The Toads

The Toads claim to be Norwich's first punk band.
Formed in February 1977, after Dave Smith placed an advert in the window of 'Cookes Band Instruments'.
The line up consisted of, Dave Smith, David Viner, Paul Cheetham & Polo. Neither Paul nor David had played live with a band before, Polo had played drums for various bands and Dave had played one gig in a band called Dick Dangler & The Testicles. After playing a few gigs around Norwich, the band entered Touchstone Studios to record three tracks in the summer of 1977. The tracks recorded were; "Blood on My Wheels", "I Don't Care About You" & "Eyes".
In late September, 1977, Paul Cheetham quit the band, who continued as a 3 piece until the end of 1977, when the band took some time out. By early 1978, enthusiasm had died and the band split.
Paul Cheetham started a new band, Ebonyset. Dave Smith & Polo formed Broadside Outcasts who went on to become Silent Noise.
== Members ==
Dave Smith (vocals, bass, rhythm guitar)
David Viner (vocals, rhythm guitar)
Paul Cheetham (vocals, bass, rhythm guitar
Polo (drums)
Each member would sing lead vocals for their own compositions, Dave Smith & Paul Cheetham both prefered to play rhythm guitar while singing, so would swap instruments.
== Gigs Played ==
22 April 1977 	Kingsway Pub, King Street, Norwich
5 June 1977 	'Wymondham College' with another local group, The Victims,
12 June 1977 	Cambridge Street Queen's Jubilee Street Party, Norwich. With 'The Stain'
30 July 1977 	'Charing Cross Centre', St John Maddermarket. With The Victims plus The Bondage Boys.
10 September 1977 	'Premises Arts Centre', St Benedicts Street. Support group were The Turkey Molesters.
24 September 1977 	Premises Street Roots Party, 'Premises Arts Centre'. Also playing were 'Thandoy' and 'Here and Now'.
8 November 1977 	'Peoples Nightclub' supporting 'Rumblestrips'
15 November 1977 	Peoples Nightclub' with Rumblestrips.
22 November 1977 	'Peoples Nightclub' with Rumblestrips.
1 December 1977 	Premises Arts Centre' supporting 'The Radio Stars'
4 December 1977 	'Wymondham College'. with The Victims plus 'Rasputin and His Mad Monks'.
6 December 1977 	The final gig at 'Peoples Nightclub', 'Rasputin and His Mad Monks' plus Right Hand Lovers
== External Links ==
Musicbrainz
Official webpage
Bored Teenagers
Last.fm
Category: Band
Category: Punk