Soho Roses
| Company type | Independent record label and band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Andy J. Davies, Paul Toombs, Pat Walters, Julien Parkin |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings (EPs, albums) |
Soho Roses were a glam punk outfit based in London, emerging in the same era as bands like Hanoi Rocks, the Dogs D'Amour, the Babysitters, and the Quireboys. They rose to prominence during the late 1980s with a series of singles and an album before disbanding in 1989.
Formation
The origins of Soho Roses trace back to The V2s, a post-punk glam group formed in 1986 by Andy ‘The Riff’ Socratous, guitarist from punk band The Dark. After several changes in personnel, including Andy ‘The Riff’s departure, the band rebranded themselves as Soho Roses. Their signature sound was shaped by Andy J. Davies’ gritty, punk-inspired guitar work paired with Joolz's melodic bass lines.
Whatever Happened To EP
After building a presence within the London live scene, Soho Roses launched their own label, Trash Can Records of London, to independently release their first 12" EP, Whatever Happened To, featuring four tracks. The recording and mixing process took place over two days with producer Colin Leggett at Carlton Studios in June 1987. Due to budget limitations, the band chose to press the EP on distinctive pink vinyl rather than invest in remixing, reflecting their strong DIY punk attitude.
Rejecting the dominant heavy rock and metal glam styles of the time, this EP embraced a sleazy rock ’n’ roll vibe centered on memorable hooks. This approach polarized the British rock community but earned both acclaim and critique, which the band welcomed. Critics found it difficult to neatly categorize them; in a January 1988 Kerrang! interview, Soho Roses expressed a preference for being labeled 'Trash' instead of conventional 'Glam,' citing their sparse use of ballads.
The initial pressing of Whatever Happened To sold out quickly and received support from key British rock publications such as Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. Journalist Chris Welch offered praise, while Kim Fowley, manager of The Runaways, showed interest in the group. Their profile grew substantially within the UK glam rock scene through live performances and media features including interviews with Sounds (Mary Anne Hobbs), Metal Hammer, and Kerrang (Ray Zell).
The band played multiple shows at the Marquee Club and recorded a follow-up single titled "So Alone" during spring 1988 at Oasis Studios and Unit 3 studios in Camden, which was released later that summer.
So Alone EP
Building on the momentum from Whatever Happened To and their live appearances, Soho Roses gained increased exposure in UK music media. Following a support slot for Teenage Idols at the Marquee Club in 1988, an infamous altercation involving Steevi Jaimz from Tigertailz attracted press attention, adding a rebellious element to their reputation. They also performed at the 1988 Metal Hammer Xmas party held at the London Astoria, where Paul made an appearance on MTV.
Recorded during spring 1988 at Oasis Studios and Unit 3 studios in Camden, So Alone was released through their Trash Can Records label in August 1988. Produced by Colin Leggett, this EP presented a more refined and focused sound while retaining their gritty aesthetic.
Mark Day of Metal Hammer hailed "So Alone" as 'single of the century,' with the magazine publishing two reviews of it. Strong fan enthusiasm kept it charted on the 'Reader's Chart' from August through October 1988.
The Third and Final Insult
Amidst growing popularity of American glam bands such as Guns N' Roses and internal band tensions, Joolz announced his exit early in 1989, which led to Soho Roses dissolving. Just days after a sold-out farewell performance at the Marquee Club in June 1989, they recorded their album The Third and Final Insult.
This album was tracked by Andy Le Vien at RMS studios located in South Norwood, London, completed within less than 24 hours. Released later that year in autumn across the UK, it was reissued in 2007 by US label Full Breach Kicks as part of Whatever Happened to... The Complete Works of Soho Roses, a retrospective collection featuring remixes by guitarist Andy J. Davies, who had become an esteemed figure within underground punk production circles.
While LA-based bands like Guns N' Roses and Poison were gaining traction in the UK market, Soho Roses stayed loyal to their Glam Metal Punk roots influenced by New York Dolls, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols. Although their punk-driven sound waned in popularity by the late '80s, their authenticity only deepened.
Within the UK underground rock community, Soho Roses are recognized for their uncompromising DIY approach and musical sincerity. Choosing to disband while still respected allowed them to avoid glam backlash and cement a lasting influence.
Post Break Up
This independent ethos persisted after their split. Joolz became part of The Wildhearts between 1989 and 1991; Pat also joined from early 1990 through late 1991. Both later formed Guns n' Wankers, releasing For Dancing and Listening via Fat Wreck Chords in 1994—a name symbolizing their straightforward attitude amid glam rock’s growing commercialism. Paul went on to join Scarlet Tears, while Andy focused on production work alongside involvement with various other bands.
Studio albums
| Year | Album | Recording Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Third And Final Insult | Produced by Davies, Walters, Parkin, Toombs, and Le Vien at RMS Studios, London, UK |
Compilation albums
| Year | Album | Recording Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Metal Hammer’s The Best Of British Steel” (Including ‘So Alone’) | Recorded by Davies, Walters, Parkin, Toombs, and Leggett at Oasis and Unit 3 Studios, London, UK |
| 2007 | Whatever Happened To… The Complete Works Of Soho Roses | Production by Davies, Walters, Parkin, Toombs, Leggett, and Le Vein across Oasis, Unit 3, and RMS Studios in London; with additional sessions at Carlton Studios in Bedford and Damage Recordings in Hitchin, UK |
EPs
| Year | Title | Recording Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Whatever Happened To | Recorded by Davies, Walters, Parkin, and Toombs at Carlton Studios, Bedford, UK |
| 1988 | So Alone | Sessions led by Davies, Walters, Parkin, Toombs, and Leggett at Oasis and Unit 3 Studios in Camden, UK |
During The V2s era
- Andy ‘The Riff’ Socratous – guitar (1986–1987)
- Mark ‘Boots’ Thomas – lead vocals (1986–1987)
- Pat ‘Panache’ Walters – drums (1986–1987)
- Julien ‘Dean’ Parkin – bass guitar (1986–1987)
- Andy J. "DeGray’ Davies – guitar (1987)
- Paul ‘Blittz’ Toombs – vocals (1987)
As Soho Roses
- Pat ‘Panache’ Walters – drums (1987–1989)
- Julien ‘Dean’ Parkin – bass guitar (1987–1989)
- Andy J. ‘DeGray’ Davies – guitar (1987–1989)
- Paul ‘Blittz’ Toombs – vocals (1987–1989)