Australia's Vicious Kitten Records formed in 1999 and grew
out of the popular Vicious Kitten fanzine - created by the Gray
brothers.
The label originally developed a reputation for releasing artists
directly related to, or inspired by Johnny Thunders
...and has continued to release only the coolest rock 'n' roll out there| buy from bandcamp - last update: 12 Nov 2023
respecting the rock since 1999
After nine issues, five years, a print run of 10'000 copies (which saw distribution to every Australian capital city), Vicious Kitten fanzine folded in late 1998. Reviewer Garrison Wells wrote 'in all the zines I encounter, none seems
to embrace the rock n roll underbelly quite as idiosyncratically as
these guys do'. However every ending has a new beginning and thus, in early 1999, an independent record label was born. Over the next few years, Vicious
Kitten released recordings by Australian and international artists
including Kevin K, Freddy Lynxx, Nikki Sudden, Rick Blaze & The
Ballbusters, Sheek The Shayk (ex-Psychotic Turnbuckles) and The Golden
Arms (Japan). In 2000, Vicious Kitten Records released a compilation
album titled ‘Rock n Roll War’ which featured artists including The
Dictators, Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls), Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman),
Jeff Dahl, Peter Wells (Rose Tattoo), Sour Jazz, Trash Brats and The Hitmen. A second volume of
‘Rock n Roll War’ was released in 2002 on Vicious Kitten USA, a
subsidiary label operating out of Boston. ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll War’
Volume 2 featured Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys), Jeff Crane, Walter Lure of The
Heartbreakers, Dave Kusworth (ex-Jacobites), The Streetwalkin Cheetahs,
Michael Thimren (ex-Johnny Thunders) and The Bullys to name a few.
For several years after the label's demise, the Gray brothers penned The Rockbrat Blog and also produced the popular Australian Rock Show podcast - interviewing some of the coolest cats in rock n roll: including members or former members of AC/DC, Radio Birdman, Rose Tattoo, Status Quo, Thin Lizzy, Kiss, Skid Row, Screaming Jets, Angels, Buffalo, Girlschool, Raven, Dictators, Michael Schenker, John Waite, Guns n Roses, Zakk Wylde, LA Guns, WASP, Keel, Faster Pussycat, Hellacopters, Phantom Blue, Runaways, Trash Brats, Carmine Appice, TMG, Stars, Taste, Airbourne, Motorhead, L7, Kings Of The Sun, Judge Mercy, Orianthi, Boss, Candy Harlots, Georgia Satellites, Hitmen, Beasts of Bourbon, Screaming Tribesmen, Celibate Rifles, Lime Spiders, The Almighty, Scientists, Loudness, Queensryche, Rainbow, Stryper, Accept and more ! Vicious Kitten Records was
relaunched in 2021.
Kevin K
FROM AUSTRIA to AUSTRALIA - GRAY BRos. interview !
In August 2023, it was Austria calling Australia, when the Gray brothers were interviewed by Mark on the Endless Summer Radio show ! Mark was weened on the right kinda rock and we had a great time chatting ! The show can be accessed below or via this link - please follow the show on Facebook - we gotta keep real rock n roll alive !
- ATTENTION ROCK AND ROLLERS! -
Tuesday August 22nd Colin and Denis Gray of Australia´s VICIOUS KITTEN RECORDS will join us on The Endless Summer radio show to talk about their fantastic label and artists like the Kevin K Band, Mr. Ratboy and more JOHNNY THUNDERS style rock and rollers such as Freddy Lynxx, Nikki Sudden, Rick Blaze & The Ballbusters, Sheek The Shayk (ex-Psychotic Turnbuckles) and The Golden Arms (Japan). Both Col and Denis have been active in the underground rock and roll scene since the 90´s, releasing magazines, hosting blogs and radio shows as well as the label.
buy the new album from kevin - get a free 3" Die-cut sticker !
