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Ducks Deluxe

From Alfawiki
Ducks Deluxe
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1972
Defunct1975
Headquarters
London
,
England
ProductsMusic albums, singles, EPs

Ducks Deluxe was a 1970s English pub rock ensemble, recognized for their lively, fast-paced performances and the notable subsequent careers of its members.

History

Established in February 1972, the group initially comprised Martin Belmont (guitar), formerly a roadie for Brinsley Schwarz; Sean Tyla (guitar), who had collaborated with Help Yourself; Ken Whaley, ex-bassist of Help Yourself; and percussionist Michael Cousins. Their name originated from a slot machine found at the Severn Bridge Service Station. Shortly thereafter, Tim Roper took over on drums from Cousins, and Nick Garvey, previously a roadie for the Flamin' Groovies, joined the lineup. Their vigorous approach earned them a twice-weekly residency at the Tally Ho venue in Kentish Town and management by Dai Davies.

After Whaley departed to return to Help Yourself, Ducks Deluxe recorded two songs during Man's Christmas party in December 1972; one of these, "Boogaloo Babe," was featured on the double 10" album Christmas at the Patti, marking their initial recorded release.

In 1973, the band secured a contract with RCA and issued their debut single, "Coast to Coast," penned by Tyla and Garvey—although Tyla was not credited due to publishing complications. They made an appearance on BBC's Play for Today in the episode titled Blooming Youth. Their self-titled debut album Ducks Deluxe (1974) effectively conveyed the energy of their live performances. Keyboardist and bassist Andy McMaster joined from The Sabres for their sophomore album, Taxi To The Terminal Zone, which received a more lukewarm reception and led to his exit. Following an April 1974 Peel Session recording, Garvey left and was succeeded by bassist Micky Groome. Despite recording another Peel Session in March 1975, RCA dropped the band from their label. Subsequently, they released an EP entitled Jumpin through the French label Skydog. Prior to their final tour, drummer Tim Roper departed; Brinsley Schwarz and Billy Rankin stepped in as replacements. Their concluding concert took place at London's 100 Club on 1 July 1975.

In 1978, RCA Victor released a compilation named Don't Mind Rockin' Tonite, which included selections from their first album, tracks from Taxi to the Terminal Zone (which had not been available in the US until then), along with standalone singles. Critic Robert Christgau praised it as "pure rock and roll," highlighting its blend of spirited fervor and upbeat manipulation at an early stage, appealing especially to enthusiasts of The Tyla Gang.

Later careers

Nick Garvey and Andy McMaster went on to establish The Motors, alongside Rob Hendry (later replaced by Bram Tchaikovsky) and drummer Ricky Slaughter.

Sean Tyla founded The Tyla Gang, which eventually included Ken Whaley—who had joined Man after Help Yourself disbanded. The Tyla Gang also featured Canadian Bruce Irvinere along with former Winkies rhythm section members Brian Turrington (bass) and Mike Desmarais (drums). They produced two albums, Yachtless and Moonproof, under the US-based Beserkley label before its UK division collapsed in 1978, resulting in the band's breakup. Tyla then embarked on a solo path, releasing three albums: Just Popped Out, Redneck In Babylon, and Rhythm Of The Swing. His debut solo album yielded his first Top Ten hit single in Germany in 1980 with "Breakfast In Marin". Subsequently, Tyla teamed up with Micky Groome and drummer Paul Simmons to join Man's Deke Leonard in forming "The Force" until health issues forced Tyla into retirement. Groome continued collaborating with Leonard by reviving "Deke Leonard's Iceberg".

Brinsley Schwarz and Martin Belmont reunited with former keyboardist Bob Andrews to back Graham Parker as part of Graham Parker & the Rumour, also performing independently as "The Rumour" without Parker. Belmont later contributed to Carlene Carter's CC Riders and Nick Lowe's Cowboy Outfit.

