Stitched-Back Foot Airman were the true chameleons of post-punk indie alternative pop, rock and experimentation. The three-piece toured regularly during the mid-eighties and dazzled audiences by swapping instruments for virtually every song. This was borne out of their song-writing process, all three members writing songs, but also creating songs, riffs and instrumentals by swapping instruments and improvising regularly. 
Simon Vincent, Robin Vincent and Mike Farmer aka ‘Stitch’, released their debut vinyl EP ‘7 Egg-timing Greats’ in 1986 and later that year the ‘Wouldn’t You Like to Know?’ EP to critical acclaim. Regular plays on the John Peel show and gigs with the likes of Stump*, A Witness, The Mekons, Jah Wobble, The Chills, The Shop Assistants, Primal Scream, Mo Tucker and The Stars of Heaven - fuelled interest from Indie labels and the band eventually signed for the Manchester label In Tape. 
*Guitarist Chris Salmon joined us on stage for the encore ‘Invented by Robots’ at the Fridge (Jah Wobble, Stump, Stitched Back Foot Airman)
The sound? Influences abound, but could never be pinned down (see Robin Gibson’s Sounds review of their gig at the Bull and Gate with Half Man Half Biscuit) – there were obvious shades of 60s (the melodies, the harmonies), but also the later psychedelia and guitar histrionics. There were hints of Talking Heads and XTC, but also African soukous, thrash, grunge, swamp, rap and Glam (check out ‘Badcake’). At times Simon and Robin’s song-writing was unmistakable and had matured from the earlier offerings in ‘Games To Avoid’ and ‘Greeting Number 4’. There were mysterious, emotional and disturbing instrumentals – always a feature of the live shows and recordings alike (hear ‘Marie Celeste on Manic and Global). 
The tracks featured span the yard – from the early 80’s to roughly 1993 when the band stopped playing live. 
Later gigs were augmented by drummer Dave Atkin (formerly drumming with Simon in ‘Games to Avoid’) and Dave Murrell on bass (now living and working in Germany). 
After signing with In Tape the band released several EPs (‘Shake Up’, ‘Costa del Sol’, ‘Business Politician’, ‘Big Mess’) and their first album ‘Manic and Global’.
Keep checking in for further orphans of the Stitch box!
PS  We were there! – tracks on  the re-issued C86 and forthcoming C87 – crucial times!

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Musician. Writer.
Further listening at soundcloud.com/the150friendsclub

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