The Paranoid Squirrel

Welcome to Episode 447 of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show and on this week’s show we have another new track from the Biters’ brand new album “Electric Blood” which seems to have been a permanent fixture in my stereo at the moment, although I have found time to listen to the new Ghost album “Meliora” and play you a track from it which unfortunately skips at the beginning (poxy CD). Continuing on from last week’s first World problem of clashing gigs a new one has been added that effects The Squirrel; Amorphis up at Wembley versus Sator playing Debaser to celebrate the Anniversary of “Headquake”. My money is on The Squirrel going to Stockholm. Consequently a track by Sator from “Headquake” is played. Up next is a track from The Straight To Video project which is the Brain Child of Rob Lane sometime bassist with The Teenage Casket Company, The Bullet Boys, Let Loose and Enuff Z’nuff’s Johnny Monaco’s solo band. Rob’s idea was to record classic 80’s 90’s pop songs that featured in classic 80’s 90’s films. On the second release cleverly called “Straight 2 Video” Robin Black, formerly of The Intergalactic Rock Stars, lends his vocals to Paul Westerberg’s “Dyslexic Heart”. As it was Robin’s Birthday last week Rob made it free to Download from the projects SoundCloud site which if you missed I play. Last week I played some Octopie who I said sounded like the Eureka Machines going prog. Well I played the album to The Squirrel who could see where I was coming from but thought it was more akin to The Scaramanga Six and I have to agree but to fair to me at one time both the Eureka Machines and The Scaramanga Six sported Chris Catalyst and Steven Morricone. To underline this I play some Scaramanga Six who coincidently released a new album at the beginning of June called “The Terrifying Dream”. Staying with last week I played the wrong version of Billy Hopeless’ “Gutterball” his contribution to the Billy Hopeless verses The Hip Priests split single out on a Little T&A Records. I’m not going to go into the whys and what for. (Yes I’m an idiot). To rectify my error I play the correct version. Whilst stalking, I mean surfing FaceBook, I found myself listening to the Barreracudas album “Can Do Easy”. I was quickly won over by their ‘70’s New York Glam, Punk, Trashy, Power Pop so purchased said album a track of which I obviously air to win you over also. Operation:Mindcrime the band that features the former vocalist of Queensryche Geoff Tate are all set to release their debut album “The Key” on 18th September. As a teaser I play you the track “Re-Inventing The Future” from the aforementioned album. This week’s show is finished off by The Black Bullets recorded live at The Birds Nest in Deptford. More sing-a-long anthems than a “Best of Zodiac Mindwarp” album.

The Last Great Dreamers are first up this week with a brand spanking new Motörhead track from “Bad Magic” swiftly following in their wake. The Biters have a track from their just released “Electric Blood” album aired with Thundermother **erm** Thundering in afterwards interspersed with Gigs I have already booked for next year and upcoming clashing gig stories featuring The Wildhearts, Danko Jones, Biters, One Direction, Megadeth, Kavadar and Bernie Tormé. I also mention about my trip next Friday up to Team Rock Radio’s Breakfast Show. More new music comes from The Role Models’ “The Go To Guy” album and then a classic track from The Sick Livers. After only having 16 seconds of Billy Hopeless’ song “Gutterball” that I played on Episode 444, Billy himself e-mailed me asking if I wanted the full song. Obviously the answer was a resounding “Yes” which you get to hear. (The song not me saying “Yes”) Courage Best Bitter Band of The Year 1978 – Johnny Moped have the A-Side of their first single in over 37 years played then I go all Prog with King Crimson who are followed by Octopie and a track from “The Adventure of Harry and Walrus Kane” which sounds like The Eureka Machines if they were to ever record a Progressive Rock Album. I kid you not. As we head towards the end of the show I play Grave Pleasures’, the artists formally known as Beastmilk, first fruits from the “Dreamcrash” album. The final band of this week’s show is The Heavy Metal Kids with a “Classic” live track taken from their Merton Manor Club gig last Wednesday prior to their Rebellion Festival Slot.

