The Rock and Roll Career of Oscar Offbeat


1974-ish to 1976-ish. Brockhill ( Hythe Kent )  all boys school Army cadet marching band from

1979(ish). Purchased a second or whatever Nth hand Trixton drum kit
Annoyed parents by practising in the bedroom at that time there were no decent practice pads so various blankets and other things to try to muffle the sound could have been better for trying to learn.

1990s.  Living in a fine Housing Co-op in Rotherhithe felling with a bunch of fine upstanding fellows, rehearsals in the  dank subterranean rehersal studios Metro based in a ward in Wapping. Run by a chap called the Count ( who had a notice of “Coffin repairs Undertaken” ).  Spent time in the Prospect of Whitby for refreshment breaks.
We named ourselves The Stones , but quickly renamed to Bingo in case another band took umbrage.

    

A number of gigs in and around London including The Charlie Chaplin Pub in the Elephant and Castle.
The Brixton Fridge of December 1993 supporting the Tiger Lillies. Including pre gig backstage haircut!



2000’s. Waters Way Jazz Collective and Totally Flummoxed, various street parties. More rehearsals  and drinking than live gigs

Took a break while producing two offspring



2020. Flashback 77 and the rest is history, First Gig Brockley Brewery Tap room ( what else could be fitting) , recent open mike nights at the Partridge in Bromley, Street Partys and Birthday gigs.


More fame and fortune, Gigs are occurring
2024 :
Bromley  Partridge open mike nights
Whitstable May bank holiday supporting Ferrets
Walters Way -  birthday escapade
Beckenham - 31 Aug Coach and Horses supporting Ferrets

Influences : ( Well Some ..)

Bands
The Damned.
Hawkwind
Discharge
Conflict
Early Level 42 ( Jazz Funk instrumental era)
Subhumans
New Model Army
The Ruts
UK Subs
Eastfield
Early Motorhead.

Drummers
Rat Scabies - The Damned - just attacks the drums with vigor - Listern to "I Fall"
Ginger Baker - Cream and other bands - great rhythm. Try Ginger Baker Army.
Trotsky - The Subhumans - Makes drumming effortless watch him at gigs.. Try "From the Cradle to the Grave".

 All images are credited to Ian k White.