AUSGANG

“Pretty me, boys. Color me in. ‘Cos this graveshow. Is wearing me thin.“

In the grey, rain-slicked streets of early 1980s Birmingham, a restless shadow stirred. From the embers of punk and post-punk, from bands called Kabuki and The Solicitors, a new force emerged—Ausgang. Not merely a band, but a gathering of exiled dreams and haunted urges, a music forged in the tension between glam’s alien elegance and punk’s jagged urgency, with the names of The Birthday Party and Gun Club flickering somewhere in the margins. It was a sound that seemed to belong to no one place, yet hinted at everywhere—a phantom heartbeat threading through the veins of an underground yet unborn.

Their first steps onto a stage were electric, almost ritualistic. September 1983, The Powerhouse, Birmingham: a crowd gathered unaware of the prophecy they were witnessing. Within weeks, Ausgang shared stages with Hanoi Rocks and Sex Gang Children, their sound a defiance of expectation—an unfamiliar geometry of bass, guitar, and voice that whispered of worlds just out of reach. The singles poured out on Criminal Damage Records, each one a shard of shadow and light, crystallizing a moment that would echo through the decades.

Yet Ausgang never lingered in comfort. Through FM Records, their own Shakedown label, and even the fleeting detour of Ausgang-a-Go-Go, they chased transformation, refusing the labels the world pressed upon them. Even in dissolution, their influence quietly seeped into the veins of goth and deathrock, across Europe and America, a dark current that would not be contained.

Then, as if conjured by memory itself, the ghosts returned. Forgotten demo cassettes surfaced; vinyl compilations resurrected their early incandescence. New blood joined old, the band reformed, and stages once more became altars of shadow and sound—from London to San Antonio, Germany to Mexico City. Here, past and present entwine, every note a reminder that true creation never dies.

In May 2024, we at Peek-A-Boo already had the honour of stepping into communion with Ausgang's singer, Mark. With two new omens now revealed—the biography Ausgang: Scarred Lips, in which Mark lays bare the scars and embers of the journey, and the fierce new single “She-Gang”, a declaration that Ausgang is not confined to memory, but moves—restless and uncontained—through the present—we step again into the rite, this time with the entire band.

The crimson glow of a blood moon, hanging somewhere far above in the vastness of the universe, filters faintly through the window, casting its light upon the table the very moment this interview begins. A fitting atmosphere in which, on behalf of Peek-A-Boo, I warmly welcome you all.

A very good evening to you, Mark, Matthew, Jacob and Victor. It is an honour to have both the original architects of Ausgang’s sound and the new blood gathered here together. Allow me to put your imagination to the test from the very first moment: if this interview were a book, what would its opening line reveal about each of you?

[Mark]: My opening line would transport me back to New York City in the early 70s, where I’d be rubbing shoulders with Richard Hell and Patti Smith and we’d be reciting lines from our favorite beat poets, Kerouac, Burroughs and Ginsberg, whilst grooving to the urgent new sounds seeping out of the sidewalk, influenced by the ghost of the Velvet Underground…

[Jacob]: I’d be running round on a 60s motorcycle as one of the Living Dead like in Psychomania or a Road Warrior after the apocalypse (which doesn’t seem too far away)!

[Victor]: I have a lot of love for quiet evenings where I can sit and listen to records with a cup of tea, flanked by my two Jack Russell terriers, Banjo and Wallis.

I don’t read a huge amount, so if this interview were a book, it would be a short one with big font about love for music. I work hard for the music, and I work hard for its history. I respect what I play deeply. I love working with these musicians because there is no hierarchy here, which is incredibly rare in a band. Bringing joy onstage with such a talented and fun group of people has been an amazing journey.

Mark, we’ve already explored the early days from your perspective back in 2024. Matthew, this time I’d love to hear from you: how did you two first meet, and what stands out in your memory from those beginnings when Ausgang was forged?

[Matthew]: I’d been in a couple of bands before, one at school where we did a few gigs, including playing with Mark’s band The Solicitors, and then another band just as I left school which was a bit more like XTC. I saw an advert in a local record shop and rocked up at this hall in Castle Vale - not my neck of the woods so I felt a little out of place. Mark and his Girlfriend were there - very welcoming, and Cub - who was just very cool and looked like Paul Simonon from the Clash - a band I’d been in love with since I first saw them, and sounded like JJ Burnel form the Stranglers - another band I loved as the bass sounded like a lead guitar, like Joy Division - another huge band for me. I just plugged in and we made some noise. I loved the free form of writing songs like that and when we hit on something we liked we all knew we had something.

