Scene Point Blank: Who came up with the name change from Satan's Rats to Satan's Cats?
Olly: Puss and I loved the name Satan’s Cats, as it sounded like a 1960s psychedelic biker gang. Changing “Rats” to “Cats” seemed like a gift and we went for it. It also showed we weren’t taking ourselves too seriously.
Scene Point Blank: How was it decided that Puss Johnson (of Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons) would be the ultimate choice for this reformation?
Olly: Puss and I have been a couple for about 12 years and had talked often about a collaboration -- it was inevitable. I played drums for a year with The Johnsons when their drummer, Antz, was out of action, so we had some history of being in the same band.
Scene Point Blank: Question for Puss - Were you familiar with Satan's Rats when approached? How has it been working with some seasoned vets and reworking some classic Satan's Rats songs? How will you approach writing songs if called upon, compared to creating songs for Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons? How will your process differ? Have you noticed a different dynamic working with these fine gents from the southern regions of the fiery pits of Hell? (Ha.) Are the Dirty Johnsons currently on hiatus or do you have recording or touring plans?
Puss: Well, I've been going out with Olly for the past 12 years so I was kind of familiar with one of them! I've been playing live, myself, for the past 24 years so I would say I'm quite seasoned myself, possibly even quite spicy.
It was fun reworking the tracks and hanging out with the Rats, it all came together pretty easily once we figured out what key to do the songs in, and I learnt some of the Eve-a-Shum dialect.
We haven't discussed writing any new material. I'd imagine, if we did, it would be a collaborative effort as the songs should keep to the Rats’ sound -- my personal style of writing is quite different.
Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons have never had a hiatus. We tour twice a year, plus a bunch of sporadic gigs here and there. We managed to squeeze out our last album, Beast, in 2020 just before the pandemic hit. We've set some time aside early next year to work on new material.
Scene Point Blank: What was it like working with Vic Maile as a producer (“You Make Me Sick single”)? Any memories of that time?
Olly: He is a great producer, very direct and offered good advice (as a drummer) keeping it simple and cutting out the fills and frills. I remember some of the lyrics for “You Make me Sick” being completed in the studio under his watchful eye. He gave us confidence and took that song from a mediocre demo to a punk classic.
Scene Point Blank: What was it like working with Tony Visconti on the second Photos LP? What are your memories of that experience? Why was the second Photos LP not released until many years later?
Olly: We felt he was in a different league. He is very musical and scored many parts for strings and small orchestral arrangements. Tony was very inventive with sounds and ways of recording -- constantly trying new ideas. When we recorded the album, however, the music scene was changing drastically. It was on the cusp between guitar-dominated bands and the synthesizer revolution of the ‘80s. I think the album fell between the two stools and therefore didn’t appeal to either.
Scene Point Blank: How did COVID affect each of you? Did it hinder creation or foster it?
Olly: I'm an animator so it had little effect. I carried on making my film.
Scene Point Blank: Are you currently working on a film project?
Olly: Yes, I have a new 6-minute animated film hitting the festivals in 2023.
Scene Point Blank: Are there plans to work on new material and a full-length release? If so, are you all available to tour?
Olly: I don’t think we will work on new material but have not ruled it out. If anything, we might make an album together, using other Rats songs and perhaps a cover or two. Puss is busy with her own band, and I am a filmmaker, so time is scarce. Getting us all in one place is like herding old cats!
Scene Point Blank: Steve and Dave, have you continued to make music through the years or did you pursue other interests?
Steve: After The Photos finally split up, I felt a bit bruised by the corporate side of the music business. What did fall into my lap was a friendship with Ted Milton from the No Wave band Blurt, and as a result, an invitation to join Blurt in 1984. Ted only did deals with small independent record companies so I was spared the pressure of being forced to write "hit singles." We toured just as a three-piece everywhere by train and we were free! That felt great.
In between touring, I did painting and decorating (house painting) or, if there was none of that, then general building. If this wasn't particularly interesting, it was always good fun because my best mate was (is) a builder and he always made it fun.
I worked with Blurt throughout the ‘80s and into the mid-'90s when I left to form the band Bang Bang Machine. That band’s break came when our first release "Geek Love" got to No. 1 in John Peel's Festive 50. Bang Bang Machine released two albums and then split up.
In the late ‘90s, I started playing with Ted Milton and Blurt again and I'm still with them to the present day.
Around 2010, I joined a local covers band playing ‘60s and ‘70s rock and roll called Bad Boys!
More recently, I formed another local band playing original songs under the name of Jupitronz. We were about to release a 12" vinyl EP on Salamander but split just before the release date. D’oh!
Satan's Cats brings me up to the present day.
Dave: Ah yes, the music business, where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.
We fell out of love. I rediscovered my mojo after a few years and, ever since, it has been an endless stream of bands, sessions, bar mitzvahs, street parties and projects. For fun. As it all began. Luthier for 30-something years and working with a sustainable transport charity, trying to make the world a better place. My favourite colour is sky blue. My favourite food is licorice. I dislike selfishness.
Scene Point Blank: Parting thoughts, observations or statements?
Steve: I've never stuck with playing one type of music so it's been a great little journey but, now, a total surprise to be playing those old punk songs again. Puss Johnson is a brilliant singer though and makes those "old punk songs" sound brand new! Who knew? (Well, Olly did maybe).
Dave: Question everything you're told.
Scene Point Blank: How would you like to be remembered?
Olly: Deliciously!
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