The Lords of the New Church
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Stiv Bators, Brian James, Dave Tregunna, Nick Turner |
| Defunct | 1989 (initial breakup) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom / United States |
Area served | International |
Key people | Stiv Bators (vocals), Brian James (guitar), Dave Tregunna (bass), Nick Turner (drums) |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, singles |
Number of employees | 4 (original lineup) |
The Lords of the New Church emerged as a British-American rock supergroup formed in 1981, featuring vocalist Stiv Bators (formerly of The Dead Boys), guitarist Brian James (previously with The Damned), bassist Dave Tregunna (ex-Sham 69), and drummer Nick Turner (formerly of The Barracudas). Over the course of their career, they issued three studio albums and experienced multiple changes in their lineup before disbanding in 1989.
Their sound, characterized by a more melodic and refined approach compared to conventional punk, attracted a wider fanbase while causing some alienation among purist punk followers. The group established a unique tribal persona that strongly connected with their audience, representing a significant branding achievement within punk circles. Their live performances became notorious, notably due to Bators’ dramatic onstage antics, one of which resulted in his clinical death for several minutes.
From a commercial standpoint, their debut album climbed to No. 3 on the UK Indie Chart; the 1984 release The Method to Our Madness reached No. 158 on the US Billboard 200; and the 1985 compilation Killer Lords peaked at No. 22 on the UK Indie Chart. Key singles included "New Church" (No. 34 UK Indie), "Open Your Eyes" (No. 7 UK Indie; No. 27 US Mainstream Rock), "Dance with Me" (No. 85 UK Singles Chart), and their rendition of Madonna’s "Like a Virgin" (No. 22 UK Indie).
The band reunited between 2001 and 2003 and had a brief comeback in 2007 with original members James and Tregunna. In April 2023, they came together once more for a final show featuring former Hanoi Rocks vocalist Michael Monroe, organized by Vive Le Rock magazine at London's Shepherds Bush Empire. Drummer Terry Chimes substituted for Turner, except on the track "New Rose," which was performed by Rat Scabies, who had just honored James with the Pioneer Award.
Formation (1980–1981)
Stiv Bators and Brian James first crossed paths in 1977 when the Dead Boys supported the Damned during performances in New York and on an English tour. Maintaining their friendship, they contemplated collaborating after their respective bands dissolved. In 1980, Bators was invited to London to join British punk outfit Sham 69, who had recently parted ways with frontman Jimmy Pursey. Having previously met the band in Los Angeles and developed a good rapport, Bators seized the opportunity. James later described this period as the moment they could work together, rehearsing with Sham 69 while simultaneously crafting material that would form the basis of the Lords’ sound. The band was renamed the Wanderers, releasing a single album before breaking up in 1981, which freed Bators and James to concentrate on establishing their own group—a project already garnering interest from Miles Copeland, co-founder of I.R.S. Records.
They trialed several rhythm sections, rehearsing with bassists Tony James and Glen Matlock, alongside drummers Terry Chimes and Steve Nicol of Eddie and the Hot Rods. Although James acknowledged that the music had potential, the chemistry was not quite right. Subsequently, Bators recruited Wanderers bandmate Dave Tregunna and, with Rat Scabies from the Damned on drums, performed a one-time show in London as The Dead Damned Sham Band, playing songs from their previous bands along with cover tunes. Since Scabies remained dedicated to the Damned, they brought in Nick "Nicky" Turner from the Barracudas as a permanent drummer. Under the name the Things, they debuted live in Paris toward the end of 1981.
During discussions about a band name, Copeland proposed Lords of Discipline, inspired by a film script he had presented to Sting, another artist he managed. Although initially hesitant due to concerns about coinciding with the film’s release, the group favored the concept of “the Lords” and ultimately chose Lords of the New Church as their official name.
