Easterhouse (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Ivor Perry, Andy Perry |
| Headquarters | Stretford , England |
| Products | Indie rock music |
Easterhouse was an English indie rock group primarily active during the mid to late 1980s, distinguished by their jangly guitar sound and pronounced left-wing political ideology.
History
Originating from Stretford, near Manchester, the band was founded by Ivor Perry and Andy Perry. Their name was inspired by the Easterhouse district in Glasgow. Drawing heavily on communist principles and influenced by Bob Marley's straightforward political lyrics, Andy Perry joined to strengthen the band's politically charged songwriting, particularly reflecting perspectives aligned with the Revolutionary Communist Party, with a focus on Irish political issues. Early in their career, they gained exposure by opening for The Smiths at London's Dingwalls on 30 August 1983, a gig arranged through Ivor Perry's connection to Morrissey.
Easterhouse released singles such as "Whistling in the Dark" and "Inspiration" under Rough Trade, both of which secured positions within the Top 5 of the UK Indie Chart. Their first album, Contenders, which included the standout track "1969," invited comparisons to peers like The Chameleons, New Model Army, and The Smiths. The band also took part in the significant Festival of the Tenth Summer held in July 1986.
After the release of Contenders, Ivor Perry left the group, making Andy Perry the only remaining original member by the time their second album, Waiting for the Redbird (1989), was issued. This album featured "Come Out Fighting," a track that attracted considerable radio play in the United States and was later remixed by Justin Strauss.
In 2005, Easterhouse briefly reformed for a special performance that included Andy Rourke, formerly of The Smiths.
Post-band activities
Following the band's dissolution, Ivor Perry collaborated with Gary Rostock and Craig Gannon, known for his work with The Smiths, to establish The Cradle. In 1987, their single "It's Too High" climbed to number 12 on the indie charts. However, activity slowed when Johnny Marr departed from The Smiths. Perry was considered as a potential replacement for Marr and proceeded to record new tracks, including an early rendition of "Bengali in Platforms". This track was originally planned as a B-side to "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" but eventually appeared on Morrissey's debut album, Viva Hate. Perry sensed that these sessions were attempts to replicate Marr's distinctive style, which contributed to their discontinuation. He later reformed The Cradle with vocalist Craig Davies, but after Davies secured a solo deal with Rough Trade Records, the remaining members were released from their contracts. The band persisted with a different lead singer thereafter.
Subsequently, Perry contributed to Third Wave's Arabian Sugar project featured on the Freak Beats Compilation. His involvement with Parchman, signed to XL/Citybeat, included an appearance on SNUB TV in 1991; the band's albums were digitally reissued by Beggars Banquet in 2013. Currently, Perry fronts bigflower, an instrumental rock ensemble with a contemporary sound.
Gary Rostock performed drums on Buzzcocks member Steve Diggle's 2000 release Some Reality. He later moved to the Czech Republic where he produces electronic ambient and electronica genres.
Original line-up
- Andy Perry – vocals, harmonica
- Ivor Perry – guitar
- Peter Vanden – bass guitar
- Gary Rostock – drums
- Mike Murray – rhythm guitar
Additional members
- Dave Verner – drums
- Steve Lovell – guitar
- Lance Sabin – guitar
- Neil Taylor – guitar
Third formation
- Sean Keaney – drums
- Richard Duddle – guitar
- Mike Murray – guitar
- Drew Smith – bass guitar
Albums
- Contenders (1986), Rough Trade – UK Albums Chart #91, UK Indie Chart #3
- Waiting for the Redbird (1989), Rough Trade/Columbia – UK Indie Chart #18
Singles and EPs
- In Our Own Hands EP (1985), London Records – UK Indie Chart #13
- "Whistling in the Dark" (1986), Rough Trade/Columbia – UK Indie Chart #2
- "Inspiration" (1986), Rough Trade – UK Indie Chart #5
- "Come Out Fighting" (1989), Rough Trade/Columbia – UK Indie Chart #18; Australia #66; US Billboard #82; US Modern Rock Tracks #5
- "You're Gonna Miss It (When It's Gone)" (1989), Rough Trade