Steve Whitehouse and Hodge joined in 1982, replacing the original drummer and bassist. This was now the classic Sharks line up that we have all grown up with.
The band's first album 'Phantom Rockers' was recorded in 1982 and released soon afterwards on Nervous Records. The band later spilt in 1983.
Steve went on to form Frenzy and has made a big success of it. Alan went on to carve a career as a record producer. Hodge could often be found playing in either Frenzy or some of Alan's studio and live projects.
The Sharks re-formed in 1993 with Alan Wilson on Guitar/vocals, Morrissey's bass player Gary Day on bass and Hodge on drums and released the album 'Recreational Killer' on Cherry Red/Anagram records and the 12" EP 'Bitch Attack' (Vinyl Japan).
In 1995 Steve returned when Gary left to re-join Morrissey. The next album was 'Colour My Flesh' in 1995 - again on Cherry Red/Anagram. Other releases included 'Ruff Stuff' - an album of demos and the vinyl EP 'Sir Psycho' (Fury).
Nowadays, Steve can still be found touring and recording with his band Frenzy. Hodge lives in Spain where he runs his own business. Alan is a producer and also owns a studio and label called Western Star.
Recreational Killer
The Sharks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Torture, hurt, mutilation and pain.
There's no way out of here.
Scene's of crime, just look at them run.
Policeman says "he does it for fun".
There's another killer to catch,
It's serial no-one can top.
Recreational Killer can't stop.
If this man had a song to sing he'd be heard by few.
Stripping flesh again and again to look like someone new.
Blue lights flash and the siren's wail.
Who's been killed, it's so hard to tell.
The Sharks' song Recreational Killer is a chilling and harrowing description of a serial killer's actions, with haunting lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the horror that the killer inflicts upon their victims. The opening lines speak of a dark and terrifying house, one that tells a story of fear and pain. The repeated phrase "there's no way out of here" creates a sense of claustrophobia and desperation, adding to the mood of unease and tension that runs throughout the song.
The lyrics go on to describe the aftermath of the killer's actions, with a vivid depiction of the crime scene and the efforts of the police to catch the perpetrator. The line "Policeman says 'he does it for fun'" is particularly chilling, suggesting that the killer takes pleasure in their brutal acts. The repeated refrain of "recreational killer can't stop" creates a sense of inevitability and horror, as though the killer's actions are unstoppable and uncontrollable.
The second verse adds to the sense of horror, with its description of the killer's desire to strip flesh from their victims in order to look like someone new. The final lines of the song, which speak of blue lights and sirens, suggest that the killer has been caught, but the haunting image of the killer's actions remains.
Line by Line Meaning
If this house had a story to tell it would be of fear,
This house bears witness to horrific events and terrible experiences, it is a place of fear and darkness that has seen countless acts of violence and cruelty.
Torture, hurt, mutilation and pain.
The atmosphere of the house is defined by the unspeakable horrors that have taken place within its walls, including unimaginable forms of torture, pain, and mutilation.
There's no way out of here.
The sense of fear and confinement within the house is overwhelming - there seems to be no escape from the horrors that lurk within, no way to leave this nightmare behind.
Scene's of crime, just look at them run.
The house is like a crime scene, with evidence of terrible acts everywhere. Despite the attempts of law enforcement to catch the perpetrator, the killer remains at large and continues to operate with seeming impunity.
Policeman says "he does it for fun".
Investigators have concluded that the killer does not have any discernible motive for their crimes - they seem to act out of pure, sadistic pleasure and derive enjoyment from inflicting pain on others.
There's another killer to catch,
Despite the efforts of the authorities, another killer remains on the loose, posing an ongoing threat to the community and striking fear into the hearts of all who live near this house of horror.
Psychological profile to match.
Investigators are working tirelessly to develop a comprehensive psychological profile of the killer, in order to better understand their motivations and anticipate their next move.
It's serial no-one can top.
The level of violence and depravity that this killer has displayed is so extreme that it is without parallel - even among the ranks of notorious serial killers, this individual stands out as an exceptional and truly horrifying figure.
Recreational Killer can't stop.
This killer seems to derive pleasure and enjoyment from their gruesome activities, and shows no signs of stopping or slowing down - they are a force of pure evil that must be stopped at all costs.
If this man had a song to sing he'd be heard by few.
This killer, who takes joy in sadistic violence and mutilation, is a deeply disturbed individual who looks more like a monster than a human. Most people would recoil from him in fear and disgust, and he would have very few willing listeners for his twisted 'song'.
Stripping flesh again and again to look like someone new.
The killer has displayed an intense fascination with the physical appearance of their victims, and seems to gain pleasure from removing their flesh and altering their bodies in ways that simulate the appearances of others. This suggests a deeply disturbed psyche that is fixated on issues of identity and self-image.
Blue lights flash and the siren's wail.
The arrival of law enforcement on the scene is like a ray of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. When the blue lights of the police cars start to flash and the sirens start to wail, it means that there is still somebody who cares enough to try and bring an end to this reign of terror.
Who's been killed, it's so hard to tell.
The ongoing carnage and brutality of the killer's actions means that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of who has been killed and who is still alive. The uncertainty and confusion surrounding the killer's activities only serves to amplify the sense of fear and dread that hangs over the community like a dark cloud.
Writer(s): Alan Wilson, Paul Hodges
Contributed by Chloe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.