Here's a shot of Skeets Boliver in full swing, which was quite a familiar sight around Dundee in the mid/late 70's.And below is the band's debut single, dated 1976.
For the younger ones among you who haven't heard it, let me just say that it was called "Streethouse Door" in print only - you'll find out what I mean when you tune into it! It was produced by Mick Green, guitarist in The Pirates.
I've seen them perform this a couple of times back in the day, one was a show upstairs at the Bothy (Breadalbane) in the Conshie. A regular hangout for 1 or 2 band members.
This song, of course, was the one that started Michael Marra off on his recording career - and MM will be the topic of tomorrows post.
recognise everyone , except , not sure if thats a young chris marra bottom left,? anybody!
ReplyDeletemy brother took me to see them when I was under age!
I'm pretty sure thats Chris, yeah.
ReplyDeleteSeen them playing at Dens when I was a kid, in front of the main stand, we were all throwing paper airoplanes at them..love that song though.
ReplyDeleteI remember Johnnie Walker played this on Radio 1 (probably just once)...so I guess there must have been a version with the chorus hook sung as "Streethouse"? Not that any meaning would be lost!
ReplyDeleteThey were alright, whats the story with "oo their a clubby band" is this a bad thing? or is this directed at bands that play cover versions? Sounds like a term The Perth Road set would use.
ReplyDeleteThey "WERE" the Perth Road Set :)
ReplyDeleteNot quite sure what Mick Marra's ever done to merit all the fawning praise he gets. If this bland MoR guff is his finest hour then it proves Dundee folk (or more likely the cultural quarter glitterati) will celebrate anything to come from their city, however average it happens to be.
ReplyDeleteMick has done far more than you could ever hope to acheive. But your bitternes is noted ;-)
ReplyDeleteDon't be bitter, boogie. These guys paved our way (Perth Road or otherwise)"Aint I Been Good To You"was covered by The Mighty Fourths. TUNE.
ReplyDeleteA young Brian McDermott on drums - anyone know what he's up to now? I grew up with Brian in the Menzieshill multis, nicer guy you couldn't hope to meet.
ReplyDeleteis that McGlone on sax? what a cunt, if ever there was...
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ReplyDeleteThe 'god slot' thing was part of bbc's 'Everyman' series.Skeets Boliver ended up on it because film director Paul Straether was in Dundee looking to film 'da yoof'and hear their views on religion. He ended up in Laings where Skeets had a regular Sunday night gig. For reasons best known to himself he made us the focus of the thing and we ended up on National TV. There was footage of the band playing live in Laings and, from memory, us and various pals talking about religion. what kind of shite we were talking I don't remember but I think the Bob Carrol quote accurately reflects the quality of intellectual debate.
ReplyDeletegrown up what are you on?well I dinna hide behind a pile o'letters kmeh15 what's that a' iboot see ye someday,Bob .....
ReplyDeleteHi stewart,glad to see that your memory is still good after all these years and all these pints o' heavy,I still see mick every noo an' then...but he's a busy dude....with love and fond memories,Bob...
ReplyDeleteHi Bob good to hear from you. quite agree with you. If people want to make personal comments on this site, they should have the bottle to put their name to them
ReplyDeleteeh? what happened? I meant to put my name on that last post
ReplyDeleteHate to disagree with Stewart but Skeets played on a Thursday at Laings.......sunday night was the rock disco night.........
ReplyDeleteRe anonymous slagging Skeets off - what a knob!! Skeets were a briliant band to watch live - the singles could never do them justice. Michael Marra is a great vocalist and songwriter - i can only assume 'anonymous' is either jealous or too young to remember Skeets and just how good they were.
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