As a result of the St Just Collective's public response, it was
decided to set up a smaller nucleus, to work on a more constructive
musical approach.
This hardcore unit featured Ian Payne (vocals and guitar), Alison
Reynolds (fretless bass guitar - the same instrument that I later
acquired), Seth Marshall (drums) and myself on guitar.
After Seth
moved to London, the line-up changed considerably when his twin
brother Pete took over on drums and I switched to bass when Alison
was unable to continue. This group became more workable when we
were joined by Gavin Nichol (ex-Sadig Sadag) who had a good
writing and playing relationship with Ian Payne. |
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By July 1986 this had become the line-up of the band Tom's Island
and we started gigging by the end of that month.
Never Too Late
I had become interested in bass playing over a period of many years
and after Alison Reynolds moved away, the demand exceeded the
supply. I also played bass with Steve Dyer and what was to become
the Wyan band.
During this time David Bickley continued to visit on a regular
basis, often jamming and gigging with the band, playing a variety
of instruments - synthesizers, piano, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet
and percussion. |
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One of the great successes in August 1986 was the Dance Away for
Ethiopia gig that Charlotte Gunn organised at the St Just Town Hall,
to raise money for famine relief in Eastern Africa. This was the
first of many gigs we played in St Just and established the band
very strongly in the area.
I also played with Steve Dyer's band that night. It was halfway
through the Tom's Island set that Seth Marshall made his return to
the band and took over playing the drums for us.
Pete devoted more of his time to playing guitar and photography,
studying at Dartington College, and later formed local band
Freakish Ways.
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