Beachbuggy
| Beachbuggy | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Doncaster, England |
| Genres |
Rock & roll Punk rock Alternative rock |
| Years active | 1992–2006 |
| Labels |
Ostrich GT Sympathy For The Record Industry Poptones |
| Associated acts |
The Wedding Present Groop Dogdrill Cha Cha Cohen Mystery Meat Walker |
| Website | TeamBB |
| Past members |
Jack Straker Jim VeVee Paul Dorrington Keith Gregory |
Beachbuggy were a rock group formed in early 1992 in Doncaster by Jack Straker (guitar/vocals), Jim VeVee (drums) and A.D (bass). The band's name reflected singer and main songwriter Jack's obsession with classic cars, drag racing and Americana. Musically, their earliest influences were UK indie bands such as The Fall, The Wedding Present and Cud and American rock groups such as Buffalo Tom and Sonic Youth.
Beachbuggy's first recordings were released as a three-track demo tape within weeks of the band forming in mid-1992 and were sold at early gigs, which took place throughout South Yorkshire and occasionally further afield. One of their biggest early gigs was at a special one-off show in Doncaster where headliners, Leeds band The Wedding Present, filmed a promo video for one of their 1992 'Hit parade' singles. This gig forged a link between the two bands which was to continue throughout the 1990s and beyond. Shortly after the release of their first demo tape A.D left to be replaced by Paul Maan - the first of many line-up changes.
The new line-up signalled a decisive change in musical policy - early songs are dropped and a more retro, rock 'n' roll sound, highly influenced by American 1960s surf music and garage rock emerged. Jack formed the self-funded label Ostrich GT and released the debut 7" single "Can't Get Enough", which showcased the band's rapidly developing Hot Rod aesthetic ("I've been around / The fuzz ran me downtown / They say I ran a red light / Oh well, I guess they were right"). The single sold well at early gigs and a follow-up was soon issued. "Chrysler 440" continued the street racing theme while B-side "Fuel Injection (it's better)" reflected Jack's knowledge of classic cars ("I got a big block Ford / It had a carburettor / Now I've got fuel injection / It's better"). Jack's occasional Ostrich Club nights held in various venues around Doncaster saw the band develop a loyal following and a growing reputation as they headlined their own gigs and supported some bigger names.
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Wikipedia