The Merton Parkas were a mod revival band, formed in the Merton area of South London in the mid 1970s, by Danny Talbot (vocals and guitar), his brother, Mick Talbot (keyboards), Neil Hurrell (bass) and Simon Smith (drums).
They signed with the independent record label, Beggars Banquet. They were discovered playing in a pub in Clapham ,South London by Alan Anger,punk journalist.Their name at first was The Sneekers and they were a part of the Powerpop bands that included The Pleasers. The Merton Parkas released a few moderately successful singles, such as: "You Need Wheels", "Plastic Smile", "Give it to Me Now" and "Put Me in the Picture". They also released one album, Face in the Crowd.Rick Buckler of The Jam played with the band at Ronnie Scotts and Mick Talbot appeared on an album by The Jam.He played on Heatwave. After the group disbanded in 1980, Mick Talbot went on to play with Dexys Midnight Runners, The Bureau, and The Style Council. Simon Smith went on to join psychedelic revival band, Mood Six.
The Merton Parkas' most notable track was "You Need Wheels", which reached #40 in the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1979.[1] As this was their only success in that chart, they are referred to as one-hit wonders.