The Predators: Coming Roundabout After a 20 Year Break

The Predators were a ground breaking Christian rock band that started in the late 1970’s in England. After several releases, they called it a day in 1989. Mike Rimmer has a great historical piece about the band on the Cross Rhythms website. Recently, the band got back together and recorded a new album. We decided to catch up with them to see where they have been, what they are doing now, and where they are going.

What has everyone been up to since the band called it a day in 1989?

Fran Johnson (FJ): I am the owner of an electronics manufacturing company as well as having a multi-format recording mastering studio that is also involved in converting analogue media to digital; I am also involved in writing and co-writing music for other artists.

Kelvin Allwood (KA): I continued working in bands as guitarist.  Initially I spent a year with Shiloh (Black Gospel Choir); then became involved in a Sheffield-based Christian Rock band RED ALERT for approx 8 yrs doing similar outreach work to the Preds (i.e. gigging in mixture of secular and church-based venues).  Later, after a spell of playing guitar and drums in my home church, I was a founder member of OUTCRY an inter-denominational worship band which continues to work in churches and other (e.g prisons & festivals etc) more secular venues.  My 2 year stint with CD4 immediately preceded the Preds reformation.  CD4 is a registered charity which uses music as a means of bringing about HIV awareness.  Gigs at Universities and other strategic venues organised as part of major festivals etc (e.g World Aids Day) together with the production of 3 internationally distributed CD albums were used to propagate the message.  This was part of my “Social Gospel” activities rather than as a direct means of evangelism.

Paul Truswell (PT):All Christian guitarists eventually become bass players in worship bands?!? Well that’s what I ended up doing. In addition to the Sunday worship band I was in two groups ‘Exalt’ and then ‘Oblivious’ – reasonable stuff but far too safe and introverted in their outlook. Finally third group ‘Clueless’ (not literally!) came along, competently but unexcitingly doing covers from Free/Alright Now through to Behind these Hazel Eyes/Kelly Clarkson, Bon Jovi/Living on a Prayer etc. with much in-between.  Workwise since 1989 – well in a nutshell; up until 1994 I worked in an Architect’s office and thereafter I have run my own info technology support business, in partnership with my wife since 2002.  At church, in addition to causing a few earth tremors on bass Sunday by Sunday, I have been involved in the youth outreach work on the housing estate where I live.

What led to The Predators getting back together? How did that work out?

FJ: This was the persistence of Gemma, Kev’s daughter, who kept on our backs for about three years before we did anything about it. She and others felt that The Preds still had something to give, that they were still relevant through their music and message to the younger generations.

KA: There was a growing desire on my own part to be involved once more with the Preds and a one-off re-union re-ignited the old flame!

PT: Kevin’s daughter Gemma emails the band on 12 June 2008… “Hope you’re all OK. I believe you have heard that we want to get the old Predators team together to see if you want to do some rockin’ again – in whatever way you all feel is best etc.” No I hadn’t heard! Following a meeting at New Life Church Tameside on June 26 of all The Preds (6 band members + road/management/production crew + wives and a few others; 20+ in all) and an email deluge, a reunion bash was organised for 11 September 2008.  We met in Andy Rayner’s work premises in Hazel Grove near Stockport amongst shelves of car wax, polishing cloths and rubber mats; Fran got a modest drum kit set up, Brian piled up a few keyboards and the rest of us just about managed to squeeze a few amps in, oh and we managed to find room for Kev and mic – just.  Then we launched into: Your World, Jack, Love You To Death, Never Said A Word, Never Say Die, Plastic Surgeon, Stand Up and Be Counted, Sunday Boy, Wipe The Tears and Don’t Burn That Cross; easy!  Well let’s just say we surprised ourselves…  a great night was had by all and we left happy, buzzing and ears ringing, in an all too familiar way.  It quickly became apparent however that despite blistering performances that evening from Brian Westhead and Andy Rayner that neither of them could see any future for themselves in a reunion going forward.  We quickly therefore had to meet our first challenge – a new format for The Preds.  So I took up the daunting challenge of taking over from Andy on bass (last time round I had been on lead guitar) and we started looking out for someone to replace Brian on keys, equally challenging and a role eventually taken on by Dan Reed – new blood at last!

