The Rip Offs were formed in Skirm’s front room by Skirm, Paul Mc Cartney (Graffiti and Bam Bam and the Calling) and Mark McCauley. The earliest rehearsals involved a plastic chair (affectionately known as ‘The Drum Kit’), one and a half drumsticks and a three stringed guitar. Skirm, unable to afford a left handed guitar (or more than 3 strings), played a right handed guitar upside down. Their first and possibly most memorable gig was on the steps of the New Churchie round the back of Argyle Street/ Argyle Terrace. The gig was free, well attended and lighting for the event was provided by someone who could afford (or had stolen) a car.

The line-up changed over the short life span of the band. Mark (Slim) McCauley was the longest serving drummer. As well as drumming Mark also provided a practice space at the back of the family home, thus inflicting the band on his family. This was a great relief to Skirms neighbours who, by that time, had the RUC on speed dial. Mark also acquired a full set of drums and two sticks. After Mark departed for greener pastures, Mickey Griffith (Idol Threats and Dick Tracey and the Green Disaster) joined the fray as drummer. Jimmy Nash replaced Paul McCartney as bass player for a short time and when Jimmy left, Terry Lafferty followed. Terry is remembered (by me) for the bad attack of nerves which almost caused him to miss the first big gig at the Rosemount Youth Centre.
John (Robbie) Robertson joined as singer and style guru Seamus (Skirm) Curley continues his weirdey playing style to this day (upside down though eventually with 6 strings) though to a distinctly different and altogether more jiggy beat.

The band had a short spell of success playing all around Northern Ireland, gathering a respectable (ish) fan base.