Worcestershire Glam act IPANEMA KATZ was rooted in a prior act titled VIRGIN STAR, a band having released the single 'When The Reds' on Official Records. The band, featuring former HEALTH WARNING guitarist Simon Russell, group changed titles to IPANEMA KATZ in 1985 when drummer Mark Simon left to hook up with famed Metal act GRIM REAPER. He was was replaced by Paul Nichols during the name change and the band also added keyboardist Paul Stutt.

An early member of the band was one David Walls, later to journey through AVENGER, THE QUIREBOYS, THE THROBS and THE WILDHEARTS under his more commonly known title of Ginger.