The Count Bishops were a raucous, energetic British rock band that carved its niche in the pub rock scene of the mid-1970s before embracing the burgeoning punk and new wave movements. Formed in 1975, the band featured an international lineup with American Mike Spencer on vocals and guitar, alongside British, Australian, and Italian members. They quickly made their mark with their high-energy live performances, drawing from influences like R&B, blues, and 1960s garage rock.

Their fretwork-laden, self-titled debut album "The Count Bishops," released in 1977, demonstrated their range and capacity to electrify audiences with raw, unadulterated rock 'n' roll. The album’s release helped solidify their position in the London rock scene amidst the likes of Dr. Feelgood and Eddie and the Hot Rods. Despite never breaking into mainstream success, the Count Bishops were crucial in setting the stage for the punk explosion in the UK. They also released "Speedball," an EP that cemented their reputation for blistering, fast-paced rock, which was later reissued with additional tracks as "Speedball + 11." The Count Bishops endured several lineup changes and the tragic loss of guitarist Zenon DeFleur in a car accident in 1979, before ultimately disbanding in the early 1980s. Their legacy, though somewhat underground, endures as an integral piece of the pub rock and early punk tapestry, influencing a generation of musicians with their no-frills, high-voltage rock.