Boris Bessarabov recently talked with David Bolton of Spitzbrook. This interview is from 2005.
First, as you may have suspected, tell me about the band's history, how and when did you guys meet?
We answered an ad in the local paper placed by James Day (original guitarist). Jim was fresh out of Charterhouse Public School and had done poorly in his exams due to practicing guitar technique; he had lots of passion but was a little naïve. Terry Golding (bass) and I had previously been in a band together and although Jim had not advertised for a singer, Terry persuaded Jim to hear me and I got the gig. The next thing was to get John Tunicliff in to replace Jim’s current drummer. This done, Spitzbrook was born Friday the 13th May 1977.
How about gigs? Were you touring and performing live a lot?
We started out doing local Pups and clubs. We had a passion for writing, but to record a good demo in the late seventies cost more money than pup gigs would afford us, so at this stage, we did a lot of covers to get better paid gigs i.e. local cricket/golf club dinner dances etc. At one of these a local businessman (Jim Hilton) liked what he heard and gave us the money for a good PA (custom built by Malcolm Hill – the company that provided the PA for Live Aid in 1985 at Wembley Stadium) plus the ubiquitous long wheel based Transit Van! From then on we did a lot of Art College, University and Public School Gigs. Because of Jim’s connections we were the first Band to play Charterhouse since Genesis formed there 10 years earlier. By 1981, after extensively playing all the usual London venues some of the most memorable and happy gigs were at the Embassy Club in Bond Street.
Spitzbrook, how did you come up with the name? Does it have any special meaning?
The name derives from Jim’s family farm “Spitzbrook” in Marden Kent. Set in 400 acres of Weald countryside the house was originally built for Prime Minister Gladstone at the turn of the last century. Jim persuaded his parents to let the band rehearse in what had been the billiard room – best rehearsal space anyone could have asked for! 1977 through to 1981 really were halcyon days.
Did you have a large local or national army of followers? How did people take to your slightly unusual vein of NWOBHM?
Yes we had a large regional fan base in the South East of England and a very loyal core following of girls, some of whom went on to help us with stage costume/makeup etc. It amazes me now that as a band, without a major record deal, we are still being talked about and listened to. As for the NWOBHM tag, this amuses me as I never saw Spitzbrook as Heavy Metal, Rock yes but none of the bands’ influences were very “heavy” in that sense. My biggest inspiration was and is Roxy Music/ Eno / Yes / Camel etc, other influences being Santana, Thin Lizzy and the Beatles. The reference possibly came about after supporting bands such as Budgie etc.
Anything you can tell me about the recording and sales of the singles?
The only record sales were the single “Stranger c/w Looking At you”. This recording took place at Oakwood Studios, Hearn Bay Kent in the spring of 1981. The band financed the project of 1000 pressings, which makes the single very collectable. I believe that it is currently valued at around £50.
Do you have any surviving demos or unreleased recordings?
The 1978 recordings have just been re-mastered. There are 8 tracks, which show were the bands’ roots laid and stands as a tribute to James Day who died of an embolism in 1990. By the time Stranger was recorded, Jim had left the band and was replaced by Ant Baker. Phil Day (Jim’s brother) left shortly after having played keyboards with the band. John Tunicliff left to be replaced by Andy Dovey on drums and in 1980 Josh Phillips Gorse took over on keyboards (later Josh joined Diamond Head and Big Country and has done many tours and sessions around the world). Final sessions recorded by Spitzbrook took place in spring 1982. Engineer John Edmed recorded four songs after more personnel changes. Vince Whitlock replaced Josh, Jem Skinner replaced Ant Baker and Rick Moitier took over drum duties from Andy Dovey.
Why did you guys split up? Where did you all go after Spitzbrook?
With all of the personnel changes, like many good things in life, we ran out of steam
A reissue of old material or the 7'', is it a possibility?
No, not on vinyl, CD perhaps.
Do you recall any amusing incidents during your stay in the band?
Many - but I don’t think I ought to relate them here… :-)
Any plans for the future regarding Spitzbrook?
I think considering the interest shown in the band in the last few years, that it’s only fair to release the original 1978 re-mastered recordings on CD, which I hope to do shortly. Many people have asked me if there is any possibility of Spitzbrook reforming. This unfortunately will never happen, as it can never be the same - Spitzbrook should be remembered as it was.