Department S – In session for John Peel – November 19, 1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Another short-lived band of the Dawn of New Wave era. Department S were named after a popular 60s TV show. They had evolved from an earlier Punk/Ska band, Guns for Hire and emerged
Modern-English-Peel-Session-Nov.-11-1980 – BBC Radio 1 – Early glimpses of New Wave tonight, by way of Modern English, a band who not only pioneered a new genre in music, but also achieved hit-making cross-over status. Formed in 1979, Modern English were a four-piece from Colchester who bore a strong resemblance to
Au Pairs in concert tonight. Together a short period of time, but highly influential during that period. Formed in 1978 and disbanding in 1983, Au Pairs was led by singer Lesley Woods, who was described as “One of the most striking Women in British Rock”. The band were at the
The Vapors in concert from Guildford and recorded by BBC Radio 1 on February 11, 1981. Sadly, The Vapors, like many bands from the beginnings of Rock n’ Roll, were often relegated to “one-hit wonder” status – it certainly wasn’t their fault. As is evidenced by this concert, The Vapors
Hinds – Live At Pitchfork Festival 2015 (excerpt) – Oct. 31, 2015 – Radio France FIP – Hinds, the 4-piece quasi-Garage/neo-Punk/raucous Girl-Group from Madrid has America in the palm of their hands. Since they started getting noticed all over Europe a few years ago, they’ve made stabs at the U.S.
The Joy Formidable – Live at Lollapalooza Chile – March 19, 2016 – Zero 97.7 Santiago – Since the seasons are changing for the colder South of the Equator, the Lollapalooza Festival in Chile could be considered a late-Fall festival. But since it’s May here – it’s Spring, and The
The Go-Betweens – in session for John Peel – October 29, 1984 – BBC Radio 1 – From Brisbane Australia, The Go-Betweens were a highly regarded band in the UK. Having begun by 19 year old Theatre Arts majors in 1977. The Go-Betweens initially consisted of singer-songwriters Robert Forster and
The Skids – Live At Chelsea Art College 1981 – BBC Rock Goes To College Series – BBC Radio 1 – The Skids tonight. Punk and New Wave from Scotland, The Skids were around a short while the first time – and a short while the second time. During the
Gang of Four – in session for John Peel – March 12, 1981 – BBC Radio 1 – More examples of Post-Punk tonight. This one by way of Gang of Four, who many considered to be one of the leading bands in the post-Punk movement. They were together (the first
Shop Assistants – John Peel Session – December 8, 1986 – BBC Radio 1 – Shop Assistants tonight. A band sometimes described as “one hit wonders”, they actually had more than one hit. But it was after they signed to the Chrysalis Records imprint Blue Guitar that their fortunes went
