The Paranoid Squirrel

I was back out into gigland for this week’s show which features the Last Great Dreamers and Danny Fury’s Tango Pirates recorded live at The Fiddler’s Elbow on the 8th. It’s been three years since I last saw the Tango Pirates and in the interim the band have had a major overhaul in the line-up department with only vocalist Danny Fury remaining. Apparently the Last Great Dreamers haven’t toured for twenty years; obviously this has been rectified with original drummer Steve Grainger reprising his role on some selected dates with former Sliverhearts drummer Ginge on duty for the remaining. Sorry the show notes aren’t as informative as usual; tough week.

Shock, Horror! I’m back in the studio this week with The Ramones kicking things off then The Sonic’s whose latest album has just come out a massive 49 years after their last remind us the 60’s weren’t just about “The British Invasion”. Up next is a track from Punk Uberlord Brian James’ new solo album “The Guitar That Dripped Blood” that features Dead Boy Cheetah Chrome on additional guitar. Stinking with The Damned connection; The Deadmen Walking a band that features core members Captain Sensible, Slim Jim Phantom, Mike Peters and newest edition Chris Cheney from the Living End with guests spots from Fred Armisen and some guy called Duff McKagan who obviously wants to boost his credibility, are all set to release their debut album “Easy Piracy” on May 7th in the meantime I play the first single from it. The Ruts DC come crashing in next with a track from their Book Pledge and sticking with pledging for a few more songs I play a track from Jettblack’s third album “Disguises” and one from The Crunch’s second album “Brand New Band” and something from The Eureka Machines latest “Brain Waves”. Cover territory this week comes courtesy of John Dissed and The Discontents a band that features one time American Heartbreak and Jetboy drummer Jeff Moscone. Jesse Malin of D Generation fame has just released his first album in over five years which is called New York Before The War”. The track I play features Brother Wayne Kramer. In stock news I play some CrashDïet as Simon Cruz has left the aforementioned band, then some Hornet as they have called it a day with finally some Treatment as Matt Jones, like Simon Cruz has left his respective band. If you are listening to The Wall Rock Radio Beat The Drag are going to bring my hour to a close. A great band that I literally heard only this morning. Its riffy rock as much influenced by the Backyard Babies as it is by Fu Manchu and old Def Leppard. Some Eighties-inspired solos as well.” For everybody else it’s The Quireboys with a track off their 4CD Box set "St Cecilia and the Gypsy Souls" and then it’s Beat The Drag with Whitesnake Burn(ing) things up at the end of the show

The Vibrators recorded live at The New Cross Inn are the subject of this week’s show. Forming in early 1976 the band struck out along the Pub Rock route but got lumped into the Punk Rock scene, which they semi adopted, playing the 100 Club and supporting The Pistols and The Clash. The bassist today, Pete, I’ve known for more years that either of us probably care to mention but have never seen him in The Vibrators, even though he’s been with them since 2003. The only original member is drummer Eddie Edwards with vocalist Knox, due to ill health, consigned to the studio and the occasional gig. I hoped that Knox would be making an appearance as the gig was in London, unfortunately this wasn't the case with Pete handling the majority of vocal duties with Eddie and guitarist Darrell Bath chipping in where necessary. On paper the idea of a Knoxless Vibrators isn't feasible. However it’s obviously worked very well over the last 8 odd years and going on this performance it will continue to do so. The fact that Eddie, Pete and Darrell are great musicians coupled with great songs, old like “Baby, Baby” and “Automatic Lover” and new from current album “Punk Mania – Back To The Roots” was also helpful. I wasn`t the only one who thought this with an admittedly partisan crowd demanding the threesome return for two encores even with the time well into Sunday Morning and last trains well and truly long gone. A great evening as you are about to hear………..

More live shenanigans on this week’s show thanks to Danko Jones and support superstars. the Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell who kicked off their European Tour in support of their latest albums “Fire Music” and “Check ‘Em Before You Wreck ‘Em” respectively at The Oslo in Hackney ten days ago, that was the 18th March late e-mail and web page openers. The last time I saw the Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell was in 2012, again in support mode, but this time around the Hastings trio have the aforementioned "Check 'Em" album to bolster their half hour set. The band were certainly born at the wrong time with their brand of rock more associated with the years 1972 - 1975. Sabbath, "On Parole" Motörhead with some Status Quo old school Boogie but with enough of their own identity to make them relevant in 2015. Shamefully I haven't seen Danko Jones since they support Motörhead down in Brighton in 2008. Since then the band have produced a shed load of albums going through about the same number of drummers in the manor of Spinal Tap. They were great then and they, thankfully, are still great now. Danko Jones ARE the band James Hetfield wishes Metallica still was. They have the hooks, the songs and Danko, the man, is comfortable with the bands audience, so much so he instigates the crowd to take the piss out of the band for not visiting London sooner. Both Shovell and Jones fit perfectly together live as you are just about to hear.........

Sometimes when a band tries to take a second bite of the Cherry (Baby) they end up looking like a pale imitation of themselves, trying too hard and end up sullying their past. This is something Starz have managed to circumnavigate for two reasons. Reason one; even though Kerrang! Magazine listed their first two albums, “Starz” and “Violation”, in the most important Heavy Metal albums of all time with Poison, and Mötley Crüe citing them as a primary influence, the band only managed to lick the cherry. Main stream commercial success seemed to alluded them; all right the “Cherry Baby” 7” was a State side hit but they never managed to capitalise on it. In 2013 they finally made it over to the UK now with Alex Kane on guitar and a guesting Ginger Wildheart on bass. Fast forward to the 11th March 2015 and Starz rolled back into the UK for three dates, Leamington Spa, Camden Underworld and the Hard Rock Hell Festival. London was my port of call and I have to say it was even better than The Garage with regular bassist George DiAna once again plucking the four stringed beast. Even Alex Kane thinks the current incarnation is “Magical”. He’s not wrong. The set was split into two parts as drummer Joe X. Dube needed a quick break having only six weeks earlier been in Hospital undergoing Heart Surgery. The Underworld was not a busy as it should’ve been under normal circumstances as Night Ranger were playing the Islington Academy and Jettblack were having their album listening party in Denmark Street, but for those of us who were there knew we had made the correct choice. As you will hear……

I’m breaking out of the studio for the next few shows and what a finer way to kick things off with Hardcore Superstar recorded live at the Garage in Highbury at the beginning of their “When We Touch The Sky” tour. The band will be releasing their umpteenth album “HCSS” between April 21st and 28th depending where you live, unless you ask Mr Merch Guy very nicely and a promo version could be yours for a Tenner. Practically all 10 tracks were played live which shows the band have got real confidence in the yet to be released album. Let’s face it; normally a couple and at a stretch three new tracks are played when a band tours to support/promote a new product. Not Hardcore Superstar with the new songs welcomed like classics that they surely will become. A great 1¼ hours set had me wondering why on earth they hadn’t headlined over here since January 2010 playing second fiddle to the likes of The 69 Eyes and then Buck Cherry in the interim. Well worth the wait as you will hear!

