THEATRE OF HATE -westworld (1982)- sonicrebel

In 1980, the Pack had evolved into Theatre of Hate, with Luke Rendle replacing Walker on drums.[1] Inspired of Antonin Artaud's book Theatre and its Double, the band took its name from the concept of the Theatre of Cruelty: "Artaud called for the emotional involvement of the audience. Singer Brandon borrowed the thespian term because he was trying to do the same."[3] The first Theatre of Hate release was the "Original Sin" single in November 1980, which reached #5 on the UK Indie Chart.[2] Simon and Jonathan Werner were then replaced by Jamie Stuart and Steve Guthrie.[1] Theatre of Hate garnered much early attention as a live act and after their debut release, "Original Sin" in 1980, made their album debut in 1981 with the concert LP He Who Dares Wins Live at the Warehouse Leeds.[1] Shortly after the album's release however, Steve Guthrie left the band.

Another concert recording, Live at the Lyceum followed, and in August 1981 Theatre of Hate entered the studio with producer Mick Jones of The Clash to record their first non-live album debut, Westworld, which was released on February 19th 1982 and went on to reach the UK Top 20.

Shortly after the album was recorded new guitarist Billy Duffy (formerly of The Nosebleeds) joined the band and drummer Luke Rendle was replaced by Nigel Preston. By the time the album was released, Brandon was the only original member left, with Stan Stammers (formerly of The Straps) joining on bass and John Boy Lennard added on saxophone.[1] The album reached #17 in the UK Albums Chart, and also spawned the Top 40 single "Do You Believe in the Westworld". [1]

In February 1982, Theatre of Hate released another live album entitled He Who Dares Wins: Live in Berlin, and Billy Duffy left the band to join Death Cult, the band continuing for a short time before splitting up later that year.[1]

Brandon went on to front Spear of Destiny with bassist Stammers. A post break-up compilation album Revolution spent three weeks in the UK Albums Chart, peaking at #67.[4]

In 1991 Theatre of Hate reformed for the Return to 8 tour which included some of the original band members, these included Brandon, Stammers and John 'Boy' Lennard, with the addition of Pete Barnacle on drums and Mark 'Gemini' Thwaite on guitar.

In July/August 1994 Brandon, Stammers, John McNutt and Art Smith went into Mix-O. Lydian Studio, Boonton, New Jersey with Brad Morrision to record a new album under the Theatre of Hate banner. Retribution was not released until early 1996 in both the U.S. and UK.

To coincide with Westworld's 25th anniversary, Theatre of Hate reformed for a week-long tour culminating at the Carling Academy Islington on 29 April 2007. Of the original line-up, only Stammers was unavailable, due to conflicting schedules and family commitments in the U.S. where he now lives.[5] Replacing him was Craig Adams, former bassist with The Cult, The Sisters of Mercy and The Mission, joining Brandon, Guthrie, Lennard, and Rendle for the reunion.