24 - Josef K - Scottish Post Punk with Johnnie Johnston (Edinburgh)

Join us as we take a deep dive into the Scottish post-punk scene, Postcard Records & C81 as we explore the history of cult band Josef K.

Josef K met at Firrhill High School in Edinburgh & music brought them together with punk quickly becoming a key influence following the iconic The Clash gig at Edinburgh Playhouse in May of 1977.

Another band which become a key influence were Subway Sect who joined The Clash on that bill.

They soon develop their distinctive sound with 2 rhythm guitars & no lead. A few gigs with future label mates Orange Juice follow but The Go-Betweens sign to Postcard Records before Josef K eventually become their 3rd signing.

A couple of legendary gigs follow in Glasgow & Edinburgh with Orange Juice & The Go-Betweens tagged with ‘The Sound of Young Scotland’.

Their time with Postcard is relatively short-lived & once Aztec Camera sign to the label, Josef K are left as something of an afterthought.

Support slots with Magazine, Bauhaus, The Cure, Teardrop Explodes, Echo & the Bunnymen follow & the band’s debut album Sorry For Laughing is recorded in 1981 but ultimately is not released.

Josef K the the unusual decision to re-record their debut album. Shortly followings its eventual release the band abruptly break up. For a band with such a brief history they have lingered in the consciousness & had significant influence since.

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