Back into the studio after a two week live break with some top quality Rock and even some Roll. Kicking things off are The Hives with a Hellacopters cover then it’s onto Nicke Hellacopter himself and the James Williamson (Stooges, Sony Vice President) “Re-Licked” track that he played on. I then turn or point you in the direction of three Classic Bands that just so happen to have released new albums. Up first it’s The Scorpions with a track of their 18th album “Return To Forever” that had me doing a double take as I thought they’d covered The Wildhearts “Sick Of Drugs”. Then it’s onto two of Britain’s finest in the form of UFO and Thunder with a track from “The Conspiracy of Stars” and “Wonder Days” respectively. Saddling up next are Black Star Riders with album number two “Killer Instinct”, still plenty of Thin Lizzy flavours but less former and more current if you catch my drift. Linking a Captain Sensible story to a Beckenham Night Club and Train Station via Status Quo is no mean feet but I manage it and to celebrate the fact I play the Quo song that brought them all together. As rumours of the UK premiere of The Damned Documentary “Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead” fill my head with potential glee a John Peel session Brian James’ Tanz Der Youth track is aired. Back onto new music with Sweden’s Blasting Fondas who had me thinking of The Nomads and The Boys with even a hint, large hint, of The Damned on the particular track that I play. Still in Sweden the Shemales are up next; The Stooges meets The D4? You tell me. The Diamond Dogs have a two CD set out in May called “Quitters and Complainers” which is going to be dedicated to their Sax play “Magic” Gunnarsson who sadly passed away last year. The first track from it has already been let loose on the interwebs so I naturally play it. Diamond Dogs’ vocalist Sulo’s other band The Crunch are also all set to release a new album, “Brand New Brand” in April via PledgeMusic. The rest of The Crunch consist of Terry Chimes formally of The Clash, Black Sabbath and Hanoi Rocks, Dave Tregunna, Sham 69, Lords of The New Church, Mick Geggus, Cockney Rejects and last but no means least Idde Schultz of Docenterna. I sneak you a listen to demo that will in a finished form appear on the aforementioned new album. Friend of the show and Squirrel associate Arkwright tipped me off over the next band who are based in Ashford. The band in question are called The Rash and their 4 track ep “Ashford Royalty” is so catchy it’ll be all over you like a….Rash. Winding up things this week is a classic, in all senses of the word, track from Gillan as The Squirrel and I finally managed, after a 32½ year wait, to hear Mick Underwood in his Glory Road guise play drums live once again.

This week’s show is once again a live affair celebrating Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69’s 60th Birthday which was recorded at The 100 Club and was, you’ll be surprised to learn, the first time Sham 69 had played there. The line-up comprised of nearly all the classic members; Dave Parson, Dave Tregunna with drummer Mark Cain’s place being filled by Robin Guy. As you’d expect the gig was sold out and me being stupid I forgot to remove my hoodie let alone my leather jacket and denim cut off and almost passed out due to heat exhaustion during the first support act. Thanks 100 Club Security for coming to my rescue. What a Big Girls Blouse. It had been 19 years since I last saw Sham 69, that was supporting The Damned in Birmingham at an all day Punk Festival. After last nights performance I won’t be leaving it so long!

This week it’s an all live Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show courtesy of The Hip Priests and the Bitch Queens with the first gig of their short three date English tourette recorded at The Black Heart in Camden. The Bitch Queens, who hail from Basel, Switzerland, come across as the perfect mix of The Dead Boys and Hellacopters with a large smattering of Turbonegro attitude. The band consists of Mel Quitt (Vox/Guitar), Harry Darling (Drums/Vox), Danny Schönenberger (Guitar) and Marcel Colomb (Bass /Vox) and have been out on the road since 2008 finding time to record and release the “Female Shotgun”, “Suck It Up” and “Kill Your Friends” albums along with a clutch of spit singles. The Hip Priest as I’m sure you’re aware have been doing their brand of white trash, oversexed, inbred Rock ‘n’ Roll with the (God) Father figures of Iggy Pop, Johnny Thunders, Lemmy and Handsome Dick looking on with dismay since 2006. In this time the band have brought us countless 7”s, three albums, one Japanese compilation/rarities CD all topped of with the just released live DVD “FO IN HH”. However; live is where the band are best viewed or in the case of this week’s show, heard.

The only known recording of Black Sabbath Mkii starts things off this week with the over looked Dexter Jones’ Circus Orchestra following with The Robot Lords Of Tokyo in a six degrees of separation, thanks to the BBC, straight after. Danko Jones have just released a new album called “Fire Music” naturally I air a track from it. In this day of the internet and social media when forming a band it’s pretty easy to see if your band name of choice has been already taken. Seattle based instrumentalists Audrey Horne have failed in this and recorded and released an album called “Teledidonics”. I play a track before the cease and desist order is served. I also play a track from Los Bastardos Finlandese sixth album “BMF Ball” which has just been released; no one can ever excuse them of name copying! A band I’d not heard of until Head Glunk Recorder Dom Daley pointed me in their direction was FUKDUST4 who feature members of Wolfsbane/Jellys, a former UK Sub and Drongos For Europe. It seems they only have one single out at the moment but what a great start! We pop over to Scandinavia for some Street Punk in the form of City Saints, Sleaze; Hardcore Superstar and emmm Dizzy Mizz Lizzy. Brighton based band Gang return us the UK, with Closer Records Recording artists The Dark Rags, Dum Dum Boys and Three Headed Dog ending this weeks show off.

