The Escape (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Alan Griffiths, Emil, Stuart Morgan |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Bristol , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Escape was a new wave group originating from Bristol, England, established in 1981 by Alan Griffiths (vocals and guitar) and Emil (drums), both formerly of Apartment, alongside bassist Stuart Morgan.
Their debut release was a single titled "NoGo" / "I'll Pretend to Kill You" in 1982, issued independently through their own Volatile Records label. Early the following year, they secured a contract with Phonogram Records and subsequently released two additional singles. Toward the end of 1983, The Escape toured as a supporting act for Tears for Fears, featuring an expanded lineup with guest keyboardist and backing vocalist Nicky Holland, guitarist Pat Tedd, and drummer Peter Evans. Despite these developments, mainstream success remained out of reach, leading to the band's dissolution in late 1984. Afterward, Holland and Griffiths joined Tears for Fears on their 1985 The Big Chair world tour and played key roles in the band's subsequent projects—Holland co-authored much of the 1989 album The Seeds of Love, while Griffiths contributed as co-writer and co-producer on Elemental (1993), Raoul and the Kings of Spain (1995), and Roland Orzabal's solo work Tomcats Screaming Outside released in 2001.
Stuart Morgan transitioned into a career as a bass technician for U2.
In 2008, Bristol Archive Records issued a compilation album by The Escape entitled Is Nothing Sacred, available on CD and digital platforms.
Alan Griffiths passed away on 23 March 2017 following a short battle with cancer. A tribute penned by Dave Massey appeared in The Guardian.
A live album capturing performances from 1982, titled Live in 1982, was posthumously released in 2018 through BristolArchiveRecords.com. This collection was curated and produced by Massey from his personal archives and included liner notes reflecting on his experiences collaborating with the band.
Albums
- Is Nothing Sacred (2008), Bristol Archive Records (digital/CD)
- Live in 1982 (2018), Bristol Archive Records (CD/digital)
Singles
- "NoGo" / "I'll Pretend to Kill You" (1982), Volatile Records
- "Amsterdam" / "Girl in the Phone Box" (1983), Phonogram Records
- "Russian Lady" / "Freezer" (1984), Phonogram Records