Johnny and The Self Abusers

Johnny & the Self Abusers were one of Glasgow, Scotland's few punk bands, albeit a rather bizarrely entertaining one. Hailing from the city's south side, their gigs featured their own light show, replete with DayGlo skulls. They also looked the part, wearing generous amounts of makeup; one of the singers, who often went by the name Pripton Weird, lacked eyebrows. Signed to the Chiswick label, the group released one single in late 1977, Saints and Sinners. Inner turmoil busted up the band around the time of its release, dividing it into two factions: Alastair Mackenzie, Michael McNeil, Donald and John Milarky formed the Cuban Heels; while Charlie Burchill, Brian McGee, and Weird (better known as Jim Kerr) formed Simple Minds. ~ Andy Kellman