Getting back together led to recording a new album. How was that different this time, compared to past albums? What style of music were you aiming for with the new music?

FJ: I think the music more reflects where we are now and also how we have evolved  over the years, we have resisted the temptation to do a big production number on it.

KA: This is a difficult one to answer.  Naturally we wished to widen our sphere of influence by tapping into the recorded as well as live market, but there was also a desire to see what we were capable of now that some of the original song writing contributors were no longer involved.  Could we still deliver the goods?  What would emerge?  Although we were aware that musically, things had moved on a long way from the raw and edgy days of the 70’s, I don’t think that we deliberately set out to write in any particular style.  We just wanted to be true to ourselves, as well as providing a powerful message that linked into the everyday experience of ordinary people.

PT: I am a relative late-comer to The Preds having joined as recently as 1987! …apart from the obvious technical differences, certainly when it comes to reproduction and distribution (ie. digital formats via CD, Amazon, iTunes etc), and apart from the presence of four huge display screens and a very bare looking desk complete with keyboard, mouse and a few other technical gizmos in the production suite; the process of recording was the same; get a backing track down (numerous takes) get you own part down (more numerous takes) and then everyone pile in behind the desk for the pre-mix critique.  Also I think I’m right in saying that Roundabout took a lot longer to record than previous albums – all of 6 months!  This was not however because of obvious “progressive” influences emanating from certain members of the band (me, Kelvin and, surprisingly, Dan) but for more mundane practical reasons like weather (affecting travel – we’re a very geographically scattered band) and other church/music/work commitments.

Where can people get the new album?

PT: Online via iTunes and Amazon (just search “The Predators Roundabout”) or on CD via direct.crossrhythms.co.uk or follow the links at www.preds.eu

How has the music scene changed over the past couple of decades in your opinion? Do you think these changes are for the better?

FJ: Music changes and I think that’s normal, the messages within the music reflect people’s experiences, that’s normal as well.  As to whether it is good or bad in my view is coloured by how well you can relate to it.

KA: It seems that the street credible Christian outreach bands of the 60s and 70s have given way to more contemporary “rock worship” which unfortunately is now confined mostly to church buildings.  Whatever happened to the commandment to “Go into all the world and make disciples…..”, or does it no longer apply?!?

PT: Kelvin picks up how the Christian music scene has changed but I think your question is more general?  My response to this is that certainly in the UK the days of “being spotted” or an artist evolving naturally and growing an army of fans by sheer hard work seem in many cases to be over, for now at least.  Talent shows like ‘The X Factor’ and more recently ‘The Voice’ have had a big part in changing all that and certainly the aspirations and expectations of many young artists have changed as a result.  There has also been a massive growth in professional cover or more properly described ‘tribute’ bands, in many cases being  just as good or even better than the original; Limehouse Lizzy is a classic example.  So far no one has covered The Preds – perhaps it’s because we have refused to throw in the towel or maybe there isn’t a Kev clone out there!  My comments about the Christian music scene follow in the next Q…

Fran had some interesting comments in the biography (link at www.preds.eu) about Christian bands mixing it up with secular bands, and going to places many Christian bands wouldn’t go. What do you think stops Christian bands from doing that?

FJ: Well, number one: is God in it? Because if he isn’t, it will fail and it can be painful. The other problem is that it means mixing with people who can be quite hostile toward what you are about.

KA: I can only put it down to fear of leaving one’s comfort zone and lack of confidence to go out in God’s strength to take on the enemy.

