An English pub rock band of the 1970s, who have recently reformed. Usually called the Ducks by their fans, they were known for up-tempo, energetic performances.
Formed in February 1972 by ex-Brinsley Schwarz roadie Martin Belmont on guitar, he was initially joined by former Help Yourself members Sean Tyla on guitar and Ken Whaley on bass, plus Magic Michael (Michael Cousins) on percussion. Cousins was soon replaced by Tim Roper on drums and former Flaming Groovies roadie Nick Garvey also joined. Playing more energetic music than most others on the London pub-rock circuit, the Ducks soon had a twice weekly booking at the Tally Ho in Kentish Town, and a manager, Dai Davies.
Whaley left and later rejoined Help Yourself. In December 1972, the Ducks recorded two tracks at Man's Christmas party.
In 1973, the band signed to RCA and released their first single, Coast To Coast, written by Tyla and Garvey, although Tyla is not credited on the track due to the fact that he was trying to untangle himself from a previous publishing deal. Their eponymous debut album Ducks Deluxe was released in early 1974 and captures something of the fire and excitement that the Ducks' live act generated.
Keyboard and bass player Andy McMaster joined from the Sabres to record a second album, Taxi To The Terminal Zone, but this was regarded as disappointing and he left shortly after.
The band recorded its first Peel Session in April 1974, after which Garvey left and former Nashville Teens bassist Micky Groome joined.
Despite recording a second Peel Session in March 1975, RCA dropped the band, so they were reduced to issuing an EP, Jumpin, on the French label Skydog. Roper left and former Brinsley Schwarz members Brinsley Schwarz and Billy Rankin played on the final tour, with the final gig being at the 100 Club in London in July 1975.
Garvey and McMaster later formed the Motors.
Tyla formed the Tyla Gang, which later also included Whaley, who had joined Man after Help Yourself split up.
Schwarz and Belmont joined the Brinsleys' fomer keyboard player, Bob Andrews, to support Graham Parker in The Rumour.
The band reformed at the 100 Club in October 2007 to celebrate their 35th anniversary, with a lineup of Belmont, Tyla, Groome and Rankin. After some further gigs and a tour of Sweden in 2009, a permanent lineup of Tyla (vocals, guitar), Belmont (vocals, guitar), Kevin Foster (bass) and Jim Russell (drums) is currently recording.