Plymouth Punk Legends the Bus Station Loonies Bow Out After 30 Years

Written by Joshua Edwards

As someone who has just begun getting paid as a writer, it is humbling to know that there is not a review of the Bus Station Loonies I can write that will more perfectly and succinctly summarise them than the one left via social media comment by one anonymous internet dwelling woman: 

“It’s like if the Dead Kennedys did a kids album.” 

That alone would be perfect, but this review is a gift that keeps giving. What tips it over the edge is that when lead singer and band founder, Chris “Wheelie” Willsher sent this mystery woman a message to thank her for the glowing review she did not respond and instead immediately blocked him. 

 That, in a nutshell, is the Bus Station Loonies. The quintessential Plymouth punk band. Hell, possibly the quintessential English punk band.  

But why am I writing about them now? Well, after thirty years of doing it they’ve joined Black Sabbath (RIP Ozzy) and John Cena in announcing 2025 as their retirement year. Which is to say the band is retiring, not the members. The musicians within the band all have their fingers in a myriad of pies and will be continuing to make delightful noises in Plymouth and beyond, but as a group local hit makers the Bus Station Loonies will cease trading in November of this year. 

Started in 1995 as a means for seasoned drummer Willsher to live out his frontman dreams, it was supposed to last a couple of months. Somehow, instead, the Loonies have become the figurehead for Plymouth’s highly underrated punk scene. I can make this claim because I’ve done my research; no Gods, no masters, sure, but as I’ve collected interviews for my doctorate based on the Plymouth Punk scene there have been hardly any answers to the question “How did you get involved with Plymouth Punk?” that weren’t met with an answer that started with the words “Well I met Wheelie…” Even my own story is no different.  

Wheelie and the author Joshua Edwards

And what of the band? They’ve outlived the Bretonside bus station for which they are named, it having been a key location for punk supporting clubs and general dossing about. They’ve released a wealth of incredible songs, from tongue in cheek anthems Kill That Nazi (in my Head), Death by Wedgie and Anarchists make the Best Lovers to a national radio bothering Reggae cover of the Sister’s of Mercy song Temple of Love. They even got the blessing of Kim Wylde herself for their parody of her song Kids in America aptly renamed Loonies in the Bus Station. They held the Guiness world record for most gigs in a twelve-hour period (twenty-five shows) for five years until they were bested by a few other bands in quick succession, including other Plymouth locals, Black Friday. They were the stars of an episode of channel 4 documentary, Punx Picnic, named after the annual festival that Wheelie started. They’ve become a widely recognised name within punk circles across the UK and beyond, playing Rebellion festival and touring everywhere from Cornwall to Scotland. 

On a personal level, I will say that I’ve always held a soft spot for the band. I can’t imagine watching a Bus Station Loonies gig and not smiling, such is the joy of it. It’s a ludicrous affair, but it’s sincere in equal measure. Absurdly heartfelt. Seriously silly.  

I’ll have a connection to the band forever though as, even though the band’s revolving membership has reached way up into double figures, with founders Chris and drummer Tony Popkids present throughout, I am the only person other than Wheelie who has sung for the band. I filled in for Wheelie when he had to help care for his poorly father. Yes, I was reading the lyrics out of the album insert, and yes, the guitarist at the time (dearly departed Phil Cawse) told me afterwards that it was sh!t, but I’m still the only other man to do it. A footnote in the history of a band that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Plymouth music alongside Mad Dog McCrea, the legendary raves at the Dance Academy and that time the Beatles sat on the Hoe. 

 The Bus Station Loonies are playing out their final shows joined by Charlie Casey, legendary bass player of ’77 London Punks Menace. They’ll be part of this years Plymouth’s Punx Picnic from the 4th-7th of September across Leadworks, the Pit and Pendulum and the Nowhere Inn, then it’s off to their farewell shows in November. The all-dayer booked on the 29th at Leadworks is sold out, but the night before the Bus Station Loonies play the Junction alongside the Slimy Girls, Varicosa and an as yet unconfirmed act (which if rumours are to be believed could be worth the price of admission alone. Trust me.) Tickets are still available (email chris_willsher@btinternet.com for details) and I’d implore you to seek them out.  

 We’re all loonies in the bus station.