Stan Stammers
Encyclopedia
Stan Stammers is best known as the bass player for British post punk band Theatre of Hate
, Spear Of Destiny
and Plastic Eaters
co. founded with Robdaly. In 1999 Stammers and Plastic Eaters
gained an artist sponsorship from Adidas
. Stan uses Wal
basses produced by renowned bass manufacturer Electric Wood Ltd. in High Wycombe
, England
, he also exclusively uses Ampeg
bass amplification.
, Essex
and like many from his era he got into punk music by going to see live bands, listening to the radio or buying records and cassettes. From an early period his main influence for playing the bass was Slade
's bass player Jimmy Lea, who he cites as an influence today, along with Paul Simonon
(The Clash
), Bruce Foxton
(The Jam
) and Horace Panter
(The Specials
).
in 1980, formed by both Kirk Brandon
and Stammers, and managed by Terry Razor.
Before joining Theatre of Hate
Stan played for punk band the Epileptics and later The Straps
. Stammers turned down an offer by Charlie Harper to join punk
band UK Subs
to be in Theatre of Hate
with Kirk Brandon
.
During their two year existence Theatre of Hate
released a number of singles and albums, most notably "Legion" the b-side to the first single "Original Sin", the Westworld
album which was produced by Mick Jones
of The Clash
, and the "Westworld" single which went into no. 40 of the UK charts, qualifying the band for an appearance on Top of the Pops
.
In January 1983 after the demise of Theatre of Hate
Kirk and Stan started Spear of Destiny
. The band would have numerous line up changes until Stan left in 1986. From the onset the band became well known for their live shows, and quickly captured a faithful following. In the early period that Stan was with the band they released a number of notable singles and albums, these include "The Wheel", "Liberator", "Prisoner of Love", "Come Back", "One Eyed Jacks" and "World Service". On the live set "Mickey" became by far the most popular song with the fans. Land of Shame was also another live favourite along with "Once In Her Lifetime", "Liberator", "Young Men", "The Wheel", "I Can See", "Rain Maker" and "Rocket Ship". In March 1986 Stan decided to leave the band to work on his own material and to start a new band.
In mid 1986 Stan formed Crazy Pink Revolvers after recruiting guitarist James Adam Bolton, and after a few months of writing songs they were joined by Jake Slee on drums, and Daniel Drummond on vocals, formerly with "Lack of Knowledge". In January 1987 CPR went into RMS Studios in South London to record their first studio album "First Down", and were joined by Neil Pyzer on keyboards, Stan's former band mate From Spear of Destiny
. "First Down" was released by Chainsaw Records a label set up by Stephan the lead singer of "Living In Texas" who was a good friend of Stan's. On CPR's first live gigs, Mat Fraser from Living in Texas helped out until they found Laurent Reignier as their resident drummer. In middle of 1987 Daniel Drummond left and Stan moved to Lead Vocals and Lead Bass, playing 4 and 5 stringed basses. Colin Brown who was a friend of Stan and the band, was asked to join on Rhythm Bass. In early 1987 CPR signed to John Curds label ABC Records and recorded the "Timeless Smile EP" at Woodcray Studio's in Berkshire. In December 1987 Colin left the band and Lau's brother Tristan then took up the Rhythm Bass duties. Early in '88 the band recorded their second album "At the Rivers Edge" also at Woodcray Studios, and from this the band was invited on the Jiffy Safe Sex Tour, joining two other London bands, Lightening Strikes and Boys Wonder. In January 1989 CPR recorded their second single, "Wednesday 19:45" at Woodcray Studios. The single which was taken from the album was written about the Kings Cross fire on the London Underground in 1988. In March 1989 Stan decided to leave the band and in September 1989 left London with his American girlfriend to live in Philadelphia, USA.
Stammers teamed up again with Kirk Brandon
in 1990 for 4 years doing a number of tours and a couple of albums under the Spear of Destiny
, Theatre of Hate
, Elephant Daze and 10:51 banners. During this time Stan would also play with his own band Boy Boy Nova in Philadelphia, as well as running Babylon Sounds Recording Studios. In 1990 Spear of Destiny
reformed for three sell out nights at London's famous Marquee Club, and the following year a UK wide Theatre of Hate
tour. In 1992 Spear of Destiny
recorded the "SOD's Law" album and did another UK tour. In early '93 Kirk Brandon
moved to Philadelphia where they toured off and on for over a year as Theatre of Hate
, and for a few gigs as Elephant Daze. Elephant Daze recorded the Bare To The Bone demos which were recorded in Babylon Sounds Studios, the songs were produced and co- written by Stan. In the middle of 1994 the band went back into the recording studio with producer Brad Morrison to record as 10:51 with songs that were co-written by both Kirk and Stan. The album eventually got released in the UK as Kirk Brandon's 10:51
"Stone In The Rain" in 1995 and as Theatre of Hate
"Retribution" in the US. The "Children Of The Damned" single was released off of 'Stone In The Rain, a track that was co-written by Kirk and Stan. In December 1994 Stan decided to leave the band.
