History of The Russ Francis World Famous Gutterband

The first Gutter band was formed initially back in March 1986 with founder members being Martin Ball (drums) Jon Short (bass) & Vocalist Paul Miro.  It was Jon Short who suggested the name ‘Gutter Band’.

Over the years, the band went through several line up changes and metamorphosised in to a show the likes of which had never been seen before.

As the Gutter band went through it’s many transformations, our own Russ Francis was at the time performing in a band called ‘Planet Earth’ – yet another weird and wacky show…something of a specialty for our Russ!

The Gutter band drummer at that time was Russ’ good friend Dave Hayes.  Dave had decided to leave the band and contacted Russ knowing what an excellent drummer he was, and how much he loved things that weren’t quite the norm!

The auditions were held at the Embassy suite, Sheffield where many hopefuls turned up…Russ was last to audition…. His experience and expertise from other 70’s bands such as skitz o frenia earned him the job and he started soon after!      (Right: Russ as Malice in 99)

Russ played with the Gutter band from 1998 – 2000 before deciding to move on and create the now legendary Space Cadets!

Then suddenly, out of the blue, Russ received a phone call from the then Gutter bands singer, asking if he would be interested in buying a lot of the original Gutter band props, as the Gutter band had decided not to use them on stage anymore.  Russ agreed and purchased the Glam ramp, Rotating platform, coffin and many other original items.   He stored them away in his garage and they remained there untouched for 3 years.

Towards the end of 2004, word reached Russ that The Gutter band had decided to call it a day and were hanging up their platforms once and for all!   The final show was arranged at Crookes Social Club, Sheffield and was widely advertised around the local areas and in all the newspapers and clubman’s guide.  It was to be the end of an era…. their singer was retiring and the other members disbanded to go on to other projects…. The Gutter band was no more...        (below: as advertised at the time)

Mon 20th to Weds 22nd December 2004:

A few months later, Russ began to be approached by people asking why he didn’t put together a new Gutterband – he had the experience, he had the original props…what was to stop him…It was something Russ had thought about from time to time, but had never done and would never do whilst ever the Gutter band was still performing.   But now the Gutter band was gone and it had left a hole in the club scene which needed to be filled...people missed the Gutter band, they wanted it back, so after much soul searching Russ decided to launch his own version….The Russ Francis World Famous Gutterband.

The first step in getting this monster on the road, was to contact Alan Wood of the Alan Wood Agency.  It was Alan who had managed the old Gutter band and had taken them to incredible heights until they parted company in August 2000. Alan and Russ discussed their options and the best way forward for a number of weeks and it was with Alan’s knowledge, expertise and support that rehearsals began and a launch date was set – 30^th July 2005.  (Right: Russ as Malice 2005)

The new crew were brought in to step in to the legendary roles of Malice Pooper, Joe Waddy Waddy, Aladin Pain and Roy Wouldn’t.  However, the lead character was something of a problem.  The band knew it would be inappropriate to portray Gary Gutter and felt Alvin Tardis was too similar and could cause confusion…hence, Elvis Press-stud was born!  Although many argue Elvis was never glam…. what bigger star of the 70’s was there and with his fabulous glittering suits he fits right in!!!! (Left: The King returns!)

As rumours began to spread about the rebirth of the Gutterband, the Gutter band’s former singer once again contacted Russ to ask if he would like to purchase yet another prop from the original show, but as Russ had already constructed his own version of it, he declined, but gladly accepted the gesture of good will shown.  Also, David Hayes the drummer who had been with the Gutter band from 1989 – 1998 came along to a rehearsal Russ and the band were holding at the Embassy club, to give his help, advice and guidance on setting up the show and assisted in balancing the twin TD8 drum kits used by the drummers.

The new band soon began to take shape and make the characters their own, injecting a new youth and enthusiasm in to them that hadn’t been seen for years.  Russ and Alan wanted to take the World Famous Gutterband back to the glory days, back to the big theatrical show it had once been… . but with an extra dimension,    (left: pre launch line up - almost ready) with new features, new songs, new members, new characters, new props and new toys all blending in with the captivating chaos that had once been the old Gutter band show…. it was time, they were ready… the launch date came and saw them rip the roof of the Embassy club.  Since then the World Famous Gutterband have gone from strength to strength.  Everywhere they go they receive rave reviews from clubs, staff, corporate venues, owners, managers and most importantly of all…. the audience members.   We have had feedback from gutter band fans old and new and all are blown away by the show…. the feedback really says it all…. The World Famous Gutterband is here to stay…the phoenix has arisen.

The Russ Francis World Famous Gutterband, July 2005.

The World Famous Gutterband - March 2006 - Left to Right...Basil Thrush, Joe WaddyWaddy, Aladin Pain, Elvis Press-stud, Malice Pooper, Roy Wouldn't.