Twenty Flight Rockers was formed out of the ashes of Generation X by drummer Mark Laff and East London born singer Gary Twinn, who'd had a hit record in Australia with the band Supernaut. With guitarist Ian McKean and Jeff Vine on bass, they put together the band of their dreams. The kind of outfit they'd always wanted to see and hear.
Musically they were digging Eddie Cochran, Elvis, Gene Vincent and Johnny Kidd but with a new post punk power and attitude. Visually they were The Beatles in Hamburg, leather, grease, motorbikes and birds.
The sound was fresh, new and exciting. Just what the doctor ordered in those Duran/Goth poncy hairspray days. Twenty Flight Rockers reputation spread quickly and they were soon selling out clubs all over London. Their high regard as a live act grew such that they were named by the British music press as the top live band in the country and were subsequently invited to play the BBC's Janice Long show.
ABC records release of Tower Block Rock/Weekend Revolution quickly entered the top 15 and the band was pursued and offered a deal by Warner Brothers Records. The Rockers wrote and recorded hours of material not only for an album but also three singles, a live album and an e.p. of their favourite rockn'roll covers. First release Johnny Seven just saw light of day when Warners fired most of their A&R dept and decided Madona and Prince were the only artists the British public needed to hear. Enter Bernard Rhodes.
Mark knew Bernie Rhodes, the former Clash manager, from his own days with Subway Sect.
Bernard saw the huge potential of TFR and immediately took the helm. He sent Gary to New York and encouraged him to write new songs from a broader perspective. Returning to London the new tracks were demoed but there was trouble in the ranks of TFR. Some members thought that others were being treated better than they. Ian was asked to leave and Danny B Harvey, from US band The RockCats, took over guitar.
Bernard signed TFR to Epic Records in the States and a new album was made in Hollywood.
First single Black Leather Jacket was receiving great reviews and heavy rotation by radio in LA, Detriot and New York. A US and UK tour was being planned when Epic was suddenly over-run by Sony and Twenty Flight Rockers once again found themselves with out a deal, broke and friendless.
The peices of TFR were scattered to the wind.
You can hear some of the music and see some photos and press on this page.
Recently a lot of Twently Flight Rockers material was unearthed and digtalized. This includes the BBC sessions, WEA demos/singles and some great live performances.
If you're interested drop me a line.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DISCOGRAPHY
Click on CD to purchase
TWENTY FLIGHT ROCKERS [RIDE]
Revel Yell 2002
This is a version of the Epic album
NEW YORK SESSIONS
Revel Yell 2003
Demos recorded in New York
