What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?

The name of our band is RAbid. There was no particular reason for calling the band this – we were originally called The Heretics but there was another band at the time called The Eractics and we thought our band name sounded too similar - hence we chose a different name and RAbid was the name we came up with.

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

I have known Gaz (drummer) for about 35 years as Gaz was also an original band member. Gaz And Ajax (bass ) have known each other about 20 years and played together in a band called The Glory. Col (guitar) has known Gaz since they played together in The Nags - probably about 10-15 years now.

When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

Gaz and I were part of the original punk rock scene in the late 1970's in Leicester and formed the band in 1979. RAbid split in 1986 after several band member changes and life sort of overtook us!

Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

At the moment we are unsigned although we were signed to Fallout records in the mid-80's – also on that label at the same time were the UK Subs, Vibrators, The Addicts and The New Barbarians. Since reforming in 2013 we have released a CD (A Bloody History – which included songs from 1980-86 and some previously unreleased live tracks) in 2013 and our latest - All the Way to the Bank (vinyl only) 5 track EP with our own money. We are not members of any musical organizations.

Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

At gigs we tend to play a set list and play around 14 songs. The set list will change as we add more new material. We play only one cover which is UK Subs – Emotional Blackmail.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Col and I write most of the songs. The main themes and topics are now based on life events – we are no anti or pro- anything and our songs reflect things we enjoy and yes, they probably will change as we get older!!!

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

The biggest challenge for the band is getting paid for gigs and being played on the radio. We have played lots of free gigs and now are getting more well known on the circuit and therefore we can now ask for payment. We have also discovered there are so many independent radio shows that will play our kind of music and we are achieving a fair bit of airplay.

What song of yours are you most proud of and why?

My favourite song is Jubilee through it's longevity. it was one of our first in the late 1970's and still relevant today.

If you guys were to describe yourself in simple word choice.. what would you say?

How would we describe ourselves in simple terms? Still up for a good night out!!!!

Since everyone was a startup once, can you give any smaller or local bands looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Tips for up and coming bands.......keep trying, persevere and don't give up, even when you're told to f**k off!! If it doesn't pay off at least you have tried everything possible!

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

We have free down loads on www.reverbnation.com/rabid1979.
To buy the CD www.rabidapparel.bigcartel.com/product/rabid-a-bloody-history
vinyl – www.rabidapparel.bigcartel.com/product/rabid-new-cd-all-the-way-to-the-bank
and if you want to just buy a T shirt – www.rabidapparel.co.uk

Anything you would like share, from new merch to upcoming shows/tours or songs/albums?

Up coming gigs:
9th July – The Horn, St Albans
26th July – StreetLife, Leicester (with GBH)
23rd August – The Charlotte, Leicester
27th September – Streetlife, Leicester with Drongoes for Europe
8th November – Streetlife, Leicester with Broken Bones
New Album possibly out in September.