Fay Ray (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 in Bangor, Wales |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Bangor , Wales, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Fay Ray was a Welsh new wave ensemble active between 1979 and 1982, originating from Bangor, Wales. Contrary to popular belief, their band name did not derive from photographer William Wegman’s canine.
The group was signed by producer Nigel Gray to his Surrey Sounds label, releasing the single "Family Affairs" in 1980. Although it received critical praise—being selected as one of three "records of the week" by Lynden Barber in Melody Maker, alongside songs by the Teardrop Explodes and the Passions—the limited distribution capabilities of Surrey Sound restricted its commercial reach. Nevertheless, this recognition caught the attention of Fred Hyam from Elektra Records. Following discussions at the 1981 MIDEM festival, Fay Ray secured a contract with WEA.
In 1982, their first album Contact You, produced by Gray, was launched, preceded by the single "(Waiting for the) Heatwave". The band created two music videos for "Heatwave" and "Modern Lovers". That same year, they performed live sessions at BBC Television Centre, highlighting their activity across UK and European scenes.
While enjoying some commercial traction in the United States and Europe—including a feature on Germany's Musikladen—Contact You did not achieve strong sales within the UK. After WEA dropped the group, a completed second album was never released, leading to their eventual breakup.
Interest rekindled through online platforms led to a remastered CD reissue of Contact You in 2018, which included five additional tracks and updated sleeve notes.
On 23 March 2022, guitarist John Lovering died following a prolonged illness.
Band members
- Sheila Macartney – lead vocals, guitar, organ, tambourine
- John Lovering – guitar
- Jeff Taylor – saxophone, accordion, flute, backing vocals
- Tony Travis – bass, backing vocals
- Owen Hughes – drums