Stormtrooper

Stormtrooper formed at the bar in the Marquee Club by British front man Nigel Hutchings and American bassist Jeff Piccinini, who recruited John Pilka on guitar and Mike Lee on drums. They recorded a 4 song demo in August 1975, then signed with Corruption Management on the Portobello Road for a couple of pints and some distant promises. The band's career was short. By Christmas 1975 Stormtrooper ceased to exist. However deciding that their music had something in common with the new punk style they cut a single from their demo of 1975 'I'm A Mess / Its Not Me' (1977, Solent Records). The record sold 3,000 copies, a lot of which were sold in London. 

 

Interesting historically, the single sounds like The Who circa 'Live at Leeds' but with sort of weak punky lyrics / themes. You'll either think it was ahead of its time and good, or just bad heavy rock. Take your pick. The single was sold with a badge. Sid Vicious wore his badge on the Sex Pistols American tour, and on a Wreckless Eric sleeve, Wreckless Eric is pictured wearing his. Somewhere in this history bassist Geoff Myles also fits who at some stage was in the band and went on to become a staple in the reformed Chelsea line up of late 1977. [SOURCE: PUNK 77]