Machines

If you think of Southend you probably think of Eddie and The Hot Rods, Dr Feelgood and that whole Canvey Island R'n'B thang. But think again. The spirit of The Stooges and MC5 was alive down there too, and when The Sex Pistols arrived to give music a much needed kick up the butt Southend soon had The Machines as well (though not to be confused with the similar sounding Machines from Coventry). 

Formed in 1977 by guitarist Nick Paul they played The Roxy and Vortex in the twilight of those venues popularity and even blew The Damned off stage one gig at the City Of London Polytechnic. In all fairness though The Machines were not major league players, but they had the spirit and drive, like so many, for one maybe two singles. 

In fact The Machines produced one single on Wax Records in April 1978 - the 'True Life EP' A searing slice of punk that is both essential and collectable. The back sleeve reads 'Recorded in 1/2 hour at 8 quid an hour' Classic punk stylee! Like so many others the band also received zilch for their efforts. [SOURCE: PUNK 77]