35 years later, the band formed from the ashes of the Sex Pistols by Paul Cook and Steve Jones is back. Revitalised, re-energised and reinvigorated, the band proudly release their new album What In The World on October 27th 2017, on Automaton Records.
What In The World bristles with conviction and finds The Professionals on electrifying form, delivering some of the most ballsy, honest and downright brilliant songs of their career.
‘We’re not breaking any musical boundaries – we’re doing what we do best. From the heart with energy and integrity.’
Watch now the lyric video for Good Man Down. feat. Steve Jones & Billy Duffy.
Paul Cook and Paul Myers were reunited on stage touring with Vic Goddard’s Subway Sect. There the idea sprang to revisit The Professionals. New frontman and guitar player Tom Spencer was invited to come to rehearsals, to sing and play guitar while Steve Jones was being lured back to the UK to join. As it became obvious Steve wouldn’t be heading over, and with rehearsals feeling better and better – the new line up was born.
The Professionals are also joined by a stellar cast of guest guitar players including original member Steve Jones (who plays on three tracks). Duff McKagen (Guns ‘n’ Roses), Mick Jones (The Clash), Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Marco Pirroni (Adam & The Ants), Chris McCormack (3 Colours Red) and Billy Duffy (The Cult) also join the party.
‘In the studio we put the songs down as a three piece but what was needed was a second guitarist’s mind, to come from another angle. Cookie dusted off his punk rock address book and made a few calls. All the guests added their own unique magic.’
This energetic album features 10 finely crafted songs, full of rock’n’roll attitude – including a tribute to Lemmy and Bowie, ‘Going, Going, Gone’. Before closing with the Darwinian pop at world leaders ‘Monkeys’.
All the basic tracks were put down at Zak Starkeys studio, just outside London and were finished at Tower Studios in Pershore. While the guests recorded in various studios, both here and in the US.
What In The World was produced by Dave Draper with Paul Cook and Tom Spencer there to co-produce. The album is an aural treat, with no calculated image or reliance on nostalgia.
To celebrate the release of What In The World The Professionals play a special headline show at London’s Garage on October 28th
‘We’ve been adding a new track or two to live shows but can’t wait to try some of the other new songs. We’re buzzing about the album, and can’t wait to spread the buzz. Of course there’ll be old stuff played too. We don’t cover Pistols stuff (apart from Silly Thing) but as the gig’s 40 years to the day from Nevermind The Bollocks was released, we might just add a cover or two!’
The Professionals have created a truly honest album and it is the sound of a band at the top of their game, which is an all too rare commodity in today’s world, so – put it on loud!