Radio Heart (band)
| Company type | Musical project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Hugh Nicholson, David Nicholson |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Radio Heart was a musical endeavor initiated by Scottish siblings Hugh and David Nicholson, previously members of Blue, and is primarily recognized for their 1987 partnership with Gary Numan.
History
The project Radio Heart was launched by Hugh and David Nicholson as a platform to present compositions penned by Hugh. Gary Numan became involved through their brother Matt Nicholson, who was part of the management team at Numan's label, Numa Records. In 1986, as Numa Records was approaching closure, Matt proposed that Numan lend his vocals to the track titled "Radio Heart." After the Nicholsons completed the instrumental backing and Ade Orange contributed keyboard elements, Numan recorded the vocal parts. Issued in March 1987 under the name 'Radio Heart featuring Gary Numan,' the single climbed to number 35 on the UK Singles Chart in April. This was followed by two additional singles with Numan's vocals: "London Times," which reached number 48 in June, and "All Across the Nation," peaking at number 81 in November 1987.
Following the release of "London Times," the Nicholsons suggested creating a full-length album with Numan. Although he evaluated their material, Numan opted not to participate beyond the three previously recorded songs. The Radio Heart album debuted in January 1988, showcasing Hugh Nicholson as lead vocalist on the remaining tracks. Of particular note, Elton John contributed keyboard performances on two songs: "Strange Thing" and "The Victim." The album’s packaging prominently highlighted the involvement of both Numan and John without their authorization, which resulted in legal complications and ultimately led to its withdrawal from sale.
In 1993, the Nicholsons collaborated again with Numan to produce Hugh Nicholson’s "Like a Refugee (I Won't Cry)." After hearing a demo backstage at Birmingham Town Hall, Numan recorded vocals the following day. Released under 'Numan & Dadadang,' this single reached number 78 on the UK charts in May 1994 and was accompanied by a music video filmed in Bergamo, featuring the Da Da Dang marching band.
A compilation album titled 1987-1994, released in 1999 under Nicholson/Numan, assembled Radio Heart singles alongside "Like a Refugee (I Won't Cry)" plus various remixes and demo versions. In 2018, Demon Music Group reissued the Radio Heart album as a double vinyl LP that included additional bonus tracks.
On 18 February 2024, "Radio Heart," credited solely to Gary Numan, entered Mike Read's Heritage Chart at position 35, eventually reaching number one for two consecutive weeks and maintaining a presence on the chart for ten weeks.
Discography
Albums
- Radio Heart (1988)
Compilations
- 1987-1994 (as Nicholson/Numan) (1999)
Singles
- "Radio Heart" (1987)
- "London Times" (1987)
- "All Across the Nation" (1987)