Berlin Blondes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Glasgow, Scotland |
| Founder | Steven Bonomi, Robert Farrell, David Rudden, Jim Spender |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Glasgow , Scotland |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Berlin Blondes emerged from Glasgow in 1978 as a new wave and synth-pop ensemble, issuing an album under the EMI label in 1980.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Kraftwerk, Roxy Music, and David Bowie's Berlin-era work, they cultivated a dedicated local audience through their fashionable live performances, sharing stages with bands like Simple Minds and headlining venues including Glasgow's Mars Bar. Ross Middleton, founder of Positive Noise, commended the band in Sounds.
History
The founding members consisted of Steven Bonomi (vocals), Robert Farrell (guitar and synthesizer), David Rudden (bass), and Jim Spender (keyboards and synthesizers). Their musical approach featured a drum machine, highlighting a "Futurist/New Musik" aesthetic. In January 1980, they recorded their self-titled album—originally named Building on the Sand—at Rock City studios in Shepperton. Prior to the album’s release, Rudden departed due to "artistic differences" and was temporarily succeeded by Russell Barrie, followed by Nick Clark from Cuban Heels, who is credited on the record despite Rudden performing on it. Rudden subsequently went on to establish Endgames.
The single "Science"/"Manikin" was launched in early 1980; notably, "Manikin" served as an instrumental adaptation of "Mannequin," influenced by Kraftwerk's "Showroom Dummies". Later that year in September, the Mike Thorne-produced album Berlin Blondes was released alongside the single "Framework"/"Zero Song". Despite initial hopes, commercial performance was underwhelming, resulting in their contract termination with EMI. Trouser Press later characterized the album as an "undistinguished, danceable hybrid synth/bass/drums" project with vocals occasionally reminiscent of Sparks. Bonomi’s vocal delivery aligned more closely with Bryan Ferry and early Cockney Rebel rather than Russell Mael. Supporters often felt the album did not fully represent the vitality of their live acts; Robert Farrell remarked that audiences were "not ready for it," considering it among the pioneering 'Futurist/New Musik' recordings.
Their last formation included drummer Brian Miller and bassist Alasdair Gowans. This lineup released the single "Marseille"/"The Poet" through independent label Scratch Records in 1981 before disbanding.
Post break-up careers
- Steven Bonomi transitioned into a successful career as an acclaimed chef and restaurateur based in Glasgow.
- Robert Farrell maintained his involvement in music, performing with The Wedding and residing in North London.
- Jim Spender (also known as McKinven) joined Altered Images, participated in Dove/One Dove projects, and continues to live in Glasgow.
- David Rudden remains musically active and has expanded into collaborative art ventures presented on his "World of Found" website.
Album
- Berlin Blondes (LP, EMI EMC-3346, September 1980)
Singles
- "Science"/"Manikin" (7", EMI EMI-5031, 1980)
- "Framework"/"Zero Song" (Instrumental Mix) (7", EMI EMI-5147, 1980; 12", EMI 12-EMI-5147, 1980)
- "Marseille"/"The Poet" (7", Scratch Records SCR-005, 1981)