Showing posts with label 1979. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1979. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
4 Be 2 - One Of The Lads - 1979
4" Be 2"
"One of the Lads"
Post-Punk formed in 1979 London, England, disbanded in1981
Members:Jock McDonald, Jimmy Lydon, Graham Wheeland, bassist Martin "Youth" Glover (Killing Joke), guitarists Dreary O'Hoodlum, and drummers Paddy O'Reilly and Paul "Youngie" Young.
4 Be 2 released a trio of singles, debuting on Island in September of 1979 with One of the Lads.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Vortex - A brainwave of the ever repugnant Jock McDonald
An original 14cm x 14cm flyer for the Grand Opening of the 24 hour Vortex Record Shop and Basement Hangout. A brainwave of the ever repugnant Jock McDonald. The shop and hangout never happened and the Grand Opening only resulted in Jimmy Pursey being arrested after Sham 69 played on the roof of the building.
Studio 21 - Sam Burcher
I secretly go to ‘rival’ Studio 21, next to Tottenham Court Road station, on Saturday nights. It was a large subterranean club with a sprung dance floor and a mixed crowd. Run by Jock McDonald and DJ Dave Archer, who attracted a sort of ‘clan’ comprising Richard Jobson and Russell Webb from the Skids, John Keeble from Spandau Ballet, John Lydon from Public Image Ltd, Mark Tiplady from Then Jericho and Barry O’Dea, a man from Balham. At one after-party my friend Wendy and I found ourselves sitting cross–legged on the floor of a high-rise apartment with Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, quoting us the lines: “Little girls with painted faces should be seen and not heard” from X-Ray Spex’s “Oh Bondage, Up Yours!”
The Blitz exerted a powerful influence on many of us, particularly because we were so assuredly young at the time. In hindsight, it might have helped my future to have gone to school more often. I remember when Wendy and I scuppered our sixth form chances at 6am in St James's Park by bunking our exams later that day after a particularly good night out. Yet, I cannot deny that those incredible nights in London during 1979-81 continue to inform my life in so many ways.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
1979 Four be Two - One of the lads 7"
Side one: One of the lads
Side two: Ummbaba
EMI Produced by John Lydon
Sleeve Concept & Photography Dennis Morris
Side two: Ummbaba
EMI Produced by John Lydon
Sleeve Concept & Photography Dennis Morris
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Straps – Young Guns Of Brixton
The Straps – Young Guns Of Brixton.
The Straps emerged from the ashes of The Pack in south London Town as the 70s neared their death. Fired by the enthusiasm & DIY aesthetic of Punk Rock, The Straps flirted with rockabilly to forge a sound that would eventually become known as ‘Punkabilly’.
The following passage is taken from the Boy shop (Kings Rd) website & illustrates just what made The Straps such a unique combo:
‘There were Punk bands that changed things and there were punk bands that just made noise without any statements. Probably my favourite Punk band would have to be The Straps. My reasons for this choice is simple: they were original Punks that took up guitars and started creating a sound that was totally in tune with the Punk Movement from 78 onwards. The Straps never really got the recognition they deserved, probably due to lack of management, but they did tour the UK with The Damned and had a strong hardcore following across the country. The Straps always ended up in some sort of chaotic scenario that was out of their control, like the time they were lined up to play the Rainbow theatre with Adam & the Ants and were told to feck off cause the promoter had not paid for the PA. All the bands were kicked out the Rainbow – the promoter was Jock McDonald – hahahaha.
The Straps played the 100 Club quite often and also The Music Machine. Their songs had plenty of raw energy, songs like ‘Pox Kid’, ‘No Liquor’ (aka ‘No Vicar’), ‘Brixton’ and ‘News Of The Day", with Andy Sex Gang on backing vocals. How's this for lyrics:
‘A Kentucky fried Chicken and a few chip shops,
Quite a few Punks & too many drunks,
Ah, life in Brixton, feel the heat,
Too much trouble on the street,
But I'm not gonna leave,
I've got nothing else nothing to achieve’
Only somebody living in Brixton could write these lyrics and of course The Straps were based in various squats in the South of London finally anchoring in Brixton, I was surprised that Mick Jones did not reach out and give The Straps a helping hand.
The Straps singer Jock also worked in BOY for a spell and Jim Walker left PIL to play with The Straps due to Simon & John "Big Poopsy" Werner who were already adding their Canadian talent alongside Dave "Diesel" Reeves and Jock Strap "Johnny Grant". They released a 7" Single, a 12" Single and an album entitled ‘BRIXTON’. I heard that the singer now lives in Cornwall and has 4 kids and still has the master tapes - so maybe in the future we will see a Straps CD on sale.
