That Petrol Emotion was a Northern Irish, London-based band with an American vocalist called Steve Mack. The band evolved from the Derry Hitmakers and The Undertones. It was formed by guitarist John O’Neill and second guitarist Raymond Gorman. The band was completed by Damian O’Neill (bassist from 1985-1988 then guitarist from 1988-1994) along with drummer Ciaran McLaughlin and bassists John Marchini (1988-1991) and Brendan Kelly (1991-1994). From 1985, the band released a number of singles. Even though they charted seven singles in the UK, they never improved on their first chart hit “Big Decision” in 1987 which reached number 41. They did, however, reach the Top 40 of the UK Albums Chart with the album – Babble. They also reached number 1 in the UK indie charts with their albums Manic Pop Thrill and Fireproof.
The band’s sound evolved over the years from John Peel-approved heavy indie rock on Manic Pop Thrill and Babble, to melodic pop rock after John O’Neill’s departure on the albums Chemicrazy and Fireproof, via dance and sample experimentation. Many believe that this dversity alienated people in the contemporary scene and so, That Petrol Emotion are considered very much before their time.
That Petrol Emotion were also renowned for a devastating live performance of tight musicianship and intense playing. They were described by Rolling Stone magazine as “The Clash crossed with Creedence” but their influences range from The Beatles to Television to Wire to Captain Beefheart to Can. They split in 1994.
Seán Ó’Néill (a.k.a. John O’Neill) went on to form the band Rare, while The Undertones reformed in the 2000s for an album, without Feargal Sharkey, on Sanctuary Records. Ciaran McLaughlin and Raymond Gorman still sporadically perform new, original material.
On 26th March 2008 Steve Mack announced that the band were reforming to play at least one concert in the summer. They are scheduled to appear in Ireland’s The Electric Picnic in August.

Interview with Steve Mack

1) Wikipedia claims you were “pioneers for such bands as the Stone Roses, Oasis, Blur and Radiohead.” Do you see yourself in any of the aforementioned. I’ve read the Manic Street Preachers and the Super Furry Animals say nice things about the band over the years. Producer Jacknife Lee called his first band Compulsion after a T.P.E. song. Do you find any of that stuff gratifying?

Wow – I wonder who wrote that stuff – seriously. Certainly I think many a band saw us tearing it up over the years, and we met a lot of bands who said we inspired them, which is always gratifying. It’s nice to give back and keep the music flowing. It’s particularly nice years after the fact, when all you really have left to think about is the legacy you left behind, if any.

2) Was the possibility of John O’Neill rejoining ever discussed?

What, back in the day? No, he left because he wanted out. And we moved on, and I believe we became a better band. I don’t mean that as an indictment of John in any way, it’s just that we matured and became better musicians, performers, and song writers. He said as much to us every time we saw him.

I always try to explain to people who aren’t in bands that being in one is like having four separate relationships, which is why it’s so difficult. And extending this metaphor, you don’t go back to an old partner.

3) Will T.P.E. record any new material?

At this point that’s unclear. Certainly Ciaran and Raymond have some incredibly great new songs, but they don’t see them as Petrols songs as far as I know, and recording new material is a far greater commitment than playing a few gigs.

4) Were the band really banned by BBC Radio One?

Absolutely. We had a quote from a Gerry Adams book on the back of Genius Move that caused all the trouble. It wasn’t a Gerry Adams quote, but the connection was there. In retrospect it was an extremely foolish thing to do. Then again, looking at the political situation in Ireland now, how dangerous and inflammatory was it really? Again, we never had great timing.

5) Have there been any arguments about what songs to include in your new live set? I personally hope you play ‘For What It’s Worth’, ‘Cellophane’, ‘Natural Kinda Joy’ and ‘Scum Surfin’.

Well, you’ll get one of those. And yes, plenty of arguments.

6) Have you seen the lineup for Electric Picnic? Are there any bands artists on the bill you’re looking forward to seeing?

Sure – looking forward to seeing the Valentines again, Sex Pistols for the first time, Duffy (who I LOVE), Gomez, Franz Ferdinand (who are one of the few bands I’ve seen recently that do as good a show as we did back in the day), The Kills, can’t wait to see Grinderman, The Roots are going to be awesome, and I’m curious about Foals.

7) You built an owned a studio in London called Bang Bang. Did anyone famous come through it’s doors.

I produced a couple of Stereolab singles, one of which I’m very proud of. High Llamas first LP was recorded there. Gallon Drunk did their first single there which I loved. Breed did a great album. Tons of others, but those are probably the highest profile acts.

You do the Harry Shearer website come about? Was it the Simpsons or Spinal Tap that drew you in?

He’s a really forward thinking guy, and he was working with RealNetworks, so when I left that job I took him with me as I knew he’d be lost without me championing him.

9) Why choose Dundalk instead of Derry for your Irish comeback?

Beats me!

10) How many of the band now have children?

Everyone except me! But I’ve only been married five months, so give me some time…

11) Did the band play SXSW? Is the London gig your first in so many years?

SxSW got cancelled. Sore point. Yes, London is the first gig in 15 years.

12) You were in a band called the Throw Ups who were a precursor to Mudhoney. Do you ever think you’d have had more success if you’d stayed in the states? Are you the missing link between indie/dance and grunge?

Thrown Ups. With an “n” at the end. It’s interesting to think about what would have happened if I stayed in Seattle. I’m sure I would have been involved in the whole grunge thing as all my friends were, but I’m very proud of my European sojourn. I was the first Seattleite in a high-profile band.

As for the link, well, you could say that. We loved the hard noisy stuff, and we loved to dance!

13) Will the band ever release a Best Of?

Very doubtful. We were on three separate labels which makes that sort of thing very difficult.