Although the Gags line up remained largely consistent, in the first decade in particular, drums and bass did change from time to time.

First of all, the band decided to bring in Nigel Coatman on drums for the crucial Death In Buzzards’ Gulch recording period. ‘Maybe we thought he was better suited to studio recording,’ recounts Gerry, ‘but it was a mistake as well as a rotten thing to do. Luckily, Bernie forgave us and eventually re-joined the band.’

After John Kelly left the line-up in the mid-eighties, when travelling from London to gigs became impractical, his berth was filled by John Gibson, ex Greasy Bear, who held the position for the best part of a decade.

But even John Gibson wasn’t an ever-present – both John Price and Dave Lunt filled in on bass on occasions.

Gags also acquired a second guitarist for a brief period in 1982 when Adam Rodgers of Kid Khaki and The Karamojos joined to beef up the sound still further with second guitar. Adam’s time with the band is captured on the Granada recording of Baby Shut Your Mouth.

Another name to have a long association with the band was Nigel Youl, a university friend of Brendan Gore’s from Nottingham, who was a constant presence when Gags played live, moving and setting up gear but mainly remembered for joining in the fun and hardcore drinking central to a Gags gig.