The Beat Farmers produced some of the most exciting music of the 1980s and were a real antidote to the vacuous electronic pop that was so prevalent during that decade. However their career was dogged by bad luck, bad judgement and badass behaviour which prevented them from fully achieving the recognition that they deserved. Formed in San Diego in 1983 in San Diego, California by drummer and occasional singer Country Dick Montana and singer-guitarist Jerry Raney, they then recruited bass player Rolle Love and another singer-guitarist Bernard Seigal, better known by his stage-name Buddy Blue. Their debut album ‘Tales of The New West’ and follow-up 6-track EP ‘Glad ‘n’ Greasy’ which was recorded in London and produced by Bob Andrews, together generated much excitement. On the back of the critical acclaim that these two records enjoyed the band signed an ultimately stifling seven record deal with Curb Records. Nevertheless things started well with ‘Van Go’ in 1986 followed by ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ the following year, before tailing off with their last three releases. The band came to an end following the death of Country Dick Montana onstage in 1995 when he suffered a heart attack three songs into a gig in Canada. He was just 40 years old. Buddy Blue, who is featured on vocals in this clip, also died prematurely of a heart attack in 2006 aged 48.
The clip shown is live from 1985 and features ‘Gun Sale at the Church’ one of the highlights of their major label debut the following year. Where it was recorded is not stated but it shows the band, renowned for their electrifying live shows, at their absolute peak.
