Hi Rina!

This is Viv (Viviane) Albertine in a cafe in Soho London.

Just heard about the Slits page from our manager Christine Robertson so decided to call up. Kate was called Kate Chorus but can't remember how it was spelt. A live album is coming out some time this year on Jungle records, an early punky side and a later dubby side. I've been to film school and directing stuff for about 9 years trying to make a feature and married!

See ya!

From Penny Leyton of The Bodysnatchers, received on June 18, 1999:

Hi Rina,

Someone pointed out your site to me today and since you've asked for details of who's who in the Bodysnatchers pic, I thought I'd help you out: left to right: Nicky Summers, Sara Jane Owen (in front), Stella Barker, Rhoda Dakkar, Miranda Joyce, Penny Leyton (me), Jane Summers.

Also - a couple of minor factual errors are: one of our original covers was "Double Barrel" not "Double Banner" and "Let's do Rock Steady" got to no. 18 in the charts [both errors since corrected - RR].

Good site though, and nice to see this record of my youth - even if it all seems a very long time ago!

Penny

From Melissa Ritter of The Mo-dettes, received on October 14, 1999:

Hey Rina,

Thanks so much for putting me in the page.

Post PunkDiaries info and the Virgin Encyclopedia of Indie and new wave are both incorrect...(at least my name is listed!) Its funny how history can really be misrecorded, it makes me wonder about other historical facts that are a little more important?!! Were u familiar with the Belle Stars? In the virgin encyclop., they say that Jennie Mckeown was the bass player. She was the lead singer! That is a huge error. well nevermind.

After my first email to u I pulled out all the old clippings etc. that I had saved in a photo album to get the facts straight... In case you're interested, I'll tell u the exact dates.

I didn't join The Mo-dettes in '80, I joined in Aug. '81, 4 days before my first gig at the Venue (see page 191 in Post Punk Diaries just above Aug. 27, '81). I remember this well because i had to learn the set in 4 days, and i was nervous. I didn't replace Kate Korus, their record co. (London/Deram) wanted another 2nd guitarist to fill out the sound, that's why they got me. I was friends with Bobby (tenpole tudor) Kingston, June's brother, that's how i got the audition. I was 17!

So i played with Ramona for 6 months and Kate for 9. Ramona left in Feb. '82 and we did a bunch of gigs with June singing the leads. Then Sue joined in may '82 and shortly after that Kate also left (due to management and record co. pressure). I have all the NME and Melody Maker and Sounds clippings to back up this info. Oh by the way Chris Neil (Sheena Easton's producer) produced Tonight before Sue or i were in the band. I have the sleeve with the original 4 members on it. The first tour I did with them was to promote that single, but it had already been released when i joined.

The Mo-dettes recorded many demos with the new line-up but never released anything after Tonight...

[More mail from Melissa, received November 2001]

Hey Rina whats up?

I just looked at the page again and saw the letter from June (our drummer). I'm so glad she's happy with the changes.

I also saw the letter from Stella (Bodysnatchers) and read that Sarah-Jane (Bodysnatchers) is here in LA.

I was bestfriends with Jenny Mckeown, the lead singer of the Belle Stars, and most of the Bodysnatchers became Belle-Stars. I was also friends for many years with Sarah-Jane and I would love to get in touch with her. Could u email Stella and ask her to send me Sarah-Jane's email address? I would greatly appreciate it!

Also tell Stella "Hi from Melissa Mo-dette (also ex-wife of Hein Hoven producer of the Stray Cats)".

I haven't seen those gals in 16 years.

I saw Jane Mo-dette in London in '92 and spoke on the phone with Jenny Belle-Star 2 years ago. The only person I still stay in touch with from those days is Chris Foreman the guitarist from Madness. You can forward this letter to Stella if u like.

Thanks again.

Love to ya, Melissa

From June Miles-Kingston of The Mo-dettes, received on January 29, 2001:

for the first time - an accurate history of the modettes; amazing.

i should know. i was there.

the drummer - june.

well done. good fun to see...
lotalove x

From Jane Summers of The Bodysnatchers, received on November 20, 2000:

Hi Rina, and all Two-Tone Sound Era Fans.

Cool web page! Looking at the photo and text bought back quite a few fond, funny and sad memories of myself and all the other band members - (hold on while I wipe the cobwebs away)...

Yeah, I was part of it! It's all coming back now. Chick-drummer! Hardly heard of them! Don't play the drums anymore - but still enjoy listening and bopping to the sounds of today! I hope soon to pass on a piece of personal memorabilia to add to your web page from my collection - so watch this space!

From Miranda Joyce of The Bodysnatchers, received on March 8, 2001:

Hi rina...

I've really enjoyed reading your sight..oh the memories!

I have no idea as to Penny's whereabouts...Stella Sarah-Jane & I are still in touch though. I left the music biz after the Belle Stars broke up and joined the fashion biz instead, swapping my sax for a mascara wand!...yes I do make-up now.

Hope this is of some interest to someone...

love miranda x

Correspondence with Stella Barker of The Bodysnatchers, received September 22, 2000:

I've just come across your web site while looking around for inspiration for my writing. Right now I am storyboarding the story of the Bodysnatchers, from getting together through Nicky's ad in Meloday Maker, to our somewhat acrimonious split about a year later. I'm hoping some TV production company will snap it up, advance me huge amounts of development money so that i can buy a horse (yes, horse not house), and that the dramatised version will goon to be a major TV success. (Dream on, Stella)...

Any research ideas would be welcome - my diaries for 79 and 80 are mostly illegible alcoholic scribble. However, my memory is surprisingly good.

By the way, I've been trying to get in touch with Penny Leyton for some time - haven't been able trace her.

And by the way, why isn't my pic on our info page????? [it's here now! - ed]

cheers,
Stella Snoddybasher

[Received October 26, 2000] Since I last wrote to you, I have sent my story proposal to a few TV production companies here so let's hope something comes of it. By the way, Sarah-Jane from the band lives in LA and has been there for some time. I emailed her your website address to have a look but so far haven't heard back from her.

[Received December 14, 2000] I just looked at your website and see that you've posted the message for Penny, so thanks for that. Should get a response from somewhere one would hope. Also see there is news from Jane, our drummer. That's fun.

[Received January 15, 2000] Happy New Year to you too, Rina. If you'd like to edit my piece about what I'm up to these days, you are welcome to add that. I guess no news from Penny yet, so I feel I've almost given up on finding her. By the way, Sarah-Jane in California had a look at your site and thought it was great fun. You're doing a great job!