The GAGS  (March 1979 / August 1981)

THE GAGS is the new monicker adopted by the now-defunct Girls in September 1979. The group's early line-up is very much the same. Rehearsals progress, and in a short space of time the group has already put together a number of sharp, schematic original songs, heavily influenced by Adam & the Ants and Siouxsie and the Banshees. After an aborted, self-produced EP (see THE GIRLS ), the group concentrates on songwriting and rehearsals for the next 12 months, while fanzines and people in the punk milieu start to rave about them, including Jordan, Michael Collins from 'Seditionaries' and Adam Ant himself. In late 1979 Paolo M. (Borstal Dampers, Mittageisen, 198X) joins in on drums. On February 11, 1980 the band performs at an unique event christened 'The Sex People Rendez-Vous' at Teatro Dei Chiostri in Milan, with Mitzio & the Sirens as support act. The gig is reviewed by Corriere d' Informazione (the foremost evening paper of the time) under the title 'Sexy, Ipnotico Ma Soprattutto Rompitimpani' ('Sexy, Hypnotic, But Ear-Crushing Above All'). Rumours about the imminent release a self-produced debut album begin to spread, along with (false) rumours regarding the existence of a handful of copies of the group's withdrawn EP. The 7" EP will see the light of day in 1996 (see Discography). In the meantime, Stuart joins in on bass. The Gags keep on recording demo after demo. CBS (now Sony) shows interest, and they ask the group to record some of their songs in a professional studio. The band obliges, and in July 1980 three songs are recorded at Ricordi Studios in Milan for a possible single release. But things fall through, as CBS Italy isn't allowed to produce records in english -a strict rule-, and the group refuses to sing in italian. In 1981 Lamb leaves for army dues, and Glezos takes up guitar duties. The Gags keep on rehearsing and demoing material as a trio, and in late summer the group changes its name in 'The Huns'. Shortly after Lamb's return from the army the group breaks up, leaving behind a long and fascinating catalogue of demos which will be released on various compilations from 1996 onwards, especially on the recent Criss - Cross/ The Gags (1979-81), a selection of demos from that time.