The Spurts

The Spurts began life in Rayleigh, Essex as Johnny Pullback and the Foreskins. This name was later dropped as there was already another band called The Foreskins. The Spurts started with three school mates: Dave Coltman, Steve Manuell & Paul Langwith. Punk was exploding everywhere, it was 1977 England, so therefore they had to start a band.

Another schoolmate, Dave Walsh, was dragged in to play Bass. They practiced, then played some parties at “the Bungalow.” The Spurts first proper gig was at the Lindisfarne Catholic Centre. Deeno’s Marvels, Idiot, Vicars, and Sniper were on the bill, the ticket didn’t even mention the Spurts! Played further places in the Basildon/Southend area, the Van Gough pub mainly.

In August 1978, Steve Manuell (vocals) left to move to sunny Cardiff and Phil McCavity came in as the singer. Bass players were changable: Vince was there for a short while then Ralph Malph came in as the next proper bass man. At about this time Perry joined as well. An infamous gig was played at the Van Gough supporting Raped. Dave Coltman (guitar) left and was later playing in the Sickies.

Paul played with many other bands such as The Cards, The Rubies, Bobo, early Depeche Mode and a stint with Alf Moyet. Perry went on to The Cure. Some songs stood out as crowd dispersers, such as Keep On Coming, Sexperience and some odd cover versions like Wild Thing and I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing!

Thanks to Steve Manuell for above entry

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