The Desperate Bicycles
| Company type | Independent record label and punk band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Punk music, independent records |
The Desperate Bicycles were a punk group originating from London, England, established in 1977. They issued their own independent records via their label, Refill Records, during the late 1970s, motivating numerous other bands to adopt a similar approach. The Desperate Bicycles were trailblazers of the do-it-yourself ethic within punk music, advocating the idea: "it was easy, it was cheap – go and do it!". They have been recognized as "the most passionate advocates of DIY".
History
Formed in March 1977, The Desperate Bicycles came together with the express purpose of producing and releasing a single on their own label. The initial members were Nicky Stephens (keyboards), Roger Stephens (bass), Danny Wigley (vocals), Mel Oxer (drums), and Paul LeClerc (guitar). Their band name was inspired by a passage from J. B. Priestley’s 1930 novel Angel Pavement. In October 1978, vocalist Danny Wigley highlighted their independent philosophy: "The biggest hurdle is just believing you’ve still got some control over your life, that you can go out and do it".
First single
In March 1977, the band secured studio time in Dalston, East London, to record their debut single. Equipped only with an amplifier and bass guitar, the studio provided additional instruments and gear. They laid down two tracks: "Smokescreen" and "Handlebars". Released in August 1977 under their Refill Records label with an initial run of 500 copies, production expenses totaled £153, which covered studio fees, pressing, and packaging. The single featured identical songs on both sides in mono format. The track "Handlebars" concluded with their DIY slogan: "it was easy, it was cheap - go and do it!". Roger Stephens and Danny Wigley actively promoted the record to independent retailers and distributors such as Virgin and Rough Trade. The original pressing sold out within four months, yielding £210 profit. This revenue enabled a second pressing of 1,000 copies that sold out in just two weeks. Earnings from these sales funded the production of their second single.
Second single
Following the departure of drummer and guitarist after the release of "Smokescreen", 14-year-old Dave Papworth joined as drummer. The revamped lineup recorded two tracks—"The Medium was Tedium" and "Don't Back the Front"—in June 1977. Released in February 1978 with a pressing of 1,000 units, this second single sold out within one week. "The Medium was Tedium" encouraged others to embrace the band’s DIY philosophy, while "Don't Back the Front" underscored self-production through lyrics such as "cut it, press it, distribute it / Xerox music's here at last". The Desperate Bicycles’ DIY approach sought to challenge conventional music industry norms by enabling artists to manage their own production and distribution processes. Profits from this release financed an additional 2,500 copies of each single as well as new equipment acquisitions.
Early gigs and subsequent recordings
By late 1977, having a single available led to an invitation for The Desperate Bicycles to perform at Eric's Club in Liverpool. Initially unprepared for live performances due to their focus on recording, they quickly relearned existing material and wrote new songs. They set up a rehearsal space at 106 Erlanger Rd, New Cross, soundproofed using cardboard eggboxes. Their inaugural live show took place on New Year's Eve 1977 at Eric's Club. In May 1978, they released the New Cross, New Cross EP featuring six new tracks.
Throughout 1978, live appearances were infrequent but included participation in a Rock Against Racism benefit alongside Sham 69. Another single followed in July of that year. By October 1979, lineup adjustments brought in Dan 'Electro'/Driscoll on guitar, Geoff Titley on drums, and Nicky Stephens switching to bass. The Remorse Code album came out in February 1980 and achieved number 10 on the UK Indie Chart. The band ultimately disbanded in 1981.
Afterwards, Danny Wigley and Jeff Titley formed Lusty Ghosts with Dennis Burns and Cameron Allan; they released a cassette through the Refill label.
Music and influence
The sound of the Desperate Bicycles has been characterized by critics as featuring "thin, distorted, raw guitars played through modest amplifiers, nasal organs, slightly off-key electric pianos, makeshift cardboard box percussion, and a repetitive yet sensible vocal delivery." Another commentator described them as "an unpolished and chaotic example of psychedelic post-punk." Simon Reynolds observed that their style was "nearly ascetic in its stark minimalism, with guitar tones so sparse they seemed almost skeletal."
For the Desperate Bicycles, imperfection and frailty symbolized genuine punk credibility. The absence of conventional rock qualities represented the band's sincere dedication.[1]
As non-professional musicians devoted to self-reliance, their recordings demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for both the artistic and technical facets of music production. Their do-it-yourself philosophy and rallying cry of "go and do it!" motivated a wide array of punk and post-punk acts throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. Groups such as Scritti Politti and Australia's Thought Criminals have acknowledged their significant impact. Following their breakup, former members have maintained their ideals by refusing interviews and avoiding re-releases.
Discography
- Smokescreen 7-inch single (Refill Records RR-1; August 1977) - "Smokescreen" / "Handlebars"
- The Medium was Tedium 7-inch single (Refill Records RR-2; February 1978) - "The Medium was Tedium" / "Don't Back the Front"
- New Cross, New Cross 7-inch EP (Refill Records RR-3; May 1978) - "(I Make the) Product" / "Paradise Lost" / "Advice on Arrest" / "Holidays" / "The Housewife Song" / "Cars"
- Occupied Territory 7-inch single (Refill Records RR-4; July 1978) - "Occupied Territory" / "Skill"
- John Peel session (July 1978) – "Smokescreen" / "Skill" / "Sarcasm" / "Teacher's Prayer"
- Remorse Code LP (Refill Records RR-6; February 1980) – "I Am Nine" / "Walking the Talking Channel" / "A Can of Lemonade" / "Pretty Little Analyse" / "Acting" / "It’s Somebody’s Birthday Today" / "Sarcasm" / "Trendy Feelings" / "Natural History" / "Blasting Radio"
- Grief is Very Private EP (Refill Records RR-7; 1980) – "Grief is Very Private" / "Obstructive" / "Conundrum"
External links
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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