On The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show; The Worlds Longest running weekly podcast (Allegedly, but prove me wrong) this week the very first single by AC/DC, with only Angus and Malcolm from any AC/DC I know playing on it, is aired. Then Chris Spedding he of “Motorbikin’” and Womble fame has a track from his very excellent “Joyland” played. I almost play a track by The Korgis but don’t instead I fresbie the CD over the houses opposite into the grounds of the the Psychiatric Hospital and play a Reeves Gabrels and his Imaginary Friends track instead. I made the correct choice! The International Swingers soon to be released single originally recorded by The Move gets played in an attempt to get their pledge passed 100%. Finland’s Waltari have a new album out at the end of the month so naturally I play something from it. New to the show are Barnsley Dark Punkers System Of Hate with a track from their very excellent “Insanity” EP. To celebrate The Damned’s “Don’t You Wish We Were Dead” Documentary being screened at next months SXSW festival I play a track from my favourite live Damned album. The UK Subs have a brand new album out called “Yellow Leader” it goes without saying that I play something from it. Then I take you over to Boston for Watts who have been described as “They play in a band built on a bedrock of riff-powered songs that have as much to do with swagger as they do melody. Watts also stoke the twin-engine guitar charge of Keith Richards and Ron Wood, although gruff-voiced singer-guitarist Dan Kopko sings better than both, and lead axe John Blout’s tough, blistering solos are closer in spirit to the knotty workouts of AC/DC’s Angus Young” Well that was me sold. Chips Enuff bassist with Enuff Z’Nuff has just released a solo album with contributions from Steven Adler, Slash, Robin Zander with co writing credits from Trent Reznor and Paul McCartney. The Hip Priests cover Zodiac Mindwarp before I moan about the Jettblack listening party clashing with Starz at The Underworld. With the whole show finishing up with “Songs That Don’t Rock But Actually Do”.

This week we return to the studio with some pre fame Motӧrhead who are swiftly followed by The Ramones who are in turn just before that “other” great New York band The New York Dolls. Which leads us nicely into a track by Dolls and Heartbreakers drummer Jerry Nolan in the form of Jerry Nolan and the Profilers. Bay City Rollers?! Why not, come on Dee Dee was into them and wasn’t Rat Scabies once Mouse Modem in the Tartan Hordes? On the new music front David Ryder Prangley of Rachel Stamp fame treats us to a present to mark his Birthday in the form of the blink and you missed it “Birthday Suite”. The Prima Donnas third album “Nine Lives and Forty Fives” is out on the 10th, so to get you in the mood I obviously play a track off it. The Godfathers of Trash Venom (no Venom no Slayer) have just released a brand new album called “From The Very Depths” and prove that they still have plenty to offer, as you will hear. A band with a lot to prove are Jettblack, third full length album “Disguises” due for a Spring release, tour in February, listening party in March. Lead single “Explode” does just that. Expect the unexpected. The Hip Priests have just released their debut live DVD along with a brand spanking new 7”. Naturally the 7” gets a spin. At this point I talk about clashing gigs, which I avert whilst my daughter shoves a note under the studio door, putting me straight on two things, one of which involves Olly Murs and Social Distortion. Both the Von Hertzen Brothers and VLY, who sport Tormé and former Shark Island bassist Chris Heilmann have new albums out in the coming months. I guess it goes without saying that a track from each is aired.

Once again it’s an all live affair courtesy of former Girl, Tormé vocalist Phil Lewis. Obviously since 1988 Phil has been plying his trade in LA Guns and is just about to complete a short, low key solo UK tour. The show was recorded at the Camden Underworld during the midway point and covers most of his musical catalogue; plenty of LA Guns, naturally, some Girl, a couple of covers, London Cowboys and The Heavy Metal Kids. Sadly no Tormé even if Tormé bassist Chris Heilmann was in attendance. A great evening from a great singer.

Well it only took a few weeks before the first all live Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show presented itself and what three great bands I have in store for you. First up its Cretin 77 who hail from Corby, Northamptonshire. The band formed in the middle of 2011 and have so far only have one album under their belt in the form of “Cretin City Terminal”. Imagine GBH fronted by Jello Biafra. Second on the bill were, all the way from Welsh Wales, The Sick Livers, whose brand of Glunk Rock makes them one of my favourite bands to see live and I’ve only seen them twice. The Sick Livers really turned it on with vocalist Ginge either in the crowd or dragging various Turbojugends that were present on stage. Tidy. Headlining the whole shebang were Norwegian Punksters Honningbarna. I knew less than nothing about this band as their Facebook page is mostly in Norwegian, well it would be and I didn’t understand how to work out the game that let you into their official web-site. All I knew was that a cello was involved…….

The Who get things going this week then it’s The Claytown Troupe before we get into new music courtesy of Captain Powers and Mourning Birds. I also talk about finally getting my iTunes and iPod to work together before a pledge only track from The International Swingers, that’ll be Glem Burke, Glen Matlock, James Stevenson and Gary Twinn is aired. As I’ve also pledged on Marky Ramones autobiography I play a Motӧrhead cover from The Chuck Norris Experiment. More new music from one time David Bowie and John Lennon guitarist Earl Slick before I regale the story of locking out friend of the show and Squirrel Associate Arkwight at ten to one in the morning as he returned from seeing Paul Raymond at The Borderline. Naturally I play some UFO. A new segment this week is “Songs That Rock, That Shouldn’t” featuring Ella Henderson. With the show rounded off by some 30% slower Slayer!