This week I ventured out of the Studio into the realms of gigland and found myself at The Forum in Kentish Town to see a band so influential that without them the Garage scene as we know it today wouldn’t exist. Who am I talking about? The Sonics of course. Influencing everybody from Bruce Springsteen through The Cramps, Nirvana, The White Stripes and The Damned. If you’re not familiar with the band name you sure will have heard of some of their recordings. They popularised the Richard “Louie Louie” Berry “Have Love Will Travel” from which all subsequent covers have been based, with their own “Strychnine” covered by artists as diverse as The Fall, The UK Subs The Surf Trio and the aforementioned Cramps. The band formed in Tacom, Washington State in 1960 but it wasn’t until four years later that the classic line-up of Gerry Roslie on vocals and keys with Bob Bennett on drums, saxophonist Rob Lind and the Parypa Brothers of Larry and Andy on guitar and bass got together and recorded “Here Are The Sonics” and “Boom” on the Etiquette Record label in 1965 and 1966 respectively. The band sort of finished around 1968 but the name carried on featuring no original members until 1980. However three of the classic era line-up were persuaded to reform for The Cavestomp Garage Rock Festival in Brooklyn at the beginning of November 2007. At the end of January this year news broke that the band would be releasing a brand new studio album on the 31st March, their first in over 40 years, called “This Is The Sonics”. And this is the Sonics live at The Forum, Kentish Town 30th July 2015.

As Slade finished things off last week I start this week’s show with them. Continuity at its finest. The Black Bullets from Basingstoke have a tune from their new EP “Bulletproof” aired. Think Zodiac Mindwarp and classic Anti-Nowhere League. Evo/Algy from Warfare and Tank respectively have got it together and released a six track EP of three originals and three covers. The covers being R.A.M.O.N.E.S.” by Motörhead, “Know Your Product” by Algy’s pre Damned band The Saints and Status Quo’s “Tune To The Music”. However it’s one of their originals that gets played. On the split 7” front Bloodlights and Dieter Jones go head to head as do The Hip Priests and Billy Hopeless. Hear what each has to offer. Queensryche’s second album to feature Todd LaTorre “Condition Human” is all set from release on the 2nd October, as a prelude I play a track from it. On the Pledge front this week it’s the turn of my joint all-time favourite guitarist Bernie Tormé with “Blackheart” and if you’re quick you’ve got until Monday (27th) to grab it before the pledge ends. Eight quid for a twelve track digital album and a bonus ep? It’s a no brainer, as you’ll hear. Off the back of last week’s mention of late 90’s Scandinavian Garage bands I play you The Peepshows, The Robots and The Royal Cream and with the added edition of Cosmo Jones Beat Machine from Finland. Finishing this week’s show off are Borracho and Geezer who are the subject of the first release in the “The Second Coming of Heavy - Chapter One” series on the Ripple Music Label.

This week I celebrate 8 years of The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show. Joining in me the party are The Hydromatics, well they were the first band that I played on Episode 1. New music comes courtesy of Spam Javelin who hail from North Wales. Keeping with the innuendos, Pink Cigar’s new single also gets an airing. Next I take you back to the sixties with some Graham Bond Organisation as last week I watched the “Beware Mr. Baker” on the BBC iPlayer. On the live front I play a track from the new Boys live CD “Undercover” which was recorded in China with Sator’s Kent Norberg on bass duties. In sad related news Honest John Plain has been Hospitalised after a fall. I think you’ll be joining me in wishing him a speedy recovery. At this point I talk about what books I have lined up, one of which is “Love In Vain” the story of the Ruts and Ruts DC by Roland Link. As last week was the 35th Anniversary of Malcolm Owen’s death I play something by them. Pledge time involves a track from The International Swingers self-titled studio album which took me a few listens to get into. The band features Glem Burke, Glen Matlock, James Stevenson and Gary Twinn. Thanks to Uber Rock reviewing The Last Throes album “Get Me Wrong” I rushed over to the band’s BandCamp site and parted with $10 (£6.60 in real money) so I could own a piece of the action. Well with a quote like “the Dead Boys with Bon Scott fronting them instead of Stiv” I’m going to. Obviously I play something from it. The Flaming Sideburns get all acoustic by covering The Who and then I hit you with a full on studio track by them. As Eddie Spaghetti’s post Cancer treatment has surpassed its $50,000 target by over five grand. I hit you with a Supersuckers song. There still are a couple of months left to run so if you’ve a few quid spare www.youcaring.com/eddie-spaghetti is the place to go. There is talk of a fundraiser over here and as soon as I have more details I will let you know. Ghost have just released another track from their forthcoming album “Meliora” album, out on the 21st August, which you get to hear with the whole show rounded of by the band that got me into music; Slade.