Plastic Eaters
were formed in Philadelphia, USA. in early 1996. After nearly 7 years in the States, Stan found an accomplice for his new musical endeavors in vocalist Rob Daly. Stan had known Daly since he arrived in Philadelphia. Originally Stan approached Daly to programme drums for the songs he had been writing, which were based around various samples. Stan had approach James Atkin the lead singer from EMF, who was very keen and was sent a demo of their first song 'Six Gun', which was written around a sample of part of Joe Strummer
's vocal from "I Fought The Law". They combined samples and loops with the addition of a live guitarist and drummer. The band has played a lot of gigs around the US. Along the way there have been additional members in the band, Aublelena has been there to provide backing vocals both live and in the studio, Steve Crudello has helped out on guitar, and Andy 'Bug' Morris on drums, who died and was replaced by Geoff Verne. In December 2008 Plastic Eaters
released a version of the Slade classic "Merry X-mas Everybody" with "Going On A Mission", as a digital download only release through iTunes and 7digital.
As well as working with his band Plastic Eaters, Stan Stammers also works as a session musician for various artists, which includes both live and studio work.
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
, Spear Of Destiny
Spear of Destiny (band)
Spear of Destiny is a British rock band, established in 1982 by singer and songwriter Kirk Brandon and bassist Stan Stammers. It has had an ever-changing line-up through the years.-Biography:...
and Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters are a punk rock group who are originally from Philadelphia, but who are now based in NYC. They were formed in January 1996 as a creative venture between Stan Stammers and vocalist Rob Daly...
co. founded with Robdaly. In 1999 Stammers and Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters are a punk rock group who are originally from Philadelphia, but who are now based in NYC. They were formed in January 1996 as a creative venture between Stan Stammers and vocalist Rob Daly...
gained an artist sponsorship from Adidas
Adidas
Adidas AG is a German sports apparel manufacturer and parent company of the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, TaylorMade-Adidas golf company , and Rockport...
. Stan uses Wal
Wal (bass)
Wal is a brand of electric bass manufactured by Electric Wood Ltd. in High Wycombe, England. It was started in 1974 by electronics expert Ian Waller and luthier Pete Stevens...
basses produced by renowned bass manufacturer Electric Wood Ltd. in High Wycombe
High Wycombe
High Wycombe , commonly known as Wycombe and formally called Chepping Wycombe or Chipping Wycombe until 1946,is a large town in Buckinghamshire, England. It is west-north-west of Charing Cross in London; this figure is engraved on the Corn Market building in the centre of the town...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, he also exclusively uses Ampeg
Ampeg
Ampeg is primarily a musical instrument amplifier manufacturer headquartered in Woodinville, Washington, though they also manufacture guitars to a small extent...
bass amplification.
Early life
Stammers grew up in Saffron WaldenSaffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a medium-sized market town in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England. It is located north of Bishop's Stortford, south of Cambridge and approx north of London...
, Essex
Essex
Essex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England, and one of the home counties. It is located to the northeast of Greater London. It borders with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the South and London to the south west...
and like many from his era he got into punk music by going to see live bands, listening to the radio or buying records and cassettes. From an early period his main influence for playing the bass was Slade
Slade
Slade are an English rock band from Wolverhampton, who rose to prominence during the glam rock era of the early 1970s. With 17 consecutive Top 20 hits and six number ones, the British Hit Singles & Albums names them as the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles...
's bass player Jimmy Lea, who he cites as an influence today, along with Paul Simonon
Paul Simonon
Paul Gustave Simonon is an English musician and artist best known as the bass guitarist for punk rock band The Clash. Recent work includes his involvement in the album The Good, the Bad & the Queen with Damon Albarn, Simon Tong and Tony Allen, released in January 2007...
(The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
), Bruce Foxton
Bruce Foxton
Bruce Foxton is an English rock and roll musician who is best known as the bass player in punk rock bands The Jam and Stiff Little Fingers.-Biography:...
(The Jam
The Jam
The Jam were an English punk rock/New Wave/mod revival band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were formed in Woking, Surrey. While they shared the "angry young men" outlook and fast tempos of their punk rock contemporaries, The Jam wore smartly tailored suits rather than ripped...
) and Horace Panter
Horace Panter
Horace Panter also known as Sir Horace Gentleman, is the bassist for the Coventry 2 Tone, ska revival band The Specials....
