KILL ’EM AND EAT ’EM
Kill ’Em and Eat ’Em is a 1987 album by the UK underground group Pink Fairies. This is a reformed Pink Fairies, prompted by an offer from Jake Riviera, head of Demon Records. Of the five original group members, Paul Rudolph wasn’t involved. Wallis’ preference for having a fellow guitarist led to the inclusion of the only non-former member Andy Colquhoun, but Colquhoun had worked extensively alongside Wallis during the late 1980’s Mick Farren group. Farren himself contributes some lyrics, including those of a re-recording of his “Broken Statue” single. (More from Wikipedia)
In 1987, the long-awaited reunion of the Pink Fairies materialized with Kill ’Em and Eat ’Em; Mick Farren provided only the liner notes (and likely some inspiration). Musicians on the album included Andy Colquhoun, plus original member Twink as the drummer and vocalist, Duncan (Sandy) Sanderson (bass), Russell Hunter (drums), and Larry Wallis (guitar), who joined the band for their third album, Kings of Oblivion (where the musician credits list him as playing “big guitar”). Two years later, Andy, Sandy and Russell began performing and recording as Flying Colours – essentially the Pink Fairies but without the name.
(August 2011)
* * *
Mick Farren writes a lot of stuff; he has several science fiction novels to his credit, including a trilogy called The DNA Cowboys. Along with Greg Shaw’s ex-wife and business partner Suzy Shaw, Mick Farren co-wrote the 2007 book that cements Shaw’s legacy in the rock and roll universe, Bomp! / Saving the World One Record at a Time. I have seen numerous articles by Farren in the Village Voice and elsewhere. But I can only recall one other time when Mick Farren wrote liner notes; that was for the comeback album for his old band the Pink Fairies, specifically their 1987 release Kill ’Em and Eat ’Em.
(January 2013)
* * *
Mick Farren stayed around just long enough to help found this amazing band; one Allmusic review that I can’t find now included a passing reference to the Pink Fairies as being the perfect 1970’s British rock band. However, Farren was still closely associated with the band; he co-wrote one of the best songs on Kings of Oblivion with Larry Wallis, “When’s the Fun Begin”. Mick Farren also wrote the liner notes for the Pink Fairies’ comeback album, Kill ’Em and Eat ’Em (1987).
(March 2014/1)