Stan Stammers played with The Straps before he moved over to The Pack (aka Theatre of Hate). There was a little feud between The Straps and TOH – funny, cause Kirk came from Cornwall and Jock now lives there. Talking of which - did you know that Kirk and Boy George were good friends? – Dennis Boy
As a bonus to our recent feature on The Pack, Johnny Forgotten tracked down Dave Reeves (Bass) to his south London home to quiz him about Punk Rock, Kirk Brandon, The Damned, Punkabilly & his memories of The Straps:
trakMARX - What turned you onto Punk Rock?
Dave – The Sex Pistols on the Today Show (Bill Grundy).
trakMARX - What was your first genuine Punk Rock experience?
Dave – I saw the Ramones with Talking Heads supporting at the Croydon Greyhound. It cost £1 to get in.
trakMARX - When did you decide to take Mark P up on his advice, form a group & join in?
Dave - I started playing guitar at 13 years old & I was 14/15 when punk burst on the scene. I thought fuck it - I can do that!
trakMARX - The Straps eventually swapped members with The Pack following the sacking of Kirk Brandon. Tell us more about the 'sacking' - it doesn't seem to be mentioned in Kirk's Pack biog.
Dave - To be honest I can’t remember 100% what happened between Kirk & The Pack so I would rather not comment as I don’t want a lawsuit like Boy George ended up with!
trakMARX - How long did it take for the new Straps to get down to business?
Dave - After Stan & Luke left, Simon Werner, John Werner & Jim Walker (PIL) rehearsed on a Thursday night with me & Jock. We played at The Music Machine on Friday night with the UK SUBS (which are the two live tracks on our album - early 1980 - I think). So we only had 1 rehearsal.
trakMARX - How did you get involved with Donut Records?
Dave - Donut records was Jim Walkers label.
trakMARX - Who were your label mates?
Dave – Our labels mates were The Pack before they split & joined us.
trakMARX - Your debut 45 - "Just Can't Take It Anymore"/"New Age" (Donut 1) - hit the racks in 1980 with a punked up rockabilly vibe. What were your influences around the time of its composition/recording?
Dave - I was a big Damned & Ruts fan, the ‘Punkabilly’ (‘Just Can`t Take Anymore’) came about by fucking around in rehearsals with me & Stan & then Jock added the vocals in 1979. It’s been said that we may have invented Punkabilly, it was way before The Straycats had even been in the UK. I recently saw Tim from The Polecats & he told me that they wanted to release a cover of ‘Just Can’t Take Anymore’ for their 2nd single - but their record company said it was too punky for them.
trakMARX - The Straps were big mates of The Damned. How did this come about & what anecdotal memories survive?
Dave - I live in the Croydon area of South London & Captain was a drinking buddy of mine, we used to frequent the wonderful pubs of Croydon on a regular basis. Captain told me about The Black Album tour (1980) & Jim Walker paid £2,000 for us to get on it & jolly good fun it was, as you can imagine.
trakMARX - A second 45 - "Brixton"/"No Liquor" (Donut 3) - followed in 1982 & saw a return to a Punkier sound. Why did you abandon the rockabilly tendencies?
Dave – ‘Brixton’/’No Liquor’ was the true Straps sound, & we didn’t have anymore rockabilly songs, that was just a one off track which I personally feel was the wrong track to release as it wasn’t the real Straps music. I think we should have released House Of The Rising Sun.
trakMARX - "The Straps" (CYC 2) LP arrived on Cyclops in 1983 featuring Rat Scabies on drums on one track. What can you remember of the recording of the LP?
Dave - The album was recorded in 6 hours (Cyclops was Simon’s label which released The Pack records). We just played a live gig with no overdubs or extra tracks or anything - & went for it. Jim Walker had left by then & Pete Davies (UK SUBS) stood in & he didn`t even rehearse with us, he turned up at the studio & we gave him a brief blast of each song & nodded to him when each song was about to end. Rat Scabies was on 1 track only (‘No Liquor’) which was a demo that Jock & Simon did with him. Andi Sexgang is on backing vocals on ‘News Of The Day’ which he wrote & was his 1st release when he was in the Panic Buttons (he played Bass for us before Stan joined & used to live in a squat in Battersea with Jock).
trakMARX - Tell us about the death of The Straps.
Dave - The Straps fell apart in 83, I think. We had just recorded a 3rd single called ‘Omega Man’. It just didn’t feel right anymore, it seemed to have lost it’s spark & we drifted apart. Jock went on to record some stuff with Jah Wobble in Bartok & some more stuff with Rat.
trakMARX - How was Kirk Brandon's subsequent success perceived by The Straps.
