Mendes Prey Mark Sutcliffe Guitar Hero
Now, for all those out there who think book dealers are old boring ex schoolmasters, well it’s time to wise up
Obviously your host is far from the steroetypical bookseller
but this comes red hot off the press.
Mark Sutcliffe, a fellow crime fiction specialist whom I’ve known for years, let this out today:
He used to play lead guitar in the rock band Mendes Prey. I am absolutely sure I saw them live back in the days of The New Wave of British Heavy Metal, probably when they played on the same bill as Diamond Head.
Mark did what I never did, he played the game, was recorded and played ‘proper venues’ this makes him a guitar hero - knowing someone that really did have a go has more than made the week.

Mark Sutcliffe - Guitar Hero
Looking pretty cool in my opinion, some of our lady readers who wax on about Russell Brand may want to take note - it was done before
Here is some background info on Mendes Prey
* Mendes Prey were sponsored by Levis at one point. Plenty free jeans and a UK tour.
* They played the Marquee three times, once headlining
* Recorded a spot at Leeds Uni for the BBC as part of an upcoming bands prog
* Released two singles and appeared on two compilation albums
* Were supported by Bernie Marsden once (of Whitesnake fame)

Mendes Prey - Rock Band Playing Live
So there you go, next time you see a bookseller sat at a bookfair think on !
BTW, I usually take the piss on this site, this time I am not, this is the most impressive thing I’ve heard in ages.
\m/










Shane Chapman , Bookseller said,
July 13, 2006 @ 6:35 pm
Mark ,
Seriously , I am very impressed
All the best ,
Shane ,
Rod said,
July 13, 2006 @ 6:46 pm
Further Mendes prey information
The band line-up in 1982 and their debut single
On to the Borderline
JAMES M PICKARD said,
July 13, 2006 @ 6:58 pm
Nice one Sooty, have you kept the wig?
Cheers
“Big Jim” Pickerd (as the Yanks refer to me as)
The man himself said,
July 13, 2006 @ 8:36 pm
. . . the wig is currently undergoing light archival restoration.
Little Brother said,
July 13, 2006 @ 10:01 pm
NWOBHM is back!-how about a feature on Vardis?-can you put a picture on the site of their single that I always used to sneak out of your room when you went out drinking?
The man himself said,
July 13, 2006 @ 10:43 pm
I seem to recall that our bass player, Tony Boulton, previously played in Vardis. Maybe around 1980/81.
Lincolnshire - Bookdealer said,
July 13, 2006 @ 11:17 pm
I think Big Jim means = Where can i find one of those wigs ,
Rod said,
July 14, 2006 @ 8:39 am
The Man Himself
Nice one
Rod said,
July 14, 2006 @ 8:44 am
Vardis
no problemo dude !
Let’s Go
LB, “nwobhm is back !”
It never went away here, also saw 2 hot young fillies wearing Motorhead T Shirts the other day.
Mark may well need to dust that axe off yet
It’s got to be better than flogging dusty old books
Joyce - (Mark's mum) said,
July 14, 2006 @ 8:51 am
That’s my boy !!!!!
Had some wonderful times with Mendes Prey
Mark’s Mum
Rod said,
July 14, 2006 @ 9:13 am
Heavy Metal Heroes - 1982
12 Tracks Featuring Witchfinder General, No Quarter, Persian Risk, Lionheart, Pallas, Jess Cox, No Faith, Mantle Swallow Palmer, Mendes Prey, Twisted Ace, Shiva And Overkill
Witches of Eastwick said,
July 14, 2006 @ 6:47 pm
Rod, some of us tend to think of you as more of a ‘gipsy king’ type character rather than any of the above. I realise this may come as something of a disappointment, however now could be the time to ‘come out’ as the closet flamenco artist that we in the coven, all know you really are!
Rod said,
July 14, 2006 @ 7:08 pm
WOE,
I’m not sure what sort of character I have turned into but in my heart I am a guitar hero as well.
Somethings just don’t change with time, I even bought a Whitesnake CD today!
Dancing is off the menu I am afraid, I tried it one night and spilt my claret !
Cheers
Rod
Nev (marks nephew) said,
July 18, 2006 @ 10:11 am
Thats wicked mark, mendes prey rocked!!!
Im now a dj so the music vibe must run in the family!!!
ha ha nice one.
Steve Murray said,
August 11, 2006 @ 10:47 am
I saw Mednes Prey a few times in th 80’s. I still have my signed Onto the Borderline single, Red Alert demo, Aylannah demo and a longer demo with a keyboard player that has about 11 tracks on it.
I saw them at the marquee, at the Penny Farthing in Oxford (RIP), at a festival in Witney Oxfordshire. Great band. Really thought somethign was going to happen for them. Sadly it didnt.
steve holt said,
September 21, 2007 @ 8:24 am
good times?
steve holt said,
September 25, 2007 @ 8:43 am
who knows what could have been?