Hercopalypse Now

Rip It Up, Issue 45, 1 April 1981, Page 8

Hercopalypse Now

Mark Phillips

Out now is The Wonder Book, a four-track EP by the Herco Pilots. At the time of recording, the band comprised Harry Ratbag (bass and vocals), Chris Williams (guitar and vocals) and Steve Wester (drums). Since then, Steve has developed ear and knee trouble, and has been replaced by Hugh Tercel.

What makes the Herco Pilots different is their do-it-yourself attitude. Harry tried to explain.

“We really wanted to do the single but we couldn’t be bothered trying to convince anyone else that we should. I did approach Simon Grigg about getting on Class of 81, but the others threatened to beat me up.” In some ways.the Pilots were lucky. There was no money from gigs, so all expenses were met from their own pockets. Chris is a printer, and he designed and laid out the cover. Harry's brother got the plate made, and Chris organised the printing. Recording was done at Harlequin, and cost $282. The first pressing was of 300 copies, for which a deposit of slls was paid, with the balance to follow. Already a second pressing of 200 is planned. Herco Pilots don’t play much. Most of their gigs happen when they hire a generator and perform at various parks and squares around the city. Harry claims not to understand Joe Public.

“We played at XS, and half the crowd left, yet we've done the single and it has sold really well. I think recording is a better way of getting across to people.” At $2.00, the single is selling at a loss. A costly miscalculation? The band aren’t too worried about it.

"We will definitely do it again. We want to do a three song single next. We hope to record it at the end of April and it will be called Mission Two."

For any aspiring young band hoping to follow the Pilots’ example, Harry has two words of advice: "Start saving!”