(The Specials
The Specials
The Specials are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups...
).
Musical career
The first major band that Stammers joined was The Straps in 1979, followed by British Post Punk band Theatre of HateTheatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
in 1980, formed by both Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon is an English musician.-Musical career:Brandon's music career started in 1978, in Clapham, South London, with the formation of punk group The Pack, in which he was the singer/songwriter....
and Stammers, and managed by Terry Razor.
Before joining Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
Stan played for punk band the Epileptics and later The Straps
The Straps
The Straps are an English streetpunk band, formed in 1978 in Battersea, South London. Jim Walker was a drummer for the band in the early 1980s. Other members included Andi Sexgang, and Simon and Jonathan Werner from The Pack, who later became Theatre of Hate....
. Stammers turned down an offer by Charlie Harper to join punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band UK Subs
UK Subs
The U.K. Subs are an English punk rock band, among the earliest in the first wave of British punk. Formed in 1976, the mainstay of the band has been vocalist Charlie Harper, originally a singer in Britain's R&B scene. They were also one of the first street punk bands.-Career:The U.K...
to be in Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
with Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon is an English musician.-Musical career:Brandon's music career started in 1978, in Clapham, South London, with the formation of punk group The Pack, in which he was the singer/songwriter....
.
During their two year existence Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
released a number of singles and albums, most notably "Legion" the b-side to the first single "Original Sin", the Westworld
Westworld (Theatre of Hate album)
Westworld is the only studio album released by Theatre of Hate prior to the band's dissolution in 1982. Released by Burning Rome Records in 1982, Westworld has been re-issued three times since, most recently on Compact Disc by Snapper Music in 1997....
album which was produced by Mick Jones
Mick Jones (The Clash)
Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
of The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
, and the "Westworld" single which went into no. 40 of the UK charts, qualifying the band for an appearance on Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
.
In January 1983 after the demise of Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
Kirk and Stan started Spear of Destiny
Spear of Destiny (band)
Spear of Destiny is a British rock band, established in 1982 by singer and songwriter Kirk Brandon and bassist Stan Stammers. It has had an ever-changing line-up through the years.-Biography:...
. The band would have numerous line up changes until Stan left in 1986. From the onset the band became well known for their live shows, and quickly captured a faithful following. In the early period that Stan was with the band they released a number of notable singles and albums, these include "The Wheel", "Liberator", "Prisoner of Love", "Come Back", "One Eyed Jacks" and "World Service". On the live set "Mickey" became by far the most popular song with the fans. Land of Shame was also another live favourite along with "Once In Her Lifetime", "Liberator", "Young Men", "The Wheel", "I Can See", "Rain Maker" and "Rocket Ship". In March 1986 Stan decided to leave the band to work on his own material and to start a new band.
In mid 1986 Stan formed Crazy Pink Revolvers after recruiting guitarist James Adam Bolton, and after a few months of writing songs they were joined by Jake Slee on drums, and Daniel Drummond on vocals, formerly with "Lack of Knowledge". In January 1987 CPR went into RMS Studios in South London to record their first studio album "First Down", and were joined by Neil Pyzer on keyboards, Stan's former band mate From Spear of Destiny
Spear of Destiny (band)
Spear of Destiny is a British rock band, established in 1982 by singer and songwriter Kirk Brandon and bassist Stan Stammers. It has had an ever-changing line-up through the years.-Biography:...
. "First Down" was released by Chainsaw Records a label set up by Stephan the lead singer of "Living In Texas" who was a good friend of Stan's. On CPR's first live gigs, Mat Fraser from Living in Texas helped out until they found Laurent Reignier as their resident drummer. In middle of 1987 Daniel Drummond left and Stan moved to Lead Vocals and Lead Bass, playing 4 and 5 stringed basses. Colin Brown who was a friend of Stan and the band, was asked to join on Rhythm Bass. In early 1987 CPR signed to John Curds label ABC Records and recorded the "Timeless Smile EP" at Woodcray Studio's in Berkshire. In December 1987 Colin left the band and Lau's brother Tristan then took up the Rhythm Bass duties. Early in '88 the band recorded their second album "At the Rivers Edge" also at Woodcray Studios, and from this the band was invited on the Jiffy Safe Sex Tour, joining two other London bands, Lightening Strikes and Boys Wonder. In January 1989 CPR recorded their second single, "Wednesday 19:45" at Woodcray Studios. The single which was taken from the album was written about the Kings Cross fire on the London Underground in 1988. In March 1989 Stan decided to leave the band and in September 1989 left London with his American girlfriend to live in Philadelphia, USA.
