Flesh for Lulu
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Brixton, London, England |
| Defunct | 1992; 2015 (final disbandment) |
| Headquarters | Brixton, London , England |
Area served | United Kingdom, United States |
Key people | Nick Marsh, Rocco Barker, James Mitchell, Glen Bishop, Kevin Mills, Del Strangefish |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
| Website | www |
Flesh for Lulu was a rock group originating from Brixton, London, active initially between 1982 and 1992, and later reassembled with a refreshed lineup from 2013 until 2015. Beginning their career within the post-punk movement, their musical style gradually expanded to embrace elements of pop music, country and western, rhythm and blues, and blues.
History
The band was established by Nick Marsh (vocals and guitar) alongside James Mitchell (drums). They soon welcomed Rocco Barker (guitar and vocals), formerly of Wasted Youth (British Band), and bassist Glen Bishop, choosing their name inspired by an American movie. Following a well-received session with John Peel, they secured a contract with Polydor Records in 1983. Shortly thereafter, Bishop departed and was succeeded by Kevin Mills, previously with Specimen (band).
Their initial EP, "Roman Candle," achieved notable success; however, after their debut album did not meet commercial expectations, Polydor ended their contract.
In 1985, Flesh for Lulu signed with Hybrid Records and released the mini LP Blue Sisters Swing, produced by Craig Leon. The record’s provocative cover art—depicting two nuns kissing—provoked bans across both the US and European markets. Later that year, Statik Records issued the album Big Fun City.
By 1986, the group had joined the roster of Beggars Banquet Records. Their song "I Go Crazy" was featured in the soundtrack of the film Some Kind of Wonderful and received airplay on US college radio stations, which helped support their American tour.
In 1989, "Decline and Fall" climbed into the top 15 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The subsequent year brought "Time and Space," penned by new recruit Del Strangefish (formerly of Peter and the Test Tube Babies), which became their most significant US single, reaching the top 10 on the Modern Rock chart despite not charting elsewhere in America. After being dropped by Capitol Records and failing to secure a deal with Hollywood Records, the band ultimately dissolved, with Nick Marsh attributing this to creative differences.
The track "Postcards from Paradise" was later interpreted by Paul Westerberg as an unlisted bonus on his 2002 album Stereo, as well as by the Goo Goo Dolls on a deluxe edition of their 2010 release Something for the Rest of Us.
Gigantic
In 1996, Nick Marsh and Rocco Barker formed a new ensemble named Gigantic, enlisting Dave Blair on bass and Al Fletcher on drums. Signed to Columbia Records, they toured alongside the Goo Goo Dolls and British band Bush. Despite their efforts, their debut album failed to achieve commercial success, leading to the group's disbandment in 1998.
Following Gigantic’s end, Nick Marsh pursued a solo career and joined Urban Voodoo Machine, known for its bourbon-infused gypsy bop style. Meanwhile, Rocco Barker collaborated with reggae/jungle artist General Levy and producer Dr. Cat (Luca Gatti) in The Space Police.
In 2007, Corporate Risk reissued Gigantic’s only album from 1996 under the Flesh for Lulu name as Gigantic. The 1997 single "Phenomenal" was released separately and was not part of the original album.
Rocco Barker also appeared on the Channel 4 program A Place in Spain: Costa Chaos in 2008.
Reformation and passing of Nick Marsh
In 2013, Flesh for Lulu was revived by Nick Marsh with a refreshed ensemble consisting of Marsh himself on vocals and guitar, Mark Bishop handling drums, Keith McAndrew on bass, and Will Crewdson playing guitar.
Nick Marsh passed away on 5 June 2015 at the age of 53 after battling cancer.
Studio albums
- Flesh for Lulu (1984, Polydor)
- Big Fun City (1985, Statik)
- Long Live the New Flesh (1987, Beggars Banquet UK, Capitol US)
- Plastic Fantastic (1989, Beggars Banquet UK, Capitol US)
- Gigantic (2007) (Reissue of Gigantic’s 1996 album Disenchanted under the Flesh for Lulu name)
- The Best of Flesh for Lulu [Re-Recorded] (2009, Corporate-Risk Products)
Extended plays
- Roman Candle (1983, Polydor)
- Blue Sisters Swing (1985, Hybrid)
- Idol (1986, Beggars Banquet)
Live album
- Fresh Flesh (1986, Dojo)
Singles
- "Roman Candle" (1983, Polydor)
- "Subterraneans" (1984, Polydor)
- "Restless" (1984, Polydor)
- "Baby Hurricane" (1985, Statik)
- "Idol" (1986, Beggars Banquet)
- "I Go Crazy" (1987, Beggars Banquet)
- "Siamese Twist" (1987, Beggars Banquet)
- "Postcards from Paradise" (1987, Beggars Banquet)
- "Decline and Fall" (1989, Beggars Banquet) – reached #15 on Billboard Modern Rock
- "Time and Space" (1990, Beggars Banquet) – reached #9 on Billboard Modern Rock
- "Every Little Word" (1990 Promo, Capitol)
- "She Was" (1991 Promo, MCA)
- "Cold Flame/Big Love" (2007, Corporate-Risk Products)
Compilation appearances
- Nintendo: White Knuckle Scorin' (1991) featuring "She Was"
Soundtrack contributions
- Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) with "I Go Crazy"
- Uncle Buck (1989) featuring "Slide" and "Slowdown" (film only)
- Flashback (1990) including "Next Time (I'll Dream of You)"
- The Next Karate Kid (1994) with "Mystic Trader" (film only)
External links
- English gothic rock groups
- Musical groups established in 1982
- Musical groups disestablished in 1992
- English pop rock music groups
- English post-punk music groups
- Musical groups reestablished in 2013
- Musical groups disestablished in 2015
- 1982 establishments in England
- Beggars Banquet Records artists
- Capitol Records artists
- Musical groups from the London Borough of Lambeth