Drongos for Europe

Drongos for Europe are a Birmingham based hardcore punk band. They formed in 1979 playing the first gig in November '79 at St. Marks Church in Great Barr Birmingham.

The original line up was Tommy vocals, Steve on guitar, Swainey on bass and Gebs on drums.

The first vinyl release was in 1981, an EP called "Adverse Chorus" financed by local tattoo artist Tony Lynx. Only 1000 copies were pressed. The do it yourself record sleeves all had to be glued together individually, the records always stood out from the others because the sleeve was too big to fit into a standard 45 record box.

The band signed to Tempest Records in 1982 for a 3 single and 1 LP deal, they released two singles "Deaths a Career" and the highly acclaimed "Eternity" both selling well. Memorable gigs at the time were with Crass, Poison Girls and the Dead Kennedys. Then out of the blue Tempest folded owing the bands lots of money.

The next vinyl release was "Dresden" on a compilation album from Flicks studio in 1984. The band split in 1985. Tommy spent some time in Germany and Dek played in a couple of bands (Slaughterhouse 5 and Fallen Angel)

After returning to the UK a chance meeting with Swainey resulted in the Drongos reforming in 1987. 1990 saw the release of "Cool Baby /This Town" on Renegade Records. the Drongos never officially split but were inactive in the late 90's. Second wind, call it what you will saw D.F.E splutter back to life, if you want to blame someone it was Jock from G.B.H who suggested it.

The present line up is Tommy on vocals, Dek on bass, Anton on guitar and Andy (Kimbo) on drums.