Tenpole Tudor

Tenpole Tudor

Tenpole Tudor is a punk band from London, England, led by actor and singer Edward Tudor-Pole on vocals and saxophone. The group forms in 1977 and is active from that point onward. Its line-up includes Tudor-Pole with guitarist Bob Kingston, bassist Dick Crippen and drummer Gary Long.

Early years and breakout

Tudor-Pole meets Kingston, Crippen and Long before the band comes to wider attention. He performs under the name Eddie Tenpole and appears in the 1978 film The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle, where he is billed as a replacement for Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten. For the film and its soundtrack, he performs “Who Killed Bambi?”, “The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle” and a version of “Rock Around the Clock”.

Records and chart success

Tenpole Tudor returns in 1980 and signs to Stiff Records. The band releases the single “Three Bells in a Row”, then issues its debut album Eddie, Old Bob, Dick and Gary in 1981. That album sells well and includes the singles “Three Bells in a Row”, “Wunderbar” and “Swords of a Thousand Men”. Later in 1981 the group releases its second album, Let the Four Winds Blow, which also performs well.

Live image and later activity

The band becomes known for unusual stage performances, with members often appearing in medieval clothing and Tudor-Pole performing in a full suit of chainmail armour. In 1982, Tudor-Pole breaks up the original line-up. He then leads a Cajun-influenced version of Tenpole Tudor, while the other members perform as The Tudors. After that version fails, Tudor-Pole leaves Stiff Records, performs in jazz and swing groups, and returns to acting. He later reforms Tenpole Tudor from time to time.