The Immortal Story - Someone who Cares

by Steve Pegrum

Back during the Punk Wars of the late '70s/early '80s, amidst the shellfire, rage and lines of Barbed Wire, a sound of haunting, fragile beauty could be heard emerging, as if from another dimension. The band creating this sound were The Only Ones and their leader was Peter Perrett. Collectively they encompassed an eclectic musical background, producing a symphonic dynamic of epic proportions. They were: Peter Perrett - Vocals/Guitar, John Perry - Lead Guitar, Alan Mair - Bass and Mike Kellie - Drums.

From The Only Ones to Babys got a Gun via such classics as Lovers of Today and Another Girl Another Planet, the bands' songwriting was ever improving, reaching its zenith on Even Serpents Shine. Endlessly touring and recording, The Only Ones prodigious output remains one of the great legacies of existential validation.

Live they were transcendental, and my great friend Guy Bourseau always remembered a gig he saw of theirs in Paris in the early '80s as one of the best experiences of his life. After the bands' sad demise shortly after this period, various reissues and compilations began to emerge, such as The Only Ones Live, Remains, The Immortal Story and the excellent Only Ones Live at the BBC. Guitarist John Perry oversaw the latter release and claimed that it represented the Only Ones at their creative best.

More reissues and compilations followed, such as Special View and even an Only Ones video - Faster than Lightening - appeared, containing the classic clip of wasted youth, decadence and transcendental beauty that is 'Out there in the night'. Interest in The Only Ones and Peter Perrett reached a high in the early '90s, and garnering strength from such an upswell of love and admiration, Peter Perrett started dipping his toes into the current music scene by performing the odd guest spot at various gigs, and even began recording some demos of new material.

Inspired by the reception he received, Perrett set about putting a new band together - to be called The One - and an advert was duly placed in The Melody Maker for musicians. I called this advert and so with myself on Drums, Guy Bourseau on Lead Guitar and Billy Ingram on Bass, we had the pleasure and priviledge to be the first to play with Peter at a rehearsal studio at London Bridge. Together with Peter on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar and his keyboard player Miyuki, we stormed through magical versions of Another Girl Another Planet and The Big Sleep, as well as a few new songs. The sound was phenomenal and emotions were high, although we were perhaps a little too reminiscent of The Only Ones and ultimately different musicians were recruited to play in The One, namely Steve Hands on drums, Jay Price on guitar and Richard Vernon on bass.

Their first London gig was at The Underworld in Camden, and was very special. I arrived early and soon the place was rammed to the rafters with an eclectic mix of fans. From older Only Ones fanatics to people who had heard their music but never had the chance to see them live, this was the moment that they had been waiting for. The One didn't let them down and all preconceptions and expectations were transcended as the band blasted through a set of many new songs,as well as some Only Ones classics that were dusted down and given the kiss of life.

Many other concerts were played by the band around this period, with certain standout performances that I saw at this time being The London Astoria 2, The Mean Fiddler (where the band played an awesome version of I'm not Like Everybody Else'), The Subterranea and The Venue in New Cross (All in London). The One recorded The 'Cultured Palate' EP and the impressive 'Woke up Sticky' album, gaining many favourable reviews. They even appeared on TV and the gods were certainly looking down favourably on their forgotten boy. Nina Antonias' excellent book 'The One and Only - Peter Perrett Homme Fatale' was published, confirming Peter's legendary status.

Of late, however, Peter seems to have entered a quiet period of (hopefully) temporary withdrawal from the music scene, but in the not-too-distant future, one can hope for his return. For his star is needed to shine and bathe the world in a sea of purple light and so enrich us with his songs, as the world certainly seems a crueler place without his presence.

By Steve Pegrum