Abrasive Wheels

Abrasive Wheels are a punk rock band originating from Leeds, England, active primarily from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. The band quickly became a fixture in the UK’s punk scene, consistently appearing on the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984. Their aggressive sound and rebellious attitude made them a staple of the era’s punk movement. The original lineup featured Phil “Shonna” Rzonca on vocals, Dave Ryan on guitar, Harry Harrison on bass, and Nev Nevison on drums. After disbanding in 1984, Rzonca reformed the band in 2002 with a new lineup.

History

Formation and Early Years (1976–1982)

Abrasive Wheels formed in 1976, with Phil “Shonna” Rzonca on vocals, Dave Ryan on guitar, Rzonca’s brother Adam on drums, and their cousin Robert Welch on bass. The band’s name was inspired by warning signs at Rzonca’s engineering apprenticeship. They made their first public appearance in 1977 at a friend’s party, followed by a Rock Against Racism gig at Leeds Polytechnic. After Adam and Robert left, the band went through several lineup changes before stabilizing with Harry Harrison on bass and Nev Nevison on drums. The band self-financed their first EP, The Army Song, released in 1981 on their Abrasive Records label, which quickly sold out its initial pressing and reached number 35 on the UK Indie Chart. They later signed to Riot City Records, releasing the Vicious Circle EP and their debut album, When the Punks Go Marching In, in 1982.

Success and Split (1983–1984)

The band continued to gain popularity with the release of their second album, Black Leather Girl, in 1984, which featured a more polished sound and vocal harmonies. Despite their success, Abrasive Wheels disbanded later that year following a lengthy international tour. Rzonca subsequently pursued various ventures, including working as a taxi driver and opening pizza parlors in Leeds.

Reformation and Later Years (2002–Present)

In 2002, Rzonca reformed Abrasive Wheels with new members, including Steve Popplewell on second guitar. Although Dave, Harry, and Nev left after several gigs, Rzonca and Popplewell continued with new recruits. The band released a new album, SKuM, in 2009. Following more lineup changes, including the addition of Mickey Waddington on drums and Alex Greatrex on guitar, Abrasive Wheels continued to perform and record, including a notable appearance at the Rebellion Festival in 2014.

Discography

Studio Albums

• When the Punks Go Marching In (1982) – Riot City, #3 UK Indie
• Black Leather Girl (1984) – Clay, #8 UK Indie
• SKuM (2009) – Crashed Out

Live Albums

• Captured Live! (1982) – Chaos Cassettes

Compilation Albums

• The Punk Singles Collection (1995) – Captain Oi!
• The Riot City Years 1981–1982 (2003) – Anagram

Video Albums

• Limited Edition (1984) – Jettisoundz Video/Clay

EPs

• The Army Song (ABW EP) (1981) – Abrasive, #35 UK Indie
• Vicious Circle EP (1982) – Riot City, #12 UK Indie
• Nothing to Prove (2007) – SOS

Singles

• “Burn ’em Down!”/”Urban Rebel” (1982) – #14 UK Indie
• “Jailhouse Rock”/”Sonic Omen” (1983) – #13 UK Indie
• “Banner of Hope” (1983) – #10 UK Indie
• “The Prisoner”/”Christianne” (1984) – #27 UK Indie

Other Song Releases

• “Maybe Tomorrow” (2007) – Download only
• “Skum” (2008–2009) – Streamed on Myspace
• “Fight the Enemy” (2008–2009) – Streamed on Myspace
• “Crazy Town” (2014) – Streamed on YouTube

Compilation Appearances

• “Criminal Youth” on Riotous Assembly (1982)
• “Army Song” and “Shout It Out” on 100% British Punk
• “Banner of Hope,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Prisoner” on Clay Records Punk Singles Collection
• “Army Song” on Punk and Disorderly, Vol. 1
• “Vicious Circle” on Punk and Disorderly, Vol. 2: Further Changes
• “Burn ’em Down” on Punk and Disorderly, Vol. 3: The Final Solution
• “Vicious Circle,” “Army Song,” and “Burn ’em Down” on Riot City Punk Singles Collection (Vol.1)
• “Juvenile” and “Urban Rebel” on Riot City Punk Singles Collection (Vol.2)
• “Sonic Omen” on If The Kids Are United: The Punk Box Set