The New English

The New English were an English indie guitar-pop band from Surrey, active between 1986 and 1988. Known for their melodic songwriting and DIY aesthetic, the group performed regularly across London and other parts of England. The band made a single television appearance on BBC's ''Network East'' programme in August 1987.^[1][2]

The origins of The New English trace back to December 1983, when vocalist and acoustic guitarist Johnny Rasheed (real name Moorad Choudhry) and guitarist Shareef C (real name unknown) formed a duo called ''Years of Backwater''. The group played one gig at The Swan in Kingston upon Thames in July 1984, before disbanding following technical issues with the drum and bass machines.^[3]

In May 1985, Johnny Rasheed and Shareef reformed with bassist Dave Beech, a school friend from Kingston Grammar School, under the name ''The Fallen Idols'', and using a Korg drum machine. While they recorded several demo tapes, the trio never performed live. The group was renamed ''The New English'' in May 1986, shortly after which Dave Beech left the group. (Later on Johnny purchased Dave's bass and WEM amplifier). Rasheed subsequently assumed bass duties, and John Cadogan-Rawlinson ("Joz") was brought in as lead vocalist. Joz left after three performances to pursue a modelling career, and Rasheed resumed lead vocals.

Still recording demos with (now) a Sequential TOM drum machine, the group expanded in April 1987 with the addition of drummer Sara (real name Sarah Hughes). This lineup recorded two songs, "This Evening" and "Get Ready", for the BBC programme "Network East", although only "This Evening" was broadcast.^[1]

Sara departed in September 1987, and the group reverted to performing live with a DX drum machine. Despite interest from independent labels, Subway Records and Go! Discs, The New English, were unable to secure a recording contract and disbanded in March 1988.

Johnny Rasheed used an Ovation acoustic guitar, Cimar copy of a Precision electric bass and Carlsboro amplifier.

Shareef C used a Fender Jazz, later swapped for an Eccleshall copy of a Gibson ES-335, played through a Peavey amplifier.

In February 1990, The New English reunited for a single performance at Bazooka in Bonn, Germany, organised by Rasheed's college friend Nik Slater. The set featured a stripped-back version of "Get Ready", with only guitar, bass and vocals.

In December 1991, Rasheed and Shareef reformed as a duo under the name ''The Internationalists'', performing acoustic sets without bass or drums. Active through 1993, the duo appeared on BBC Radio Berkshire in February 1992, although no known recording of the broadcast survives. Their final live performance took place at the Bracknell Festival in July 1997.

Between 1991 and 1993, Johnny Rasheed also played bass in a band called ''Those Meddling Kids'', alongside Andy Brown (vocals, guitar) and Andy Green (drums). The group performed throughout southeast England but disbanded without a record deal.

In April 1993, Rasheed recorded a solo album titled ''Inspiration'' for Jackfruit Music (catalogue number JRJF001) at Blockhouse Studios in Stratford, London.^[4][5] The album featured contributions from various Berkshire musicians, including Robb Johnson, Aubrey Braithwaite, Simon Tarry (from The Rileys), George Whitfield (from Press Gang), and Gemma Townley (from Blueboy). These songs were released in May 1993 as an album entitled "Inspiration". The CD was deleted many years ago and is very rare. One track from the album, entitled "George Harrison", can be found here:^[6]

• Tunnel Club, Greenwich – 28 October 1986
• The Tramshed, Woolwich – 11 November 1986
• The Harlequin, Peckham, London – 15 November 1986
• Mad Hatters, Southport – 3 February 1987
• Le Beat Route, London – 23 February & 15 June 1987
• Paradise Club, Reading, Berkshire 15 May 1987
• Wimbledon Festival – 11 July 1987
• Sir George Robey, Finsbury Park (supporting Frank Chickens) – 25 July 1987
• Dingwalls, Camden – 16 August 1987
• The Old White Horse, Brixton – 27 August 1987
• Edge Hill College, Ormskirk, Merseyside – 16 October 1987
• Sipson Community Hall, Sipson, Middx – 7 November 1987
• St David's Hall, Reading, Berkshire – 23 November 1987
• Rock Garden, London – 7 December 1987
• Polytechnic of Central London – 11 January 1988

• 

  Zeetas, Putney, London – 10 February 1988

• BBC ''Network East'', August 1987 – Performed "This Evening" (broadcast) and "Get Ready" (unaired)
• BBC Radio Berkshire, February 1992 (The Internationalists) – No surviving recording

• Inspiration (1993, Jackfruit Music, CD, JRJF001) – Solo release by Johnny Rasheed

• The Day After Tomorrow^[7]
• This Evening^[8]
• You Make My Day Shine^[9]
• Get Ready^[10]
• You Make My Day Shine (1999 re-recording)^[11]

• BBC Network East appearance – "This Evening"
• Bazooka, Bonn February 1990
• Bracknell Festival 1997 – The Internationalists