Created in 1978 by Peter (vocals) and Del (vocals and guitar) in Peter's Dads garage in Peacehaven, Sussex, their early gigs were fun filled events with electrifying tunes and plenty of entertainment. Harmless humour of those early gigs was captured on their debut album, "Pissed And Proud". From those early gems, the Test Tubes just got better and better. The next crop of songs, "Jinx", "Blown Out Again" and "September" all featured on "The Mating Sounds Of South American Frogs", which stayed at number one for four months at the top of the independent charts. A US tour followed, climaxing with a 4,000 capacity sell out show at the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium.
The Test Tubes first US domestic release, "Soberphobia", is probably one of their finest moments. The use of keyboards and sax on some tracks may not have been what people expected but it worked a treat. The much sought after CDs "Cringe" and "The $Hit Factory" again proved the Test Tubes unpredictability in the early '90s.
The mid '90s saw the release of "Supermodels" and the departure from the band of originals 'Trapper' and 'Ogs' (bass and drums). The band brought in fresh blood:local heroes Rum and AD, on bass and drums respectively,joined to promote the 'Supermodels' album. The band then went on a 25 date tour of Germany, Holland and Switzerland.
On their 20th anniversary in 1998 the band flew to Germany to record the "Alien Pubduction" album, their first with AD and Rum. The band also undertook a massive US and Canadian tour that lasted five weeks, lots of UK gigs and of course the annual German Christmas tour.
Rum & AD quit in 1999 due to the punishing tour schedule. Paul 'H' Henrickson, known to the band and a Brighton stalwart, took over on bass and Dave 'Caveman' 'O'Brien' was soon added behind, and sometimes on top of, the drum kit . The band hit the road again with renewed vigour touring repeatedly throughout the UK, Germany, Ireland, USA, France, Australia, New Zealand and making an impact on the summer festival circuits.
In 2005, after a seven year hiatus in the studio, the band released "A Foot Full of Bullets", recorded at Ford Lane Studios, Ford, West Sussex. The album was definitely worth the long wait demonstrating a familiar core sound matched with smart self assurance gained from decades of experience. Storming on with characteristic vigour, the Test Tubes gained praise as "the best band of the weekend" (Lars Friedrickson) at the WASTED festival before closing the year with the annual German Xmas Tour 2005. A remix of "A Foot Full of Bullets" was produced with contributions from Campino (Die Toten Hosen) and Olga (The Toy Dolls) at the start of 2006. "For a Few Bullets More".
Peter and the Test Tube Babies continue to tour and perform at festivals across the globe and remain one of the best punk bands to come out of Europe. See them live if you ever get the chance and check they're gig listings for all the latest show news and events!!
Riot
Peter and the Test Tube Babies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
there's a lot of looting for us to do.
Riot, everybody run amok, that's unless you own a shop.
Throw a brick, who will know it's you ?
Riot, if you want a TV, ghetto blaster or a CD.
You can even furnish your front room.
Riot, join the mass attack, riot, stay right at the back,
we don't want our faces on the news.
[Chorus]
Riot, there's a riot .. ..
Riot, hear the sirens wail, try a Molotov Cocktail.
You might as well join in you'll get no sleep.
Riot, to the sound of breaking glass.
Riot even though you're middle class.
All that you can carry you can keep.
[Chorus]
Riot, go ahead and try it, riot, no more peace and quiet .. ..
The song "Riot" by Peter and the Test Tube Babies is a satirical take on the idea of urban rioting. The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who sees rioting as a kind of fun and exciting activity, a chance to loot stores and get any desired possessions. The singer encourages the listener to join in the mayhem, throwing bricks, stealing electronics, and creating chaos. The chorus repeats the word "riot" like a chant, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
However, the lyrics also hint at the darker side of rioting. The singer advises listeners to stay at the back of the crowd to avoid getting caught on camera, suggesting that they are aware of the consequences of their actions. They also mention the sound of sirens and the need for a Molotov cocktail, which implies that the rioters are putting themselves in harm's way. The line "you might as well join in you'll get no sleep" suggests that the rioting doesn't come without consequences and that there could be a price to pay, even if it's just the loss of sleep.
Overall, the lyrics in "Riot" provide a counter-narrative to the typical portrayals of rioting in the media. Rather than demonizing the rioters, or dismissing them as mindless thugs, the song portrays them as individuals who are taking advantage of a chaotic situation to make their lives a little bit better, at least in the short term. The song offers a unique perspective on the complex social issue of urban unrest and offers a commentary on the deeper issues that underlie it.
Line by Line Meaning
Riot, the words on the streets, get out of your seats, there's a lot of looting for us to do.
Inciting violence and robbery with no regards to social norms.
Riot, everybody run amok, that's unless you own a shop.
Causing chaos and anarchy in the streets with no consideration for the private property of others.
Throw a brick, who will know it's you ?
Encouraging anonymity and lack of accountability for criminal actions.
Riot, if you want a TV, ghetto blaster or a CD. You can even furnish your front room.
Justifying stealing personal items and using criminal activities for personal gain.
Riot, join the mass attack, riot, stay right at the back, we don't want our faces on the news.
Advocating for participating in group violence while avoiding the potential consequences of public scrutiny.
Riot, go ahead and try it, riot, no more peace and quiet.
Encouraging people to engage in violent protests that disrupt and disturb the peace.
Riot, hear the sirens wail, try a Molotov Cocktail. You might as well join in you'll get no sleep.
Suggesting the use of deadly weapons and promoting the idea that participating in the riot will consume all your time and energy.
Riot, to the sound of breaking glass. Riot even though you're middle class. All that you can carry you can keep.
Urging even middle-class individuals to participate in looting and destruction, with the promise of keeping whatever they can carry away.
Riot, go ahead and try it, riot, no more peace and quiet .. ..
Reiterating the call for violent and disruptive behavior, ignoring the potentially deadly and damaging consequences.
Chorus Riot, there's a riot .. ..
The repetition of the title reinforces the theme of violence and chaos.
Contributed by Sydney I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.