Soviet Sex

When I was about 15 years old VPRO broadcasted a doc about Punk in the Netherlands showcasing The Ex, poet Diana Ozon, comic artist Peter Pontiac, grafitti artist Dr. Rat and a Dutch band called Soviet Sex consisting of a group of painters. Of the latter band the doc fragmented a song which struck me immediatelly and I never forgot about it, searched for quiet some years and couldn’t find the lp of the band, which is sold out for years.

The singer of the band was visual artist Maarten van der Ploeg who died in 2004 at the early age of 46. Out of dedication his music clips appeared on YouTube and I refound the clip which was shown in the doc. The chorus is very Joy Division I recognised after reviewing. Besides Maarten the band consisted of his brother Rogier and the famous painter Peter Klashorst and another painter Bart Domburg. The band disbanded in the early 80s, because the members focused more on their painting carriers which received wide attention.

The brothers Van der Ploeg continued in the, in my opinion lesser intruiging, Blue Murder, although a few of the bands songs have a gentle link with the music of the Talking Heads. Also Astral Bodies and Interior were bands Van der Ploeg played in.

In the 90s Soviet Sex briefly reunited, this time with Ellen ten Damme added to the line-up. But that aera is not for me, although the naked press pic is challenging.

Here a short list of the best videos of these artists

Soviet Sex – Awake at Night link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=85zBb7The0k

Filmed in 1982 by maarten ploeg ,peter klashorst and rogier van der ploeg at dutch rietveld academy

Soviet Sex – Disco Bizar link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7PG_SZ7WNE

In 1982, first tv performance of THEA of later theo & thea fame ! shot in junkie cafe in amsterdam.

Soviet Sex – Talk to me link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uyj2KWn0tk

Track from the '50 jaar nederpop rare and obscure' cd. This is a music video made in 1981 for the release of their album 'Happy End". Go Fonos!

Blue Murder – Talk talk talk link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFEKWqhpQTE

BRT tv performance in program of Bart Peeters in 1986 as this single was a small hit in Holland and Belgium

Blue Murder – Stalking the Deerpark link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-CZfZ7Ed9s

Astral bodies – it can happen to you link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jXOf4IJaLE

Music video made in 1990 by bandmembers Maarten Ploeg, Ryu Tajiri, Maartje Jaquet, Noel Sies, Moniek van de Vall en Rogier van der Ploeg, together with Martin Grootenboer

Back to home

Back to the table of contents