Eddie and the Hot Rods formed in 1975 (though their official site says 1976) and are constantly name-checked as belonging to the Pub Rock circuit of music. In their early days they performed many great 1960's R 'n' B tracks alongside their own material, which in many ways was influenced by their Essex neighbours Doctor Feelgood (founding guitarist Dave Higgs had played in a band with with Feelgood frontman Lee Brilleaux called The Fix).
After a residency at the Nashville in South West London with The 101er's they got a record deal with Island Records.
Not totally sure when this TV appearance first took place but it must have been before 1976 because Lew Lewis is on the harmonica and he left the band by the start of that year. Have to admit I had never seen these videos before this morning and must say that it was great watching them.
Writing On The Wall
Horseplay (Weary of the Schmatlz)
Get Out Of Denver Baby
In 1976 they released their debut album 'Teenage Depression'. It included three cover versions (The Who's 'The Kids are Alright', Joe Tex's 'Show Me' and Sam Cooke's 'Shake' - which was the b-side to the single 'Teenage Depression'). They also hit the charts for the first time with their 'Live at The Marquee EP'
This was basically an EP of cover versions they were performing in their set at the time ('96 Tears', 'Get Out of Denver' and 'Gloria/Satisfaction'). When they first performed at The Marquee their support band was none other than the Sex Pistols (who smashed up all the Hot Rods equipment).
Get Out of Denver Baby (Top of the Pops)
Teenage Depression (Supersonic)
1977 saw the band more linked to the Punk/New Wave movement and they released a couple of classics. First up 'I Might Be Lying' which only got as far as #44 on the charts but got them an appearance on Top of the Pops.
The b-side, 'Ignore Them (Always Crashing In The Same Bar)' is one of their finest tunes.
Then came their biggest hit, reaching #9 in the UK charts:
Do Anything You Wanna Do (The Marc Show)
The album that followed, 'Life On The Line', is one of my favourites of all time.
Nine brilliant tracks were on the original release (including two that would be released as singles in 1978 - 'Quit This Town', which reached #36 in the charts and 'Life On The Line')
Quit This Town (Top of the Pops)
Life On The Line (Promo Video)
My favourite track from the album though is 'Beginning of the End' and here is a classic performance from The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1978.
Their final album for Island Records was released in 1979:
Shortly after the release of the album they were sacked from the label. Two singles, 'Media Messiahs' and 'The Power & The Glory' were released from the album.
The Power & The Glory
The band went on to record a couple of more albums for EMI and then disbanded in 1981 but reformed again and to date they are still out doing shows. Barrie Masters on vocals is the only steady original member of the band.
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