Leyton Buzzards
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Leyton, London , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, albums |
The Leyton Buzzards, frequently referred to simply as The Buzzards, were a British rock ensemble active between 1976 and 1980, recognized primarily for their modest chart success with the track "Saturday Night (Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees)".
Career
Originating from Leyton in East London, the group began their musical journey performing pub rock before transitioning into punk and new wave genres. Their first single, "19 and Mad", was issued in 1977 through Small Wonder Records. After winning a notable "battle of the bands" contest hosted by BBC Radio 1 and The Sun, they secured a contract with major label Chrysalis Records. Their song "Saturday Night (Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees)" climbed to number 53 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1979, remaining on the chart for five weeks and earning them an appearance on Top of the Pops.
For their 1979 release "We Make a Noise" and the album Jellied Eels to Record Deals, the band abbreviated their name to The Buzzards, before returning to The Leyton Buzzards for their final single, "Can't Get Used to Losing You". Between July 1978 and January 1980, they recorded four sessions for John Peel's show on BBC Radio One.
In 1980, members Deane, Jaymes, Austin, and Gainsbrough reinvented themselves as Modern Romance, embracing a more electronic musical approach. Their initial two singles did not achieve chart placement, leading to lineup changes including Austin’s departure and a shift by Deane and Jaymes towards salsa-inspired pop. Modern Romance later attained multiple UK chart successes, although Gainsborough and subsequently Deane exited during the band's period of greatest acclaim.
Line-up
- Kevin Steptoe (also known as Gray Mare) (drums) – later replaced by Tony Gainsborough
- Vernon Austin (alias Chip Monk) (guitar, vocals)
- David Jaymes (also called Dave Deprave) (bass guitar, vocals)
- Geoff Deane (stage name Nick Nayme) (lead vocalist)
- Milton Reame-James (keyboards) – previously with Cockney Rebel
Albums
- Jellied Eels to Record Deals (1979), released under Chrysalis Records (credited as The Buzzards)
Singles
- "19 and Mad" (1978), issued by Small Wonder
- "Saturday Night (Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees)" (1979), Chrysalis – reached UK chart position No. 53
- "I'm Hanging Around" (1979), Chrysalis with B-sides "I Don't Want to Go to Art School" and "No Dry Ice or Flying Pigs"
- "We Make a Noise" (1979), Chrysalis (under the name The Buzzards)
- "Can't Get Used to Losing You" (1980), released via WEA