Biography
Alongside the Scavengers, the Suburban Reptiles rank as New Zealand’s inaugural punk outfit. The Auckland-based group coalesced in February 1977 when art students Simon Grigg, who took on managerial duties, and bassist Billy Planet (also known as Will Pendergrast) assembled the initial lineup. Vocalist Zero (Clare Elliot), guitarists Shaun Anfrayd (Brian Nicols) and Sissy Spunk (Trish Scott), saxophonist Jimmy Vinyl (Brett Salter), and drummer Buster Stiggs (Mark Hough) completed the roster. Drawing impetus from the Sex Pistols, the band borrowed gear from Split Enz and staged its first performance, during which numbers such as “Rosie Razorblade” prompted most of the crowd to depart within an hour. Both guitarists were promptly dismissed, after which Johnny Volume (formerly Paul Cooke)—a veteran figure in New Zealand rock and then-active Scavengers member—joined the group, only to be succeeded shortly afterward by Masochists guitarist Bones Hillman.
With personnel stabilized, the Reptiles attracted widespread press coverage through their erratic stage presence. They were ejected from a school dance after a single number, and at a local club Planet scattered the venue’s refuse across the audience. Their Wellington date drew particular notoriety when local opposition forced its cancellation. Late in 1977 the band signed with Polygram and issued New Zealand’s first 12-inch release, the four-track EP fronted by “Megaton.” Hillman departed in early 1978; bassist Tony Baldock stepped in, and the group recorded its follow-up single, “Saturday Night Stay at Home,” that June. Split Enz’s Phil Judd produced the session and substituted on guitar for the recently departed Planet. Zero soon left temporarily to accompany Gary Glitter on tour, leaving the Reptiles inactive until October, when they performed in the theater foyer at the premiere of the punk film Angel Mine. That appearance marked their final show, although several members later reconvened in the Swingers under Judd’s leadership. Zero (aka Clare Elliot) died on March 26, 2024.
With personnel stabilized, the Reptiles attracted widespread press coverage through their erratic stage presence. They were ejected from a school dance after a single number, and at a local club Planet scattered the venue’s refuse across the audience. Their Wellington date drew particular notoriety when local opposition forced its cancellation. Late in 1977 the band signed with Polygram and issued New Zealand’s first 12-inch release, the four-track EP fronted by “Megaton.” Hillman departed in early 1978; bassist Tony Baldock stepped in, and the group recorded its follow-up single, “Saturday Night Stay at Home,” that June. Split Enz’s Phil Judd produced the session and substituted on guitar for the recently departed Planet. Zero soon left temporarily to accompany Gary Glitter on tour, leaving the Reptiles inactive until October, when they performed in the theater foyer at the premiere of the punk film Angel Mine. That appearance marked their final show, although several members later reconvened in the Swingers under Judd’s leadership. Zero (aka Clare Elliot) died on March 26, 2024.
Albums