Disco Zombies
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1977 in Leicester, UK |
| Founder | Andy Ross, Johnny "Guitar" Hawkins, Geoff Dodimead, Andy Fullerton |
| Headquarters | Leicester , United Kingdom |
| Products | Punk music recordings, live performances |
Disco Zombies emerged as a punk ensemble from Leicester, UK, in 1977, initiated by Leicester University students Andy Ross (vocals, guitar), Johnny "Guitar" Hawkins (guitar), Geoff Dodimead (bass), and Andy Fullerton (drums). The lineup later grew to five members with the addition of vocalist Dave Henderson. Their first EP marked the inaugural release on Carl Tebbutt's Uptown Records, although its launch was postponed due to manufacturing delays. Following multiple performances and a local radio appearance, Hawkins departed to focus on his academic pursuits and was succeeded by Steve Gerrard, which coincided with the band's relocation to London. Gerrard's tenure was brief as he soon returned to Leicester, leading to Mark Sutherland taking over his role.
The group’s sophomore single, "Drums Over London," came out under Ross's own South Circular Records and notably incorporated a drum machine in place of Fullerton. This was succeeded by "Here Come the Buts," issued via Henderson’s Dining Out label, which attained modest recognition on the UK Independent Chart. Although another single was recorded subsequently, it remained unreleased due to financial constraints.
In 1981, Henderson reactivated Dining Out Records to produce "Where Have You Been Lately Tony Hateley?", but the band dissolved prior to its distribution. Despite limited attention during their active years, their catalog eventually achieved cult acclaim among punk aficionados.
Following the dissolution, Henderson and Ross collaborated in forming Club Tango; Henderson pursued a career at Mojo magazine, while Ross established Food Records. The band reunited for live performances in both 2011 and 2018, each occasion accompanied by new single releases, with Fullerton returning as drummer for the latter reunion.
To date, three compilation albums have been released, most prominently the 2021 double LP South London Stinks issued by Optic Nerve Records.
Albums
- From Spit to Skewer (1980), Corporation Cassettes
- Compilations
- Drums Over London (2011), Acute
- Drums Over London, Retro
- South London Stinks (2021), Optic Nerve
Singles, EPs
- "Drums Over London" (1979), South Circular
- The Invisible E.P. (1979), Uptown/Wizzo
- "Here Come the Buts" (1980), Dining Out – UK Independent no. 40
- "Night of the Big Heat" (2011)
- "Hit" (2018)
- Live at the Music Machine (2020), Cherry Red Records