Turn to Red

Turn to Red, is the original version of Killing Joke's debut EP, released in October of 1979. It lacked the track 'Almost Red', which would appear a month later on the 12" release. The 10" release is a collectable, not only for its music, but also for the 4 scarce "art cards" included with the disc in its clear plastic sleeve. In early 1979, Jaz Coleman and Paul Ferguson left Matt Stager Band to form Killing Joke. They placed an advertisement in ... more

Turn to Red, is the original version of Killing Joke's debut EP, released in October of 1979. It lacked the track 'Almost Red', which would appear a month later on the 12" release. The 10" release is a collectable, not only for its music, but also for the 4 scarce "art cards" included with the disc in its clear plastic sleeve. In early 1979, Jaz Coleman and Paul Ferguson left Matt Stager Band to form Killing Joke. They placed an advertisement in the music press which attracted guitarist Kevin "Geordie" Walker and bassist Martin "Youth" Glover. According to Coleman, their manifesto was to "define the exquisite beauty of the atomic age in terms of style, sound and form". In late 1979, they began the Malicious Damage record label with graphic artist Mike Coles as a way to press and sell their music. Along with the November EP, Almost Red, Turn to Red came to the attention of legendary DJ John Peel, who was keen to champion the band's urgent new sound of Reggae Dub and Punk. Killing Joke... less