Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs

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Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs
OriginEngland
GenresPop, novelty
Years active1972–1977
LabelsUK Records, Sonet

Terry Dactyl and the Dinosaurs were an English novelty band that issued a few recordings in the early 1970s.

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).

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.[1] "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'.[2]

Single discography[]

  • "Seaside Shuffle" b/w "Ball and Chain" (1972) - UK Records - UK No. 2, AUS No. 20[3]
  • "On a Saturday Night" b/w "Going Round the World" (1973) - UK Records - UK No. 45
  • "She Left I Died" b/w "Too Self Centred" (1973) - UK Records
  • "Come Away" b/w "Cherry Ring" (1977) - Sonet Records

References[]

  1. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 133. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ^ "Terry Dactyl And The Dinosaurs With Jona Lewie - Come Away (Bate O Pe) / Cherry Ring - Sonet - UK - SON 2115". 45cat. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  3. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 80. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
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