The La's
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Liverpool, England |
| Founder | Mike Badger |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The La's were a rock group originating from Liverpool, active mainly between 1983 and 1992. Led by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Lee Mavers, they gained widespread recognition for their popular track "There She Goes". The band was initially formed by Mike Badger in 1983, with Mavers joining a year later in 1984. While the lineup experienced numerous changes, the central members remained Mavers (vocals, guitar) and John Power (bass, backing vocals), supported by various guitarists and drummers such as Paul Hemmings, Peter "Cammy" Cammell, and Neil Mavers.
Following Badger's exit in late 1986, The La's secured a contract with Go! Discs in 1987 and commenced work on their debut album. They issued the singles "Way Out" (1987), "There She Goes" (1988), and "Timeless Melody" (1990). Despite several unsuccessful recording sessions with different producers, their first album, The La's, was released in 1990 to critical praise and modest commercial achievement. After John Power departed to establish Cast, the band entered a hiatus beginning in 1992. Although The La's briefly reunited during the mid-1990s, 2005, and 2011, no new material was produced.
1983–1986: Formation and initial phase
The La's came together in 1983; according to founding member Mike Badger, the band's name originated from a dream and is derived from the Scouse term for "lads" ("La'" being short for "lad"). Originally an arthouse/skiffle ensemble, they contributed several tracks to local compilations. In 1984, Lee Mavers joined as rhythm guitarist and quickly became the principal songwriter and frontman. The original bassist was Bernie Nolan, previously part of the Falcons and The Swampmen. John Power became a member in 1986 after meeting Badger during a local music course. Later that year, Badger left to form the Onset.
After performing multiple shows in 1986 and circulating demo tapes recorded at a Liverpool rehearsal space, the group attracted attention from record labels. A demo eventually reached Andy McDonald at Go Discs, resulting in several offers; the band ultimately signed with Go! Discs.
1987–1990: Signing and release of The La's album
Their debut single, "Way Out," produced by Gavin MacKillop, entered the UK top 100 in October 1987 and received acclaim from Morrissey of the Smiths, though it achieved limited commercial impact. The band developed a strong live following and drew comparisons to the Beatles due to their Liverpool origins, Merseybeat influences, and Mavers' lyrical style. Released in 1988, "There She Goes," accompanied by B-sides "Come in Come Out" and "Who Knows," garnered moderate radio play but did not chart highly. Its music video showcased scenes from Liverpool streets and was reissued several times, including a 1990 mix by Steve Lillywhite. In May 1989, after recording "Timeless Melody" with producer Jeremy Allom—who received positive reviews—the single was ultimately shelved because Mavers was unhappy with its production.
Over two years, The La's underwent numerous recording attempts for their debut album amid personnel shifts; only Mavers and Power remained consistent members. Several producers such as John Porter, John Leckie, and Mike Hedges were involved but their work was eventually discarded. By 1989, the lineup stabilized with Neil Mavers on drums and Peter "Cammy" Cammell handling lead guitar duties. Recording sessions took place at London's Eden Studios in December 1989 under producer Steve Lillywhite, known for his work with Simple Minds and U2. Although interviews conveyed optimism about these sessions, Mavers expressed dissatisfaction with the sound quality and rejected them outright. These Eden sessions marked their final recording attempt; mounting frustration over sonic issues combined with tensions involving Go! Discs—who had invested significantly—led to abandoning further work. Lillywhite assembled what material he had into the released album version, which Mavers criticized for relying on guide vocals and failing to capture their intended sound. In an October 1990 NME interview, Mavers stated he "hated" the album due to its flawed production.
Upon its release in 1990, The La's received critical acclaim, reached number 30 on UK charts, and achieved Silver status but experienced limited success internationally—peaking at number 196 on the Billboard 200 with sales under 50,000 copies in the United States. The album included re-recorded singles such as a remixed version of "There She Goes," which climbed to number 13 on UK singles charts and remains their most recognizable song. Additional singles like "Timeless Melody" and "Feelin'" also entered the top 40 charts. A short promotional tour followed release, featuring appearances on programs such as Top of the Pops.
1991–2003: John Power's exit and period of inactivity
In 1991, The La's concluded promotional tours across the UK, Europe, and the US, including various festival appearances. On 13 December 1991, bassist John Power departed the group, expressing dissatisfaction with the band's unchanged setlist since 1986; he subsequently established the band Cast. Following his exit, James Joyce took over bass duties for the remaining 1991 concerts and some shows in 1992. The band halted touring and rehearsals in 1992 but reunited intermittently throughout the 1990s and early 2000s with differing personnel.