Welcome to the first show of 2015. Union Carbide Productions get the ball rolling after which I moan about iTunes 12 seemingly refusing to sync new albums on my iPod. Steve Conte cheers things up with a track from his critically acclaimed “NYC” album. Whilst in between the aforementioned Steve Conte and D-A-D I tell a hypothetical (sic) story about the perils of not owning an Oyster Card. The Whocares have a track off their overlooked, by me, album “Now In Full Stereo” aired before the first “Compare & Contrast” of 2015 comes into court. Prosecuting are the Lightning Seeds whilst the defendants are The Damned. The title track of Calabrese soon to be released 6th album “Lust For Sacrilege” gets The Rock Show treatment before I tell you of the fantasy festival that was to be held in Stockholm on three impossible days at the end of next month. Underpinned by The last ever Gluecifer studio track. I moan about the TV being so dire over the Festive Period, the only high points being the non-Christmas films that are shown. Not forgetting the Clash Documentary that was shown on New Year’s Day on BBC Four. Obviously I play a song by them, which is swiftly followed by The Hellacopters. As we reach the home straight Thee Imperial Royales, with their second album of Surf, Goth ‘n’ Roll in 10 years are played and then it’s the turn of The Dime Store Haloes, oh the interconnectiveness. Rounding the show off are; The Drej, who have decided to call it a day and Motӧrhead who remind us of their roots.

So that’s Christmas done and dusted and on the last show of 2014 Metallica get things underway. Don’t forget kids you only need to own the first three Metallica albums. Hot from last week’s show are the returning Flame Pilots with another track from their latest offering. The Disconnects whose album “Wake Up Dead” is just about to be released have a track aired for your consideration. As do The Keefs whose debut album “Better Late Than Never” was released to coincide with them splitting up. Shame! TV Smith has just released his latest album called “I Delete” and it is a corker, as you’ll hear. For the last time this year, thanks to Andy P of Fear and Loathing Fanzine, “Compare and Contrast” rears its litigating head with Devo up against Led Zeppelin. To celebrate Ginger Wildheart’s “Songs and Words” pledge (Coffee Table Book and DVD, drool, drool) I play Bi-Polar Baby ft Yolanda Quartey. The show is rounded off by Devil City Angels who sport Tracii Guns, Rikki Rockett and Brandon Gibbs. See you next year!

As it’s coming up to Christmas I kick this week’s show off with Flame Pilots “St Nick’s Lament” and if that doesn’t have you reaching for a bottle of something strong I don’t know what will. The Sonic’s Rendezvous Band come crashing in next with a choice cover before I start to tell you why this week’s show is about 4 hours late in being uploaded (now six thanks to podbean). New music comes courtesy Low Impact Records and Bo-Dogs who sport Chips and Kent from Sator and The Maharajas. Prior to Glunk Record recording artists Crazy & The Brains, (this band have a lead Glockenspiel) and The Sick Livers I share my daughter’s X Factor story combined with a new trip to the Dentist. Up next, thanks to Dom Daley, it’s from LA the Ex-Gentlemen and from Seattle The Cheap Cassettes. I was hoping that Sparks were going to make a guest appearance at Ginger Wildheart’s 50th Birthday Bash, they didn’t which was shame. Once again though it seems hard to imagine how Ginger will be able top this year’s. However I still play a Sparks tune as a “What if…?” moment. As we speed towards the end of this week’s show I play a track from Motorpsycho’s “Motorpnakotic Fragments” double 7” package. The last song goes to Sin City Sinners and I mistaking think that there won’t be another show until next year completely forgetting that Episode 414 is actually the last show of 2014.

This week on the Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show I start things off by regaling my woes at the beginning of the week. Fortunately the second half was top draw stuff with gigs from Reckless Love and the subject of this week’s show; Richie Ramone at The Boiler Room in Guildford. Richie is over here to promote his debut CD “Entitled” with his band comprising of friends of the show Alex Kane and Clare Misstake both, as you should know, from the currently on hiatus AntiProduct and…..once upon a time the other surviving drumming Ramone’s ‘Blitzkrieg Band’. During the course of the band’s set Richie flits from drum kit to mic with rhythm guitarist Ben Reagan picking up the sticks when necessary. Obviously choice cuts from “Entitled” are played along with tracks from the three Ramones albums that Richie drummed on. However Richie doesn’t overlook the early classic Ramones albums. Yes he didn’t appear on those studio albums, that would be Tommy and Marky, but he did play them live for over 500 shows over the course of five years. So he is, as his album says, “Entitled”. In past interviews Richie has voiced his concerns that he didn’t want to see his band viewed as a Ramones tribute. He hasn’t got anything to worry about; Alex, Clare and Ben aren’t all dressed up in jeans and leather jackets. Alex live still scares the shit out of me with his “I’m going to kill you” facial expressions, off stage he is one of the most genuine people you could meet. Sound wise? Probably the closest you’ll get to hearing The Ramones. Admittedly Richie doesn’t sound like Joey, but why would he, who does? The Ramones were a totally unique band as were all the individual ‘brothers’. Not a tribute just continuing the legacy.

This week I start off by stressing about my teeth, or lack of, and ordering One Direction tickets potentially at the same time as I’m sitting in the Dentist’s chair. Musically Jake Starr and the Delicious Fullness get things going with another track from their “Tastes Good” album. Then I complain about Facebook’s “Real Name” Policy and to underline how stupid it is I play a duet by David Walls and Courtney Harrison. You know who I’m talking about. Swedish Street Punks Bombshell Rocks, who I thought had split up in 2001, have just released a brand new album called “Generation Tranquilized”. Naturally I play a track off it. Then as Radio Birdman have a fantastic, fan friendly six CD/1 DVD Boxset out I play something by them. Well you would, wouldn’t you? Staying Downunder; The Hard Ons treat us to something from “Peel Me Like An Egg” which I link to winning, but not winning a two foot tall R2D2 cake. The last Australian band I play this week came recommended from Bobby-Lou Hellacopter in the form of Uptown Ace and their free to download “1850” album. Top stuff. Just before I play some Hanoi Rocks I mention about being offered a weekly two hour DAB radio show and why I turned it down. No pun intended. The Prisoners Of Millbank are up next as their bassist told me to “Play my band.” The “Twisted Disco For Strange Men” quote on their Facebook page never seemed so apt. I finally got around to getting former Enuff Z’Nuff vocalist Donnie Vie’s new double White Album. Very good it is to, as you will hear. Mixing it up a bit I play an 1988 Demo of a Discharge tune by Broken Bones and then getting things right up to date I play a new track from their “Dead & Gone” ep. Gig wise this week saw me up at The Shacklewell Arms in East London to bear witness to the mega star, the legend that is Johnny Moped. I also after twenty odd years of being it’s Guardian delivered to Dave Berk the 2” Instrumental Master Tape of “Honey Bun”, “I Believed Her Lies” and “Hiawatha” featuring Dave, Slimey and the sadly deceased Fred. As a tribute to Fred I play the Radio 1 Session of “Darling Let’s Have Another Baby” by Kirsty MacColl and Billy Bragg. The show is rounded off by the B-52s and a song that should segue nicely, or strike the fear, into the show that follows this on The Wall Rock Radio……..

