Teenbeats

Hastings' finest, the Teenbeats formed in 1979 their line up was - Huggy Leaver (vocals), Ken Copsey (lead guitar), Paul Thomas (rhythm guitar, vocals), Eddie Mays (bass), and Dave Blackman (drums).

The Teenbeats were one of the better bands on Britain's late '70s mod revival scene. Their timing was impeccable, making their debut just as the mod revival was gathering steam -- they further fired up the movement with a fine cover of the Troggs' 60's hit "I Can't Control Myself", and followed this up with the even better self-penned "Strength Of A Nation". Safari released both 45's, however ,neither single made a real impact on the UK charts but they did score a hit in Canada.

Teenbeats had the attitude, the look and by far away the best button badge/logo! They snarled away at the punky end of the mod sound but sadly they never recorded a complete LP. However, their songs made it onto many a mod revival compilation. Including; 'Uppers On The South Downs' & 'Mod City'. Most recently Castle Records' released 2003 Mod Revival Generation: Time For Action.

Live they were a very different proposition to their tamer studio sound. Huggy (ex lead singer of semi legendary punk combo The Plastix) was a hugely charisamtic front man and his sheer force of personality would often galvanise even the most reluctant audience into a frenzy. Normally, that was not an issue though as the Hastings/Eastbourne Mods were a pretty vocal mob and needed no encouragement to roar along with the band. I was fortunate enough to see them a fair few times and apart from when they ruled the roost on Hastings Pier, their best gig was at The Dublin Castle, supported by The Lambrettas. They blew the place apart. Fantastic!

Rumour has it that a reformation is in the offing. It's just a pity that Hastings Pier is no longer there to host it!

Small point of interest. Huggy went on to appear in Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels as one of the other 'firm'. Not a lot of people know that!