In 1981, following in the footsteps of Specials drummer John Bradbury's Race Records, vocalist Neville Staple's and his then girlfriend Stella (from The Bodysnatchers) launched Shack Records. Their first signing was ska/reggae band 21 Guns and the single included the songs "Ambition Rock" b/w "21 Guns". The songs were also produced by Neville, and peaking at #46 on the UK Charts after 3 weeks.
The band, formed by ex-Specials roadies Trevor Evans (Keyboards) and Johnny Rex (Drums) and included Kevin Turner (Bass), Stuart (Guitar) and Gary 'Judge' Chambers (Vocals), had previously recorded a three song session for John Peel in early February 1981 based in their connection with Golding and The Specials. The session included the A and B side of the single as well as the song "Dark Night".
The band scored a support slot opening for Hazel O'Connor and their short set list included their three original songs plus 2 covers ("Too Hot" by The Specials and "Johnny Too Bad" later covered by UB40).
The single is difficult to find, but if I come across it I will post it here.
I arrived here after rediscovering the 21 Guns single in my cellar & deciding to google it (after singing along to the chorus & realising how easily I remembered it). Top track - I obviously bought it after hearing it on Peel - probably hadn't listened to it for 25 years or so :-( Nev
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note: Stuart(Guitar) surname was, and still is Maclean.
ReplyDeleteI know this as he is still gigging in the Huddersfield area!
omentwawHaven't tried downloading it yet but the 21 Guns single seems to be on this site http://www.mediafire.com/?gmynjzh0twm
ReplyDeleteI have the single somewhere probably lost in the loft.