The Jetsonics + The Fallen Leaves + The Transients at The Fighting Cocks, Kingston-Upon-Thames March 21st: Exclusive Paul Slattery Photos

The Fallen Leaves by Paul Slattery

Thanks to everyone who came along to The Fighting Cocks in Kingston-Upon-Thames to see a great triple bill of bands - The Jetsonics, The Fallen Leaves and The Transients - it was an excellent turn-out considering the unusually high amount of gigs being held on the 21st and we really appreciate it, especially as we know there were quite a few cases of divided loyalties...! All three bands were on top form and rock photographer Paul Slattery was there to capture the action...

The Transients by Paul Slattery

The Transients by Paul Slattery

The Fallen Leaves by Paul Slattery

The Fallen Leaves by Paul Slattery

The Fallen Leaves by Paul Slattery

The Fallen Leaves by Paul Slattery

The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

Thanks to Paul Slattery for contributing the photos. For more photos of the gig head on over to the Retro Man Blog Facebook page and, if you are not already signed up, hit "Like" for access to the photo album. You can see The Fallen Leaves supporting The Monochrome Set at our Retro Man Blog night at The Half Moon Putney on Saturday May 24th, advance tickets can be booked here.

Retro Man Blog Night with The Jetsonics, The Fallen Leaves & The Transients at The Fighting Cocks Kingston March 21st

Retro Man Blog & Retrosonic Podcast are helping to promote a great triple header at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston-Upon-Thames on Friday March 21st. We've teamed up with three of our favourite local bands, The Jetsonics, The Fallen Leaves and The Transients, who have all featured heavily on the Blog and in various episodes of Retrosonic Podcast. Tickets are just £5.00 on the door with The Transients kicking off proceedings at 8pm. We're hoping to have some limited edition "Best of Retrosonic Podcast" CD's to give away to the first few lucky people through the doors...

You can hear tracks from The Fallen Leaves and The Transients in Episode 11 of Retrosonic...


Adam from The Jetsonics is one of my co-hosts at Retrosonic, along with Rock Photographer Paul Slattery, so he is in the privileged position to get to play lots of Jetsonics songs...! Episode 2 is a good example which also features The Rezillos, The Saints, Elephant Stone, The Playn Jayn, The Chambers Brothers, The Frowning Clouds and The Fast Cars.

The Jetsonics - New live dates announced!

West London's finest New Wave Power Pop Punk trio, The Jetsonics, have just announced some live dates to promote their latest release "EP4". Check out their official web-site for further information on all the venues and tickets. The March 21st date at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston-upon-Thames is extra special as it is a Retro Man Blog/Retrosonic Podcast night featuring The Jetsonics along with The Fallen Leaves and The Transients. More details on this show will follow soon...

Here's a demo version of a track from "EP4" entitled "Cruel Lizzie Vickers".

An Xmas Gift...Retrosonic Podcast Episode 12 "But If It Thrills Me, Then That's Alright..." Free Download...

Welcome to Episode 12 of this bumper end of year Retrosonic Podcast! Over the two parts, Steve from Retro Man Blog, Adam from The Jetsonics and Rock Photographer Paul Slattery dig up some Psych, Garage Rock, Power Pop and Punk obscurities, favourites and other weird stuff. There’s an emphasis on French bands and artists, old and new, such as Marie Modiano, Stinky Toys, Little Bob Story, Metal Urbain, Les Kitschenettes and er…Julie Delpy. We uncover a one-off 1977 Punk rarity from The Rings and there’s Freakbeat from Fleur de Lys and Sharon Tandy. How about some overlooked Power Pop from The Incredible Kidda Band and The Modernettes or way-out Sixties Psych from The Outcasts, Simon Dupree & The Big Sound, The Haunted and The Tidal Wave. There’s a fine piece of contemporary Punk Rock from Cyanide Pills, a Garage Rock floor-shaker from The Woggles and some smooth Blues from the honey-voiced Slim Harpo. Then we pay tribute to our Gig Of The Year: Graham Day & The Forefathers at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club with tracks from The Solarflares, The Aardvarks and The Higher State. All this plus chat about The Jetsonics first venture outside the M25, nods to some of our other favourite gigs of 2013, Retro Man Blog’s trip to Paris and the usual waffle and rambling...

Episode 12 Part 1...


Episode 12 Part 2...


I'd like to take this opportunity to say Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all the Retro Man Blog readers, Retrosonic Podcast listeners and all those that came along to our Retro Man Blog gigs at The Half Moon in Putney and The Railway in Southend-on-Sea. I really appreciate all the kind comments, support and feedback, it really does make it worthwhile. Huge thanks to my Blog colleagues Adam Donovan, Paul Slattery and Mayumi and all the contributors over the past year. Also, very best wishes to those that have helped me in promoting the gigs for The Len Price 3, The Fallen Leaves, Thee Spivs, TV Smith, Eight Rounds Rapid, The Past Tense and The Travellers. Special thanks to Alan May at Glory Boy Radio, Wayne Lundqvist-Ford at Ice Cream Man, Rob at Mister Suave, Warren Peace at We Are The Mods, Ian Pile and Dave Collins at Podrophenia, Steve Pegrum at Southend Punk, Fi and Dave at The Railway, Carrie at The Half Moon, Shindig! Magazine and Ian at Damaged Goods Records.

