THE SUPERNATURALS
Supernaturals Warwick University and Belgrade Theatre 1985 and 1986
By Pete Clemons
June 1985 – The story went that a band named 'Two People', actually there were five of them, pulled out with flu. Fortunately at the same time Pauline Black, ex-Selecter, happened to wander into the union office, and her then current band, The Supernaturals, were booked.
Pauline Black’s rock steady vocals have now given way to an abrasive upfront, sometimes obsessive, sometimes monotonous rant. The impression created was of an experimental band putting itself through its paces, while searching for an identity.
At times the band appeared almost mentally detached from the audience. Admiration of the dynamics of the Whipround being reduced to an appreciation of the technical professionalism of the musicianship as opposed to danceable excitement.
The Supernaturals' might have expected more from the onlookers, the bands fault? Or the typical reaction of statuesque student audiences? Answer was probably both.
Inspiring enthusiasm is not Pauline Black's forte, the audiences contribution in what should be a two way relationship was also minimal.
Early 1986 - Pauline Black is back with her new band The Supernaturals. She has long since left behind the ska beat of The Selecter and her rock steady vocals have evolved into an abrasive upfront rant. The Supernaturals, at Warwick Uni last year, were described as 'an experimental band, putting itself through the paces, while searching for an identity.'
It is to be repeated that, at times, the band appeared detached from their uninspired Whipround audience. Their music as technically perfect but little excitement was generated. It is expected after some time out, the band will have found their identity and enthusiasm. Curiosity alone will probably draw some of you to the Belgrade on the 12th, which is no bad thing. In the words of Mr. Elvis Costello ‘Curiosity didn't kill the cat, it was some poisoned milk.'
Pauline Black - Vocals
Everett Morton – Drums
Zip – Bass
Tony White - Guitar
Dave Gedney - Guitar
Pauline Black - Vocals
Rob Hill – Drums
Ray – Bass
John Shipley - Guitar
John Greenhow - Guitar
A rare live audience recording of The Supernaturals; a band from Coventry with strong 2 Tone connections, featuring both Pauline Black (ex- The Selecter) and John Shipley (ex- Swinging Cats and The Special AKA) in their line up. This is track 6 from their gig in Aylesbury in 1986. An excellent article on John Shipley's career can be found on the link below which also includes further information on The Supernaturals.
Away - cover of Swinging Cats number.
Fish Gotta Swim
The End
More youtube by the band on this channel
The Supernaturals 1985 -86
BACK TO THE BAND INDEX
Pauline Black – Vocals
Everett Morton (The Beat’s old drummer) – Drums replaced by Rob Hill
Zip The Bassman – Bass replaced by Ray, a bass player from Rugby
Tony White – Guitar
Dave Gedney (“That boy gets everywhere!” – Tony)
John Shipley – Guitar (2nd Line-up)
John Greenhow (2nd Line-up)
Memories from Tony White via Rex Brough
“The first line-up supported Joe Boxers on tour. The second line up really rocked. NME described us as playing ‘Guitar-based underwater spy-movie music’ I really enjoyed this band – we supported The Communards on their UK tour in 1986 and played some great gigs around the country.
There was a lot of Press and record company interest in The Supernaturals at that time – closest that I personally ever got to ‘making it’ but it wasn’t to be. John Shipley and Pauline fell out, everybody took sides and it got a tad nasty. God I really hate all that political nonsense. Upshot of it was that a new band emerged from the ashes called The Great Escape – Val (Ex swinging cats) was drafted in as lead singer and Barry (Rob Hill’s old partner in rhythm from The Mix) replaced Ray on Bass. The new line up was now Val, Myself, John Shipley, John Greenhow, Rob Hill and Barry.
The Great Escape actually played some corking gigs in Cov in early ’87 but finally split with myself Rob and Barry going over to the French Riviera where we played the English Campsite bars as Ted Zeppelin and the Marina Maniacs !!
I have to say that this was amazing fun, and actually earnt more dosh than any of us had ever seen from music before ! https://www.artsrainbow.com/coventrybands/2019/03/28/the-supernaturals/
No comments:
Post a Comment