Pigbag

Pigbag are an English post-punk band active from 1980 to 1983. They form in Cheltenham and take shape around a mix of post-punk and new wave, while also drawing on funk, jazz and dance music. The group begins as an adventurous collective rather than a fixed rock line-up, with different instruments and influences pushed together in the same project.

Formation and early line-up

The original line-up includes Chris Hamlyn on clarinet and percussion, Roger Freeman on percussion and trombone, James Johnstone on saxophone and guitar, and Chris Lee on trumpet. A few months later, the band adds drummer Chip Carpenter and bassist Mark Smith. After the Pop Group disband, Simon Underwood and tenor saxophonist Ollie Moore join the band. The name Pigbag comes from a pig bag belonging to Hamlyn.

Recordings and success

Pigbag sign to Y Records after a gig with the Slits. Their 1981 single “Papa’s Got a Brand New Pigbag” becomes their best-known release and reaches number three on the UK singles chart. Another single, “Sunny Day,” reaches number one on the UK Indie Charts. Their first album, Dr Heckle and Mr Jive, shows a broader range than the singles, with more experimental pieces including “Dozo Don” and “Brian the Snail.”

Later line-up changes and final release

By 1982 the membership has changed considerably. Hamlyn and Freeman leave, and Brian Nevill and Oscar Verden join to replace them. Angela Jaeger is also added as a singer. The band then releases a second album, Hit the Deck, and the single “Hit the 'O' Deck” in 1983. They split later that year because of disagreements within the group.

Musical style

Pigbag are known for combining post-punk with funk, jazz and dance music, and for using an unusually varied instrumental line-up. Their work ranges from dance-oriented singles to more experimental album tracks.