Original drummer Tim Roper relocated to Norwich, where he became a well-regarded local musician before passing away in February 2003 due to alcohol-related complications following a nervous breakdown.

Following the band's dissolution, their debut album Ducks Deluxe experienced modest commercial success attributed largely to the later achievements of members within Graham Parker & the Rumour, The Tyla Gang, and The Motors.

Reunion

To celebrate their 35th anniversary, the band came together once more at London's 100 Club on 9 October 2007, featuring Martin Belmont, Sean Tyla, Micky Groome, and Billy Rankin. Following this event, they performed additional shows in Leicester on 9 November and in Massy near Paris on 26 January 2008. On 20 September 2008, Ducks Deluxe was the headline act at the PopXiria Festival held in Carballo, Spain.

During 2009, the group toured Sweden from 29 March to 13 April with a lineup including Sean Tyla (vocals/guitar), Martin Belmont (guitar/vocals), Kevin Foster (bass/backing vocals), and Jim Russell (drums). They introduced new recordings through the mini CD Box Of Shorts, released on 18 May 2009, which contained six studio tracks produced by Paul 'Bassman' Riley.

In June 2010, the band unveiled a complete album titled Side Tracks And Smokers, featuring cover art designed by Tobbe Stuhre of Stiff Records. This release combined remastered early material with fresh recordings. The following year, they distributed the lo-fi live album Riviera Shuffle via mail order on Jungle Records.

Early in 2012, Ducks Deluxe celebrated their 40th anniversary with a tour that also marked Brinsley Schwarz’s return after an absence of 37 years. Later that year, they recorded the live album Rockin' at the Moon in London, which was subsequently released in 2013.

Members

  • Sean Tyla – Vocals, guitar (1972–1975, 2007–2013; passed away 2020)
  • Martin Belmont – Guitar, vocals (1972–1975, 2007–2013)
  • Brinsley Schwarz – Guitar, vocals (1975, 2012–2013)
  • Ken Whaley – Bass, vocals (1972; deceased 2013)
  • Nick Garvey – Guitars, bass, vocals (1972–1974)
  • Tim Roper – Drums (1972–1975)
  • Andy McMaster – Keyboards, vocals (1973–1974)
  • Micky Groome – Bass, vocals (1974–1975, 2007–2008)
  • Billy Rankin – Drums (1975, 2007–2008)
  • Kevin Foster – Bass guitar, vocals (2008–2013)
  • Jim Russell – Drums (2008–2013)

Singles

  • "Coast To Coast" / "Bring Back That Packard Car" (1973) RCA 2438
  • "Please, Please, Please" / "Please, Please, Please" (1974) RCA DJH0-0297
  • "Fireball" / "Saratoga Suzie" (1974) RCA LPBO 5019
  • "Love's Melody" / "Two Time Twister" (1974) RCA 2477
  • "I Fought The Law" / "Cherry Pie" (1975) RCA 2531

EP

  • Jumpin' EP (1975) Skydog EP-005

Albums

  • Ducks Deluxe LP (1974) RCA LPLI 5008; also issued as an 8-track cassette in 1974 RCA LPSI 5008
  • Taxi To The Terminal Zone LP (1975) RCA SF 8402
  • Don't Mind Rockin' Tonite Compilation & Bonus tracks (1978) RCA NL 71153
  • Last Night Of A Pub Rock Band LP (Netherlands release) (1979) Dynamite BMLP 001 (bootleg)
  • The John Peel Sessions - Hux Records HUX086 (BBC Radio 1 Sessions from 1973–1975)
  • Combined CD of Ducks Deluxe / Taxi To The Terminal Zone (1992) BMG/Demon/MAU MAU CD 610 and BGO BGOCD539
  • Box Of Shorts Mini CD (2009)
  • Side Tracks And Smokers Album (2010)
  • Riviera Shuffle Live album (2011)
  • Rockin' At the Moon Live album (2013) Mystic Records MYS CD 214

External links

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