The Professionals (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Sex Pistols |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Steve Jones, Paul Cook |
| Defunct | 1982, reformed 2015, disbanded 2024 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, United States |
Key people | Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Andy Allan, Paul Myers, Ray McVeigh, Tom Spencer |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Number of employees | Members varied over time |
| Website | www |
The Professionals were a British punk rock group active from 1979 until early 1982 and later revived from 2015 through 2024. Established by former Sex Pistols members Steve Jones and Paul Cook following the Sex Pistols' dissolution, the band initially disbanded in 1982 before Cook led a reformation in 2015.
1979–1980: Formation and debut album sessions
In 1979, guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook, both ex-members of the Sex Pistols, came together to create the Professionals. After Johnny Rotten exited the Sex Pistols, Cook and Jones took on lead vocals for later tracks such as "Silly Thing" and "Lonely Boy". Bassist Andy Allan of Lightning Raiders contributed as a session player on these recordings. Following the Sex Pistols' split and their separation from manager Malcolm McLaren, Cook, Jones, and Allan formed the Professionals, signing with Virgin Records—the same label that had released Sex Pistols material. The band was initially managed by Dave Hill, known for his work with Johnny Thunders and the Pretenders, marking the start of their professional journey.
Their debut single, "Just Another Dream," was issued in July 1980, accompanied by a promotional video. This was succeeded by "1-2-3" in October, which peaked at number 43 on the UK Singles Charts. A self-titled debut album was planned for release that year; however, legal complications emerged when Allan, who lacked a contract with Virgin, filed a lawsuit over unpaid royalties and lack of proper credit. This dispute caused Virgin to pull the compilation Cash Cows, which featured the Professionals' track "Kick Down the Doors," and resulted in shelving the band's album.
Following Allan's exit, bassist Paul Myers from ex-Subway Sect joined alongside guitarist Ray McVeigh. This revamped lineup re-recorded material to circumvent further royalty disputes, but their debut album was not released until 1981. To support their music, the band recorded sessions for John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 program broadcast on 10 November 1980, coinciding with plans to launch the single "Join the Professionals".
1981–1982: I Didn't See It Coming release and dissolution
The single "Join the Professionals" encountered delays and was eventually released in June 1981 due to production challenges. Manager Dave Hill left to concentrate on managing the Pretenders and was succeeded by John Curd. In December 1981, the band performed sessions for BBC's The Evening Show hosted by Mike Read. Their first full-length album, I Didn't See It Coming, produced by Nigel Gray, came out in November 1981. The release was supported by tours across the UK and U.S., along with the single "The Magnificent". Unfortunately, their American tour was cut short after Cook, Myers, and McVeigh were involved in a car accident causing injuries. After recuperating, they returned to tour in spring 1982; however, ongoing substance abuse problems affecting Jones and Myers impeded progress and ultimately led to the group's breakup that year.
Later in 1982, "Join the Professionals" appeared in the film Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains, along with three other tracks written by Cook and Jones: "Conned Again", "La La La", and "Don't Blow It All the Way". Both Cook and Jones made appearances in the movie as members of the band called the Looters alongside the Clash bassist Paul Simonon and actor Ray Winstone.
2015–2024: Reunion and New Releases
In celebration of the October 16, 2015 launch of a comprehensive three-disc compilation titled The Complete Professionals by Universal Music Group, the Professionals regrouped for a live performance at the 100 Club, featuring Tom Spencer filling in for Steve Jones. Prior to this, they played a preparatory show at the Fleece in Bristol. The band made a return to London in June 2016, sharing the stage with the Rich Kids in a co-headlining event at the Islington Academy.
March 2017 saw an announcement on Facebook revealing that original member Paul Cook, along with Paul Myers and Tom Spencer, planned to release new material under the Professionals banner for the first time in over three decades. While Steve Jones was not formally included in this formation, he contributed to the album alongside guest musicians such as Marco Pirroni and Billy Duffy.
Throughout 2018, the group performed live across the UK, appearing at events like the Rebellion and Isle of Wight Festival, with Chris McCormack from 3 Colours Red handling guitar duties. Due to health reasons, founding bassist Paul Myers stepped down and was succeeded by technician Toshi JC Ogawa. Additionally, they supported Billy Idol during his UK tour dates.
In 2021, Chris Catalyst joined as a touring guitarist. By 2023, both Chris McCormack and Toshi JC Ogawa had exited the lineup, making way for Dean Croney and Marc Hayward. The band officially declared their disbandment in April 2024.
Legacy
A compilation album gathering selections from their only studio album, four singles, and demo tracks featuring Andy Allan was issued in 2005 as a best-of collection. This was later expanded into The Complete Professionals released in 2015, which encompassed all studio recordings, alternate versions, and radio sessions.
Their song "Join the Professionals" gained recognition through a cover version by the Epoxies.
Personnel
- Past Members
- Paul Cook − drums, backing vocals (1979–1982, 2015–2024)
- Steve Jones − lead guitar, vocals (1979–1982)
- Andy Allan − bass guitar, backing vocals (1979–1980)
- Paul Myers − bass guitar, backing vocals (1980–1982, 2015–2018)
- Ray McVeigh − rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1980–1982, 2015–2016)
- Tom Spencer − guitar, vocals (2015–2024)
- Chris McCormack − guitar, backing vocals (2017–2023)
- Toshi JC Ogawa − bass guitar, backing vocals (2018–2023)
- Dean Croney − guitar (2023–2024)
- Marc Hayward − bass guitar (2023–2024)
Timeline
Studio Albums
- I Didn't See It Coming (1981)
- The Professionals (1997)
- What in the World (2017)
- SNAFU (2021)
Live Album
- Live In London (2020)
EPs
- 2020 - "Kingdom Come"/"Reality"/"1, 2, 3 (TV Session)"/"Rewind (TV Session)" (JTP Records, January)
- 2020 - "Curl Up And Cry"/"Fade Away"/"Going, Going, Gone (TV Session)"/"Kick Down The Doors (TV Session)" (JTP Records, February)
- 2020 - "Twenty 20 Vision"/"One That Got Away"/"Join The Professionals (Live)"/"Good Man Down (TV Session)" (JTP Records, March)
Compilations
- The Best of The Professionals (2005)
- The Complete Professionals (2015)