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{{Short description| Band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Twenty Flight Rockers
| name = Twenty Flight Rockers
| image =Twenty Flight Rockers.jpg
| image = Twenty Flight Rockers.jpg
| caption =Twenty Flight Rockers (1986)
| caption = Twenty Flight Rockers (1986)
| image_size =
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| landscape = yes
| origin = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| origin = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[rock 'n' roll]], [[rockabilly]], [[punk rock]]
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[rock 'n' roll]], [[rockabilly]], [[punk rock]]
| years_active = [[1985 in music|1985]]–[[1989 in music|1989]]
| years_active = [[1985 in music|1985]]–[[1989 in music|1989]]
| label =
| label =
| associated_acts = [[Supernaut (Australian band)|Supernaut]], [[Generation X (band)|Generation X]], [[Puncture (band)|Puncture]], Thirteen, [[Balaam and the Angel]], The Runner Brothers, Dead Horse, The Honeydippers, Speedtwinn, [[The International Swingers]]
| associated_acts = [[Supernaut (Australian band)|Supernaut]], [[Generation X (band)|Generation X]], [[Puncture (band)|Puncture]], Thirteen, [[Balaam and the Angel]], The Runner Brothers, Dead Horse, The Honeydippers, Speedtwinn, [[The International Swingers]]Bonesandtheaft ,
| website =
| website =
| current_members =
| current_members =
| past_members = [[Gary Twinn]]<br>[[Mark Laff]]<br>Ian McKean<br>Jeff D. Vine<br>[[Danny B. Harvey]]<br>Steve Counsel
| past_members = [[Gary Twinn]]<br />[[Mark Laff]]<br />Ian McKean<br />Jeff D. Vine<br />[[Danny B. Harvey]]<br />Steve Counsel
}}
}}


'''Twenty Flight Rockers''' (sometimes abbreviated as '''TFR''') were an [[England|English]] [[rock 'n' roll]] band founded by [[Supernaut (Australian band)|Supernaut]] singer [[Gary Twinn]], [[Generation X (band)|Generation X]] drummer [[Mark Laff]], and [[Puncture (band)|Puncture]] bassist Steve Counsel.<ref name="Discogs">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/853716-Twenty-Flight-Rockers |title=Twenty Flight Rockers |publisher= Discogs|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.theinternationalswingers.com/band/band-members/gary-twinn |title=Gary Twinn |publisher= TheInternationalSwigers.com|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=-RcJAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Gary+Twinn%22&dq=%22Gary+Twinn%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=W_7oVISEGcKtogSwjYHYDg&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAw In session tonight: the complete Radio 1 recordings - Gary Twinn]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?ei=W_7oVISEGcKtogSwjYHYDg&id=-RcJAQAAMAAJ&dq=%22Gary+Twinn%22&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22Mark+Laff%22 In session tonight: the complete Radio 1 recordings - Mark Laff]</ref><ref>http://www.boredteenagers.co.uk/PUNCTURE.htm</ref>
'''Twenty Flight Rockers''' were a late 1980s [[England|English]] [[rock music]] band, founded by the singer [[Gary Twinn]], drummer [[Mark Laff]], and the bassist Steve Counsel.<ref name="Discogs">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/853716-Twenty-Flight-Rockers |title=Twenty Flight Rockers |website=Discogs.com|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.theinternationalswingers.com/band/band-members/gary-twinn |title=Gary Twinn |website=TheInternationalSwigers.com|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-RcJAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Gary+Twinn%22|title=In session tonight: the complete Radio 1 recordings|first=Ken|last=Garner|date=June 11, 1993|publisher=BBC Books|isbn=9780563364528|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-RcJAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Mark+Laff%22|title=In session tonight: the complete Radio 1 recordings|first=Ken|last=Garner|date=June 11, 1993|publisher=BBC Books|isbn=9780563364528|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>[http://www.boredteenagers.co.uk/PUNCTURE.htm] {{dead link|date=June 2020}}</ref>


