V2 + Friends
Stan's Guest List
The story behind the Stan's Guest List album couldn't be any more punk if it tried... Features members of Slaughter & The Dogs, The Drones, The Killjoys, Bitch, Andy T, Physical Wrecks, Sigue Sigue Sputnik ... V2 were formed in Manchester by Mark Standley and Dave Wilks in late 1976, with Stan joining in early 1977. The band were part of the first wave of the Manchester punk scene, playing alongside acts including The Fall, Buzzcocks, Slaughter & The Dogs, The Drones and Joy Division. V2's sound was influenced by both glam rock and early punk "glam-punk". Their first single, 'Speed Freak/Nothing to Do', was released in 1977. In 1978, their best-known track, 'Man in the Box', was released on Tony Davidson's TJM label. The track sold well in the UK and abroad, and is featured in top German band Die Toten Hosen's live set to this day. V2 continued to record a string of tracks for singles and EPs over the succeeding years, including with new drummer Martin Smith. Two of these tracks appeared on the TJM compilation album Identity Parade. Renowned for their riotous live act, the band ultimately split in the early 1980s after five trailblazing years. In 2023, German label Still Unbeatable Records released a limited-edition vinyl single, 'Johnny Rocco', with lyrics by Stan. In the same year, further line-up changes ensued, with Stan recruiting Glenn Jones on lead guitar and Liam Carr on guitar and keyboards, as well as bringing ex-member Martin Smith from the 1979/80 V2 line-up back into the fold on drums. --------------- After Stan's passing, the three remaining band members Martin, Glenn and Liam piloted the album to completion, combining modern technology with a good old fashioned 'find a way' mentality. Breakdown! (Steve 'Wispa' Cundall Vocals / Wayne Jackson Bass / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Guitars, Lead Guitar / Liam Carr Guitar) I Don't Know (Mick Rossi Lead Guitar / Mike O'Donoghue Vocals / Steve Wilson Bass, Backing Vocals / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Guitar and Synth Guitar / Liam Carr Guitar) Media Control (Lo Siri Vocals / Lena Lonley Bass / Mark Standley Guitars, Keyboards / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Guitars) Horror Show (Chris Lambert Vocals / Alan Wild Guitars, Vocals / Ken Park Organ / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Slide Guitar / Liam Carr Bass) I'm Here (Katja Green Vocals / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Guitars / Liam Carr Bass) Tunnel Vision Sect (Andy T. Vocals / Mark Standley Guitars, Keyboards / Steve 'Wispa' Cundall Bass / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Lead Guitar, Synth Guitar / Liam Carr Percussion) On Fire (Lena Lonley Vocals / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Lead Guitar / Liam Carr Guitar, Piano, Bass) All For Nothing (Steve 'Wispa' Cundall Vocals, Bass / Gary Callender [Gus Gangrene] Guitar Loop / Mark Philips Guitar, Keyboards / Martin Smith Drums, Percussion / Glenn Jones Guitar and Synth Guitar / Liam Carr Guitar) Fast, Loud, Dirty Rock and Roll (Katja Green Vocals / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Guitars / Liam Carr Bass) Little Peter Street (Eddie Mooney Vocals, Bass / Mike Rowbottom Guitar / Martin Smith Drums / Glenn Jones Lead Guitar / Liam Carr Piano)