The Milkshakes
This UK, Chatham, Kent-based group were originally conceived in the late '70s by Pop Rivit roadies Mickey Hampshire and Banana Bertie as Mickey And The Milkshakes. Often appearing on the same circuit as fellow Medway town bands, the Dentists and the Prisoners, the group performed as a ‘psychobilly’ outfit, supporting the Pop Rivits from time to time with Wreckless Eric covers. Pop Rivit leader Billy Childish then began writing with Hampshire and in 1980 formed a new version of Mickey And The Milkshakes. Eventually settling on a line-up of Childish and Hampshire (guitars/vocals), Russ Wilkins (bass) and Bruce Brand (drums), they started recording a string of albums featuring various R&B classics plus original material. After the first album they truncated their name. Later on, when John Agnew replaced Wilkins, they began to refer to themselves as Thee Milkshakes. In addition to their normal activities of gigging and recording, they also acted as the backing band to an all-girl vocal trio called the Del Monas. As prolific releasers of album material, The(e) Milkshakes were only modestly successful with singles, achieving two UK independent Top 20 hits with Brand New Cadillac (1984) and Ambassadors Of Love (1985). The group split in 1984 (although Milkshake material continued to be released long after), with Childish going on to form the equally productive Thee Mighty Caesars.