For a limited time only - CD copies of 'Broken' purchased direct from Kevin, include a promotional 3" die-cut sticker ! E-mail kevinkband@aol.com for details. Within USA only - stocks are limited - order now ! →
NEW kevin k album 'broken' RELEASED 1 may 2023
1. BROKEN
2. THE LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH
3. WRONG WAY TO HELL
4. THE LOST SEAHORSE
5. PRAYERS OF LIFE
6. ON THE OTHER SIDE
7. LONELY SOUL
8. RIGHT ROULETTE
9. WINTER 22
10. CATACOMB HEART
11. TRUTH IS THE SWORD
12. CAUGHT WITH THE MEAT IN YOUR MOUTH
VKR015
If in Australia - purchase from our bandcamp page - or if in USA, Europe or elsewhere, order via MVD
Broken - 3" die-cut sticker
The Golden Rat release video for 'Shot by both sides'
Tokyo outfit The Golden Rat continue to ride a wave of momentum created since the release of their album 'We Got A Right' was released late last year. Recently released is a stunning video for the track 'Shot By Both Sides' - which was recorded on the sunny streets of Tokyo in March. In its first three days, the video has garnered over 1500 views and continues to climb. Visuals are by designer Matthias Frey who has previously worked with The Golden Rat on other projects. 'Shot by Both Sides' was originally written and recorded in 1978 by the English post-punk band Magazine and appeared on their debut album Real Life. You can find The Golden Rat's superb take on their album 'We Got A Right' which continues to win them new fans. Limited copies available ! Australia: order here | Rest of World: order here
Mr. Ratboy DISCOGRAPHY
To celebrate the upcoming Golden Rat gig in Tokyo on 23rd April, we have compiled a complete discography of all of Mr. Ratboy's recordings ! In a career touching four decades, the multi-talented Mr Ratboy has plugged in and played with some of rock n roll’s elite: Sour Jazz, Motorcycle Boy, Pillbox, Bebe Buell, Jeff Dahl, Marky Ramone & The Intruders, Kevin K and Freddy Lynxx to name a few. His relationship with Vicious Kitten Records goes back many years when he played on the the 7" EP vinyl release Oriental Junk Sick - recorded by The Golden Arms in 2000. In 2022 Mr. Ratboy and Hiroshi The Golden Arm (The Golden Rat) released the album We Got A Right. A world class guitar player who possesses his own unique sound - enjoy reading through his many recordings below.
THE GOLDEN RAT SET TO HONOR JOHNNY THUNDERS WITH TOKYO GIG IN APRIL
Tokyo may be a long way from New Orleans, but both cities will be spiritually connected on April 23, when The Golden Rat headline a special show to honor the memory of cult guitar hero Johnny Thunders.
A member of both The New York Dolls and The Heartbreakers, Thunders passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 23, 1991. Since that time, he has continued to influence many guitar players.
The Golden Rat (who released their debut album We Got A Right last year) are comprised of guitar-slingers Mr. Ratboy and Hiroshi the Golden Arm. The album gained high praise from both fans and music critics with The I-94 Bar stating ‘It’s evocative and full-sounding, a record with feeling and heart that resonates throughout’.
The Swiss-born Mr. Ratboy was a member of late 80’s Hollywood outfit Motorcycle Boy and then went on to record with NYC’s Pillbox and Sour Jazz. Hiroshi the Golden Arm paid his rock ‘n’ roll dues in the 90’s with Tokyo outfit The Remains, who later morphed into The Golden Arms. Hiroshi is affectionately known as ‘the Japanese Johnny Thunders’. Also on the bill are Johnny Mosquito, The Oneway Generation, The Floppy-Pinkies and The Uppers.
When ? Sunday 23 April 2023 – Where ? Statto Live House, Musashi-Sakai, Tokyo
HIROSHI THE GOLDEN ARM DISCOGRAPHY RELEASED
To celebrate the upcoming Golden Rat gig in Tokyo on 23rd April, we have compiled a complete discography of all of Hiroshi The Golden Arm's recordings ! Since the mid-80's, Hiroshi Nakagome has been cranking out that distinct, Les Paul Junior-sound of his, across many of Japan's raucous live-houses. His relationship with Vicious Kitten Records goes back many years including the 7" EP vinyl release Oriental Junk Sick - recorded by The Golden Arms in 2000. In 2022 Hiroshi and Mr. Ratboy (The Golden Rat) released the album We Got A Right. Every inch the real rock n roll deal.
Kevin K FIRE IN THE HOLE - FREE DOWNLOAD - 11 March 2023
Released to celebrate Alan K's birthday - 11 March, 1955 - Always remembered - never forgotten
Kevin K - Joey The Cat Music ASCAP | Music & Lyrics by Alan K and Kevin K |Audio manipulation by Mr. Ratboy
fire it up - ALAN K beer !
