From the outskirts of Liverpool (St. Helens) the Spitfire Boys first got together under that name on 14th May 1977. They formed some 6 weeks earlier, after meeting The Heartbreakers and finding they needed a support band for an upcoming gig.Originally called The Blackmailers their new name came courtesy of Wayne County. At a Punk night at "Eric's", the guitarist Dave spoke to 'Wayne County' of the 'Electric Chairs and he suggested the name 'The Spitfire Boys'. The original singer, Mike Rigby, was sacked after 2 or 3 gigs, and afetr that the band featured Paul Rutherford aka Maggot on vocals (later Opium Eaters and Frankie Goes to Hollywood), Dave Littler aka Jones on guitar (later Photons), Peter Griffiths aka Zero on bass (later of Nova Mob) & Budgie (Peter Clarke aka Blister) on drums (later Nova Mob, Big in Japan, Opium Eaters, Secrets, Planets, Slits, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Creatures). Their first proper gig was supporting Johnny & The Heartbreakers at "Parr Hall", Palmyra Square, Warrington, WA1 1BL.
The Spitfire Boys were the first Liverpool punk band to release a single. This was 'British Refugee' backed with the controversial 'Mein Kampf' on the 'R.K.O' label, 7th October 1977.The band were stars in their home town but never really broke into the London scene after playing a few gigs down there (at The Vortex, supporting their friends The Slits). Early December 'Pete Wylie' joined the band for two or three rehearsals, but due to the lack of strong management the band folded. From being one of the first Punk bands to form in Liverpool, they were also one of the first to disband. This happened on Thursday 22nd December 1977.
British RefugeeMein Kampf
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