The DHSS#3 - 1987-1989
Part 3 - Sputnik blown away!
For the third year in a row, the Armchair printed the Festival t-shirts, this time Buttercup (local DJ) was the star of the show. The band performed a well received set, although not really suited to the outdoor gig, of course the lyrics to Sweet Sixteen went down a storm with the residents of Belgrave and Glascote! At the end of July one of the highlights of the year, Wolfsbane, by then the biggest thing ever to come out of Tamworth and playing their last gig before going to L.A., The D.H.S.S. were chosen to be one of the select support bands. A wild, sweaty night was enjoyed by all. The band had been in the studio again to record the song that epitomised The D.H.S.S. 'A Vicar's Hand in My Underpants' including a 12" 'scratching in the pulpit' remix (inspiration!). The song was sold along with the Packaged Pleasure tracks on a recording called 'Unlimited Benefit'. The band also set up their own fan club 'The Scroungin' Bastards'.
In early December, the band released their third recording, 'Film Stars and Credit Cards', again three tracks, Clarke Gable, Money God and If I Had My Way. Sam Holliday, local music guru, saw an advert in NME for bands to support Sigue, Sigue, Sputnik on their upcoming national tour. In his wisdom, he sent a copy of the D.H.S.S. tape and the band were chosen to support at their Midland's gig.
Friday December 16 1988, ten years and one day since the last Reliants gig, The D.H.S.S. supported Sigue, Sigue, Sputnik at Stourbridge Town Hall. The afternoon had been spent in The Tavern and the band made their way to the gig. They arrived early and unloaded the gear, the Sputnik's turned up and both bands proceeded to play a game of football on the dance floor. The rider for the entire band was eight cans of Hoffmeister, so the Armchair raided the local off licence. The D.H.S.S. took to the stage at 8.45pm and played their finest ever performance, note perfect, nothing broke down and the Armchair treated the audience to a barrage of witticisms, a delight for all. Merchandise out-sold the Sputniks and in the end The D.H.S.S. had blown away the main act - no debate. (See the Photo Story...)
Just two days later, they were on stage again, this time returning triumphantly to the Arts Centre, the first headlining gig. Stench, local psychobillies were banned, but the gig was another success with The King Woderik and the Yogots (debut gig) and The Soil Brothers supporting.
At the end of the year, the annual Musicbox poll of the local music scene saw The D.H.S.S. winning Band of the Year, a triumphant year had come to a very satisfying close.
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