The Paranoid Squirrel ep 428

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………..