Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Chris "C.P." Lee, Jimmy Hibbert, Bob Harding |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Comedy rock music, albums, singles, theatrical show (Snuff Rock) |
Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias was a comedy rock ensemble originating from Manchester, England, established in 1973. Their history is comprehensively covered in CP Lee's publication When We Were Thin (2007). The band's name humorously references the Paraguayan group Alberto y Los Trios Paraguayos.
Career
The band was created in 1972 by Chris "C.P." Lee, formerly of Greasy Bear, alongside Jimmy Hibbert (vocals, bass) and Bob Harding (vocals, guitar, bass). Initially conceived as a comedic sketch troupe, by 1974 they had transitioned into a full musical outfit. Additional members included Bruce Mitchell (ex-Greasy Bear drummer), Les Prior (vocals), Simon White (steel guitar, guitar), Tony Bowers (bass, guitar), and Ray "Mighty Mongo" Hughes (second drummer).[1] Their early exposure came from supporting Hawkwind in 1974, gaining recognition for lampooning prominent rock artists of the 1970s—for example, their track "Anadin" parodied Lou Reed’s "Heroin" / "Sweet Jane".[1] By 1975, they were headlining events with support from notable groups such as The Police, The Clash, Joy Division, and Blondie. Despite their comedic style, their musical skills earned considerable respect.[1] Across their career, they issued three albums and numerous parody singles, culminating in the theatrical production Snuff Rock.
The show Sleak (also known as Snuff Rock), influenced by the movie Snuff, offered a darkly satirical narrative about a band engaging in self-destruction for audience amusement. Performed at London's Royal Court Theatre and Roundhouse, it featured Les Prior portraying a humorous DJ.[1] The accompanying EP titled "Snuff Rock," released through Stiff Records, mocked punk bands such as the Sex Pistols ("Gobbing on Life"), The Damned ("Kill"), and The Clash ("Snuffin' Like That"), along with reggae groups ("Snuffin' In A Babylon").[1] Their parody single of Status Quo, "Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie," charted on the UK Singles Chart in 1978.[1] The passing of Les Prior due to leukaemia in January 1980 was a significant blow to the group.[1]
After producing the television series Teach Yourself Gibberish and attempting to break into the U.S. market with Sleak, Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias dissolved in 1982.
Their style of satirical rock aligns with English acts like the Barron Knights and Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, though C.P. Lee compared their approach more closely to that of the American parody ensemble the Austin Lounge Lizards.
Albums
- Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias – Transatlantic Records, 1976
- Italians From Outer Space – Transatlantic Records, 1977
- Skite – Logo Records, 1978
- TV Sweat – Fiction Records, 1981 (Released under 'CP Lee and Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias')
Compilation albums
- The Worst of the Berts – Logo, 1980
- Snuff Rock – the Best of the Albertos – Mau Mau, 1991
- Radio Sweat – Overground Records, 1996
- Mandrax Sunset Variations – Castle Records, 2001
Singles
- "Dread Jaws"/"De Version"* (1976) Transatlantic
- Snuff Rock EP – featuring "Kill", "Gobbing on Life", "Snuffin' Like That", "Snuffin' In A Babylon" (1977) Stiff
- "Old Trust"/"Neville"/"Teenager in Shtuck"* (1977) Logo
- "Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie"/"Thank You"/"F*** You"*/"Dead Meat Part II"* (1978) Logo (UK #47)
- "F**k You"*/"Dead Meat Part II"* (1978) Logo
- "Juan Lopez"/"Teenage Paradise"/"Dead Meat part III"* (1978) Logo
- "Cruisin' With Santa"*/"Eye and Eye"* (1982) New Hormones
(* Tracks not included on albums)