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The Boomerang Gang

The Boomerang Gang appeared on the London scene on April 1st 1984 with a special "invitation only" self-promoted show at Witchity's (now defunct) on Kensington High Street. The band rapidly built up a following through the vibrant club life of the mid-eighties - mainly due to the extraordinary charisma of the original lead singer, Mathew Bryant (Mafia). Appearing regularly at the now-defunct Embassy Club. "Rock Out" was released on Survival records in 1985, by which time David Shaw had replaced Mathew as vocalist. The band were regular guests on Radio 1's the Janice Long Show.

"Dr. Jones" released on WEA Records 1986. Produced by Walter Samual & Liam Henshall

Following the release of Dr Jones the band opted to change its name and moved away from the club - rock - dance scene by then being so successfully mined by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. They became The Factory, and under the management of Jazz Summers recorded several tracks, none of which were commercially released. These tracks are now available on CD to special order only - e mail for details.

The Boomerang Gang were: Mike Ansell (Bass) Mickey Sparrow (Drums) Simon Scardanelli (Keyboards - known then as Simon Tedd) Mike "Milton" McDonald (Guitar) Dave "Shark" Shaw (Vocals)

Sparrow & Ansell were formerly members of Blue Zoo

Both Milton & Shark left the band in late '86, and were replaced by Dave Lockwood on guitar and Paul V. Smith on vocals. This incarnation was known briefly as Discipline and appeared at the ICA Rock Week in January 1987. A live version of "Chime" from that concert was featured on the "Dotted Line" compilation album released subsequently. Also appearing on this compilation were The Blue Aeroplanes, Voice of the Beehive (with whom Shark & Simon would tour in 1988 as Big Bam Boo), and The Wonderstuff. Co-incidently, though they never met at the ICA Simon met and became friends with Rob Jones, the Wonderstuff's bass player, in New York in 1993. The Eye Camera shared the stage at the Bank on E. Houston with Rob's new band. Sadly this was the last show Rob played as he died a few days after the gig.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Mike Ansell recently e-mailed me but didn't mention what he was doing, but I think it's something to do with property....

Mickey Sparrow has a new band called MUNDEJONG

Mike "Milton" McDonald (because he came from Milton Keynes and we already had two Mikes in the band) became a session player and has The Spice Girls, Heresay, and many other fine pop acts to his credit. He currently tours with Westlife.

Dave Lockwood lives and works in New York City and has his own label Cogmusic

Shark is in the Wild Colonials and writes movie soundtracks.

Simon - you're at his site.

Paul V. Smith was actually Paul Roberts, who went on to front the Stranglers after Cornwell left, as well as many other solo projects. Photo taken of Paul in 1984 is below

Mathew Bryant, the original club party animal and the man who started it all, died in 1995.

If you have anything to add to this brief history, if you were on the club scene in the eighties and saw the band - or were one of the many guitarists and singers auditioned at various times(!) please let us know who you are and what you are up to. We'd expecially love any photos of the band! Already received some great live pix from Julia Lamb, believed taken at The Embassy in 1985 - we'll be adding them soon.