Guitarist, vocalist Kim Clarke formed Vancouver's The Bonus Boys in 1979 aided and abetted by lead guitarist, Jack Matthews. Matthews knew drummer Jay Johnson from previous musical encounters along with bassist Eric Spanier who was a mutual connection from the Vancouver music scene.
They recorded their first 45rpm single, "Wasting Our Time" and "Everytime I See A Car Like Yours Go By" in the later part of 1979 and released it on their own Tsunami label. Their manager, Adrian D. did a remarkable job promoting the band, eventually securing shows in local clubs when clubs realized that there was actually an audience for new music.
After winning a battle of the bands at a local strip/rock club the band were afforded the opportunity to record their second single "I Want To Work In A Bank" and "Confusing Ourselves". This quirky single went on to receive good air play on some of the local commercial radio stations.
After the recording of their proposed third single, "So Sad" and "Head For The Hills" the band fractured into other projects and eventually disbanded.
In 1984, three out of the four members, including Clarke, went on to form Moccasin Telegraph with new bass player Barry Weih.
Clarke would go on to record a College hit with the LP and the title track song "It's A Grey Day" in 1986. Though the songs were written and sang by Clarke, the driving force of this energetic synth/drum post-punk collaboration came from producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist Al Rodger.
In the '90s Clarke played with successful touring act The Falcons. He also played with acts The Way Outs and Tokyo Joe among others. Kim also taught for many years at Bill Lewis music in Vancouver, BC. More recently he was pursuing solo and collaborative work with a number of players.
Clarke died from a long private battle with cancer on December 30, 2010 in London, Ontario;
with notes from Kim Clarke.
Singles
Albums
1986 It's A Grey Day (Studio A/Imperial)
Video
Compilation Tracks
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