Ducks Deluxe were an English pub rock band of the 1970s. Usually called "The Ducks" by their fans, they were known for up-tempo, energetic performances and the successful careers of their members, after they disbanded.
History
The band formed in February 1972, with ex Brinsley Schwarz roadie Martin Belmont on guitar, former Help Yourself collaborator Sean Tyla, also on guitar, ex Help Yourself bassist Ken Whaley, and Magic Michael (Michael Cousins) on percussion. They named themselves after a slot machine at the Severn Bridge Service Station. Cousins was soon replaced by drummer Tim Roper and former Flamin' 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.
In 1973, the band signed to RCA and released their first single, "Coast to Coast", written by Sean Tyla and Nick Garvey, though Tyla is not credited on the track, because he was trying to untangle himself from a previous publishing deal. They also appeared in BBC TV Play for Today called Blooming Youth. after which Garvey left and bassist Micky Groome joined.
Later careers
Nick Garvey and Andy McMaster formed The Motors, They released their first new material, a mini CD Box Of Shorts on 18 May 2009, comprising six new studio tracks, produced by Paul 'Bassman' Riley.
A new full album, Side Tracks And Smokers, was released in June 2010 with artwork by famous Stiff Records designer Tobbe Stuhre, and tracks including some recently found and remastered raw mixes of tracks from the early albums, and also some brand new Ducks Deluxe recordings. It was followed in 2011 by a lo-fi live recording, Riviera Shuffle on Jungle Records which was only available through mail order.
The band completed a 40th Anniversary Tour in early 2012, featuring Brinsley Schwarz back in the line-up after a 37-year absence. Later that year the group recorded a live album in London, Rockin' at the Moon, which was released in 2013.
Members
- Sean Tyla - Vocals, guitar (1972—1975, 2007—2013; died 2020)
- Martin Belmont - Guitar, vocals (1972—1975, 2007—2013)