SKANK. (verb) pronounced "skunk"
in Jamaica. To skank is a specific way of dancing to ska music which previously
was referred to as 'Rootsman Skank','S-90 Skank' or the 'BACKY SKANK' and
later shortened.
Formed by Paul Cooper, Peter Wilson
and Simon Smith, three ska enthusiasts
with a history of performance in the style. Simon's first band was 'The Gangsters'.
Moving on he performed with the ex-Allniters in 'The Lunatics' and has also
guested with 'The Allniters' on trumpet. Peter performed as trumpet/vocalist
with 80's Ska -Punk band 'Van Goughs Dream'. Pete and Simon are also well
known to Ska audiences as the front men of 'Complete Madness', who enjoyed
success both nationally and in New Zealand but decided to quit the tribute
band for health reasons, says Pete, "we were sick of it".
'Pommy' Paul met Simon and Pete at a 'Complete Madness' gig and the idea for Backy Skank was formed. Originally from North London, he performed in English Madness tribute 'One Step Behind', and later with 'The Newmatics' which featured ex- 'English Beat' drummer Everett Morton. While in 'The Newmatics', Paul supported Jamaican Ska legend and former 'Specials' trombonist Rico Rodriguez, 'The Selecter', 'The Nutty Boys' and many more, providing a link to some of the bands that have influenced 'Backy Skank' .
The 'Backy Skank' rhythm section is performed by drummer Ben Pritchard, Willy Wilson on guitar, and Anthony Donahue on Bass. The horn section features Layne Visser on trombone and backing vocals, Nicholas B Hempton on Sax and Ross Judd on trumpet.
'Introducing:- Backy Skank' is the debut EP from the band. The first track is an upbeat ska version of Petula Clarke's 1967 hit ''Don't Sleep in The Subway' which has become a live favourite. Next up is the funky ska of 'Fashion Victims' written by Mr Smith, it contains a little bit Bowie and a heap of sarcasm. In contrast is the gentle ska jazz of 'Stanley Kubrick'. Written by Pommy Paul before Kubrick's death, the song has attracted great interest and goes out to all fans of the great film director. 'Alone' is a punchy little ditty offering more words of advice from the pen of Pete Wilson. The final track 'These Boots...' is a taste of the bands live set and was recorded at the 'Pulling on the Boots Festival' in Sydney. Originally by Nancy Sinatra, this song has been covered by heaps of bands, most notably in a ska style by the 'Strange Tenants'.
'Introducing Backy Skank' is distributed to stores through Pete Porker's Sound System label, and is also available on the 'sounds' page of this website in mp3 format, available to download at no cost to you, our fans. It is also, of course, available at gigs.
Since playing their first gig at 'The Globe' in Sydney in July 98, 'Backy Skank' have gained a healthy following. They are regular guests with 'The Allniters' and have also shared the stage with 'The Porkers', 'Dr Raju', 'The Hangovers', 'The Last Hemeroids','Little Hornet', 'Disfigured', 'Chuckwood', 'Boo', 'Moonstomp 99' and 'Pulling on the Boots Festivals'. Backy Skank have appeared as house band on 'The Joint (channel V)' and 'FBI radio Fundraiser series'.
