The Earwigs by The Earwigs

THE EARWIGS 1980 - 1983

The Earwigs were formed by V2 songwriter and guitarist Mark Standley in 1980 following the demise of V2.

www.v2music.bandcamp.com

Hugh O'Boyle, formally lead guitarist with Belfast band Victim joined on bass guitar,

Following an experimental studio session at which everyone had a go at singing, former V2 drummer Steve Brotherdale changed roles to take on the lead vocals.

The first drummer was Toby Toman (later of Primal Scream) followed by Alex Sidebottom (formally of The Distractions)

The Earwigs influences ranged from punk rock to 60s psychedelia. They quickly became involved in the short lived 'Psychedelic revival' which was taking place in London in 1981, based around a weekly night at legendary Soho nightclub Gossips hosted by DJ Clive, who went on to become Dr of Dr and the Medics

During 1981-82, they performed at many leading London venues, and in 1982 appeared on the Warner Brother's compilation album 'Splash of Colour' with the track 'Keep Your Voice Down'

During the Falklands War in 1982, they appeared on regional news program 'Granada Reports' hosted by Factory Records boss Tony Wilson performing the song 'Wargames' which Wilson categorized as
'psychedelia as a post-punk phenomenon'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv47YBDDbS8&index=1&list=UUFayxNIqOmcxtFdsgX6OsxA

The band split up in 1983 due to musical and personal differences and the need to cut down on the copious amount of recreational substances that fuelled it!

Standley went on to perform with Tricky, The Glitter Band, The Drones and Sigue Sigue Sputnik. He currently writes songs, plays guitar and produces Berlin based band SisterButterFly

www.sisterbutterfly.bandcamp.com

Note.. The sound quality of some of these recordings is not great, as they are from very old cassettes