The Subterraneans

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Memphis Louie an' The Rockin' Firebirds of Death Lineup 1 (Early Summer 85)

  • Memphis Louie Studebaker (Vocals/Harmonica)
  • Leroi Z Coondawg (Bass)
  • Bob Bitchin’ (Lead Guitar)
  • Zink Sputnik (Rhythm Guitar)
  • Etheridge Lockjaw Jones I (Drums)

Emil was off a'hoboin' on the freight cars in the US and Canada in the Summer of 85. The rest of the band were at home and keen to do something, so Roddy Huggan from the Meantime was drafted in on vocals and harmonica. The Subterraneans had been very much an Emil The Shrink combo, however, so it was decided that a different name should be used for the purposes of gigging with Roddy. One night Leroi had a dream, in which the name of "Memphis Louie an' the Rockin' Firebirds of Death" appeared fully formed. Roddy Huggan therefore had to become Memphis Louie Studebaker and this line-up took to the road.

In early summer of 85, they played 2 gigs in one night – a drum-less slot at the Folk Club’s “Rhythm and Blues Night” upstairs in the County, followed by a spur-of-the-moment slot suggested by Bob Bitchin’ at a charity ceilidh in the Royal. The County gig was grim without the volume, and a bit out of tune. The Royal gig was very good despite continual heckling from the Parkend Scribe, in full blackface makeup.

Zink Sputnik left the band somewhere between the County and the Royal, unhappy with the County performance, the decision to play the Royal, and the scarcity of Chic songs in the set list.

No known tapes in existence. (?)

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