In a dim, crowded pub on England’s industrial fringe, it isn’t church bells that ring out—it’s the battered crash of cymbals and the anarchic hooks of pop-punk, delivered with messianic zeal. This is the mission field of Peter Field, now known by his Polish name Peter Szczepanski, founder of Peter118. Once a mainstay of the secular punk band Senseless, praised by Kerrang! and Rock Sound, Peter’s story is one of rebellion and redemption. His path—from Stoke-on-Trent clubs to airplay on Japan’s Inter FM and the California punk underground—isn’t about walking away from punk, but reimagining its possibilities. What happens when a punk gives his life to Christ but doesn’t leave the scene? The answer is Peter118: a band formed to bring the Gospel where church seldom reaches, armed with three chords and raw conviction.
The Punk Bedrock: Senseless
For nearly a decade, Peter fronted Senseless—tearing up the English underground with DIY grit and enough attitude to draw tastemaker attention.
The Turn: Encountering Faith
Everything changed in 2005. Peter didn’t quit the scene; he redirected punk’s energy toward a more radical aim—the Christian gospel.
Inception: Ambassadors Of Shalom
Post-conversion, he formed Ambassadors Of Shalom, a hardcore-tinged punk act with a clear mission. The band signed to a US label and debuted in 2014 with Abdicate Self.
Peter118: Genesis of a Solo Mission
From Punk to Psalm
In 2014 Peter launched Peter118—a nod to Psalm 118 (“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man”), making the stage a space for faith rather than fame.
The Breakthrough: “Radio”
“Radio” arrived as a brisk, punchy earworm—spun in the UK, Japan and the US—establishing the blueprint: melody, momentum and gospel-centred lyrics.
Expanding the Band
By 2015, Janine (bass, vocals) joined, followed by drummer Sam Critchley; in 2017, guitarist/vocalist Alisha Hope Palmer completed the lineup. The project became a family on a mission.
Key Releases
- Radio (single, 2014)
- Make It or Break It (EP, 2015)
- Need You More (EP, ~2016)
- In Stereo (split EP with No Lost Cause, 2017)
- Anthology & Live In LA (compilation + live, 2018)
- New singles (2023): “Rolling Stone”, “Thinking of You”
Venues, Vision, and Evangelism
Clubs, skateparks, and dingy pubs: the band plays where church seldom goes—evangelism straight from the speakers, not the pulpit.
Musical Style and Lyrical Focus
Melodic punk with shades of Green Day, Rancid, The Clash and Blink-182. Lyrics centre on transformation, community and hope. “Wasting” shows a rawer edge than the pop of “Radio”.
Band Members
- Peter Szczepanski (Field) — guitars, vocals
- Janine Szczepanski — bass, vocals
- Sam Critchley — drums
- Alisha Hope Palmer — guitars, vocals
- Andrew Derbidge — bass (early lineup)
FAQ
What does the name “Peter118” mean?
A reference to Psalm 118—trusting God above human strength.
Is it still “real” punk?
Yes—energy, DIY and honesty remain; the message is redirected.
Where should I start?
Begin with “Radio” for melody; try “Wasting” and “In Stereo” for a rawer spark.
Where can I follow the band?
See the platform buttons below for streaming and social updates.