Subhumans Interview (1985)

The Religious Wars 7'' EP by the Subhumans remains one of my favoutite records from the 80's.
I did this interview with Dick in August 1985, so obviously this doesn't necessarily represent him or me in 2003. Please bear in mind that I was only 14 when I wrote the questions.

- Why do you use SS-s in your logo?
- It's not SS as a 'logo', that's rediculous! It's just coincidence, we didn't think of it like that - we're obviously not nazis.

- Tell us about Spiderleg and Bluurgh records..
- Spiderleg was Flux's label, and Bluurgh is ours (more info on info sheet).

- What do you think about Crass?
- They done a lot for punk, inspired loads of people to be more aware & positive & alternative, and have helped loads of bands get started.

- What about Oi?
- Bollox!
- Did you ever play at the Belfast Anarchy Centre?
- No they split years ago, we didn't know they existed for a long time!

- Do you vote?
- No round here it's all Conservative bastards so to vote for any other party (same old shit anyhow) is a waste of time cos no-one else does.

- Favourite bands?
- Stooges, Anti-Sect, Minor Threat.

- What was your tour of Sweden like compared to England?
- Better sound, better venues, people just as friendly, less political & social awareness, more money around from the state - it was a really good tour, one of the best!

SUBHUMANS

- What's the english punk scene like today?
- Loads of new bands/zines/tape & record labels, putting punk back with the punks and away from the media - it's more underground now - and more people are involved, and are more constructive.

- Is it easy to get gigs?
- Not really, it's just that we don't get as many as we need to cos a lot of clubs here stopped putting on punk gigs - most of our gigs are put on by punks hiring out a hall or something.

- What's your best record?
- Evolution EP

- For how long have you been vegetarians?
- 2 1/2 years.

- Is it hard being a vegetarian in the UK?
- At first yes, but it soon gets really easy to avoid meat - I couldn't eat meat now! It's down to a state of mind, it's natural not to eat meat.

- What's your view on homosexuals?
- It's their choise, and everyone should have the freedom to choose.

- Ever had any contact with the Canadian Subhumans?
- Not much...

- Your attitude to drugs?
- Cannabis sometimes, nothing heavier - and alcohol!

- Do you like Irish Coffea?
- I do.

- Why did you pick the name Subhumans?
- Why not? Well mainly cos Bruce's old band was the Stupid Humans, so we kept the 'humans' bit and put 'Sub' in front of it - people think punks are 'subhumans' but we ain't!

DISORDER GAZETTE #2
Interview originally published in my
fanzine Disorder Gazette #2 1985.
- What's more important - words or music?
- Both are equally important, the music is to entertain people, the lyrics to get the ideas across.

- Do you watch TV?
- No it's fucking awful - only things I watch are the news, and comedy programmes - the rest is brain control - (so is the news, but I'd hate there to be a war on and not find out about it!)

- Anything else?
- Yes, next LP Worlds Apart out in October - soon after an LP with our 1st 4 EP's on it, cos obviously it's hard to get our 7'' records in Europe so we put 'em on 1 12'' LP to make it easier and cheaper. Good luch with the fanzine, could you send one to us when it's out please? Cheers!