Deaf School

Deaf School

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	January 1974
Headquarters	Liverpool , England, United Kingdom
Products	Music albums, singles, live performances

Deaf School is a British band from Liverpool specializing in art rock and new wave, established in January 1974.

Overview

From 1976 to 1978, Deaf School produced three albums under the Warner Brothers label. Their initial release showcased an art rock style infused with cabaret influences, whereas their subsequent albums embraced a more intense punk rock approach. The group has significantly impacted British musicians; notably, Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson attributed them with rejuvenating Liverpool’s musical scene for a new generation. Paul Du Noyer, the founder of Mojo, remarked: "In Liverpool's entire musical legacy, two bands stand out above all others: The Beatles and Deaf School."

Virtually every member went on to build notable careers, especially guitarist Clive Langer, who became a renowned producer for bands like Madness and Dexys Midnight Runners, both of whom have cited Deaf School as an inspiration. Langer also collaborated with Elvis Costello to co-write the track "Shipbuilding".

History

Deaf School originated from students and faculty at Liverpool Art College, taking their name from their rehearsal space—a former school for the deaf converted into a college annex. Initially formed to perform at the college’s 1973 Christmas dance, the early lineup was large and informal. Lead singer Enrico Cadillac Jnr recalled that anyone interested was welcome to join, resulting in approximately thirteen members performing simultaneously. After winning the Melody Maker rock and folk competition, they secured a contract with Warner Brothers when A&R executive Derek Taylor—formerly The Beatles’ publicist—observed their rehearsals.

Although the lineup was later reduced, their live performances remained vibrant and unpredictable, characterized by eclectic costumes, varied instrumentation, and strong elements of performance art. Their first album, 2nd Honeymoon, released in August 1976, featured nine official members: vocalists Bette Bright, Enrico Cadillac Jnr, Eric Shark; guitarists Clive Langer and Paul Pilnick; keyboardist Rev. Max Ripple; saxophonist Ian Richie; bassist Steve "Mr. Average" Lindsey; and drummer Tim Whittaker. Although Pilnick departed during recording, he retained credit on the album.

The debut received limited attention as punk rock was gaining momentum, contrasting with Deaf School’s eclectic sound. Their following albums, Don’t Stop The World (1977) and English Boys/Working Girls (1978), embraced a more forceful style. Despite Warner Brothers’ promotional efforts and strong live shows, chart success was elusive. In 1977, their first two albums were repackaged for American audiences accompanied by US tour dates but failed to achieve commercial breakthrough. They parted ways with Warner Brothers in 1978 to explore individual pursuits.

After disbandment, members continued their involvement in music. Vocalist Bette Bright led The Illuminations and married Suggs from Madness. Clive Langer established himself as a leading producer collaborating with acts such as Madness, Morrissey, David Bowie, Dexys Midnight Runners, and Bush. Bassist Steve Lindsey founded The Planets and appeared on Top of the Pops with the single "Lines". Enrico Cadillac Jnr (aka Steve Allen) formed Original Mirrors alongside Ian Broudie before pursuing a solo career and serving as A&R at Warner Bros. Records from 1993 to 2004. Ian Ritchie became an accomplished composer and producer while Eric Shark launched the Probe Plus label.

In 1988 most original members reunited for live performances; one concert was recorded and released as the live album 2nd Coming, produced by Langer and Wheatley. This reformed lineup expanded to ten musicians including newcomers Reeves Gabrels, Gary Barnacle, Lee Thompson (Madness), and Martin Hughes. However, Ian Ritchie, Tim Whittaker, and Paul Pilnick did not participate. Nick Lowe supported these shows.

Drummer Tim Whittaker passed away in 1996. In May 2006 the band reassembled again without Pilnick for several concerts culminating in a sold-out show in Liverpool. The following year they performed at multiple UK venues such as The Dublin Castle (Camden), Manchester Academy, Liverpool Carling Academy, and London's Indigo2 during Madness’s aftershow party. Suggs publicly acknowledged Deaf School’s influence on Madness. In September 2009 they returned to London for another gig followed by four sold-out concerts in Liverpool plus an appearance at The Hope Street Festival. Their three studio albums were remastered and reissued through Cherry Red's Lemon label.

With former Crackout drummer Nicholas Millard joining them, they held 'The Deaf School Xmas Bash' at London's 100 Club and Liverpool O2 Academy in December 2009 — marking their first year since the 1970s with ten live performances.

Band member Thomas Sam Davis (Eric Shark) died in January 2010 due to lung disease. Tribute concerts held in April featured guests including Suggs, Ian Broudie, and Kevin Rowland. That year also saw the release of "The Survivor Song", co-written by Shark.

In early 2011 Deaf School announced 'The Listen & Learn Tour', covering major UK cities including London’s The Garage before concluding with two concerts in Tokyo. They released a mini-album titled Enrico & Bette xx, consisting of five new tracks.

They delivered emotionally resonant 'Goodbye to the Everyman' performances during the theatre’s refurbishment closure in Liverpool and appeared at Port Eliot festival in July 2011.

To commemorate their 40th anniversary in October 2013, Liverpool University Press published Paul Du Noyer’s history titled Deaf School: the Non-Stop Pop Art Punk Rock Party.

In 2013 Gregg Braden became their permanent drummer. Their album Launderette was issued in Japan on 27 May 2015 via Hyabusa Landings featuring seven new songs alongside live recordings from New Brighton plus a bonus track from 1987 with Eric Shark on vocals.

December 2017 saw the release of Let's Do This Again Next Week, their first full-length album of new material in nearly four decades. Due to commitments touring with Roger Waters, Ian Ritchie did not participate in recording sessions; the lineup included Braden, Bright, Cadillac, Langer, Lindsey, and Ripple. A supporting tour featured all seven members.

Early guitarist Paul Pilnick passed away in 2021.

In November 2022 Deaf School reunited at London's 100 Club followed by shows in Brighton and Liverpool featuring all surviving original members alongside Gregg Braden on drums. This formation continued performing into 2023 with plans scheduled for November 2024. Additionally, members Langer, Braden, and Ripple perform as The Clang Group with a new LP released and dates announced for February 2025.

Band members

• Bette Bright (Anne Martin) – lead vocals
• Enrico Cadillac Jnr (Steve Allen) – lead vocals
• Eric Shark (Thomas John "Sam" Davis; 1950–2010) – lead vocals
• Ian Ritchie – woodwind instruments
• Max Ripple (John Wood) – keyboardist
• Cliff Hanger (Clive Langer) – guitarist
• Steve "Average" Lindsey – bass guitar
• Tim Whittaker (1952–1996) – drummer
• Gregg Braden – drums (2013 to present)

Albums

• 1976: 2nd Honeymoon (peaked at AUS #63)
• 1977: Don't Stop the World
• 1978: English Boys/Working Girls
• 2011: Enrico & Bette xx
• 2015: Launderette
• 2017: Let's Do This Again Next Week

Live album

• 1988: 2nd Coming: Liverpool '88

Compilation albums

• 2003: What a Way to End It All: The Anthology
• 2021: Parigi My Dear

Singles

• 1976: "What a Way to End It All"/"Nearly Moonlit Night Motel" (AUS chart position #72)
• 1977: "Taxi"/"Last Night"
• 1978: "All Queued Up"/"Golden Showers"
• 1978: "Thunder and Lightning"/"Working Girls"
• 2011: "The Survivor Song"
• 2017: "Bed & Breakfast"/"Loving You"

External links

• Official MySpace page
• Complete discography