what
In 1976, Godard formed Subway Sect with three other fans of the Sex Pistols at the suggestion of Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, who wanted another band for the line-up of the 100 Club Punk Festival. Despite their inexperience, Subway Sect made a successful debut at the festival. They appeared with The Clash on the White Riot Tour in 1977 and released their debut single, Nobody’s Scared’ / ‘Dont Split It’, in March 1978. While recording their debut album at Gooseberry Studios, the band’s manager Bernie Rhodes suddenly fired the entire band except for Godard. Only one track from the album’s recording sessions, Ambition, was released by Rough Trade records; the single was a major hit on the alternative charts.
Godard re-formed Subway Sect in 1980 with new musicians and released the album What’s The Matter Boy? Following a summer tour with Buzzcocks, Subway Sect disbanded again. Guitarist Johnny Britten formed a rockabilly band but was soon forced to leave the group, at which point Godard stepped in to take his place. They recorded the album Songs For Sale in 1981, but were disappointed with the results and disbanded soon after. Godard also recorded an LP at Olympic Studios, called T.R.O.U.B.L.E., with a group of London jazz musicians known as Working Week, which was eventually released two years later by Rough Trade Records.
In the mid-1980s, Godard took a brief hiatus from music and became a postman.
1990-2010 (as well as constant live-gigging):
End of the Surrey People and Long Term Side Effects in collaboration with Edwyn Collins/Paul Cook.
Sans End, the Singles Anthology, 20 Odd Years (compilation), In Trouble Again(remixed and vocals redone).
1978 Now – the ”lost” first Subway Sect Album rerecorded with original Sect drummer Mark Laff, and with Paul Myers guesting on a couiple of tracks.
2009 George and I set up GNU inc records.First release Live in Stereo, limited edition live album.
2nd and current release(14/05/2010) Blackpool epcd. 4 tracks recorded with Bitter Springs from the musical Blackpool, I collaborated on with Irvine Welsh on 2000/01.
New album ”We Come as Aliens” release October 2010, cd on Overground records and vinyl on Aktion und Spass. Paul Cook guest drummer.
OPINION
""To me Vic Godard is undoubtedly the best writer to come out of the whole post-punk movement,’ says McIntyre. ‘I remember the words on the back cover of the single ‘Ambition’ blowing my mind. It was full of literary references, and you knew there was something mysterious going on. These people had ideas.'’"
Douglas McIntyre - boss of the Fast/Postcard-styled Creeping Bent label
