Breeding Ground (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario , Canada |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
Number of employees | 4–6 (members varied) |
Breeding Ground was an alternative rock group originating from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, active throughout the 1980s. The band was established in 1981 by lead vocalist John Shirreff and guitarist Hugh Gladish, who were the only consistent members, alongside original bassist Jonathan Strayer.
Formation
Before issuing their initial EP, Breeding Ground, in November 1982 through Mannequin Records, the band played more than 40 shows within Toronto's Queen Street West music scene. This four-track EP was produced by Paul Tozer, their live sound engineer, who also produced their first two EPs.
Soon after the EP's release, they served as the opening act for Bauhaus on December 4, 1982, at Larry's Hideaway in Toronto. The group was rapidly likened to Joy Division and the British cold-wave genre. Managed by longtime associate David Hart—who additionally managed their stage lighting—Breeding Ground maintained a strong foothold in Toronto venues such as Lee's Palace by 1986.
Their sophomore 12" single, "Reunion/Slaughter" (1983), was recorded at Quest Studio in Oshawa and came out in October 1983. Jonathan Davies, previously with Kinetic Ideals, had joined as drummer three months earlier replacing Ken Jones and took part in production efforts. This single gained airplay on CFNY radio in Toronto.
Davies was eventually replaced by Kevin Hunter, who stayed with the band until it disbanded in 1990. In late 1986, Strayer exited the group, prompting a short pause in their activities.
Studio albums
Three years following the release of Reunion/Slaughter, the band returned to the studio during late winter of 1985 to record their third release under Fringe Product. Tales of Adventure was launched on April 25, 1986, featuring notable tracks such as "This Time Tomorrow" and "Happy Now I Know", which included guest vocals from Molly Johnson. Music videos for these songs were directed by Colin Strayer. A year later, after Strayer’s departure, the band briefly went on hiatus before regrouping with Gary Quinn on bass for their next album, Obscurity & Flair. Shortly thereafter, Chris Wardman joined as an additional guitarist. Quinn contributed both lyrics and slide guitar on the track "Live Like Fear".
Local and national success
The band had opportunities to open for prominent acts including The Stranglers in April 1983 and Echo and the Bunnymen during their Ontario tour in March 1984.
Following Tales of Adventure, Breeding Ground enjoyed increased national radio play and consistent rotation on Canadian music television channel MuchMusic. They achieved number one status on college and university music charts—a milestone for an independent Canadian band. In 1989, the lineup of Shirreff, Gladish, Quinn, and Hunter recorded Obscurity & Flair, featuring songwriting input from Wardman prior to his official addition to live performances. The album delivered the hit "Ceremony of Love", again featuring Johnson’s vocals. A third video was produced but saw limited broadcast due to its somber mood. Keyboardist Tad Winklarz from Chalk Circle contributed saxophone parts on "Bells Descend".
In March 1990, Gladish and Shirreff chose to conclude this second era of Breeding Ground.
Discography
Throughout their nine-year career, Breeding Ground produced two full-length albums, two extended plays, a compilation of greatest hits on CD, and three music videos.
| Release date | Title | Label | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Breeding Ground 12" EP | Mannequin Records | Self-titled debut release; played a key role in building their reputation and increasing club performance opportunities. Featured original drummer Ken Jones and gained some traction on college radio stations. |
| 1983 | Reunion/Slaughter 12" EP | Fringe Product | Lead single for their forthcoming album Tales of Adventure; included in the album's second pressing. In 1983, assistant producer Jonathan Davies took over drumming duties from Ken Jones. |
| 1986 | Tales of Adventure | Fringe Product | Their first full album, which was positively received and strengthened their standing within Toronto's club circuit. Produced by Chris Wardman of Blue Peter. Featured guest vocals by Molly Johnson, contributing to its ranking at No. 60 on CFNY Radio’s top albums of 1986. |
| 1989 | Obscurity & Flair | Fringe Product | Second studio album; marked the debut of Gary Quinn on bass and slide guitar. |
| 1994 | Revisited | Fringe Product | Compilation CD of greatest hits released after the band had disbanded. |