Retro Man Blog's Gig of The Year 2013: Graham Day & The Forefathers at
Bethnal Green Working Men's Club November 29th.

Of course this Blog is purely driven by a passion for music and it's great that there are so many fantastic bands out there who inspire us to keep on doing this, long may this continue into 2014 and beyond! Please do keep the comments, requests and contributions coming in. Many thanks and all the best! Graham Day & The Forefathers photos copyright Paul Slattery 2013.

The Jetsonics "EP Four" Out Now!

The Jetsonics have just released their brand new E.P. entitled "EP Four" on their own Volume Control label and it's available to download now on iTunes or Amazon. It features four tracks, "Never Been Here Before", "Seven Foot Drop", a re-recorded version of "Cruel Lizzie Vickers" and finally, a long awaited studio version of the band's live favourite "She Wolf of London". CD's will be available at the band's next gig which will be at The Six Bells in Brentford on September 13th.

Jetsonics Bassist Adam is a co-host on our Retrosonic Podcast and in the latest Episode we chat about the band and play a track from the E.P. check it out here...

Retrosonic Podcast Episode 9: "I'm Going Crazy, Need a Shot of You"

Our brand new bumper edition Retrosonic Podcast Episode 9 is out now and available to listen to or download for free at our Soundcloud site. In this Episode, Steve from Retro Man Blog, Adam from The Jetsonics and Rock Photographer Paul Slattery play an eclectic mix of obscurities and hidden gems, brand new tracks and overlooked classics from the worlds of Punk Rock, Psych, Soul, Power Pop, New Wave and Garage Rock. There's also the usual cocktail of waffle, news and reports on our various music related exploits old and new...

In Episode 9 we kick off with a thundering Garage Rock number from The WitchDoktors and follow this with a track from The Travellers - the Britanny based Swedish and Italian duo - with a suitably retro track from their latest single. Paul and Adam pick two obscure Scottish Punk tracks from The Valves and PVC2, who feature a certain Midge Ure in his post-Slik, pre-Rich Kids and Ultravox Punk phase. There's a brand new track from Californian star-gazers Vela Eyes and an unreleased demo of raw and primal R'n'B from The Killer B's featuring ex-Screaming Blue Messiahs Chris Thompson.

Adam trawls his Soul collection for a foot stomping track from The Performers and there's a track from the latest album by Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds. Two Power Pop classics from ex-Boys bassist Duncan Reid and Plummet Airlines are followed by a rare Psych number from Rupert's People. Adam gives us the latest run down on The Jetsonics and we hear an unreleased track from their forthcoming E.P.  Paul talks about his time spent with The Flamin' Groovies at their recent London shows and what is what like meeting up with the band after over 30 years. Then we discuss the Retro Man Blog gig for Thee Spivs new album launch party at The Half Moon and the various luminaries who were in the crowd that night. Finally there's news about our next Retro Man Blog night at The Half Moon on October 25th with The Len Price 3. We hope you enjoy the Podcast...!

The Jetsonics + Mr. Bridger at The Grey Horse Kingston Friday May 10th

There will be thrills, spills and power pop down at The Grey Horse, Kingston tomorrow night when local heroes The Jetsonics take the stage supported by Medway's incendiary garage rock trio, Mr. Bridger. The Grey Horse is located at 46 Richmond Road, Kingston KT2 5EE. Tickets are a mere £5.00 on the door. What a bargain! The Jetsonics have just re-vamped their web-site so please pay a visit and check out the brilliant video for "New Romance" and grab their three superb E.P.'s!

Adam from The Jetsonics is my regular co-host on the Retrosonic Podcast, so please visit the Soundcloud site and have a listen! Here's our latest Episode "Because I'm In Love With Cathy McGowan", which features Generation X, Denim, The Stranglers, The Prisoners, King Salami & The Cumberland 3, The Loop, The Hypnotic Eye, Eight Rounds Rapid and more...

The Jetsonics - Thrills, Spills & Power Pop! New Live Dates

The Jetsonics have a few more live dates lined up following their successful show at Ealing's Brentham Club last month. The New Wave Power Pop three-piece will play The Half Moon, Putney on March 16th, Scream Lounge in Croydon on April 19th and then a return to their regular haunt, The Grey Horse in Kingston on May 10th. Expect some new numbers, re-worked classics and the usual Thrills, Spills and Power Pop! For further details on the venues and up-to-date news, please visit the band's official web-site.

