Buster Crabbe: Three Strings (1977)

This Steve Van-Deller song was later recorded by The Dance Band on their “Fancy Footwork” album, and also released as a single. This version in glorious lo-fi was recorded in 1977, shortly after the band were formed, in the basement of a squat in Clissold Road Stoke Newington where they stored their gear. This is probably what you would have heard had you stood outside on the street (see picture) when they were rehearsing.
This is the classic line-up of Steve Van-Deller (guitar / backing vocals), Paul “Diceman” Bailey (lead vocals / saxophone), Neil Brockbank (bass / backing vocals), Mike Gaffey (drums / backing vocals) and Stan Shaw (keyboards).
Among their neighbours, living in Clissold Road at the time were former Chilli Willi and Savoy Brown guitarist Martin Stone and ex Georgie Fame conga player “Speedy” Aquaye and the printing workshop for Rocking Russian Designs who were responsible for the “Return Of Buster Crabbe” poster featuring a diver emerging from the Thames with Tower Bridge in the background, but more famous for their album covers for bands like The Rich Kids.