Steve Roberts Vocals/Guitar
Tony Elliot Bass/Vocals
Tony Macguigan Drums
Mike Moran Guitars
David Oliver Piano/Keys
Others
Perry Pineapple Percussion
Susan Elleni Vocals
Brian Chin-Smithers Guitars/Keys
Influences
The Jam, Prefab Sprout, XTC, Style Council, Elvis Costello, REM
Sounds Like
Bought a new mic instead of a razor and tested it playing an old 16 Tambourines song This Is Not Love
Like the Pale Fountains and the Lotus Eaters, 16 Tambourines were a '60s-influenced guitar pop band from Liverpool, England that acquired more critical acclaim than album sales. Although they were signed to a major label, 16 Tambourines' true home was in the no-frills independent music scene, where their heartfelt, lovingly crafted soft rock was welcomed like a warm kiss. Although 16 Tambourines didn't form until 1985, vocalist Steve Roberts and bassist Tony Elliott had actually met in 1981 while trying to start another group, Total Action. However, a handful of acoustic performances failed to recruit more members to the band, and Roberts and Elliott eventually walked away from it. Three years later, Steve was in a band Indangerous Rhythm with Tony Macguigan and when they split they hastily formed 16 Tambourines to play the Drums Over The Mersey festival at Liverpool's Royal Court, naming themselves after an LP by psychedelic revivalists the Three O'Clock, Elliot joined soon afterwards. Followed by Brian Chin-Smithers. The group became well connected with the local scene and created a buzz with their constant gigging. In 1985, 16 Tambourines recorded a three-track demo featuring "Hope (A Man for All Seasons)," "Jumpin' in the Fire," and "I Wouldn't Want to Stop"." The tape attracted the attention of U.K. DJ Con McConville, providing the young band with some radio exposure. By 1987, 16 Tambourines had a bigger lineup with the additions of percussionist Dr. Perry Pineapple, guitarist Mike Moran, and backup vocalist Susan Elleni. There was an added richness to their sound with strong elements of cocktail jazz and soul. The group was signed to Arista Records and released their first and only album, How Green Is Your Valley?, in February 1990. The epic sweep of the title track didn't make much of a dent on the British charts, peaking at number 78; however, the group opened for Squeeze, Hue & Cru and Wet Wet Wet on immensely successful tours. Nevertheless, Arista simply lost interest in the band and dropped them shortly thereafter. 16 Tambourines broke up in April 1990. Roberts and Elliott continued their working relationship as the Tambourines until that, too, fell apart and Roberts found tremendous critical acclaim as a solo artist, releasing It Just Is in 2001, Shake It Make It & Don't Fake It in 2005 and under the name Captain Pop, Shut Up & Sing in 2006. ~ Adapted from:Michael Sutton, All Music Guide
Further info at http://www.16tambourines.com and http://www.steveroberts.eu
Transfers: Your old demo's on DAT, Cassette, Mini Disc converted onto Cd! Contact 0151 707 8007, info@igloostudios.co.uk, or via our myspace page for details.
Just to let you know I've launched a new website: www.StressFreePrint.co.uk. If you get a sec, please take a look around and let me know what you think. As always, give me a shout if you need any leaflets, flyers or posters to promote your gigs. Hope I can help you out sometime.
Take care and keep up the good work, Tom.
P.S. Cheers for your friendship. As a thank you, enter voucher code 'myspace' when ordering leaflet printing, flyer printing or poster printing and I'll knock 15 quid off the cost!
Happy New Year! Cheers for your friendship in 2008. All the best for 09. As always, let me know if I can help you out with any leaflets, flyers or posters to promote your gigs. If you place an order, just mention that you're one of my Myspace friends and I'll knock 15 quid off the cost. Hope I can help you out sometime. Take care, Tom. Check out my website to find out more about leaflet printing, flyer printing and poster printing.
Hi Our first gig in Liverpool for 10 years and a new album Hope you can make it down for a beer, this Sat night, 18th Oct The Zanzibar Club, Seel St, Liverpool My new site is www. myspace. com/thehexmen Best wishes George
Well the Miyagi album is finally complete! If you want to be one of the first to get a copy then you must come to the launch night in Edinburgh this friday (14th dec). After that details will be revealed of where you out of towners can get your grubby paws on your very own Lucky Face. Thanks for listening. Miyagi
And as we're not on 'till late, may we recommend the opening night of The Acoustic Cafe as a little warm up featuring the utterly brilliant William Douglas and the Wheel. Go on, make a night of it!
Pixie and Lola what fab names, unfortunatley Katie Cat did not pick her name and she was adopted at 5 years old so by then it had already stuck (have to say she's a bit of a hoofer in the looks department .... bless!). Good to have you as a friend of Katie Cat, I've bored her silly with tales of the 16 Tambourines in Trader Jacks - happy days! x
You'd have thought after all this bloody time playing the thing you'd have learned to do it without looking??? Was on the bank site as I had a notion to hear you live again to find that your eyes are falling out!!
Please tell me you have discovered anti-biotics and are recovered? Better news would be that you have a gig planned in Glasgow and you're going to save me trailing my ass South to hear you!