The Damned get things moving this week with The MC5, or to be exact The MC2, live from Helsinki in 1972 following on after. Peter Mensch has been bemoaning about the lack of great new bands, I beg to differ and to underline it I play a brand spanking new track from the Sick Livers new album “Mid Liver Crisis” and a tune from the last Chuck Norris Experiment album. Both, coincidently, just so happened to play SlugFest 8 last weekend. To reiterate my piece on last week’s show about iTunes and streaming I let you know what the Sick Livers have on offer in the way of formats concerning their new album. For no other reason than it seems like I should I play a track from the last Hip Priests album I do. Much merriment was also had this week as Imperial State Electric have been announced as Graveyards special guests in November. I’m I going? Give me a “Hell Yeah!” So to celebrate I play a new track and the first single from ISE’s “Honk Machine” album and something off the last Graveyard CD. More new music and as Kerrang gave Eva Plays Dead 2/5 for their debut EP I knew it was going to be good and had to play a track. What do Kerrap know anyway? Steven Tyler croons his way onto the show with the lead track off his debut (sic) and Country album. Thanks to Camden Council and the closure of The Purple Turtle I am now able to go and to the album launch gig of The Role Models’ “The Go To Guy”. To whit I play a track from it that features Sami Yaffa on bass. Up next it’s Dee Snider with his first original material in over 20 years. Hard to believe I know. South London Rollin’ Punk Rock ‘n’ Blues Merchants The Kult 45s lead us into the home stretch with me talking about how I’ve double booked myself once again with One Direction. This time it’s The Wildhearts playing the P.H.U.Q. album in full at The Shepherds Bush Empire that I’ll be missing. Anybody what a Level 1 ticket? Last band this week is the “You kept that quiet from me Jake” Go Mod Go! That amongst its 12 members is former Adam West and current main name in The Delicious Fullness throaterlist Jake Starr. Modtastic.

Iggy & The Stooges get things going this week with The Hellacopters covering the MC5 hot on their heels. Royal Acid Orchestra have track from their third album “Kingdom of Nothing” aired. The band’s new album “Never Mind The Strawberry Fields” is out any day now and features former Hellacopter Robert “Strings” Dahlqvist. Up next The Trouser from Budapest have a track from their new album “Mother of Illusion” played, their last album featured Nicke Andersson. Spit Single time and Taken By Surprise recording artists and Paranoid Squirrel favourites Mother’s Children and the Mandates have got it together. Well they’re both Canadian, both have just toured mainland Europe together and both are purveyors of top quality Power Pop. The next split is the first on Catastrophe Records and features two tracks by The Lovesores and Born Loose. One original each and one cover each. I play, in a World exclusive, both originals. Be prepared to be blown away! Much rejoicing was had by me last week, yes I Graduated but that wasn’t it. What had me punching the air was the news that Steve Jones and Paul Cook’s post Sex Pistol band The Professionals were reforming. Steve, unfortunately, won’t be joining in the fun but his replacement Tom Spencer, yes the Tom Spencer from The Yo-Yo’s and The Loyalties hasn’t ruled out Jones future involvement. Get in. A third piece of fortuitous news this week was that The Backyard Babies are playing in London the day before my 50th Birthday, I know I only look like I’m in my thirties......If Moose from TeamRock Radio is reading this please give me a presenting job as an early present......Tank, the non Algy Ward version, are all set to release a brand new album in September called “Valley Of Tears”. Very good it is as well, as you will hear irrespective of who is or isn’t in the band. Tank by name, Tank by nature. I lend my thoughts to Lemmy and Motörhead’s appearance at this year’s Glastonbury festival. Obviously I play a Motörhead track. I also talk about the purchasing of music, mp3 versus vinyl versus CD. The show is wrapped up by Mustasch and a track from their up and coming “Testosterone” but then I realise that I have a few minutes to spare and actually it is Nancy Boy that end this week’s show off.

One group of Australians that I was glad to see over in the UK last week were Radio Birdman, with their compilation 2CD of “Under The Ashes” taking on a whole new meaning…It’s been nearly ten years since the Birdmen last flew into London, admittedly they did try in 2008 (I think) only for UK Immigration at Calais to refuse vocalist Rob Younger into the Country and with that then drummer Russell Hopkinson picked up his sticks and flew back home leaving the Drum Roadie to fill in their Greek Festival appearance. This time around all systems were go with me even bumping into legendary, Guitarist, Doctor, Fighter Pilot Deniz Tek as I parked up outside The Dome in Tufnell Park the venue for their UK assault. It’s nigh on impossible for a band with such a rich back catalogue albeit only 3 album one to play a bad gig and Radio Birdman didn’t although I did feel they got off to a slow start, not song wise, see the beginning of this sentence, but it was like watching a kettle boil; pretty safe to start with but when it’s boiling, get to close and you’re going to get burnt. Incendiary! A couple of surprise, but welcome, covers were played in the form of The Beatles and Magazine. Even on a School night with the Tube Station over the road shut when the band over ran their 11’o clock curfew by 15 minutes the only movement wasn’t to the exit but was to continue rocking. Yeah! Hup!