The Jetsonics' bassist Adam Donovan can be heard co-hosting the regular Episodes of Retrosonic Podcast, with myself and rock photographer Paul Slattery. Adam often gives us the low-down on the trials and tribulations of being in a band today, plus we play a Jetsonics track or two of course, so check the Soundcloud site for a listen.

Here's the latest Jetsonics video to "New Romance", Adam didn't even have to leave the pub for the filming...

New Retrosonic Podcast Episode 5: "Insane Escapades"

Following the sudden split due to alcoholic and philosophical differences and the ensuing break to pursue solo Podcasts on Swedish music, the original three-piece line-up have re-formed and return with their brand new comeback Retrosonic Podcast...! In Episode 5, Steve from the Retro Man Blog, Adam from The Jetsonics and music photography legend Paul Slattery spin the usual eclectic mix of tunes and waffle on for a bit...In this packed Episode we have spooky Soul from R. Dean Taylor, football related madness from The Fall, classic Freakbeat from The Fire, Garage Rock from The Fallen Leaves, quirky New Wave from XTC and scary Post-Punk from Pere Ubu. Then we dig out some old school Glam from Sparks and stomping modern terrace chant Glam Rock from Giuda...There's Punk Rock from The Lurkers, a modern day murder ballad from The Jetsonics, a hidden gem from the 1979 Mod Revival/Power Pop vaults, West Coast Psychedelia from The Mantles and a bit of a Punky Reggae party with The Ruts...We also chat about the end of The Soundtrack of Our Lives, and our trip to Sweden to see the band's last ever shows at the Slussens Pensionat. Paul regales us with more tales from the front-line of rock photography, and his part in the new Smiths exhibition and yes, there's even more waffle too...! 

Don't forget to check out the Retrosonic Podcast Soundcloud page where you can listen to, and download for free, our previous Episodes 1-4 along with all our Special Editions. Click the highlighted titles to take you directly to each Podcast.  

Episode 4 "Get Your Trousers On, You're Nicked": with Paul mysteriously absent, Adam from The Jetsonics and Steve from the Retro Man Blog spin some classic Soul from Betty Wright, there's the Psychedelic sounds of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Punk Rock from The Briefs, The Romford Stompers and Basement 5, top 80's Ska from The Beat, Mod Revival Power Pop from The Starjets, Glam Punk from The Wolfmen, rare Psych from Noon Express, Retro New Wave from The Jetsonics, quirky Indie-Pop from Go-Kart Mozart...AND a classic covered by The King of Luxembourg...phew! Plus the inevitable drunken waffle and news... 

Episode 3 "All Of My Heroes, They Die Rockers": Steve, Adam and Paul gather their thoughts and their beers and in this episode we had an exclusive track (at the time of broadcast) from the new album from The Soundtrack of Our Lives along with a brand new song by The Monochrome Set (at the time of broadcast). Other tracks include sultry Soul from Marsha Hunt and Stormy, Medway's Garage Rock icon Graham Day with The Solarflares, a Punk Rock classic from The Mekons and 60's Psychedelia from The Del-Vetts. Plus French Ye-Ye style pop from Fabienne Delsol, Punk stuff from Dickies and Devo and a modern take on the genre by The Cute Lepers. There's also the usual chat, news and "Sid James style guffaws". 

Episode 2 "We Look Like Stars But We Can't Pay The Rent": Steve, Adam and Paul dodge the spitting log fire and play Psychedelic Soul from The Chambers Brothers, Australian Punk trail-blazers The Saints, modern New Wave from The Jetsonics, sublime Psych-Pop with Elephant Stone, underrated '80's Garage Rockers The Playn Jayn, The Fast Cars with the catchiest Power Pop Punk song ever, raucous Punk Rock from The Carpettes, authentic retro Garage Rock from young Australian band The Frowning Clouds and a tribute to Etta James. 

Episode 1 "The Pilot": Our first attempt at the Podcast, a work in progress, a test run, an experiment...in other words we are pretty rubbish, but the music is great! The Rezillos, Shonen Knife, The Ruts, The Len Price 3, The Past Tense, Radio Birdman, The Godfathers, Dick Venom & The Terrortones, The Members, The Jetsonics, Andy J Gallagher and The Soundtrack of Our Lives with the "Retro Man" theme song! 

Our Special Edition Podcasts are programmes dedicated to a specific subject, and we hope to offer either in-depth biographies and interviews with a variety of bands and musicians, often featuring unreleased songs or exclusive live sessions. There are also insights into particular genres and other aspects such as music related Artists, Photographers, Bloggers, Record Companies, Promoters and Movie Directors. Here's what is available so far... 

