Where, and how did you start?
Peter: First of all, I was the manager of a group in Peacehaven which had Derek and Chris in, they were called "the Cornflakes", after a while they split up, and Derek, me and Chris formed a group in my garage, we performed a couple of songs there.
What are the names of your group members?
Peter: There's me on vocals, Derek, as he likes to be known "Delboy" on guitar, and backing vocals, there's Chris or "Trapper" on bass, and Mark Hoggins on drums.
Can you tell me the name of your first record?
Peter: Yeah, "Elvis is dead".
How long has the band been going on?
Peter: Since the end of 1978.
What is your present record label?
Peter: "No Future Records", we are signed for one album and three singles from November last year so far.
Who are your favourite bands. Peter?
Peter: My favourites at the moment although they change quite regularly are Blitz, 4-Skins, and a local band from Peacehaven called Gatecrash.
Can you name some other famous Oi! bands, that you have appeared with?
Peter: We have supported Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, and some others I can't remember.
My own favourite track of yours is "Maniac" from the "Carry On Oi" album, what is yours?
Peter: "Transvestite" because it is basically different from a lot of other punk songs.
What will be your next recording?
Peter: Nothing confirmed yet.
What do you think of "No Future" records, are they doing a good job for Skins and Punks?
Peter: I think "No Future" are really good, I'd say that even if we weren't signed to them, punks have been ignored far too long, and now it can't be ignored especially with "No Future" going.
Have you written all the words to your songs, I know you're the group's songwriter.
Peter: Yeah, I write all the words, and then give them to Derek, and he works out the music, we take it from there.
Now for a political question, Peter, what do you think of Mrs. Thatcher and the present government?
Peter: I think she's just ****** the whole place up, that's probably why punks are so strong at the moment, theres so much rebelling againts them.
Micky and Margaret French of "Last Resort", and Garry Bushell of Sounds have done a lot for Oi!, what's your view?
Peter: Well, I can't tell the difference between Oi! and punk, obviously they've done a lot for both. There's a lot of Skins now into punk as well.
Finally, do you see Oi!, Skinheads and punks continuing, have you any final comment to make? Peter: Yeah, obviously with the state of the government and country at the moment, punks always going to be with us, the only thing I don't like now is this growing trend of punk bashing by some Skins at the concerts, we are getting now, I think this is really stupid, and ought to stop. We certainly don't like it.
I would like to thank "Peter and the Test Tube Babies" for giving me some of their time, and info. Interview by John G. Byrne. Copyright 1982.
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