Fabulous Poodles

The Fabulous Poodles

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1975
Founder	Tony de Meur, Richie Robertson, Bobby Valentino, Bryn Burrows, Bob Suffolk
Defunct	1980
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Music albums, singles

The Fabulous Poodles were a British band emerging before the new wave era, formed in 1975. They gained recognition for their eccentric live performances, which included exploding ukuleles and witty songwriting. Throughout their career, they toured alongside artists such as Meat Loaf, Sha Na Na, Tom Petty, Bill Bruford, and also served as backing musicians for Chuck Berry. Their appearances included a spot on the Old Grey Whistle Test, and they maintained a strong following with critic John Peel. Between 1977 and 1979, they produced three albums under the Pye Records label.

History

Initially named The Poodles, the Fabulous Poodles featured members Tony de Meur (also known as Tony de Meur) on lead vocals and guitar, Richie Robertson handling bass and vocals, Bobby Valentino playing violin and mandolin while contributing vocals, Bryn Burrows on drums, and Bob Suffolk on piano.

The band's lyrics were frequently penned by artist and poet John Richard Parsons, who authored "Chicago Boxcar," a track that Suffolk regarded as having hit potential. After de Meur joined the lineup, this song was issued as a single through Private Stock Records.

Following this, the group embarked on tours across England and Europe. During this period, Suffolk departed to focus on designing recording studios. Parsons took on multiple roles including van driver, road manager, and even performed as the Blue Poodle—an act involving unicycling—often accompanied by his howling Jack Russell terrier named Nipper. Additionally, Parsons was responsible for creating promotional designs and merchandise. In 1979, the Fabulous Poodles toured the United States, supporting bands such as the Ramones and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Drawing inspiration from 1960s British rock bands like The Who and The Kinks, their debut record, Fabulous Poodles, was produced by John Entwistle of The Who, who also contributed eight-string bass parts on several tracks. Their sophomore album Unsuitable included notable songs like "Mirror Star" and "Chicago Boxcar (Boston Back)" and was produced by Muff Winwood. In 1978, they conducted a UK tour featuring special guest Tom Sorahan. Their management was handled by Brian Lane, recognized for managing the band Yes.

In 1979, their third album Think Pink was released, distinguished by its unusually large 24-inch square packaging. The album's title was inspired by lyrics from the track "Pink City Twist." Their final single came out in 1980 with "Stompin' on the Cat" backed with "Anna Rexia" and "Don't You Lie To Me." Afterward, drummer Bryn Burrows went on to join Freur and became part of the original formation of Underworld.

1977: Fabulous Poodles

1. "The Ending" (de Meur, Parsons, Valentino, Robertson, Burrows)
2. "Doctor" (Bentley, Suffolk)
3. "Work Shy" (de Meur, Parsons)
4. "Bike Blood" (de Meur, Parsons)
5. "Rum Baba Boogie" (de Meur, Parsons)
6. "When the Summer's Thru" (de Meur)
7. "Rosie Pink" (de Meur, Parsons)
8. "Roll Your Own" (Mel McDaniel)
9. "Pinball Pin Up" (de Meur, Parsons)
10. "Mr. Mike" (de Meur, Parsons)
11. "Cherchez la Femme" (de Meur, Parsons)

Personnel

• Tony de Meur – lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
• Bobby Valentino – violin, mandolin, backing vocals
• Richie C. Robertson – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Bryn Burrows – drums, backing vocals
• John Entwistle – eight-string bass guitar (tracks 2, 10, 11)
• Bob Suffolk – piano (tracks 6, 9)

1978: Unsuitable

1. "Mirror Star" (de Meur, Parsons)
2. "Topless GoGo" (de Meur, Parsons)
3. "Chicago Boxcar (Boston Back)" (de Meur, Parsons)
4. "Oh Cheryl" (de Meur, Parsons)
5. "Toytown People" (de Meur, Parsons)
6. "Convent Girls" (de Meur, Parsons)
7. "B Movies" (de Meur, Parsons, Valentino, Burrows, Robertson)
8. "Tit Photographer Blues" (de Meur, Parsons)
9. "Third Rate Romance" (Smith)
10. "Mugs Game" (de Meur, Parsons, Robertson)
11. "Suicide Bridge" (de Meur, Parsons)

1978: Mirror Stars

This American release compiles tracks from the first two UK albums:

1. "Mirror Star" (de Meur, Parsons)
2. "Work Shy" (de Meur, Parsons)
3. "Chicago Boxcar (Boston Back)" (de Meur, Parsons)
4. "Oh Cheryl" (de Meur, Parsons)
5. "Toytown People" (de Meur, Parsons)
6. "Mr. Mike" (de Meur, Parsons, Robertson)
7. "Roll Your Own" (Mel McDaniel)
8. "B Movies" (de Meur, Parsons, Valentino, Burrows, Robertson)
9. "Tit Photographer Blues" (de Meur, Parsons)
10. "Cherchez La Femme" (de Meur, Parsons)

1979: Think Pink

1. "Man With Money" (P. Everly, D. Everly)
2. "Bionic Man" (de Meur, Parsons)
3. "Any Port In a Storm" (de Meur, Burrows)
4. "(Hollywood) Dragnet" (de Meur)
5. "Bike Blood" (de Meur, Parsons)
6. "Cossack Cowboy" (de Meur, Parsons)
7. "Anna Rexia" (de Meur)
8. "You Wouldn’t Listen" (de Meur)
9. "Suicide Bridge" (de Meur, Parsons)
10. "Pink City Twist" (de Meur, Valentino, Burrows, Robertson)
11. “Vampire Rock” (de Meur, Parsons)

1995: His Masters Choice

A curated CD compilation showcasing selected highlights:

1. "Mirror Star"
2. "Work Shy"
3. "Bionic Man"
4. "B Movies"
5. "Toy Town People"
6. "Pinball Pin Up"
7. "You Wouldn't Listen"
8. "Stompin' on the Cat"
9. "Mr. Mike"
10. "Cherchez La Femme"
11. "Talkin' Trash"
12. "Rum Baba Boogie"
13. "When the Summer's Thru"
14. "Rosie Pink"
15. "Man With Money"
16. "Bike Blood"
17. "Chicago Boxcar (Boston Back)"
18. "Anna Rexia"
19. "Suicide Bridge"
20. "Pink City Twist"
21. "Vampire Rock"

2009: Mirror Stars / Think Pink

Both American albums were combined into a single CD release by American Beat Records.

Among collectors, an unofficial live recording entitled Radio Stars, captured in Hempstead in 1979, has been circulated.

Personnel

• Tony de Meur – vocals lead, guitar, harmonica
• Richie Robertson – bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
• Bobby Valentino – violin, mandolin, guitar, backing vocals
• Bryn Burrows – drums and percussion

External links

• Ronnie Golden
• Bobby Valentino
• Live performance of “Mirror Star” on Peter Cook's Revolver, 1978
• Live rendition of “Work Shy” on American Bandstand, 1979