TV Smith: The legendary voice of The Adverts and now a hugely respected solo artist and author, TV takes us on an inspiring journey from the Roxy and Top Of The Pops to his worldwide travels armed only with a guitar, a suitcase and an emergency sandwich. Soundtracked throughout with music from all parts of his career, he also plays an exclusive live session in the Retrosonic Pod Headquarters. 

Power Pop Special: Wayne Lundqvist-Ford from the Ice Cream Man Blog goes through the huge pile of records he has received in 2012 and plays his pick of the Power Pops. These include Beyond Veronica, The Sensibles, The Seasongs, Phenomenal Cat, Budokan, Trolley, Monkeeman, Marty Graveyard and more. 

The Movements: We take a trip through the 10 year career of excellent Gothenburg based Psychedelic band The Movements. Find out how they became the first Space Rock band to have a CD actually taken to Outer Space! 

Ian Person: The Soundtrack of Our Lives' guitarist talks about his soundtrack music to the new IFK Gothenburg documentary and we play some exclusive and unreleased solo material. Steve also asks him about the decision to split TSOOL at the end of the year. 

Mattias Hellberg: The eclectic, genre-defying Singer Songwriter talks us through his varied career as singer-songwriter, solo artist and band member. It's a career that takes in Union Carbide Productions, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Wayne Kramer of MC5, The Hellacopters, Nationalteatern, Nymphet Noodlers and Hederos & Hellberg amongst many others. We also play some superb brand new exclusive tracks from his forthcoming album. 

Rock Photographer Paul Slattery Part 1: Find out how the raw pre-Punk R'n'B of Dr. Feelgood, Link Wray, The Pirates and The Flamin' Groovies inspired Paul Slattery to take up music photography. 

Rock Photographer Paul Slattery Part 2: We find Paul coming back to London after a spell as fisherman on Cape Cod to be confronted full on by the Punk Rock explosion. He encounters The Adverts, Sex Pistols, The Skids, The Runaways and the Ramones and is led astray by Lemmy from Motorhead. 

JC Carrol: The Members guitarist and vocalist takes us on an entertaining journey from the sounds of suburbia and beyond. From the early success with The Members to his short lived Punk Rock supergroup, his work on soundtracks to Julien Temple movies and the re-forming of The Members with Rat Scabies, it's a fascinating and amusing tale.

Swedish Music Special: A special feature on some of the best contemporary Swedish bands around with an emphasis on the Gothenburg Music scene, includes interviews with music Blogger Wayne Lundqvist Ford, Ann-Sofie from Spiders and Bruce Emms from the legendary MUG Music Store. Features music from Division of Laura Lee, Spiders, The Movements, Eken, The Oholics, Side Effects, Early Days, Samling and much more. 

The Mod Scene Part 1 Royale Records: Hipster Lee from Royale Records talks about the plans for this brand new promotion and record label. We also discuss and play a few bands from their ever expanding roster such as The Electric Stars, The Past Tense, Monkeeman, The Universal, Mr Bridger and The Lemontops. 

The Mod Scene Part 2: Steve picks out some of the best bands and movers and shakers of the contemporary International Mod Scene. Music provided by DC Fontana, The Len Price 3, The Loop, French Boutik, Stanley Road, Button Up, The Past Tense, The Theme, Speakeasy, The Cycle Paths and more soul shaking Mod sounds. 

IFK Göteborg - Football's Last Proletarians: We chat to the movie's Directors and ex-IFK and Liverpool FC legend Glenn Hysen about Sven-Göran Eriksson's time at IFK and his giant-killing European footballing exploits, where he took a team of part time factory workers to UEFA Cup success. The Podcast is soundtracked, like the movie, by lots of great music from Ian Person of The Soundtrack of Our Lives. 

David Apps and Dick York: Old pals Dick York and David Apps talk about their experiences, Dick with his early Mod Revival band Sta-Prest and then making it big in Germany with Cryssis. David talks about his Art, Photography and being in a band with an original Sex Pistol. 

We hope you enjoy these programmes, all are available to download for FREE...so please let us know what you think. If you think you have an interesting music related tale to tell then contact us...

The Jetsonics - "The Chelsea Drugstore" E.P. out now!

The Jetsonics have just released their third E.P. entitled "The Chelsea Drugstore", it features four songs including the title track, "White Capri", "Debbie Harry" and a long-awaited first release of the old favourite "Murphy's Heroes". The E.P. is produced by Steve Lyon who has previously worked with artists such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Creatures and The Wedding Present. You can order the E.P. direct from the band's web-site or download from iTunes.

The band will pay a return visit to The Scream Lounge in Croydon on October 06th and then they will play at the Grey Horse in Kingston-Upon-Thames on October 19th, where they will joined by the fantastic Past Tense. The Jetsonics are already working on new material and here's a free download of an excellent brand new track, "Cruel Lizzie Vickers". It's a song about a rather macabre true story written especially for Paul Slade's "Murder Ballads" compilation.

