The Inmates
 British R&B-band formed in London in 1979 by Peter Staines
(guitar, vocals), Bill Hurley (vocals), Tony Oliver (guitar), Jim
Russell (drums) and Ben Donelly (bass).
The Inmates were part of
the British pub-rock scene and their
influences included The Animals, The
Pretty Things and - not surprisingly - Dr
Feelgood.
The breakthrough for the group was an old Standells
punk classic, Dirty Water, from their great debut LP, First
Offence (1980).
Despite their capability to write excellent original material,
The Inmates were never afraid to experiment with cover versions
and make them their own songs. Love Me Two Times and Unchain
My Heart, both taken from the live LP, True Live Stories,
(1984) are shining examples of the bands ability to pick old songs
and make them into Rock & Roll while still paying respect to
the original.
This is also evident on the album, The Inmates Meet The
Beatles: Live In Paris, an album the band recorded as a
tribute for the twentieth anniversary of The
Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (1987) -
It goes without saying that they couldn't help but perform The
Beatles' songs sounding like The
Rolling Stones.
Bill Hurley's raw, distinctive voice, and the dynamic
interaction between guitarists Peter Gunn and Tony Oliver gave a
hard punky edge to The Inmates' repertoire. But their real
strength lay in their discriminating choice of material, with
well-executed covers of lesser known songs by Arthur Conley, Bobby
Womack and The Soul Brothers.
Other albums included Shot In The Dark (1980), Five
(1984), Fast Forward (1989), Inside Out (1991).
Also, Bill Hurley: Double Agent (1985).
Except for Inside Out, all albums were produced by the
late Vic Maile, who played a significant part in the distinctive
sound of The Inmates.
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