1980s cult favourites Twenty Flight Rockers have announced their long-awaited return with a special London reunion show and the release of the previously unheard live album, LIVE ’85, recorded at the height of the band’s powers.
Initially one of the most talked-about bands on the London circuit, Twenty Flight Rockers were formed by former Generation X drummer Mark Laff, frontman Gary Twinn (formerly of Australian glam rockers Supernaut), guitarist Ian McKean and bassist Jeff D. Vine.
Following a sold-out residency at the Marquee Club, their debut single ‘Tower Block Rock’ became a favourite on BBC Radio 1 and across the UK’s indie club scene. High-profile support slots with The Cult, The Lords Of The New Church and Flesh For Lulu, along with an appearance at the Reading Festival, quickly established the band as one of Britain’s most exciting live acts.
The band subsequently signed with Warner Bros. Records before later moving to Epic Records. Guided by legendary industry figures Bill Drummond and Bernie Rhodes, they seemed destined for major success. Yet just as they stood on the brink of a breakthrough, Twenty Flight Rockers unexpectedly disappeared.
Long based in Los Angeles, Gary Twinn has continued to enjoy an acclaimed career, performing with SpeedTwinn (featuring Bob ‘Derwood’ Andrews), the all-star outfit International Swingers (with Clem Burke, Glen Matlock and James Stevenson), and his current band The Long Shadows. With Mark Laff recently returning to the stage, talk soon turned to reuniting Twenty Flight Rockers.
“We played a few TFR songs at the International Swingers gig in London,” says Twinn. “There were quite a lot of TFR fans there and the other three all came to the gig. I think that’s what really started the conversation.
“Then Mark came up with his Generation X project… and, as a drummer, that’s a serious workout. He had to get himself back into shape for that, and we started talking about bringing TFR back to life. Everyone was on board.”
Now, all four original members have reunited, marking their first release together with the official debut of the long-lost live album, LIVE ’85.
Recorded at The Bull Inn in East Sheen on 5 July 1985, the album was originally intended to become the band’s debut release for Warner Bros. Instead, the tapes remained in the vaults for four decades.
Finally seeing an official release, LIVE ’85 captures Twenty Flight Rockers at full throttle, delivering an electrifying performance packed with raw energy, swagger, unforgettable hooks and the band’s unmistakable rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
More than simply a live album, LIVE ’85 is a time capsule from London’s vibrant mid-1980s rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll underground—an essential document that captures one of the capital’s most exciting live bands at their peak.
Released via MR Records, LIVE ’85 is here to pre-order https://www.mrrecords.com.au/shop/category/twenty-flight-rockers/14167
To celebrate the release, Twenty Flight Rockers will play their first reunion show at London’s legendary 100 Club on 30 October 2026. Tickets available here: https://thepadpresents.seetickets.com/event/twenty-flight-rockers/100-club/3696345%20
Reflecting on the band’s return, Twinn adds:
“As Bernie Rhodes used to say to me, you’ve only got six bullets in your gun, right? So when you’re surrounded by bands, don’t shoot them all at once. Pick your target. That’s what we’re going to do. Squeeze the trigger and see what happens…”
