Guana Batz

The Guana Batz are an English psychobilly band that was formed in 1982 in Feltham, West London. The band is most well known for its frequent appearances at the Klub Foot, an early psychobilly club.

Guana Batz
OriginFeltham, Greater London, England
GenresPsychobilly
Years active1982 (1982)–present)
LabelsI.D. Records, Big Beat Records
Members
  • Pip Hancox
  • Stuart Osborne
  • Jonny Bowler
  • Paul "Choppy" Lambourne
Past members
  • Dave 'Diddle' Turner
  • Sam Sardi

History

The original group members were Pip Hancox (vocals), Stuart Osborne (guitar), Dave "Diddle" Turner (drums) and Mick Wigfall (upright bass). Wigfall was removed by Osborne early on, who preferred a bass guitar player for the band. Mick White soon joined the band as bass guitarist. However, by 1984, the Guana Batz decided to again feature an upright bassist, and replaced White with Sam Sardi.

Turner quit the band in May 1987, the hectic touring schedule having grown too much for him, and opted to devote his time to his girlfriend and his construction job. He was replaced by former Get Smart bass player, Jonny Bowler. When Sardi left the band, Bowler switched to upright bass, and John Buck joined the band on drums. Mark Pennington of the Caravans played upright bass for the band after Sam Sardi left and prior to Johnny Bowler switching to bass.

Hancox's Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pig Dog, was humorously referred to as the band's "fifth member." After being hit by a car, he was replaced by Hancox's new dog, Muttley, who would be featured on four Guana Batz album covers. Although Muttley has died, he reportedly lived to an old age. The band broke up in 1990, but reunited in 1996. They are still touring today. Osborne also plays with The Unknowns. Buck still lives in London; Hancox and Bowler have relocated to San Diego, California and they have occasionally performed in the southern California area with ex-Stray Cats members under the moniker the Guana Cats.

In 2001, Turner died from a stroke.

The band continues to headline major festivals around the world, and have more recently built their US following, with their Stateside line-up featuring Gino Meregillano on guitar and Jared Hren on drums.

Discography

Singles
Year Title UK Indie Chart Position
December 1983 "You're So Fine" / "Rock 'n' in My Coffin" #19
May 1984 "The Cave" #6
March 1986 "See Through" #4
July 1986 "I'm on Fire" #5
May 1987 "Rock This Town" #8

Albums
Year Title UK Indie Chart Position
August 1985 Held Down to Vinyl... At Last #1
November 1986 Loan Sharks #3
June 1987 Live over London #5
March 1988 Rough Edges #6
1990 Electra Glide in Blue
1994 Get Around (demos)
1998 The Peel Sessions
2000 Can't Take The Pressure
2001 The Very Best of The Guana Batz
2017 Burning Up
April 2018 Back to the Jungle

See also

References
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