Retrosonic Podcast Special Edition: Power Pop with Wayne Lundqvist-Ford of Ice Cream Man Blog

Wayne from Ice Cream Man Blog - Photo by Steve Worrall

During my recent trip to Sweden I caught up with my good friend and expert on Power Pop, Wayne Lundqvist-Ford, who runs the Ice Cream Man Blog. I chatted to Wayne about his Blog and went through some of the many CD's and albums he gets sent by bands from all over the word who hope to be featured. Wayne certainly knows his stuff about the huge International underground Power Pop scene, and he picks out some of the new bands that have caught his attention in the past year. Wayne has also been a big supporter of Retro Man Blog favourites such as Stanley Road, The Past Tense and The Len Price 3 amongst others - but I was eager to find out more - and I wasn't disappointed.  Wayne chooses a prime selection from all over the Globe, and we kick things off with a great track "If You Love Her" by Californian band  Beyond Veronica. That's followed by a raw and punky "Open Book" from Milan's wonderful The Sensibles, then there's a blistering track, "White Capri", from my Retrosonic Podcast colleague Adam and his West London New Wave trio The Jetsonics, taken from their brand new E.P.  Another British band next, and it's sunny sea-side popsters Phenomenal Cat and the latest in their series of a single-per-month releases "The Volume Police". We zoom over to Madrid for  The Seasongs and a track from their "Out Of The City" album. You can probably get an idea of Budokan's influence in their band name, and the Canadian band offer up "The Queen's English", a powerful Cheap Trick style number. Holland's Marty Graveyard, the ex-Madd band-member, has a solo album out called "Summer Holiday" and here's the super-catchy "Do You Really Wanna Dance?". We stay on the beach for the beautiful shimmering harmonies of Denmark's Surf School Dropouts and their sublime "Run Away".  Lyon's Mr Day provide some "Food For Soul", all fuzzy guitars and Hammond organ. Germany's Monkeeman, are next with the mighty "I'm a Lonely Guy" taken from 2008's "Life In The Backseat", one of a trio of must-have albums from the excellent song-writer Ralf Luebke. To finish off there is a track from one of Retro Man Blog's albums of the year "Things That Shine and Glow" from the fantastic Milwaukee based band, Trolley. So, as I mentioned, it really is an International scene and I hope you enjoy the tunes. You can contact Wayne at Ice Cream Man Blog by email and also check out, listen and download the Podcast totally free of charge at our Soundcloud site here:

Retrosonic Podcast Special Edition: Power Pop with Wayne Lundqvist-Ford by Retrosonic Podcast

Wayne has also started up a new Blog, it's called Power Pop T-Shirt, and it's devoted to the "band" T-Shirt. Contributions are welcome, so drop him an email with a photo of your favourite shirt, along with a short anecdote or back story as to why the shirt is special to you.

Here's the fun promo video to Wayne and his band, Wayne James & The Harry Evlar Experience, and their great cover of Teenage Fanclub's classic Power Pop track "Sparky's Dream".

Thanks to Wayne for his time, he will also appear in a forthcoming Swedish music special episode.

Retrosonic Podcast: New Episode Out Now!

Adam from The Jetsonics and Steve from the Retro Man Blog spin some classic Soul from Betty Wright, Psychedelic sounds of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Punk Rock from The Briefs, The Romford Stompers and Basement 5, Ska from The Beat, Mod Revival Power Pop from The Starjets, Glam Punk from The Wolfmen, rare Psych from Noon Express, unreleased New Wave from The Jetsonics, Quirky Indie-Pop from Go-Kart Mozart...AND a classic covered by The King of Luxembourg...phew! Plus the usual waffle, news and chat about what we've been up to...

It was recorded on Friday the 13th and there's a spooky absence of crackling log fires, low flying jets, Brentford parakeets, clinking glasses and the liberal pouring of a nice bottle of Rioja...we're trying to get all professional I suppose...! Let us know what you think of the songs via the Soundcloud site, email or join the brand new Retro Man Blog/Retrosonic Facebook Group. Hope you enjoy it, cheers! Steve & Adam.

Retro Man Blog Night with The Members at The Half Moon in Putney June 30th

The Members by Paul Slattery

Firstly, I'd like to say  a big "thank you" to all those that came along to my latest Retro Man Blog night at The Half Moon in Putney last week. This continued my series of "Punk Rock Legends" gigs which kicked off the week before with our superb show for TV Smith of The Adverts at The Railway in Southend-on-Sea. Headliners, The Members take the stage and bang straight into the classic "Soho A Go Go". I'm really enjoying this three piece line-up, with original "members" JC Carroll and Chris Payne augmented by the legendary Damned drummer, Rat Scabies. It's great to see Rat play up close, maybe his character has sometimes overshadowed the fact that he really is a superb drummer. I don't think the music press has ever accorded him enough credit. It's not all crash, bang wallop and setting fire to the drum-kit, he takes on The Members more subtle and intricate songs, especially those with the reggae influences, superbly well. 