==History==
==Career==
The band was formed in London in 1983 by [[Gary Twinn]], former singer/frontman of the Australian band [[Supernaut (Australian band)|Supernaut]]; the drummer [[Mark Laff]], recently from the band ''Empire'', and the former [[Puncture (band)|Puncture]] bass player Steve Counsel. Shortly after its commencement it recruited the lead guitarist Ian McKean.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZIjT8PgJMEC&dq=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&pg=PA325|title=The International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002|first=Andy|last=Gregory|date=June 11, 2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=9781857431612|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hRQ5AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Ian+McKean+guitar%22|title=The Great Scots Musicography: The Complete Guide to Scotland's Music Makers|first=Martin Charles|last=Strong|date=June 11, 2002|publisher=Birlinn, Limited|isbn=9781841830414|via=Google Books}}</ref> Counsel soon quit the new band to join [[The London Cowboys]], and was replaced by the bass guitarist Jeff D. Vine.<ref name="Discogs"/>


Drawing inspiration from 1950's traditional Rock & Roll artists such as [[Eddie Cochran]], [[Elvis Presley]], [[Gene Vincent]] and [[Johnny Kidd (singer)|Johnny Kidd]], the new band named itself after the 1957 song ''[[Twenty Flight Rock]]'', adopted a [[rocker (subculture)|rocker]] style, and wrote old school Rock & Roll/[[Rockabilly]] music, blended slightly with a retro [[punk rock]] image.
British vocalist [[Gary Twinn]] had once lived in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Western Australia]], where he was the [[frontman]] of the [[glam rock]] group Supernaut from 1974 to the beginning of 1980.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?ei=W_7oVISEGcKtogSwjYHYDg&id=8xI6AQAAIAAJ&dq=%22Gary+Twinn%22&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=%22Supernaut%22 Noel McGrath's Australian encyclopaedia of rock, p. 314]</ref> After the group broke up he decided to relocate back to London, where he formed Twenty Flight Rockers with ex-[[Generation X (band)|Generation X]] drummer [[Mark Laff]] and bass player Steve Counsel, joined by guitarist Ian McKean.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=gZIjT8PgJMEC&pg=PA325&dq=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EtvoVKC1FImWoQT4yoFA&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22Twenty%20Flight%20Rockers%22&f=false The International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002, page 325]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=hRQ5AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Ian+McKean+guitar%22&dq=%22Ian+McKean+guitar%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nxTpVPLXKpTUoAS7toLoDg&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAQ The Great Scots Musicography: The Complete Guide to Scotland's Music Makers, page 227]</ref> Counsel's time with the newly formed band would be short lived, as he left to join [[The London Cowboys]]. He was replaced by Jeff D. Vine to complete the line up.<ref name="Discogs"/>