This week’s hour long studio effort turns out to be an hour and twenty minutes instead. I start things off with an apology to St Evel who I played on last week’s show but failed to mention in my show notes. I also said on last week’s show that this week it was going to be all live with Bend Sinister and Big Elf at the helm. It’s not and they aren’t. The Sex Pistols and The Damned kick the music this week off with a shared song titled before Hardcore Superstar get all sticky. Whilst taking my daughter to see Olly Murs at HMV in Oxford Street I consoled myself with iPod and Psychopunch’s back catalogue, one of which I share with you. I’ve just Pledged for the Eureka Machines forth album “Brain Waves” and as soon as you do an 80’s 4 track covers ep becomes yours. As one of those tracks is currently up on YouTube so I give it an airing. The “Demons” have announced that they are returning to business and to celebrate a track from the bands last CD “Scarcity Rocks” gets played. Donnie Vie, formally of Enuff Z’Nuff, is releasing a brand new solo album called “The White Album” on Cargo Records. I play a demo track that didn’t make it onto the album due to a Hard Drive failure. A band that are brand new to me are Bitch Queens from Switzerland who have been at it since 2008. They sound like The Stooges and the Backyard Babies, whilst next door the Dead Boys are drinking beer with Turbonegro. Can’t wait to see them supporting The Hip Priests in February. Consequently the next three songs come from the Bitch Queens, The Hip Priests and Turbonegro. Up next it’s The Lovesores with the title track of their just released ep on HoundDawg Records. Hastings based band and Squirrel favourites Hornet are up next with the first fruits from their recent trip to the studio. AC/DC and then Status Quo’s latest offerings are played with Spike and a track from his “100% Pure Frankie Miller” finishing the hour at which point Wall Rock Radio listeners leave us but not before I thank everyone for my Birthday wishes and regale the beer spilling Boiler breaking incident. The last twenty minutes is taken up with The Vibrators, Vive Finto, who only ever officially released one track on a compilation CD. Fortunately I have the unreleased album and delve into it for your pleasure. The last two tracks come courtesy of Swedish NWoBM worshipping rockers Hypnos and Susan Boyle. Yes that Susan Boyle. Come on admit it, no other Radio Station would play Turbonegro and a Britain’s Got Talent contestant. And I wonder why I still have a day job….

This week I’m still in the studio, even though my gig tally almost topped last weeks. Up first is some classic Suicidal Tendencies then we get into brand new music from: Mary’s Kids, Imperial State Electric, Lester Greenoski, The BrokenDolls, C.J. Ramone, Sonny Vincent, Faith No More, Johnny Thunders, Santa Cruz, Bend Sinister, Ming City Rockers, Zen Motel with The UK Subs bringing things to a close.

Welcome to the first “All Studio” show for a long, long time. Musically we have three tracks from the only bands that matter; Ramones, Motörhead and The Damned. We then go old school, I mean really old school with some speed corrected Robert Johnson. New music comes from AC/DC who have been in the news over the last few weeks for the right and sometimes wrong reasons. Then I take you to Stockholm, Sweden for a track from The Curse’s brand new full length offering, “World Domination”. Guy Bailey formerly of The Quireboys and The Peckham Cowboys has a brand new project on the go in the form of Thirsty that once again reunites him with Chris Johstone. Obviously I ply a track from the bands self-titled debut CD. Ulysses, who I caught live supporting The Godfathers, make their first appearance on The Paranoid Squirrel with a track taken from their 2013 album “Kill You Again”. Into cover territory with firstly The BossHoss who I saw opening for Motӧrhead last Saturday and then The Flaming Lips featuring Miley Cyrus. I kid you not. Jake Starr and The Delicious Fullness get things back on track with a song off their just released album “Tastes Good”. Modtastic! A track from Los Pepes’, debut CD “Los Pepes for Everyone” which has been a permanent fixture in my car of late gets you Powerpopping. Compare and Contrast returns with Taylor Swift versus The Supersuckers. Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift on The Paranoid Squirrel……?! The show flows to an end courtesy of Pink Floyd.

Arguably there are just three bands that matter; The Ramones, Motörhead and The Damned. All subsequent Rock Bands lineage can be traced back to these three. Strangely enough my favourite single, album and live gig are from none of the above bands. For only the second time in their history Motörhead and The Damned once again became touring partners. Motörhead were always the metal band punks liked and The Damned the punk band that appealed to metalheads, with Lemmy even joining a bassless Damned (Les Punks) for a one off gig at The Electric Ballroom. This lead to the aborted Motördamned project that saw The Sweets’ “Ballroom Blitz” and Motörhead’s “Over The Top” recorded. “Spend That Money” indeed. Normally the pre-Christmas Motörhead UK Tour takes in around half a dozen dates but this year, due to Lemmy’s health concerns, it’s down to just three; Manchester, Birmingham and Wembley Arena. I braved the £46 cost of the ticket but avoided forking out for the costly Car Park opting for London Transport seeing them at Wembley. I missed the beginning of opening act The BossHoss but was suitably impressed to go out and purchase their current CD “Flames Of Fame”. The Damned’s set being only 50 minutes meant it was a super condensed fan favourite best of. As per nothing post Eloise, with the band finishing up with the singular Smash It Up, no time for Part One on this particular occasion. The sound, for a change for The Damned was spot on, better than some of their own headlining shows I’ve seen. It’s been three years since I last saw Motörhead due to clashing gigs, a Hand-Fasting and Lemmy’s hematoma. Lemmy seemed very subdued, never moving from his mic stand and no machine gunning bass. The only thing that was animated was his hands and mouth. Sonically though Motörhead, as I hoped, ruled. The set-list, as we all know for a band that have been going for as long as they have is always going to be difficult, choosing what to put in and what to leave out. “No Iron Fist”, or “Bomber”, but then I have heard them a million times before. “Rock It” and “Suicide” on the other hand from “Another Perfect Day” and “Inferno” respectively were a nice addition. I’m really glad I went, three really good bands, just about money well spent.

