From the book:

Filthy

FORMED: 1977 - DISBANDED: 1978

Called ‘One of the bands that should have been mega’ by the New Musical Express, Filthy began life as The Love Doctors. Though the members were a few years older than most in the underground scene, the band cut their hair and changed their name to the more appropriate ‘Filthy’. Like many from the era who were caught in the riptide of punk rock, Filthy didn’t exactly conform to the ideals of the new movement, but went along for the ride. Still, with the formidable songwriting talents of Richard ‘Boz’ Deacon and the stage presence of singer Nik Strange, the band quickly rose to prominence, playing early gigs alongside such future stars as The Adverts and The Jam. After recording a self-financed single, Battle of Britain, that made the top twenty on the independent charts, Filthy were courted by all the major record labels. But on the eve of signing a deal with Stiff Records, Strange fired Deacon, citing the guitarist’s dependence on heroin. Without Deacon’s songs, the deal with Stiff fell through. Filthy continued with a series of guitarists, but when the rhythm section were offered a job with Wayne County, they left the band. Strange was now the only remaining original member, and his recent religious con- version scared off record companies, which found his Hare Krishna ideology not suited to the rebel stance punk rock demanded. Soon after, Strange left the music business. A year after getting fired from Filthy, Deacon had kicked his habit and started Nicotine Garden. But musical differences caused the band to break up after only a few months and Deacon then left the music business.

The Snot Monkeys

FORMED: 1974 - DISBANDED: 1976

Formed by singer Baz Charles and guitarist Rick Nemming, The Snot Monkeys debuted at a chaotic fifth form school dance in their hometown of Manchester. Drummer Phil Semper joined the band when it relocated to London. Swept up in the burgeoning punk scene, the band became famous for their enthusiastic use of lighter fluid on stage. Future members of Sham 69 and The Chalk Outlines were inspired by The Snot Monkeys to form their own bands. Citing musical differences, and following a lawsuit from a charred fan, The Snot Monkeys disbanded soon after releasing their self-financed single, Buckingham Palace. The current whereabouts of Semper and Nemming are unknown. Charles was last seen at a London hospice, teaching chess to the blind. Now considered a punk classic, the original acetate of Buckingham Palace sold at Sotheby’s auction house to art dealer Derek Maltenby for £5,000.