[Mark]: I remember that day vividly. At that time, as you say, it was just Jo, Cub and I - we hadn’t recruited a drummer yet, we were still using a drum machine left over from The Solicitors. We’d tried a few guitarists out, but they just didn’t hit the mark - they were very ordinary, run of the mill ‘rock’ guitarists. But when you showed up and started strangling these sounds from your guitar over the very early stages of what became Kabuki’s first songs, we three were looking at each other with open mouths, reading each other’s minds, thinking, “yeah, he’s the one!”

Jacob and Victor, as the new blood, what led you to join the ranks of Ausgang? And how does it feel to now belong to a band so revered in the post-punk scene?

[Jacob]: They are one of my favourite bands! Me and my mates, Brandon and Migs, went to see their comeback show at the Water Rats in Kings Cross in 2022 and we were blown to bits! We chatted to Mark after the show and stayed in touch from then on; we hung out at his van on my birthday a year later! Mark had known I’d been playing bass in Electric Cowboy Club and was always super supportive of the band, but it still came as a massive shock when he called me up and asked if I’d be interested in joining Ausgang. I mean, how often do you get asked to play in a band you love?! I thought it must have been some kinda joke or just an idea that wouldn’t materialise. Now it’s almost a year on and we’re recording the first album in 40 years after having played a show in Denver last September, I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of it all I still can’t quite believe it!

[Mark]: It's funny, because as soon as we knew we needed to look for a new bass player, Jacob immediately sprung to mind. Although I'd need seen him play live, I'd met him, really liked him and I'd seen plenty of social media videos of him playing with ECC -he could play, but also he looked the business! I just knew he'd be the man for the job if he accepted. When he did, and we had that first rehearsal, there was a tingle going down my spine that reminded me of the old days! And when I looked at Matthew and Victor, I knew that they were thinking the same thing - he's incredible!

[Victor]: I’ve known Mark for many years and one day, out of the blue, he contacted me to ask if I could recommend a drummer for Ausgang. I spoke to my wife, Natalie, who actually said: “you’re always giving these chances away”. And I do always really love to be able to give opportunities to other people but I thought, why not give it a go myself. And thank god I did because it’s just been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Travelling the world, playing all of these brilliant songs with brilliant musicians, and meeting some of the coolest crowd members has all been so inspiring. It’s like I’ve had a whole new perspective on life given to me and I’m so glad I took the chance.

And, what’s really funny – and I didn’t know this at the time – but Mark was actually hoping I would volunteer when he asked. So it was meant to be, I guess.

[Matthew]: Victor is a fantastic drummer - he can play anything - it’s so much fun playing with him. Jacob is the bass player I’ve wanted since cub left.

[Mark]: When we got Victor on board, of course I knew he was a great drummer because I've known him for a long time, but I didn't quite appreciate what he was going to bring to the Ausgang party until I introduced him to Matthew and we did a rehearsal with him. He just blew us away! He's introduced some very different rhythmic elements to our material that we couldn't have visualised before.

I have this idea, and I’ll let you be the judges if it’s a good one: Ausgang, of course, means “exit”. Now imagine this—everywhere you see an exit sign, it’s replaced by an audio setup, and every time someone leaves through it, an Ausgang track plays. Which track do you think would be perfect for that, or which one would you want playing?

[Mark]: I would choose a new track of ours called Grind Humankind, which will feature on our forthcoming album. I know you haven't heard it yet, but is a cool, driving number about how we'd like humanity to be wiped from the face of the Earth, leaving octupi to be the planet's dominant species.

[Matthew]: The opening guitar riff from Weight would be fun!

[Jacob]: My Hair cos that’s probably the first thing you’re guna notice when I walk through the door. One Helluva riff too! Technically a Kabuki song but oh well.

[Victor]: Sorry, this is probably a bit of a cliche but, for me, all of them. I really don’t have favourites at all in the set that we play. Obviously, She-Gang as a new track would be great.

