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…”