Peter and the Test Tube Babies

Peter and the Test Tube Babies are an English punk rock band from Brighton, active since 1978. The group forms around Peter Bywaters on vocals and Derek Greening, also known as “Strangefish”, on vocals and guitar. Their line-up also includes Mark Hoggins and Trapper. The band is associated with oi, punk and punk rock, and their humourous, tongue-in-cheek lyrics place them within punk pathetique as well.

Formation and early years

The band begins in 1978 in Peacehaven, Sussex, where Peter and Derek start playing together in Peter’s father’s garage. Their early live shows are known for their playful, high-energy approach, which also shapes the material on their debut album, Pissed And Proud.

Albums and notable recordings

The band follows with The Mating Sounds Of South American Frogs, which includes the songs “Jinx”, “Blown Out Again” and “September”. The record spends four months at number one in the independent charts. In the United States, the band releases Soberphobia, which includes keyboards and saxophone on some tracks. In the early 1990s the band issues the CDs Cringe and The $Hit Factory.

In the mid-1990s the band releases Supermodels. Around this period, original members Trapper and Ogs leave the group, and Rum and AD join on bass and drums to support the album. On the band’s 20th anniversary in 1998, they travel to Germany to record Alien Pubduction, their first album with Rum and AD.

After Rum and AD leave in 1999 because of the touring schedule, Paul “H” Henrickson joins on bass and Dave “Caveman” O’Brien joins on drums. In 2005, after a seven-year gap in the studio, the band releases A Foot Full of Bullets, recorded at Ford Lane Studios in Ford, West Sussex. A remix version, For a Few Bullets More, follows with contributions from Campino of Die Toten Hosen and Olga of The Toy Dolls.

Touring and live work

The band tours the United States after the success of The Mating Sounds Of South American Frogs, ending with a sold-out show at the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium. Their touring later extends across the UK, Germany, Ireland, the USA, France, Australia and New Zealand, and they appear on summer festival circuits. They also maintain an annual German Christmas tour. At the WASTED festival, Lars Frederiksen describes them as the best band of the weekend.