As we start to reach the end of a year cashing in on 40 years of punk, another one of the originals are celebrating their own 40 years in the business. Drummer John “Eddie” Edwards may be the only original member, but with a revolving door of musicians, the Vibrators have continued to put out a constant stream of releases.
THE SMOKIN’ PROPHETS
In their relative infancy, having been around for just over 3 years, the Smokin’ Prophets are at the other end of the age spectrum. Despite being first on there’s a great stage presence from the start, even if it isn’t met with the same enthusiasm as bassist Jayke Turi.
The Smokin’ Prophets clearly love playing their sleazy rock n roll. Wearing their heart on their ripped off shirt sleeves, there’s no hiding from a passion for the likes of Motley Crue and the New York Dolls.
While performing tunes from their “Diseased Deceived” album (reviewed elsewhere on these pages), we’re also treated to a cover of Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers “I wanna be loved”, as well as a preview of what’s next for the Prophets.
the Smokin’ Prophets
5 GO MAD
Having initially formed as a group of mates just out to have some fun, 5 Go Mad suddenly found themselves playing countless gigs up and down the country. As for tonight, there’s plenty of on stage banter as guitarist Brian Barnett keeps having to sit down mid set and songs such as “Drinking and W*nking” are unashamedly childish.
With his time in a UK Subs cover band coming to a sudden end, singer Alan Calver quite happily sticks two fingers up at his former band mates for the subtly titled “Crashed Course”. Drummer Wozza Warren plays at an alarming speed throughout the set and ultimately the rest of the band do well to keep up.
5 Go Mad
THE VIBRATORS
The line-up may have changed along the way but the Vibrators continue to fly the punk rock flag. The current version of the band has since become well established, playing through a set-list that pulls from the “Pure Mania” debut all the way through to their recent 7” single. While Eddie Edwards sings from behind the kit, Darrel Bath and Pete Honkamaki also take turns on vocal duties up front.
If anyone ever claims punk is dead, then they should look no further than the Vibrators. This isn’t any half-hearted attempt to recreate their early days, the performance is full on and the three-way vocals keep it energized throughout.
Ex-UK Subs/Crybabies/Dogs D’amour guitarist Darrel Bath joined the Vibrators at their halfway point, bringing the more rock n roll element to the band. Guitar solos on tracks such as “Whips & Fur” bring the band alive, while Pete on bass happily acknowledges he wouldn’t be playing with his band-mates at all if it weren’t for Edwards… or indeed the fans standing in front of him.
When it came to the classic “Baby, baby” the love coming from the stage was reciprocated, in a good old fashion sing-a-long and a superb extended version of the bands hit single.
Original front-man Ian Knox was in the room too, or at least in spirit and not just on the old songs. Having reunited to add vocals to the bands current album, there was time for a live rendition of their recent trip into the studio. It shows that Knox is still very much part of the Vibrators family, rounding off a great evening and bringing a 40-year history back to where it all started.
the Vibrators
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