This week I bring you studio and live material for you to get your ears round. Topic of conversation that starts things going is the cancellation of the Foo Fighters remaining European dates after Dave Grohl broke his leg. I and Mrs A. had tickets for today and along with 160,000 other people who had them and for yesterday, that’ll be friend of the show and Squirrel Associate, we’ve had to find alternative entertainment. Ours is Alcohol and food. First up music wise are the Biters and a track from their soon to be released debut album “Electric Blood”. Then “Compare & Contrast” returns with the Damned being prosecuted by Family. More new music in the shape and form of former Runaways vocalist Cherie Currie who has just announced a UK tour in November with the Last Great Dreamers in support. Live action come courtesy of 5 Seconds of Summer and Hey Violet from last Sunday’s Wembley performance. I also pose the question why the General Rock Community has a downer on the aforementioned 5sos. I was impressed by Hey Violet so much so that I almost mugged off The Golden Gods Awards to see their headline Islington Academy 2 gig. Onto the just mentioned Golden Gods; I bring you Suicidal Tendencies, Baby Metal and Killing Joke. Sad news reached us at the end of last week that Eddie Spaghetti bassist, vocalist with the Supersuckers had been diagnosed with stage 3 oropharynx Cancer. Obviously being American there is no free NHS Healthcare so his wife has set up the “Fly the middle finger at Cancer and join The Eddie Spaghetti Fight Cancer Fund” which you can at http://www.youcaring.com/eddie-spaghetti-373610. The final live track this week comes from the last Supersuckers gig for a while. Where Eddie Vedder and Blind Marky Feltchtone join the band for a rousing rendition of The Ramones “I Believe In Miracles”, which we surely do. The final two bands this week are The Trousers from Hungary and Nuclear Assault from NYC.

Thunder, Lightning...Must be Downpour Weekend....I mean Castle Donington Monsters of Rock 2015. Fortunately I’m not in attendance, ’86 and ’87 was enough for me. So instead over the next hour I’m going to treat you to; The Ramones who are swiftly followed by The Backyard Babies covering The Ramones before I play their new single taken from the up and coming “Four By Four” album, Sator covering ABBA, I kid ye not, then I talk about The Treatment’s new vocalist and lack of invite to the World Première playback of Ghost’s new album “Meliora”. I still play something from it though. Hard Action, who are a Finnish Garage Rock Band that are certainly doing it for me, then it’s NME favourite US three piece Radkey, who I got to know about thanks to Vive Le Rock!, think The Bad Brains playing The Misfits. Up next it’s a quick return to Mary’s Kids and then those Smell City Five Super-Heroes Märvel present us with a track from their soon to be released long-player, as do Motochrist, who, for those of you who don’t know are the brainchild of lead guitarist Marc Diamond of the Dwarves and singer Danny Nordahl formerly of the Throbs. Into the home straight and France’s thought provoking Shock and Awe Band Undercover Slut make a much welcome return to the show. Former Plastic Tears guitarist, Stereo Junks vocalist and blink and you missed him front man for Smack, Anzi Destruction, or just plain Anzi, has, like the World and her husband, a new album, “Black Dog Bias” due for imminent release, a track of which I play. There is a live segmentation this week. Albeit a very brief one in the form of Pitbull’s live band from The Capital Radio Summertime Ball as they obviously have been listening to some serious Rock Music. Listen and you’ll find out. This week’s show is rounded off by my review of The Damned Documentary “Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead” with the show ending with some post Damned Brian James. Until I discover I’ve two minutes to fill so as I started with The Ramones I end with them. What’s not to enjoy?

“Camden Rocks, London Shakes!” This week sees The Paranoid Squirrel Rock Show Up Town Top Ranking for this year’s Camden Rocks Festival. 200 hundred bands spread over 20 venues. However paranoia, overzealous door staff and lack of amenable toilets kept me at The Proud forgoing bands I should’ve really seen. So we have The Amorettes, Glen Matlock, Richie Ramone and Michael Monroe for your listening pleasure but no Pink Cigar, The Men That Will Be Blamed For Nothing, Brawlers, Role Models or The Dictators NYC.

