Martin Atkins was playing drums on the 1980 USA PiL tour and shortly after started to get Brian Brain off the ground by pimping his association with PiL. When Pete Jones returned from a Cowboys International tour, Atkins asked Pete to join him in the studio to record the first Brian Brain single “They’ve Got Me in The Bottle†This germ of an idea sparked a frenzy of activity from Atkins/Jones and a live set of Brian Brain material soon materialised with Pete writing most of the backing and Martin the lyrics. The PiL connection that Martin had founded held the band in good stead and they were able to tour extensively off the back of it, with Bobby Surgeoner joining to make it a 3 piece with all the drums pre-recorded on tape. This included four trips to the USA to play the round of small clubs. After the last Brian Brain tour with this line-up, Martin hooked up with Lydon and Levene again and stayed in the states to renew the PiL partnership. Meanwhile Pete was back in the UK kicking his heels, living back at his mums’ house. PiL struggled to get a bass player in 1982, and following Atkins’ suggestion, Levene called Pete and asked him to fill the spot. A handful of PiL albums were purchased, the songs learnt in an afternoon or two and once the work permit was sorted, Pete was on the plane to New York, flying in to record Commercial Zone and play a series of dates round the USA and Canada............................. ’til it all went wrong. Pete continued to play for Brian Brain until he woke up and realised it was all so wrong. Margot Olivera took over the bass duties and Brian Brain continued in this tasteless vein for another couple of years. Have a listen to the tracks and take great comfort in the fact that this band eventually split up and Atkins turned his hand to other interests. Good luck to the thieving coont.
This page is maintained by Pete Jones....’cause he’s very kind to the elderly
I still have some copies of the rare Brian Brain 7" single "Jive Jive" available, Somebody buy this shit will ya!