Drawing influences from [[Eddie Cochran]], [[Elvis Presley]], [[Gene Vincent]] and [[Johnny Kidd (singer)|Johnny Kidd]], the new band adopted a black biker leather clad look and a focus on pure rock 'n' roll blended with a [[punk rock]] attitude. The group toured clubs in London, including several shows at [[The Marquee Club]]<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.themarqueeclub.net/1985 |title=The Marquee Club - 1985|publisher= |date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.themarqueeclub.net/1986 |title=The Marquee Club - 1986|publisher= |date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> and [[Mayfair Ballroom]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.newcastlestuff.com/mayfair/Riverside.htm |title=Mayfair Ballroom - 1985 |publisher=|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> They were subsequently invited to play the BBC's [[Janice Long]] show. In 1985, Twenty Flight Rockers released the single "Tower Block Rock" (ranked #31 for Best Single on [[Rockerilla|Rockerilla Magazine]])<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/rockerilla.htm#1985 |title=Rockerilla 1985 list|publisher= Rockerilla Magazine|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> with ABC Records, and in 1986 the single "Johnny 7" with [[Warner Music Group|WEA Records]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.discogs.com/Twenty-Flight-Rockers-Johnny-Seven/release/2182172 |title= Twenty Flight Rockers – Johnny Seven |publisher= Discogs|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> In March of that same year, a rare song, "Searching for a Hero", was given away for free on the ''Spools Gold'' compilation released on [[Compact Cassette|cassette]] by [[Record Mirror|Record Mirror Magazine]].<ref>http://www.discogs.com/Various-Spools-Gold/release/985847</ref><ref>http://www.45worlds.com/tape/media/rmc60ii</ref>
The band played gigs in London, performing several dates at [[The Marquee Club]]<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.themarqueeclub.net/1985 |title=The Marquee Club - 1985|website=Themarqueeclub.net |date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.themarqueeclub.net/1986 |title=The Marquee Club - 1986|website=Themarqueeclub.net |date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> and [[Mayfair Ballroom]].<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.newcastlestuff.com/mayfair/Riverside.htm |title=Mayfair Ballroom - 1985 |website=Newcastlestuff.com|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> They were subsequently invited to play the BBC's [[Janice Long]] show. The Janice Long show consisted of three tracks [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZIbEb1Kczs Tower Block Rock], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJSzRmH1aUw Weekend Revolution & Making The Punishment Fit The Crime]. On 7 July 1985 the band appeared at the free entry [[Greater London Council|Greater London Council's]] "[[Jobs for a Change]]" music festival in [[Battersea Park]], being driven off the stage by a barrage of bottles, beer-cans and [[traffic cone]]s from the crowd within a couple of minutes of walking on.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://badsoundsmagazine.com/2012/07/laff-i-nearly-shat/|title=Laff? I Nearly Shat|date=July 6, 2012|website=Badsoundsmagazine.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref>


In 1985 it released the single "Tower Block Rock" (ranked #31 for Best Single of the year in [[Rockerilla|Rockerilla Magazine]])<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/rockerilla.htm#1985 |title=Rockerilla 1985 list|publisher= Rockerilla Magazine|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> with ''ABC Records'', and in 1986 the single "Johnny 7" was released with [[Warner Music Group|WEA Records]], but both records failed to enter the pop music charts.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.discogs.com/Twenty-Flight-Rockers-Johnny-Seven/release/2182172 |title= Twenty Flight Rockers – Johnny Seven |website=Discogs.com|date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> In March of that same year the song "Searching for a Hero", was given away for free on the ''Spools Gold'' compilation released on [[Compact Cassette|cassette]] with the [[Record Mirror|Record Mirror Magazine]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-Spools-Gold/release/985847|title=Various - Spools Gold|website=Discogs.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.45worlds.com/tape/media/rmc60ii|title=Tape: Various Artists - Spools Gold (1986)|website=45worlds.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref>
They were one of many bands to perform at Richfield avenue for the first day of the returning [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]] on 22 August,<ref>http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/reading-86.html.</ref><ref>http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/social-history/reading-festival/reading-festival-bands-directory/?letter=t&page=3</ref> which also featured the likes of [[The Mission (band)|The Mission]], [[Fields of the Nephilim]], [[Doctor and the Medics]], and [[Balaam and the Angel]] (McKean would later join this band).<ref>http://www.rockdetector.com/artist/united+kingdom/balaam+and+the+angel1</ref><ref name="Moore">Moore, Christie (2006) ''The Unultimate Rockopedia'', AuthorHouse, ISBN 1-4259-6474-5, p. 27-8</ref>


