Recordings by Swell Maps for John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 show are to be made officially available for the first time in 40 years on a new release.
Due out on vinyl, CD and in digital formats in September, The John Peel Sessions collects three performances for radio by the 70s experimental punk group: from October 1978, May 1979 and March 1980. All of the recordings have been newly remastered for the release.
Formed in the early 70s and fully realised by 1976, Swell Maps launched their own label to self-release debut single ‘Read About Seymour’ in 1978. Peel was an early supporter, playing it on the radio. His regular airplay of their music, particularly around the release of 1979 debut album A Trip To Marineville, helped the band to achieve cult status.
Listen to ‘Midget Submarines’, from the band’s 1979 second Peel Session, below.
Mute will release The John Peel Sessions on September 12, 2025.
