Twenty Flight Rockers was formed out of the ashes of Generation X by drummer Mark Laff and East London born singer Gary Twinn, who'd had a hit record in Australia with the band Supernaut. With guitarist Ian McKean and Jeff Vine on bass, they put together the band of their dreams. The kind of outfit they'd always wanted to see and hear.
Musically they were digging Eddie Cochran, Elvis, Gene Vincent and Johnny Kidd but with a new post punk power and attitude. Visually they were The Beatles in Hamburg, leather, grease, motorbikes and birds.
The sound was fresh, new and exciting. Just what the doctor ordered in those Duran/Goth poncy hairspray days. Twenty Flight Rockers reputation spread quickly and they were soon selling out clubs all over London. Their high regard as a live act grew such that they were named by the British music press as the top live band in the country and were subsequently invited to play the BBC's Janice Long show.
ABC records release of Tower Block Rock/Weekend Revolution quickly entered the top 15 and the band was pursued and offered a deal by Warner Brothers Records. The Rockers wrote and recorded hours of material not only for an album but also three singles, a live album and an e.p. of their favourite rockn'roll covers. First release Johnny Seven just saw light of day when Warners fired most of their A&R dept and decided Madona and Prince were the only artists the British public needed to hear. Enter Bernard Rhodes.
Mark knew Bernie Rhodes, the former Clash manager, from his own days with Subway Sect.
Bernard saw the huge potential of TFR and immediately took the helm. He sent Gary to New York and encouraged him to write new songs from a broader perspective. Returning to London the new tracks were demoed but there was trouble in the ranks of TFR. Some members thought that others were being treated better than they. Ian was asked to leave and Danny B Harvey, from US band The RockCats, took over guitar.
Bernard signed TFR to Epic Records in the States and a new album was made in Hollywood.
First single Black Leather Jacket was receiving great reviews and heavy rotation by radio in LA, Detriot and New York. A US and UK tour was being planned when Epic was suddenly over-run by Sony and Twenty Flight Rockers once again found themselves with out a deal, broke and friendless.
The peices of TFR were scattered to the wind.
You can hear some of the music and see some photos and press on this page.
Recently a lot of Twently Flight Rockers material was unearthed and digtalized. This includes the BBC sessions, WEA demos/singles and some great live performances.
If you're interested drop me a line.
London Cowboys - "Relapse" - Sept 3rd, Jungle Records
Junk in the Trunk... Steve Dior literally went through his old trunk and discovered some gems, on cassette, vinyl and 1/2" masters, along with a bevy of photos from our touring days. A quick call to Alan Hauser at Jungle Records and a mere 10 months later we have the definitive London Cowboys CD... and it's a double. The first disc is the "best of" from our earlier releases, which includes and opens with "Dance Crazy" a track that was only ever on vinyl; and ends with The Idols single, which likewise has not been heard since the invention of the wheel... 15 tracks in all. The second disc is a real gem, a complete CD of unreleased material, it opens with the studio version of "Hollywood" and includes Jerry Nolan's "Countdown Love" and two of our first demos for Track Records. So we have a really comprehensive Cowboys CD, very representative of the band in it's many forms... that includes all of our more well know collaborators... Jerry Nolan, Killer Kane, Glen Matlock, Gerry Laffy, Johhny Thunders, Terry Chimes, Mike Monroe, Tony James, Sylvain, etc... some great rocking tracks, and if you were ever a fan of the band or the music, it's a must-have.... take it from me..... I was there..... I think, Barry
Hey! How have you been!! My EP, HURRICANE LENA is officially on iTunes! Hope you can head over and check it out! Can't wait to hear back from you! Much Love -CL
I was privileged to see TFR rip the roof off The Marquee a couple of times way back when (86?). For those who have yet to hear 'Punishment' or 'Everybody knows' plus a whole host of other killer toons, there is a real treat in store.One of THE kick ass bands who had it all. Damned cool logo too. Thanks for the add. Cheers.
