The Monks - Skylab (Gen X Tribute Video)

About Ride

Andrew Piran Bell (born 11 August 1970) is a British musician and songwriter. He is known as the bass guitarist of Oasis and vocalist and guitarist of the shoegaze band Ride. Bell has also been a member of Hurricane #1 and Beady Eye, an offshoot of Oasis which released two studio albums between 2009 and 2014. With Ride, Bell helped pioneer shoegaze, an alternative rock subgenre which reached its peak popularity in the early 1990s. Bell first joined Oasis in November 1999, following the departure...

About This Footage

This footage is a rare gem, a 6:33-minute tribute video created by Ride's Andrew Piran Bell, that pays homage to the music of his generation. The video, titled "The Monks - Skylab (Gen X Tribute Video)", is a nostalgic trip back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time when punk, new wave, and hard rock were redefining the musical landscape.

At this point in their careers, artists like Y&T and The Police were already making waves with their unique sounds. Y&T's blend of hard rock and heavy metal was gaining traction, while The Police's reggae-infused punk was pushing the boundaries of what was considered "mainstream". Meanwhile, Ride's Andrew Piran Bell was just starting to make a name for himself as a musician, laying the groundwork for his future success with Oasis.

The Monks' album "Bad Habits" is a fascinating footnote in music history. Released in 1979, it was a commercial flop in both England and the US, yet found an unexpected audience in Canada. The album's raunchy cover art, featuring a nun in stockings, was certainly attention-grabbing, but it was the music that truly set it apart. Tracks like "Johnny B Rotten" and "Nice Legs, Shame About Her Face" showcased the band's ability to craft catchy, high-energy songs.

The inclusion of The Monks' song "Skylab (Theme From the Monks)" in this tribute video is particularly interesting. Recorded at the end of the album, it's a departure from the rest of the material, with its eerie synths and haunting melody. Bell's decision to use this song as the centerpiece of his tribute video speaks volumes about his appreciation for the band's unique sound.

This footage is not just a nostalgic trip; it's also a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together. As Bell notes in the YouTube description, "Growing up my friends and I mostly listened to Heavy Metal, Hair metal, and hard rock...but there was this one album that was technically Punk, not metal, called 'Bad Habits' from the Monks that all of us absolutely loved." The shared experience of listening to music like this can transcend genre boundaries and create a sense of community among fans.

As you watch this tribute video, you'll be transported back to a time when music was raw, edgy, and unapologetic. You'll hear snippets from various artists, including Y&T, The Police, and, of course, The Monks. It's a sonic journey that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the late 1970s and early 1980s, but also grateful for the music that continues to inspire new generations.

The video's creator, Ride's Andrew Piran Bell, has done an admirable job of curating this collection of clips, which are often hilarious, sometimes poignant, and always fascinating. As he notes in the description, "Don't get hung up on where and when the clips are from, just sit back and enjoy the ride." With that in mind, settle in and let the music transport you to a bygone era, one that's full of energy, creativity, and a sense of rebellion that continues to inspire us today.

Curated from public records and music databases.