The Hamilton Hammond Extension

The Hamilton Hammond Extension – Tamworth Rock Festival summer 1987. Mark Mortimer - right (rhythm guitar), Rob Cross - left (fuzz guitar).

Band Members:
Gavin Skinner (Hamilton Hammond) - Vocals
Mark Mortimer - Rhythm Guitar
Rob Cross - Fuzz Guitar
Barry Douce - Bass

The story behind The Hamilton Hammond Extension was that we informed the Herald of this cult 60s psychedelic garage band fronted by the mysterious and enigmatic Hamilton Hammond (who we dreamed up as a sort of crazed loon who was some parts Sky Saxon of the Seeds, some parts Rocky Ericsson of The 13th Floor Elevators and some parts Syd Barrett) and we said this band were going to play the rock festival as a special one-off date.

Amazingly, quite a few believed this obviously silly ruse and at the actual rock festival some people were asking for autographs - ludicrously!! The ‘band’, such as it was, consisted of Mark Mortimer on rhythm guitar, Rob Cross (ex-Ferocious Apaches and future member of Mr. Ray's Wig World) on fuzz guitar, Barry Douce (ex-DHSS) on bass and Gavin Skinner (Donald's younger brother who was soon to join Primal Scream as their drummer) as the wig-wearing lead vocalist. We used a drum machine to complete the sound.

Musically it was a manic psychedelic mess of cacophonous garage/punk but it was tremendous fun. Mark Mortimer

Recordings:

The Hamilton Hammond Extension at Tamworth Rock Festival 1987 - Barry Douce (bass) and Gavin Skinner (wearing the wild 60s wig).

If you have any further information about this band please email: info@tamworthbands.com