Often in the world of music, links appear where you least expect them. If I were to say that there is a connection between Ausgang and the iconic video for Robert Miles’ nineties dance classic Children — I would have to turn to you, Matthew. Beyond being Ausgang’s guitarist, you also work as a director and creative video artist. Your impressive roster also includes names such as Primal Scream, Joan Jett, Stereo MC’s, Jesus Jones, Andrea Bocelli, and many more. Please tell us more about that: how did you first get started in this field, and what drives and inspires you as a visual creator?

[Matthew]: I was editing videos for this crazy Cuban director and messing around making things for myself. Our old manager, John Adkins, was managing a band called Loop and I made a video for them for free. That was seen by the singer for the soup dragons who asked me to make a video for their single I’m Free. That was a big hit and then I got signed to a production company in America owned by the director David Fincher. It was a crazy ride and I still make the odd video now - I just made a really cool video for our single She-Gang.

[Mark]: It's a great video, even though the song itself isn't really my kind of thing. Then again, a tune like that is entirely about context - it was probably never made for sitting down and listening or watching - it's totally made for experiencing in a club with hundreds of other people around bouncing up and down.

With each of you having your own role within Ausgang — whose work do you most admire? Which artists or bands have inspired you, both musically and personally?

[Mark]: So many to mention! In my early teens it would be the likes of Roxy Music, T-Rex and David Bowie, but with the advent of punk rock, my favourite UK bands were Adam & The Ants and Siouxsie & The Banshees. When I was exposed to the US origins of punk, I fell in love with the Velvet Underground, Richard Hell and Patti Smith. In terms of post-punk, the Gun Club and Birthday Party had a profound effect on me.

[Matthew]: I have very eclectic tastes. I was brought up by 2 musician parents, sang in choirs and played in orchestras - so lots of classical music. I just went to see David Byrne and it was one of the most beautiful shows I’ve ever seen!

[Jacob]: I love The Gun Club; Patricia Morrison was probably one of the coolest bassists to ever do it and so was Rob Graves the bass player she took over from! My dad introduced me to Dr John as a kid and that first album, Gris Gris, sounds like nothing else at all. Bone Orchard & Alien Sex Fiend are two bands I can listen to forever and the Morricone soaked new wave on those first few Wall of Voodoo records I’ll always have a soft spot for.

[Victor]: That would be a never ending list. Truly. I’ve always studied other drummers and I think it’s so important to listen to as many styles as possible. Playing with Ausgang has made me re-visit lots of bands that I first listened to in my early teens! So it’s been great to go back and listen to the likes of Adam and the Ants, Siouxsie, The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen (Pete De Freitas RIP) - they were all a massive influence back then. But I listen to all sorts in every genre and always have.

When I first found I was joining Ausgang, I went back and listened to hours of performances and all the music I could find. And then I also did a lot of background listening to goth punk new wave music I hadn’t heard before. It was really important to me that I was able to bring the history of the music into my playing. And then I could make a really informed decision on how I wanted to sound in the band.

Live performances are at the heart of Ausgang. Thinking about the stage and the thrill of playing together, what would be your top three favorite Ausgang tracks to perform live?

[Mark]: It can change from show to show, but I Am a Horse always goes down well, as does Lick and Your Role Is To Tease As You Roll In The Lens. Although, I suspect some of our new material, which we've yet to play live, is going to surprise people. Actually, we debuted She-Gang in Denver at the end of last year, and that went down really well - it's a real glam-stomper!

[Matthew]: I’m loving playing O Death - lots of light and shade. We are currently playing a new version of Hey Bed - an old Kabuki track - which is amazing - very intense.

[Jacob]: I’ve only played the one show so far but Your Role is to Tease is easily number one. Instantly loved that tune the first time I heard it. Followed by Sink into You, with Crawling the Walls in third! I get chills hearing Matthew’s guitar jangle while we wait storm in!

[Victor]: This literally always changes for me because obviously when we play live, it’s all about the atmosphere and how we give and take with each other. But right now, I’d have to say: Crawling the Walls, I am a Horse and Resurrection Man.

Staying on the topic of performing live, are there any moments from the stage that have stayed with you, that you look back on with particular fondness?

[Mark]: Sometimes it was how well we played (or not!), other times it was the location. For me personally, playing CBGB in NYC as a warm-up to playing the Drop Dead fest the next day at the Knitting Factory, was a Big Moment! I love New York and the fact that we were playing at, essentially the birthplace of punk rock, was a big deal. We've played NY twice since and both have been tremendous. But I also loved playing Berlin and LA too. We're so lucky that we get to see all these great places and meet such cool people.

