The Dogs D'Amour
This rock outfit was originally formed in Birmingham, England, during 1983, with a line-up comprising Tyla (guitar), Ned Christie (vocals), Nick Halls (guitar), Carl (bass) and Bam Bam (drums). After making their London debut in April 1983 and recording a track for the Flicknife compilation, TRASH ON DELIVERY, they underwent a rapid series of personnel changes. Halls, Bam Bam and Christie departed prompting Tyla to assume lead vocal responsibilities. He and Carl recruited replacements, Dave Kusworth (guitar) and Paul Hornby (drums). They relocated to Finland where their hard rock style won them an underground following. After returning to the UK in 1985, further changes in the line-up were underway, with Bam Bam replacing Hornby, while Kusworth departed in favour of the elegantly named Jo-Dog. Later that year, the procession of changes continued with the departure of Carl in favour of Doll By Doll bassist Mark Duncan, who lasted until 1987 when Steve James arrived. The group finally broke through with the minor hit, How Come It Never Rains, and the mini-album, A GRAVEYARD OF EMPTY BOTTLES. The follow-up, Satellite Kid, also reached the UK Top 30, as did their album, ERROL FLYNN. The latter met some resistance in the USA where it was forcibly retitled THE KING OF THE THIEVES. Having at last stabilized their line-up, Dogs D'Amour failed to establish themselves in the top league of hard rock acts but continued to tour extensively. During a lull in the early '90s James formed the Last Bandits while Bam Bam joined the Wildhearts. The group reformed in 1993 with Darrell Barth (ex- Crybabys) replacing Jo Dog. However, by 1994 the group had ground to a halt, with Tyla considering a solo career while Steve James and Bam Bam formed Mary Jane.