Wreckless Eric

Rip It Up, Issue 35, 1 June 1980, Page 3

Wreckless Eric

Not so long ago the only foreign bands to play in New Zealand were the bankable superstars. But the situation has improved drastically. Last year the Members played Mainstreet. Now it’s Wreckless Eric's turn. ‘The Wreck' is an English club level crowd pleaser of several years’ standing. Since his signing with Stiff Records in 1977, he has also racked up a string of minor hits with singles, including "Whole Wide World”, "Reconnez Cherie” and "Hit and Miss Judy". His two albums. Wreckless Eric and The Wonderful World 0f ... have had respectable sales. Wreckless Eric is a sure hand with a simple but effective blend of pop melody, and light metal delivery. His forte is a slow three or four chord progression where the guitar winds up from a steady throb to crashing power chords. In his early days with Stiff he was overshadowed by the label’s prodigies like Costello, lan Dury and Nick Lowe. Touring with these heavyweights on the 1977 Bunch of Stiffs tour was tough competition by any standards. But in 1978 it was Wreckless Eric’s turn to carry the show for newcomers, Rachael Sweet, Lene Lovich and Jona Lewie, on the Be Stiff tour. Big Smash, his new double album; 7 consists of one record of previously released recordings and an album of new material. As the man’s drunken charm and pop metal fun will always be more attractive live, Mainstreet June 8 and 9 should be a whole lot of fun. Dominic Free