Rebellion Band Spotlight: Paranoid Visions Shares Their Favorite Rebellion Bands

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Jul 21

***Paranoid Visions*** *at Rebellion - All Photos ©dickslaughter.com*

For the first Rebellion Band Spotlight, I felt it appropriate to start with my favorite band from the city that gave birth to Genesis and built a 390 ft stainless steel spike - reportedly for the late Queen Elizabeth to sit on - Dublin, Ireland’s own Paranoid Visions.

Allow me to share a few highlights for the uninitiated. The band formed in 1982 and quickly gained fame for relentlessly trolling U2 long before it was hip to do so. Their FOAD2U2 campaign (meaning "fuck off and die to U2") featured graffiti sprayed on every available surface in Dublin. Bono still holds a grudge against them. If you were to shout "Paranoid Visions" or "FOAD2U2" at a U2 show, you'd be promptly tossed out.

Paranoid Visions has broken up and reunited many times. They've shared the stage with iconic bands such as the Sex Pistols and the Damned, and they've performed at Rebellion more than 23 times. Throughout its existence, the band has seen nearly 31 members come and go. According to Steve Ignorant, Paranoid Visions are also responsible for the resurrection of the beloved CRASS SONGS SET after Steve vowed never to play them again following the Last Supper tour. Through persistent persuasion, peer pressure, and genuine admiration for Steve and CRASS, they eventually convinced him to perform the songs on stage with them. Their efforts have earned my eternal gratitude.

Today we’re talking with Peter Jones of Paranoid Visions, TV Smith, the Lee Harvey’s, and Rotatorvinyl.com

What year did you start playing or going to Rebellion,

We've been playing it every year since 2007!

How many times have you played Rebellion, and do you have a favorite performance?

We've played 16 times in Blackpool, once in Morecambe, three times in Amsterdam, once in Vienna, and once in Dublin and Birmingham. My personal favorite was the Steve Ignorant with Paranoid Visions 1977220174U set in 2017. But last year was particularly special as well!

What is your favorite thing about Rebellion?

The atmosphere and the sense of solidarity.

Which veteran band or artist are you most looking forward to seeing play or talking with?

The Damned because they are always very special and the new album is stellar. So I'm looking forward to seeing them playing something I haven’t seen before.

Which newer band or artist are you most interested in seeing play or talking with? Why?

A Void, Kid Kapichi, Meryl Streek... and, if they still qualify as new, Bob Vylan will be my weekend highlight.

Have you tried Buckfast? Did you like it? If so, any funny Buckfast stories you can share?

I have, and no I don't like it!!!

Where are you coming from, and how long will it take you to get to Rebellion?

Dublin, about three hours.

Do you have a favorite pub in Blackpool that is outside of the Winter Gardens?

The Rose and Crown, the Central Hotel.

Do you have any fond or funny Rebellion memories?

Way, way, way too many. The first time I saw John Otway, I was in pain with laughter. Watching the Stranglers outside last year was earth-shattering, and the first time I saw Ruts DC.

What was the best performance you have seen at Rebellion?

Bob Vylan last year, Riskee and the Ridicule last year, the Adicts every time they play, Jello Biafra’s GSM, and DISCHARGE... every time.

Is there anything you like to make sure you do while in Blackpool besides Rebellion?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Are there any places to eat you recommend in Blackpool, whether vegetarian or not?

NO!!!!

Do you have any merch that is new or made especially for Rebellion?

Yes. We do a t-shirt special every year for Rebellion.

How has Rebellion changed since you first played or attended?

It’s gotten a lot more organized. The bands have started to become new, fresh, and different.

How has Rebellion influenced you or impacted your career?

Massively. We’ve made so many friends and connections there, and it is a huge platform.

Do you have any projects, new records, books, or anything else to mention?

Paranoid Visions 40th-anniversary set of releases are available. We also have a mini album on 12" red vinyl and a double CD compilation featuring a track from every release the band has done, as well as a blue vinyl 7" featuring Steve Ignorant and John Robb, and a double CD of demos. Also, while stock lasts, a collector’s live album on blue vinyl which is limited to 100 copies, each with a different cover.

How many bands are you playing in this year at Rebellion ?

3 bands 4 sets— the Lee Harvey’s, Paranoid Visions, TV Smith and Paranoid Visions Play Cheap.