April 2010
Sick Ones: Brad Kent & Randy Rampage
Brad & Randy’s bands: Sergeant Nick Penis, Sick Ones, .45’s, Ground Zero.
Records & labels
The majority of records produced in the Vancouver punk/indie scene were D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) productions, meaning they were self-funded (by the band or their friends and relatives) and pressed on labels usually reserved to that artist only (and usually one record only). There were a couple local labels, however, that played a major role in the Vancouver music scene, and they grew out of small independent retail record stores.
Punk on TV
In 1978/’79, viewers of cable access TV (Cable 10) in Lower Mainland Vancouver were lucky to be able to watch two groundbreaking shows: Nite Dreems and Soundproof, which aired back-to-back on Sunday evenings. Nite Dreems was like a video version of a chaotic radio show, featuring musician interviews, comedy skits, and that rarest of commodities in pre-MTV days, the music video.
Young Canadians
The Young Canadians were a three-piece made up of guitarist/singer Art Bergmann, bassist Jim Bescott, and powerhouse drummer Barry Taylor. Originally named the K-Tels, the Young Canadians were around barely two years — but they made a lasting impression on the Vancouver punk/indie music scene. They released two 12-inch EPs, one of the first cable-TV targeted music videos (“Automan”), recorded an all-time punk-rock anthem (“Hawaii”), and are credited with discovering the dormant Smilin’ Buddha Cabaret and helping transform it into a west coast punk-rock landmark.
Rabid
Rabid were in existence roughly from fall 1978 to fall 1979, not counting a handful of reunion or “farewell” shows that followed. (Their final show was probably in November 1980.) They were never able able to emerge from the shadows of their big brother bands, the Subhumans and DOA, even though they were well liked and respected by fans and musicians. They never made a record either, and didn’t even appear on the Vancouver Complication album. The problem was, Rabid could never secure a full-time drummer.
