Drums

Alex Sidebottom, as on the reverse of the 'You're Not Going Out...' sleeve, 1978.

Amidst the recent excitement of Steve Perrin and Mike Finney being back in the studio together, it should be remembered that there's been a Distraction in the music business for longer than most. Alec (Alex) Sidebottom was drummer for the Purple Gang in the very late '60s where he was apparently known as 'Haystack' [1]!

Alex Sidebottom, possibly at Electric Ballroom gig supporting Joy Division, 1979.

An ever-present throughout The Distractions' time on Factory, Island and beyond, Alex also drummed for, amongst others, the Renegades, Dr Filth and First Circle, before forming the Republic of Swing in 2004. In a real departure from traditional rock drumming, Republic of Swing are a Bateria percussion group, better known to most as Brazilian Samba. The group are in high demand at festivals up and down the country and beyond, with Alex as Director, who also plays for renowned London-based Samba school, Paraiso [2].

Alex Sidebottom in Republic of Swing, 2010. From Facebook page.

Alex Sidebottom in a Distractions publicity shot, 1981.

1. www.thepurplegang.co.uk/bandprofile.htm.

2. www.republicofswing.org.uk/Welcome/About_us.html.