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{{Short description|British rock and roll/psychobilly band}}
{{cleanup|date=November 2010}}
{{nofootnotes|date=November 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{No footnotes|date=June 2020}}
== History ==
{{Infobox musical artist
The Highliners is a British rock and roll / [[Psychobilly|psychobilly]] band formed in London in 1984 by Luke Morgan, lead singer and Chris Finch on saxaphone having met at [[Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design|The Central School of Art]] and Kev Feeney aka Stretch on bass. The name The Highliners came from the [[Ford Consul|Mk2 Ford Consuls]] and Zephyrs they all owned and early line-ups included members of The Cropdusters and Simon Collins the Dean of Fashion at Parsons School New York.
| name = The Highliners
In 1985 Morgan, Finch, Feeney and new drummer Tim Potter took a pink split screen VW bus to France for a 3 month tour of the Riviera.
| image =
Later drummers included Dean, Andy and Mikey Stafford until Roy Williams of [[Nervous Records]] introduced Ginger (Steve Meadham) from [[The Meteors]], Ricochets and [[Guana Batz]] in 1986.
| image_size =
By 1987 this four piece had a TV residency on the channel 4 show Comedy Wave Length with [[Paul Merton]] and [[Josie Lawrence]]
| image_upright =
| landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| alt =
| caption =
| alias =
| origin = London, England
| genre =
| years_active = {{start date|1984}}–present
| label = ABC, Razor Records
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.thehighliners.co.uk}}
| current_members =
| past_members =
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
'''The Highliners''' is a British rock and roll / [[psychobilly]] band known for the hit singles “Henry The Wasp” and “The Benny Hill Boogie”, antics include dressing in pink doctor martens boots, black capes and driving a pink van with a skeleton surfing on the roof.


Formed in London in 1984 by Luke Morgan and Chris Finch who met at the [[Central School of Art and Design]]. The name The Highliners came from the [[Ford Consul|Mk2 Ford Consuls]] and Zephyrs they owned. In 1985 Luke Morgan, Chris Finch, Kev “Stretch” Feeney and drummer Tim Potter took a pink split screen VW bus to France for a 3-month tour of the Riviera.
They were then joined by Ben Blakeman of [[The Cocteau Twins]] on lead guitar and regularly topped the bill at John Curd’s legendary psychobilly club, the “[[Klub Foot]]” in Hammersmith where their pink van became a landmark with the surfing skeleton on it’s roof.


In 1986 several drummers later Roy Williams of [[Nervous Records]] introduced Ginger Meadham from [[The Meteors]], Ricochets and [[Guana Batz]] and by 1987 this four piece had a TV residency on the channel 4 show Comedy Wave Length with [[Paul Merton]] and [[Josie Lawrence]]
They were recorded live at The Klub Foot on Saturday 16th Jan 1988 for the album series “Stomping at The Klub Foot” appearing on “Stomping at The Klub Foot 5” released in March 1988 and they were the last [[Klub Foot]] band to play this venue on Sunday 26th June 1988


They were joined by Ben Blakeman of [[The Cocteau Twins]] on lead guitar and regularly topped the bill at John Curd’s legendary psychobilly club, the “[[Klub Foot]]” in Hammersmith where the pink van became a landmark.
This 5 piece had UK chart successes with “Double shot of my babys love” reaching No.15 (NME Independent charts 3rd Sept 1988) then “Henry The Wasp” on the Radio One and Radio Two play-lists and “The Benny Hill Boogie” that immortalized [[Jenny Lee-Wright |Jenny Lee-Wright “The Sexiest Stooge”]]. These hits were featured in a Radio One interview with Luke Morgan and the first album “Bound for Glory” was released in 1989 on Razor Records.
Here they were recorded live on Saturday 16th Jan 1988 for the album “Stomping at The Klub Foot 5” released in March 1988.


Their final head line show at the Klub Foot on Sunday 26 June 1988 formed part of the 13 night farewell to the club known as "The Final Curtain" before The Clarendon Hotel Ballroom was demolished.
[[Rick Buckler]] from [[The Jam]] then replaced Ginger on drums having earlier worked with [[Mike Spencer]] on the final mix and production of the album, Buckler toured the UK and Europe with them in 1990 and is still involved with the band today.
This 5 piece had UK chart successes with “Double shot of my baby's love” reaching No. 15 (NME Independent charts 3rd Sept 1988) “Henry The Wasp” on the Radio One and Radio Two play-lists and “The [[Benny Hill]] Boogie” that immortalized [[Jenny Lee-Wright|Jenny Lee-Wright “The Sexiest Stooge”]]. These hits were featured in a Radio One interview with Luke Morgan and the first album “Bound for Glory” was released in 1989 on Razor Records.
All-star line-ups have included Doyley ([[Klingonz]]), Russ Ward (Klubtastic), John Belknap, Steve Fishman (now with Hue Cornwall of [[The Stranglers]]) Lamma (Pronghorn), Kathy X, and Brendan and Gasty both from The Arousers.


