Sabotage

Formed by Singer Mark Davis in the maelstrom of the Punk summer of 1977, SABOTAGE were originally a four-piece band hailing from St Budeaux, a suburb of Plymouth. The original four members – Mark Davis: singer, Rod Seymore: guitar, Knobby: bass and Mike Vosper: drums.

The band played local gigs in and around Plymouth and the West Country, and further afield incessantly, including support to the Stranglers at Taunton Odeon. During this time, SABOTAGE honed both songs and stage performances to gain them a large following, and to become Plymouth’s premier Punk Band.

In 1979 the original band released their debut single “When the war is over” after being signed to an Independent Label – Optimistic Records – owned by Billy Hurman, who also became their manager.

Later in 1979 the band was then joined by Andy Sliwa – then a student at Plymouth Poly. –  on lead guitar.

With new material written by Mark and Andy, the now five-piece SABOTAGE went into the studio to record their second single ‘Subterfuge’ a 4 Track EP, on 7” Vinyl – which was released in 1980 – to much critical acclaim. At the time of the ‘Subterfuge’ EP release, the music was justly described as being ‘ahead of it’s time’.

SABOTAGE also had the honour of all of their tracks being played a number of times by the late great John Peel on Radio 1. And then subsequently, the ‘Subterfuge’ Ep was chosen by Steve Lamacq as his tribute on the first John Peel Memorial Day.

The themes – of the times back in 1980 – of social alienation, isolation, dissatisfaction; which were contained in the SABOTAGE music & lyrics, still pertain …some 40+ years later. The music still stands up. And It is possibly even more relevant for the times we have lived through, and are currently living in, today.