Back to the ’70s for Perth rockers

Band to release debut album 40 years on to help raise cash for stricken singer

Perth punk rockers the Trendies are preparing to release their debut album – more than 40 years after they split up.

The band were favourites on the Scottish punk scene in the late 1970s, when the likes of Johnny Rotten stalked the land.

They went their separate ways after moving to London in search of a record deal which never came.

Now the group are putting out their first CD to raise money for singer Colin “Peece” Thomson who is living with the degenerative brain condition, Huntington’s disease.

The 14-track, self-titled record is based on sessions the band played with Capital Radio and Radio Forth, as well as unreleased material previously recorded at REL Studios in Edinburgh in 1978.

All proceeds from the CD will go to the Scottish Huntington’s Association, the only charity in the country which supports people living with the condition.

The idea for the release came from the band’s former manager, Ron Whytock, and bass player Steve Sweeney.

Ron said: “With Colin’s diagnosis there was no chance of a live comeback, so we felt it would be fitting to help him out as best we could.

“So, pulling together existing material on to a CD seemed an obvious way of raising money.

“We know the difference the Scottish Huntington’s Association makes to the quality of Colin’s life, so we would urge anyone who maybe followed us in their younger days to make a purchase and take a trip down memory lane, all for a great cause.”

The Trendies’ debut will go on sale at Perth’s Concorde Music, Scott Street, or can be bought directly from Ron by emailing rwhytock7@gmail.com.

The Trendies bassist Steve Sweeney, right, with manager Ron Whytock and, below, the Perth punk band in their heyday.