Armitage Shanks

Biography

Sometimes a name just sticks. The Thieving Magpies had no intent on renaming their band after a brand of bathroom fixture (i.e., toilets, urinals, etc.), but when they had a drunken night out, the thought of the band being named after the toilet in the pub bathroom just couldn't be shaken — even when the band attempted to change the name to the Distractions. One can't help but think, however, that such a name is a perfect fit for a British punk outfit that has worked with both Billy Childish and Thee Headcoats. Formed in 1990, Armitage Shanks (in their previous moniker) were a punk group in the purest of senses. Not exactly experts on their instruments, they pushed ahead anyway, replacing skill with bravado and gaining a small yet cultish following. They worked with the aforementioned Childish, and played numerous gigs with Thee Headcoats. The band survived numerous lineup changes and breakups, and released a few albums — both live and studio — and a smattering of singles along the way (the debut, Takin' the P**s, was released in 1993). By 2004, the Shanks were still around, having toured continental Europe, England, and the United States, as well as putting together two DVDs and a fairly full discography. That year also saw the release of Urinal Heap, a full-length for Damaged Goods. In 2005 the band (the lineup at the time being Dick Scum, Rod Vomit, Vic Flange, and Dave Dirtbox — further argument that the fixture-based name fits) continued its live shows, including a fall tour of the States.