Between 1994 and 1995, The La's briefly came together again to manage outstanding merchandise debts from their 1991 US tour. During this period, they supported artists such as Oasis, Paul Weller, and Dodgy. These performances featured a rotating lineup that included Lee Mavers alongside former members Barry Sutton, Lee Garnett, John "Boo" Byrne, James Joyce, Peter "Cammy" Cammell, and Neil Mavers.
In 1996, Mavers initiated recording sessions at The Arch studio in Kew, London—a facility owned by former The Damned drummer Rat Scabies. Initially working solo, the sessions later incorporated ex-the Stairs frontman Edgar Jones, Lee Garnett, and Neil Mavers. The recordings were interrupted due to moisture issues at the studio; however, Mavers and Summertyme continued rehearsing in Liverpool for approximately a year. After the dissolution of Go! Discs, Mavers' contract was transferred to PolyGram but expired by 1998. That same year, Mavers rehearsed with Liverpool’s unsigned band The Crescent, with unauthorized recordings from these sessions circulating online.
Toward the end of the 1990s, Mavers reestablished contact with founding member Mike Badger, resulting in two compilations of early demo material released by The Viper Label—Lost La's 1984–1986: Breakloose (1999) and Lost La's 1986–1987: Callin' All (2001). A Japan-exclusive compilation titled Singles Collection (2001) was issued by Universal Music Japan, encompassing all singles and B-sides from 1987 through 1991. In 2003, a biography titled In Search of The La's: A Secret Liverpool by MW Macefield was published, featuring interviews with key figures including Lee Mavers, John Power, Mike Badger, Paul Hemmings, Barry Sutton, Peter "Cammy" Cammell, and Neil Mavers.
2004–2011: Reunions
After reuniting with John Power, The La's reassembled in June 2005 with Lee Mavers on vocals and guitar, John Power handling bass and backing vocals, ex-Cracatilla frontman Jay Lewis on guitar, and Nick Miniski on drums. They played shows across England and Ireland before appearing at Japan’s Summer Sonic festival as well as the 2005 Glastonbury Festival and other UK festivals. Following three performances, Miniski was replaced by Jim "Jasper" Fearon—Mavers’ schoolmate and former bassist who had worked as a roadie. Their setlists predominantly reflected those from the late '80s, occasionally including encores with previously unreleased tracks such as "Gimme the Blues" and "Sorry." Speculation persisted that Mavers was still developing the band's long-awaited second album. In August 2006, John Power commented that Mavers remained engaged in refining "something majestic," although no release date had been established.
A compilation titled BBC in Session, featuring The La's live radio recordings, was issued on 18 September 2006. Two years later, a deluxe edition of The La's album was released containing the lost Mike Hedges sessions alongside alternate takes, live radio and TV performances, plus unreleased tracks including "I Am the Key" and a cover of Buddy Holly’s "That'll Be the Day." Additionally, Lost Tunes (2008) appeared as a digital-only EP comprising studio outtakes and alternate versions.
Introduced by Gary Murphy of The Bandits, Lee Mavers collaborated with Pete Doherty starting in 2008 and joined him onstage during Doherty’s 2009 tour. That same year saw Mavers performing live alongside musicians such as Drew McConnell and Jon McClure in London during April. Plans were revealed by Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek for The La's second album to be recorded with Babyshambles serving as the backing band and Drew McConnell joining on bass; however, this lineup never came to fruition and scheduled performances were canceled.
In 2010, Polydor released Callin' All, a comprehensive four-disc box set compiling singles, B-sides, studio outtakes, alternate versions, and live recordings from their tenure with Go! Discs.
In June 2011, Lee Mavers teamed up with Gary Murphy for an unannounced show in Manchester under the moniker Lee Rude & The Velcro Underpants. Subsequently, they revived The La's for a series of intimate "stripped back" concerts throughout the UK and Europe, including an appearance at France’s Rock en Seine festival in August 2011.
Musical style and legacy
Lee Mavers characterized their music as "rootsy" with a "raw and organic" quality, while AllMusic highlighted the band's straightforward, melodic, and acoustic-centered arrangements. Unlike late 1980s British groups such as the Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, who were associated with the Madchester movement, The La's carved out a distinct musical identity.
Their sound often draws parallels to Merseybeat and British rock from the 1960s, with frequent comparisons made to the Beatles. Founding member Mike Badger identified Captain Beefheart as a significant influence; the band’s inspirations also spanned artists like Bo Diddley, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Pitchfork placed The La's album at number 14 in their list of the 50 Best Britpop Albums. Noel Gallagher of Oasis included it among his top 13 favourite records. The La's have left a notable mark on bands such as the Courteeners, the Stone Roses, the Charlatans, the Libertines, and the 1975.
