Desperate Bicycles
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The Desperate Bicycles were an English punk group.
The band formed in 1977 as an experiment in the economics of punk's DIY methodology. Dave Papworth (drums), Nicky Stephens (keyboards), Roger Stephens (bass), and Danny Wigley (vocals) wanted to see how cheaply they could record and release music.[citation needed] The result was the single "Smokescreen" released in an edition of 500 on their newly formed Refill label, costing them £153. The single was re-pressed in an edition of 1000 and sold out in a fortnight. The song's repeated refrain "it was easy, it was cheap go and do it!" was a call to arms to similarly inclined DIY punks.
Their second release, "The Medium Was Tedium" / "Don't Back The Front", was released in an edition of 1000 and sold out in a week. The sleeve listed the names of some of those who had purchased the first single.[citation needed]
In 1978 the band released the "New Cross New Cross" EP, and two 7"s; "Occupied Territory" and "Grief Is Very Private".
In 1980 Papworth and Stephens were replaced by Dan Electro (guitar) and Jeff Titley (drums), and the Remorse Code album was released, reaching number 10 on the UK Indie Chart.[1] The band split up in 1981.
[edit] References
- ^ Lazell, Barry (1997). Indie Hits 1980-1999. Cherry Red Books. ISBN 0-9517206-9-4.
