyone has a problem with that, then now is the time to let me know...
Which brings me to this: Since I first transferred my own collection of recordings to digital format, I have from time to time forwarded complementary compilations on an informal basis to those also involved in the scene with whom I have had contact. However in the interests of preserving what has become a form of cultural heritage plus the fact that (thanks to the kind contributions of others) this collection has now been substantially enhanced to represent the lion's share of relevant music recorded at the time, I am now considering releasing a compilation CD set in an unofficial capacity and making it available on Discogs*. I would not be seeking to make any profit from this, only to be financially remunerated for related expenses and to put any additional monies accrued towards the continuing costs of keeping this site online. All this would be reflected in the price charged. Should anyone has objections to any of their works being featured in this manner, then please email me, thanks - if there are none or few enough made to make it a workable concept, then I shall look to get this done sometime in the future. I also invite anybody holding recordings of acts that have not yet been featured here to submit them to me should they wish them considered for inclusion on this proposed presentation, and also of course to be featured on this site.
* For full details click here.
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Update July 2013
When I was watching (my supposed look-a-like!) Ricky Gervais' comedy-drama film "Cemetary Junction" in recent times, I spotted a familiar face playing the keyboards in the function band: if you don't recognise him yourself, then I can tell you he was in Rhino Jive before later working as a producer at what was once Arny's Shack (which is still active as a recording studio).
Sadly the Park FM radio station (mentioned above) is no longer broadcasting due to lack of sponsorship. However as far as I know, Keith Collins continues to find a home for his "Forever Young" programme on other internet stations whenever possible (check out the Bmth Musos Facebook page for updates). I have finally got around to sending Keith copies of the tracks featured on this site, so maybe he now plays some of them on his shows?
Paul Chambers (of 7even fame) has managed to get his old solo recordings commercially released in limited vinyl LP and CD formats - copies are for sale on Discogs.
Marc Ford (aka Mark Long) has uploaded some of his archive recordings of projects he was involved in (including tracks by The Stains and That Man Again) onto Soundcloud.
Tours have had another archive CD compilation released called "Language School" - this is a Japanese pressing that also includes stuff by Da Biz and Ronnie Mayor solo, with several tracks being released commercially for the first time - including demo versions of Tours' legendary debut single! Alas, no previously-unreleased Biz Internationale though.
Prima Voice have the 12" dance mix of their single "Kings and Queens" featured on Youtube - it seems they've been assimilated as part of the "ItaloDisco" movement, which is a bit bizarre for a rock band from Bournemouth - maybe their name has caused some confusion?
Dave Foster has sent me some more recordings that also actually made it onto vinyl - here is another selection of samples from acts not already featured on this site:
THE MARTIAN SCHOOLGIRLS - LIFE IN THE 1980S
From Red Planet 45 RPR 1, released 1979. Personnel: Dan Kelleher (vocal/guitar) Steve Burdon (guitar) Jim Slip (bass) Paul Olar (drums) Ruth Jones (backing vocal).
PETE CHRISTIE - HOW MUCH LOVE
From PRT 45 7P260, released 1982. Personnel: Pete Christie (vocal/keyboards) Mark Eden (programming) Pat Davey (bass).
NICKY HANN - OH SUMMER TIME
From Wild Bird 45 WB 001, released 1983. Personnel: Nicky Hann (vocal/acoustic guitar) Clive Cunningham (violin).
ZEN - WORDS
From Zen Records 45 ZEN 001, released 1985. Personnel: Robert "Luther" Smith (vocal/guitar) Steve Smith (keyboards) AN Others (bass/drums).
Mike Dobson has also recently got in touch and has donated a few tracks from his own collection to the site:
THE CABAL - RENAISSANCE RAP
Recorded at Misty August 1981. Personnel: Sebastian Wood (vocal/guitar/piano) Mike Dobson (guitar/backing vocal) Kevan Mayor (guitar/backing vocal) Chris Haines (bass) Todd Lodge (keyboards/drum programming).
THE ABSENT LEGENDS - EXCHANGE AND MART
Recorded in Leeds and at Misty summer 1982. Personnel: Mike Dobson (vocal/guitar) Nigel Brook (bass) AN Other (drums).
THE SPACE HAMSTERS - PUMA
Recorded 1984. Personnel: Mike Dobson and Kevan Mayor (vocals/instruments/programming).