The band performed at Richfield Avenue for the first day of the resumed [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]] on 22 August 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/reading-86.html|title=Reading Rock Festival 1986.|website=Ukrockfestivals.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref><ref>[http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/social-history/reading-festival/reading-festival-bands-directory/?letter=t&page=3] {{dead link|date=June 2020}}</ref>
⚫
Subsequently, [[Bernie Rhodes]] (the former manager of [[The Clash]]) was hired to manage them.<ref>{{cite web|author= Melanie Smith|url=http://www.mudkiss.com/marklaffinterview.htm |title=Mark Laff: De-stresing with Mr. Laff, as we discuss punk and beyond|publisher= |date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> He decided for the band to sign with [[Epic Records]], and he had McKean replaced by [[The Rockats]] guitarist [[Danny B. Harvey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dannybharvey.com/dbh.html|title=Danny B Harvey Homepage|work=dannybharvey.com|accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Stephen K. Peeples |url=http://scvnews.com/2011/12/26/dec-27-rockabilly-star-danny-harvey-performs-at-keyboard-galleria/|title= Dec. 27: Rockabilly Star Danny Harvey Performs at Keyboard Galleria |publisher= SCV News|date= |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref> Twenty Flight Rockers recorded a series of sessions (compiled by Twinn and Harvey) as well as an entire studio album entitled ''Ride''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/ride-mr0001153265/credits|title=Ride - Twenty Flight Rockers - Release Credits - AllMusic|work=AllMusic}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=1fY4AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&dq=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EtvoVKC1FImWoQT4yoFA&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAQ Schwann CD., Volume 4, page 25]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=2_s4AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&dq=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EtvoVKC1FImWoQT4yoFA&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAw Schwann Spectrum, Volume 1, Issues 2-3, page 148]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=LXtTAAAAYAAJ&q=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&dq=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EtvoVKC1FImWoQT4yoFA&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBA Spectrum, Volume 3, Issue 1, page 191]</ref> "Black Leather Jacket" was released as a single promo,<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://vinylrock.net/wordpress/?p=1629&ckattempt=1|title= Twenty Flight Rockers – Black Leather Jacket(1988, Epic) |publisher= Vinyl Rock|date= |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref> with the album due to follow in mid 1988. However, Epic was bought out by [[Sony]], who then dropped the band from the label. Disappointed by political mismanagement from record companies, Twenty Flight Rockers broke up.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://inthepoppyfields.blogspot.com/2013/08/gary-twinn-interview.html|title= Gary Twinn Interview |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2013-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dannybharvey.com/dbh.html|title=Danny B Harvey Homepage|work=dannybharvey.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=668401383230140&id=136345686435715|title=The last days of TFR. (Bernie Rhodes &... - Twenty Flight Rockers - Facebook|work=facebook.com}}</ref>


⚫
In 1987 [[Bernie Rhodes]] was hired as the band's manager,<ref>{{cite web|author= Melanie Smith|url=http://www.mudkiss.com/marklaffinterview.htm |title=Mark Laff: De-stresing with Mr. Laff, as we discuss punk and beyond|website=Mudkiss.com |date= |accessdate=2015-02-26}}</ref> and secured a contract for it with [[Epic Records]]. Rhodes also had McKean replaced by guitarist [[Danny B. Harvey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dannybharvey.com/dbh.html|title=Danny B Harvey Homepage|website=Dannybharvey.com|access-date=2015-02-26|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203093440/http://www.dannybharvey.com/dbh.html|archive-date=2015-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Stephen K. Peeples |url=http://scvnews.com/2011/12/26/dec-27-rockabilly-star-danny-harvey-performs-at-keyboard-galleria/|title= Dec. 27: Rockabilly Star Danny Harvey Performs at Keyboard Galleria |publisher= SCV News|date= |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref> The band recorded a series of sessions (compiled by Twinn and Harvey) as well as a studio album entitled ''Ride''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/ride-mr0001153265/credits|title=Ride - Twenty Flight Rockers - Release Credits - AllMusic|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1fY4AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22|title=Schwann CD.|date=January 11, 1989|publisher=NILS Publishing Company|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2_s4AQAAIAAJ&q=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22|title=Schwann Spectrum|date=June 11, 1990|publisher=ABC Consumer Magazines|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LXtTAAAAYAAJ&q=%22Twenty+Flight+Rockers%22|title=Spectrum|date=June 11, 1991|publisher=ABC Consumer Magazines|via=Google Books}}</ref> In 1988 the song "Black Leather Jacket" was released as a single promo (which again failed to chart),<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://vinylrock.net/wordpress/?p=1629&ckattempt=1|title= Twenty Flight Rockers – Black Leather Jacket(1988, Epic) |publisher= Vinyl Rock|date= |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref> with the album's release due to follow in mid-1988. However, in the meantime Epic Records was bought out by [[Sony]], which subsequently dropped the band from the label after a review of its newly acquired holding's acts. Unable to find another record label willing to sign them, Twenty Flight Rockers broke up in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://inthepoppyfields.blogspot.com/2013/08/gary-twinn-interview.html|title= Gary Twinn Interview |website=Inthepoppyfields.blogspot.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dannybharvey.com/dbh.html|title=Danny B Harvey Homepage|website=Dannybharvey.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203093440/http://www.dannybharvey.com/dbh.html|archive-date=2015-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=668401383230140&id=136345686435715|title=The last days of TFR. (Bernie Rhodes &... - Twenty Flight Rockers - Facebook|website=Facebook.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref>
⚫
==Members==


