This page refers to the UK reggae duo. For the American comedy duo, see Laurel And Hardy
Laurel (aka Paul Dawkins) and Hardy (Anthony Robinson) were both born in London in 1962. They began performing in a soul style, but soon evolved an easy-going reggae style with vaguely satirical lyrics usually based around police harassment. This was evinced in their debut 10 inch release on Fashion, You're Nicked, which JP quickly picked up on and which led to their one and only session (chosen during the 1983 Festive Fifty as one of the most outstanding of the year). They consciously referenced the American comedians, appearing in bowler hats, bow ties, white gloves and suits. They signed to a major label, CBS, and toured universities using a full band as opposed to backing tapes, initially supporting Pigbag and subsequently themselves supported by dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah. However, despite John airing tracks from their only LP in late 1983, Clunk Click failed to chart, and further low-selling releases prompted their return to obscurity.
Festive Fifty Entries[]
- None
Sessions[]
- One session, no known commercial release.
1. Recorded: 1982-10-20. First broadcast: 04 October 1982. Repeated: 17 November 1982, 29 December 1982
- Tell Her Say Me Sorry / You're Nicked / Toast One Quick / Speeding
Other Shows Played[]
- 20 September 1982: Tell Her Seh Me Sorry (10" - [1] You're Nicked) Top Notch TOP 004
- 22 September 1982: You're Nicked (10"EP) Top Notch TOP 004
- 29 September 1982 (BFBS): You're Nicked (10"EP) Top Notch TOP 004
- Peel September to December 1982: unknown
- 18 October 1982: You're Nicked (10"EP) Top Notch TOP 004
- 27 October 1982 (BFBS): You're Nicked (10"EP) Top Notch TOP 004
- 06 March 1983 (BFBS): Clunk Click (7") CBS A 3213
- 28 March 1983 (BBC World Service): Clunk Click (7") CBS A 3213
- 12 October 1983 (BFBS): Dangerous Shoes (12") Upright UP T7
- 24 November 1983: Three Man Toasting (album - What A Bargain) Upright UP LP 4
- 28 November 1983: Video Traffickin' (album - What A Bargain) Upright UP LP 4
- 07 December 1983: Junction Rock (album - What A Bargain) Upright UP LP 4
- 10 December 1983 (BFBS): Three Man Toasting (album - What A Bargain) Upright UP LP 4
- 04 January 1984 (BFBS): Video Traffickin' (album - What A Bargain) Upright UP LP 4