Guana Batz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Guana Batz are an English psychobilly band that were formed in 1982 in Feltham, Middlesex. They were one of the first psychobilly bands, and are considered influential to their scene. They are most well-known for their frequent appearances at the Klub Foot, an early psychobilly club.
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[edit] History
The original group members were Pip Hancox (vocals), Stuart Osbourne (guitar), Dave "Diddle" Turner (drums) and Mick Wigfall (upright bass). Wigfall would be removed by Osbourne early on, who preferred a bass guitar player for the band. Mick White soon join the band as bass guitarist. However, by 1984, the Guana Batz decided to again feature an upright bassist, and replaced White with Sam Sardi.
Diddle quit the band in May 1987, the hectic touring schedule having grown too much for him, and opted to devote his time to his girlfriend and his construction job. He was replaced by former Get Smart drummer, Johnny Bowler. When Sardi left the band, Bowler would switch to upright bass, and John Buck would join the band on drums. Mark Pennington of the Caravans played upright bass for the band after Sam Sardi left and prior to Johnny Bowler switching to bass.
Hancox's staffordshire bull terrier, Pig Dog, was humorously referred to as the band's "fifth member." After being hit by a car, he was replaced by Hancox's new dog, Muttley, who would be featured on four Guana Batz album covers. Although Muttley has died, he reportedly lived to an old age.
The band broke up in 1990, but reunited in 1996. They are still touring today, but have no plans to record again. Osbourne still lives in London, and also plays for The Unknowns. Hancox, Bowler, and Buck have relocated to San Diego, California. They have occasionally performed in the southern California area with ex-Stray Cats members under the moniker "the Guana Cats."
In the summer of 2001, Diddle died from a stroke.
The band continues to headline major festivals around the world with their always energetic and entertaining live shows and have most recently began to build their US following with their stateside line up featuring Gino Meregillano on guitar and Alex Pappas on drums. A new album is in the works and the band continue to prove their status as a major force in the recent second wave of the high energy,fun psychobilly scene that continues to grow.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Singles
| Year | Title | UK Indie Chart Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | 1983 | "You're so fine" / "Rock 'n' in my coffin" | #19 |
| May | 1984 | "The Cave" | #6 |
| Mar | 1986 | "See through" | #4 |
| Jul | 1986 | "I'm on fire" | #5 |
| May | 1987 | "Rock this town" | #8 |
[edit] Albums
| Year | Title | UK Indie Chart Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug | 1985 | "Held down to vinyl...at last" | #1 |
| Nov | 1986 | "Lone sharks" | #3 |
| Jun | 1987 | "Live over London" | #5 |
| Mar | 1988 | "Rough edges" | #6 |
| 1990 | "Electra Glide in Blue" | ||
| 1994 | "Get around" (Posthumous demos) | ||
| 1998 | "The Peel Sessions" | ||
| 2001 | "The very best Of The Guana Batz" |
