History Formation (1983–1984) Ian Brown (initially the bassist) and guitarist John Squire, who knew each other from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, formed a short-lived Clash-inspired band, The Patrol, in 1980 along with singer/guitarist Andy Couzens and drummer Simon Wolstencroft.Robb, p. 40Taylor (2004) They played several gigs in 1980 and recorded a demo tape, but towards the end of that year, they decided on a change of direction.Robb, p. 46 During their last Patrol show, Brown had a taste of being a frontman, singing Sweet's "Block Buster!" to close the set. Pete Garner, a friend and roadie, stood in on bass while Couzens wanted to focus on guitar.
History Formation (1983–1984) Ian Brown (initially the bassist) and guitarist John Squire who knew each other from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys formed a short-lived Clash-inspired band The Patrol in 1980 along with singer/guitarist Andy Couzens and drummer Simon WolstencroftRobb p 40Taylor (2004) They played several gigs in 1980 and recorded a demo tape but towards the end of that year they decided on a change of directionRobb p 46 During their last Patrol show Brown had a taste of being a frontman singing Sweet's "Block Buster" to close the set Pete Garner a friend and roadie stood in on bass while Couzens wanted to focus on guitar