Easterhouse (band)
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Easterhouse was were a British rock group from the mid- to late-1980s known for jangly guitars and leftist political leanings.
Contents |
[edit] Personnel
[edit] Original line-up
- Andy Perry - vocals, harmonica
- Ivor Perry - guitar
- Peter Vanden - bass guitar
- Gary Rostock - drums
- Mike Murray - rhythm guitar
[edit] Other members
- Dave Verner - drums
- Steve Lovell - guitar
- Lance Sabin - guitar
- Neil Taylor - guitar
[edit] History
Named after a working-class area of Glasgow[1], Easterhouse was formed in Stretford, Manchester by brothers Andy and Ivor Perry, Peter Vanden, Gary Rostock and Michael Murray in the early 1980's [2]. Andy Perry, intrigued by communism and inspired by Bob Marley's direct delivery of political content, was invited to join the band in order to improve its lyrical content [3]. Easterhouse played their first gig on 30 August, 1983 at Dingwalls in London as the support band for The Smiths after Ivor Perry convinced Morrissey to let them have the opening spot [4] [5]. Their Rough Trade singles "Whistling In The Dark" and "Inspiration" were both Top 5 independent chart hits. Their energetic first album, Contenders, has been compared to The Chameleons, New Model Army, and The Smiths[6][7].
After Contenders, Ivor Perry left the band over differences with his brother to form The Cradle with Rostock and Craig Gannon of The Smiths [8][9][10]. By the time the over-produced Waiting for the Redbird was released in 1989, Andy Perry was the sole member of the original line-up. In 1987, Ivor Perry was briefly considered to replace Johnny Marr after Marr left The Smiths [11][12] [13] [14], and has been reported having recorded an early version of "Bengali in Platforms" that later appeared on Morrissey's first album, Viva Hate[15].
In 2005 the band got back together for a one off gig. Andy Rourke (ex-bassist, The Smiths) played with them.
[edit] Discography
- In Our Own Hands EP (UK London) 1985
- Contenders (Rough Trade/Columbia) 1986
- Inspiration EP (UK Rough Trade) 1986
- Waiting for the Redbird (Rough Trade/Columbia) 1989
