Buster (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 near Liverpool, England |
| Headquarters | Wirral , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Buster was a rock group originating from the Wirral area near Liverpool, England, established in 1972.
The band achieved chart success in the United Kingdom with their single "Sunday" and cultivated a strong fanbase across Japan, Europe, and Australia throughout the late 1970s. In 1977, Buster embarked on a tour that included stops in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Germany, with performances at notable venues such as the Nippon Budokan and the Sydney Opera House. They released multiple hit singles and albums, many of which remained accessible on major music streaming services as of 2022.
Formation and early period (1972–77)
Buster was formed in March 1972 near Liverpool by Pete Leay (lead guitarist), Kevin Roberts (bassist), Les Brians (drummer), with Rob Fennah (rhythm guitarist) joining a year later. Initially known as 'The New Attraction,' the group performed across the North Wales cabaret circuit while members were around thirteen years old.
In January 1974, they issued a limited 7-inch EP before signing with RCA after completing their schooling and changing their name to 'Buster.'
Their first single "Sunday," released in May 1976, reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart. RCA’s Japanese branch, RVC (currently BMG), launched "Sunday" in Japan in January 1977 where it became a Top 10 hit. Subsequently, four additional singles all entered Japan’s Top 20 charts.
During their Christmas tour of 1977 covering cities such as Koriyama, Osaka, Kurashiki, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Tokyo in Japan—as well as stops in the Philippines, Australia, and Germany—Buster appeared on Japanese television and performed two sold-out concerts at Budokan. Their record sales in Japan earned them a gold disc.
In Australia, they took part in the 1977 Festival of Sydney with a notable performance on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Return to the UK and Alternative Radio era (1978–82)
By January 1978, Buster returned to the UK boasting five hit singles and three best-selling albums overseas; however, their youthful image was no longer current. The band parted ways with RCA in 1979.
Under new management, they were advised to adopt the name 'The Jax.' In 1980, under an independent label, they released a cover of The Dave Clark Five’s "Bits and Pieces," which did not achieve commercial success. Following this setback, they dismissed their manager; Pete Leay departed to pursue work in recording studios.
Rob Fennah began collaborating with his brother Alan as a songwriting duo performing locally under the name Rob and Alan Fennah, gaining considerable support within Merseyside.
By 1981, original members Fennah, Brians, and Roberts abandoned 'Buster' and formed 'Alternative Radio,' named after one of the Fennahs’ compositions. They won Liverpool’s 'Battle of the Bands' competition in 1982; shortly afterward Brians exited. Rob Fennah continued Alternative Radio by assembling a new lineup centered on his acoustic partnership with Alan.
In 1983, Alternative Radio secured a deal with EMI (Parlophone) and released their debut single "Valley Of Evergreen" in January 1984.
Later developments (2008–present)
Interest revived after archival footage of Buster appeared online in 2008, prompting reissues of their music. The band regained control over their catalogue and produced CDs targeting the Japanese market while sharing early videos on their official website. A CD featuring ten new tracks was released exclusively in Japan in 2014. By 2021, their early albums were made available globally through major digital platforms.
Also in 2008, Fennah, Leay, and Roberts took part in Liverpool Museum’s "The Beat Goes On" exhibition celebrating Liverpool's musical heritage. Buster was highlighted in its "Global Impact" section for their achievements in Japan. The British Embassy in Tokyo recognized Buster among the top twenty-five UK bands that found success there since The Beatles.
Pete Leay passed away on December 26, 2013, on the Wirral; Les Brians died on November 11, 2016, in Germany.
Outside of band activities, Rob Fennah continues to engage in solo music ventures as well as stage production work, writing projects, and teaching guitar.
Band members
- Rob Fennah – lead vocals, rhythm guitar / Rob Fennah Official Website
- Pete Leay – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Kevin Roberts – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Les Brians – drums, backing vocals
Albums
- Buster (released in UK & Japan) 1977 / reissued on CD in 2008 with 4 additional tracks (Japan) / available as digital download in 2021
- Buster 2 (Japan release) 1977 / reissued on CD in 2008 featuring 4 bonus tracks (Japan) / digital format released in 2021
- Buster Live (Japan) 1977 / CD reissue in 2008 including 3 bonus tracks (Japan) / digital download issued in 2021
- Diary: Best Collection (Japan) 1978
- Best & New (Japan) 2014 / digital download released in 2017 *also known as "Here and Now," containing ten new tracks
Singles
- "Sunday" / "Salt Lake City - Silver Gun" (UK) RCA 1976 – reached #49 on the UK Singles Chart
- "Beautiful Child" / "Daybreak" (UK) RCA 1976
- "Sunday" / "Daybreak" (Japan) RCA 1977
- "Love Rules OK" / "Who Told You" (Japan) 1977
- "Dance with Me" / "Salt Lake City - Silver Gun" (Japan) 1977
- "Beautiful Child" / "But If It Happens" (Japan) RCA 1977
- "She Ain't My Baby" / "Certain Kind of Feeling" (Japan) 1978
External links
- Pulse Records(UK) Official YouTube channel – featuring Buster-related videos and interviews
- Discogs artist page
- Rob Fennah Official Website: https://robfennah.com/