As of 2009, the line-up consists of: Alexis Kalofolias (Alex K) - bass/vocals, Yiorgos Karanikolas (B.George Bop) - guitar/vocals, Christos Michalatos (Chris B.I.) - drums, Thanos Amorginos (T.H. Lime) - guitar.
Biography:
They started playing under the name "Last Drive" in late 1983 and their first performance was at the "Rodeo Club" on December 27, 1983.
During 1984, following the departure of -the "then" member- Panos "P.PEP" Kasiaris, Yiorgos "B.George Bop" Karanikolas replaced him on lead guitar. The band's music was basically inspired by pre-80's music, mostly garage rock, rockabilly, protopunk (70's punk) and surf rock
In 1985 they released their first record, the 7" single Midnite Hop. They also participated with a song in a compilation tape by Dikaioma Diavasis (translation: Right of Passage) records, named Live at Kyttaro.
In 1986 they released their first full-length album, called Underworld Shakedown, which caused a sensation both for its content and the quality of production (done by the band themselves) which was unusually high for the standards of the independent scene of that time. They continued having live appearances in Athens and many other cities in Greece, and in the Spring of 1987 they toured abroad for the first time, in Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands along with other known garage bands. such as The Fuzztones.
In 1988, Panos "P.PEP" Kasiaris returned to the lineup of the band, replacing Nikos "Pop Mind" Kapetanopoulos on rhythm guitar. Shortly after they released their second album Heatwave, which was produced by Peter Zaremba of The Fleshtones. That was the album that established their name in Europe, where it was re-released (with a new cover) by Music Maniac records, a German label specializing in garage rock releases. This specific label helped the band in spreading their name abroad by having their songs included in compilations. Their success brought them to Germany, where they participated in the Berlin Independence Days festival and also recorded the Time EP in 1989.
During the early 90's the band's sound went through changes becoming more heavy and speedy. The band also caught the eye of Paul Cutler of The Dream Syndicate, who would produce their next two records Blood Nirvana and F*head Entropy.
Blood Nirvana which was released in 1990, marked the change of their sound, a fact that spawned mixed reactions by fans and public alike. Therefore their contract with "Music Maniac" ended. Thus, they started becoming widely popular among rock fans in Greece, and on the same year they were voted "Band of the Year" by the readers of music magazine Pop & Rock.
In 1992 they released the F*head Entropy. album, which is their most mature work. In 1994, their contract with their long-time company, Hitch-Hyke records, ended. They signed for the multinational BMG Hellas and released Subliminal. In 1995, Yiorgos "B.George Bop" Karanikolas left the band and moved to the USA.
Some months later The Last Drive disbanded. All members went on to form or join other band projects.
In February 2007, The Last Drive announced their reunion for a few live dates around Greece through their official website . The comeback of the band created interest over the press and the general public. So in this case Columbia took advantage and released a best-of collection of The Last Drive called The Bad Roads: The Best Of The Last Drive. Their reunion came to be obviously permament, after their reunion dates were followed by more live appearances, in Greece and abroad having participation in big music festivals. In 2008, their first reunion live show came out in a limited edition (1000 copies) album, a CD / DVD combo named Time Is Not Important .
In May 2009, The Last Drive released their first studio album after their reunion Heavy Liquid on their own label Happy Crasher Records. Inner Ear Records released the LP in limited vinyl.
By 2011, The Last Drive are preparing their new studio album.
