Dick York - Vocals, Guitar | |||||||
Ray Kingston - Bass | |||||||
Geoff Green - Drums | |||||||
L-R: Dick,
Geoff and Ray
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Sta-Prest
- Promo Photo (Photograph
c/o Detour Records)
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Inspired
by the fire of punk, in 1977 Dick York, Ray Kingston (later replaced by
Mick Daly) & Geoff Green (all from Wickford, Essex) decided to form a band
- Sta-Prest. The trio became known for their 'smart image and snappy dress
sense' (which was initially styled around a military theme), and more importantly
for their powerful songs and energetic live performances. Through intense
gigging in the area, they soon built up a strong local following, known
as The 'Plunder Squad'. Once the chimes had rung out and 1978 commenced in earnest, the band made their first assault on London, and played live as much as they could, including such songs in their set as 'I Don't Wanna Go', 'Dead Man's Handle' and 'Two Bodies'. These became firm favourites with the bands ever growing loyal fans, and Sta-Prest continued with an impressive live schedule, often at venues such as Scamps in Southend or The Fulham Greyhound in London. In 1980 they released their one and only single - 'School Days' c/w 'Tomorrow' - on the Avatar lable (cat no AAA 103). As far as is known, there were three pressings of the single, the UK version which is the most common, plus The French pressing and the Portuguese pressing. The French version is the rarest, although the Portuguese version has probably the best sleeve, as it shows the band against the full background they were taken against (Hyde Park). The UK and French pressings sadly miss this feature. Around the time of the launch of the single ,the band played a great gig on the streets of Covent Garden (before getting moved on by the police) and continued gigging as much as they could. However, despite playing some great shows during the Mod Revival years (eg as support to The Purple Hearts at Vespas in London), by 1981 the band felt they'd had enough and spilt up. |
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* Sta-Prest 2009 Reunion Gig at The Railway, Southend Gallery! * | |||||||
Discography 'School Days' c/w 'Tomorrow'
- 7" Single (Avatar Records AAA 103 - 1980)
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