Ten Years Behind

John 'Knocker' Norris has been performing his own brand of music since the 1970's. He's often described as a punk artiste since he was there with many other rebels at the beginning of the punk movement, but he is far too versatile and complex to place a label on him. Most of his contemporaries eventually sold out to the record companies and became mainstream 'poseurs' and part of the establishment, whereas Knocker has always held on to his principles. He has lasted because he isn't a product or puppet of the corporate music industry. His music and ideas will never go out of fashion. He's an outlaw and he's a legend. Although he sometimes disappears off the radar for extended periods, he has been touring and performing for over thirty years and has a huge and loyal following who pack out his venues all over the world.

"I love playing at Elsie's, it's such a great atmosphere. It's amazing who turns up there and they're able to just mingle with the crowd and never get harassed. People can't believe it when I tell them that this is actually the punk legend John Norris playing guitar on this track. Honestly. How cool is that? I scribbled down the chord sequence on a piece of paper and he came on stage, borrowed my battered old Westone Prestige guitar and just 'hoyed in' with us. He'd kept a really low profile that night and nobody even recognised him until I introduced him on stage. Probably because they all thought he was dead. So let me dispel any rumours, old Knocker is still alive and well and still active on the underground circuit."

The neon lights shine bright in the city

They cast the shadows dark
In the corners of your room
And you lie trapped in bed with a stranger
But it's food in your mouth
If you can stand the gloom

The streets are paved with gold in the city
But the streets outside your door
Seem to shine a little dull
Always thought that you'd be somebody
But I guess that you

Were wrong there after all

It's so sad
You've been had by dreaming
You found out that life is not so kind
Think you'll be back on top
When the time comes
You poor little fool
You're ten years behind

The sun, it never shines in the city
But the street lights cast their glow
Upon your makeup just the same
Remember when you used to be so pretty?
But you won't ever

See those days again

It's so sad
You've been had by dreaming
You found out that life is not so kind
Think you'll be back on top
When the time comes
You poor little fool
You're ten years behind