One of punk’s great pioneers, John McKay has returned after 35 years in the musical wilderness
Original and former Siouxsie and the Banshees guitarist John McKay is promoting his long-lost and excellent ‘Sixes and Sevens’ album with a new band – John McKay’s Reactor – fronted by Jen Brown from The Priscillas. With a promise to showcase early Banshees songs along with his own solo material, the crowd is eager to see what the band will bring to this first date of the tour (17th June 2025).
Rachel Stamp/Adam Ant guitarist, Will Crewdson opens the night with music from his Scant Regard project. It’s just Will, his guitar, a backing track and a lot of swagger as he moves around the stage posturing as if he had a full band beside him. ‘The General Gist’ with its spaghetti western guitar and minimal vocals sets the scene. We were also treated to the public debut of a brand new song; ‘Express Purpose‘. The set is made up of a number of instrumentals such as the cyber punk meets Duane Eddy of ‘Rip Crackaway’ through to the industrial disco beats of ‘Fistbump’. Will throws in a few covers including a nice twangy guitar version of ‘The Model’ and concludes the set with the iconic ‘I Feel Love’. A nice warm-up for the main event.
I was far too young to see the Banshees when John McKay first introduced the world to his inventive use of distortion pedals and jarring chords, but I’ve seen plenty of guitarists since who were clearly influenced by his (at the time) unique take. I’m not the only one in the crowd who is excited to see John recreate the sounds that have formed part of my record collection for nigh on forty years.
Tonight, John is accompanied Jen and Jola from Holloway’s queens of punky rock n roll, The Priscillas. Jola also drums with Will Crewdson in Adam Ant’s touring band so is very used to tribal beats. Completing the band is Billy King on bass.
Starting with ‘Black Five’ from ‘Sixes and Sevens’ the band are initially a little nervous with a couple of edgy glances but any doubts soon dissipate. John’s guitar opens up and that familiar metallic sound pulsates from the stage. Jen has the unenviable task of not only singing Banshees songs but also performing the songs from the album that were originally recorded by John’s late wife Linda. There’s no worries tonight as she puts her respectful take on the new material.
The opening chords of ‘Mirage’ get a big cheer as we get our first taste of John’s playing on those early Banshees tracks. ‘The Scream’ is such an iconic album that sounded nothing like else at the time. Had the band not fallen apart after ‘Join Hands’, ‘Taken for Granted’ would have been a shoe in for the third album. The unmistakable guitar is there as it scratches at your ears whilst Jola’s pounding drums have a merry dance with Jen’s vocals.
‘The Staircase (Mystery)’ quickly follows and sounds magnificent as you are taken on a trip on the aural equivalent of a nightmare circus carrousel. ‘Tightrope’ is one of the highlights of ‘Sixes and Sevens’, which sees John join in on vocal duties to contrast with Jen’s. ‘Looks Can Kill’ is a more sedate song but none the worse for it. ‘Fun On The Floor’ is more upbeat and has a more conventional feel to it. ‘Zen And The Art of Nonsense’ is not only a cracking title but is also a brilliant opening track to the album. It’s also very wordy as Jen occasionally glances at the lyrics to keep her on track.
‘Vigilante’ with its tumbling drums would have been an excellent single back in the day and holds its own with the other Banshees singles of the time. It’s the last of the tracks from the solo album and from now to the end of the set it’s unadulterated Banshees starting with ‘Suburban Relapse’. It’s always strange seeing someone different singing songs that are hotwired into your musical memories, but Jen has brought her own style to the Banshees songs performed tonight. She’s clearly having fun running through the old material especially on the excellent ‘Placebo Effect’ as she prowls around the stage.
‘Switch’ was always a fantastic album closer as it slowly builds up to its crescendo and here it is one of the many highlights. There was only ever going to be one song to finish the set with and the unmistakable intro ‘Hong Kong Garden’ instantly has the whole room bouncing around. I’ve seen the song played several times over the years, but this was truly special seeing John adding his exceptional touch to it.
The band head off behind the amps for a huddle, but soon return to perform an equally electrifying version of ‘Playground Twist’. It may be the end of the set but the band hang around for a considerable time meeting and taking to the appreciative crowd. I’ve been to a lot of gigs this year already and this was easily one of the best.
It’s a triumphant come back for John McKay and a big coup for local promoters Club Velocity to get the opening date of the tour. Forever taking on risks with bands old and new, they are the sort of promoters that the scene needs more of. Hats off to them for bringing such a memorable night to Reading.
Catch John McKay’s Reactor on tour:
Sun 22nd Jun – Forever Now 2025, The National Bowl, Milton Keynes
Mon 23rd June – 100 Club, London (with The Motels)
Sat 19th July – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Thu August 7th – Sun August 10th – Rebellion Festival, Blackpool
‘Sixes and Sevens‘ is available to buy on vinyl and CD at gigs, and online HERE
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: IAN LADLOW
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