When two members of your band do the dirty on you and quit just before a couple of gigs there are two things that you can do; crawl off somewhere and feel sorry for yourself, saying poor old me or in the case of Pete and Christopher Coyne of The Godfathers get some shit hot replacements that make the former members look tired and redundant. They say success is the best form of revenge and never has that been more apt. After a couple of false starts on Halloween I finally managed to get to see The Godfathers live at their sold out gig at The Lexington in Islington. And boy was it worth the wait. Pete and Chris were joined by Mauro Venegas and Steve Crittall on guitar with Tim James on drums and to quote Pete they were “Red Hot”. All aspects of the band career were played with some tunes being dusted off after a long time away, obviously for me they were all the first time I’d heard them, but they most defiantly won’t be the last. Kicking the show off this week are The Kult 45s who like The Godfathers I’ve been trying and failing to see. Obviously for not as long as the aforementioned Godfathers as the said Kult 45s have only been blasting out their brand of Dirty, Filthy Punk ‘n’ Roll Blues since the beginning of the Summer, but with a reasonable stage time of 8:15 The 12 Bar beckoned. Talking about The 12 Bar; I also put in my two Denarius over the reshaping of Denmark Street and surrounding areas due to CrossRail.

On this week’s show we have Bernie Tormé and The Broken Chords recorded live at The Borderline in London, although Bernie’s Brighton encore, recorded a week earlier, does actually finish things off. I will always sight two guitarists as being hugely influential. Captain Sensible being one, the other; Bernie Tormé. Bernie really does have a real unique sound and playing style, highly distinctive. When I first heard Zakk Wylde playing with Ozzy Osbourne I immediately thought he’d grown up listening to Gillan albums and the live Ozzy bootleg recordings of when Bernie was brought in to finish off Ozzy’s touring commitments in the States after Randy Rhodes’ tragic death. 2014 has been a great year if you a Bernie Tormé fan. A fan funded double CD “Flowers and Dirt” which reached the 100% mark within 24 hours finally ending at 418% and a tour, a proper full on Bernie Tormé Tour! Two dates were penned in for myself, The Squirrel and squirrel associate Arkwright; Brighton on the 22nd and London 29th (Unfortunately Arkwright missed the London gig as he was rehearsing with his own band). Two great nights, with Bernie’s sons joining him on stage in Brighton for a run though of “Paranoid”. In London it was the turn of a guest pledger to join Berne, drummer Ian Harris and bassist Chris Heilmann for a cover of Hendrix’s “Fire”. If you’re quick off the mark you can see Bernie at The Clundy, Newcastle tonight (1st Nov) or if Scotland is where you reside he’s with you on the 13th, 14th and 15th. In other news I talk about clashing gigs; Johnny Moped versus Stonewall Noise Orchestra/Goat Leaf. Looks like the Mopeds will have my patronage as the doors don’t open until 9pm for S*N*O. The Squirrel doesn’t call me Armerella for nothing……

As it seems to be the trend for October (and from what I can tell it’s going to continue into November, well into November) it’s another all live show. Nothing Scandinavian this time around though. First up it’s The Sensible Gray Cells, but “Hold on!” I hear you cry “Their tour has just been cancelled”. True, but to illustrate my frustration at the gigs being cancelled, all four of them, due to perceived low tickets sales, the added prices to the face value, that you don’t get back in the event of a cancellation I use one of their songs from “A Postcard From Britain” and thanks to modern technology make it sound how you would’ve heard it on the tour……The first real live band on this week’s show is Goat Leaf who unfortunately I only caught the last song from their Kory Clarke support slot. Admittedly it was a good last song. The band feature former Warrior Soul guitarist Johnny H and their brand of Stoner, Punk, and Desert Session Rock was right up my street. (I did contemplate seeing them at The Unicorn Thursday but due to an extremely late night the day before seeing Bernie Tormé down in Brighton I didn’t. Thanks M23 mega diversion for adding an extra 40 minutes to the journey.) Obviously Kory Clarke (Warrior Soul, Trouble, Mob Research, etc) is this week’s main attraction with the final date of his current UK Tour, well 4 Scottish dates and 2 English which makes a change. The gig in question was at The Islington in er…Islington to promote Kory’s new Cargo released CD “Payback’s A Bitch”. Kory looked tanned and relaxed but still giving the (Stiff) Middle Finger to those deemed to have crossed him. Old classics and soon to be new classics stood up well together with the band pretty much laying waste to all and sundry.

More Scandinavian live action courtesy of Crucified Barbara and Supercharger recorded at The Boston Music Room Tufnell Park. This was the first time I’ve seen Danish Rockers Supercharger who describe themselves as “a mix of rich guitars, piano, Hammond organ, harmonica and heavy drums, stirred up with rough whiskey vocals”. No argument from me on that score. It’s been six years since I last saw Crucified Barbara when they rolled into town with The Backyard Babies. This time around they’re on a full on European Headlining Tour in support of their fourth album “In The Red”. On this week’s show I also talk about a solution to my iPod running out of space, getting out of a Parking Ticket but picking up a cracked windscreen and watching a former work colleague getting into it with Gordon Ramsay on T.V.

