showrock

first gigs in London pubs

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In 1976, the band performed for their first gigs in London pubs. In that year, composer Jean Marie Carroll (aka JC Carroll ) joined the band to complement Tesco’s lyrics . The Members had recorded a number of songs, but the first released recording was “Fear on the Streets”, produced by Lillywhite’s brother Steve Lillywhite . This song was included on the first record released by the Beggars Banquet label , who made the punk compilation Streets (1977). The song-writing collaboration between Tesco and Carroll moved The Members’ sound towards an incorporation of reggae , shown in the first single released for Stiff Records , “Solitary Confinement”, produced by Larry Wallis . Following these releases, the band personnel became Tesco (vocals), Carroll (vocals and guitar), Nigel Bennett (guitar), Payne (bass) and Lillywhite (drums).