⚫
==Members==
* [[Gary Twinn]] - [[lead vocals]] <small>(1985-1989)</small>
* [[Gary Twinn]] - [[lead vocals]] <small>(1985-1989)</small>
* [[Mark Laff]] - [[drums]] <small>(1985-1989)</small>
* [[Mark Laff]] - [[drums]] <small>(1985-1989)</small>
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;Singles:
;Singles:
*1985 – "Tower Block Rock" [[A-side and B-side|b/w]] "Weekend Revolution" (ABC Records)<ref>http://www.45cat.com/record/abcs008</ref><ref>http://www.discogs.com/Twenty-Flight-Rockers-Tower-Block-Rock/release/2182239</ref> <small>(7" version w/ "Tower Block Rock" marked at 3:26 for running time.)</small>
*1985 – "Tower Block Rock" [[A-side and B-side|b/w]] "Weekend Revolution" (ABC Records)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.45cat.com/record/abcs008|title=Twenty Flight Rockers - Tower Block Rock|website=45cat.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Twenty-Flight-Rockers-Tower-Block-Rock/release/2182239|title=Twenty Flight Rockers - Tower Block Rock|website=Discogs.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref> <small>(7" version w/ "Tower Block Rock" marked at 3:26 for running time.)</small>
*1985 – "Tower Block Rock" b/w "Weekend Revolution" & "Young Man (Live)" (ABC Records)<ref>http://www.discogs.com/Twenty-Flight-Rockers-Tower-Block-Rock/release/1086893</ref> <small>(12" version w/ "Tower Block Rock" marked at 5:50 for running time.)</small>
*1985 – "Tower Block Rock" b/w "Weekend Revolution" & "Young Man (Live)" (ABC Records)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Twenty-Flight-Rockers-Tower-Block-Rock/release/1086893|title=Twenty Flight Rockers - Tower Block Rock|website=Discogs.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref> <small>(12" version w/ "Tower Block Rock" marked at 5:50 for running time.)</small>
*1986 – "Johnny Seven" b/w "Tower Block Rock (W.1)" ([[Warner Music Group|WEA Records]])
*1986 – "Johnny Seven" b/w "Tower Block Rock (W.1)" ([[Warner Music Group|WEA Records]])
*1988 – "Black Leather Jacket" b/w same track ([[Epic Records]])
*1988 – "Black Leather Jacket" b/w same track ([[Epic Records]])
Line 50: Line 54:
*1985/1986 – ''9 Yards of Dead Cow - Live'' <small>(Never officially released.)</small>
*1985/1986 – ''9 Yards of Dead Cow - Live'' <small>(Never officially released.)</small>
*1986 – "Searching for a Hero" featured on the limited and rare ''Spools Gold'' cassette compilation. ([[Record Mirror|Record Mirror Magazine]])
*1986 – "Searching for a Hero" featured on the limited and rare ''Spools Gold'' cassette compilation. ([[Record Mirror|Record Mirror Magazine]])
*2001 – "Guns 4 Sale (NY Sessions)" featured on the ''History Of Danny B. Harvey'' [[CD]] compilation. (Revel Yell Music)<ref>http://www.discogs.com/Danny-B-Harvey-History-Of/release/6292780</ref> <small>(Mislabeled as the studio version.)</small>
*2001 – "Guns 4 Sale (NY Sessions)" featured on the ''History Of Danny B. Harvey'' [[CD]] compilation. (Revel Yell Music)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Danny-B-Harvey-History-Of/release/6292780|title=Danny B. Harvey - History Of|website=Discogs.com|accessdate=2020-06-11}}</ref> <small>(Mislabeled as the studio version.)</small>
*2016 – "King of a Lonesome Road" & "We Are the Rockers" featured on the ''Danny B. Harvey: Rock 'n' Roll Guitar Hero'' compilation. (Naked Spurs Records)
*2016 – "King of a Lonesome Road" & "We Are the Rockers" featured on the ''Danny B. Harvey: Rock 'n' Roll Guitar Hero'' compilation. (Naked Spurs Records)


