Brighton legends Joe Average return with “Panic Buttons,” their first official release in 35 years.
Brighton-based electronic pioneers Joe Average have returned after more than three decades of silence, releasing their brand-new track “Panic Buttons” on July 8, 2025. A powerful mix of vintage rave and contemporary production, the track marks the band’s first official release since the early ’90s—and one they never thought would happen.
Formed in the 1980s under the name Joshua Cry’s Wolf, the group—Rich, Mad Mick, and Prof—were fixtures of London’s early rave scene, performing at legendary venues like Hammersmith Palais and Hippodrome. Their cult underground track “Infinity (Time for the Guru)” left a lasting impression, driven by Mick’s standout saxophone and Rich’s thunderous live drumming.
But after frontman Josh shifted to solo production, the band went dormant. That is, until a chance meeting on Friday the 13th of October 2023, exactly 34 years after their final show. “It was like the universe was telling us to finish what we started,” Rich recalls. That moment sparked the hunt to reconnect with Prof—found, fatefully, wearing the same rave top from 1989.
The comeback single “Panic Buttons” is rich with nostalgic elements: Prof’s melodic synth lines, Mick’s signature sax, and live drums produced by Rich. Adding a modern twist is rising vocalist Faber, whose edgy performance injects new energy into their classic formula.
Rich’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After a motorcycle accident ended his drumming career, he channeled creativity into founding a global motorbike exhaust brand. But the passion for music remained. With “Panic Buttons”, Joe Average return not only to the scene—but to their roots.
