K

Kaos ~ early 1980s

Liverpool

Thanks to Gerry Ffrench for contacting us with the information about this group, as below! And Caz Roberts for the update, 2021, as follows: Carol Houghton drums; Cathy Roberts guitar/ vocals; Fiona McDonald sax; Gerry Ffrench bass/ vocals; Trish Bonner guitar/ vocals. Later Vanessa Cuthbert joined on keyboards. Gerry, Fiona, Cathy and Trish also wrote original songs, and Vanessa, Fiona and Cathy composed the music to Fiona’s lyrics. The last gig at Liberty Hall was 27/9/81 as per Cathy’s last gig/playlist.

Photos of Kaos courtesy of Caz Roberts

Kaos at Masonic Hall

Kaos at Liberty Hall poster

Liberty Hall playlist

Kaos and list of bands

Ticket for Brady's

Kaos gig at Everyman Theater supporting Supercharge 9:3:81

Kaos

Kaos Kaz and Geri

'Kaos are a five piece women's rock band from Liverpool. 28 June at Liberty House, Liverpool 8. Followed by social and disco. Mixed. Admission 30p, 45p non-members.'

Spare Rib 108, 1981

10 thoughts on “K”

  1. Kaos were a five piece women’s band playing garage rock in Liverpool during the early 80’s. Trish Bonner (now Black) who played rhythm guitar and Fiona McDonald on saxophone were the founder members, and were joined by Carol on drums, Cathy on lead guitar and Gerry Ffrench on bass. Vanessa Cuthbertson subsequently joined the band on keyboards in late 1981. They had a weekly spot every Tuesday in the Masonic Pub on Berry Street Liverpool Eight, where they attracted a mixed crowd of students, lesbians, politicos and curious men. They played there during the infamous riots that took place in the city at that time, and their repertoire consisted of short, punchy songs that often had a political edge. They began to go their separate ways in 1982. Some of the band reformed as Five Go Dutch and Gerry Ffrench joined The Tunnel Users.

    Reply ↓

    • OH My…….I wonder if you visit this site often Geri……… Cathy here………….
      What glorious times we had……..lugging all the equipment around…especially in Fiona’s reliant robin!!!!!!
      Are you still in touch with any of the others.
      Nice to know you went on playing after I left in 82.
      I am happy for you to get my e-mail from this site if you wish…….xCathy

      Reply ↓

      • Hi Cathy, how nice to hear from you. I got your e mail yesterday in a message from the Women’s Music Archive. Can’t understand why I never saw it before! Hope you are keeping well in these mad times. Best wishes, Gerry

      • Cath – How fantastic! Lita (my wife) asked me if I had any photos of playing drums in Kaos. I got the photos out and then started to search online on anything about Kaos. I found this site and you. 😊
        Yes they were fab times. Fiona’s Reliant and my Mini Van Merlin.
        If you want to connect via my email link that would be great.
        Carol xx

      • Hey Cathy/Caz. Jet (Julie) here. Great to see you on here and reuniting with Carol. Best wishes. x

  2. Great to see those old photos. I’m pretty sure I have copies of them – those of you all playing. They’re still so familiar. What a very long time ago that was. And we were all so young! Hope you’re all doing well. x
    This is Julie, now known as Jet (since 1986). Carol told me about this website and the entries for KA⚧S. (There really should be an emoji for the female sign!)

    Reply ↓

    • Hiya!
      Yes….thought you might show up after Carol….
      I’m doing fine and (as correctly mentioned) a long time has passed….
      I still live in Finchley.
      Only left Grosvenor Rd in Jan 2017.
      So was there 33yrs.
      I remember us moving there.
      Sorry to hear your story…..
      I am pretty fit and do a lot of walking..o viously and few more aches and pains that come from getting older.
      Went to see Toyah Willcox and Lene Lovich on 18th June, which was EXCELLENT!👍
      Love the camper van, by the way…..
      Sorry to hear about your mum.
      Is Helen still alive or Brian?
      Anyway if you do want to, I am on WhatsApp.
      See ya!
      Caz😘

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Julie(Jet)..
      Cathy( Caz) here.
      I would like to be in touch with you again.
      I remember your mum with much admiration..Lillian was a lovely woman, like yourself..
      Frankie at W.L.M.Archive has my contact details. Please get in touch. I am sorry about your health issues/ situation. You are very brave😘

      Reply ↓

  4. Hello, Trish here, what a blast from the past. I loved those days, it was such fun and we got to play live so often in some ‘interesting’ places! Sadly I do not have any photos or mementos, and my memory is terrible. I do remember though that my first mike stand was weighted down in a biscuit tin, and that white guitar I am playing in the photos never ever stayed in tune. How are you all?

    Reply ↓

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