Mo-Dettes
Despite the name, the timing of their appearance on the music scene, and the fact that they covered the The Rolling Stones’ Paint It Black, the Mo-Dettes were not modettes and disliked anyone who said they were. They were originally formed for a one-off gig at the Acklam Hall, supporting the Vincent Units. Their line-up was built around Kate Korus (b. Katherine Corris, New York, USA; guitar), who played with the Castrators before lasting just three gigs with the earliest line-up of the Slits. She left (to be replaced by Viv Albertine) and attempted to form several bands. Korus took a long time finding musicians with whom she was happy, but gradually she came across (on the set of THE GREAT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SWINDLE where both had non-acting jobs) drummer June Miles-Kingston (the sister of Bob Kingston of Tenpole Tudor) and bassist Jane Crockford. Crockford had previously played in the Banks Of Dresden with Richard Dudanski. Through a mutual friend they met Ramona Carlier, a singer from Switzerland whose experience to date had been backing vocals at a few sessions plus a one-off party gig with a band called the Bomberettes, and had been in England about a year. The first product of their labours was White Mice—on their own Mode label through Rough Trade. Ramona left late in 1981 to start a solo career, and was replaced by Sue Slack. Soon after, Korus split to be replaced by Melissa Ritter. The final split came shortly after in 1982, owing to further internal friction. Miles-Kingston moved on to Fun Boy Three's backing band, before she produced a solo single for Go! Discs, joined the Communardsand sang on various sessions. Kate Korus also released a single with Jenny of the Belle Stars.