the Bram Stokers are an incredible punk band out of London. They have a great live set and have shared the stage with some of the legends of the UK punk scene. Not bad for a band that does not have an official studio release. I got the band to tell their story...
Introduce yourself…
Clive Peacock (Vocals), Matt Hocking (Effects guitar), Mick Booth (Bass/Backing Vocals), Dave Bishop (Percussion)
How did the band start?
Unbeknown to The Bram Stokers They had actually existed as another band in the early 1980’s, Called Shoot the Moon However a tragic accident befell the band when the public lavatory in which they were residing (or was it rehearsing) collapsed on them, the result of this has rendered the entire band with partial amnesia And the delusion that they are descended from the Irish gothic novelist And secondly that that they can actually play their instruments To this end they have all adopted the family name of Stokes. The following is a brief synopsis of the band.
Rudyard Wilberforce-Stokes (AKA Clive Peacock):
Claims that he has come from a distinguished line of Wilberforce-Stokes and that one of his ancestors (Captain Bottysmack Wilberforce-Stokes) served with honour on the field of Waterloo. Unfortunately no evidence of this officer exists. The therapy to help him with his urges to bite the earlobes of members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints and to spontaneously shout “so where have you hidden the sausage this time!” appears to be working and Rudyard Wilberforce-Stokes appears to be able to function in his role as lead singer. He is, however, being monitored closely by his partner in case any other problematic outbursts occur.
Robert Brothel-Stokes AKA Mick Booth and various other aliases):
The Brothel-Stokes, according to Bob, were respectable tradesmen in nineteenth century London, although he does not seem to be able to allude to what trade they were in. He claims that his ancestor Chopper Brother-Stokes had an extremely large portfolio that manifested itself in many areas. There is some evidence that he was arrested in 1853 and deported. The self-help group is working well for his tendency to carry out the balloon dance in inappropriate places although he struggles with it after consuming too many blue Smarties. He is also banned from consuming Vimto as doctors have positively linked it with his propensity to rub himself against pillar boxes in lurid manner. Despite this his bass playing is progressing well.
Rupert Avitt-Stokes (AKA Matt Hocking):
There is absolutely no evidence that the Right Honourable Gorn Avitt-Stokes was the Speaker of the House from 1858 to 1863. Nor that a Lord Wanna and Lady Often Avitt-Stokes ever existed. These are figments of an obviously twisted mind whose depths medical science has yet to fathom. The medication has successfully suppressed Rupert Avitt-Stokes’ urges to de-frock members of the clergy, chew shop awnings and inappropriately fondle vegetables in the supermarket. His tendency to hold lengthy conversations with kitchen appliances in various retail outfits can still only be described as “work in progress”. His wife has finally managed to convince him that a diet comprising entirely of Tequila and axle grease is not nature’s way and he is making tentative steps towards playing guitar.
Richard Dodge-Stokes (AKA Dave Bishop):
Little was known of Shoot the Moons drummer prior to the accident and even less seems apparent now. It would appear, by his demeanor, that he bore the brunt of the accident. His propensity to apply wallpaper to any available industrial or agricultural machinery has not in itself proved problematic but as an offshoot has resulted in several lucrative painting and decorating contracts. His conviction that he is a three toed sloth has resulted in several arrests when he has been found naked hanging upside down from trees with moss stuck to his back in a number of public places. To date he has not been formally charged and a cocktail of drugs has the condition under control. There is no historical evidence to his claims of an ancestor the honourable (Rumpy) Strumpington-Stokes or that the office of “Keeper of the Queen’s Libido” ever existed. For the best part his drumming abilities remain intact.
How did you come up with the name?
We love everything about the Victorian era and one of our new songs is called Whitechapel, after the area of London that Jack the Ripper used to haunt.
And of course the Irish Novelist Bram Stoker was from around this time too and that's where we got the name.
Who would you say are your influences?
So so many Inc. The Jam, The Stranglers, The Who, The Kinks, The Buzzcocks, The Clash, Nirvana, Deep Purple, Led Zep, Jimmy Hendrix of course.+ many many more.
What is the punk scene like in the UK?
There is a fantastic London scene with somewhere to play (it seems like) on every street corner.
Describe the song writing process...
Hard question that it varies it's either Matt or me (Mick) that come up with a set of chords or a bass line we take it into rehearsal and thrash it out, sometimes Clive comes up with some or all of the melodies, sometimes either Matt or I do and sometimes its a real band effort.
What have you released?
Up to date we done quite a few demo cd’s but we have never been happy enough with the quality to release them as a proper single, we are going into the studio again in new year to finally do it.
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
Sham 69, English Dogs, Wonder stuff, London, Menace, Rhonda Dakar from The Bodysnatchers + loads more.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
We love playing anywhere but personally I prefer a big stage and a big crowd.
Have you toured?
No not yet (we are hoping to next year).
Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?
We have played with many bands over the years very difficult to pick a favourite.
Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?
We have played at Guilfest in Guilford Surrey UK twice now its a great festival we always have a great time before during and after the gig.
Do you see is the future of The Bram Stokers?
We have been gigging in and around London since way back in 1982, we had a 10 year + layup for work and family commitments but are now back with a vengeance.
We would like to do a mini tour of Europe and/or the States so if anyone reading/hearing this wants to contact us to arrange something the door is wide open.
How can people contact the band?
Either via our website ( www.thebramstokers.co.uk )which has various links or directly to thebramstokers@hotmail.co.uk
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