At the end of the 90’s you couldn’t help but fall over Swedish Garage Rock bands, The Hellacopters and The Hives being the front runners but in the background wallowing in Cult status were The Nomads and Sator. The Nomads have been with us for nigh on 33 years with Sator more or less forming around the same time in one guise or another. Officially I think the band are celebrating their Silver Jubilee this year. As for The Nomads; on their 20th Anniversary Nick Royale, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Ross The Boss, Jello Biafra, Chris Bailey, Odd Ahlgren and Wayne Kramer joined the band on stage at the Hultsfred festival. That’s how important The Nomads are. The band first made it to London in November 1984 playing The Garage on the 23rd with The Clarendon Hotel two days later. Sator’s debut London show, on the other hand, was a few days ago at The Pipeline with support coming from….You guessed it, knew it already The Nomads. Why it’s taken so long for Sator to reach our shores, I don’t know; but decent terms and condition I’m sure played a part. Amongst the Sator ranks sits one Chips Kiesbye whose production skills have graced the likes of The Hellacopters, Crucified Barbara, Bonafide and Millencolin. But Sator aren’t about just one man. The bands last album “Under The Radar” and sadly only merch on sale, came out 3 years ago so I really did feel honoured that they had graced us with their presence. There was also a heavy contingent of Swedes in the audience quite possibly outnumbering us Brits, coupled with the Pipeline being owned and run by a Swedish ex-pat we could, quite easily have been in Stockholm. Sator sight The Boys as an influence so it was great to see Boys guitarist Honest John Plain joining them for two songs. The Nomads seem to be making a yearly trip to London, let’s hope this trend rubs off on Sator. But before you hear The Nomads and Sator live at The Pipeline I play you some Paul Di’Anno from his new live album which on first listen I really had a downer on, but second time around I warmed to. Slightly

Last Saturday there was a plethora of things to do if you were in London; The Jim Jones Revue’s final gig at the Forum with the last remaining Heartbreaker, not counting Richard Hell, Walter Lure in support. Ian Hunter at the Shepherds Bush Empire, The Black Veil Brides at Brixton Academy, The Supersuckers at the Islington Academy, Finntroll up at The Dome in Tufnell Park and not forgetting the AC/DC video shoot. For me it was always going to be the self-proclaimed “Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band In The World” the Supersuckers. Having not seen them for about 3 years how could I say no? (Also I wasn’t invited to the AC/DC shoot and had already purchased my Supersuckers Ticket before Walter had been added to the JJR bill.) As for the others……. The Supersuckers delivered, coming on to ZZ Top with covers from Depeche Mode and Thin Lizzy with Van Halen as an outro I felt sorry for those who weren’t in attendance. Good job they can listen to it right here, right now.

On this, the 400 Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show, I bring you a couple of live tracks by new band The Kult 45s and the whole of the Electric Boys gig at The Camden Underworld recorded on the 26th September.

In support of their “comeback” album the Last Great Dreamers along with The Sonic Jewels, who up to this point had eluded me, played The Purple Turtle on Sunday 21st September. Obviously The Squirrel and I were in attendance and this week’s show is the recorded result.

The Boys to celebrate the release of their first new studio album, “Punk Rock Menopause”, in over 30 years played two UK dates last week. One in Newcastle and this one at The Jazz Café in London on Saturday 13th September. Joining the band for the encore was original founding member Andrew Matheson.

Due to technical difficulties Episode 398 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show is temporally unavailable. In the meantime listen to these cool, should be heard on the radio but aren’t, songs.

For this week’s show I travelled up to The Boston Music Room in Tufnell Park for Amoeba Fest II that featured Peter Pan Speed Rock along with headliners Discharge. This was the first time I’ve caught Dutch band Peter Pan Speedrock but after their set it most certainly won’t be the last. Great Rock that brought out the local Turbojends. From first to third as this was the third time I’ve managed to see Discharge and each time with a different vocalist. Cal-Rat-JJ in that order, but the first time as a 5-piece as original member Tezz rejoins his brother Bones on guitar along with bassist Rainy, drummer Dave and new vocalist JJ Janiak. Yes I know basically Broken Bones with the addition of Rainy……

Welcome to this The Paranoid Squirrel Mid-Week Special. Special being the operative word as this episode features most probably the last ever Gasoline Queens gig. Recorded at the Unicorn in Camden on the 5th September with once again Chris Rockson joining them for a few choice numbers.

On this week’s show I play you something from The Generators and No Direction, covers from Enuff Z’Nuff and Tracii Guns League Of Gentlemen, new tracks from Wayne Kramer, Bernie Tormé, The Dwarves, The Meatmen, Kory Clarke, Gorilla, The Curse, The Last Great Dreamers, The Datsuns and Crucified Barbara. I also talk about the closure of music venues. Are we just being nostalgic? And why foreign touring bands are treated better in Mainland Europe than in the UK. All this whilst eating a pizza which broke three of my teeth.

This week’s show features the London debut solo gig of Nicke Borg, frontman with both Homeland and the reactivated Backyard Babies. Recorded at The Underworld in Camden on the 22nd August with just Nicke, an acoustic guitar and some choice stories, we hear an hours’ worth of songs from both the aforementioned bands along with some appropriate covers.

Thanks sadly to the cancellation of last weekends Alt-Fest I was able to see The Damned on “Home Turf” playing The Forum, Kentish Town for the wallet saving price of a Tenner. (All right £14.15 once all the unnecessary charges had been added). I know it was only in April that the band graced the self same venue for Captain’s 60th Birthday gig, but this (second) time around there was less of a party atmosphere with more of a down to business vibe. Although Captain still gives as good as he gets in the banter department. A nice long set, still nothing post “Eloise”. I still love to hear this line up tackle something from “Not Of This Earth/I’m Alright Jack”, but at the end of the day I’m just glad The Damned are still out there. New album pleeeease……..

Another live show this week recorded at a venue I’ve not been to before namely Under The Bridge which as the name suggests is under Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea F.C. The band in question were/are Glen Matlock, Slim Jim Phantom and Earl Slick who collectively have been in The Sex Pistols, The Stray Cats and David Bowie. Obviously choice cuts from their more well know work are played albeit in a more Rock-a-Billy style, along with covers from Television, The Faces and, I kid you not, Pharrell Williams. Also joining the band for a cover of his and Earl’s former employer was Reeves Gabrels. A great band at a great venue, even if the Bar Prices reflected its location, The Wetherspoons in Fulham Broadway will be the stopping off point next time….

After a 37 year absence The Dictators NYC, that’s Handsome Dick Manitoba, Ross “The Boss”, JP Patterson with Ramones associate Daniel Rey and Dean Rispler finally return to London to play The Highbury Garage as a prelude to their Rebellion Festival appearance. The last official Dictators album came out 26 years ago in 1991 a gap of 13 years since 1978’s “Bloodbrothers” but even so none of the songs culled from them, “Go Girl Crazy” and “Manifest Destiny” sound dated. They sound just awesome as you are just about to hear along with a couple of covers thrown in for good measure in the shape and form of The Flaming Grooves “Slow Death” and with HDM reprising his Rob Tyner role with “Kick Out The Jams”.

