GET OFF YOUR ASS AND DO SOMETHING
It was Gaz’s birthday this week and because he’s one of the elder statesmen of the brilliant Suspect Device fanzine we thought we’d celebrate, wish him all then best, and have another look at his and Tony’s superb book, ‘Running at the edge of their world : The Suspect Device fanzine story’.
It’s the behind-the-scenes story of one of the U.K.'s longest running, and best loved punk fanzines, and Pete Zonked’s foreword sums it up well…
I’ve long thought it ironic that the outside view of Punk tends to be a negative one, concentrated on violence, nihilism, etc. Sure, there’s always been elements of that. But from the inside, my overriding Punk experience has been of its extreme creativity.
Its’s a well-worn analogy now, but Punk was a movement that in so many ways carved out a highly functioning ’network’ long before technological advancements made the term something otherworldly all together. Back then, it involved being in a band purely for the fun of it. Tape trading and exchanging info and ideas by post (don’t forget to Soap your Stamps!) Making flyers. Buying records distributed from people’s bedrooms. Booking gigs, and even whole tours, by phone (and on trust). Releasing records on small labels, where breaking even was a great success. Binding it all together were fanzines; sometimes crude, but always lovingly assembled publications that allowed its writers the freedom to cover music and issues they were passionate about. Spreading the word. For a period in the mid-Eighties there were tons of ‘zines being produced all round the world; it was extraordinary how this under-the-radar movement galvanised so many kids into participating. For a vast majority of them it was an exciting but relatively short-lived phase before other priorities came into play. Getting on with Life, and all that.
Which is why – and I know they will be cringing at the adulation - it’s so impressive that, 40 years on from assembling their first issue of Suspect Device at Gary’s parents’ house in Southampton, he and Tony are still at it. As you will read, in the stories recollected in these pages, this pair of teenage Punks-in-Arms have grown up, gotten responsibilities, ridden out whatever adversities Life has thrown at them, and stuck at it, with a resolute spirit that’s galvanised their friendship.
For me, it’s been a real honour contributing to Suspect Device over the years. Much of my respect for Tony and Gary is down to the way they go about their business in such an unassuming way. The commitment and devotion to keep the ‘zine going for so long is incredible, but there’s little song or dance about their illustrious past. Is barely worth a mention. The focus is to keep moving forward, sharing what’s new ‘n interesting to them, and having likeminded mates involved. Some have been part of the S.D. Family for decades, which speaks volumes itself about the primary importance placed on friendship, participation, and cooperation. You will find many of these valued comrades supplying content to this book. It’s the S.D. way.
Suspect Device has never been about just Tony and Gary, but You and Me too. It’s not about competing in a great credibility race. That would never even enter their consciousness. And, whilst this book is a wonderful celebration of their ‘zines remarkable longevity... you can guarantee that behind the scenes, the kettle is on and the gears are already turning, with thoughts on the next issue. Contributions Welcomed.
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