Deaf Aids

The Deaf Aids were a Sheffield punk/power-pop band formed in September 1978, originally performing as Charles Hawtrey & the Deaf Aids. The name was taken from John Lennon's surreal introduction to The Beatles' "Two of Us" on Let It Be. The group was fronted by Terry Gamwells, who sang, played rhythm guitar and wrote most of the band's material. Gamwells had previously been involved with Sheffield groups including Third Reich and 2.3. The early line-up included Craig Waite (bass), Graham Hoggard (drums) and John O'Rourke (guitar), although the personnel changed during the band's early years.

Initially playing covers, the band quickly developed Gamwells' original songs and became part of the rapidly developing Sheffield punk/new-wave scene. They were regulars at the Limit Club, one of Sheffield's key venues, and the Sheffield Music Archive records Deaf Aids appearances there as early as 5 June 1979, as well as gigs at the Broadfield and Portcullis Club.

Their first release, Do It Again / Peep Show / Aren't People Strange, appeared on Regional Records in October 1979. It was originally recorded as a demo and subsequently issued as a tiny pressing of just 250 copies, making it one of the rarer records from the Sheffield punk period. Do It Again in particular has subsequently been regarded as a strong example of the band's power-pop side.

The record attracted the attention of Conspiracy Management, who took the band on and helped secure considerably more ambitious opportunities. The Deaf Aids toured extensively, sharing bills with bands including The Jags, The Ruts, The Undertones, The Inmates, Joe Jackson and The Fixx. They also played London venues including The Marquee and Dingwalls.

In 1980 they released their second single, Heroes / Bored Christine, on the Conspiracy label. The 12-inch version also included Bristol Stomp and The Dog. Two live tracks subsequently appeared on the 1981 compilation Wart 'N' All. The band had a reputation for energetic, sometimes chaotic performances. In 1980, Gamwells, Graham Hoggard and guitarist John O'Rourke were arrested following an incident involving the destruction of stage equipment during a Sheffield performance.

Despite their strong local following, good live reputation and management interest, the Deaf Aids never secured the major record deal that seemed possible. By 1982 the group had evolved into Bambi-Kino, and subsequently into Urban Pears.

Releases
1979 - Do It Again / Peep Show / Aren't People Strange (Regional Records)
1980 - Heroes / Bored Christine (Conspiracy)
1980 - Heroes / Bored Christine / Bristol Stomp / The Dog |(Conspiracy, 12"
1981 - Heroes / Bristol Stomp (live) Wart 'N' All compilation

There's a youtub "video" of audio taken from a gig at Loughborough University December 1979.