Europeans (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Bristol , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Europeans emerged as a new wave group originating from Bristol, England, in 1977. The ensemble featured Jonathan Cole (previously with Colortapes) on vocals, guitar, and synthesizers; Jon Klein, formerly of Emergency Exit, handling lead guitar; Steve Street, who came from Public Enemy Number One, playing bass; and James Cole on drums. Klein recalled that the band initially contemplated adopting the name 'The Noses.'
Their track "Europeans" paired with "Voices," recorded under the guidance of David Lord at Crescent Studios in Bath, became the second release issued by Bristol’s Heartbeat Records. This exposure attracted Cherry Red Records, resulting in a licensing deal. Europeans also contributed the song "On the Continent" to Heartbeat's compilation album Avon Calling. The group dissolved in 1979 following Jonathan Cole’s solo contract with Rialto Records. Subsequently, Jon Klein relocated to London, co-founded Specimen, became active in the Batcave scene, and later joined Siouxsie and the Banshees, participating in three studio albums. Steve Street went on to play bass for Apartment and Interview before moving into roles as engineer and producer, collaborating with artists including Tears for Fears.
Despite having recorded enough material for a full album, it was not released until 2008 when Bristol Archive Records made available Take Me To The Continent as a digital download. This release was followed by Live 1978 – Bower Ashton College in 2009 and a demo compilation titled GBH Demos 1978.
Post break-up
- Jonathan Cole – After signing with Rialto Records, his single "Keys to my Car" remained unreleased.
- Jon Klein – established Specimen and subsequently recorded with Siouxsie & the Banshees.
- Steve Street – became bass guitarist for Apartment and later joined Interview. In 1978/79, he produced demos for The Pop Group and the Glaxo Babies. Street advanced into engineering and production for numerous Bristol-based groups featured on the Bristol Beat tape as well as bands like Essential Bop, Electric Guitars, The X-Certs, Vice Squad, and The Blue Aeroplanes. He also collaborated with artists such as Tears for Fears and currently works with Sugar Shack Records alongside its reissue label, Bristol Archive Records.
Albums
- Take Me to the Continent (2008, Bristol Archive, UK, Download, ARC002)
- Live 1978 – Bower Ashton College (2009, Bristol Archive, UK, Download, ARC095)
- GBH Demos 1978 (2009, Bristol Archive, UK, Download, ARC098)
Singles
- "Europeans"/"Voices" (1978, Heartbeat, UK, 7", PULSE 2)
- "Europeans"/"It Wasn't Me" (1979, Rialto, UK, 7", TREB-105)
Compilation appearances
- Labels Unlimited - The Second Record Collection (1979, Cherry Red, UK, LP, ARED 4)
- Avon Calling (1980, Heartbeat, UK, LP, HB 1)
- Avon Calling [Reissue + Unreleased Tracks and Heartbeat Singles Collection] (2005, Cherry Red, UK, CD, CDMRED292)
- I'll Give You My Heart I'll Give You My Heart - The Cherry Red Records Singles Collection 1978-1983 (2008, Cherry Red, UK, 8xCD, CRCD BOX 4)
See also
- List of bands originating from Bristol
- Bristol's cultural scene
- Heartbeat Records label
- Crescent Studios (Bristol)
- Avon Calling compilation
- Catalogue of Bristol-based record labels
External links
- Stream Europeans on last.fm
- [ Europeans profile at AllMusic]
- Europeans discography on Discogs.com
- Europeans information at BandsConnect.co.uk
- Europeans featured on Heartbeat Records
- Europeans details at Bristol Archive Records
- Europeans discography available at Bristol Archive Records
- Jon Klein’s Myspace page
- Specimen’s official Myspace page