13 Jul 2016

Suicide’s Martin Rev: “We were breaking all the rules”

From Access All Areas, 9:00 am on 13 July 2016
Suicide's Marty Rev (L) and Alan Vega (R), with Debbie Harry around Times Square , NYC late 1970s

Suicide's Marty Rev (L) and Alan Vega (R), with Debbie Harry around Times Square , NYC late 1970s Photo: Chris Stein

Formed in New York in 1970, Suicide pioneered a sound that saw the band acknowledged as one of the most significant bands to emerge from the ’70s punk era.

Since their inception, Suicide never deviated from their pioneering pre-punk electronica sound, establishing a legacy that has seen them namechecked by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Depeche Mode and a who’s who of contemporary artists. And it was for good reason that The Clash’s Joe Strummer once described Suicide frontman Alan Vega as "one of the bravest men I have ever seen on a stage" – the electronic music duo’s frequently violent and confrontational gigs are now legendary.

Days before Alan Vega's death aged 78, Suicide’s founding keyboard player Martin Rev talks to Trevor Reekie about the band’s singular career.

Music Details

Artist: Suicide
Song: Ghost Rider, Rocket USA, Frankie Teardrop, Las Vegas Man (Live) , 23 Minutes Over Brussels (Live)
Composer: M.Rev, A.ega
Album: Suicide Disc 1
Label: Red Star Records, Mute Records

Artist: Suicide
Song: Touch Me, Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne, Dream Baby Dream, Fast Money Music
Composer: M.Rev, A.Vega
Album: The Second Album Plus the First Rehearsal Tapes
Label: Ze Discs, Mute Records