THE HYBRIDS

Coventry

 

Formed in Coventry during the summer of 1977, The Hybrids evolved from the ashes of four other local groups, Jerry (ex-Gristle), Horace (ex-Breaker), Silverton (ex-Chapter 5) and Lynval (ex-the Ray King Soul Band). Roping in Tim from behind the counter at the local Virgin Records shop they soon set about two months of rehearsals before playing their first gig in early October '77 supporting 'The Shapes' at the "Heath Hotel" in Coventry. The gig went so well that The Hybrids were offered a fortnightly residency there providing they could provide another punk headline act. The band, however, were not that happy with Tim's vocal ability and soon set about finding a replacement. Jerry was a big fan of local punk group, "Squad", and persuaded their singer 'Terry Hall' to join them for a rehearsal. Terry saw the potential in The Hybrids material, songs like "Too Much Too Young", "New Era", "Little Bitch", "Do The Dog" etc.

With Tim now gone and Terry onboard, a new name was needed, out went "The Hybrids" and in came "The Automatics", which was fine until it was found out that a new wave act with the same name had already signed to 'Island Records', forcing our Midlands heroes to adapt their name to "The Coventry Automatics".

By June 1978 they had changed their name yet again to "The Specials", this time it really was the dawning of a new era....

JOE PUBLIC

 FEBRUARY 2008