Rat Scabies by Paul Slattery

Of course there's no doubting his muscular style is still there, showcased in the way he powers round the kit in the Keith Moon style drum breaks of "Chelsea Nightclub". Guitarist JC Carroll shares the vocal duties with bassist Chris Payne, and they complement each other perfectly, with the hyperactive JC zooming about the stage, and Chris looking on with a quiet grin. The slightly limited time means we get a lean set-list packed full of classic tunes, "Solitary Confinement", "Working Girl" and a selection from the excellent new album "InGrrLand" including "Bleak" and "New English Blues". Of course we do get a rousing "Sound of The Suburbs" which has the crowd singing along and encores of a crazed "Ain' Gon' Be Yo' Bitch No Mo'" and a cover of Larry Wallis's "Police Car". So, The Members really do deserve to be re-evaluated and certainly I'd recommend you trying to see them live, as this current line-up kicks that proverbial ass!

Monica & The Explosion by Paul Slattery

Kicking off proceedings were Monica & The Explosion who comprise Swedish singer-songwriter Monica Welander and Paul Slack, the original U.K. Subs bassist and composer of that classic bass riff to "Warhead". They play a selection of tracks from their excellent "Shut Up!" album and new material from their forthcoming album. Playing their acoustic juke-box Punk, driven by Paul's inventive bass which makes up for the lack of percussion, the songs come across really well live. Monica bashes away on her acoustic guitar and is an energetic and charismatic singer, her and Paul exchange smiles on stage and together they transmit some good vibes to the appreciative audience.  They are currently recording songs for their new album so watch this space for news on it's release. Next up is The Jetsonics, a band that have a West London Ruts and Clash style reggae-tinged influence, apparent on their crowd favourite "Somewhere Else". They mix this with their take on a late '70's Power Pop/New Wave sound of the suburbs with boisterous, shout-along numbers such as "Never Meet Your Heroes" and the catchy "Amazing".

The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

They are improving with every gig and building more of an on-stage chemistry between live-wire vocalist/guitarist Sam Day and laconic bassist Adam Donovan. Their third E.P. is currently being mixed and should be a cracker as the new songs played tonight such as the bass driven "She Wolf" and "Debbie Harry" are sounding really great. Things draw to a close with "Chelsea Drugstore" which, although yet to be released, is fast becoming their signature track and then "New Romance", for which the band have recorded a great video that is well worth checking out.  Thanks again to all those who came along, to all the bands and Carrie and staff at The Half Moon. Here are some more exclusive Paul Slattery photos of the gig:

Rat Scabies of The Members - Photo by Paul Slattery

Chris Payne of The Members - Photo by Paul Slattery

JC Carroll of The Members - Photo by Paul Slattery

Your host for the evening! - Photo by Paul Slattery

Monica Welander of M&TE - Photo by Paul Slattery

Paul Slack of Monica & The Explosion by Paul Slattery

Sam Day & Adam Donovan of The Jetsonics - Photo by Paul Slattery

Dave Lombardi, Sam Day & Adam Donovan of The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

With many thanks to Paul Slattery for the excellent photographs!

The Jetsonics - new video for "New Romance"

The Jetsonics by Paul Slattery

The Jetsonics have finished their great new video for "New Romance", the lead track from their second E.P. somewhat cryptically entitled "Second Extended Player"...You can order copies from the band's web-site or even better, come along to The Half Moon in Putney this Saturday June 30th, where not only can you pick up a copy in person, but you will also be treated to a raucous night of Punk Rock, New Wave, and Acoustic Jukebox Punk with live sets from The Jetsonics, Monica & The Explosion - featuring UK Subs original "Warhead" riffing bassist Paul Slack - all headlined by that sound of the suburbs, The Members - now with the added bonus of legendary Damned drummer and Holy Grailhunter, Rat Scabies. Don't miss it...!

The Members with Rat Scabies + The Jetsonics + Monica & The Explosion live at The Half Moon June 30th

Here's a reminder that Retro Man Promotions has put together another superb line-up for Part 2 of a double hit of Punk Rock Legends gigs. Following hot on the heels of our fantastic gig at The Railway in Southend last Friday with TV Smith, this is sure to be another great night.

The Members, now with The Damned's legendary drummer Rat Scabies, will be headlining The Half Moon on June 30th along with Monica & The Explosion who feature original U.K. Subs bassist, Paul Slack and Swedish singer songwriter Monica Welander. Completing the line-up will be The Jetsonics who bring their New Wave Power Pop to the party.

Tickets for this gig can be pre-ordered from the Half Moon web-site HERE.

