The Prefects

The Prefects formed in Birmingham, England, in 1977, and although they never released a proper album in their lifetime, they remain one of the most beloved bands of the era. Answering an ad in the N.M.E., the band members came together as strangers, bringing influences ranging from T-Rex to Captain Beefheart to their developing sound. Things looked promising when singer Robert Lloyd came on board, as he had connections and wasn't afraid to use them. Case in point: the band's first gig was at a private party in Birmingham on March 12, and a few weeks later, on May 9, they were opening up for the Clash, the Buzzcocks, the Jam and Subway Sect in London. In their short time out, the Prefects were making quite a name for themselves in Birmingham. For better or worse, songs such as "Birmingham Is a Sh*t Hole" were creating the kind of street buzz that most bands could only dream about. And in truth, the Prefect's articulate punk-pop fit well with socially-minded bands such as the Clash and the Jam. The late John Peel liked what he saw enough to record two Peel Sessions with the band, but as time went on the Prefects grew increasing frustrated with the music business and their lack of real headway into it. Nearly 100 gigs later, the Prefects called in quits. Shortly thereafter, Robert Lloyd founded the Nightingales.