The Ratbites from Hell
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Headquarters | West Country , England |
| Products | Rock music performances and recordings |
The Ratbites From Hell was a rock ensemble originating from the West Country, active between 1972 and 1975. Its members subsequently became part of notable punk and new wave groups based in London and New York.
The principal lineup included Huw Gower and John Perry handling guitar and vocals, Roy Sundholm on bass and vocals, Nick Howell and/or Alan Platt on drums, 'Big' Pete Thorpe as lead vocalist, and Pete Biles playing congas.
1972–75
Following the disbandment of the psychedelic group Magic Muscle in January 1973, Huw Gower and Pete Biles enlisted John Perry, Roy Sundholm, and Nick Howell to fulfill remaining engagements. With the addition of frontman 'Big' Pete Thorpe, this formation was known as Magic Muscle 2 (MM2). They performed alongside Hawkwind and recorded several tracks, including Gower’s composition "Sparkle," produced by Don Paul. MM2 concluded their performances at the Trentishoe Festival in July 1973 before retiring the Magic Muscle name.
Subsequently, Gower and Howell established 'Stroll On', and by mid-1974 the core members regrouped to form The Ratbites From Hell. The band embarked on extensive tours throughout the United Kingdom. In August 1975, they extended their tour to the Netherlands, performing in about twelve cities and recording sessions for United Artists. Although they never formally dissolved, their appearances grew infrequent following their final known concert at The Nashville Rooms in London during early 1978.
Subsequent careers
Huw Gower was invited by Will Birch to join The Records, co-writing their US top 40 single "Starry Eyes." His recording credits include collaborations with Rachel Sweet, Nick Lowe, David Johansen, Graham Parker, and Rosanne Cash. His 1984 solo release Guitarophilia received critical praise and marked the beginning of his production career. Later albums include Ile de France (2000) and In Pursuit of Excellence (2003). In 2012, he created IceCream Skyscraper, releasing the album Granite, With Rainbow Sprinkles.
Alan Platt co-founded Solid Senders with Wilko Johnson from Dr. Feelgood, contributing his original track "First Thing in the Morning." Signed under Ringo Starr's publishing company alongside Simon Climie, their work featured a single by Connie Francis. Platt went on to perform with the Scottish blues outfit 'Bottleneck' until his passing in 2006.
John Perry met Peter Perrett through an unexpected encounter at a London gig in 1975. This led to demo recordings that eventually resulted in forming The Only Ones in 1976. Perry’s guitar contributions appear on records by The Sisters of Mercy, Robert Palmer, and Evan Dando. Additionally, he authored several music analysis books, including one focused on The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street.
Roy Sundholm released an album featuring his own compositions with Alan Platt on drums.
Nick Howell became involved with The Snivelling Shits and later joined John’s band Decline and Fall before his death in 2005.
By 1977, the members had pursued different musical directions; however, John Perry and Alan Platt appeared individually on the live double album Hope & Anchor Front Row Festival, which documented London’s dynamic music scene during punk’s emergence.
Discography
Album
Ratbite Fever is an unofficial compilation of demos and live recordings by Over The Hill, featuring members John, Roy, Alan, and Pete Roe. This collection was issued by World Wide Records under the catalog number SPM-CD-0006.
Pete Flanagan, the former CEO of Zippo Records, has yet to release the tracks he produced that include performances by Gower, Perry, Howell, and former MM bassist Ade Shaw. He is also said to possess a copy of the United Artists sessions containing Gowers' track titled 'TV Blues'.
On 6 October 2014, Bristol Archive Records launched Bristol Boys Make More Noise, a photo book accompanied by a compilation CD highlighting bands active in Bristol during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The digital edition features 'Sparkle', composed by Huw Gower and recorded in the summer of 1973. Produced by Don Paul, this song represents The Fabulous Ratbites From Hell's first recording released after a span of 41 years.