The Killjoys

Birmingham, England-based punk band the Killjoys grew out of the artsier Lucy & the Lovers, achieving notoriety for the feisty 1977 single Johnny Won't Get to Heaven, released on Raw Records. Featuring Kevin Rowland and Heather Tonge on vocals, drummer Joe 45, bassist Gem, and guitarist Mark Phillips, the band's lone release earned the enthusiastic support of influential radio DJ John Peel, who had the band down to the BBC studios for two Peel Sessions. The band split before recording another single; Rowland went on to form the popular Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Gem banged some head in Girlschool. ~ Andy Kellman