| The Batfish Boys | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Leeds, England |
| Genres | Gothic rock, Gothabilly |
| Years active | 1984–1990 |
| Labels | Batfish Inc., GWR |
| Associated acts | March Violets, Skeletal Family |
| Members | |
| Simon Detroit Johey Elliott T.G. Ashton Martin Pink Zero Rek (Martin Herbert) Bob Diablo (Bob Priestly) Bomber Johnny Burman |
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The Batfish Boys (later simply called Batfish) were a gothic rock/garage rock/rockabilly band from York and Leeds, England, active between 1984 and 1990, releasing three albums.
The band was formed by former March Violet Simon Detroit (b. Simon Denbigh)(vocals), and ex-Skeletal Family drummer Martin Pink, along with Johey Elliott (guitar), and T.G. Ashton (bass).[1] Their goth-rock tendencies soon gave way to a more Stooges-influenced garage rock sound, with "Swamp Liquor" their first release on their own Batfish Inc. label in 1985, followed soon after by debut album The Gods Hate Kansas,[1] prompting comparisons to the likes of The Cramps and The Gun Club.[2] In 1986, Zero Rek (Martin Herbert) was added on guitar, the band's second album, Head, also appearing that year, now with psychedelic blues overtones.[2] With the band's sound getting progressively heavier, and with a new rhythm section, they were signed by Motörhead's label GWR in 1987, shortening their name to Batfish, the first release on the label being 1988's "Purple Dust" single.[1] 1989 saw the release of the band's third album, Batfish Brew, followed by a 12-inch picture-disc single, a mash-up cover of Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" and "Purple Haze". The band split shortly afterwards. Simon Denbigh was declared Cult Hero No 36 by Classic Rock Magazine in 2010.[1]
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Chart placings shown are from the UK Indie Chart.[3]