Drongos For Europe

Drongos For Europe

Drongos For Europe are a Birmingham hardcore punk band formed in 1979. Their first gig takes place in November 1979 at St. Marks Church in Great Barr, Birmingham. The original line-up is Tommy on vocals, Steve on guitar, Swainey on bass and Gebs on drums.

Releases and recording

The band’s first vinyl release is the 1981 EP Adverse Chorus, financed by local tattoo artist Tony Lynx. Only 1,000 copies are pressed. The record sleeves are made by hand and glued together individually, and the oversized sleeve does not fit standard 45 record boxes.

In 1982 the band signs to Tempest Records for a deal covering three singles and one album. During that period they release the singles Deaths a Career and Eternity. The latter is described as a well-received release. In 1984 they appear on a Flicks studio compilation with the track Dresden. In 1990 they release Cool Baby / This Town on Renegade Records.

Live activity and later history

At the time of their early run they play notable gigs with Crass, Poison Girls and the Dead Kennedys. Tempest later folds while owing money to the band. Drongos For Europe split in 1985.

After Tommy spends time in Germany, and Dek plays in Slaughterhouse 5 and Fallen Angel, Tommy and Swainey meet again and the band reforms in 1987. The group never officially splits, but becomes inactive in the late 1990s before returning again. The present line-up is Tommy on vocals, Dek on bass, Ohmsy on guitar and Danny on drums.