Gruppo Sportivo - Back to 78 (1978)

Gruppo Sportivo is formed in The Hague. Max, Peter, Eric and Hans Vandenburg from the Leo Unger Band. Zappa and Beatles fan Vandenburg soon becomes the band's leader. He asks singer Meike Touw to join the band. She is joined by Josee van Iersel and together they make up the Gruppettes. The band's career takes a turn when they are asked to support the Golden Earring on their new tour. Earring singer Barry Hay produces Gruppo Sportivo's first single Out There In The Jungle, which becomes a small hit.



1977
Gruppo's second single is, Hoola Fever, released. The single is produced by keyboard player Robert-Jan Stips (ex-Supersister, ex-Golden Earring). The single fails to do anything and consequently record company Polydor ends the contract. Gruppo Sportivo signs to Ariola and releases their full-length debut 10 Mistakes, also produced by Robert-Jan Stips.



1978
In March the non-album track Rock And Roll is released on single. 10 Mistakes enters the album charts and is also released in the UK. The band embarks on a successful UK tour and the European summer festivals. The track Beep Beep Love is released as a single in the UK only. In September the band receives an Edison Music Award for 10 Mistakes. They also record the second album Back To 78 from which the track Hey Girl is picked as the first single. Both single and album do very well in the charts and in the UK polls Gruppo ends third in the category 'most promising new band', behind Ian Dury and Dire Straits.





Track Listing

Hey Girl (2:27)
Bernadette (3:07)
P.S. 78 (3:03)
Tokyo (1:13)
I Said No! (4:16)
Real Teeth Are Out (3:48)
Are You Ready? (2:05)
Booby-Trap Boogie (3:31)
Blah Blah Magazines (2:02)
One Way Love (From Me to You) (3:08)
I'm a Rocket (2:32)
Shave (2:48)
The Pogo Never Stops (3:18)
Bottom of the Class (3:03)
The Single (1:12)