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Things You Suspected You'd Regret
When You Got Older, But Did Anyway, Part 397
Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, in the 1970s, Warren was (not entirely surprisingly) unlike
many of peers. To him, a weekend spent smoking dope and listening to Led Zep on headphones
was a wasted 48 hours. If he was going to irritate his teachers and like-minded authority
figures, there had to be a better way.
Along with his pals, Ras Pierre Schenk, Alan "Flesh" Macdonald and assorted other miscreants
who attended Bishop Carroll and Bishop Grandin high schools, Warren decided to form a rock
band. It did not matter that neither Warren nor any of his pals couldnt play any musical
instrument. What mattered was an unshakeable commitment to non-conformity (to wit, all
were early members of something called the NCNA - the Non-Conformist News Agency). The
Social Blemishes were born.
In and about 1976, Warren, Pierre, Alan and the other members of the Blems liked
rough-sounding old stuff by the likes of the Who and the Kinks. In early 1977, Warren
bought a copy of the first album by the Ramones, and the Blemishes were forever
transformed by punk rock.
The Blemishes practiced their punkish sounds in Alan's basement in Southwest Calgary,
bought a lot of late-night slurpees, and started to attract attention. On December 21,
1977, the Blemishes opened for Fosterchild at Bishop Carroll High School. When Alan
launched into a twisted, demonic version of 'Heartbreak Hotel,' a half-dozen teenaged
girls rushed the stage. The Blems were hooked: maybe they'd never get rich playing tunes
like 'Invasion of the Tribbles,' but getting the odd groupie wasn't so bad.
In time, the Blemishes became the Hot Nasties. Warren (a.k.a. "Nuclear Age") was bassist
and lead singer; Ras Pierre assumed the role of lead guitarist; Sane Wayne Ahern
played rhythm method guitar; and Just Plain Tom Edwards kept the beat. Most of the
songs were written by Warren and Pierre.
Three of those songs, 'I Am A Confused Teenager,' 'Secret of Immortality,' and 'Invasion
of the Tribbles,' came out on the above Social Blemish Records (More Hits Than Zits)
Extended Play single in 1980. The E.P. now sells for nearly $300 (U.S.!). Later, Alan's
band, The Sturgeons, also put out a single on Social Blemish. In late 1980, the Hot
Nasties issued an album-length taped collection of their songs. Some were later covered,
or adapted, by the likes of Moe Berg (Pursuit of Happiness) and folk star James
Keelaghan.
In 1994, a Montreal punk rock fan named Frank Manley issued a book and album about
Canadian punk rock called (ironically enough, considering Warren's later involvements)
Smash the State. The album featured songs by the Hot Nasties, the Sturgeons, and the
two group's Edmonton pals, The Rock'n'Roll Bitches.
Alright, then. Go ahead and laugh.
All contents copyright 2006 warrenkinsella.com.
No reproduction whatsoever, in any form, without permission.
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