Limited edition - available 11 march, 2023
To celebrate the release of Kevin K's new single FIRE IN THE HOLE - a limited edition can of FIRE IT UP - ALAN K BEER (honoring Kevin's brother) will be available on March 11 (Alan's birthday). Numbers are strictly limited and only available via the Vicious Kitten Records bandcamp page..... and its premium lager in case you are wondering. See you down at the rock n roll bar...
KEVIN K - NEW BOOK !
HEY AUNT HELEN: Livin' Fast On The Road To CBGB
KEVIN K's new book 'HEY AUNT HELEN' is available now at many online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Cost is $20US RRP. Signed copies can be purchased direct from Kevin at kevinkband@aol.comKevin K interview on Austrian Rock radio !
In January 2023 Kevin K was interviewed by Mark David on Austria's Endless Summer Radio program. The hour long interview was amazing and Kevin shared many stories. Songs from the Cadallac Man album copped an airing, along with some others from Kevin's vast catalogue. As the show's spiel states: Kevin K is a true American treasure, and we were so happy to welcome him to our show….this is ROCK AND ROLL RADIO, LET´S ROCK AND ROLL WITH KEVIN K! Indeed !! The show is available for download now.
The world famous Mr. Ratboy was interviewed extensively in September by the Australian Rock Show podcast. Mr. Ratboy has plugged in and played with some of rock n roll’s elite: Sour Jazz, Motorcycle Boy, Pillbox, Bebe Buell, Jeff Dahl, Marky Ramone & The Intruders, Kevin K and Freddy Lynxx to name a few. This is a very cool chat where Mr. Ratboy looked over the new Golden Rat album - and also talked though his amazing rock n roll journey. Dig it! Listen via the player above or click here. Music by: The Golden Rat, Mr. Ratboy, Motorcycle Boy, Pillbox, Sour Jazz, The Saints
The Golden Rat
The whole of the law
new video released
In late November, The Golden Rat (with (with Daigenta Okajima on saxophone) released a stunning new video for the song 'The Whole Of The Law' - taken from their album 'We Got A Right'. The visual for this video are courtesy of Tokyo-based artist Matthias Frey. The Whole Of The Law was originally recorded in 1978 by U.K outfit the Only Ones. The Golden Rat's debut album 'We Got A Right' is an album you need in your collection. Australia: order here | Rest of World: order here
The Golden Rat
We Got A Right (VKR014)
Release date 9 DEC 2022
Tokyo-based duo The Golden Rat are indeed rock n roll royalty. On this wonderful 15 song gathering, Mr Ratboy and Hiroshi Thre Golden Arm run through a selection of songs which influenced their teenagers years. Superb takes of songs by Brian James, The Saints, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Radio Birdman, Lords of The New Church, Ramones, Mitch Ryder, Heartbreakers and more ! Limited copies available ! Australia: order here | Rest of World: order here
Golden Rat - Album launch Tokyo 29 Oct 2022
KEVIN K
CADALLAC MAN (VKR013)
Release date 4 NOV 2022
Musically, there is no better exponent of catchy power pop than KEVIN K. This is solo album number 33 for KEVIN K and with its consistently strong material, Cadallac Man makes a strong claim as KEVIN K's magnum opus. That's a statement not made lightly considering KEVIN K has been making records since 1978. Limited copies available ! Australia: order here | Rest of World: order here
AUNT HELEN
HEY AUNT HELEN (VKR012)
Release date 5 AUG 2022
Seventies Western NY punk bands-Aunt Helen and the Toys. The first Buffalo punk band to release a single, later morphed into the Toys, opening for national acts and moving to NYC. The Lone Cowboys ensued (two rare tracks here), eventually leading to the Road Vultures and Kevin K Band. Hear the origins of the legend on 'Hey Aunt Helen!' Limited copies available ! Australia: order here | Rest of World: order here
Kevin K & RICKY RAT
Identity crisis (VKR011)
Release date 18 MAY 2021
NYC punk legend Kevin K teams up with the iconic guitar-slinger from Detroit, Ricky Rat (Trash Brats / Dead Boys) on a hard hitting Ramones-like anthem called ‘Identity Crisis’. Taken from their superb 2020 album on Circumstantial Records, Party Store. The first 100 singles come with a bonus Kevin K sticker, so get in quick! Australia: order here | Rest of World: order here