The Piranhas

The Piranhas are a Brighton punk group active from 1977 to 1981. They develop out of the Brighton punk scene and play a ska-influenced style of punk, with songs marked by dry, sardonic humour and strong hooklines. The line-up includes Dick Adland, Phil Collis, Bob Grover, John Helmer and Reginald Frederick Hornsbury.

Early activity and live reputation

The band first appears live in 1977, with an early gig at the Vault in Brighton supporting Wrist Action at an anti-Jubilee show on Jubilee Day. Their set includes original songs such as Maniac, Tell the Truth, Hilary Bites, I Want Your Body and Johnny Mono, along with cover versions, including a punk reading of Let’s Spend the Night Together. Their live performances build them a strong local following, and they begin to secure gigs outside Brighton.

Recording and radio support

The band first reaches wider attention when John Peel plays their single I Don’t Want My Body on BBC Radio 1. Their best-known recording is Tom Hark, a cover of the South African kwela tune originally recorded by Elias & His Zig Zag Jive Flutes and later covered in ska form by Millie Small. The Piranhas add new lyrics written by frontman Bob Grover, and the song becomes a Top 10 hit in 1980.

Chart success and releases

Tom Hark reaches number 6 in the UK singles chart. The band also charts with Zambesi, which reaches number 17, and their self-titled album The Piranhas reaches number 69. Their earlier single I Don’t Want My Body remains part of the material that establishes them beyond the Brighton scene.

Style and personnel

The original 1977–81 line-up features Bob Grover on guitar, lead vocals and trumpet; Dick Slexia, also known as Richard Adland, on drums; Johnny Helmer on guitar and vocals; Reginald Frederick Hornsbury on bass; and Zoot Alors on saxophone. The group is described as a UK alternative punk band, with ska influence and a mod, new wave and punk rock association.

Legacy

Tom Hark gains added visibility because it is the first song featured on Top of the Pops when the programme returns in 1980 after a period off air due to industrial action.