The Half Moon Putney, 93 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 1EU - Tel: 0208 780 9383

The Members + The Jetsonics at The Tropic Ruislip June 03rd

The Members - by Steve Worrall

I got a bit lost on the way to the venue, it actually turned out to be the social club of Wealdstone FC, overlooking the pitch and was a pretty impressive set-up. It reminded me of a good old-school working man's club but with a really decent stage, P.A. and lighting set up, good lay-out and well organised staff. The turn-out was impressive too, considering it was a Bank Holiday Sunday evening and there was apparently some big Event or other on in London earlier that day. Thanks to a local convenience store letting me check their A-Z, I made it just as The Jetsonics were powering through "Amazing" and the audience reaction was very positive. I think the band are a good match for The Members, with their West London sing-a-long New Wave numbers such as "White Capri" nestling alongside the Reggae influences on the excellent "Somewhere Else". The band are currently finishing off their third E.P. in the studio so keep an eye on the Blog or the band's web-site for news on the release date. New number "She Wolf" is based around a cool bass riff from Adam Donovan, and adds a different dimension to their sound. Another new one, "Chelsea Drugstore", which will feature on the new E.P. is fast becoming a favourite and tonight they end on the punch the air classic "New Romance", which has just been made into a superb "Minder-esque" video filmed in their local. It's well worth checking out. There was quite a queue of eager customers hoping to purchase the band's previous two E.P.s so things are certainly looking up for The Jetsonics.

The Jetsonics - Photo by Steve Worrall

The Members are now playing as a three piece with original "Members", guitarist JC Carroll and bassist Chris Payne joined by The Damned's legendary drummer Rat Scabies. This stripped down line-up serves the songs really well and adds a rawness to proceedings and the band look like they are having a lot of fun. The crowd are certainly having fun too as they are treated to a perfect set-list of hits, new album tracks and cover versions. "Soho-A-Go-Go" is superb, one of the highlights of the night, and the thrashing chords of "Chelsea Nightclub" brings to mind The Who's "My Generation", especially with the sudden instrumental break where Rat powers round his drum-kit, proving that he really is Punk Rock's very own Keith Moon. "New English Blues" from the excellent new album ”InGrrLand” has a huge chorus, it's a real "all join arms and raise your pints in the air" moment. It's a folk song for the modern age, and I could almost image it replacing Sinatra's "New York, New York" or "Auld Lang Syne" as the song to sing as a party draws to an end! 

Rat Scabies - by Steve Worrall

"Offshore Banking Business" and a storming version of "Solitary Confinement" sandwich their inventive reggae version of Kraftwerk's "The Model" from the "Uprhythm Downbeat" album, which spotlights Chris Payne's great bass playing. Another cover version, this time a raw run through of Bolan's "20th Century Boy" gets people moving. However, as much as I enjoy the rousing renditions of the classic Members tracks, it's actually new song "Bleak" that is the stand-out of the evening for me, a fantastic song with JC's cool little sixties style guitar riff. Of course "Sound Of The Suburbs" gets the biggest cheer of the evening, it's probably their defining song and the charismatic JC prefaces most of the songs with little anecdotes of life just outside London. These included working in a bank in the City and going home to an empty bed-sit to the joys of living near the Airfix model factory, wondering what life would be like to be part of the glittering scene in the capital. "Working Girl" keeps everyone singing along and they are called back for a well deserved encore, their powerful version of "Larry Wallis' "Police Car" and then it's all over. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, with band and audience all enjoying themselves and I'm now looking forward to the gig at The Half Moon on June 30th even more! Make sure you book your tickets in advance as I can see this one being a big hit and I would not want you to miss out on the fun!

You can get more info on the Half Moon gig on June 30th and book reduced rate advance tickets here. The line-up will be completed by The Jetsonics and Monica & The Explosion who feature original UK Subs bassist Paul Slack. For more information on The Members new album "InGrrLand" check out the earlier Retro Man Blog feature here. Check The Members web-site for news on future tour dates and merchandise.  JC has also just released a brand new album ”21st Century Blues”.  

This is out under the name Jay-Cee Carroll and available from Anglo-Centric Recordings, featuring a cast of Legendary Guitarists from all over the world via Internet collaborations.This is Jay-Cee's follow up to the critically acclaimed "New English Blues Volume 1". JC takes the English Blues Genre and extends it into the 21st Century adding Fat Synth Basses, Drum Loops, zithers, mandolins, Rap versions of Folk Songs, Punk Blues updates on Spoonfull, culminating in the Blues Prog oddyssy the 17 and a half minute "Voodoo Childe Surrey Boy Keytar man". As it says on the Cover this is not an album for Blues Purists, but it is another bold experiment from the Surrey Maverick.

All Photos Copyright Steve Worrall 2012

Retro Man Blog Night: The Len Price 3 + The Jetsonics + The Past Tense "Thank You!"