This week’s show, as hinted on the last, is an all live affair from two of Punks founding Fathers. Up first is Brian James who formed both the Damned and Lords of the New Church whilst also touring with Iggy Pop. Brian was up at The Barfly 22nd May promoting his new and very excellent CD “The Guitar That Dripped Blood”. The record sounds like the third album The Damned would’ve made had Brian not disbanded them in 1977. Also joining Brian on vocals, for the last few numbers, was Dirty Strangers main man Alan Clayton. The day after I battled through London’s road closures and roadworks(an hour and a half to travel less than 10 miles!!) to see the UK Subs at The 100 Club. I was surprised to learn that I haven't seen the subs since they played The Garage in December 2012. So it was good to hear live tracks from their latest and 25th album “Yellow Leader” played alongside fan and band favourites.

Back once again into the studio with the “Demons” kicking things off this week with a Damned cover. Who knew? With The Michael Monroe Band reminding us that there’s no right or wrong, let alone black or white. New music? Shed loads this week with, thanks to Ginge, with a World exclusive (Radio Wales on the 9th May doesn’t count in this instance as Wales had been annexed from the aforementioned World) I air a track from the up and coming “Mid Liver Crisis” album from The Sick Livers. Not strictly new new but as MFC Chicken are in the studio with new bassist Zig who just so happens to be my 2nd favourite bassist of all time, I play one of their recent singles. As we move towards the middle of the year I already have pencilled in a couple of albums that are going to be in my top releases of 2015. One of which is “Easy Piracy” from Dead Men Walking who are an amalgamation of The Stay Cats, The Living End, The Alarm, The Damned and some bloke wo used to play bass with Guns ‘n’ Roses. Obviously I play a track from it, well two as I couldn’t make up my mind which one should get an airing. Bob Wayne has just release an album of covers called “Hits The Hits” as the name implies, is an album of, well, hit songs. Some from world of Rock with the Stones, Guns ‘n’ Roses, The Offspring and Zeppelin getting Countrified, and to prove it doesn’t matter what the genre once you turn it into a Country song it becomes good he has tackled Skyfall, Rihanna’s Disturbia, even the dreadful “All About That Bass” is now passable. Just, only just. However the song that gets an outing is none of the above. Sticking with covers I play a track from the Sulo & Friends CD “Keep Yourself Alive” which was part of The Crunch’s PledgeMusic campaign for “Brand New Brand”. The CD features the likes of Wilko Johnson, Spike, Paul Carrack, Tom Robinson and Dave Higgs reprising songs that they are associated with along aided and abetted by Sulo. The individual members of what would become The Crunch also crop up. Sulo’s “other” band is The Diamond Dogs who have a new album out at the end of August called “Quitters & Complainers”. A song from which I sneakily play. Australian band The Casanovas have also just released their, until recently only available via PledgeMusic, album “Terra Casanova” to the general public. Less Thunders and more Stones this time around. Staying Down under to celebrate Muscle Car deservedly winning the Melbourne Mötley Crüe-Alice Cooper opening support slot I play the bands last 7”, well the A-Side. For the third time this year The Hip Priests have released a 7” single. This time around it’s a split with The Bitch Queens hogging the limelight on the b-sided, but for you listening pleasure I just give you The Hip Priest. “Arm giveth and Arm takes away”. That can’t be said for The Chuck Norris Experiment and Märvel split 7”, both have a track aired. Sticking with Vinyl; Mary’s Kids have just released the 10” variety with a CD version only available on their upcoming German (one Swedish) tour. It’s called “Death In Suburbia” that feature six tracks, one of which I naturally play. Up next courtesy, of Dom Daley he of Uber Rock and Glunk Records notoriety, are the Sticky Valentines with something from their second self-titled EP. At this point listeners on The Wall Rock Radio will hear the said Stick Valentines track fade out as Robbie John takes hold of the helm, but for the rest of you the Brawlers make their debut appearance with a track from their “Errors Of Our Youth” CD which came out on the Alcopop label last month. John Dissed returns with a remixed, especially, for radio of his cover of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” which is swiftly followed by Wonk Unit. We are almost at the end but before the final track “Compare & Contrast” comes along with a three way tag match between The Wildhearts, Green Day and Sam Cooke. It is, however, Girlschool, who are currently in the USA with Crucified Barbara, which closes this week’s show. ***Phew*** Now if only Team Rock Radio would give a job……