Dave - Kirk always seemed a bit distant, but I got on really well with Stan & Luke & I was genuinely pleased that they went on to be successful.
trakMARX - How has the world treated the ex-Straps since meltdown & what are you all up to these days?
Dave - We played Brixton academy in 93 (Me & Jock were the only original members) on the Fuck Reading gig. I still get recognised when I go to the odd gig, which I find amusing after all these years. Jock moved to Cornwall, living the simple life. I am back in touch with him now. Don`t know where Simon, John or Jim are though. I seem to be getting a lot of interest lately regarding the band which I think is great. There’s even talk of releasing a ‘best of’ album.
Johnny Forgotten – tMx 14 – 04/04
The Straps emerged from the ashes of The Pack in south London Town as the 70s neared their death. Fired by the enthusiasm & DIY aesthetic of Punk Rock, The Straps flirted with rockabilly to forge a sound that would eventually become known as ‘Punkabilly’.
The following passage is taken from the Boy shop (Kings Rd) website & illustrates just what made The Straps such a unique combo:
‘There were Punk bands that changed things and there were punk bands that just made noise without any statements. Probably my favourite Punk band would have to be The Straps. My reasons for this choice is simple: they were original Punks that took up guitars and started creating a sound that was totally in tune with the Punk Movement from 78 onwards. The Straps never really got the recognition they deserved, probably due to lack of management, but they did tour the UK with The Damned and had a strong hardcore following across the country. The Straps always ended up in some sort of chaotic scenario that was out of their control, like the time they were lined up to play the Rainbow theatre with Adam & the Ants and were told to feck off cause the promoter had not paid for the PA. All the bands were kicked out the Rainbow – the promoter was Jock McDonald – hahahaha.
The Straps played the 100 Club quite often and also The Music Machine. Their songs had plenty of raw energy, songs like ‘Pox Kid’, ‘No Liquor’ (aka ‘No Vicar’), ‘Brixton’ and ‘News Of The Day", with Andy Sex Gang on backing vocals. How's this for lyrics:
‘A Kentucky fried Chicken and a few chip shops,
Quite a few Punks & too many drunks,
Ah, life in Brixton, feel the heat,
Too much trouble on the street,
But I'm not gonna leave,
I've got nothing else nothing to achieve’
Only somebody living in Brixton could write these lyrics and of course The Straps were based in various squats in the South of London finally anchoring in Brixton, I was surprised that Mick Jones did not reach out and give The Straps a helping hand.
The Straps singer Jock also worked in BOY for a spell and Jim Walker left PIL to play with The Straps due to Simon & John "Big Poopsy" Werner who were already adding their Canadian talent alongside Dave "Diesel" Reeves and Jock Strap "Johnny Grant". They released a 7" Single, a 12" Single and an album entitled ‘BRIXTON’. I heard that the singer now lives in Cornwall and has 4 kids and still has the master tapes - so maybe in the future we will see a Straps CD on sale.
Stan Stammers played with The Straps before he moved over to The Pack (aka Theatre of Hate). There was a little feud between The Straps and TOH – funny, cause Kirk came from Cornwall and Jock now lives there. Talking of which - did you know that Kirk and Boy George were good friends? – Dennis Boy
As a bonus to our recent feature on The Pack, Johnny Forgotten tracked down Dave Reeves (Bass) to his south London home to quiz him about Punk Rock, Kirk Brandon, The Damned, Punkabilly & his memories of The Straps:
trakMARX - What turned you onto Punk Rock?
Dave – The Sex Pistols on the Today Show (Bill Grundy).
trakMARX - What was your first genuine Punk Rock experience?
Dave – I saw the Ramones with Talking Heads supporting at the Croydon Greyhound. It cost £1 to get in.
trakMARX - When did you decide to take Mark P up on his advice, form a group & join in?
Dave - I started playing guitar at 13 years old & I was 14/15 when punk burst on the scene. I thought fuck it - I can do that!
trakMARX - The Straps eventually swapped members with The Pack following the sacking of Kirk Brandon. Tell us more about the 'sacking' - it doesn't seem to be mentioned in Kirk's Pack biog.
Dave - To be honest I can’t remember 100% what happened between Kirk & The Pack so I would rather not comment as I don’t want a lawsuit like Boy George ended up with!
trakMARX - How long did it take for the new Straps to get down to business?
Dave - After Stan & Luke left, Simon Werner, John Werner & Jim Walker (PIL) rehearsed on a Thursday night with me & Jock. We played at The Music Machine on Friday night with the UK SUBS (which are the two live tracks on our album - early 1980 - I think). So we only had 1 rehearsal.
trakMARX - How did you get involved with Donut Records?
