We met in 1974 at Dartford Grammar School, where, among other things, we studied English Literature and Geography together. We were also in the same group for Geology so it only seemed natural to form a rock band. Rumpelstiltskin were the original 'garage band', practising in our friend's garage, even in the dead of winter, when it was so cold it hurt to touch the metal mic stand with bare hands. Joining us in this enterprise at various times were our three drummers, Graham Cooper, Dave Mackridge and Phil Faint, Pat Thomas on keys and recorder (okay we couldn't run to a flute and we were doing a Tull song) and Steve Pilcher, who joined us for a session on bass. Pictured by classmate Geoff Torry, this is us playing at Dartford Methodist Church Hall in 1976, our second appearance at the venue followed by a gig at Harlow Technical College. And that was it - three drummers, three gigs and lots of laughs. Here's Mick's scrapbook featuring images of the band taken by another Dartford Grammar School friend, Andrew Tuckwell. We all went off to study and begin careers and gradually lost touch.

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