[Matthew]: So many. Playing in America was always a dream - playing at the Bowery Ballroom was amazing - especially as 20 years before I’d made a video there with Joan Jett!

[Jacob]: Yeah! Being introduced as a member of Ausgang for the first time! I’m in the band!

[Victor]: I’ve just loved how we’ve been so well looked after at all our shows. A notable highlight was when we played A Murder of Crows festival in New York and my daughter was there which was such a moment. We absolutely smashed it that night! But seriously just all the organising that goes into these gigs is incredible.

Quick question, no time to think: what would you choose — an exclusive Ausgang performance at the notorious Death Star, with Darth Vader somewhere in the front of the audience, or performing in the Upside Down for an audience made up entirely of Demogorgons and Demobats?

[Mark]: Wow - both seem spectacularly scary prospects! All I know about the Upside Down world is peering over the shoulder of my girlfriend, Jackie, who is a big 'Stranger Things' fan - I doubt we'd get out alive. So I'm going to opt for the Death Star as I'm guessing that if Darth Vader is there, then Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke, the robots and the Wookie will be somewhere close by, so I'm sure they'd protect us...

[Matthew]: I choose Darth Vader!! We’d turn him from the dark side - he’d be pogoing by the end of the 1st song.

[Jacob]: Well I’ve never seen Stanger Things so I guess it’ll be the Death Star. I’m curious to see what’d be on the rider.

[Victor]: Performing at Death Star, g Darth is a big fan.

Exciting news: as recently put in a post on the band’s Facebook page, “The beast is almost upon us!” On March 1st, Mark, your long-awaited biography Ausgang: Scarred Lips finally hit the shelves — available both as an eBook and in print. Was it truly “a beast” to tame? With a band history like Ausgang’s, there is undoubtedly a great deal to tell, and I can imagine you often had to dig deep into your memory.

[Mark]: It was a beast in terms of how long it took to write - four years in total. But I enjoyed the process - very cathartic. I was actually surprised how well my memory served me. It's not perfect, but when I started writing and going through my archives, all the pieces started coming together. Of course I was helped by amazing contributions from fans of the band - both new and old. And I like it - I'm proud of it. I think it captures both the time that we created Ausgang and where we're at now.

[Matthew]: I’ve just finished the book. Loved it. Lots of stuff I couldn’t remember, plus all the early stuff of Mark’s childhood and going to see gigs at the same places I went to was fascinating.

While we’re speaking of beasts and books, I have to ask Matthew, Jacob and Victor: you’ve all experienced Mark’s words up close — in lyrics, in rehearsals, and now through his full-length biography. Is he as formidable with a pen as he is with a microphone?

[Matthew]: I think reading Mark’s book has actually opened my eyes far more to his lyrics. The back stories really help understand them.

[Jacob]: A wordsmith in every meaning of the term and his art speaks for itself!

[Victor]: Mark is just the most enthusiastic and passionate front person I’ve worked with and that definitely comes across in all different areas, including in the book. But, we’re all grateful when he’s writing because that keeps him nice and quiet for a bit!

[Mark]: Awww, thanks guys! I love you too! But seriously, I think this subject is interesting, because in our case - and I'm sure in most bands' cases (although I'm only guessing here) - I write all the lyrics (apart from any covers we may do) and Matthew, Victor and Jacob trust that I'm a) being as creative as I can be, and b) remaining righteous and not spouting any crap. Of course, they read the words and ask me what they're about and they are welcome to suggest a change or a subject, just like I can suggest changes or approaches to their music for a song. But I couldn't sing anybody else's lyrics (again, apart from covers), because, I guess I have a lyrical 'style' and an approach to performing that comes from a lifetime of reading, listening, watching, thinking and playing all of that out onstage.

And even more exciting news: the new single She-Gang, only just unearthed and featured on the Darkitalia compilation album Grave Disco, promoted as: “They’re stalking the planet, chewing up and spitting out the bones of hapless goth/punk males.” Sounds like a gang not to mess with. Enlighten us.

