Specimen are a British band formed in the 1980s. Their music has been described as being comprised of many different genres of music, including; Glam, Goth, Punk and Post-punk and are widely credited as one of the pioneers of the Gothic movement, both musically and stylistically.

The band formed in Bristol, England during 1980. Their first show was at a street party celebrating the wedding of The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. In 1982, the band relocated to Soho, London, where they would play many shows at the infamous club known as The Batcave. Specimen's vocalist Ollie Wisdom founded and ran the club during 1982-1983. Prior to forming Specimen and opening The Batcave, Ollie was the vocalist for another band known as "The Unwanted". Unlike Specimen, The Unwanted were a traditional '77 / '78 style English garage-core punk band.

Unusual for a keyboardist, Jonny Slut became the face of the band and its most famous member, due largely to his striking image and fashion sense.

While the band were together, they never released a full album, only singles and an E.P., though in 1997 two full-length compilations would be released featuring various Specimen songs.

After the band went its separate ways, guitarist Jon Klein worked with Siouxsie & the Banshees for seven years, before working with Sinéad O'Connor. He was also in the British 1998 movie comedy Married 2 Malcolm in a non-speaking role.

Johnny Slut formed Diskord Datkord with Mark Tinley and Adam Tinley before going on to work with The KLF, Adamski and is now a member of Atomizer. He also founded the Nag Nag Nag club in London, where he is one of the house DJs.

Tim Huthert was a bartender at the Mad Dog in the Fog in San Francisco, CA.

Discography

Albums

* Electric Ballroom (2007) [ Metropolis Records ]

Compilations

* Warm Wet Cling - Film Red Velvet Crush (1997)
* Azoic (1997)

E.P.

* Batastrophe (1983)

Singles

* "Returning (From A Journey)" / "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" (1983) [ London Records ]
* "Beauty Of Poison" / "Tell Tail" (1983) [ London Records ]
* "Sharp Teeth" / "Hex" / "Holes" (1985) [ Trust Records ]
* "Indestructible / "Brainburst" (1986) [ Rampant Records ]

Radio

Tune in and listen to Specimen and similar artists now:
Sorry, you must be logged in to listen.
Login or register now!