Dave - Donut records was Jim Walkers label.
trakMARX - Who were your label mates?
Dave – Our labels mates were The Pack before they split & joined us.
trakMARX - Your debut 45 - "Just Can't Take It Anymore"/"New Age" (Donut 1) - hit the racks in 1980 with a punked up rockabilly vibe. What were your influences around the time of its composition/recording?
Dave - I was a big Damned & Ruts fan, the ‘Punkabilly’ (‘Just Can`t Take Anymore’) came about by fucking around in rehearsals with me & Stan & then Jock added the vocals in 1979. It’s been said that we may have invented Punkabilly, it was way before The Straycats had even been in the UK. I recently saw Tim from The Polecats & he told me that they wanted to release a cover of ‘Just Can’t Take Anymore’ for their 2nd single - but their record company said it was too punky for them.
trakMARX - The Straps were big mates of The Damned. How did this come about & what anecdotal memories survive?
Dave - I live in the Croydon area of South London & Captain was a drinking buddy of mine, we used to frequent the wonderful pubs of Croydon on a regular basis. Captain told me about The Black Album tour (1980) & Jim Walker paid £2,000 for us to get on it & jolly good fun it was, as you can imagine.
trakMARX - A second 45 - "Brixton"/"No Liquor" (Donut 3) - followed in 1982 & saw a return to a Punkier sound. Why did you abandon the rockabilly tendencies?
Dave – ‘Brixton’/’No Liquor’ was the true Straps sound, & we didn’t have anymore rockabilly songs, that was just a one off track which I personally feel was the wrong track to release as it wasn’t the real Straps music. I think we should have released House Of The Rising Sun.
trakMARX - "The Straps" (CYC 2) LP arrived on Cyclops in 1983 featuring Rat Scabies on drums on one track. What can you remember of the recording of the LP?
Dave - The album was recorded in 6 hours (Cyclops was Simon’s label which released The Pack records). We just played a live gig with no overdubs or extra tracks or anything - & went for it. Jim Walker had left by then & Pete Davies (UK SUBS) stood in & he didn`t even rehearse with us, he turned up at the studio & we gave him a brief blast of each song & nodded to him when each song was about to end. Rat Scabies was on 1 track only (‘No Liquor’) which was a demo that Jock & Simon did with him. Andi Sexgang is on backing vocals on ‘News Of The Day’ which he wrote & was his 1st release when he was in the Panic Buttons (he played Bass for us before Stan joined & used to live in a squat in Battersea with Jock).
trakMARX - Tell us about the death of The Straps.
Dave - The Straps fell apart in 83, I think. We had just recorded a 3rd single called ‘Omega Man’. It just didn’t feel right anymore, it seemed to have lost it’s spark & we drifted apart. Jock went on to record some stuff with Jah Wobble in Bartok & some more stuff with Rat.
trakMARX - How was Kirk Brandon's subsequent success perceived by The Straps.
Dave - Kirk always seemed a bit distant, but I got on really well with Stan & Luke & I was genuinely pleased that they went on to be successful.
trakMARX - How has the world treated the ex-Straps since meltdown & what are you all up to these days?
Dave - We played Brixton academy in 93 (Me & Jock were the only original members) on the Fuck Reading gig. I still get recognised when I go to the odd gig, which I find amusing after all these years. Jock moved to Cornwall, living the simple life. I am back in touch with him now. Don`t know where Simon, John or Jim are though. I seem to be getting a lot of interest lately regarding the band which I think is great. There’s even talk of releasing a ‘best of’ album.
Johnny Forgotten – tMx 14 – 04/04
Kevin Mooney vs Jock
Adam has an interesting version of events of what happened afterwards with the fight with 4Be2's. What's your side of the story?
I remember that they started on Mandy, Adam and Marco, and then Jordan and I came down. There was a big fight, and that little fucking arsehole, Jock McDonald, I jumped on him and started having a go at him. There were about ten other people. I tell you, that 4be2 lot are a bunch of fucking wankers. No doubt they still are, you know, drunk 'round Finsbury Park. They were arseholes. And I tell you what, the most annoying thing was I beat Jock McDonald in that fight, but someone broke my bass. And that pissed me off because that was a really good bass. It was a Gibson, and I'd never had one like that before or since.
So you couldn't get it fixed?
No, I tried to get another one but it wasn't the same.
So it was actually a proper fight? Adam claims he was almost stabbed and Mandy saved him...
Yeah, he was going on about all that and Jordan was quite feisty in that one, and there was an Antfan with a mohican. I used to talk to him a lot but I never knew his name, he was there.
Did that used to happen a lot?