For me, this week’s live show features 4 of the best unsigned DIY bands I’ve come across. Literally. Making their first foray into Central London it is Whitstable based band Flame Pilots, featuring friend of the show and Squirrel Associate Arkwright. Then it’s a live welcome return to The Paranoid Squirrel in the form of Cars Like Sharks. Up next is The Drej who regular listeners need no introduction to. Headlining the whole shindig is Top Buzzer warming themselves up for their Rebellion slot. A great evening with four great bands. Enjoy.

Off the back of last week’s show we have an acoustic Captain Sensible song starting things going which is swiftly followed by a new track from the up and coming Murder City Devils album “The White Ghost Has Blood On Its Hands Again”. Sad news reached the Squirrel dray on Monday regarding the health of former Heartbreaker bassist Billy Rath. As a tribute to him I play you a track from the Heartbreakers one and only studio album “L.A.M.F.” (cassette version). In the live department it’s Jettblack at The Macbeth, Hoxton in a one-off party gig to test out some of the songs from album number 3.

As Motörhead have just announced three Arena show for November with The Damned as special guests I play tracks from both with the addition of The Sensible Gray Cells (Captain, Paul Gray & Ant Thickett) as they are also playing a London date in November. Up next is another new track from The Mutants “Rhythm and Punk Review” album. For the next few tracks I seem to be in “Classic Rock” territory with The Dagger, Judas Priest, Uriah Heep and Bullet. The reformed Last Great Dreamers have the first single taken from their soon to be released “Crash Landing In Teenage Heaven” album aired. Gig of the Summer has to be The Drej, Top Buzzer, Cars Like Sharks and Flame Pilots at The Rhythm Factory on the 6th August. All my favourite unsigned bands in one place all for free! So rounding this week’s show off is a track from each.

This week’s show starts of with a tribute to Tommy Ramone who sadly passed away on the 11th July. Apart from the obvious Ramones tunes aired I also play a track from the Lords of Altamont cover album “Lords Take Altamont” followed by The Crazy Squeeze whilst discussing Downloads vs Real life Records. The best band name of the year so far goes to Spliff Witchard whose new album “Next Stop…Never” has a track aired. From now on in, or until the end of the show, I hit you with some of the finest Nordic Rock I have lying around in my hard-drive; Märvel, The Hellacopters, Bloodlights, Smoke Mohawk, Gluecifer, The Michael Monroe Band, The Flaming Sideburns, Waltari, The Nomads and Sator.

Not many bands will get me staying out late one of the exceptions to the rule will always be The Yo-Yo’s as club gigs seem to be only once a year. As a Sonisphere warm-up the band played Chris McCormack’s Jubilee Club on the 4th July. Only Tom Spencer and Danny McCormack remain from the band that produced the classic “Uppers & Downers” for Subpop but Simon Maxwell drummer from the Loyalties and Role Models along with guitarist Nick Hughes bassist with New Device fit in like a worn out boxing glove. The Yo-Yo’s were supported by The (Willie) Dowling (Random Jon) Poole who had stayed on after their PledgeMusic Pledgers only gig. A very satisfying evening even if I did get in at twenty to two.

So the run of studio episodes lasted one whole week but I think you will agree with me that 50 odd minutes of Honest John Plain who was aided and abetted by Robbie Rushton on drums, Gary Pearce on guitar and Nick Medlin on bass, recorded at The Water Rats in London is a fair exchange. Frustratingly HJP isn’t able to promote his latest solo album that sees him working with Glen Matlock, Martin Chambers, Michael Monroe, Casino Steel, Darrell Bath and Verden Allen as the only track that has seen the light of day, so far, has been “Never Listen To Rumours”. But what we do get a great cross section of Honest John Plain’s recording career. Obviously The Boys are represented along with The Crybabys, Landslide Ladies and even a collaboration with Pete Stride gets an airing. Enjoy.

After a six week break I return you to an all studio show. Kicking things off are The Ramones who are followed by a track from the new Nazareth album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone”. From there on in it’s pretty much all new material from; Carnival Sun, Jackson Firebird, The New Christs, The Royal Cream, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Peter Pan Speedrock, The Mutants featuring Wilko Johnson, Wayne Kramer, Rat Scabies, Jake Burns, TV Smith, Charlie Harper, Jucy Nylon, Neville Staple, Norman Watt-Roy, Chris Constantinou and Paul Frazer. The Boys, The Bermondsey Joyriders, St Evel, Cars Like Sharks, The Buzzcocks, The Hip Priests, The Quireboys and The Backstreet Girls. I also managed to slip in a “Compare and Contrast”; The Damned Vs The Wildhearts.

Once again this week we go live with sets from the recently reactivated Role Models, The Hip Priests who are all set to release album number three “Black Denim Blitz” on August 11th and making their UK debut promoting their brand new album “Right Between The Eyes” from Sweden the Chuck Norris Experiment. Recorded at The Pipeline, London 13th June.

Even with a super backlog of CDs & mp3 I’m taking you on a trip down memory lane in the form of Adam West. For those of you who think Adam West was the actor who played Batman in the 1960’s US Television show and have no access to Wikipedia here is the lowdown. Adam West was formed in the early 1990s, when vocalist Jake Starr decided to form a garage band with a 1960s Rock n' Roll sound. They released their first single, "I Get a Sensation", on Fandango Records in 1993. Their discography consists of 35 7-inch singles, one 10-inch EP, five full-length studio albums, three outtakes/B-sides albums, and 40 appearances on compilation albums. In 2008, Adam West released their final album ESP: Extra Sexual Perception, and played their farewell tour in Europe. They concluded an almost 17-year career at a sold-out show in their hometown of Washington, DC on November 8, 2008. I only managed to see the band twice. The 1st in 2005 at Debaser and the final time a year later on 31st October at Club Sheriff, both in Stockholm, Sweden. Enjoy.