Welcome! - Photo by Steve Worrall

A big "Thank You!" to everyone who turned up to the The Half Moon in Putney for the Retro Man Blog Night, it was a big success with a great atmosphere and numbers up on last year and pretty close to capacity! Thanks for the support and I'm sure you'll agree that all three bands were on top form. I think all the bands benefited from the refurbished Half Moon's new sound and lighting system and played superb sets. Kicking things off were The Past Tense who previewed songs from their brand new album Take Three which has just been released on Paisley Archive. The album is great, packed full of top notch songs and on the night they came over really, really well. The ska-tinged ”Nervous” (click title for video) was probably the highlight of an extremely catchy, tight set.

The Past Tense - Photo by Paul Slattery

Tonight singer/guitarist Andy Norrie-Rolfe was excellent, hopefully the response to this gig and the new album will boost their self-belief even more. Bassist Ken shows some nifty footwork as he spins out some cool bass runs and Drummer "Nuts" would take the crown as the best of any new band I've seen. However, tonight he has some stiff competition from The Jetsonics Dave Lombardi and Neil Fromow, the Keith Moon lookalike from The Len Price 3. All three drummers are integral to each band's sound and identity. The Past Tense have that tightly wound danceable sound that flickers between late 70's/early 80's Mod Revival, 60's Garage Punk, Small Faces style psychedelia and on ”Jimmy’s Love Song” (click for video), the expansive chords of The Who.

The Jetsonics - Photo by Paul Slattery

Second band of the night, The Jetsonics mix the New Wave sound of the suburbs, and update it with a contemporary take on Power Pop. They throw in their West London reggae influences on "Somewhere Else", someone in the crowd told me this reminded him of The Ruts, high praise indeed. Just as Andy from The Past Tense is growing in confidence, then the same can be said of Jetsonics' vocalist Sam Day who is a charismatic, and very tall singer. Yes, very tall indeed...luckily I remembered last year's comedy gold moment, when I had to go on stage and introduce them beforehand I could barely reach the microphone even standing on tip-toes! Anyway, Sam has improved no end and has evolved into a much more compelling performer, there's more grit in his performance. His voice too, which sometimes used to crack on the high notes has got stronger and like him, his pals in The Jetsonics just get better all the time. Tonight they debut brand new song ”Debbie Harry” (click title for video) which sounds promising alongside other, as yet un-recorded numbers, such as "She Wolf", "White Capri" and my personal highlight "Chelsea Drugstore". The temperature rises but bassist Adam Donovan keeps his natty black jacket on regardless. The band are in the studio at the moment and will be releasing their third E.P. in the summer, something to look forward to!

Glenn Page, The Len Price 3 - Photo by Paul Slattery

Most other bands would find it very difficult to follow the superb sets from The Past Tense and The Jetsonics, most other bands except The Len Price 3 that is! Quite simply the most incendiary, mind-blowing live act I have seen in recent years. Probably only The Soundtrack of Our Lives have blown me away consistently on so many occasions and tonight The Len Price 3 just explode onto the stage! The set is a little less frenetic than usual and actually this works really well, helped by the excellent sound system, all their wonderful melodies and Drummer Neil Fromow's insanely catchy backing harmonies are loud and clear. Bassist Steve Huggins is on superb form, swinging his bass around and immersing himself in the music. They play a great selection of tracks from all three of their albums including ”Lai-Ha Lam”, ”Pictures” & “Girl Like You” and ”YouTell Lies”, (click song titles for videos) all instigating some frenetic dancing and jumping about! Singer and guitarist Glenn Page is his usual hyper-active self and on "Comanche!" leaps into the audience.

Steve Huggins, The Len Price 3 - Photo by Paul Slattery

They get two well deserves encores and on crowd favourite "Shirley Crabtree" the band are joined on stage by some eager members of the audience who help out on backing vocals. As the lights go up and I take the stage to say "thank you" it's clear from the huge smiles all round and generous applause that The Len Price 3 have again delivered another classic life-affirming gig. If you haven't seen them yet, I thoroughly recommend you do so at the next possible opportunity, you certainly won't regret it!

Neil Fromow, The Len Price 3 - Photo by Paul Slattery

Here's a little treat, a new and as yet, unreleased Len Price 3 number "No Escape" that I filmed on the evening. Enjoy! Steve.

Photo by Steve Worrall

I'd like to thank all the bands, Carrie and The Half Moon, Mayumi for the merchandise and Paul Slattery for the photographs. Special thanks to Paul Phillips, Alan May from Glory Boy Radio, Albert Cummings, Adam Donovan, Lee Rimmer, Simon Gulliford, David Kerr, plus all who helped me promote the show along the way! Thanks to all those who came along and made the night such a great one. "Take Three" the superb new album from The Past Tense can be ordered from Paisley Archive Records.

Next up is TV Smith, Dick York, and Andy J Gallagher at the Railway Southend on June 22nd. See you there...Cheers everyone! Steve.

For more photos of the night - ”Like” the Retro Man Blog Facebook page.