The music press said they looked like your ageing uncles disreputable drinking partners, Billy Connolly in an interview called them his favourite band. Dr. John called them that crazy coon-ass band. To the legions of their followers they were the Balham Alligators.
The band originally started with Robin McKidd then playing the Sunday night slot with country rockers Alive and Pickin’ at Joe Hale’s legendary Islington watering hole – The Hare and Hounds. Guitarist Gary Rickard joined the band followed by drum ace Kieran O’Connor and bassist Arthur Kitchener. Then Geraint Watkins turned up and the idea was to play a few Cajun gigs. In May 1983 the band performed their first gig together as The Balham Delta Boys. It was put on ice as Geraint had a three-month tour of USA playing keyboards with Dave Edmunds.
When Watkins returned in August ’83 the band reformed as the Balham Alligators and they built up a massive following over the next six years playing a unique blend of Cajun swamp music and rock ‘n’ roll with an attitude. They gained a fearsome reputation on and off stage on the London R ‘n’ B circuit and Festivals like Cambridge, Elephant Fair and Glastonbury. They acted as a backing band for Dr. John and performed live on Danish television.
The tracks on this album were recorded on a red-hot night in August 1984 and include their single Oh Marie. Arthur left the band due to problems beyond his control and was replaced by Pete Dennis. For those who were there…ladies and gentlemen…The Original Balham Alligators.
GERAINT WATKINS - accordion/vocals
ROBIN McKIDD - fiddle/vocals
GARY RICKARD - guitar/vocals
ARTHUR KITCHENER – bass/vocals
KIERAN O’CONNOR - drums/percussion
Guest: RON KAVANA – mandolin on Oh Marie and Sacre Bleu
The music press said they looked like your ageing uncles disreputable drinking partners, Billy Connolly in an interview called them his favourite band. Dr. John called them that crazy coon-ass band. To the legions of their followers they were the Balham Alligators.
The band originally started with Robin McKidd then playing the Sunday night slot with country rockers Alive and Pickin’ at Joe Hale’s legendary Islington watering hole – The Hare and Hounds. Guitarist Gary Rickard joined the band followed by drum ace Kieran O’Connor and bassist Arthur Kitchener. Then Geraint Watkins turned up and the idea was to play a few Cajun gigs. In May 1983 the band performed their first gig together as The Balham Delta Boys. It was put on ice as Geraint had a three-month tour of USA playing keyboards with Dave Edmunds.
When Watkins returned in August ’83 the band reformed as the Balham Alligators and they built up a massive following over the next six years playing a unique blend of Cajun swamp music and rock ‘n’ roll with an attitude. They gained a fearsome reputation on and off stage on the London R ‘n’ B circuit and Festivals like Cambridge, Elephant Fair and Glastonbury. They acted as a backing band for Dr. John and performed live on Danish television.
The tracks on this album were recorded on a red-hot night in August 1984 and include their single Oh Marie. Arthur left the band due to problems beyond his control and was replaced by Pete Dennis. For those who were there…ladies and gentlemen…The Original Balham Alligators.
GERAINT WATKINS - accordion/vocals
ROBIN McKIDD - fiddle/vocals
GARY RICKARD - guitar/vocals
ARTHUR KITCHENER – bass/vocals
KIERAN O’CONNOR - drums/percussion
Guest: RON KAVANA – mandolin on Oh Marie and Sacre Bleu
Available in:
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