Little Villains + Support

Little Villains play loud, hard and heavy, combining the influences of bands like AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Sex Pistols and The Stranglers to create a rock / metal groove, infused with punk.

Their latest album, Battle of Britain, was re-relased on Sliptrick Records in January 2023. They are touring the UK and Europe in March to promote the release of the record.

Little Villains formed after Philthy Animal Taylor (Motörhead) and James Alexander Childs (Airbus / Avon) met in a goods return line at Fry’s Electronics in LA in 2005. Owen Street (Vails) completed the line-up, playing bass at early recording sessions.

The group worked on many recordings at Phil’s place, James’s studio and Unit A studio in Palm Springs. James and Phil worked on and off on their recordings up until 2010. They’d discussed recording more, but Phil became ill and returned to England where he had more of a personal support system. Sadly, Phil died in 2015.

Little Villains’ first album, Philthy Lies, was released on Heavy Psyche Sounds Records in 2019 with the blessing of Phil’s family. Chris Fielden (Airbus) joined the band, playing drums on tour. Owen Childs, James’s nephew, also joined, playing guitar.

“The band features a heavy and hard rock ‘n’ roll sound, with fast-paced beats and riffs with a Motörhead feel. This album has a classic sound to it, with an old school, raw production. If you were or are a fan of Motörhead, I’d totally check Little Villains out.” Metal Temple review by Jared Lacks

“The music is heavy, raw, and showcases the sheer genius playing style that Taylor was known for. There are plenty of catchy rocking tunes. It has an unpolished sound that has not been over produced. The spirit and legend of Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor lives on in Little Villains. This is surely one that any Motörhead fan will want to have. Honest to goodness rock ‘n roll.” Metal Rules review by John Haseltine

The second album, Taylor Made, was released on Cleopatra Records in 2020, again featuring Phil on drums and James on guitar and vocals. Alan Davey (Hawkwind) played bass on the album. Chris Fielden and Owen Childs feature on backing vocals and guitar.

“I found the music catchy, energetic, melodic, hard rockin’, vibrant and diverse, with a modern groove. Lots of character within the song structures. There, the musicianship is thrilling. Good solid vibe, great production, excellent song writing and fabulous vocals throughout.” Fireworks Magazine review by Nicky Baldrain

Early in 2020, Little Villains recorded their third album, Achtung Minen, at The Stujo in LA. All the songs were written and recorded by James Childs, Owen Childs and Chris Fielden. The album received positive reviews and radio play throughout the UK, Europe and the US. It was released on Spira Records in November 2020.

“Achtung Minen bludgeons you with riffs, it’s brilliant. It’s my featured album of the month. Highly, highly recommended – it’s just a great album, a great bit of metal, great fun.” The Druids Dozen review by Jon Wisbey, DJ of The Sunday Rock Show on BCFM Radio and The Rock Druid Show on Astro Radio

“A rebel rousing 15-track rock monster that seems set to conquer the metal universe… it’s rock ‘n’ roll infused metal with a strong focus on groove. Bassist James Childs also sings and his vocals sound uncannily like Frank Turner while guitarist Owen Childs is busy mining his instrument for incendiary riffs and drummer Chris Fielden sets about nailing his kit to the studio floor… the future belongs to the Little Villains.” Pulse-Alternative Magazine review by Alex Novak

Little Villains had planned to tour the Taylor Made album in 2020, but COVID-19 meant all their gigs had to be cancelled. Late in 2021 the band started gigging again.

15th September 2022 saw the release of their fourth studio album titled Battle of Britain. The songs on the album are performed by James Childs, Owen Childs and Chris Fielden, with guest appearances by Nick Davidge and Simon Hedges of Airbus. The album has been well received and played on radio stations all over the world.

“War, what is it good for? Influencing pit-worthy hard rock hits such as Spitfire from the UK’s loudest and heaviest outfit, Little Villains. Their Machiavellian nature is exhibited in all of its frenetic glory in the instrumentally Motorhead-esque release, taken from their fourth studio album, BATTLE OF BRITAIN. Spitfire is a rarity in its ability to offer the classic raw rock ‘n’ roll production while enticing you with the fresh innovation exhibited by each member of the powerhouse. Even the staunchest hard rock fans won’t be able to eye roll to having heard this all before with the catchy cataclysmic furore in Spitfire, which compels you to catch it live.” A&R Factory review, by Amelia Vandergast

“It’s an album that takes you back to a time when raw power counted for more than polished production. It deserves to be played loud. The tracks are short, fast and with a Punk-tinged hue. The two aircraft themed songs that bookend the album work best. ‘Messerschmitt’ with its marching intro and effects conjures up images of the German war machine’s most effective fighter whilst ‘Spitfire’ genuinely emits the heart of old school Motörhead, with its high tempo riffs and manic drumming pushing everything along at pace.” Ever Metal, written by Paul Hutchings

“Slightly punky emphasis. Anthemic vocals. Classic, Motorhead-esque. Pleasantly surprised by its range and true potential. Standout track, ‘Spitfire’ - a really fun track, with a powerful atmosphere, taking that Motörhead influence to the top.” Rock Queen Reviews, written by Jenny Tate

“Years go by but the essence of the Little Villains remains the same. The recording made at the Stujo in Los Angeles seems in many ways to have been made live. There is a hint of Motörhead in this work – in the initial ‘Messerschmitt’ and the final ‘Spitfire’. It is also possible to find a high punk component. I propose listening to ‘Butcher Bird’, a ‘modernized’ seventies style piece – I would dare to call it grunge, decadent and acid. An even more marked influence can be found in the excellent ‘The Last’. Here Hawkwind are related to Monster Magnet and give rise to a legitimate son named Lords Of Altamont. If to be happy you just need to stamp your foot and be transported by the rhythm of the wide-ranging rock, ‘Battle Of Britain’ could be for you.” All Around Metal, written by Corrado Franceschini

“Like Motörhead, Little Villains go back in time for inspiration, with songs that appear to have a basis in both 50's rock n roll, 60's rock and garage rock, each given a booming fuzzed out makeover transforming them into dirty and punchy creations of a similar nature to much of the material Motörhead was well known for crafting. We also get a few songs where it seems that early days Iron Maiden have been just as inspirational, and classic era UK punk. This will be an album that should be rather satisfying for many who enjoyed the exploits of Motörhead through the decades, as well as those who enjoy bands that pull in elements from hard rock, punk and heavy metal, and toss the various ingredients around a bit.” Viking in the Wilderness, written by Olav M. Björnsen

“LITTLE VILLAINS are loud, hard and heavy. That can be clearly confirmed. The guys around MOTÖRHEAD drummer Philip Taylor stand for exactly these three qualities. They are not only loud, hard and heavy but also rough and raw like an unpolished jewel. The Brits pack quite a punch with their fourth album, roughly an intersection of AC/DC, IRON MAIDEN, a lot of MOTÖRHEAD and a cheeky punk or glam influence.” My Revelations, written by Helmut Ballerstaller

Due to the album’s success on radio and with reviewers, Battle of Britain was re-released on Sliptrick Records in January 2023. Little Villains are currently recording a new album and plan to release it during 2023.

Little Villains are:

James Childs – vocals / bass | Owen Childs – guitar / backing vocals | Chris Fielden – drums / backing vocals