Genre Rock Albums Sea Side Shuffle | Years active 1972–1977 Active until 1977 | |
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Origin England, United Kingdom (1972) | ||
Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs were an English novelty band that issued a few recordings in the early 1970s.
Contents
Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs was a band name created to promote the hit single "Seaside Shuffle". The name was not a reference to any particular band member, but was a pun on the name of the Jurassic flying reptile pterodactyl. Notable band members were Jona Lewie (composer/vocals/accordion) and Keef Trouble (percussion).
Terry dactyl and the dinosaurs on a saturday night
Recordings
The three Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs' single record releases were "Seaside Shuffle" (1972), "On a Saturday Night" and "She Left; I Died" (both 1973). "Seaside Shuffle and its B-side "Ball and Chain" were both written by John Lewis (aka Jona Lewie).
In 1972, the band's record label Sonet released "Seaside Shuffle" with the marketing and distribution aid of Jonathan King's UK label. The song reached number two in the UK Singles Chart. "On a Saturday Night" did not achieve the same popularity, just making the Top 50. The final single, "She Left; I Died" did not chart. After this last release the band split up, consigning it to perennial one-hit wonder status. Subsequently, band members returned to performing as Brett Marvin and the Thunderbolts, except for Jona Lewie, who developed a solo career.
In 1977 the single "Come Away" was released by 'Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs with Jona Lewie'.
Single discography
Songs
Sea Side Shuffle1972
LouiseOn the Other Hand There's a Fist · 1978
Love DetonatorHeart Skips Beat · 1982