Magdalene
The Last Drive Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Creepin up around the ceiling
Revelation seems so scary
And it makes you get that feeling
It's like an arrow aiming at you
Like a knife passing through you
Oh sweet Lord, they're trying to fool you
Oh my Lord, they're trying to fool you
Money killed her expectations
Resurrection seems so worthless
And it spreads like wild infection
But she'll never taste a tear
She will never save a tear
Love's the lonely smile of fear
Mary cuts the water
Mary's gonna kiss the sky/ Kiss and die
Mary loves the water
I don't wanna die and live/live and die
Mary passed the boarder
I don't wanna kiss goodbye
Mary trapped the water
I don't wanna die and live/ live and die
Burning fields an' crazy hobos
Screamin' out the last goodbye
Burnin' marks upon her body
Just an' "eye for an eye"
She will not go back to prison
She will never stand to prison
Bleeding candles, angry curses
Kickin' back the big decision
Revelation seems so useless
And it spreads, a lonely vision
But she'll never taste a tear
She will never save a tear
Love's the lonely smile of fear
Mary cuts the water
The lyrics to The Last Drive's song Magdalene describe the raw, naked emotions that a person experiences when faced with revelations about their life. The song starts off with the image of naked words 'n' naked bodies creeping up around the ceiling, an apt metaphor for the vulnerability that comes with self-discovery. The revelation itself is described as scary, like an arrow or knife aimed at the individual. The lyrics transition to a woman named Mary, who has been dealt a cruel hand in life. The reality of her situation is that she's been killed monetarily and emotionally, and her expectations for a better future have been crushed.
The song also references resurrection and how it seems worthless, possibly acting as a comment on the idea that even if things do get better, they might not necessarily seem that way. Mary, who loves the water, is repeatedly referenced in the lyrics, with the singer not wanting to "die and live/live and die", implying that they don't want to go through any more pain just to come out the other side. The burning fields, crazy hobos, and screaming last goodbyes also create a sense of chaos and confusion, perhaps symbolizing the turmoil that can occur during periods of self-reflection. Ultimately, the song touches on the idea that even though revelations and self-discovery can be uncomfortable and painful, they are necessary in order to grow and move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Naked words 'n' naked bodies
People are being upfront and revealing their true selves, both physically and emotionally.
Creepin up around the ceiling
The situation is slowly becoming overwhelming and stressful.
Revelation seems so scary
The truth is frightening and unsettling.
And it makes you get that feeling
The situation provokes an intense emotional response.
It's like an arrow aiming at you
The truth feels like a direct attack on oneself.
Like a knife passing through you
The truth cuts deeply and causes pain.
Oh sweet Lord, they're trying to fool you
The situation is a deception, and it is harmful.
Oh my Lord, they're trying to fool you
The deception is becoming clearer and more concerning.
Filthy questions 'n' empty answers
The questions being asked are inappropriate, and no one has the answers.
Money killed her expectations
The pursuit of money caused someone to lose hope and faith in the future.
Resurrection seems so worthless
The idea of coming back to life or starting anew appears pointless.
And it spreads like wild infection
The negative attitude is contagious and quickly influencing others.
But she'll never taste a tear
The person will not cry or show any emotion despite the situation.
She will never save a tear
The person will not hold back any tears or hide their emotions.
Love's the lonely smile of fear
Love is expressed through the fear of being alone.
Mary cuts the water
Mary is taking control of her life and making changes.
Mary's gonna kiss the sky/Kiss and die
Mary is willing to take a risk and face whatever consequences may come.
Mary loves the water
Mary finds comfort and peace in water, but it could be symbolic of something else.
I don't wanna die and live/live and die
The singer is afraid of being stuck in a cycle of life and death, without any real purpose or meaning.
Mary passed the boarder
Mary has crossed a boundary and stepped outside of her comfort zone.
I don't wanna kiss goodbye
The artist does not want to say goodbye or lose someone they care about.
Mary trapped the water
Mary might be struggling or feeling trapped in her situation.
Burning fields an' crazy hobos
The environment is chaotic, and people are acting erratically.
Screamin' out the last goodbye
People are saying goodbye, and it could be the last time they see each other.
Burnin' marks upon her body
Someone has been physically abused or marked with scars.
Just an' eye for an eye
The concept of retribution, getting what one deserves for their actions.
She will not go back to prison
The person will not fall back into old habits or patterns that caused harm in the past.
She will never stand to prison
The person will not be able to tolerate being confined or limited in any way.
Bleeding candles, angry curses
The situation is dark and negative, with resentment and anger present.
Kickin' back the big decision
The person is procrastinating or avoiding making important choices.
Revelation seems so useless
The truth feels like it serves no purpose or benefit.
And it spreads, a lonely vision
The negative attitude is isolating and causing feelings of loneliness.
Writer(s): Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber
Contributed by Camilla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.