PT: With regard to Christian music I am dismayed by the lack of bands being prepared to bust the walls of the church building or Christian venue and get out there.  Tim Hawkins of “worship signals” fame amusingly refers to the drummer’s “bullet proof shield” drum booths that seem to characterise Christian worship bands (well those with money anyway) and I think there is a lot of truth in that, and what Kelvin refers to above and below (view the Tim Hawkins video I refer to at http://youtu.be/1KXbva6M6fY).  It seems there is a lot of fear not just amongst Christian artists, but amongst Christians involved in outreach – especially when it comes to getting noisy and confrontational when presenting difficult day-to-day issues, and shining the Light of the Gospel of Jesus on those issues at the same time.  People get nervous; but The Preds have always done just that.  Perhaps a little fear to a degree is understandable or even healthy, but it is also true that “religion” and “multi-culturalism” are much more in the headlines than they were 20+ years ago, and therefore Christians in particular need to get their voices heard now in as many places as possible – not just music venues.  Ironically there are, in the UK today, new young Christian bands playing fantastic, professionally produced, cutting edge music, with all the financial support you could hope for; but do you see them in the regular pub venues down town?  Not likely.  I hope there are some out there who will prove me wrong and get in touch!!

Also relevant to this question; in the UK there have been big, politically driven, demographic changes that have seriously affected the pubs and clubs mainly through changes to the Law with regard to drinking hours and smoking; this has made staying in business a massive and sometimes terminal challenge for many pub venues that you might have seen The Predators playing in the past.  Fear amongst Christians perhaps is surpassed by fear amongst publicans and venue owners that any activity on their premises which has the potential to drive away valuable custom during “tough economic times” is perhaps a risk not worth taking.  For them and from their point of view in many cases it is a simple choice – selling drink or “selling” Jesus.  Another obstacle for Preds’ management is that regular ‘super-pub’ venues are in most cases just wanting tribute/cover bands (as mentioned before there are many excellent ones out there) …something that The Preds has never been!

Could you tell us a bit more about Kelvin’s band that promotes HIV awareness? What is/was the reception at gay bars when they played?

KA: CD4 is a registered charity managed by Carlos Lopez, a Spanish musician who is himself HIV positive through past drug use.  After a successful, professional musical career in Spain he ended up in on drugs and subsequently in prison, where he found faith in Christ.  These days his mission in life is to use his musical/song writing gifts to bring about HIV awareness to students, gay and lesbian groups and young people generally.  There is a dedicated CD4 website which provides more detail at www.carloslopezg.com.  The reception of the band in gay bars and the like was excellent and generally very open and honest.

There has also been mention on Facebook and other places about the response to the band and the need for more. When you look at what it would take to keep the band going in the future, what issues come to mind? What goals and milestones are you trying to accomplish?

KA: For my part the key aim is to be faithful to our calling to take the Gospel of Christ into situations where music provides unique opportunities that might not otherwise be available.  Secondly, we seek to do this to the very best of our ability, but relying on the Holy Spirit to provide strength and gifting beyond our natural abilities, so that some might be saved.

PT: We need churches to buck the trend!  We need churches that are already involved in outreach in their local communities to pray through and overcome the obstacles, to get us in to those hard to access venues in pubs, clubs or elsewhere; we need them to be daring on our behalf.  We do not want to be ‘parachuted’ into a place, challenge people, and then just leave people with unanswered questions or even distress at what they have heard – this would be disastrous and dishonouring to God.  We want to work with Christians who are already working.  The Preds should be regarded as another tool hopefully amongst many in the church outreach toolbox; we don’t want to be the story because we are not that – we just want to be part of the telling of the only Story that is worth hearing.

Goals and Milestones?  Well apart from staying alive and playing half-decent music, Fran fires the arrow and hits the bull’s-eye in Q6 above!  For the rest of 2012 we have a few summer gigs to play (see the events listing on Facebook).  Dan is leaving for pastures new in September so once again we are on the hunt for a keyboard player; and then there is the question of a 5^th album and presently that is all that that is – a question (heck that was a lot of thats!).