Yeah, and I was surprised because that happened right in the middle of the BBC. We were walking back, getting ready to go out and then these fucking arseholes jumped us. I wouldn't mind, but they never made a good fucking record in their life! Fair enough if it was Johnny Rotten or something, but it was Johnny Rotten's wanker brother.
So why were they there?
Fuck knows.
So things like that did happen?
Oh yeah, a lot of that happened. We had some very strange violent scenes.
I remember that they started on Mandy, Adam and Marco, and then Jordan and I came down. There was a big fight, and that little fucking arsehole, Jock McDonald, I jumped on him and started having a go at him. There were about ten other people. I tell you, that 4be2 lot are a bunch of fucking wankers. No doubt they still are, you know, drunk 'round Finsbury Park. They were arseholes. And I tell you what, the most annoying thing was I beat Jock McDonald in that fight, but someone broke my bass. And that pissed me off because that was a really good bass. It was a Gibson, and I'd never had one like that before or since.
So you couldn't get it fixed?
No, I tried to get another one but it wasn't the same.
So it was actually a proper fight? Adam claims he was almost stabbed and Mandy saved him...
Yeah, he was going on about all that and Jordan was quite feisty in that one, and there was an Antfan with a mohican. I used to talk to him a lot but I never knew his name, he was there.
Did that used to happen a lot?
Yeah, and I was surprised because that happened right in the middle of the BBC. We were walking back, getting ready to go out and then these fucking arseholes jumped us. I wouldn't mind, but they never made a good fucking record in their life! Fair enough if it was Johnny Rotten or something, but it was Johnny Rotten's wanker brother.
So why were they there?
Fuck knows.
So things like that did happen?
Oh yeah, a lot of that happened. We had some very strange violent scenes.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2000 Punks in battle with police
News of the world
Jock McDonald: my little stall on Londonds kings road of where I brought the clash to play on the roof, and I filled the kings road with Punks, the first time on londons streets that the spg (special patrol group) real bastards were used
Jock McDonald: my little stall on Londonds kings road of where I brought the clash to play on the roof, and I filled the kings road with Punks, the first time on londons streets that the spg (special patrol group) real bastards were used
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Billy's - Beaufort Market
Jock McDonald present's at
Billy's - Beaufort Market
Saturday 31 March 1979
Beaufort Market, London
Protest Gig Cancelled!
Billy's - Beaufort Market
Saturday 31 March 1979
Beaufort Market, London
Protest Gig Cancelled!
Kings Road Riot
Jock McDonald wind up
Saturday 31 March 1979
Beaufort Market, London
Protest Gig Cancelled!
Jock McDonald: my little stall on Londonds kings road of where I brought the clash to play on the roof, and I filled the kings road with Punks, the first time on londons streets that the spg (special patrol group) real bastards were used
Saturday 31 March 1979
Beaufort Market, London
Protest Gig Cancelled!
Jock McDonald: my little stall on Londonds kings road of where I brought the clash to play on the roof, and I filled the kings road with Punks, the first time on londons streets that the spg (special patrol group) real bastards were used
Wayne County & The Electric Chairs
Wayne throughout his career has been a mixture of confusing possibilities. Man or woman but never wanting to be completely one or the other. Taking hormones but pulling out from the final chop as it were Wayne slowly became more of a woman so much so that in the gossip column of Sounds (16.9.78) Jock McDonald (Vortex club DJ) was reported as trying to pull her at Dingwalls as he described her a the prettiest girl in the place.
Wayne County & The Electric Chairs
Wayne County & The Electric Chairs
The Spotty Dogs @ The Roxy
The Spotty Dogs - Camden Town London
Our most pleasing accolade was to come from either Kevin St John or Jock McDonald, can't remember which. Whist playing our set at the Roxy one of them in a fit of rage and disgust, rushed downstairs and pulled out all the plugs on the amps. I still to this day don't know how we got a residency there.
God the Roxy was a shit hole! We loved it!