[Mark]: Ha! So, back in the day, there were a group of female fans that called themselves the 'She-Gang' and I can't actually remember whether we heard rumors of them getting together to form a female version of Ausgang, just covering our songs, or whether I made that up! Either way, I loved the idea and so decided to write a song about just that! There also seemed to be a period back then when it appeared that many of our female fans were about 10 feet tall and thus very imposing - I wrote a song about that too - Built With Lean Steel. I think those two songs are kind of connected and I feel safe in the knowledge that these Amazonian women will protect us if we ever get into any trouble...

[Matthew]: Think Mark has covered that answer!

With She-Gang in mind, are there personal rituals or habits you follow when preparing for writing or recording that help call forth your creativity? And looking ahead, might there be other projects or surprises fans can look forward to from Ausgang in the times to come, including the new album that was mentioned earlier?

[Mark]: I'm not a very ritualistic person - I like to just go in and do the thing. Although, I remember a time when we'd occasionally huddle together and scream bloody murder before going on stage, but I think most bands have done that, haven't they? It always felt a little forced to me. I'm sure it works for other bands, but I'm quite content with us all looking at each other and saying, "I'm ready. Are you ready? Ok, let's do it!"

In terms of forthcoming projects, there will be more shows, obviously, but we're also right in the middle of recording a brand new album, which will be out later this year. Ten new songs, including a collaboration with the amazing Suzi Sabotage. Talking of collaborations, I've also guested on Sandie Trash's forthcoming album, which is awesome, and we keep talking with WitchHands from Colorado Springs about releasing a split single, which if it pulls off, would be amazing!

In terms of writing lyrics, it’s pretty organic - a subject might just pop into my head - or a phrase or a couplet. Sometimes it’s been influenced by something I’ve read or seen or heard. Other times I’m just playing with words - how they look on paper or sound when read out loud. Sometimes my lyrics aren’t about anything at all - they can just be stream of consciousness babble. But I don’t ‘prepare’ for any of this as such.

The new album I’m really excited about - it’s a real collaboration between the 4 of us - it’s got so many elements to it that are exciting - right from the title to the cover art. Sorry - I’m not gonna divulge those at the moment, but man, they’re super-special!

[Matthew]: Trying to get all these new songs ready for release - lots of new ideas including a piano ballad...

[Victor]: The process of writing new songs and putting them together is just so cool with these guys. There isn’t any ego involved. Mark will come in with vocal ideas and then We all input the same amount, which is so rare for a band, and we just jam the ideas out until we’re happy with them. So I guess I don’t have my own ritual, I just look forward to bouncing ideas around with everyone and we all bring out the best in each other musically. As for new projects… I don’t think any of us intend to slow down soon.

[Jacob]: Get yourself up to Deadinburgh in July with John McKay’s Reactor & Ghost Dance + keep your ears and eyes peeled for the album!

Allow me to ask one last and imaginative question: after an overnight stay at a slightly chaotic, hilariously run hotel near the venue of your planned Ausgang UK performance, who would you rather have serve you breakfast — Basil Fawlty or Frank Spencer?

[Mark]: Ha ha! Brilliant! Ok, I'm going to go with Basil Fawlty because he'd surely be so jaw-droppingly rude that it seems too good an opportunity to miss! I think I'd like to act like a very difficult guest - see if I could rile him up a bit more - get him to REALLY come up with some bad behaviour. I'd be really relaxed about it though, because no matter how risky things got, I'd have my 'She-Gang' waiting in the hotel lobby, ready to leap into action should I need rescuing...

[Matthew]: Basil Fawlty hands down.

[Victor]: Basil for me. He’s chaos.

Alright, as we draw this conversation to a close, I sincerely want to thank you, Mark, Matthew, Jacob, and Victor, on behalf of Peek-A-Boo, for taking the time to do this interview — it’s truly been a pleasure. Before we let you each have a final word, let me just remark: the black liquid in the glass pitcher on the table is a brew I’ve concocted myself. Of course, if anyone is hesitant to try it, there’s also a selection of safer drinks available at the bar.

With that, the table is yours to speak — cheers, or should I say, to the night and all that is Ausgang.

[Mark]: Gimme that black liquid!

[Matthew]: I’ll wait 60 mins after Mark drinks the black liquid to see what happens and then decide.

[Victor]: Thank you very much. The black liquid is divine. You must let me have the recipe!

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Hayley CLX
28/03/2026