several members of the birds grew up in the same neighbourhood in yiewsley, west london, and began playing together in 1964, while still in their teens. at first calling themselves the thunderbirds, they started out playing local clubs and a neighbourhood community centre, but they soon expanded to a larger club circuit. when they were hired to play on the same bill as chris farlowe, whose back-up band was also called the thunderbirds, they shortened their name to the birds – a decision which would have significant ramifications later.