The story behind the Stan’s Guest List album couldn’t be any more punk if it tried.
When original bassist Stan ‘The Man’ Vegas reformed the legendary Manchester punk icons V2, four decades after their 1976 genesis, fans new and old lapped up their live outings and new material.
It was all going great, and then…First came Covid. Then came an “artistic disagreement” within the band — for which, read ructions, stand-offs and clenched fists — leading to the parting of ways with their vocalist in late 2023.
At least, with harmony restored, the band could look forward. New vocalist? Nah. Can’t be doing with all that drama again.
At which point Stan came up with a cunning plan: record the upcoming album not with a new band member, but with a variety of different guest vocalists — and maybe a few musicians too.
Within days, Stan was on the phone to friends and musical colleagues, letting them know V2 had a new sound, a happier band culture, and invitations to join them on the new album for a track or two — either written by themselves, or in conjunction with the band.
Nobody turned down the invite, and it was all systems go.
Stan was inspired by this new way of doing things and set to work busily writing lyrics. The first guest-recorded vocals were laid down, and a new buzz began building around the band and the project — not only in the UK, but in Europe too.
Then, on the night of March 15th, 2024, after having a drink with his oldest and best friend, Stan was killed in a road accident while walking home.
It could have all ended there.
Except for the fact that fellow bandmates, friends and invited guest musicians were determined to finish what Stan had started.
Two years later, V2 is finally ready to open the doors to Stan’s Guest List.
Is it a tribute to Stan’s memory?
It’s a nice thought. But the truth is, as mine host, Stan would be more interested in knowing you were having a great time listening to V2’s latest punk-influenced rock ’n’ roll collaboration.