Demob

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Biography

Demob formed in late 1978 by guitarist Terry Elcock and drummer Johnny Melfah, and they were soon joined by Mike Howes (vocals), Tony Wakefield (bass) and Chris Rush (guitar). Howes ex-army skinhead friend Andy Kanonik soon joined, also on vocals.[1] It was this line-up that first rehearsed and played the first gigs in and around Gloucester, the Viking youth club becoming the main place of rehearsals and Tracy’s night club was the first venue that Demob played in 1978, and became the local night club hangout for all the band and punks at that time. Elcock had previous experience on guitar as a member of a church band.[1]

Demob’s first big break came in the summer of 1979 when they fooled the authorities into letting them have a place in the Gloucester annual carnival parade. The ever increasing support for the band resulted in a mass riot between the punks and the bikers and, ultimately, the suspension of the carnival.[1] The riot made national press and attracted the interest of the local record label, Round Ear Records.[1][2]

In 1980, Howes was sacked from the band, and Kanonik was imprisoned for three months, leaving the band without a singer.[1] The band had just recruited Mark “Miff” Smith to replace Rush, and he took over the role of singer, with Paul “Fatty” Price also replacing Wakefield on bass.[1] Smith soon become an integral part, arranging and organizing gigs. With the line-up now comprising Mark Smith (vocals), Terry Elcock (guitar), Paul Price & Barry Philips (bass guitar), and Johnny Melfah (drums), the band worked on their first recordings. “Anti-Police” was Demob’s first release on the independent Round Ear Records, the record supported by the late John Peel, and journalist Garry Bushell.
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  • flytheflag

    Wicked set @ the fleece on 19th may w/ richardheads + uk subs. All 3 bands were awesome, maybe best gig iv'e been to for a while! great stuff!

    25 May 2012 Reply

  • DeliciousVomit

    was lucky enough to see these guys a few years ago... what a great band!

    2 Dec 2011 Reply

  • Hotkitty70

    Just bought them on vinyl - yay!

    27 Sep 2010 Reply

  • Plastmassa

    !!!!

    23 Aug 2010 Reply

  • Demobpunk

    Just wondering who is actually running this page? if you want any upto date info on Demob email me at demob_punk@yahoo.co.uk cheers Andy K (DEMOB)

    21 Mar 2008 Reply

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