Desperate Bycycles

• Formed: 1977 03
• Disbanded: 1981
• Genres: Rock

Biography

Cribbing their name from J.B. Priestley's Angel Pavement, the Desperate Bycycles were a shambling wreck of a psychedelic post-punk band that lasted long enough to release one LP and a number of singles. Close friends with Scritti Politti, the original lineup formed in March of 1977, comprising drummer Dave Papworth, guitarist Nicky Stevens, bassist Roger Stevens, and vocalist Danny Wigley. The band started Refill Records, which issued a trio of their own singles -- including their 1977 debut, Smokescreen, which ended with a strident call for other groups to make their own records -- prior to the full-length Remorse Code, issued in early 1980. Before the LP was released, Papworth and Roger Stevens exited, who were replaced by cheekily named guitarist Dan Electro (nee Driscoll) and drummer Jeff Titley. The band released one more independent single prior to breaking up. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide