Chances are if you’ve read this far you’re already familiar with the legendary U.K. Subs and their place in punk rock history. Their debut album was the first punk record I ever bought (and probably only the third of any sort) so they’ve been part of my life for a very long time, and I know they are held in high esteem by many in the punk scene and beyond.
We’re familiar with their ‘on tour forever’ status, their A-Z of album releases over the years and of course the legend that is Charlie Harper (it may well be illegal to utter his name without the word ‘legend’ in the same sentence!) but what most of us won’t be aware of is the detailed background story of the band; multiple line-up changes, personnel rifts, money issues and just how totally chaotic things were at times! That’s where long standing Subs bassist Alvin Gibbs steps in…and he pulls no punches in telling us about both the highs and lows of being a touring and recording punk musician.
Volume 1 of Alvin’s memoirs told us about his early years and his initial entry into the world of music including his first stint as a U.K. Sub starting in 1980 and his first appearance on album – with ‘Diminished Responsibility’. Volume 2 dealt with a period of time spent between LA, London and many other parts of the globe and included his time playing with Iggy Pop and Cheap & Nasty.
I’d been looking forward to Volume 3 (as with the first volumes, published by Tome & Metre) for some time as it promised to bring Alvin’s story right up to date and I knew it was going to be talking about the period during which I’ve seen the U.K Subs quite a few times and in which they’ve released a recent run of albums that was as solid as anything they’ve done for some considerable time. He does this in fine style and really gets over the buzz of being up on stage each night dishing out rock ‘n’ roll to rabid audience of punks young and old, and all the excitement and temptations that go with the territory. While reinforcing what we all know and love about live music he also makes sure we get the not always so pleasant flip side to the glamour and thrills – thousands of miles on the road, tensions within and around the band, ever present worries about money and the generally odd and unreal dynamics of tour life. As with the previous two volumes of ‘Diminished Responsibility’ there are many very entertaining tales of rock ‘n’ roll excess told, and I suspect there are plenty more kept back for safekeeping! While making sure the reality of the situation is presented, he never tries to hide away from the fact that he is having an immense amount of fun, his passion for playing music and in particular his love of and loyalty to the U.K Subs.
I’ve always adored the sound and tone of a bass guitar so a talented player like Alvin is always going to be in the big league for me but there are a couple of other things that can’t help but make me rate him even him even more highly….firstly, he is a long standing (and like the rest of us at this particular point in time, suffering) fan of Crystal Palace F.C., which clearly marks him out as a top bloke! Secondly, he has also studied extensively with the Open University which from my own experience takes a lot of drive and self-discipline to do well while juggling commitments elsewhere; I did it around work and family while Alvin achieved a full Degree whilst touring around the known universe with the U.K Subs! Hats off to the man! He has shown the same determination in doing this as he seemingly has in keeping the Subs on the straight and narrow for so long (as well as the low-end sound duties he has often taken the tour manager role).
Alvin Gibbs doesn’t dumb anything down which is refreshing as that is not always the case with music books – don’t worry there’s plenty of tales of on the road debauchery and rock ‘n’ roll excess, but also his thoughts on Brexit, his passion for history, his love of France, dedication to the Labour party and his vigorous defence of the ethics and beliefs behind the U.K Subs when they were unfortunately dragged into a sorry accusation of racism by brainless keyboard warriors. There are plenty of insights into the U.K. Subs recording process especially on the most recent set of albums that brought their recording of original material to a close (or has it…?).
They may be slowing down (a bit!) but they’re going out on a high playing in packed venues each night to an audience who clearly love them. They’re well known for their longevity and relentless tour schedule, but it shouldn’t be overlooked that they are a fucking great rock ‘n’ roll band and this twilight of their career may just be them at their strongest. Once Alvin’s time as a U.K Sub is over he still has his own Disobedient Servants band that he fronts so you’ll still get the opportunity to see him prowling the stage, bass slung low, delivering the goods.
So buckle up for some rip roaring tales of decades on the road and punk rock in action with the indomitable U.K Subs – a tour guide full of thrills ‘n’ spills, booze and glory and white hot rock ‘n’ roll! With Alvin as a guide you can experience the drama and energy of the punk rock lifestyle and get the low down on the recording of many crucial albums in the extensive U.K. Subs catalogue.
Propelled by his ever present bass and imbued with his palpable lust for life Alvin Gibbs delivers the goods and dishes the dirt with equal measure; this is a great entertaining read that certainly gets the adrenalin flowing and has really whetted the appetite for the upcoming run of U.K Subs dates!
On tour forever!
All three volumes plus loads of other goodies available from Time & Matter Recordings
For anything and everything U.K Subs related head to the Time & Matter website and archive here
Gary Powell, November 2024
