A couple of basic requirements are expected of budding musicians, and they are that you have material to play, and that you are physically capable of playing.

In early 1987 Fawcett / Poustie were very thin on the first of these counts and but half way there on the second.

With a low-key recorded version of an anthem and big aspirations of becoming stars the young Fawcett / Poustie desperately needed to add to their repertoire. Chris had written a handful of songs on his parents piano since the very early 80’s, one of which an instrumental would eventually resurface as “Cryin’ Out” on the “Captain Parrot” album, but nothing was deemed appropriate to record with Fawcett / Poustie at the time.

As fifteen year olds struggling through new schools and pending exams, the lives of Fawcett and Poustie appeared altogether too mundane to inspire the music of the rock legends that they aspired to become. This was to change as during the developing years of 1987-1989 Chris would return from frequent trips to The East armed with anecdotes and escapades worthy of inclusion in a typical raucous rock’n’roll setting. The Far East with its exotic sights and sounds inspired young Poustie to a prolific lyrical peak he has yet to supersede.

Back in Blighty Nick set out to become a guitar man worthy of a place in a classic band. Having purchased a cheap but respectable blue Aria-Pro electric guitar and amplifier Nick began taking blues and rock based guitar lessons.

Nick’s development was astonishing in its speed. Within months he played with the virtuosity of an accomplished musician. If his rhythms and technique still required development his raw instict to improvise loud and inventively was awe-inspiring. In no time at all he was a qualified rock’n’roller with a natty line in howling Ace Frehley and Tommy Bolin inspired frills and trills.

In time Nick would set aside his teacher and develop his style further by learning the tricks of his above mentioned heroes and through endless hard nights of self tuition and experimentation.

Chris, who had fumbled on the family piano since the ‘70’s had taken lessons around 1982. However he soon quit, disillusioned by the constraints of a classical training. The few lessons he had had coupled with a study of the twelve-bar-blues courtesy of his brother and mentor Richard (the legendary ivory-tinkler) stood him in good stead to learn the basics and like Fawcett was able to develop a unique style and sound based in the blues tradition. By the time of “We Rock’n’Roll” Chris had already developed his trademark sound.

And so the songs started to develop. Chris’ flood of lyrics were to form musical rhythms and melodies which would be stored in his head for months ready to record with his pal and musical companion. Around 1988 to 1989 F/P started to record demos for their forthcoming debut. All lyrics were written by Chris and both had a go at writing the music.

The recording technique was very primitive. They used a small red portable cassette recorder to cut the main musical track, captured “live” and added a “live” track of lyrics as an over-dub. At this time 2 tracks were mostly used, occasionally a further track of vocals added.

The results were muffled and usually ran on too long but at least acted as excellent experience in the art of recording. The recording and producing lessons they learnt at this time remain with them to this day.

Early demos included “Ain’t No Destiny”, “Laotion Lover”, “Time Ain’t Going Any Faster” and “The Girl Is Making me Cruise” all destined to find places on their debut album in the original demo form or in re-cut versions.

By early 1990 they added a new ballad to their growing repertoire “Hold Me Tight a Million Miles Away” and the band now found itself at the point where they were basically ready to piece together an album. Instead however and probably due to time constraints (remember they never lived in the same country) they recorded a quick “Live” album showcasing all of their early songs in an informal and improvised manner.

The resultant “Live In Northwich” which was released in April 1990 was highly promising if not perfectly polished. Nearly all of their songs were bettered live than on the original demos as the true roots and emotions behind the songs were revealed in heartfelt singing accompanied by superb soloing and improvised take-it-down sections. To this day “LIN” remains the best recorded representation of F/P playing live.

By the summer of 1990 Chris’ parents had left Thailand and relocated in the Philippines whilst Nick and Chris had both left school and were enjoying their holidays before entering University. Although the summer could have been an ideal time to finish their debut album instead the boys took a vacation in the Philippines.

Back in England before the Universities started the boys just had enough time to record only their second studio track of the year “I Need Your Love”. The new track, a spoof ‘Cheap Trick’ catchy pop song was the first example of the band really experimenting with different styles outside of the hard rock genre. It was immediately likeable and remains today one of their fans cult favourites. It also featured guest vocalist Danny Collins singing the bridge.

Following the recording the boys went on a camping holiday in South Wales with their friend Lawton Green before going their separate ways to Nottingham and Ulster Universities.

There would have to be a further wait before the long overdue debut would materialise. It would be 1991 before F/P really became a band with an album, image and sense of identity ready to unleash on an unsuspecting public.