The I.R.S. period (1982–1985)
Following their contract with Copeland's I.R.S. Records, the Lords of the New Church took charge of producing their self-titled first album, which was released in July 1982. This record combined elements of punk, glam, garage, and gothic rock, with New Noise Magazine characterizing it as a "gritty blend of wiry guitars, gritty bass grooves, tribal drums, and dark keyboards." Keyboardist Matt Irving, who contributed to the recording, joined the band for the subsequent tour. The album received positive acclaim, reaching No. 3 on the UK Indie Chart. The single "Open Your Eyes" attained No. 7 on the UK Indie Chart, No. 34 in Canada, and No. 27 on the US Rock chart. Additional singles such as "New Church" and "Russian Roulette" also secured positions on the UK Indie Chart.
Their sophomore release, Is Nothing Sacred? (September 1983), expanded their sound by incorporating new wave, classic rock, and ska influences alongside synthesizers and horn arrangements. The band handled most production duties themselves except for the Todd Rundgren-produced track "Live for Today," which reached No. 91 in the UK. The album featured the single "Dance with Me," which peaked at No. 85 in the UK; however, its music video was removed from MTV due to erroneous allegations of pedophilia, thereby limiting its commercial reach.
The third album, The Method to Our Madness (1984), climbed to No. 158 on the US Billboard 200 chart; its single "M Style" reached No. 97 on the UK Singles Chart. Produced by Chris Tsangarides—renowned for his work with Thin Lizzy and Gary Moore—the album was remixed for its 1985 release in the United States. For touring purposes, Mark Taylor took over keyboard duties from Irving.
In early 1985, the group recorded a cover of Madonna's "Like a Virgin," which was issued as a single and attained No. 2 on the UK Indie Chart while receiving radio airplay. Despite this achievement, I.R.S. dropped them later that year but maintained management involvement. Two additional tracks—"Lord's Prayer," penned by T.V. Smith, and a rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Hey Tonight" produced by Steven Van Zandt—were included on the compilation Killer Lords released in late 1985.
Bassist Dave Tregunna became discontented with management and departed around year-end to join Andy McCoy's Cherry Bombz amid financial difficulties worsened by I.R.S.'s suspension of releases and canceled tours.
Final phase and breakup (1986–1989)
By early 1986, Grant Fleming (formerly of Kidz Next Door) replaced Tregunna on bass while second guitarist Alastair Symons (ex-The Dirty Strangers) was added to the lineup. Without a recording contract, the band devoted most of that year to touring across the United States and Europe. They contributed two tracks—"Good to Be Bad" and "Mind Warp"—to I.R.S.'s soundtrack for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. According to Bators, these songs were previously existing Lords compositions with lyrics adapted specifically for the film. Their manager secured this placement through industry contacts.
In 1987, German indie label Perfect Beat issued a re-recorded version of their 1983 single "Dance with Me," marking Symons’ final recording before his exit. The Vic Maile-produced Psycho Sex EP followed on French label Bondage International, accompanied by "Real Bad Time" as a standalone single.
At the close of 1987, Turner and Fleming left; they were succeeded by drummer Danny Fury and returning bassist Tregunna in 1988. The band continued performing throughout England and Europe for another year and a half. Illegal Records released a live album titled Live at the Spit in 1988, featuring recordings from their inaugural American tour in 1982. Perfect Beat issued two additional live albums: Scene of the Crime (recorded in Zürich in 1985) and Second Coming (captured in Germany in 1988). Additionally, a studio cover of The Creation’s "Making Time" was released as a single that same year.
The Lords dissolved when Bators terminated the band during an onstage announcement at their concert on 2 May 1989 at London’s Astoria venue. To address outstanding tax obligations, they had scheduled a spring 1989 tour; Bators initially declined participation due to injury but agreed to perform one show. Attempts to find a replacement vocalist for remaining dates proved unsuccessful. At the Astoria performance, Bators unexpectedly appeared wearing a T-shirt promoting their search for a substitute singer before dismissing his bandmates.
Bators passed away in 1990 after being hit by a vehicle in Paris. Reflecting later on their collaboration, James described their partnership as uniquely synergistic: "Stiv and I were phenomenal together... it was like pairing a master of riffs with a master lyricist."
