The Apollinaires
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Leicester , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music singles: "The Feeling's Gone", "Envy the Love", "Put People First" |
The Apollinaires were a British ensemble blending 2 Tone and post-punk styles, originating from Leicester, England, and affiliated with 2 Tone Records.
History
Originating in Leicester, the group initially consisted of six members drawn from various local bands and students attending the Leicester School of Art. Among them, four musicians had formerly played in an industrial outfit named I Y A Volkswagens, which issued a single titled "Kill Myself" under Rough Trade Records. Following that band's dissolution, these members regrouped as The Volkswagens, transitioning from a post-punk sound toward a more dance-driven style while incorporating horn players from The Swinging Laurels.
In 1982, the band signed with Coventry-based 2 Tone Records, adopted the name The Apollinaires, and expanded their lineup to ten by integrating an internal horn section. Their debut single, "The Feeling's Gone," was produced alongside Jerry Dammers and included vocal contributions from Rhoda Dakar of The Bodysnatchers.
They embarked on extensive tours across the UK, sharing stages with groups such as The Higsons and The Beat, performed live in France, recorded sessions for BBC Radio 1 broadcasters John Peel and Kid Jensen, and released a follow-up single titled "Envy the Love." Their television appearances included Channel 4's The Switch, and in 1983 they issued a third single, "Put People First," on an independent label based in Birmingham. Ultimately, logistical difficulties managing their large ensemble led to the band's breakup.
Personnel
- Paul Tickle – Vocals
- Tom Brown – Guitar
- Francis Brown – Guitar (passed away 17 March 2010)
- Kraig Thornber – Drums
- James Hunt – Bass
- Simon Kirk – Percussion
- Peter Millen – Alto Saxophone (later established a design firm in New York City)
- Laurence Wood – Tenor Saxophone
- Paul Hood – Trombone
- Chris Freestone – Trumpet
- Stephen Leonard-Williams – Flute
Singles
- "The Feeling's Gone" (2 Tone Records, 1982; produced by Jerry Dammers)
- "Envy the Love" (2 Tone Records, 1982; produced by Warne Livesey)
- "Put People First/Theme from Put People First" (B.F.W. / T.U.R.C., 1983; produced by Jo King)