The Dancing Did
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 in Evesham, England |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Evesham , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Dancing Did emerged as a British post-punk and folk punk ensemble originating from Evesham in 1979, often described as a fusion reminiscent of the Clash combined with Steeleye Span. Their discography includes a single album released in 1982, followed by their dissolution in 1983.
History
The band’s formation began in 1979 when vocalist Tim Harrison brought guitarist Martyn Dormer on board. Tim's brother, Ollie Harrison—who was drumming for The Photos at the time—participated in recording two DIY singles issued under their own Fruit & Veg label in 1979 and 1980. These records later found distribution in the United States through Wired Muzik. The name "The Dancing Did" was inspired by the term "didicoi," referring to gypsies.
Following a support slot for The Photos, Dormer added drummer Chris Houghton to the lineup. Initially, bassist Mick Davies joined briefly before Stuart Dyke assumed bass duties, featuring on a Chainsaw fanzine flexi-disc. Dyke’s passing in 1981 preceded an increase in the band’s live performances and favorable media attention; NME's Barney Hoskyns commended their distinctive "pastoral Edwardian rockabilly" style rooted in Worcestershire traditions.
Roger Smith succeeded Dyke on bass guitar. In 1981, the group released the single "The Lost Platoon" through Stiff Records, later signing with Kamera Records to issue two further singles—"Badger Boys" and "The Green Man And The March Of The Bungalows"—alongside their only full-length album, And Did Those Feet (1982).
The band ceased activity in 1983.
Music writer Mick Mercer identified them as his "all-time favourite British group" and authored a dedicated book chronicling their story.
Post-band activity
After the band’s breakup, Harrison shifted his career toward magazine design, contributing to titles such as Punch, Chat, and Q, stepping away from performing music.
Dormer became involved with burlesque rock group The Big Beat Band before transitioning into retail and mobile phone sales sectors.
Roger Smith pursued agricultural studies and later worked with companies Rhythm Oil and Underneath.
Dormer continued his musical journey by performing in the folk duo Man Overboard and currently plays with Skiffle Haze; he is also developing a new duo project named The Red Hot Lovers.
Drummer Chris Houghton re-entered the music scene during the mid-1990s, joining various bands including The Bassetts, The Disciples, Doctor's Orders, and Will Dance For Chocolate. He became part of The John Steeds in 2011 and served as the house drummer at The Marr's Bar in Worcester. After retiring from both music and his professional career in 2016, he relocated to southern Spain following extensive travels across Europe.
And Did Those Feet
Released by Kamera Records in November 1982, And Did Those Feet stands as the band's sole album, achieving a peak position of number 25 on the UK Independent Chart. Cherry Red Records reissued it in 2007 with additional live recordings and B-sides included. In 2011, it was ranked #44 on New Musical Express's list of "100 Greatest Albums You've Never Heard".
Track listing
Template:Track listing Template:Track listing
Critical reception
Critic Dave Thompson described "Wolves of Worcestershire" as having lyrics that were "almost Shakespearean" while characterizing "Squashed Things" as a blend influenced by The Cure and The Wurzels. Bill Prince from Noise! noted a combination of thrash elements akin to Tenpole Tudor paired with polished guitar work reminiscent of the B52's, complimenting its inventive lyricism. Maxim Jakubowski referred to the album as an eccentric collection of experimental dance tracks featuring sparse instrumentation alongside fervent vocal delivery.
Personnel
- Roger Smith – bass guitar, production
- Chris Houghton – drums, production
- Martyn Dormer – vocals, lead guitar, synthesizer, production
- Tim Harrison – vocals, production
- Technical
- Mick Dolan – engineering
- Porky – mastering
Musical style
Their sound merges elements of "rustic rock 'n' roll," fusing punk vigor with folk traditions. Dave Thompson labeled them as "punkabilly madmen," bridging styles similar to Dexys and Tenpole Tudor. According to Record Collector, they presented a theatrical intellectual persona with music situated between early Echo & the Bunnymen and Southern Death Cult, branding them as distinctly English eccentricities. Paul Du Noyer compared their style to rural reinterpretations akin to A Clockwork Orange. Their songwriting frequently delves into rural themes such as fruit-picking, marked by an idiosyncratic humor and surreal quality. Jakubowski highlighted their fascination with unusual subjects including ghosts, Vikings, street gangs, witches, lost platoons, spirits, wolves, nuclear conflict, haunted tea rooms, and roadkill.
Discography
Albums
- And Did Those Feet (1982), Kamera - reissued in 2007 by Cherry Red Records with additional tracks
Singles
- Dancing Did / Lorry Pirates (1979), Fruit & Veg
- The Haunted Tearooms / Squashed Things on the Road (1980), Fruit & Veg
- The Lost Platoon / The Human Chicken (1981), Stiff
- The Green Man and the March of the Bungalows / A Fruit Picking Fantasy (1982), Kamera
- Badger Boys / The World's Gonna End in Cheltenham (1982), Kamera
- Six Word Hex / House on the Edge of the Wood (1983), Kamera – subsequently withdrawn