021
(Shirley / Olton)
BIRMINGHAM
 

O21: Formed in 1979 and hailing from Shirley and Olton. The original line up included Tony Simpson, Simon Palmer, Ian Kemp, Mark Thomas and Ian Richards.

 Spurred on by the rivalry with local band the Undertakers, the line up and look changed just after their first vinyl offering "I Don’t Wanna Be A Robot", on the Mell Square Music EP. This included the introduction of Viv Elmore (guitar) and Tony Trap (drums); and Martin Frain (manager and occasional keyboards).

 This line-up gigged regularly in Birmingham and Solihull, with a residency at the Golden Lion in Solihull. 021 took major steps forward with the introduction of a rhythm section from local punk/ska band, the Androids - Mike Hancox (bass) and John Groarke (drums) in early 1981. By taking on a more regimented approach to rehearsals and driven by Viv’s song writing the band took great steps forward and began to play to a wider audience across the UK. The band reached its zenith by releasing their second vinyl offering on their own label, U.K. Pop Records  - "The Pop Song/Aversion"- in 1982.

The band split in 1983 due to the apathy of the music scene and because they were banned from playing in Birmingham due to a street riot between local mods and rude boys during a gig as part of their residency at the Barrel Organ!

 

Mike Hancox Tony Simpson John Groarke
Photo taken in 82 prior to gig at golden eagle, Birmingham

 

 

Page Two

 

Thanks to Tony Simpson

<<BACK TO INDEX

©Detour Records