Punking up good Vibrations

The Vibrators survived the first rush of punk to release one critically acclaimed ‘new wave’ album before splitting in 1978.

The band will play at the Continental in Broadgate, Preston, on Friday August 21.

Ian ‘Knox’ Carnochan, Pat Collier, John Ellis and drummer Eddie formed the Vibrators in February 1976, and their first gig, opening for The Stranglers at Hornsey Art College in North London, came just a few weeks later.

They later supported the Sex Pistols at the legendary 100 Club and were also in the line-up of the 100 Club Punk Rock Festival where, as well as doing their own set, they backed guitar hero Chris Spedding.

In 1977 the band supported Iggy Pop (with David Bowie on keyboards) on a UK tour, then signed to Epic and released the classic single Baby Baby, followed by their first album Pure Mania, which spent five weeks in the UK Top 75, peaking at number 49.

Line-up changes ensued and the following year they released single Automatic Lover which got the band on Top of the Pops.

Second LP V2 was released in April 1978, and is regarded today as one of New Wave’s finest moments.

One more single came out that year before the band succumbed to a lengthy bout of chopping and changing – but no new recorded material.

The original line-up reformed in mid-1982 and since then one version or another of the band has recorded and toured constantly.

Some 39 years into a career which seemed lost by 1978, the Vibrators are still on the road and turning in great shows.

Now a three-piece, with founder members Knox and Eddie still driving the band (along with bassist Pete), the beat goes on.

Support on the night will come from Wasted Life and Mardi Gras Bombers.

Tickets are £10 or £8 concessions and are available from SEE Tickets, WeGotTickets & Skiddle Alternatively buy in person from the bar (call 01772 499 425) or from Action Records (01772 884772).