Alternative TV

The Profile

Alternative TV are an English punk/post‑punk band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Perry (founder of fanzine Sniffin’ Glue) with guitarist Alex Fergusson, noted for the singles “How Much Longer” and “Love Lies Limp,” and the trailblazing albums The Image Has Cracked (1978) and Vibing Up the Senile Man (1979).

Formed in London in 1977 by Mark Perry (Sniffin’ Glue) with Alex Fergusson; early lineup included Tyrone Thomas (bass) and Chris Bennett (drums). The Image Has Cracked blends punk with experimentation; features “How Much Longer,” “You Bastard,” and “Life After Life” (with Jools Holland on keyboards), plus a Frank Zappa cover (“Why Don’t You Do Me Right”).

A spirited review of The Image Has Cracked traces Alternative TV’s 1977 London origins and Mark Perry’s push to break punk’s boundaries. It highlights the jump from snotty punk energy to proto–post‑punk, jazz-like experiments, and reggae touches. Key moments include “How Much Longer,” “Life After Life” (with Jools Holland), and “Splitting In Two,” plus a Zappa cover.