The Primevals started in 1983; Michael Rooney had a record stall and had some friends who played in bands. Michael decided it was time to try and put some of his ideas down in the rehearsal room and then on to playing live.
Michael was friends with some local musicians, they formed a loose collective, recorded a demo and then a single which was released soon after and stocked by New Rose Records France. Michael then sent some new recordings to New Rose, they liked it and released the ‘Eternal Hotfire’ mini lp in 1984 and their relationship continued over the next three years releasing the albums ‘Soundhole’ and ‘Live a Little’. These records were produced by Richard Mazda who had also worked with the Scientists and the Fleshtones
The Primevals toured a lot in Europe over this period and played some great shows with the Cramps on their ‘Date with Elvis’ tour
Next was a live album ‘Neon Oven’ recorded 1988 in Paris album this was originally meant for a cassette only release but was issued on lp form by 53rd & 3rd label in 1988.
The Primevals did record over this period, 5 sessions for BBC Radio 1 john peel (1), janice long (2) and andy kershaw (2) and recorded tribute covers for various compilation releases dedicated to Captain Beefheart, Suicide and The Byrds
The fifth album called 'Dig' and released in 1990 on Nibelung records, Germany. The band worked with Jack Endino on this who had worked with Mudhoney and Nirvana. The record failed to gather much promotion or distribution. The Primevals ceased to play live for some time between 1991-1996. Michael formed 'Bean Spasm in London 1991-1993 they did 5 gigs. He returned to Glasgow and formed 'the Fatalistics' 1994 and played occasional gigs over a 4 year period. This was basically The Primevals playing covers by People's Choice, Charlie Feathers and Sun Ra, etc.
The Primevals began playing under their name again occasionally in 1996. in 2005 a 2cd compilation of New Rose material plus 4 unreleased songs entitled 'On the Red Eye' was released on the Last Call Records. Some new recordings in 2007 where released on cd on their own Triple Wide imprint entitled ‘There Is No Other Life…And This Is It”. The band also recorded a Cramps little known tune ' The band that time forgot' which was released as a Lux tribute in 2009 via the excellent french rock mag 'Rock Hardi'.
The Primevals released ‘Disinhibitor” on cd and red vinyl on TSB January 2011 The band played some great shows in Glasgow and London as well as 5 shows in France in 2011. They released “Heavy War” in 2012 and after a long absence we welcome them to their first live date with us at the Harbour Arts Centre.
