Lead singer/guitarist Nick Blinko is notorious for his witty macabre lyrics and dark pen-and-ink artwork, prominently featured on all of Rudimentary Peni's albums. Blinko is also rumored to have written the band's Pope Adrian 37th Psychristiatric album whilst resident in a psychiatric hospital, having suffered from mental illness most of his life, as such, the subject matter of the album relates to the delusions Nick was experiencing at the time, particularly the idea that he was said Pope. Nick's subject matter has been influenced by the work of H.P. Lovecraft who he had studied after having delusions of the macabre element of life and hereafter. Bassist Grant Matthews has also written a number of songs for the band, though his lyrics primarily focus on sociopolitical themes. The band also features drummer Jon Greville.
Very few photos exist of the band, as their albums feature Blinko's drawings, but artist and record label owner Pushead published a few photos of the band in an early edition of his magazine.
The band had early connections with Crass, and released their Farce EP on Crass Records. Though they stopped performing in the 1980s after bassist Grant Matthews was diagnosed with cancer, they continue to record and release material today, though they rarely give interviews. Nick Blinko has also become increasingly popular in the Outsider Art scene, and wrote an autobiographical novel entitled "The Primal Screamer", revered amongst his fans to be a literary masterpiece.
Musicians of a variety of genres (from thrashcore to death metal to apocalyptic folk) have taken influence from the work of Rudimentary Peni. There is even an all-girl high school cover band that does all Rudimentary Peni. The legend created by Rudimentary Peni is part in thanks to their evasion of media coverage and the spread of misinformation.
A new album, No More Pain EP was released on May 5th 2008. Nick Blinko has also finished a new untitled novel, due out sometime in the near future.
Rotten to the Core
Rudimentary Peni Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always seem to lie so much?
John Lydon once said he cared
But he never really gave a fuck
Said he'd use the money he made
So that people would have somewhere to go
But now he lives in the USA
And Snorts Coke after the Show.
Why is it that Rock Stars
Always seem to lie so much?
Joe Strummer once said he cared,
But he never really gave a fuck
Said he'd use the money he made
To set up a radio station to make the
Airwaves full of something more than Shit
Have you noticed we're still Waiting?
You must realise that Rock Stars
Always seem to lie so much
Some will always tell you that they care,
But they don't really give a fuck,
Still you suckers don't ever learn
That rock stars deal in money not truth
It's good Buisiness to exploit you
Just look at Lydon or Strummer for Proof.
The song Rotten to the Core by Rudimentary Peni is a criticism of the music industry and its artists. The lyrics point out the hypocrisy and lies of famous rock stars who make promises to use their fame and fortune to help people, but never follow through. The first verse specifically calls out John Lydon, who once claimed to care about his fans and wanted to use his money to create a better world, but instead chose to live in the USA and indulge in drug use. The second verse does the same for Joe Strummer, who promised to use his money to make the airwaves better, but the song suggests that he failed to deliver. The chorus repeats the message that rock stars will always lie and deceive their fans in order to make money, and that people should not be so gullible to believe them.
The lyrics of this song are particularly relevant in today's world where social media has given celebrities a greater platform for sharing their views and opinions. The song highlights the gap between words and actions and the danger of blindly trusting those in power. Musically, the song is fast-paced and aggressive, fitting the angry, accusatory tone of the lyrics. The rawness of the song reflects the band's punk influences and their desire to create music that challenges and provokes.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you Realised that Rock Stars
Always seem to lie so much?
Why is it that Rock Stars always seem to lie so much?
John Lydon once said he cared
But he never really gave a fuck
Said he'd use the money he made
So that people would have somewhere to go
But now he lives in the USA
And Snorts Coke after the Show.
John Lydon once stated that he cared and he'd use his earnings for the greater good. However, he now lives in the USA and indulges in drug use after his shows.
Joe Strummer once said he cared,
But he never really gave a fuck
Said he'd use the money he made
To set up a radio station to make the
Airwaves full of something more than Shit
Have you noticed we're still Waiting?
Joe Strummer once claimed he cared and planned to use his money to create a better music experience through a non-shitty radio station. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened yet, and we're still waiting.
You must realise that Rock Stars
Always seem to lie so much
Some will always tell you that they care,
But they don't really give a fuck,
It's important to acknowledge that Rock Stars tend to be dishonest. Some may claim they care, but they actually don't.
Still you suckers don't ever learn
That rock stars deal in money not truth
It's good Buisiness to exploit you
Just look at Lydon or Strummer for Proof.
Despite continuous evidence, fans still refuse to accept that most rock stars prioritize money over honesty. It's profitable for them to exploit fans, as seen in Lydon and Strummer's actions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jane Doe 138
@Gerry, I was just jesting, there's alot worse out there that you can be spending your pennies on - it's your ell earned and who am I to put a downer on your rather excellent purchase.
I hope you cranked it All the way upto 11, and give your neighbours a listen to it too lol
The yes loads of great groups at Facebook who do swaps and sales.
My live in friend swapped a guy from Aus my/his DIRT b/w album for a pretty cool Icons of Filth tshirt and some tinge else.
Condsidering the album was with £60 now, it's all just a labour of love. (A) Punk was never about the money anyway
Pay no more than £00.11.5p
But, yeah those groups are pretty good for decent prices..
Russ Slagel
Hadn't listened to this one in a while and I'm kinda just realizing what a fucking beast this drummer is.
Gerry Peacemaker
Fucking love this, Death church is the most expensive album I've ever bought. Eighty quid and worth every peni...
Jane Doe 138
Wow! Eighty squid! You must be a n00b then :P
I bought this when it was hot off the press.
Oh well, I have an original record collection all bought for pennies and you have your youth, and more money than sense by the sounds of things. .
Ever get that feeling you've been cheated?!
How many Punks does it take to change a light bulb?
Gerry Peacemaker
Just looked on Amazon and it is now going for £150, a worthy investment if you ask me. Jane Doe 138
Jane Doe 138
@Gerry, I was just jesting, there's alot worse out there that you can be spending your pennies on - it's your ell earned and who am I to put a downer on your rather excellent purchase.
I hope you cranked it All the way upto 11, and give your neighbours a listen to it too lol
The yes loads of great groups at Facebook who do swaps and sales.
My live in friend swapped a guy from Aus my/his DIRT b/w album for a pretty cool Icons of Filth tshirt and some tinge else.
Condsidering the album was with £60 now, it's all just a labour of love. (A) Punk was never about the money anyway
Pay no more than £00.11.5p
But, yeah those groups are pretty good for decent prices..
Matt Spencer
Love this album!! Had to order it from America and it cost me eighty bloody quid!!! But worth every penny :)
Tom Tom
So the American guy lost £30 that sucks for him but good deal for Matt
Emi_Schizo
The greatest band... ever.
danielscissorhands
They are good, but I wouldn't go that far.
insanikus vulgaris
Totally agree, for the anarcho punk genre