The Birds (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles |
The Birds were a London-based English rhythm and blues group formed in 1964. Their recorded output consisted of fewer than twelve tracks, and they issued just four singles during their active years.
Starting with a foundation in intense R&B, the band later adopted vocal harmonies inspired by the Motown sound. The most notable figure among them was Ronnie Wood, who served as lead guitarist before moving on to join the Jeff Beck Group, the Creation, Faces, and eventually the Rolling Stones.
Career
Several band members originated from the same area in Yiewsley, Middlesex, and began collaborating musically as teenagers in 1964. Initially named the Thunderbirds, they performed at local venues before broadening their reach. Upon discovering another group called Thunderbirds backing Chris Farlowe, they shortened their name to the Birds—a decision that had considerable repercussions.
Their gritty R&B style secured them a place in a battle-of-the-bands event on Ready Steady Go! and drew interest from Decca Records, resulting in their first two singles, "You Don't Love Me" and "Leaving Here". They shared top billing with the Who at certain gigs, indicating promising commercial prospects.
Nevertheless, in spring 1965, the American band the Byrds achieved major UK chart success with their folk-rock single "Mr. Tambourine Man". When the Byrds toured England that summer, the Birds' management attempted legal action over the name but was unsuccessful, causing adverse publicity and prompting the band to part ways with their manager.
Following a third Decca single released late in 1965, the group signed with Reaction Records. Under director Robert Stigwood's advice, they briefly adopted the name "The Birds Birds" to avoid confusion with the U.S. band. In 1966, they appeared performing "That's All I Need You For" in the horror movie The Deadly Bees. Their song "How Can It Be" was also featured in another British horror film, The Psychopath. The ensemble dissolved by 1967.
Shindig! lauded "How Can It Be" for encapsulating their raw R&B essence into a succinct mod anthem. Both Gardner and Wood subsequently joined the Creation, with Gardner later becoming part of Ashton, Gardner and Dyke.
In 2010, Ali McKenzie revived the Birds' legacy by performing alongside members of Small Fakers, a tribute act for Small Faces. McKenzie passed away on 30 April 2021.
Band members
- Ali McKenzie – Vocals, harmonica
- Ronnie Wood – Lead guitar, vocals
- Tony Munroe – Rhythm guitar, vocals
- Kim Gardner – Bass guitar, vocals
- Bob Langham – Drums (1964)
- Pete McDaniels – Drums (1964–1966)
Session musician:
- Clem Cattini – Drums on "Granny Rides Again" (December 1966)
Singles
- "You're on My Mind" (Ronnie Wood) / "You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care)" (Ellas McDaniel) (Nov 1964, Decca F 12031) (Produced by Franklyn Boyd)
- "Leaving Here" (Holland–Dozier–Holland) b/w "Next in Line" (Ronnie Wood) (Apr 1965, Decca F 12140) (Produced by Franklyn Boyd) – Reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart
- "No Good Without You Baby" (William Stevenson) / "How Can It Be?" (Ronnie Wood) (Oct 1965, Decca F 12257) (Produced by Franklyn Boyd)
- "Say Those Magic Words" (Bob Feldman, Doc Pomus, Jerry Goldstein, Mort Shuman, Richard Gottehrer) b/w "Daddy Daddy" (Ronnie Wood/Tony Munroe) (as "The Birds Birds", Sep 1966, Reaction 591 005)
- "That's All That I Need You For" (Ronnie Wood, Tony Monroe, Ali MacKenzie) / "If I Were a Carpenter" (Tim Hardin) (Feb 2011, Birdsong Records ALI 001)
Additional Recorded Tracks
- "Good Times" / "La Poupée Qui Fait Non" (written by Michel Polnareff)
- "Granny Rides Again"
- "Run Run Run" (composed by Pete Townshend)
- "That's All I Need You For" (by Ronnie Wood and Tony Munroe)
- "You Shouldn't Do That" (authored by Ronnie Wood)
- "What Hit Me" (created by Ronnie Wood and Tony Munroe)
- "N.S.U." (written by Jack Bruce)
Compilation Releases
- The Collector's Guide to Rare British Birds – a CD compilation issued on 20 June 2005 under Deram Records