Stan Stammers

Stan Stammers (born 19 May 1961, England) is best known as the bass player for post-punk band Theatre of Hate, Spear of Destiny and Plastic Eaters.

Early life

Stammers grew up in Saffron Walden, Essex. He got into punk music by going to see live bands at Cambridge Corn Exchange and other nearby venues. Stammers' first band was 'The Jump', based in Newport, a village close to Saffron Walden and from an early age his main influence for playing bass was Slade's bass player Jimmy Lea, who he cites as an influence today, along with Paul Simonon (The Clash), Bruce Foxton (The Jam) and Horace Panter (The Specials).

Musical career

The first major band that Stammers joined was The Straps in 1979, followed by British post-punk band Theatre of Hate in 1980, formed by both Kirk Brandon and Stammers, and managed by Terry Razor.

Before joining Theatre of Hate Stan played for punk band the Epileptics and later The Straps. Stammers turned down an offer to join punk band UK Subs to be in Theatre of Hate with Kirk Brandon.

During their two-year existence Theatre of Hate released a number of singles and albums, most notably "Legion" the b-side to the first single "Original Sin", the Westworld album which was produced by Mick Jones of The Clash, and the "Westworld" single which went into no. 40 of the UK charts, qualifying the band for an appearance on Top of the Pops.

In January 1983 after the demise of Theatre of Hate Brandon and Stammers started Spear of Destiny. The band would have numerous line up changes until Stammers left in 1986. From the onset the band became well known for their live shows, and quickly captured a faithful following. In the early period that Stammers was with the band they released a number of notable singles and albums. In March 1986 Stammers decided to leave the band to work on his own material and to start a new band.

In mid 1986 Stammers formed Crazy Pink Revolvers. In January 1987 CPR recorded their first studio album "First Down". "First Down" was released by Chainsaw Records. In early 1987 CPR signed to ABC Records and recorded the "Timeless Smile EP". Early in 1988 the band recorded their second album "At the Rivers Edge". In January 1989 CPR recorded their second single, "Wednesday 19:45". The single which was taken from the album was written about the Kings Cross fire on the London Underground in 1988. In March 1989 Stan decided to leave the band and in September 1989 left London with his American girlfriend to live in Philadelphia, USA.

Stammers teamed up again with Kirk Brandon in 1990 for 4 years doing a number of tours and a couple of albums under the Spear of Destiny, Theatre of Hate, Elephant Daze and 10:51 banners. During this time Stammers would also play with his own band Boy Boy Nova, as well as running a recording studio. In 1990 Spear of Destiny reformed for three nights at London's famous Marquee Club, and the following year a UK wide Theatre of Hate tour. In 1992 Spear of Destiny recorded the "SOD's Law" album and did another UK tour. In early '93 Kirk Brandon moved to Philadelphia where they toured off and on for over a year as Theatre of Hate, and for a few gigs as Elephant Daze. In the middle of 1994 the band recorded as 10:51. The album was released in the UK as Kirk Brandon's 10:51 "Stone in the Rain" in 1995 and as Theatre of Hate "Retribution" in the US in 1996. The "Children of the Damned" single was released off of 'Stone in the Rain. In December 1994 Stammers decided to leave the band.

Plastic Eaters were formed in Philadelphia, USA in early 1996. Stammers had approach James Atkin the lead singer from EMF. The band has played gigs around the US. In December 2008 Plastic Eaters released a version of the Slade classic "Merry X-mas Everybody" with "Going on a Mission", as a digital download release.

As well as working with his band Plastic Eaters, Stammers also works as a session musician for various artists, which includes both live and studio work.

References

• Chart runs in the UK Singles Chart since 1952

External links

• Stan Stammers (official website)
• Plastic Eater Sound (official website)
• Plastic Eaters (their website from 2012 to 2013)
• Plastic Eaters (their website from 2001 to 2011)
• Plastic Eaters (their website from 2000)
• Plastic Eaters (their original website from 1997 to 1998)
• The Engine Room – Spear of Destiny's Rhythm Section