As 2023 drew to a close, The Cockney Rejects’ guitarist and founder, Micky Geggus, after much soul searching, decided to leave the band that he created in 1979. But it wasn’t long before his guitar-playing fingers were beginning to itch and the desire to formulate a new band began to burn brightly within him.

Mick wanted to break free of the confines of punk rock and he decided to embark upon a project that encompassed his first love: hard, heavy, and at the same time, melodic, Rock. Having already written several songs, Mick began a series of trips to producer Kevin Poree’s Canterbury studio, where he began to lay down the tracks that would become the basis of the Punchdrunk Saints’ debut album.

Mick now had to embark upon a mission to find the right combination of new band members who could do the songs justice. Although originally Vince Riordan, Mick’s old Cockney Reject’s bandmate, was to play bass in the new group, Vince made the decision not to continue with the project. Step forward blinding bass player from Leader of the Down, Tim Atkinson. Tim’s professionalism blew Mick away and Tim was soon joined by powerhouse drummer, Chris Nedzynski. Together they form the mighty rhythm section that is the backbone of the Punchdrunk Saints’ driving beat.

Mick knew he would have to find a singer who had something really special. Acting on a tip from his East London guitarist friends, Dave Edwards and Dennis Stratton, Mick discovered brilliant vocalist, Marc Salmon. “I was blown away by the control and power he demonstrated,” says Geggus. “I thought ‘fuck me, we really got something here. This band is gonna be incredible!’” Alongside Tim, Chris and Marc, Mick’s carefully crafted guitar playing – which transcends any one genre – lives up to its reputation as one of rock’s finest. The puzzle was complete.

After some intensive rehearsing, the band played their debut show at London’s legendary 100 Club to an ecstatic audience in an incendiary performance that surpassed already lofty expectations. Their debut, eponymous album, will be released by Cadiz Music on 31st August 2025.

Let’s all get completely PUNCHDRUNK!!