Friday, November 27, 2009
4" Be 2"
4" Be 2"
4 Be 2 · (Active: 1970's —1980's)
Styles: Post-Punk
Formed: 1979 London, England
Disbanded:1981
Active: 1970's—1980's
Biography by Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
He didn't achieve the fame that his older brother John enjoyed, but Jimmy Lydon was part of his own group for a short period during the late '70s and early '80s, 4 Be 2. Like the early releases of his brother's second major band, Public Image Ltd., 4 Be 2's sound featured art-damaged, dub-influenced post-punk. With revolving door assistance from Graham Wheeland, bassist Martin "Youth" Glover (Killing Joke), guitarists Dreary O'Hoodlum and Jock McDonald (who doubled as the group's manager), and drummers Paddy O'Reilly and Paul "Youngie" Young, 4 Be 2 released a trio of singles, debuting on Island in September of 1979 with One of the Lads. The Frustration single followed in July of 1980 and added backing vocals from Keren Woodward and Sarah Dallin, two future members of Bananarama. Though the sleeves for the singles credit John Lydon with production, Jimmy swore (nudge nudge) that it was his father -- not his brother -- that did the knob twiddling. The singer opted to leave the group in March of 1981 and the group celebrated the fact with the All of Lads 12," which was issued on Shamrock. After that, the group continued briefly with Jimmy's adolescent brother, Martin, as the vocalist. Back to the top Members of 4 Be 2 Artist Instrument Born Dreary O'Hoodlum, Graham Wheeland, Jimmy Lydon, Jock McDonald, Paddy O'Reilly & Paul "Youngie" Young
Before we start, John had NO real involvement in any of these 4"Be 2" records, but lets explain… We're only mentioning them in this discography as a way of warning people who don't know better...
4"Be 2" were formed by John's brother Jimmy Lydon along with Jock McDonald (real name O'Donnell); and featured a whole host of Lydon family & associates, including Youth from Killing Joke. John's other brother Martin sometimes appeared with them; as did a certain John "Rambo" Stevens... The band's name was taken from an Irish nickname for a plank of wood, and not rhyming slang. Honest.
The 4" Be 2" claimed John Lydon produced most of their material. However, as far as we know his only involvement, apart from socialising, was to possibly produce their first two singles. Though he later denied working with them at all! Claiming it was just a Jock McDonald cash in... Probably the most infamous John Lydon / 4"Be 2" "collaboration" is the trip to Dublin in 1980, where John ended up in Mountjoy Prison after being beaten up by a barman.
By Autumn 1981 the 4"Be 2" broke up and Jimmy retired into marriage, the rest of the band – with McDonald on vocals – had already released two 12"singles in 1980 and 1981 under the name The Bollock Brothers. Many of the Bollock Brothers (and related) releases had a habit of stating that "J. Lydon", appeared on, or produced them. However, this easily could have been Jimmy and not John Lydon.
Be warned! Various other Bollock Brothers / 4" Be 2" records have been released under a variety of names. Despite what they say about John Lydon's involvement, basically, it's just a scam, avoid them all (except the dub version of 'One of the Lads' which is actually not a bad record).
7" ONE OF THE LADS / UMMBABA (p/s) - ISLAND WIP6530 - (8/79)12": ONE OF THE LADS (Dub Version) / ONE OF THE LADS / UMMBABA (p/s) - ISLAND WIP6530 - (11/79)
(Credited as "Produced by John Lydon")
Debut single by the 4" Be 2". John Lydon allegedly produces both tracks.
Bass guitar by Youth Martin of Killing Joke. Sleeve concept and photography by Dennis Morris.
7": FRUSTRATION / CAN'T EXPLAIN (p/s) - WEA K18290 - (7/80)
(Credited as "Produced by John Lydon")
Second single by the band. 'Frustration' was allegedly produced by John Lydon, who is pictured on the sleeve under the name "Pig Youth". He also gets a co-writing credit on the A-side under the same name. Music press reports from the time claim that he also played bass on the B-side. However, it seems very unlikely, and rumour has it he actually fell asleep during the recording!
A 'Dub Version' of the track also appeared on the 1986 'Lydon & O'Donnell Family Album' (MBC JOCKLP5)
12": ALL OF THE LADS / JIMMY JONES / BITCH - McDONALD LYDONSHAMROCK-1
(4/81)
(Credited as "Produced by John Lydon")
Last 12" single from the band, now on their own label. John Lydon allegedly mixed and produced the two songs on the B-side.
Martin Lydon's address is printed on the cover for T-shirts and info ("for T-shirts or info on the 4"Be 2"s write to Martin Lydon...").
LP: THE LYDON AND O'DONNEL'S FAMILY ALBUM - MBC JOCKLP5 - (6/86)
(Features; One Of The Lads (Dub Version)' / Frustration (Dub Version) / Jimmy Jones / Bitch)
Jock McDonald compilation album featuring all the alleged John Lydon / 4" Be 2" releases. The remainder of the album features Bollock Brothers tracks.
BOOTLEG LP: D WING - UD 6533 - (?/81)
FRUSTRATION / DC-10 / CELTIC ORIGIN / DO THE HUCKLEBACK / BELFAST / FRUSTRATION (AGAIN)
'Hot Wacks' lists this Japanese bootleg (by the same label who released PiL's 'Sci-Fi' album). Apparently it features studio recordings almost certainly recorded in mid 1980 when the band recorded the 'Frustration' single. Therefor it's possible it features John Lydon in some shape or form; possible...
