Alternative Tv

ByLets Go Punk
Alternative TV (ATV) is a pioneering English band formed in 1977 by Mark Perry. Explore their history

Alternative TV (sometimes known as ATV) is an English band formed in London in 1977. The band, led by Mark Perry, was known for blending punk with reggae rhythms and later moving into more experimental musical territories. They played a significant role in shaping the post-punk landscape and have continued to influence the genre over the years.

History

Formation and Early Years

Alternative TV was formed by Mark Perry, the founder of the punk fanzine Sniffin’ Glue, along with guitarist Alex Fergusson. The band’s name was a play on “Associated Television,” a British broadcaster also known as ATV. Early rehearsals were held at Throbbing Gristle’s Industrial Records studio, with Genesis P-Orridge initially playing drums. The band’s first live performance was in Nottingham, opening for The Adverts.

Their first recorded appearance was the track “Love Lies Limp,” which was released as a free flexi-disc with the final issue of Perry’s fanzine Sniffin’ Glue. Their early lineup included John Towe on drums and Tyrone Thomas on bass, and they released singles like “How Much Longer” and “You Bastard,” which were critical of the punk scene itself. These early releases combined fast, aggressive punk songs with more experimental pieces.

Line-up Changes and Early Releases

In late 1977, Perry parted ways with Alex Fergusson, who went on to form Cash Pussies and later Psychic TV with Genesis P-Orridge. ATV then underwent several lineup changes, with Dennis Burns joining on bass and Tyrone Thomas switching to guitar. The band’s debut album, The Image Has Cracked, was released in 1978 and featured a mix of punk and dub influences, with Jools Holland guesting on piano.

ATV’s second album, Vibing Up the Senile Man (Part One), released in 1979, marked a significant shift towards more experimental and avant-garde music. The album alienated some fans and critics but established the band as pioneers of the post-punk movement. Their live shows during this period were chaotic and confrontational, often ending in violence, as documented on the cassette-only release Scars on Sunday.

The Good Missionaries and Subsequent Projects

Following the release of Vibing Up the Senile Man, ATV evolved into The Good Missionaries, a more avant-garde project that released the live album Fire From Heaven in 1979. Mark Perry also collaborated with The Door and the Window, releasing several EPs and an album titled Detailed Twang. In 1981, Perry, Fergusson, and Burns briefly reformed ATV and released the pop-oriented album Strange Kicks, which was not well-received.

Reformations and Later Years

Mark Perry reformed ATV in 1985 with a new lineup that included Karl Blake, Steve Cannell, and Allison Phillips. Over the next decade, ATV released several albums, including Punk Life (1998) and Apollo (1999), with various lineups. Their 2001 album Revolution was their last studio album for over a decade.

In 2015, ATV returned with the album Opposing Forces, their first studio release in fourteen years. In 2022, Perry reformed the band for a series of live performances in the South West of England. This lineup played its final gig in September of that year.

Legacy

Alternative TV’s influence has been acknowledged by various artists over the years. The Chameleons regularly covered ATV’s “Splitting in 2” during their live performances. Other artists, such as Savage Republic and Thee Headcoats, have also covered ATV’s songs. Wild Billy Childish recorded a version of “Date With Doug” on his 2007 debut album.

Band Members

Current Member

  • Mark Perry – lead vocals, guitar, other instruments (1977–present)

Notable Former Members

  • Alex Fergusson – guitar, vocals (1977, 1995)
  • Tyrone Thomas – bass, guitar (1977, 1995–2001)
  • John Towe – drums (1977)
  • Chris Bennett – drums (1977–1978)
  • Dennis Burns – bass, guitar (1977–1981)
  • Protag – guitar (1984, 1986)
  • Karl Blake – guitar, drums (1984–1985)

Discography

Studio Albums

  • The Image Has Cracked (1978)
  • Vibing Up the Senile Man (Part One) (1979)
  • Strange Kicks (1981)
  • Peep Show (1987)
  • Dragon Love (1990)
  • My Life as a Child Star (1994)
  • Punk Life (1998)
  • Apollo (1999)
  • Revolution (2001)
  • Opposing Forces (2015)
  • Direct Action (2023)

Split Albums

  • Scars on Sunday (1980) (with The Good Missionaries)
  • An Ye as Well (1980) (with The Good Missionaries)

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