Post-La's activities
In 1992, bassist John Power founded the band Cast, which released four studio albums before disbanding in 2001. Early lineups also featured guitarists Barry Sutton and Peter Cammell. Cast reunited in 2010, and in 2016 Jay Lewis—who had performed with The La's in 2005—joined as bassist.
Mike Badger and Paul Hemmings worked together in the Onset and established The Viper Label, through which they issued early recordings by The La's.
During the mid-1990s, Neil Mavers became part of Liverpool-based Bullit, which included David McDonnell from the Sand Band.
In 1998, Peter Cammell teamed up with drummer Neil Mavers under the name Cami, managed by Rob Swerdlow, who had previously managed The La's and Cast. They recorded a nine-track album at Parr Street Studios in 1999 with Ken Nelson, later known for producing Coldplay. However, they parted ways before releasing it. These recordings reemerged in 2015 but required restoration before they could be played, with intentions for an eventual release.
Neil Mavers and Cammell briefly regrouped in 2002 alongside former La's guitarist Barry Sutton to form Heavy Lemon; they performed three shows before disbanding. In 2015, Cammell and Sutton reunited again in Beatnik Hurricane, performing multiple Liverpool residencies and a sold-out tour in Dublin.
Also in 2015, unreleased recordings by Cammell led to the creation of Cami & the Reverbs, managed by Chris Parkes, an associate of The La's. The lineup featured musicians from prominent Liverpool bands and played occasional shows locally, including supporting Rain and a festive event at The Zanzibar.
In 2018, the BBC comedy-drama There She Goes included a cover version of The La's song sharing its title.
Principal members
- Lee Mavers – guitar, lead vocals (1984–1992, 1994–1995, 2005, 2011)
- John Power – bass guitar, backing vocals (1986–1991, 2005)
- Peter "Cammy" Cammell – guitar, bass (1988, 1989–1992, 1994–1995)
- Neil Mavers – drums (1989–1992, 1994–1995)
Additional members
- Mike Badger – vocals, guitar (1983–1986)
- Sean Eddleston – guitar (1984)
- John "Timmo" Timson – drums (1984–1985, 1986–1987)
- Phil Butcher – bass guitar (1984)
- Jim "Jasper" Fearon – bass and drums (1985, 2005)
- Bernie Nolan – bass guitar (1985–1986)
- Tony Clarke – drums (1985–1986)
- Paul Rhodes – drums (1986)
- Barry Walsh – drums (1986)
- Paul Hemmings – guitar (1987)
- Mark Birchall – drums (1987)
- Iain Templeton – drums (1988; deceased 2022)
- John "Boo" Byrne – guitar (1988, 1995)
- Chris Sharrock – drums (1988–1989)
- Barry Sutton – guitar (1988–1989, 1991)
- James Joyce – bass guitar (1991–1992, 1994)
- Lee Garnett – guitar (1994–1995)
- Jay Lewis – guitar (2005)
- Nick Miniski – drums (2005)
- Gary Murphy – bass guitar (2011)
Timeline
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Studio album
| Album title | Release information | Highest chart rankings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | US | ||
| The La's | 30 | 196 | |
Compilation albums
- Lost La's 1984–1986: Breakloose (1999)
- Singles Collection (2001)
- Lost La's 1986–1987: Callin' All (2001)
- BBC in Session (2006)
- Lost Tunes (2008)
- De Freitas Sessions '87 (2010)
- Callin' All (2010)
- There she goes: the collection (2015)
- The La's 1986-1987 (2017)
- The La's Live (1986–1987) (2021)
Singles
| Single title | Year released | Highest chart positions | Certifications | Associated album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | NLD | US | US Alt. | ||||
| "Way Out" | 1987 | 86 | — | — | — | The La's | |
| "There She Goes" | 1988 | 59 | — | — | — |
| |
| "Timeless Melody" | 1990 | 57 | — | — | 12 | ||
| "There She Goes" (re-release) | 13 | 57 | 49 | 2 | |||
| "[[Feelin'|FeelinTemplate:'-]]" | 1991 | 43 | — | — | — | ||
Other appearances
- A Secret Liverpool (1984) – track "I Don't Like Hanging Around"
- Elegance, Charm and Deadly Danger (1985) – tracks "My Girl (Sits Like a Reindeer)" and "Sweet 35"
- Unearthed: Liverpool Cult Classics, Vol. 1 (2001) – track "Don't Lock Me Out"
- Lo-Fi Acoustic Excursions (2004) – track "Cool Water"
- Lo-Fi Electric Excursions (2006) – tracks "Midnight Shift", "Painting Dub", and "Space Rocketry"
Additional resources
Related links
- the-las.com (discussion forum)
- The La's official VEVO channel