4 Be 2 · (Active: 1970's —1980's)
Styles: Post-Punk
Formed: 1979 London, England
Disbanded:1981
Active: 1970's—1980's
Biography by Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
He didn't achieve the fame that his older brother John enjoyed, but Jimmy Lydon was part of his own group for a short period during the late '70s and early '80s, 4 Be 2. Like the early releases of his brother's second major band, Public Image Ltd., 4 Be 2's sound featured art-damaged, dub-influenced post-punk. With revolving door assistance from Graham Wheeland, bassist Martin "Youth" Glover (Killing Joke), guitarists Dreary O'Hoodlum and Jock McDonald (who doubled as the group's manager), and drummers Paddy O'Reilly and Paul "Youngie" Young, 4 Be 2 released a trio of singles, debuting on Island in September of 1979 with One of the Lads. The Frustration single followed in July of 1980 and added backing vocals from Keren Woodward and Sarah Dallin, two future members of Bananarama. Though the sleeves for the singles credit John Lydon with production, Jimmy swore (nudge nudge) that it was his father -- not his brother -- that did the knob twiddling. The singer opted to leave the group in March of 1981 and the group celebrated the fact with the All of Lads 12," which was issued on Shamrock. After that, the group continued briefly with Jimmy's adolescent brother, Martin, as the vocalist. Back to the top Members of 4 Be 2 Artist Instrument Born Dreary O'Hoodlum, Graham Wheeland, Jimmy Lydon, Jock McDonald, Paddy O'Reilly & Paul "Youngie" Young
Before we start, John had NO real involvement in any of these 4"Be 2" records, but lets explain… We're only mentioning them in this discography as a way of warning people who don't know better...
4"Be 2" were formed by John's brother Jimmy Lydon along with Jock McDonald (real name O'Donnell); and featured a whole host of Lydon family & associates, including Youth from Killing Joke. John's other brother Martin sometimes appeared with them; as did a certain John "Rambo" Stevens... The band's name was taken from an Irish nickname for a plank of wood, and not rhyming slang. Honest.
The 4" Be 2" claimed John Lydon produced most of their material. However, as far as we know his only involvement, apart from socialising, was to possibly produce their first two singles. Though he later denied working with them at all! Claiming it was just a Jock McDonald cash in... Probably the most infamous John Lydon / 4"Be 2" "collaboration" is the trip to Dublin in 1980, where John ended up in Mountjoy Prison after being beaten up by a barman.
By Autumn 1981 the 4"Be 2" broke up and Jimmy retired into marriage, the rest of the band – with McDonald on vocals – had already released two 12"singles in 1980 and 1981 under the name The Bollock Brothers. Many of the Bollock Brothers (and related) releases had a habit of stating that "J. Lydon", appeared on, or produced them. However, this easily could have been Jimmy and not John Lydon.
Be warned! Various other Bollock Brothers / 4" Be 2" records have been released under a variety of names. Despite what they say about John Lydon's involvement, basically, it's just a scam, avoid them all (except the dub version of 'One of the Lads' which is actually not a bad record).
7" ONE OF THE LADS / UMMBABA (p/s) - ISLAND WIP6530 - (8/79)12": ONE OF THE LADS (Dub Version) / ONE OF THE LADS / UMMBABA (p/s) - ISLAND WIP6530 - (11/79)
(Credited as "Produced by John Lydon")
Debut single by the 4" Be 2". John Lydon allegedly produces both tracks.
Bass guitar by Youth Martin of Killing Joke. Sleeve concept and photography by Dennis Morris.
7": FRUSTRATION / CAN'T EXPLAIN (p/s) - WEA K18290 - (7/80)
(Credited as "Produced by John Lydon")
Second single by the band. 'Frustration' was allegedly produced by John Lydon, who is pictured on the sleeve under the name "Pig Youth". He also gets a co-writing credit on the A-side under the same name. Music press reports from the time claim that he also played bass on the B-side. However, it seems very unlikely, and rumour has it he actually fell asleep during the recording!
A 'Dub Version' of the track also appeared on the 1986 'Lydon & O'Donnell Family Album' (MBC JOCKLP5)
12": ALL OF THE LADS / JIMMY JONES / BITCH - McDONALD LYDONSHAMROCK-1
(4/81)
(Credited as "Produced by John Lydon")
Last 12" single from the band, now on their own label. John Lydon allegedly mixed and produced the two songs on the B-side.
Martin Lydon's address is printed on the cover for T-shirts and info ("for T-shirts or info on the 4"Be 2"s write to Martin Lydon...").
