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Showing posts with label Indian Larry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indian Larry. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

On this day: May 13, 2013

On this day, May 13, 2013, Donald James Cornwallis, known as English Don, died. Don came to the USA from England as a drummer with Levi and the Rockcats, a rockabilly music group. Don joined forces with Steg (Axe Man) Von Heintz and the passion for music was out paced by the passion for motorcycles. 

Don on the 1st Babylon Taxi

They formed S & D Cycles in Queens New York which grew quickly, and in a few years they opened Psycho Cycles in Manhattan, New York. Numerous magazine articles and covers soon followed. 

Bayonet Brothers - Indian Larry and English Don
Photo by: Garry Stuart

The new shop was down the street from the Javits Center in New York and forming the Anti-Bikeshow Bikeshow at the same time the Javits Center had their bike show. 




The Anti show would end up getting more press and attention than the big money show. Psycho Cycles gathered many new people that are now considered mainstays in the motorcycle world such as Paul Cox and the notable Indian Larry. 


In fact Jesse James has been quoted as stating that what English Don, Steg and Larry were doing was what influenced him to start West Coast Choppers. When Larry become more well known, he ignored Don and Steg, the very folks who started the whole NYC chopper scene.  


Along the way the combo and notably English Don racked up a series of magazine covers for Iron Horse, The Horse and Back Street Choppers magazines.

 
Don becomes ill and returns to England on and off returning to the US. Indian Larry takes over the shop and does the Biker Build Off show for Discovery Channel. Don films “Isle of Dogs” directed by Tami Sutton. 

Don was born March 30, 1960 and passed away peacefully in his sleep in Mesa, Arizona on May 13/14, 2013. 

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