Alternative TV -

Alternative TV was an English post-punk/industrial band from London that released four albums in 1978/79 on Deptford Fun City, including a split record with Gong-offshoot Here and Now and another under the ATV alter ego Good Missionaries. Guitarist/singer Mark Perry founded Sniffin’ Glue, the first UK punk zine. He also co-founded the DFC label with Miles Copeland.

Members: Mark Perry (vocals, guitar), Alex Fergusson (guitar, 1977-78, 1981, 1995), John Towe (drums, 1977), Dennis Burns (bass, 1977-81), Tyrone Thomas (bass, guitar, 1977-78, 1995-2000), Chris Bennett (drums, 1977-78), Kim Turner (guitar, 1978), Mick Linehan (guitar, 1978), Dave George (guitar, 1979, 1984), Anno Wombat (vocals, 1979), Alan Gruner (keyboards, 1981), Ray Weston (drums, 1981), Nag (bass, 1984), Karl Blake (guitar, drums, 1984-85), Martin “Protag” Neish (guitar, 1984, 1986), Steven Cannell (bass, 1985-88, 1990), Alison Philips (drums, 1985-87), Clive Giblin (guitar, 1987-88)

Background

Alternative TV formed in London in March 1977 when singer Mark Perry teamed with Scottish guitarist Alex Fergusson and began rehearsals at Industrial Studios in Hackney. Throbbing Gristle founder Genesis P-Orridge assisted on bass and drums at the early sessions but declined an offer to join the group.

Perry entered the London punk scene as a South Kensington bank clerk and music fan. In July 1976, he saw The Ramones on their London debut at the Roundhouse The event inspired his launch of Sniffin’ Glue, a self-published fanzine that connected him with emerging London groups and club figures.

By early 1977, he also worked in A&R for Miles Copeland at Step Forward Records, where he helped recruit Chelsea, The Cortinas, and Sham 69. Perry made an initial attempt at performing in late 1976 with Tyrone Thomas under the New Beatles name, a project that stopped at rehearsals.

Fergusson played in the Glasgow groups Bold Bucks and the Nobodies, the latter with future rock journalist Sandy Robertson. He moved from Scotland to London at the start of 1977 and met Perry through the punk circuit. Harry Murlowski proposed the original name Alternative t’TV, which the pair shortened to Alternative TV.

Bassist Mick Smith and drummer John Towe completed the first live lineup. Towe came from the original Chelsea lineup and followed Billy Idol and Tony James into Generation X, which replaced him by spring 1977 with Mark Laff. Alternative TV debuted May 6 at Nottingham Punk Festival on a bill with Generation X and Chelsea. Soon after, Smith and Towe cleared out for bassist Tyrone Thomas and drummer Chris Bennett.

Miles Copeland became Alternative TV manager and arranged free July studio time with EMI at Manchester Square, where the group recorded “How Much Longer,” “Life,” “Love Lies Limp,” and “You Bastard.” EMI declined a contract but allowed Alternative TV to retain the masters.

Perry ended Sniffin’ Glue with issue twelve in August and included “Love Lies Limp” as a free flexidisc. Alternative TV continued with a short Scottish tour and taped a December BBC session for John Peel. Deptford Fun City issued “How Much Longer” (b/w “You Bastard”) near the end of the year.

Perry dissolved the Fergusson lineup following a show at Eric’s in Liverpool and reconvened Alternative TV within two weeks. Thomas moved from bass to guitar as Dennis Burns entered on bass, while Kim Turner soon joined on second guitar. In February 1978, Perry commenced album sessions at Surrey Sound with Burns, Bennett, and Turner.

Discography: