POSTSCRIPT PROFESSIONALS

 

STEVE    JONES  "Boys will be boys"

Steve Jones' immediate post-Professional activity centred around New York's Peppermint Lounge venue, where he would perform with the likes of  Johnny Thunders,  Mick Jones, & Terry Chimes. September '82 saw the first concert by "supergroup" Chequered Past, who for their debut gig comprised of  Jones, Blondie's Clem Burke, Nigel Harrison & Frank Infante, plus Michael Des Barres (vocals). Frank Infante was replaced by Tony Fox Sales in the 'settled' line-up. 

The group would later release one album, "Chequered Past" (Capitol) in 1984 before disbanding. Throughout this period Jones' productivity was hampered by his heroin dependency. Steve also appeared on Michael Des Barres solo album, "Somebody Up There Likes Me" (MCA).

By 1985, Steve had cleaned up, grown his hair & was hanging out as a part of the Los Angeles bikers scene. His services were also back in demand. Andy Taylor's "Thunder" album (MCA) in '86 & Iggy Pop's "Instinct" (A&M)  in '88, showed Steve had lost none of his style. Megadeth also enlisted Steve's services in '88 on their cover of the Pistols' "Anarchy In The U.K." (Capitol), a version best remembered for hilariously mis-heard lyrics.

During the 1980/90's Steve also worked with The Nothings, Bob Dylan, Don Johnson, Argentinian punk band Pilsen, as well as Johnny Depp's band, P. (See solo discography for details).

Signing as a solo artist to MCA, he released 2 albums, the mellow "Mercy" in '87, followed in '89 by the power-packed, out & out rockin' "Fire And Gasoline". The latter included a remake of the Pistols' "Did You No Wrong" featuring The Cult's Ian Astbury & Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses on vocals.

In the early 90's Steve put together an outfit called Fantasy 7. In addition to Steve, this four piece group comprised Mark McCoy (vocals), Todd Hoffman (bass), & Pete Kelly (drums). The group cut demos but split without releasing any material.

Steve's association with Guns N' Roses would continue with numerous rumours over the years linking him with the band. This link was sustained by Guns N' Roses covering Steve's song "Black Leather" on their album "The Spaghetti Incident?" (Geffen) in '93, & cemented by the formation of the Neurotic Outsiders. The Neurotic Outsiders came together initially for a benefit show at Johnny Depp's LA club, the Viper Room.

Starting life as the Neurotic Boy Outsiders, the group (pictured below) brought together Guns N' Roses' Duff Mckagan & Matt Sorum, Duran Duran's John Taylor, & Steve.

The self titled album "Neurotic Outsiders" (Maverick), saw the light of day in late '96 & featured 9 tracks written/co-written by Steve. With singing duties shared, the set had Steve Jones' trademarks stamped throughout. Loud, brutal & vulgar in equal measures. Released in the year of the Sex Pistols reunion, Jones proffered an ode to the Pistols, "Union", in which he claimed Johnny Rotten "drives me up the wall".

After months of inactivity & rumours, in summer '98 Steve Jones' management confirmed that band had split. However Steve has recorded again with Matt Sorum & Duff McKagan on a version of Alice Cooper's "Elected" for the Alice Cooper tribute album  "Humanary Stew" (Eagle) released in '99.

John Taylor also benefitted from Steve's axe skills on his '95 solo album, "Feelings Are Good And Other Lies" (B5 Records; re-issued on Revolver in '97). 

During '95, Steve turned his hand to hardcore punk, performing on Suicidal Tendancies' Mike Muir's solo album, Cyco Miko - "Lost My Brain! (Once Again)" (Epic).  

1997 saw Steve appear on Insane Clown Posse's album "The Great Milenko" (Island), stamping his authority on the track "Piggy Pie".

During summer '98 Steve played dates in LA with Michael Des Barres and Slim Jim Phantom as "The Usual Suspects".

Then in April 99, the Neurotic Outsiders regrouped for a series of shows at Johnny Depps' Viper Rooms in Los Angeles. April 99 also saw the release of the self titled debut album by  the group Buckcherry (Dreamworks), produced by Steve. During '99 Steve also worked with Mel C and Joe Strummer, (although his work with Strummer, "Ocean Of Dreams", never surfaced officially).

In May 2000 both Paul & Steve attended the UK premiere of "The Filth And The Fury" in London.

