Celebrating Birmingham's Popular Music History
Celebrating Birmingham's Popular Music History
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I was guitar player and a founder member of Tarzan 5.
Mixed Gender/Ethnic Post Punk band formed in February 1980 in North West England.
Line up was
Andrea Simpson- Vocals
Sue McGhie – Vocals
Andy Cullingford – Drums
Phil Cullingford -Bass
Steve Blacklidge Guitar
Line up augmented at various times by brass players David Tillinghast -Trombone, Craig (surname escapes me, sorry Craig ) -Tenor Sax, and Guy ( no surname, apologies again) – Tenor Sax
Debut gig supporting The Beat at Blackburn King Georges Hall June 1980
First gigs in Birmingham at Golden Eagle and Cedar Club Autumn 1980.
Recorded only single ‘Boys Game/Different Story’ at Cargo Studios Rochdale in January 1981. Released on Au Pairs’ 021 label April 1981.
Recorded four song session for Radio 1 Richard Skinner show braodcast (I think) in May 81.
Relocated to Birmingham and Coventry in summer of 1981
Gigged supporting Au Pairs and with other 021 bands around England during 1981.
Drummer Andy left to emigrate with family to New Zealand late 1981, initialy replaced by Ernie Hendricks who had played with Moseley band Saturday the 14th. His departure led to line up changes and a failure to settle on a permanent replacement.
The band continued to gig sporadically until disintegrating some time late 1982 as far as I recall.
Hey Steve, I’m heading back to Uk.. I have a diploma in music and teaching drums, guitar, vocals. Am producing music in Hamilton New Zealand .. contactable on facebook.. blessings .. I have 4 adult children – 2 of my boys are dj’s and three dance.
Hi Steve. Was just reminiscing to my 16 year old daughter about my early ventures on saxaphone and told her about Tarzan 5. Found your post and so wanted to reply and say hi. 36 years since I played in your band. Hope you and everyone else, wherever they may be are healthy and happy. You’re forgiven for forgetting my last name. It’s Eastwood. Best, Craig.
Hey Craig. If you get to see this it’d be great if you get in touch with me….email steveblacklidge@aol.com for a bit of a catch up
Never thought anyone would read my little contribution let alone take time to reply…thanks
Great to hear from you after all this time…
I’m one of the rapidly diminishing number of people who doesn’t do Facebook. My online presence is limited to a Sondcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/steveblacklidge and email : steveblacklidge@aol.com if you feel like getting in touch
Ey up lads how are you all doing, its Rosko here I’m from Burnley and Hobbit and Ady Steel RIP were my best friends, and I took over Andy playing drums 🥁 once you’d left to go back home, I did a few gigs the main one was the gig at Lanchester Polytechnic in Coventry 81/82 supporting the Au-Pairs, Andy I’ve seen you’re on Facebook, same here I’ll send you a request but I go under the name Benny Hill, I’m living in London can’t handle Burnley, it’s OK for a few days but that’s about it, anyway I hope you’re all well hey 😁
My drummer brother Stephen was a member towards the end of the bands existence. I remember going to see them supporting The Au Pairs at The Mermaid.
I used to live in Birmingham around the time of Tarzan 5 , Au Pars. etc. Having moved from Manchester with my mate at the time Lex Royal . He auditioned for a group ( he played trumpet) I used to know Phil Cullingford ( Tarzan 5) Where we lived there was a rehearsal basement for bands to practice. Notably Mystic Revelation , a Reggae band at the time. Which I think Phil ( Cullingford ) ended up managing? I also remember seeing Au Pars at the Mermaid. I have a vague memory of Pete Hammond ( Au Pars Drummer) practicing drums in the basement. Not only but also, have a memory of hanging out with Paul Foad . It’s all a bit sketchy as it was many years ago now.