By
Rob Jones
After the demise of The Sex Pistols Steve Jones and Paul Cook worked on a number of projects before they decided to form The Professionals. In 1980 the singles Just another Dream plus 1-2-3 carried the motor momentum of the Pistols engine room. The Professionals eventually settled as a four piece band (with Ray McVeigh and Paul Myers ousting the earlier input of Andy Allen).This quartet took to the road and recorded a John Peel session for Radio 1. The 1981 singles Join the Professionals and The Magnificent and the long awaited album entitled I didn’t see it Coming to critical but not commercial acclaim. 1n 1982 a lot of dates in the USA were well received (after a car crash the year before had resulted in activities being curtailed). However, the inability to crack the big time took its toll on the band and things dissolved in August of the stated year.
The original long player has re-surfaced as The Professionals on several occasions. A boisterous Best of set on the Captain Oi! Label has been released and a 3 disc compilation The Complete Professionals released at the tail end of 2015 led to a return to action for the band. Steve Jones is sadly not on board but Cook, McVeigh, Myers and Tom Spencer now power The Professionals; and, the lads play Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on Thursday, March 17, 7.30pm. Sick Livers offer support and tickets are £16.50 via 02920 232199 or http://www.seetickets.com/event/the-professionals/clwb-ifor-bach/946230
