A leading light of the punk movement in the North East has released a limited edition of one of his songs as a tribute to the punk friends he has lost over the years.
As a teenager growing up in Sunderland, Stephen Straughan used to dream about playing in a successful punk band.
And that is exactly what he does today, playing concerts across the world in the UK Subs. One of his guitars even features among the exhibits in the punk rock museum in Asunción, Paraguay.
Now he has released a limited edition of his song 'Last Gang' which documents his musical journey.
During this journey he has played for other punk leading lights Angelic Upstarts and the Lurkers and made guest appearances for other bands.
The self penned 'Last Gang' is performed by his side project, Hi Fi Spitfires, and features 'Don't take my heart' as the B-side.
He said: "Last Gang is a nostalgic look at growing up to the soundtrack of my life. It's about the events, people, and songs that helped to shape me as a person.
"Sadly it's also about those dear friends I've lost over the years and the special times we had together. There have been many."
Steve who lives in Sunderland, plays in Hi Fi Spitfires with Northamptonshire-based Tony Taylor (bass and backing vocals) and Dean Ross (drums and backing vocals).
He wrote Last Gang eight years ago and had no plans to release it - however, learning that some fans were posting the song on social media in memory of punk friends they had lost, prompted him to go in the studio and record it.
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Only 300 copies of the record will be made available.
Artwork is done by local graphic and fine artist Conrad Milne, who has built up a reputation for his work with digital, mixed media, montage, painting and photography.
The songs were recorded at Newcastle's Trinity Heights studio by Fred Purser. Pressing has been carried out by Dublin based Rotator vinyl.
- The single is released today (Thursday, June 8) and can be ordered direct from Steve by email sstraughan11@sky.com or via his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/steve.racket
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