British punk became a true youth movement in 1976 upon the arrival of Eater ( formed at school in 1975), a London group with 15 year old Andy Blade (vocals/guitar) 15 year old Brian Chevette (guitar), 17 Year old Ian Woodcock (bass) and 13-year-old drummer Dee Generate(who was introduced to the band by Rat Scabies). They made their vinyl debut with "15" (a bastardized version of Alice Cooper's "Eighteen"), on "The Roxy, London W.C.2." compilation, recorded during the spring of 1977. Although not taken seriously at first, the unwitting stars of Don Letts' Punk Movie (responsible for the outrageous pig-head scene) were soon snapped up by independent record label "The Label" and released two credible and likable 45s: "Outside View" and the punk classic "Thinking of the U.S.A." The album (sarcastically titled "The Album") that followed is uneven but spirited. "Lock It Up" (another choice 45), "Public Toys" "No More" and an improved version of "Outside View"'s B-side ("You") join hilariously trashy, sped-up covers of the Velvets' "Waiting for the Man" and "Sweet Jane," Bowie's "Queen Bitch" and Alice Cooper's "18"- renamed "15." Andy Blade's vocals are Lou Reed deadpan, Brian Chevette's guitar is raspy and simple, and Ian Woodcock's bass runs along with stunning velocity. Eater continued to gain a loyal following and more recordings followed including the EP "Get Your Yo Yos Out" which was a four-song live outing which contains two numbers never released in studio form. By now the strain was beginning to take its toll on the youngsters and Dee Generate was the first casualty being replaced by Phil Rowland, who joined Slaughter and the Dogs when Eater split in '79. After Eater split, Andy Blade went on to persue a solo career that saw him make arguably his best music, during the 80s and into the 90s, although public recognition eluded him.

 

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