The Knockouts were formed one Spring day in 1993 by 4 young* men who shared a common love of instrumental Rock, and also Roll. At that time, and for the lightning recording of the Anthony in the UK tape, Mr Fitzayré was only present for the photos, although his stubbornness and percussive half-wittedness have earned him a full time place. This did not stop him missing several rehearsals and half a gig on account of hair dying, baiting the Right Revered Anne Widdecombe MP and taking arty pictures:

J. Hackson – Keys
Tim Fitzayre – percussion/the face
Elliot P Smoke – Drums/acoustic guitar
Andy W – Electric/ slide guitar

Holed up in the infamous Sunset Strip studio for 2 hours they produced the now legendary “Anthony in the UK” release (now sadly deleted) and then promptly gave it up for lucrative careers in municipal waste management, literature, studies and world travel.

But music was their first love – and after a break of 6 years came storming back onto the scene. After seconds of inspiration, minutes of practice and a few hours of recording they came up with the anthemic Gaol EP and the best selling** Cannibal Lounge CD album.

They also play gigs at so called prestigious dog kennel like venues such as the Garage, Rhythm Hive, Bull & Gate, The Whorey Ship (Peckham) etc. across the capital (of England).

Knockouts - Hours spent in rehearsal 2001

Gigs by The Knockouts
Knockouts gigs can best be described as two men on stage, standing with musical equipment, with two sitting down, although these figures are neither predetermined or fixed in any way, but creating a loud, shiny, slightly disturbing sound. From the early days, The Knockouts found it hard to accept that they would have to ply their trade to concert-goers, who were made up, largely, of the bored and the deaf. No, no, no – The Knockouts were going to be all about dashing out the odd jingle and soundtrack, in between the more important work of running the High Town Offices.

By 2000, however, it was clear that this policy had won no new friends or plaudits. Luckily, some charming and lovely folk have been good enough to put us on, and not titter too much at our sartorially straightened circumstances, or our inability to end tunes which, on conception, were meant to be played till the mood was right, then allowed, gracefully, to fade away. Anyway, those dates played so far:

The Garage, Highbury (The New Rock and Roll Day, featuring other bands)
Bull and Gate (first Probe gig)
On the Rocks (Rhythm Hive, Old Street, London)
Bull and Gate (second Probe gig)
Peckham, (Swearing Ben & Jo’s engagement party)

Whether this list suggests it or not, we will play on invitation, as long as we can all make it, and have the spirit in us, man. Yeah, we love you general publics.