Wasted Youth (British band)

Wasted Youth are an English post-punk band from London, initially active between 1979 and 1982. The original line-up of the band was Ken Scott (vocals and guitar), Rocco Barker (guitar), Nick Nicole (synth), Darren Murphy (bass) and Andy Scott (drums).

Wasted Youth
Background information
OriginLondon, England
GenresPost-punk
Years active1979–1982, 2021-present
LabelsBridgehouse Records
Members
  • Ken Scott
  • Rocco Barker
  • Alan Temple
  • Josef Rosam
  • Sabrina Amade
Past members
  • Ray Hanson
  • Teresa Casella
  • Nick Nicole
  • Darren Murphy
  • Andy Scott
  • Mick Atkins

Rocco Barker later went on to join the band Flesh for Lulu.[1] Andy Scott joined Cockney Rejects.

Darren Murphy died of cancer in February 2012.[2] Andy Scott died of cancer in May 2020.[3]

In October 2021, Ken Scott and Rocco Barker announced that they were reviving Wasted Youth, with new members Ray ‘Sonic’ Hanson (from Thee Hypnotics) on guitar, Alan Temple (from The Low Gods) on drums and Teresa Casella (of Miranda Sex Garden) on bass. Josef Rosam (from Dorothy Vallens) later joined in March 2022 on second bass, synth and percussion. The first show for the reformed band sold out within hours of going on sale. Sabrina Amade (from Dorothy Vallens) replaced Teresa Casella on bass in March 2023.

Since reforming, the band have gone from strength to strength touring the country, playing festivals such as Rebellion, Wide Awake and supporting acts such as the Psychedelic Furs and PWEI (Pop Will Eat Itself).

Whilst paying respect and having great love for the ‘old’ Wasted Youth, the ‘new’ Wasted Youth are not a nostalgia act, and are eager to prove that they have something new to offer, both visually and sonically. 

[4]

Discography

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Singles

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Year Title UK Indie Chart Position[5]
January 1980 "Jealousy" 23
July 1980 "I'll Remember You" 19
1980 "My Friends Are Dead" EP
May 1981 "Rebecca's Room" 15
May 1982 "Wildlife" 21
September 1982 "Reach Out" 42
December 1982 "(Do the) Caveman"

Albums

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Year Title[6] UK Indie Chart Position[5]
December 1981 Wild and Wandering 9
1982 Live
May 1983 Beginning of the End 13
From the Inner Depth
2006 Memorialize (Singles '79-'82)

References

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  1. ^ Harris, Will (6 June 2015). "R.I.P. Nick Marsh, lead singer of Flesh for Lulu". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  2. ^ Babey, Ged (22 February 2012). "Darren Murphy : Wasted Youth : RIP". Louder Than War. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  3. ^ Linazasoro, Nick (15 November 2022). "Wasted Youth are back after 40 years with a Brighton concert". Brighton and Hove News. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  4. ^ Babey, Ged (21 October 2016). "Wasted Youth reform: first gig for 40 years sells out: Rocco speaks!". Louder Than War. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  5. ^ a b Lazell, Barry (4 March 2000). Indie Hits 1980 - 1989: The Complete UK Independent Charts. Cherry Red Books. p. 251. ISBN 0951720694.
  6. ^ Wasted Youth discography at Discogs
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