In June, Steve performed with Primal Scream in LA, and did a one-off gig with Michael Des Barres and Mick Rossi as The Usual Suspects, also in LA. Live guest appearances with the Stone Temple Pilots and American Pearl followed later in the year.

Steve produced American Pearl's self-titled album (Wind-Up Records) & played on six tracks on The Nothings album "Lovely", (Galaxy), released in 2001. Steve also appeared on the self-titled Ping Pong Bitches (Poptones) debut EP. In August 2001, Steve guested on stage with Zilch, who were on tour in Japan. Zilch are fronted by ex-Professional, Ray McViegh.

In May 2002, Steve & Paul reunited in the Soccer 6 charity tournament held at Chelsea, London, playing for Hollywood Six. During his stay in the UK, Steve produced the group Violent Delight, recently signed to Warner Brothers, with the single "Secret Smile" released in August, followed by a 7" single "Same Old Story" in November.

July 27th 2002 would see the second Sex Pistols reunion, Steve, Paul, John, & Glen back together for 'Pistols At The Palace', held at Crystal Palace, London. This was followed by, on 14th September, Inland Invasion 2: Blockbuster Pavilion, Devore, California.

In 2003, Steve appeared uncredited on the Ashley Hamilton single "Wimmin'" (Columbia), released in June. He also produced the Violent Delight single "Transmission", released in September. An album of the same name was also released, featuring 5 tracks produced by Steve.

Steve also made guest appearances in California with the celebrity group Camp Freddy in July & November.

August & September 2003 saw the Sex Pistols regroup for an 11 date tour of North America.

Further Steve Jones developments are awaited........... 

PAUL COOK   "England's Dreaming"

Prior to The Professionals' demise, Paul had produced & drummed on Bananarama's 1981 debut single "Aie A Mwana"(Demon Records; re-issued on Deram, also '81), and would later drum on their 1991 "Pop Life" album (London Records).

It would however be 1985 until anything post-Professional would be forthcoming from Paul.

The Chiefs Of Relief, a group which also included ex- BowWowWow member Matthew Ashman on guitar & vocals, released the single "The Freedom To Rock" (War Records) at the end of  '85, & toured extensively over the next few years. The group also put in an appearance on BBC 2's youth programme, "No. 73", in late '85, performimg 'Looking For The Beach' & 'The Freedom To Rock'.

In common with The Professionals, their output was sporadic. One further single, "Weekend" (WEA), was released in '87, followed by a USA only release in '88 for their album "Chiefs Of Relief" (Sire). Paul's drumming provided a pounding rhythm on a first-rate rocking LP. Nevertheless, despite a live appearance on Channel 4's "The Tube" in '87, with a performance of 'Chiefs Of Relief' & 'Weekend', the band never broke into the mainstream & had disappeared before the end of the decade.

Left, The Chiefs Of Relief.

(L-R)
Duncan Greig-keyboards,
Paul Cook-drums,
Matthew Ashman-guitar,vocals,
Lance Burman-bass.                                             

The 1990's saw Paul perform on solo albums by Vic Godard & Edwyn Collins (including Collins' acclaimed "Gorgeous George" & '97's "I'm Not Following You", both Setanta Records).
It was with Edwyn Collins that Paul was to find regular employment both live & on record dating from before the Sex Pistols 1996 reunion through into '98.

Late '98/early '99 saw Paul featured on Vic Godard's album, "Long Term Side Effects" (Tugboat Records), performing backing vocals!

In 1999, Paul appeared as "Pablo", drummer with Expo 70, in the Channel 4 music industry spoof "West Heath Yard" created by and starring, Edwyn Collins.

In December 2001, Paul was a guest drummer on the "Frank Skinner Show" (ITV).

Paul featured on 2 tracks, "Should've Done That" & "Back To The Back Room" on the Edwyn Collins album, "Doctor Syntax", released 2002.

In May 2002, Steve & Paul reunited in the Soccer 6 charity tournament held at Chelsea, London, playing for Hollywood Six.

July 27th 2002 would see the second Sex Pistols reunion, Steve, Paul, John, & Glen back together for 'Pistols At The Palace', held at Crystal Palace, London. This was followed by, on 14th September, Inland Invasion 2: Blockbuster Pavilion, Devore, California.

August & September 2003 saw the Sex Pistols regroup for an 11 date tour of North America.

Further Paul Cookdevelopments are awaited.............

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Written and researched by Phil Singleton.
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