Skitzo

Skitzo were a British psychobilly band from London, active mainly during the mid to late 1980s, and they’re remembered as one of the rawer, more punk-leaning bands in the UK psychobilly scene. They shouldn’t be confused with other bands called Skitzo from different countries or genres -this Skitzo were firmly rooted in the underground psychobilly movement that grew out of punk and rockabilly in Britain. 

 

The band formed in early 1985 and originally went by the name The Electros. The core members included vocalist Phil Connor and drummer Rod Connor, later joined by Tony Bronham on bass and Anthony McVey on guitar. After some early gigs and a lineup change -Rod was replaced by drummer Steve Tomlinson following an accident- the band changed their name to Skitzo and began to gain attention on the London psychobilly circuit. 

Musically, Skitzo stood out because they leaned harder into punk aggression than many of their peers. While they still used classic psychobilly ingredients like upright bass and rockabilly rhythms, their sound was rougher, faster, and less cartoonish, with shouted vocals and a gritty garage-punk feel. This made them especially popular with fans who preferred the tougher, less polished side of psychobilly.

 
Their debut album, 'Skitzo Mania', was released in 1987 on Nervous Records and quickly became a cult favorite. The record captured their wild energy and included both original songs and twisted covers. A year later, they released 'Terminal Damage', which pushed their sound even further into punk territory with heavier guitars and a more aggressive overall feel. Around this time, they were also known for intense live shows, including appearances at legendary venues like the Klub Foot. 

By around 1990, Skitzo broke up, largely because Phil Connor developed vocal problems after years of extreme screaming. The band briefly reunited in the mid-1990s and released more material, including the album 'Vertigo' in 1997 and the single 'The Glove', before splitting up again. While they never became mainstream, their recordings continued to circulate through reissues and live albums, keeping their name alive in the scene. 

Today, Skitzo are remembered as a no-frills, hard-hitting psychobilly band with a strong punk attitude. They’re often mentioned alongside other classic UK psychobilly acts of the era, and 'Skitzo Mania' in particular is still considered an essential record for anyone digging into the darker, louder side of psychobilly.