Anthology – The Early Years.

Skandal (Previously Scandal) formed during the early eighties. Upon cross-examination none of the band are entirely sure of the exact day month or year. However the original line-up consisted of the following eclectic mix of characters.

Grip – Vocals
Billy – Bass
Jim – Guitar
Pete – Drums
JM – Sax and Percussion

This motley crew practised their art in and around the quiet Essex town of Colchester but often ventured as far north as Suffolk to play in ‘The Gainsborough’ Sudbury and the ‘Harlequin’ Ipswich which some of you may remember. Genuinely held in high esteem by their peers, the early Scandal placed the musical emphasis on melody, harmony and fun, delighting audiences with their collection of traditional Atlantic and Motown covers as well as the occasional original masterpiece.

Tom foolery was never far away and although the boys were always been keen to reproduce an accurate but original rendition of some old favourites, sometimes the temptation to fuck about became all too much and chaos invariably ensued. Many nights degenerated into really silly but magical fun, uncontrollable tears of laughter and dangerously bruised sides.
Has anyone ever sampled the intoxicating effect of the ‘Fizzy Mallard’ a delightfully palatable concoction of fresh orange and lemonade, with strangely hallucinogenic properties?

Throughout the early eighties Scandal continued to perform at such salubrious venues as ‘Walton British Legion’, ‘The Wyvern Club’ and ‘The Quay Theatre’. Were you there? Can you remember anything? Are you still with us?

Other musicians passed through the ranks during this period including.
The poetic Mr Robbie Bearnes on guitar
The talented Kenny Gadd on guitar
The exuberant Dinger Humm on percussion
The very clever Johnny Malam on trumpet
Jim’s Uncle Mick on drums
The now legendary Rt. Hon Steve T on drums – More of him later
The small Sprogg on lights and wearing dayglow finger-less mittens.

Who was it who said ‘all good things come to an end’ - some grumpy old bastard. However, Scandal did manage to fuck it all up somehow and the boys eventually headed off in their own directions following ‘Solo Careers’ and ‘Concept Projects’ such as marriage and children!

Many thanks to everyone, who supported the band during the early years, especially Rob from Sudbury.

However there was a twist in the tale to come! - Click to read part 2