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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:British punk rock groups]]
[[Category:English punk rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1988]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1989]]
[[Category:Rockabilly music groups]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in England]]

Latest revision as of 04:03, 6 October 2024

Twenty Flight Rockers
Twenty Flight Rockers (1986)
Twenty Flight Rockers (1986)
Background information
OriginLondon, England, United Kingdom
GenresRock, rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, punk rock
Years active1985–1989
Past membersGary Twinn
Mark Laff
Ian McKean
Jeff D. Vine
Danny B. Harvey
Steve Counsel

Twenty Flight Rockers were a late 1980s English rock music band, founded by the singer Gary Twinn, drummer Mark Laff, and the bassist Steve Counsel.[1][2][3][4][5]

Career

[edit]

The band was formed in London in 1983 by Gary Twinn, former singer/frontman of the Australian band Supernaut; the drummer Mark Laff, recently from the band Empire, and the former Puncture bass player Steve Counsel. Shortly after its commencement it recruited the lead guitarist Ian McKean.[6][7] Counsel soon quit the new band to join The London Cowboys, and was replaced by the bass guitarist Jeff D. Vine.[1]

Drawing inspiration from 1950's traditional Rock & Roll artists such as Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent and Johnny Kidd, the new band named itself after the 1957 song Twenty Flight Rock, adopted a rocker style, and wrote old school Rock & Roll/Rockabilly music, blended slightly with a retro punk rock image.

The band played gigs in London, performing several dates at The Marquee Club[8][9] and Mayfair Ballroom.[10] They were subsequently invited to play the BBC's Janice Long show. The Janice Long show consisted of three tracks Tower Block Rock, Weekend Revolution & Making The Punishment Fit The Crime. On 7 July 1985 the band appeared at the free entry Greater London Council's "Jobs for a Change" music festival in Battersea Park, being driven off the stage by a barrage of bottles, beer-cans and traffic cones from the crowd within a couple of minutes of walking on.[11]

In 1985 it released the single "Tower Block Rock" (ranked #31 for Best Single of the year in Rockerilla Magazine)[12] with ABC Records, and in 1986 the single "Johnny 7" was released with WEA Records, but both records failed to enter the pop music charts.[13] In March of that same year the song "Searching for a Hero", was given away for free on the Spools Gold compilation released on cassette with the Record Mirror Magazine.[14][15]

The band performed at Richfield Avenue for the first day of the resumed Reading and Leeds Festivals on 22 August 1986.[16][17]

In 1987 Bernie Rhodes was hired as the band's manager,[18] and secured a contract for it with Epic Records. Rhodes also had McKean replaced by guitarist Danny B. Harvey.[19][20] The band recorded a series of sessions (compiled by Twinn and Harvey) as well as a studio album entitled Ride.[21][22][23][24] In 1988 the song "Black Leather Jacket" was released as a single promo (which again failed to chart),[25] with the album's release due to follow in mid-1988. However, in the meantime Epic Records was bought out by Sony, which subsequently dropped the band from the label after a review of its newly acquired holding's acts. Unable to find another record label willing to sign them, Twenty Flight Rockers broke up in 1989.[26][27][28]