Reunion Period (2001–2007)
In 2001, the group came back together featuring vocalist Steven "Skid" Marque, co-lead vocalist and guitarist Jez Miller, and drummer Ozzy joining original members James and Tregunna. This lineup produced the single "Believe it or Not," which was issued by NDN Records in 2002. That spring, they embarked on a European tour. Following the UK segment of the tour, Miller and Ozzy departed, making way for Adam Becvare (vocals/guitar) and Steve Murray (drums). This ensemble created the album Hang On in 2003, which was distributed exclusively at live performances without an official label backing.
In October 2007, James, Tregunna, Becvare, along with former touring keyboardist Mark Taylor reunited for a special one-time 25th anniversary concert held at London's 100 Club.
Band members
- Past members
- Stiv Bators – lead vocals (1981–1989)
- Brian James – guitar (1981–1989, 2001–2003, 2007, 2023)
- Dave Tregunna – bass guitar (1981–1985, 1988–1989, 2001–2003, 2007, 2023)
- Nick Turner – drums (1981–1987)
- Grant Fleming – bass guitar (1986–1987)
- Alastair Symons – guitar (1986–1987)
- Danny Fury – drums (1988–1989)
- Steven "Skid" Marque – vocals (2001–2003)
- Jez Miller – vocals and guitar (2001–2002)
- Ozzy – drums (2001–2002)
- Adam Becvare – vocals and guitar (2002–2003, 2007)
- Steve Murray – drums (2002–2003)
- Touring and session musicians
- Rat Scabies – drums (1981; single performance)
- Matt Irving – keyboards (1982–1984)
- Mark Taylor – keyboards (1984–1987, 2007)
- Michael Monroe – vocals (2023)
Studio albums
- The Lords of the New Church, 1982 (Illegal, I.R.S.)
- Is Nothing Sacred?, 1983 (I.R.S.)
- The Method to Our Madness, 1984 (I.R.S.)
- Hang On, 2003 (Independent)
Live albums
- Live at the Spit, 1988 (Illegal)
- Scene of the Crime, 1988 (Perfect Beat) (Germany)
- Second Coming, 1989 (Perfect Beat) (Germany)
- The Lords Prayers I, 2002 (NMC Music)
- Farewell Tour 1988, 2003 (Get Back) (Italy)
- Los Diablos, 2015 (Easy Action)
- Open Your Eyes, 2019 (Cleopatra)
Compilation albums
- Killer Lords, 1985 (Illegal, I.R.S.)
- The Anthology, 2000 (Remedy) (France)
- The Lords Prayers II, 2002 (NMC Music)
- Stories at Dusk, 2003 (Alchemy Entertainment)
- Rockers, 2007 (Easy Action)
- The Gospel Truth, 2012 (Easy Action)
Extended plays
- Psycho Sex, 1987 (Bondage International) (France)
- Believe it or Not, 2002 (NDN Records)
Singles
| Year | Single | UK |
UK-IN |
CAN |
US-MR |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | "New Church" | 34 | The Lords of the New Church | |||
| "Open Your Eyes" | 7 | 34 | 27 | |||
| "Russian Roulette" | 12 | |||||
| 1983 | "Live for Today" | 91 | Is Nothing Sacred? | |||
| "Dance with Me" | 85 | |||||
| 1984 | "M[urder] Style" | 97 | The Method to Our Madness | |||
| "Method to My Madness" | ||||||
| 1985 | "When the Blood Runs Cold (Special Remix)" | |||||
| "Like a Virgin" | 96 | 2 | "Killer Lords" | |||
| "Real Bad Time" | style="text-align:center; "| | | | |Psycho Sex EP | |||||
| "Dance with Me (1987 Version)" | style="text-align:center; "| | | | |Non-album single | |||||
| "Making Time" | style="text-align:center; "| | | | |Non-album single | |||||
| "Heaven Stepped Down" | style="text-align:center; "| | | | |Hang On |
Additional Contributions
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Soundtrack, 1986 (I.R.S.) – featured tracks: "Good to Be Bad" and "Mind Warp"