Brian Brain (Martin Atkins) - At Home He's A Tourist (Gang Of Four Cover)

From '' Culture '' Label: Secret Records – 12 SHH 109 Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM Country: UK & Ireland Released: Nov 19, 1980 Tracklist A1 Fun People A2 Working In A Farmyard In A White Suit B1 At Home He's A Tourist Written-By – Gang Of Four B2 Careering Written-By – Public Image Limited Guitar – Bobby Surgeoner Bass – Pete Jones Written-By – Brian Brain (tracks: A1, A2) Producer – Brian Brain, Dan Priest Notes Recorded at Magritte Studios, London (14-16 October 1980) 🎵 [SONG INFO] ''At Home He’s a Tourist" was released in May 1979 as a 7" single (backed with "It's Her Factory") and later appeared on the band's debut album, Entertainment!. Musically, it is a masterclass in the band’s signature "jagged" sound, defined by Andy Gill’s abrasive, percussive guitar work and a tight rhythm section. While often called "mutant disco," it was recorded at The Workhouse in London, not The Townhouse. Thematically, the song crituques domestic alienation and the ways consumer capitalism shapes identity. The lyrics describe a protagonist who feels like a "tourist" in his own life, distracted by social expectations and the "problem of leisure." Key lines like "the rubbers you hide in your top pocket" highlight the commodification of even the most private moments. The song is famous for a 1979 censorship row with the BBC. After the single reached the charts, the band was invited to perform on Top of the Pops. Producers demanded they change the word "rubbers" to "rubbish." Believing this change made the lyrics nonsensical, the band refused to perform and walked out. This effectively halted the single's momentum; it ultimately peaked at number 58 on the UK Singles Chart. Cover versions Freewheelin' Knarf Rellöm & Kante Released as the bside of the ''Heiligengeistfeld'' single (Kitty-Yo – Kitty-Yo 013) in 1997. Esper Scout USA Tour 2014 👤 [ARTIST INFO] Martin Clive Atkins (born 3 August 1959, Coventry, England) is an English drummer and session musician, best known for his work in post-punk and industrial groups including Public Image Ltd., Ministry, Pigface, and Killing Joke. Atkins is also an honorary board member of the Chicago based nonprofit organization Rock For Kids. Atkins' first major exposure as a drummer was with John Lydon's post-Sex Pistols band, Public Image Ltd.. He joined in 1979. In 1980, Atkins left Public Image Ltd. to concentrate on his band Brian Brain with Pete Jones on bass. Atkins rejoined Public Image Ltd. in 1981 to contribute to Flowers of Romance. He eventually left PiL for the last time in 1985. After leaving Public Image Ltd., Atkins revived his Brian Brain project and recorded an EP at Planet Sound Studios in New York for his own, short-lived label Plaid Records, which was released in July 1985. 🎤 [LYRICS] At home he feels like a tourist At home he feels like a tourist He fills his head with culture He gives himself an ulcer He fills his head with culture He gives himself an ulcer. Down on the disco floor they make their profit from the things they sell to help you cover all the rubbers you hide in your top left pocket. At home she's looking for interest At home she's looking for interest she said she was ambitious so she accepts the process she said she was ambitious so she accepts the process. Down on the disco floor they make their profit from the things they sell to help you cob off and the rubbers you hide in your top left pocket. Down on the disco floor they make their profit from the things they sell to help you cob off and the rubbers you hide in your top left pocket. At home he feels like a tourist At home he feels like a tourist He fills his head with culture He gives himself an ulcer Why make yourself so anxious You give yourself an ulcer. Down on the disco floor they make their profit from the things they sell to help you cob off and the rubbers you hide in your top left pocket. #brianbrain #martinatkins #postpunk #athomehesatourist #gangoffour

Added 13 Sept 2026