Fanzines include artwork by Luke Morgan, Chris Finch and Vaun Richards of [[Funday Times|The Funday Times]].
[[Rick Buckler]] from [[The Jam]] then replaced Ginger on drums having earlier worked with [[Mike Spencer]] on the final mix and production of the album, Rick Buckler toured the UK and Europe with them in 1990 and is still involved with the band today. Fanzines include artwork by Luke Morgan, Chris Finch and Vaun Richards of [[Funday Times|The Funday Times]].


In 2003 Dave Deville from The Vulture Squadron and Optic Nerves joined the band on lead guitar and in 2009 Brendan joined on sax. In 2010 Ginger rejoined and had his first gig with the band for over 20 years at the Pineda De Mar Psychobilly Meeting.
In 2010 Ginger rejoined for his first gig with the band for over 20 years at the 2010 Pineda De Mar Psychobilly Meeting in Spain.
== Discography ==


Luke Morgan, lead vocals and Ginger Meadham on drums where joined by Mad Andy Kandil on guitar and Ricky Lee Sardi on bass as they continued to tour and record


In 2019 Mark Bending took over lead guitar having been part of the scene since 1983 with Sgt. Bilko's Krazy Combo
Studio Demo 4 tracks on cassette only 1986
Double Shot (ABC) 7” single 1988


In 2024 the original sax player Chris Finch rejoined to complete the line up
Henry the Wasp (ABC) 7” single 1988


Luke Morgan - Vocals
Henry the Wasp (ABC) 12” single 1988


Ginger Meadham - Drums
Stomping at The Klub Foot 5 (ABC) Compilation Album 1988


Mark Bending - Lead Guitar
The Benny Hill Boogie (Razor Records) 7” single 1989


Ricky Lee Sardi - Bass
Bound For Glory (Razor Records) Album 1989


Chris Finch - Sax
ABC/ID The Psychobilly Singles Collection


== Discography ==
Psychomania Vol. 3 (DoJo) Compilation Album 1995
* Studio Demo 4 tracks on cassette only 1986

* Double Shot (ABC) 7” single 1988 UK Chart no. 176
Fetish Party (Nervous) 10” EP 1998
* Henry the Wasp (ABC) 7” single 1988 UK Chart no. 79

* Henry the Wasp (ABC) 12” single 1988
Spank‘O’Matic (JPB) Album 2000
* Stomping at The Klub Foot 5 (ABC) Compilation Album 1988

* The Benny Hill Boogie (Razor Records) 7” single 1989
== External Links ==
* Bound For Glory (Razor Records) Album 1989

* ABC/ID The Psychobilly Singles Collection
[http://www.myspace.com/thehighlinersofficial The Highliners Official Myspace]
* Psychomania Vol. 3 (DoJo) Compilation Album 1995

* Fetish Party (Nervous) 10” EP 1998
== References ==
* Spank‘O’Matic (JPB) Album 2000
* Gravedigger Stomp EP 2013
* The Diablo Session LP 2014


==References==
Sounds 25th Oct 1986<br />
{{Reflist}}
* Sounds (UK Music press) 25th Oct 1986
Melody Maker 22nd Nov 1986<br />
* File:Melody Maker (UK Music press) 22nd Nov 1986
The Sun newspaper 26th Jan 1987<br />
* The Sun newspaper 26th Jan 1987
* Scooter Scene magazine 1988
Scooter Scene magazine 1988<br />
* NME magazine indi charts10th Sept 1988
* Music Week magazine 22 Oct 1988
* Street Machine magazine Nov 1988
NME magazine indi charts10th Sept 1988<br />
* https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/chart-analysis/11175007-uk-singles-charts-1988-including-chart-panel-sales
Music Week magazine 22 Oct 1988<br />
Street Machine magazine Nov 1988<br />


