1967-1978
Kings Heath Birmingham
Members
Colin Swinburne – Lead guitar, vocals
* Peter Kimberley – Bass guitar, vocals
* Brian Smith – Drums, vocals
* Karel Beer – Lyricist/manager
Label -Initial
Bachdenkel came to life in and around the King’s Heath area of Birmingham in the late 1960s, evolving out of a combo called “U No Who”.
Their name was produced by computer – an innovative use of new technology in those days – and they were one of the seminal bands on the Birmingham scene during the late 1960s, which saw the development of psychedelic culture and electric rock music. They had close links with the Birmingham Arts Lab, a venue for experimental artists of all types, and often performed with a full psychedelic light show.
Following a publicity campaign which included subverting a large department store’s marketing logo and a photoshoot with a piano in a local fountain, they left the country. They subsequently found themselves in Paris, long the refuge of revolutionary artists and artistic revolutionaries. After the events of May 1968, France was ready for new ideas and new music and English rock bands were much in vogue at the time.
Bachdenkel settled in France and over the next decade went on to produce 2 albums: the first of these, “Lemmings”, is generally regarded as their best. At times in their career, they shared the billing with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath amongst others and provided the music for a modern ballet.
Rolling Stone magazine once called Bachdenkel “…Britain’s greatest unknown group.”
Discography
…
1. Lemmings
2. Stalingrad
Compiled by Keith Law
There Are Currently 14 Comments for this Post
Unfortunately, I fear the oft-repeated story that Rolling Stone called Bachdenkel “Britain’s Greatest Unknown Group” is a myth. This was actually the headline on a lengthy profile of the band published circa 1971 in a shortlived magazine called Strange Days. The article’s author, and the magazine’s proprietor, was a man called Mark Williams, who was the leading light in the creation of the Birmingham Arts Lab. Bachdenkel played at some early fundraising events for the Arts Lab which shared the title Strange Days. The magazine closely followed the distinctive format of Rolling Stone, which may explain the confusion.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Bachdenkel around 1969-70 were very exciting performers. Their trademark formula of linking songs with headlong improvisations was sadly never captured on disc.
Terry I think you are 50% right, maybe slightly less – Mark Williams also wrote for the UK edition of Rolling Stone and (I think) first captioned Bachdenkel as Britain’s Greatest Unknown Band” in Rolling Stone, later he did the big Strange Days feature and Bachdenkel were still unknown – albeit great. But hey what the hell, the Birmingham Post or Mail 40 + years on, what’s the difference? Karel
I have in my possesion 2 reel to reel tapes of Bachdenkle recorded live at the B’ham Arts Lab dated 25th nov 1974 by my brother Alan Wilkinson who lived and worked at the Arts Lab in Tower St. doing light shows and sound for various events there and round the city. I would like to donate these tapes to any member of the band as i am moving home and dont want to just dump them as they are history. if you could let me know where I can send them let me know by e-mail or phone me on 07427522788.
Thank you Clive Wilkinson
thanks Clive we now have the tapes that you sent us and they have been transferred digitally – unfortunately the vocals are lost in the mix and the band thought the tapes be best kept in the bottom drawer.
Why can“t we the hell download it? Is it holy,made of gold or what?
Unfortunately the recording isn’t very good, probably came out of the desk so the vocals override everything, the drumming is good though. Shame we had hoped it might be a true gem that we knew nothing about.
David Firkin trying to get in touch with Colin Swimburne , an old friend work college from Birmingham. Colin please rind David on 0121 501 2189.
I’m afraid Colin Swinburne succumbed to cancer in his home in France on 2oth February 2021 – his friends an family are deeply upset.
i would like to hear from any member of the band as i was the original drummer in u no who and was with the band when they changed thier name to bachdenkel
Ron you can get in touch with me via my website or email, Colin and Pete are still in France and we are in touch as is the same with Brian who took over your stool
Cheers
Karel
Hi Ron
It would be great to hear from you, Pete and I are in touch every week although we live far apart.
I have been in touch with Dave also so get back to me and we can have a good talk about old (better) times.
colin
What ho Ron!
Still drumming?
hi guys haven’t been on this site for ages , its good to see every one and all are still alive and kickin’ at the moment i’m still playing with a couple of bands when i left bachdenkel i didn’t play for 2 yrs and some one asked me to help them out and the rest is old news once a muso always a muso ?
if anyone wants to get in touch please use my e mail address as i don’t have a web site
but if you leave your info i will respond hope your all keeping well in this viral situation
that we are in at the present time so keep safe and well and look forward to hearing from someone?