I know that most of the older songs are available for download on the official site. Have there been any thoughts of official CD releases?

PT: No; I think the main reason for this is that we would not be content with the equivalent of burning to CD the current mp3 content in our online archive, if demand was there we would almost certainly want to record the songs again, but that would be a major investment; so as I say, there would have to be proven demand for this to be done.  I think the online, genuinely free, archive of all of The Preds previously released recordings is a decent offering!

For those that might not have heard the album, what lyrically topics did you tackle?

PT: Everything from liberation by the Holy Spirit to Terrorism; well not quite everything but that is a pretty broad scope I think your readers will agree!  Preds songs have always had plenty of ‘lyrical meat’ to chew on, we have never been and have never set out to be ‘easy listening’; some of the songs on Roundabout could even be described as dark and forbidding; Suicide Bomber in particular comes to mind with Blind Pride following on a close second; so (as I see it) these are the topics covered: a father that puts work before family (Blind Pride) and the Hope that God can bring into dysfunctional families (You’ll Give Them Hope), addiction to the financial markets (Burning Ambition), the dangers of virtual living (Comms Breakdown), the weekly routine (a bit of light relief!? – Not Another Monday), a song with a title that speaks for itself (Prodigal), liberation of the Holy Spirit (Set me Free), mis-guided violent extremism – from past Crusades to Northern Ireland to Bali (Suicide Bomber), and finally a song that covers much of the forgoing plus some global issues like climate change all in one go! (Your Love).  The Predators have always set out to shine the light of The Gospel on topics of the day – sometimes into the darkest corners, but The Preds have also always set out to be clear about the contrasting Hope that the Gospel of Jesus provides in all situations – be they local, national or global.

Some of you were speaking of changes in the music scene in the UK. What differences are there between the UK and US music scenes (Christian or mainstream)? Or are there any?

PT: Obviously the USA is a much larger market; but apart from size, in contrast to the US, Christian music in the UK is still very much regarded as the underdog; music that needs to be regarded with suspicion or at least kept at arm’s length.  I think though that many of these problems have been of our own making; for decades Christian music has been regarded as naff and second rate and sad to say, in many cases, this has been true.  Today there are Christian bands in the UK that can easily pass any test for quality and content, so things have improved; but as we have mentioned before, we want to see this ‘quality and content’ in places where it is needed, and not just constrained to the ‘Christian ghetto’.  Ask joe-public-music-fan on the street if they’ve ever heard of Delirious or Malokai or even The Predators, and I suspect you will get the response: “who?”  This still needs to change – only U2 have properly succeeded so far; Delirious got close, but that even they are virtually unheard of amongst those who matter most. Roundabout has been criticised for its technically “low-fi production” but this was because this album is self-financed and we had therefore to work within our own financial constraints (none of us are or have ever been professional musicians), but we also see dangers in over-production; so maybe it could also be said that in our case we are following a style that started with The Beatles and others of that era – they defined “lo-fi” but they also defined success!?  I digress; partly because it is hard for me to comment on the US music scene having never been to the States – Mike Rimmer of UCB Media here in the UK could speak with authority on the subject as he has travelled there many times and has featured many US artistes on his radio shows.  I have yet to cross the pond!  Hopefully one day, US citizens will realise that The Predators aren’t only a famous Nashville Ice-Hockey team and a Japanese HM outfit!! (there are a few other bands called “The Predators” but I’m now going to bravely claim that formed in the dying breaths of the 70s that we were the first!)

The Predators are:

Kev Smith – lead vocals + founder member (KS)
Fran Johnson – drums + chief songwriter (FJ)
Kelvin Allwood – lead guitar + founder member + songwriter (KA)
Paul Truswell – bass guitar + website management and Roundabout album package production (PT)
Dan Reed – keyboards & backing vocals (DR)
Andreea Ene – backing vocals + Roundabout album concept (AE)

Management Team:

Darren Hollingworth (live sound and bookings)
Onkar Singh (public relations and pastoral ministry)