Members

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Albums
  • 2001 – Twenty Flight Rockers (Revel Yell Music) (Originally recorded in 1988 as Ride.)
  • 2004 – The New York Sessions 1988 (Revel Yell Music) (Originally recorded in 1988.)
Singles
  • 1985 – "Tower Block Rock" b/w "Weekend Revolution" (ABC Records)[29][30] (7" version w/ "Tower Block Rock" marked at 3:26 for running time.)
  • 1985 – "Tower Block Rock" b/w "Weekend Revolution" & "Young Man (Live)" (ABC Records)[31] (12" version w/ "Tower Block Rock" marked at 5:50 for running time.)
  • 1986 – "Johnny Seven" b/w "Tower Block Rock (W.1)" (WEA Records)
  • 1988 – "Black Leather Jacket" b/w same track (Epic Records)
Others
  • 1985/1986 – 9 Yards of Dead Cow - Live (Never officially released.)
  • 1986 – "Searching for a Hero" featured on the limited and rare Spools Gold cassette compilation. (Record Mirror Magazine)
  • 2001 – "Guns 4 Sale (NY Sessions)" featured on the History Of Danny B. Harvey CD compilation. (Revel Yell Music)[32] (Mislabeled as the studio version.)
  • 2016 – "King of a Lonesome Road" & "We Are the Rockers" featured on the Danny B. Harvey: Rock 'n' Roll Guitar Hero compilation. (Naked Spurs Records)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Twenty Flight Rockers". Discogs.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  2. ^ "Gary Twinn". TheInternationalSwigers.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  3. ^ Garner, Ken (11 June 1993). In session tonight: the complete Radio 1 recordings. BBC Books. ISBN 9780563364528 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Garner, Ken (11 June 1993). In session tonight: the complete Radio 1 recordings. BBC Books. ISBN 9780563364528 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ [1] [dead link‍]
  6. ^ Gregory, Andy (11 June 2002). The International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002. Psychology Press. ISBN 9781857431612 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Strong, Martin Charles (11 June 2002). The Great Scots Musicography: The Complete Guide to Scotland's Music Makers. Birlinn, Limited. ISBN 9781841830414 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ "The Marquee Club - 1985". Themarqueeclub.net. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  9. ^ "The Marquee Club - 1986". Themarqueeclub.net. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  10. ^ "Mayfair Ballroom - 1985". Newcastlestuff.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  11. ^ "Laff? I Nearly Shat". Badsoundsmagazine.com. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  12. ^ "Rockerilla 1985 list". Rockerilla Magazine. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  13. ^ "Twenty Flight Rockers – Johnny Seven". Discogs.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  14. ^ "Various - Spools Gold". Discogs.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  15. ^ "Tape: Various Artists - Spools Gold (1986)". 45worlds.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  16. ^ "Reading Rock Festival 1986". Ukrockfestivals.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  17. ^ [2] [dead link‍]
  18. ^ Melanie Smith. "Mark Laff: De-stresing with Mr. Laff, as we discuss punk and beyond". Mudkiss.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  19. ^ "Danny B Harvey Homepage". Dannybharvey.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  20. ^ Stephen K. Peeples. "Dec. 27: Rockabilly Star Danny Harvey Performs at Keyboard Galleria". SCV News. Retrieved 26 December 2011.
  21. ^ "Ride - Twenty Flight Rockers - Release Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  22. ^ "Schwann CD". NILS Publishing Company. 11 January 1989 – via Google Books.
  23. ^ "Schwann Spectrum". ABC Consumer Magazines. 11 June 1990 – via Google Books.
  24. ^ "Spectrum". ABC Consumer Magazines. 11 June 1991 – via Google Books.
  25. ^ "Twenty Flight Rockers – Black Leather Jacket(1988, Epic)". Vinyl Rock. Retrieved 26 December 2011.
  26. ^ "Gary Twinn Interview". Inthepoppyfields.blogspot.com. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  27. ^ "Danny B Harvey Homepage". Dannybharvey.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2015.
  28. ^ "The last days of TFR. (Bernie Rhodes &... - Twenty Flight Rockers - Facebook". Facebook.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  29. ^ "Twenty Flight Rockers - Tower Block Rock". 45cat.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  30. ^ "Twenty Flight Rockers - Tower Block Rock". Discogs.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  31. ^ "Twenty Flight Rockers - Tower Block Rock". Discogs.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  32. ^ "Danny B. Harvey - History Of". Discogs.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
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