New Race

New Race was a short-lived but influential supergroup in the Australian punk and garage rock scene during the late 1970s. Here are some key facts about the band:

1. Formation and Members: New Race was formed in 1981 by members of prominent Australian punk and rock bands. The lineup included Radio Birdman's Rob Younger on vocals, The Stooges' guitarist Ron Asheton, Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman on guitar, Warwick Gilbert of Radio Birdman on bass, and Dennis Thompson, also of The Stooges, on drums. With such an impressive lineup of musicians from renowned bands, New Race generated considerable excitement within the punk and garage rock communities.

2. Musical Style and Influences: New Race's music drew heavily from the raw energy and aggressive sound of bands like The Stooges and Radio Birdman. Their sound was characterized by fast tempos, distorted guitars, and primal vocals, reflecting the intensity of the punk and garage rock scenes of the late 1970s. New Race's music captured the rebellious spirit and DIY ethos of the era, resonating with audiences who were drawn to its raw power and authenticity.

3. Recordings and Legacy: Despite their brief existence, New Race left a lasting impact on the Australian punk and garage rock scene. The band recorded a live album titled "The First and Last", which captured their ferocious energy and frenetic live performances. Released in 1982, the album has since become a cult classic among fans of punk and garage rock, showcasing the raw power and visceral intensity of New Race's music. Although the band disbanded shortly after the release of their live album, their influence can still be felt in the music of subsequent generations of punk and garage rock bands.

4. Limited Activity and Disbandment: New Race's tenure as a band was relatively short-lived, with their activity limited to a handful of live performances and the recording of their live album. Despite the band members' impressive pedigrees and the initial excitement surrounding their formation, New Race struggled to maintain momentum amid personal and logistical challenges. Internal tensions and conflicting commitments eventually led to the band's dissolution, leaving behind a brief but impactful legacy in the annals of Australian punk and garage rock history.

5. Cultural Significance: New Race's significance extends beyond their musical output, symbolizing a moment of convergence between the Australian punk scene and the broader international rock landscape. The band's formation brought together key figures from two influential bands, The Stooges and Radio Birdman, bridging the gap between the American and Australian punk scenes. While their time together was fleeting, New Race remains a symbol of the collaborative spirit and creative energy that defined the punk and garage rock movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s.