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From a technical standpoint this was no easy feat as some of the master tapes had shed so much oxide during playback that they could only be run the once through copied, digitally enhanced and re-mastered to end up in this fresh form. ‘Typically English’ though by way of example, still kicks as hard as you like, as though it were only recorded yesterday. Whatever one makes of it I’m sure you will agree that we were a bloody great band back in the late seventies. Simon, Townshend - August 2001 ___________________________________________________ The name of the now legendary ON THE AIR was often quoted but its music rarely heard and, as so often in interviews, I was proud to say that Big Country’s rhythm section was formed from this unit. The band was fronted by the brilliantly talented SIMON TOWNSHEND; songwriter / vocalist / guitarists, on bass the great TONY BUTLER and myself on drums. This was, a band I so much wanted to happen. We felt right, the chemistry, the musicianship the fact we were all great mates. My God, we were so young then, all of us teenagers. Rehearsals were fun, something to look for to. We lived and breathed this band. I suppose for me it was the first original band I had been in after spending years playing covers, and as a 3 piece.it was very exciting and demanding, as there are more holes to fill from a percussive standpoint. This gave ‘On The Air’ a raw edge and attitude that in my mind, for its time was up there with the great bands of the day - THE JAM, CLASH and POLICE. On The Air did not just happen but grew musically from the SIMON, TOWNSHEND BAND (STB), a keyboard led (Genesis style) five piece band with Simon playing keyboards and a separate lead vocalist. Although musically advanced and for its time quite technical (maybe this music will be released soon), seemed to be getting, nowhere fast other than packing out the Golden Lion and Greyhound, pubs in Fulham, London attracting the Genesis road crew who used to hang out there (FISH would have been proud). Things soon changed and with Simon now writing on a guitar, a tougher sound was born. We cut down to a four piece with Simon fronting the band on guitar, Tony on bass and Dave Bowles on Lead guitar. We obtained a singles deal with WEA Records and recorded two singles. During this exciting period we did our first UK tour opening up for The Skids. A few months later however, with no support or encouragement from the label and no chart action we put the band on ice. At a similar period in time, Stuart Adamson left The Skids. Tony Butler kept in contact with Stuart via Ian Grant, his manager, and the rest is history. So, listen up and enjoy one of my favourite bands - ON THE AIR Cheers, Mark Brzezicki - August 2001 ___________________________________________________ The memories of ones first group are like memories of ones first love affair, distant but heart On The Air with Dave, Simon, Mark and myself was the lineup that I had in mind, was attacking the business of being successful, full on. But it was when we were a three piece I felt we were really potent. Above all that we were friends. we grew up together. I perhaps spent more time at Simon"s house These recordings show a group searching for an identity and a bunch of young musicians A brilliant, proud time. Oh, we were young then Tony Butler - August 2001 ___________________________________________________ It would be customary at this stage to give thanks to all our friends and family who offered their undying love and support throughout our careers in this business we call musi.. Also, to our fans (platonic groupies included) present project aside, they are always there for us in whatever our venture. Simon would like to personally thank Janie and Ben (luvver n' bruvver), Bob Kowalski and Joe Saunders at Stir Music U.S, Dave Bowles and Jack James for their help in the retrieval and compilation of these early recordings, Ian Grant for inspiration to move on this thing, Steve Brzezicki for the use of his home studio, Tony Lowe for his amazing work on the 2 new tracks. and Martin Denis for the loan of the tape machine ;-) Who have I forgotten? Email me: |
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www.trackrecords.tv Another Planet Publishing - Copyright Control Distributed by Pestic Head Distribution TRK1007CD Additional musicians - Tony Lowe played the Lead guitar on First Time and Comeback. Live tracks recorded at Another Planet, Happy In My House and Funny People recorded at Broadwick Street Studios and Olympic by Mike Pela and Phil Chapman. Another Planet produced by Jon Astley. Jimmy Dub recorded at Matrix, London by Nick 'Codpiece' Bradford and Johnny Burns. Piano played by Adrian York. Simon Townshend - Guitar/Vocals/Keyboards All songs written by Simon Townshend |
