YOUTHS FROM NOWHERE

From Middlewich, Joy Division/Fall influenced band from the early 80s.

YEAH JAZZ

Uttoxeter indie band from the mid 80s, released a number of excellent singles. Band members have included KEV, TUCKER, CHATS, TEL, STU, CHIEF, FRED, DAVE LEE, & HELEN.
http://www.twee.net/bands/y/yeahjazz.html

THE YA-YAS

Also known as CAPTAIN CAT, and HEY RED BUS. NICK DEGG wrote this:
“The first incarnation was HEY RED BUS formed in Hanley in 1985, we used to see each other at gigs, record fairs, and early Hacienda nights. PHIL HEATH (Gtr & Vocal) and PAUL HORVATH (Bass) were the nucleus, and NICK DEGG (Gtr) and MARK BOSSONS (Drums) joined soon after. The first gig was at The Antelope on 1st Aug 85 followed by a clutch of other local gigs, before support slots with James, and Green on Red at The Gatehouse/Stafford.
The sound was pretty different for the time, being more atuned to a Manchester/Liverpool audience. Only five years later on hearing The La’s ‘There She Goes’ I realised how far ahead we were, as thats the closest I have heard anyone sound since.
In late ’86 PHIL wanted to concentrate on his guitar playing, which was already superb, so JON HILL came in on vocals, and MARK left to be replaced by PAUL BURGESS on drums. Also we swapped from Rickenbacker and acoustics to a Telecaster and Gibson semi accoustic so the sound became fuller and more “Stonsey”. It was around this time we became CAPTAIN CAT.
I left in early ’87 and lost touch, but do know that they recorded “That doesn’t go there” 12″ EP as THE RUBY TUESDAYS, but I know nothing of THE YA-YAS days.
As an aside…
Following a gig with a couple of members of Green On Red in Manchester, the band and friends had a kick about the next morning. We realised that there were a few decent players amongst us, and thats how Leadbellys FC were formed (We even did music and football before everyone else). It’s a pity we didn’t form a few years later…”

THE WOW

 

Featuring ex-members of SPY vs SPY.

THE WITAN

Around since the early 70s, and throughout that decade. JEFF KENT, local writer, fronted this band which were into ecology/anarchy’ along with CHRIS BARLOW, COLIN LUNN, JOHN MAKOKO, and ANDY QUIN. Had a single out in 1981 on Witan Records called Butcher’s Tale, which also appeared on the concept double album, Tales From The Land Of The Afterglow, which was written by JEFF and released in two parts in 1984. None of the other members were available for live work, so JEFF then put together a new line up, called THE FYRD, in 1984, to promote the album and new songs. Numerous musicians came and went until JEFF dissolved the band in the autumn without gigging.

WILLY NILLY

A band of Bowie/Roxy/Velvets wannabees from the late seventies, formed by DAVE GASCOIGNE, MICK PENKETHMAN and ROB WILD in Feb 1978 which after two gigs became THE PLASTIC IDOLS – the addition of JOHN SIMPSON and DAVE WINDSOR signaling a name change.

WILLIE’S WIFE

Featured on the mid-80s compilation album “To Boldly Go” with the track Don’t Go Away.
More information required.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS

Tattooed bloke who likes birds & booze and supports a shite football team? Must be a Potteries lad then.
Was in Take That, then went solo.
If you really need to know anything else, his website is the place – second thoughts, don’t bother, it’ll only encourage him.
http://www.robbiewilliams.com/

KEVIN WILKINSON

Local born lad who left the Potteries in his youth. and played with a number of successful bands. Full information here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Wilkinson

WHITE SPIRIT

On the early Stoke Musicians Collective/Battle Of The Bands scene.
More information required.