Stammers teamed up again with Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon is an English musician.-Musical career:Brandon's music career started in 1978, in Clapham, South London, with the formation of punk group The Pack, in which he was the singer/songwriter....
in 1990 for 4 years doing a number of tours and a couple of albums under the Spear of Destiny
Spear of Destiny (band)
Spear of Destiny is a British rock band, established in 1982 by singer and songwriter Kirk Brandon and bassist Stan Stammers. It has had an ever-changing line-up through the years.-Biography:...
, Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
, Elephant Daze and 10:51 banners. During this time Stan would also play with his own band Boy Boy Nova in Philadelphia, as well as running Babylon Sounds Recording Studios. In 1990 Spear of Destiny
Spear of Destiny (band)
Spear of Destiny is a British rock band, established in 1982 by singer and songwriter Kirk Brandon and bassist Stan Stammers. It has had an ever-changing line-up through the years.-Biography:...
reformed for three sell out nights at London's famous Marquee Club, and the following year a UK wide Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
tour. In 1992 Spear of Destiny
Spear of Destiny (band)
Spear of Destiny is a British rock band, established in 1982 by singer and songwriter Kirk Brandon and bassist Stan Stammers. It has had an ever-changing line-up through the years.-Biography:...
recorded the "SOD's Law" album and did another UK tour. In early '93 Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon
Kirk Brandon is an English musician.-Musical career:Brandon's music career started in 1978, in Clapham, South London, with the formation of punk group The Pack, in which he was the singer/songwriter....
moved to Philadelphia where they toured off and on for over a year as Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
, and for a few gigs as Elephant Daze. Elephant Daze recorded the Bare To The Bone demos which were recorded in Babylon Sounds Studios, the songs were produced and co- written by Stan. In the middle of 1994 the band went back into the recording studio with producer Brad Morrison to record as 10:51 with songs that were co-written by both Kirk and Stan. The album eventually got released in the UK as Kirk Brandon's 10:51
Kirk Brandon's 10:51
Kirk Brandon's 10:51 is the band formed during a visit by Kirk Brandon to Stan Stammers in Philadelphia, USA whilst Spear of Destiny was on hiatus. Stone In The Rain is the band's only album to date, released by Anagram Records in 1995 . The album was released by Dojo Records in the U.S...
"Stone In The Rain" in 1995 and as Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
"Retribution" in the US. The "Children Of The Damned" single was released off of 'Stone In The Rain, a track that was co-written by Kirk and Stan. In December 1994 Stan decided to leave the band.
Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters are a punk rock group who are originally from Philadelphia, but who are now based in NYC. They were formed in January 1996 as a creative venture between Stan Stammers and vocalist Rob Daly...
were formed in Philadelphia, USA. in early 1996. After nearly 7 years in the States, Stan found an accomplice for his new musical endeavors in vocalist Rob Daly. Stan had known Daly since he arrived in Philadelphia. Originally Stan approached Daly to programme drums for the songs he had been writing, which were based around various samples. Stan had approach James Atkin the lead singer from EMF, who was very keen and was sent a demo of their first song 'Six Gun', which was written around a sample of part of Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer
John Graham Mellor , best remembered by his stage name Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the British punk rock band The Clash. His musical experience included his membership in The 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, The Mescaleros and The Pogues, in...
's vocal from "I Fought The Law". They combined samples and loops with the addition of a live guitarist and drummer. The band has played a lot of gigs around the US. Along the way there have been additional members in the band, Aublelena has been there to provide backing vocals both live and in the studio, Steve Crudello has helped out on guitar, and Andy 'Bug' Morris on drums, who died and was replaced by Geoff Verne. In December 2008 Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters
Plastic Eaters are a punk rock group who are originally from Philadelphia, but who are now based in NYC. They were formed in January 1996 as a creative venture between Stan Stammers and vocalist Rob Daly...
released a version of the Slade classic "Merry X-mas Everybody" with "Going On A Mission", as a digital download only release through iTunes and 7digital.
As well as working with his band Plastic Eaters, Stan Stammers also works as a session musician for various artists, which includes both live and studio work.
Albums
All material below was co-written by Stammers- Kirk Brandon's 10:51 - Stone In The Rain (1995)
- Theatre of Hate - Retribution (1996)
- Plastic Eaters - Plastic Eaters EP (1997)
- Plastic Eaters - Live At The Uptown (2001)
Singles
All material below was co-written by Stammers- Kirk Brandon's 10:51 - Children Of The Damned (1995)
- Plastic Eaters - Merry X-Mas Everybody (1999)
External links
- Stan Stammers (official website)
- Plastic Eaters (official website)
- Plastic Eaters (their website from 2000)
- Plastic Eaters (their original website from 1997)
- The Engine Room - Spear of Destiny's Rhythm Section