Clayson & the Argonauts

Originally formed during those heady days of the punk rock era, they made their debut in Guildford in 1976, they soon found themselves being written about by the likes of NME - in which they were held up alongside the likes of Wreckless Eric, John Otway, Tom Robinson and Elvis Costello. Delivering "more than a performance, an experience" (Sounds), Clayson and the Argonauts were a very "happening" group, "in a premier position on rock's lunatic fringe" (Melody Maker), which basically means that they were a bit psychedelic compared with their fellow punk and post-punk bands of the time. While their stage act defies succinct description, Clayson has been labeled a 'chansonnier' in recent years for performances and record releases that may stand collectively as his artistic apotheosis were it not for a promise of surprises yet to come. (Since the demise of the Argonauts, Alan Clayson has become better known as an author, mostly of music biographies. These include the best-sellers Backbeat (subject of a major film), The Yardbirds and The Beatles Box. He has written for journals as diverse as The Guardian, Record Collector, Ink, Mojo, Mediaeval World, Folk Roots, Guitar, Hello!, Drummer, The Times, The Independent, Ugly Things and, as a 'teenager, the notorious Schoolkids Oz. He has also been engaged to perform and lecture on both sides of the Atlantic - as well as broadcast on national TV and radio .