LP: THE LYDON AND O'DONNEL'S FAMILY ALBUM - MBC JOCKLP5 - (6/86)
(Features; One Of The Lads (Dub Version)' / Frustration (Dub Version) / Jimmy Jones / Bitch)
Jock McDonald compilation album featuring all the alleged John Lydon / 4" Be 2" releases. The remainder of the album features Bollock Brothers tracks.
BOOTLEG LP: D WING - UD 6533 - (?/81)
FRUSTRATION / DC-10 / CELTIC ORIGIN / DO THE HUCKLEBACK / BELFAST / FRUSTRATION (AGAIN)
'Hot Wacks' lists this Japanese bootleg (by the same label who released PiL's 'Sci-Fi' album). Apparently it features studio recordings almost certainly recorded in mid 1980 when the band recorded the 'Frustration' single. Therefor it's possible it features John Lydon in some shape or form; possible...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The early years 1979 - 1983
4" Be 2"
4" Be 2" were formed by John's brother Jimmy Lydon along with Jock McDonald (real name O'Donnell), together with a whole host of Lydon family & friends. The band's name was taken from an old Irish joke about a plank of wood, and not rhyming slang! The 4" Be 2" claimed John Lydon produced most of their stuff. As far as we know John Lydon's only involvement with them, apart from socialising, was to possibly produce their first two singles. Though he later denied working with them at all, claiming it was all a McDonald cash in... Probably the most famous John Lydon / 4"Be 2" "collaboration" is the infamous trip to Dublin in 1980, where he ended up in Mountjoy Prison after being beaten up by a barman. By Autumn 1981 the 4"Be 2" broke up and Jimmy retired into marriage, the rest of the band with McDonald on vocals had already released two 12"singles in 1980 and 1981 under the name The Bollock Brothers. Many of the Bollock Brothers (and related) releases had a habit of stating that "J. Lydon", appeared on, or produced them. However, this easily could have been Jimmy and not John Lydon. Incidentally John's other brother Martin also appeared with the band, along with a certain Mr John Rambo...
Members: Jimmy Lydon, Jock McDonald
Genre: Electronic Rock
Releases:
1979 One Of The Lads - Island Records
1979 One Of The Lads (7") - Island Records
1979 One Of The Lads (12") - Island Records
1980 Frustration (7", Single) - WEA International Inc.
1981 All Of The Lads (12") - McDonald And Lydon Records
Red Lipstique
Genre: Electronic Rock
Releases:
1982 Drac's Back (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1982 Drac's Back (12") - Magnet (2)
1982 Drac's Back (7") - Magnet (2)
1983 Drac's Back (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1983 Oscar Wilde (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1983 Shame,Shame,Shame (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1983 Shame,Shame,Shame (7") - Charly Records Ltd.
4" Be 2" were formed by John's brother Jimmy Lydon along with Jock McDonald (real name O'Donnell), together with a whole host of Lydon family & friends. The band's name was taken from an old Irish joke about a plank of wood, and not rhyming slang! The 4" Be 2" claimed John Lydon produced most of their stuff. As far as we know John Lydon's only involvement with them, apart from socialising, was to possibly produce their first two singles. Though he later denied working with them at all, claiming it was all a McDonald cash in... Probably the most famous John Lydon / 4"Be 2" "collaboration" is the infamous trip to Dublin in 1980, where he ended up in Mountjoy Prison after being beaten up by a barman. By Autumn 1981 the 4"Be 2" broke up and Jimmy retired into marriage, the rest of the band with McDonald on vocals had already released two 12"singles in 1980 and 1981 under the name The Bollock Brothers. Many of the Bollock Brothers (and related) releases had a habit of stating that "J. Lydon", appeared on, or produced them. However, this easily could have been Jimmy and not John Lydon. Incidentally John's other brother Martin also appeared with the band, along with a certain Mr John Rambo...
Members: Jimmy Lydon, Jock McDonald
Genre: Electronic Rock
Releases:
1979 One Of The Lads - Island Records
1979 One Of The Lads (7") - Island Records
1979 One Of The Lads (12") - Island Records
1980 Frustration (7", Single) - WEA International Inc.
1981 All Of The Lads (12") - McDonald And Lydon Records
Red Lipstique
Genre: Electronic Rock
Releases:
1982 Drac's Back (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1982 Drac's Back (12") - Magnet (2)
1982 Drac's Back (7") - Magnet (2)
1983 Drac's Back (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1983 Oscar Wilde (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1983 Shame,Shame,Shame (12") - Charly Records Ltd.
1983 Shame,Shame,Shame (7") - Charly Records Ltd.
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