Location: Bristol, London UK
Active: 1981 – 1985
Specimen were at the heart of the Batcave club in London, where deathrock and gothic visual styles converged into what are some of the most recognizable elements still exercised today. Layer upon layer of torn fishnets, dramatic eye makeup and gravity-defying teased hair of all colors (but with a solid median foundation of black!). This was the over-the-top graveyard-glam look epitomized by Ollie Wisdom and Johnny Slut, both residents at the Batcave, where bands like Alien Sex Fiend, Ausgang and Sex Gang Children would throw outrageous performances, not to forget resident DJ Hamish’s own band Sexbeat. The original band was Wisdom, Kevin Mills and John Klein, formed in Bristol. Upon locating to London in 1982 they added Johnny Slut on keyboards.
Specimen toured the USA in 1983-1984, bringing with them the Batcave Club for engagements in Los Angeles with Christian Death, Einstürzende Neubauten, Nervous Gender, and also in San Francisco, where Ollie Wisdom ultimately moved to, unsuccessfully establishing the band there for a time.
They lasted until 1985 without having accomplished an actual full length album, despite a plethora of singles, among which one was a bat shaped die cut vinyl disc. They were also featured on the Batcave’s own compilation album, ‘Young Limbs Numb Hymns’. They have regrouped in various forms for reunion performances since 2005.
Official: https://www.specimenbatcave.net
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/254470-Specimen
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_(band)
Related: Alien Sex Fiend, Sex Gang Children, Sexbeat, Ausgang, Christian Death, Einstürzende Neubauten, Nervous Gender, Ollie Wisdom, Johnny Slut, Kevin Mills, John Klein, Young Limbs Numb Hymns, Batcave, Bristol, London, UK
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Summary: Specimen was a gothic glam band active from 1981 – 1985, with Batcave club founder Ollie Wisdom and Johnny Slut. Their iconic musical and visual style was instrumental in establishing the deathrock and batcave gothic style.