Speedball The Count Bishops

£10.00

Genre:
Punk Rock
Label:
Chiswick
Format:
7"
Catalogue Id:
SW 1

This product is also available in these versions:
Speedball (MP3), MP3 (£3.16)

45-and-a-bit years after its original release, a new repro of the band’s 4-track 7-inch debut EP, now on pink vinyl – where it all started for Ace Records, folks.

As my sleeve note for the original “Speedball” EP proclaimed, “The Bishops are exactly the sort of band we were looking for when we started the label”. The tracks for the EP – the first-ever release on the Chiswick label – were recorded at Pathway Studios on 28 August 1975.

For a couple of years beforehand, I had been toying with the idea of starting an independent record label, to reissue classic, in-demand rock’n’roll 45s such as ‘Sea Cruise’, ‘The Wanderer’ and ‘Brand New Cadillac’. With bands such as Dr Feelgood, Ducks DeLuxe and Kilburn & the High Roads becoming popular around the London pubs, I was also considering the possibility of releasing records by acts that were diametrically opposite to the likes of Yes, Barclay James Harvest, Fruup and Gnidrolog.

In December 1974 I asked Roger Armstrong, who was managing the Rock On record stall in Soho Market, if he would maybe like to become involved in the record label. He was delighted to be invited as he already had some studio experience and was keen to find a way into the record business.

In February 1975 Mike Spenser flew intoLondonfromNew Yorkand soon found his way to the Rock On stall. Roger was playing ‘Confessin’ The Blues’ by the Rolling Stones when he detected a phantom harp player accompanying the record, which turned out to be Mike, who had been perving through a rack of pic sleeve 45s and just happened to have his “C” harmonica in his pocket.

Meanwhile, Mike had placed a small ad in Melody Maker which was answered by Zen De Fleur, who invited him to a gig by his band Chrome at The Brecknock. Around the same time Roger and I had heard Chrome playing at The Lord Nelson and invited them to cut some demos at Dave Robinson’s studio in the Hope & Anchor. Mike recorded a couple of vocals with them that day but Zen was dissatisfied with the results and decided to disband Chrome and start a new band with Mike. 

They did a few gigs with Rob Murly (bass) and Bob Burgos (drums) but ended up recruiting Paul Balbi and Stevie Lewins to fill those roles in the band. Mike managed to persuade his old mate John Crippen (Johnny Guitar) – with whom he had played in the Kingbees, a Brooklyn blues band – to jump on a London-bound plane with his two Gibson guitars: the Count Bishops were born. The rest, as they say, is history.

TED CARROLL

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We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

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