And here are snippets from acts on the (proposed) "Coffin-Dodger Renegades" compilation in my original collection that aren't already featured on this site:
JOE & TONY - PARTY TIME
Recorded on Akai 2-track c.1983. Personnel: Joe Morelli (vocal/programming) Tony Lucas (vocal/guitars) Dr Rhythm (drums).
CLOUD NINE - IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE
Recorded c.1983. Personnel: Gary Sharp (vocal/bass) Paul Read (guitar) Dale Bardsley (drums) AN Other (keyboards).
TONY LUCAS - SOUTHERN SHORES
Recorded on Akai 2-track c.1983. Personnel: Tony Lucas (guitar/keyboards).
Also, here's a couple more things that have come into my clutches via cyberspace:
THE TOAD MOMENT - THE ELEVATING TOAD MOMENT
Recorded at what was previously Misty (Bootleg Studios?) c. 1988. Personnel: Steve Jupe (vocal/guitar) Andy Parkinson (guitar) Russell Elliott (bass) Steve Green (drums).
UNREST WORK AND PLAY - ETHNIC
From the LP "Informs", released 1984. Personnel: Andy Wake & Chris Fraser (vocals/guitar/keyboards/percussion).
Update June 2022
I have now managed to get hold of a few more tracks for this page (a couple as a direct result of this webpage being online):
THE BIG SLEEP - NOTHING AT ALL
Recorded at Monitor Studio, Somerset, October 1984. Personnel: Ian Gray (vocal/guitar) Gary Hesom (bass) Shaun Rutter (drums).
RIKKI AND THE CUFFLINKS - STARTIN' LINE
From MCA 45 MCA 623, released 1980. Personnel: Pete Gray (vocal) Carl Chamberlain (guitar) Rob Warmley (guitar) Steve Ennever (keyboards) Mark Courtney (bass) Bob Mace (drums).
FREEDOM FIGHTER - ONE NIGHT STAND
Recorded at Studio 95, October 1982. Personnel: Steve Perkins (vocal) Claudette Evans (vocal/keyboards) Darryl George (guitar) Bernie Hayles (guitar) Mark Sawyer (bass) Alvin George (drums).
MISTY - MAKE YOUR MIND UP
From Polydor 45 2058 909, released 1977. Personnel: Mickey Fudge (vocal/guitar) Mark Eden (guitar) Mike Giles (drums).
Talking of Misty: the "almost legendary" Mark Eden (his words, not mine!) has used "Groundhog Day" (a.k.a. the Coronavirus Pandemic and consequent "lockdown") to set up the Misty Online website, that features many archive recordings made at his atudio along with a shedload of memorabilia from his personal collection. As a result of Mark notifying me of his labour of love, I can also put a link to the personal website of Claudette of Studio 95 fame.
Fellow local legend and scene shaker Mick Tarrant now has a feature dedicated to his pre-Midnight Express venture Armadillo Records (which I am sure many local musos used to hang out in - as I did when I visited the town as a teenager before moving there). He and Jerry of Comix fame also reminisce about the good old days in this video.
The legend of Tours continues apace, with this feature on Ronnie Mayor plus another on the band (including their reunion gig after nearly 40 years). They also have their devotees on Facebook.
I have been contacted by Brian Edge, who has informed me that there are now several Strawberry 5!! archive recordings (accompanied by appropriately arty visuals) on Youtube.
Program were one local band of the era that I never managed to blag anything by for this feature. They now have several "live" recordings mostly from 1980 available to listen to on Soundcloud.
Ex-Skavengers and Ca Va Ca Va drummer Dave Parsons has been busy of late under the alias of "Dave Sexy" - if you like a post-modern take on 80's synth-pop, then check out his recordings on Bandlab.
I discovered quite recently via poring over my collection of Coaster magazines for the below that Prima Voice actually filmed a professional-standard promo video (partly at Crystal Studios. former HQ of the mag) for their "Kings and Queens" single. And that it has now been posted on Youtube.
And finally: After working on it on-and-off for over a decade (!), I am now actually in sight of the finish line with regard to my own video project that features the music of many of the acts above accompanied by loads of images relating to the area and the era. Anyone who wants more details can contact me via email links here, but otherwise watch this space...
Please Note: The author states that works of intellectual property by other parties (who may hold legal copyright) are featured on this site only for posterity, and not for financial gain. Should those concerned object to the continued presence of their work on legal or moral grounds, it can reluctantly be removed from the site (but not necessarily the expressed personal views relating to that work). In Plain English: If you have a problem with stuff displayed on this site that you were involved in, then contact me and hopefully we can work something out to mutual satisfaction...