https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B099L4CV2N/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21
The sound of Birmingham in the late 70s/early 80s, finally released after 40 years of sitting on a tape in a box. The post-Duran Duran Stephen Duffy and Dave Kusworth alongside Paul Adams, Simon Colley and Dave Twist.
Apologies for the ramble but this release is quite poignant for me: a couple of years ago I was in Swordfish Records in Birmingham for an in-store appearance by Duffy before an interview and short live set he was doing later that night. I got talking to a couple of chaps, one a leather-coated, hat-wearing rockstar type, and with a bit of time on our hands after Duffy left we all went for a few drinks before the show.
Whilst getting him a drink (non-alcoholic - he later said had a medical issue) I asked the coated one his name and he replied 'Dave Kusworth'. Ah, um,
. I knew the name but despite being a Brummie he and his music had somehow passed me by. There was a spare ticket going for the show so Dave had it and the three of us went in together. Whilst in there and after further apologies were offered he pulled out a copy of one of his albums so I had to buy it, and he kindly signed it for me there at the bar.
Towards the end of the show I suggested he go and talk to Stephen but he seemed reluctant, even a little embarrassed. The alcohol was helping by this point so I said it a few more times and eventually he went over. It was at that point he said to Stephen to release The Hawks tapes, something he'd apparently said a few times before over the years. Earlier he'd also said to me he had demo tapes of them doing Duffy's hit, Kiss Me, and I was welcome to come round for a listen. Turned out he lived round the corner from where I used to in Moseley.
Sadly I didn't get his number or catch up with him again after the show, and just under a year later Dave died. It was the last time he and Duffy met too, so Stephen this time committed to releasing the tapes as a tribute to Dave. It is comforting to think that in some small part I had a hand in this release.
RIP Dave (and Gaz of Swordfish)
