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The Heads are an English psychedelic rock band formed in Bristol, England in 1990. They have released around 20 full-length albums (including live albums, patchworks, and collaborations), numerous EPs and singles. Originally formed in 1990 by Hugo Morgan, Simon Price and Dave Spencer (guitar) from the remnants of Bristol bands Quinton and The Spasmodics respectively. They were joined by Wayne Maskell a few months later and played music somewhat influenced by Loop, Spacemen 3 and The Stooges. This line up lasted for 2 years, playing support slots to bands such as Babes in Toyland, but without any record releases (although an early version of Spliff Riff appeared on the Sessions 1 7" released by Rocket records in 1999).
After a few months with a guitarist called Jim, who then left to be replaced by Paul Allen (aka ROCKPROF) in 1993, the band took a slightly more rock route more inspired by bands such as Monster Magnet. Their first single was released in 1994, entitled The QUAD EP. This has become a collectors item with its Russ Meyer inspired sleeve and initial copies including a packet of cigarette papers with the name of the band printed on the front.
The band recorded three Peel Sessions between 1995 and 1999 as well as a session for Mark Radcliffe. In an 2014 interview with Quietus, Simon Price praised Peel:
"There's nothing to replace Peel, he'd give anyone a chance - that doesn't happen now. The thought of us playing live on Radio 1 at 8pm [as in Radcliffe's sessions] just seems ridiculous now. I guess there's some blogs and sites that new bands can get a lift from, but no guru like Peel."[1]
He also talked about his memories of meeting JP:
"With Peel you could do anything. We just got generally a far better quality recording of our tracks thanks to the BBC. The Peel sessions were pre-recorded so that wasn't quite as stressful as going out live like with the Radcliffe. We met Peel at a do - obviously he never went to the sessions. He was affable and very polite, I was a bit nervous so just mumbled a thanks to him and shook his hand. Radcliffe just took the piss out of us, in a friendly way. It was the only way to get a reaction or comment as, again, we were nervous and stoned."[2]
Fellow band member, Hugo Morgan also talked in the same interview his memories of meeting Peel:
"Radcliffe commented on how we didn't have beards and tattoos. We met John Peel at the ICA for his party to celebrate 25 years at Radio 1. I was introduced and spoke to him for five minutes, but can't remember much of it. Apparently the only person who was drunker than me was Pete Wylie."[3]
