The Wretched Villains

Primary Genre(s): Gothic, blues, post-punk

Band Members: Aaron R. Walker (vocals), Peter Green (guitar), Andrew Paul (guitar), Christian Catchpole (guitar), Jason Logan (guitar), Adam McCarthy (bass), Andrew Callan (bass), Michael Bowser (drums)...and various other people who were in the band when I wasn't!

Primary Influences: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Rowland S. Howard, The Wreckery/Hugo Race, Beasts of Bourbon, The Cramps, ABBA, Lucinda Williams, The Sisters of Mercy...

The band that started it all. That's me on the drums there; though occasionally I was entrusted to a mic for backing vocals as well (generally not a good idea, as I can barely drum, much less do both at once)!

"The Villains" were the brainchild of none other than the mighty Mr Aaron R. Walker, who went on to become the primary producer of my many musical recordings to follow. "Fierce, haunting rock and roll" were the words favoured by the chief songwriter and lyricist himself; a blues-based "goth-rock" sound being a less fanciful way of putting it, perhaps. Think Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Beasts of Bourbon and The Sisters of Mercy rolled into one fabulously tight little ball, and you have...The Wretched Villains.

I spent four years in the drummer's chair - succeeding a drum machine evident on the earliest demo recordings - but had to regretfully relinquish my seat as my other musical projects became a greater personal priority. I'm proud of my contribution to the band, but freely acknowledge that the genius of the unit laid not with myself but with others, most particularly Mr Walker himself. Oh, and Peter Green was in this bloody band as well (that's how we met, actually).

Have some more links and images. I'll pass on printing any lyrics this time 'cause: a. I didn't write 'em, and b. I don't want them highlighting the fact that Mr Walker was a far more consistent lyricist than my wretched self!

https://thewretchedvillains.bandcamp.com/album/raise-me-from-the-grave

https://thewretchedvillains.bandcamp.com/album/babys-gonna-burn

https://thewretchedvillains.bandcamp.com/album/i-wanna-lose-myself-in-you

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFBU6cWLsiywJSDhcXJTLcg