Ritual

Ritual was a Goth (Positive) punk band from Harrow in North West London, started in 1979 and were one of the first goth punk bands, but never got the same recognition as Sex Gang Children or Southern Death Cult. Prior to the 7″, Ritual released a six track demo tape. They also recorded tracks for an LP called “Songs For A Dead King” but was never released. This LP was released on tape however.
The band fell apart as drummer Ray Mondo and guitar player Jamie Stewart were asked to join Death Cult. Ray Mondo later switched the drummer seat with Nigel Preston (ex-Theatre of Hate) to play in the last line up of the (early) Sex Gang Children. Vocalist Errol Blythe and bass player Mark Bond joined Spon (ex-UK Decay) to form In Excelsis. Steve Pankhurst was the fifth member, playing sax.
==Links to Peel==
Ritual played their first gig at the Windsor Castle in Harrow Road in September 1981. Shortly afterwards they were given the honour of performing on John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show. The sessions were recorded on 7 December 1981 (consisting of "Playtime", "Mind Disease", "Human Sacrifice" and "Brides") at Maida Vale 4 and later broadcast on 14 December 1981.
After receiving national exposure on BBC Radio 1 the band spent the majority of 1982 gigging around London playing some of the more infamous punk and post-punk venues in support of groups like Sex Gang Children. By mid-year the band had signed with Dave Kitson's independent Red Flame Records and on 6 October 1982 released the seven-inch single "Mind Disease". More London touring followed in support of the release and the band found themselves headlining gigs as well as supporting groups like UK Decay.
==Sessions==
1. Recorded: 1981-12-07. First Broadcast: 14 December 1981. Repeated: 19 January 1982
*Playtime / Mind Disease / Human Sacrifice / Brides
==Other Shows Played==
;thumb|220x220px1982
*06 October 1982 (BFBS): Mind Disease (7") Red Flame
;1983
*10 March 1983: Conscript (12" EP - Kangaroo Court) Red Flame
*16 March 1983 (BFBS): Conscript (12" - Kangaroo Court) Red Flame 
*04 April 1983 (BBC World Service): Conscript (12" EP - Kangaroo Court) Red Flame 
==External Links==
*The Audio DB
*Discogs
Category:Artists