Tomahawk II
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Tomahawk II is a moderately successful British rock band that produced a number of turntable hits in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Founded by ex-Paper Lace bassist Jonathan Arendt and his long-time lyricist Richard Johnson (drums/backing vocals/alphorn), the band quickly recruited ex-Moonbat’s frontman Dave Smooth on lead vocals/rhythm guitar and former Mobylette axeman Trevor Edwards on lead guitar.
Although panned by critics, Tomahawk II were signed to Chuff Records in 1979 only to release the much loathed “I Will Suffice” – voted that years least favourite record.#redirect Never ones to be downhearted the band released the close harmony DooWop “Barbara Shop” the following year to widespread acclaim. Although the song failed (by a considerable margin) to go Platinum, the band did receive a Wood Award (since discontinued) from the British Phonographic Industry in recognition of sales in excess of 500.
Tomahawk II were recognised as pioneers of glam rock and their music contained noticeable influences from musical genres outside of rock including barbershop, yodelling and hurdy gurdy. Their video for “Barbara Shop” was one of the first video’s to be shown on the legendary “Pop Of The World” (ITV) presented by Keith Fordyce who later went on to manage the band.
Tomahawk II timeline
1978 Arendt & Johnson meet on a pony trekking holiday in Wales. They instantly hit it off and decide to form The Tomahawk II. (Named after the fact that there were two of them). On return to London then place an advert in the Melody Maker for "two, or more groovesters wanted to join funky band". Turning down Reginald Dwight, Paul Hewson, and Gordon Sumner, the band settle on Smooth and Edwards and start a two year tour of UK Pubs and Clubs playing cover versions of their own songs.1979 Dicky Applebee signs the band to Chuff Records after watching them perform a storming set at The Hullabaloo. The band employ a stylist to design their (now familiar) pajama bottoms/fur coat/bowler hat look, and set off on a tour of UK TV studios. They were briefly banned from any ITV studio for biting the head off a wasp in the finale of "Bolivian Rhapsody". "I Will Suffice" (Chuff Records) released. Fails to hit the charts.
1980 "Barbera Shop" becomes the most played record on Radio Penge. The band embark on a nationwide tour and feature on "Pop Of The World" as the weeks hot new act. The song goes straight into the UK chart with a bullet at number 74.
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