Polecats

Polecats are a rockabilly revival group from London, active between 1977 and 1989. They form part of the late 1970s and early 1980s revival of rockabilly, and they also sit within the wider neo-rockabilly and psychobilly scene.

Formation and early name

The group forms in 1977. At first, they perform under the name Cult Heroes. They later change to Polecats after finding that a punk-sounding name makes it difficult to get booked on the rockabilly circuit. The new name comes from drummer Chris Hawkes.

Line-up

The original line-up includes Tim Worman, known as Tim Polecat, on vocals; Martin “Boz” Boorer on guitar and vocals; Phil Bloomberg on bass; and Chris Hawkes on drums. Hawkes is later replaced by Neil Rooney. The group also includes Alan Warner among its members.

Style and later associations

Polecats play rockabilly revival music with a strong connection to punk-era energy. Boz Boorer later becomes a member of Morrissey’s band, which links the group to a wider set of alternative and guitar-based music scenes.