Stan Stammers - Musical Career

Musical Career

The first major band that Stammers joined was The Straps in 1979, followed by British Post Punk band Theatre of Hate 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, Lightning 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 in 1996. 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.

On the 9th, 10th, and 12th May 2012, Stan will reunite once again with Kirk Brandon, to play in Theatre of Hate for the Westworld 30th Anniversary Concerts, at the The Fleece in Bristol, Islington O2 Academy in London, and The Box in Crewe.