The Birds (band)

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Not to be confused with The Byrds.

The Birds was one of the top rhythm and blues bands in England during the mid-1960s, and part of the first British Invasion. Even though they recorded fewer than a dozen songs, the Birds are remembered for having a sound as hard as other well-known bands, such as The Who and The Yardbirds.

The best-known member of the Birds was Ron Wood, future guitarist for The Rolling Stones. Growing up in the same neighbourhood with several other members of the band, they came together in 1964 (while still in their teens) as the Thunderbirds, based in Yiewsley, West London. When they entered a battle-of-the-bands contest, the organisers of the event persuaded them to go simply as the Birds, to improve their chances of winning. Although they lost the contest, they kept the new, shorter name – a decision which would have significant ramifications later.

When the young band made its first television appearance, they caught the eye of Decca record company executives. The ensuing recording contract resulted in their first two singles, "You Don't Love Me" and "Leaving Here." The Birds seemed destined for stardom with their loud, rhythm-and-blues based rock, receiving equal billing with the Who at some gigs.

However, in the spring of 1965, the Los Angeles based American band The Byrds was dominating the British charts with "Mr. Tambourine Man," released by the newly-formed British CBS Records label. The Birds' manager took legal action to prevent the Byrds from using the name, but the action failed; the Byrds' subsequent tour of England that summer was highly received, leaving the Birds feeling that someone else had stolen their thunder.

They recorded their last single for Decca in late 1965, after which they moved to Reaction Records, changing their name to "Birds Birds", to distinguish themselves from their American counterparts. Unfortunately, their debut album was delayed for nearly a year due to a contract dispute. In 1966, their song "That's All I Need" was featured in the horror film The Deadly Bees. They disbanded in 1967.

[edit] Artists

Ali McKenzie (lead singer)
Tony Munroe (guitar, vocals)
Ron Wood (guitar, harmonica, vocals)
Kim Gardner (bass)
Bob Langham (drums)
Pete Hocking, aka Pete McDaniel (drums)
Clem Cattini (drums on "Granny Rides Again", recorded in December 1966)

[edit] Singles

"You're On My Mind" / "You Don't Love Me" (November 1964, Decca F 12031)
"Leaving Here" / "Next in Line" (April 1965, Decca F 12140)
"No Good Without You Baby" / "How Can It Be?" (October 1965, Decca F 12257)
"Say Those Magic Words" / "Daddy Daddy" (as "Birds Birds", September 1966, Reaction 591 005)

Other recorded songs