I had a choice of three live gigs that I could possibly play for you on this week’s show; Social Distortion, Calabrese or Enuff Z’Nuff. As I thought Social Distortion seemed a little under par and although ENuff Z’Nuff really cut the mustard I have played them a few times live before. So in the manor of playing you music, studio or in this case live, that you are unlikely to hear on mainstream Radio this week’s episode comes courtesy of Calabrese recorded at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston-Upon-Thames. The band consists of three brothers who normally can be found in Phoenix, Arizona. The band were over here promoting their sixth album “Lust For Sacrifice” a heady mix of Horror Punk, Goth and downright straight ahead rock. For their third album “They Call Us Death” the band said that they were influenced by The Dead Boys, The Stooges, The Damned and Motörhead. So you can see why my interest was piqued.

Stiv Bator with a cover by The Damned starts things going this week before I talk about clashing gigs; Brian James vs The UK Subs vs Kory Clarke which leads me into Volbeat. Onto new music, as I seem to have a shed loads, firstly from The Hip Priests and a track from their current 7”, then I talk about The Sick Livers soon to be unleashed “Mid Liver Crisis” LP and late Summer tour with The Disconnects who I play. A tour that is currently underway over on the Mainland and I wish had strayed over here features Mother’s Children and The Mandates. Mother’s Children I’d heard about but not The Mandates. A quick trip over to their BandCamp site had by purchasing their debut album and “In The Back Of Your Heart” quicker than you could sing “Oh Canada”. Obviously I share a track with you. Next up is Swiss band The Lovers with a track off their new album “In The Air”. I slow things down (not) with some new Slayer then talk about going up to Ginger’s “Songs and Words” London gig, meeting Mikko Von Hertzen, Dante Bonutto and Rich Jones and finding out the preliminary release date for the new Michael Monroe album, which leads me nicely into The Compulsions who feature Sami Yaffa. The Crunch, (part Sham 69/Lords of The New Church, part Diamond Dogs, part Clash and part Cockney Rejects) have a new track aired from “Brand New Brand” and I talk about not seeing them at The Borderline before Nicke Andersson’s Imperial State Electric take centre stage. Los Pepes swiftly follow as I realise that my Facebook notifications for them had been turn off before former Vains of Jenna vocalist Lizzy DeVine introduces us to his new band The Cruel Intensions. The Sonic Jewels have just released a new ep called “By The Light Of Woland’s Candle”, a track of which I naturally play. Sick Boys Revue, who hail from Italy sent me an e-mail with a track attached from their “Sick Tails” album asking that if I liked it would I be so kind as to play it. Like it? Love it. Hopefully you will to. A band that I thought had long since spilt up were Finland’s Mean Idols. They haven’t and are supporting The Vibrators (in Finland) on the 28th. To celebrate I dig out my “Suffer” 7” and play it. At this point Wall Rock Radio listeners will hear Drugdealer Cheerleader as their drummer Ringo sadly passed away on Wednesday before Robbie Johns come crashing in with his Rock Lobster Show. For everybody else it’s The Mean Idols, “Compare & Contrast” and in the dock are Guns ‘n’ Roses with Australian Crawl prosecuting. Duff McKagan has just published a new book and ep to coincide. The ep features Jerry Cantrell, Roy Mayorga and some guy called Izzy Stradlin’, the title of which I air. It’s at this point everybody else gets to hear Drugdealer Cheerleader before Korpiklaani and a sort of cover almost end the show, but that is left to The Damned as tickets to the UK Première of their Documentary have been secured.

This week’s show was recorded live at the very first “Rock-Away-Beach” Club held on the last Friday of the month at the Hope and Anchor is Islington. Playing to a sold out crowd were The DeRellas with The WitchDoktors. Two bands tailor made for the night, with The DeRellas part Sex Pistol, part New York Doll and part Ramone and The WitchDoktors parts unknown. So put on your dancing shoes and party like it’s 1977.

This week, again, it’s a live show featuring The Von Hertzen Brothers recorded live at the start of their brief three day visit to England promoting their new album “New Day Rising”. Longtime listeners know that I’m not a big fan of Prog. However when something is done so right you can’t help but start tapping your foot and nodding your head in time with it any misconception or prejudice just evaporate. Seeing these Finns is like watching Pink Floyd covering the Foo Fighters, or vice versa. If your quick you can catch them in Wolverhampton tonight, or if your slow at the Download Festival, or if you’re downright lazy just stay tuned…………

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.