The Spitfire Boys
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | David Littler |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool, England; Cardiff, Wales; London, England , United Kingdom |
| Products | Punk rock music, singles ("British Refugee", "Funtime") |
The Spitfire Boys hold the distinction of being Liverpool's pioneering punk rock group to issue a single release ("British Refugee" b/w "Mein Kampf"). The band is recognized for including Peter Clarke, who subsequently performed drums with the Slits, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Creatures, alongside Paul Rutherford, who went on to fame with 1980s pop ensemble Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Guitarist David Littler later became a member of the Photons, which featured Steve Strange (Visage) and Vince Ely (the Psychedelic Furs).
Liverpool period
David Littler established the band in early 1977 after securing an opening act spot for the Heartbreakers at Warrington Parr Hall. The original members were Littler on guitar, Peter Griffiths handling bass, Michael Rigby as vocalist, and Steve Platt on drums. The group soon adopted the name The Spitfire Boys and made their stage debut performing covers of the Ramones.
Shortly thereafter, drummer Peter Clarke (known as Budgie), then an art student and Yachts member, joined the lineup. Following their second performance at Eric's Club, Clarke recommended replacing vocalist Rigby with Paul Rutherford.
Their first single, the 7" British Refugee, was launched on 7 October 1977 through RKO Records. This lineup toured across the UK, supporting bands such as the Prefects and the Slits.
In December 1977, Pete Wylie briefly participated in rehearsals. The band dissolved on 22 December; Clarke, Griffiths, and Wylie went on to form Nova Mob alongside Julian Cope, while Rutherford created the Opium Eaters. Littler relocated to London in January 1978 to join the Photons. Griffiths left the music industry due to dissatisfaction with prevalent drug-related issues.
In July 2006, Korova Records reissued "British Refugee" on their compilation North by Northwest, curated by Paul Morley.
Welsh chapter
After disbanding the brief-lived Photons, Littler moved to Cardiff, Wales, in October 1978 and formed a new band initially named the White Boys. Following advice from a financial backer focused on marketing, they adopted the Spitfire Boys moniker. This lineup consisted of Littler (under the name David Francis) on vocals and guitar, along with ex-Nylonz members Peter Millman (guitar), Kurt Prasser (bass), and Chris Brazier (drums). This incarnation released the single "Funtime" in 1979 on Impeccable Records. By October 1979 they shifted base to London and recorded demos for RKO Records. Despite attracting attention from a major label by 1980, the group disbanded, leading Littler to join White Brothers.
Discography
- "British Refugee" (RKO Records, released 7 October 1977)
- "Funtime" (Impeccable Records, 1979)