==External links==
http://rateyourmusic.com/list/devildog1507/rym_ultimate_box_set__psychobilly<br />
* [https://myspace.com/thehighlinersofficial The Highliners] on [[Myspace]]
* http://www.discogs.com/Highliners-Henry-The-Wasp/release/1560625
http://forum.bnb.gr/showthread.php?t=19153<br />
*http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496751/bio
*{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=rick-buckler-p60571/credits|pure_url=yes}}
http://www.oldschool-psychobilly.de/compilations.htm<br />
*http://www.discogs.com/Highliners-The-Benny-Hill-Boogie/master/265795
http://www.wreckingpit.com/psycho/mtv.php3<br />
http://www.oldschool-psychobilly.de/luke_morgan.htm<br />
http://ko-kr.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=288506271347&topic=12714<br />
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/paul-rick-buckler/22/b62/307<br />
http://www.discogs.com/Highliners-Henry-The-Wasp/release/1560625<br />
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496751/bio


{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Highliners, The}}
{{uncategorized|date=November 2010}}
[[Category:British psychobilly musical groups]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from London]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1984]]

Latest revision as of 06:42, 19 July 2024

The Highliners
OriginLondon, England
Years active1984 (1984)–present
LabelsABC, Razor Records
Websitewww.thehighliners.co.uk

The Highliners is a British rock and roll / psychobilly band known for the hit singles “Henry The Wasp” and “The Benny Hill Boogie”, antics include dressing in pink doctor martens boots, black capes and driving a pink van with a skeleton surfing on the roof.

Formed in London in 1984 by Luke Morgan and Chris Finch who met at the Central School of Art and Design. The name The Highliners came from the Mk2 Ford Consuls and Zephyrs they owned. In 1985 Luke Morgan, Chris Finch, Kev “Stretch” Feeney and drummer Tim Potter took a pink split screen VW bus to France for a 3-month tour of the Riviera.

In 1986 several drummers later Roy Williams of Nervous Records introduced Ginger Meadham from The Meteors, Ricochets and Guana Batz and by 1987 this four piece had a TV residency on the channel 4 show Comedy Wave Length with Paul Merton and Josie Lawrence

They were joined by Ben Blakeman of The Cocteau Twins on lead guitar and regularly topped the bill at John Curd’s legendary psychobilly club, the “Klub Foot” in Hammersmith where the pink van became a landmark. Here they were recorded live on Saturday 16th Jan 1988 for the album “Stomping at The Klub Foot 5” released in March 1988.

Their final head line show at the Klub Foot on Sunday 26 June 1988 formed part of the 13 night farewell to the club known as "The Final Curtain" before The Clarendon Hotel Ballroom was demolished. This 5 piece had UK chart successes with “Double shot of my baby's love” reaching No. 15 (NME Independent charts 3rd Sept 1988) “Henry The Wasp” on the Radio One and Radio Two play-lists and “The Benny Hill Boogie” that immortalized Jenny Lee-Wright “The Sexiest Stooge”. These hits were featured in a Radio One interview with Luke Morgan and the first album “Bound for Glory” was released in 1989 on Razor Records.

Rick Buckler from The Jam then replaced Ginger on drums having earlier worked with Mike Spencer on the final mix and production of the album, Rick Buckler toured the UK and Europe with them in 1990 and is still involved with the band today. Fanzines include artwork by Luke Morgan, Chris Finch and Vaun Richards of The Funday Times.

In 2010 Ginger rejoined for his first gig with the band for over 20 years at the 2010 Pineda De Mar Psychobilly Meeting in Spain.

Luke Morgan, lead vocals and Ginger Meadham on drums where joined by Mad Andy Kandil on guitar and Ricky Lee Sardi on bass as they continued to tour and record

In 2019 Mark Bending took over lead guitar having been part of the scene since 1983 with Sgt. Bilko's Krazy Combo

In 2024 the original sax player Chris Finch rejoined to complete the line up

Luke Morgan - Vocals

Ginger Meadham - Drums

Mark Bending - Lead Guitar

Ricky Lee Sardi - Bass

Chris Finch - Sax

Discography

[edit]
  • Studio Demo 4 tracks on cassette only 1986
  • Double Shot (ABC) 7” single 1988 UK Chart no. 176
  • Henry the Wasp (ABC) 7” single 1988 UK Chart no. 79
  • Henry the Wasp (ABC) 12” single 1988
  • Stomping at The Klub Foot 5 (ABC) Compilation Album 1988
  • The Benny Hill Boogie (Razor Records) 7” single 1989
  • Bound For Glory (Razor Records) Album 1989
  • ABC/ID The Psychobilly Singles Collection
  • Psychomania Vol. 3 (DoJo) Compilation Album 1995
  • Fetish Party (Nervous) 10” EP 1998
  • Spank‘O’Matic (JPB) Album 2000
  • Gravedigger Stomp EP 2013
  • The Diablo Session LP 2014

References

[edit]
[edit]
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