The band was formed in early 1983 by Leo O’Neill vocals, Gerry Goldie guitar and Sid Goldie bass. Initially known as Slut (after the GBH song of the same name) the band quickly changed their name to Catch 22 (yes, another GBH song title). With no permanent drummer, they nevertheless rehearsed regularly at Leo’s house, in his back shed to be precise. For gigs, drummers were “borrowed” from other bands that were familiar with the songs in their set, an exercise which saw Mervyn Shields and Alan Daly take to the drum stool for short stints. Their set consisted of punk covers such as “Dead Cities” by The Exploited, “TV Blues” by the UK Subs and “So What” by the Anti Nowhere League. The band also penned several original compositions including “Belfast”, A Case Of Mistaken Identity” and “Steven Warldof”, Gerry’s sister even got in on the act and wrote a song for the band entitled “Coloured Dreams”.

Eventually Ian Archibald filled the position on a more permanent basis and gigs at local Youth Clubs, Spuds, Beachcombers and the Arcadia followed before the band members all moved to London in search of squats, booze and women!

On their return from London with a more Heavy Metal taste the lads formed Cerberus, with Roy Warke on vocals, Sid Goldie on bass, Gerry Goldie on lead guitar and Alan Daly on drums. Sadly no recordings of this band exist. The band dissolved when Sid moved to Scotland and Angel were formed. They later evolved into Stained Rose who are still treading the boards to this day!

Mervyn Shields sadly passed away on 1st January 2022 from Covid complications.