Formed in Surrey in 1976 by Ray and Martin, they pulled in the other band members by putting on  an all day, turn up and try out, audition via an advert in Melody Maker.

After a few months of writing and rehearsals they hit the punk circuit taking in a gig at the famous Roxy Club in London on the 26th of May, 1977 followed by a number of dates at the Vortex in Wardour Street, on the 16th of August supporting The Adverts, 13th of September supporting the Doctors Of Madness, before being asked to perform at the recording of the "Live At The Vortex" album on the 11th of October.

However, the live recording came with strings attached and on the night they were expected to sign a publishing deal, the band refused and although they played the gig, their set was not recorded.

After the fallout at the Vortex, they switched back to playing the Roxy club with two nights (22nd  & 23rd December) supporting Sham 69 as 1977 drew to a close.

1978 started with another high profile gig again supporting the "Next Big Thing" Sham 69 at the "Centre Halls" in Woking.

With the band changing to a four piece after Ray left, they continued with further live shows around London at venues such as the Marquee Club before being snapped up by Epic records in February, 1978.

A single, the much sought after, "Action Replay" (backed by "Mass Media Meditation"), was quickly recorded, released on 21st April 1978, it appears, just as quickly forgotten about by Epic as "A" label demos are easier to find than stock copies.

The band thought things would now take off, but sadly they didn't and they suffered through lack of funds and promotion the way most new bands did back in the punk days. It was as if most major labels wanted to snap bands up so their rivals couldn't get their hands on them, the result was most bands became tied up in red tape and bullshit and eventually broke up. Which, after playing what was to be their final gig at the Music Machine on the 15th of May, is what happened to Masterswitch in June, 1978.

Joe Public 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above Gig date is from Tuesday 1st March 1977 at 'The Golden Lion', Fulham Road, London, SW6 The above gig ad for the "Speakeasy" appeared in the "NME" on 2nd April 1977 The above Gig date is for Saturday 9th July 1977 at the 'Brecknock', Camden Road, London, NW1 and appeared in Melody Maker on 9th July 1977.

The above Gig date is from Saturday 26th March 1977 at the 'Marquee', London supporting 'Scarecrow'. The above Gig date is from Monday 2nd May 1977 at the 'Music Machine', London supporting 'Ultravox'. The above Gig date is for Thursday 25th August 1977 at the 'Brecknock', Camden Road, London, NW1.

 

The above Gig date is for Saturday 9th July 1977 at the 'Marquee', London, N1. supporting 'Stateline. The band must of had two gigs in one night!

The above Gig date is for Tuesday 16th August 1977 at the 'Vortex', London, W1. for 'The Adverts', 'Steel Pulse', 'Masterswitch' & 'The Outsiders'.

The above Gig dates for the "Roxy Club" appeared in "Sounds" on 24th December 1977.

 

 

 

The above Gig dates for the "Vortex" is from Tuesday 14th September 1977. The date is printed wrong as the two dates printed were Monday 12th September & Tuesday 13th September.