The Orson Family were a short-lived psychobilly/rock´n roll/gothic rock band featuring sibling vocalists Vernon, Ruby and John Orson, who also played guitars and were backed by Vincent (bass) and David O. (drums).
The Orson Family wasn't really a family. They were formed around 1982 in England. Vernon and Ruby lived together (they were engaged but never married). Brewster and David O. are actually the same person. They soon added a trumpet player called Kevin but nicknamed Elmer. They quoted Hank Williams, Link Wray, Bunker Hill, Vincent, Cochran, Lou Reed, The Jam, The Cramps as influences.
They records a self released 3 track EP, a six track mini LP The River of Desire, the 12" No-one Waits Forever, a live LP Bugles, Guitars & Amphetamine and another single The Sweetest Embrace but with another singer as Skully left/was fired soon before.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first played the Orson Family on his show in the spring of 1983 via their debut single, 'Heartbeat'. He would play further material from the group, including a session they recorded for his programme in October 1983.
Sessions[]
1. Recorded: 1983-10-19. First Broadcast: 25 October 1983. Repeated: 17 November 1983
- Wear That Pointed Bra / Snakin' Along / Big Red Gretsch / Crawdad Hole
Other Shows Played[]
- 26 May 1983: You Shake My Soul (7" EP - Heartbeat) Orson Enterprises
- 01 June 1983 (BFBS): Heartbeat (7") Orson Enterprises
- 29 September 1983: Breakout (LP - The River Of Desire) New Rose
- 04 October 1983: The River Of Desire (album - The River Of Desire) New Rose
- 12 October 1983 (BFBS): Breakout (mini-album - The River Of Desire) New Rose
- 24 October 1983 (BBC World Service): Breakout (LP - The River Of Desire) New Rose
- 1984
- 03 March 1984 (BFBS): Heartbeat
- 03 April 1984: No-One Waits Forever (12") New Rose
- 16 April 1984 (BBC World Service): No-One Waits Forever (12") New Rose
- 18 April 1984 (BFBS): Pointed Bra (12" EP - No-One Waits Forever) New Rose
- 24 April 1984: River Of Desire (12" single- River Of Desire) Red Rose
- 07 May 1984: No-One Waits Forever (12") New Rose
- 07 July 1984 (BFBS): No-One Waits Forever (12" EP) New Rose