Olly the Squid; not as one might think the title of the newest Gothic horror film from the Hammer organisation, but the biggest sensation to hit the school music scene for years.

The band is made up of Mark West (guitar, bass guitar, vocals), Sime Darnley (vocals, erratic movements), Dave Willock (guitar, bass guitar, vocals) and last but not least Mike Davey (percussion and a not-so-distant relative of a famous member of staff).

Formed around the nucleus of Mark and Sime, just before half-term in the Autumn term 1981, the band's progress has been advancing in leaps and bounds. Mark and Sime write most of the music and lyrics, and have a varied assortment of influences, e.g. The Cure, the Ramones, The Teardrop Experience, Duran Duran, Status Quo; in fact, almost anyone you could think of (within reason of course).

At the time of writing, the band have just had their first big break - winning a place in the regional finals of the TSB Rock Schools Competition at Brighton on March 17th. Then…Who knows; the National Finals perhaps?

This article could not be written without a few words of thanks from the band to some very helpful people - Mr. Ellender, Peter Paddon (for the mike and amp) and not forgetting the wonderful guys of Roberts House Upper (and Upper-upper) sixth, whose enthusiasm and encouragement has made this all possible. Listen out for gigs in school!