John Peel Wiki

Changes to the look of John Peel Wiki will take place in the near future due to a new skin being rolled out over Oct/Nov across Wikia. Please see the Wikia Staff Blog for further details. On this site, the changes will affect the navigation from the left menu, as well as introduce a fixed page width with narrower content space. Please be patient while adjustments are made for the switch to the new system.

UPDATE: As the change is now in force for some users, I have switched the navigation to the simplified one for the new system. Please check Navigation in the Help section if you can't find things. I also initially made small adjustments to the front page layout, but have now reverted to the old look until all users are on the new system.

COUNTDOWN: Just a reminder for people still using Monaco that the final switch to the new skin is due on Nov. 3. After that, it will no longer be offered as an option. Sorry. Nothing to do with me.

Steve W

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John Peel Wiki
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Stiffs

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Thestiffs 79

The Stiffs are an English band, variously referred to as punk rock, power pop, and pop punk, hailing from Blackburn, Lancashire. Band members are Phil Hendriks (vocals, guitar), Ian 'Strang' Barnes (guitar, vocals), 'Big' John McVittie (bass guitar, vocals) and Tommy O'Kane (drums).The Stiffs were formed in 1976 by 14-year-old school pals Phil Hendriks (lead vocals, guitar) and Ian 'Strang' Barnes (guitar, vocals), joined by Tommy O'Kane (drums) and Mark 'Ossie' Young (bass guitar), and played their first gig at East Lancs Cricket Club in 1977. Following several local church hall and youth club bookings playing a mixture of covers and original Hendriks/Barnes compositions, Young was replaced by 'Big' John McVittie (bass guitar, vocals).

Their first single 'Standard English' b/w 'Brookside Riot Squad' / 'DC-RIP' was released on their own Dork Records label in early '79, now regarded as rare and collectible. In December '79 the band, having tightened by this time into a powerful live act despite being legally unable to order a pint at gigs, released their second single 'Inside Out'/ Kids On The Street, recorded at Oldham's Pennine Sound Studios on a budget of £75, produced by engineer Paul Adshead and the band, embodying the band's musical progress, amalgamating melody, power and energy. A mistake at the pressing plant led to the first 1,000 copies having the labels printed on the wrong sides.

(Read more at Wikipedia.)

Links to Peel[]

John Peel played 'Inside Out' incessantly on his show, claiming on air that it was 'the greatest record in the history of the universe'. Championing the band, Peel interrupted DJ Mike Read's show on air to insist that he play the record. The Skids and The Ruts had enjoyed Peel's patronage in 1978 and '79 respectively, and similar success was forecast for The Stiffs. Following Peel and Read radio sessions, the single became an indie chart hit. It was reissued by EMI's Zonophone subsidiary label in early 1980.

In 1982 a short-lived lineup featuring Hendriks and Barnes with John Mayor (drums) and Nick Alderson (bass) recorded a new Peel session but lasted less than a year. The session featured ex Mott The Hoople drummer Dale Griffin, who also took up producing duties.

Sessions[]

1. Recorded: 1980-02-05. First Broadcast: 14 February 1980. Repeated: 12 March 1980

  • Let's Activate / Innocent Bystander / Brookside Riot Squad / Best Place In Town

2. Recorded: 1982-02-20. First Broadcast: 10 March 1982. Repeated: 25 March 1982

  • Standing Ovation / Over The Balcony / The Hook In Your Heart / Child's Play

Other Shows Played[]

Inside_Out

Inside Out

1979
1980
1982

External Links[]

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