Jump to content

The Mission (band)

From Alfawiki
The Mission
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1986
FounderWayne Hussey, Craig Adams
Headquarters
United Kingdom
ProductsStudio albums, live recordings, compilations

The Mission—referred to as the Mission UK within the United States—is a British gothic rock ensemble established in 1986. The band was initiated by lead vocalist Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams, both formerly members of the Sisters of Mercy. Shortly after formation, they incorporated drummer Mick Brown (formerly of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry) and guitarist Simon Hinkler (previously with Artery and Pulp). Aside from Hussey, the group's lineup has undergone numerous changes, including two intervals of inactivity.[1][2]

Their catalog features ten studio albums: God's Own Medicine (1986), Children (1988), Carved in Sand (1990), Masque (1992), Neverland (1995), Blue (1996), Aura (2001), God Is a Bullet (2007), The Brightest Light (2013), and Another Fall from Grace (2016). Their releases are complemented by several live recordings and compilations.[3]

Formation

After an unsuccessful recording session with Andrew Eldritch in 1985, Hussey and Adams parted ways with the Sisters of Mercy. Settling in Leeds, they began crafting new songs during the autumn months and brought in drummer Mick Brown (Red Lorry Yellow Lorry) to replace drum machines. By the end of that year, Brown had become a full-time member.[4] To finalize their touring lineup, guitarist and keyboardist Simon Hinkler (Artery, Pulp) was added. Initially adopting the name "the Sisterhood" as a tribute to their past association, rehearsals commenced in January 1986. This name attracted media interest, increasing their visibility. Their first live appearance took place on 20 January 1986 at Alice in Wonderland, London.[5]

While supporting the Cult on a European tour, Eldritch released a single under the Sisterhood moniker. Upon returning to the UK, Hinkler was briefly removed but reinstated for three concerts where the band introduced their new identity: the Mission. Despite Hussey and Adams being contractually bound to WEA, their manager Tony Perrin arranged for their material to be released.[6] In May, during the Expedition I European tour, the EP I (also known as Serpents Kiss) was issued via Chapter 22 label. Two months later came EP II (featuring "Like a Hurricane/Garden of Delight"), supported by festival performances culminating at the Reading Festival.[7]

Crusade

In July 1986, Hussey and Adams terminated their contract with WEA and secured a seven-album agreement with Phonogram. Their debut album, God's Own Medicine, was produced within six weeks by Tim Palmer, who had previously worked with Hussey during his time with Dead or Alive. The single "III" ("Stay with Me") was released in October ahead of the album’s November launch. Subsequently, the band embarked on a three-month World Crusade I tour across the UK and Europe, building a loyal fanbase known as 'Eskimos'. They also made television appearances in Britain and recorded sessions for BBC radio. The single "IV" ("Wasteland") achieved a peak position of No. 11 in January 1987.

During World Crusade II in North America—where they performed under the name 'the Mission UK'—the band played 41 shows amid struggles with substance abuse. This period included bassist Craig Adams collapsing in Los Angeles and temporarily stepping away from the group. Sound technician Pete Turner filled in for one performance before Chris Bocast took over for the remainder of the tour, which featured opening slots for the Psychedelic Furs. In March 1987, they released the single "V" ("Severina"), which included guest vocals by Julianne Regan. Adams returned for European festival dates and two opening shows on U2's Joshua Tree Tour. The live video titled Crusade documented this early stage of their career and coincided with June’s release of The First Chapter, a compilation drawn from their initial two EPs.

Children

By 1987, Hussey had composed fresh tracks that were introduced during summer festivals and as opening acts for U2. For their sophomore album, Children, The Mission enlisted Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones as producer, with engineering by Mark 'Spike' Stent. In October of the same year, Hussey became a father, an event that heavily influenced the album’s lyrical content. Musically, the band adopted a harder rock sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. Additional recording sessions with Stent took place in London in January 1988. The lead single, "Tower of Strength", climbed to number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The album itself was released in February and reached number 2 on the UK album charts.

The Children Play world tour was the band’s primary focus throughout 1988, highlighted by a six-night residency at London’s Astoria Theatre where John Paul Jones made guest appearances on keyboards. The tour also involved supporting Robert Plant, debut performances across Latin America, and a brief stint in Japan. The follow-up single, "Beyond the Pale", failed to match expectations, resulting in the cancellation of a third planned single. The year concluded with an eight-date arena tour across the UK and the release of their video compilation, From Dusk to Dawn.

Deliverance

In early 1989, Hussey retreated to the Black Mountains, Wales to write new songs before regrouping with the band in April to begin recording. That month, they performed two benefit concerts—one aiding victims of the Lockerbie bombing and another for those affected by the Hillsborough disaster—featuring guest musicians Pete Wylie and Mick Jones. A lifelong supporter of Liverpool F.C., Hussey was deeply committed to these causes. Between studio sessions, The Mission supported the Cure at European festivals and embarked on a low-profile tour through the Scottish Highlands. They closed out the year headlining Reading Festival before returning to complete their album.

Producer Tim Palmer resumed his role, with additional contributions from Reeves Gabrels, Baluji Shrivastav, and Guy Chambers. By August 1989, Carved in Sand was completed and released early in 1990. To sustain interest, the band created a glam rock tribute act named Metal Gurus, supporting the Wonder Stuff. The lead single "Butterfly on a Wheel" narrowly missed entering the top ten charts. The album’s release was accompanied by the "Waves upon the Sand" video that documented both recording sessions and their Scottish tour.

The Deliverance tour encountered several obstacles. David Wolfenden joined as a second guitarist to allow Hussey more freedom as frontman. However, Hussey's public intoxication during UK arena shows attracted negative media attention coinciding with the release of the second single "Deliverance". Illness struck when Hinkler contracted scarlet fever, forcing some cancellations. Tensions within the group intensified during the North American leg, culminating in Hinkler’s exit after a Montreal performance. The band continued with temporary replacements such as Tim Bricheno before he departed to join the Sisters of Mercy. Released in May 1990, the third single "Into the Blue" supported various festival appearances including headlining at Pinkpop Festival and indoor concerts substituting cancelled French dates. The Mission also toured Australia and New Zealand for the first time that year. Later on, Paul "Etch" Etchells joined handling keyboards and guitars. Hinkler returned as a guest for encore performances during the final leg of the tour, which featured a set recorded for Rockpalast.

Utilizing leftover tracks from Carved in Sand, the companion record Grains of Sand was issued in October 1990. This collection included B-sides, acoustic renditions, and cover songs. The single "Hands Across the Ocean", co-produced by Andy Partridge of XTC, achieved modest success supported by a live version of "Amelia". Relations with Hinkler improved sufficiently to reunite Metal Gurus for a charity recording of "Merry Xmas Everybody" alongside members of Slade.

Following a hiatus, the band worked with engineer Joe Gibb to establish an advanced studio setup. Inspired by Leeds’ dance scene and Hussey’s folk influences, they delivered a unique performance headlining Finsbury Park in 1991 that featured guest artists from Fairport Convention and the Waterboys. This evolution anticipated their subsequent release, Masque, produced by Mark Saunders. Initially intended as Hussey’s solo project, it became an official group album but received mixed reviews. After its release, Adams departed from The Mission. Reduced to just two members, they sought new recruits through advertisements placed in Melody Maker.

Childhood's end

The second iteration of Mission included Brown, Hussey, guitarist Mark Thwaite (formerly of Spear of Destiny), keyboardist Rik Carter (previously with Pendragon), and eventually bassist Andy Cousin (ex-All About Eve). Their initial release was a fanclub-exclusive flexi disc cover of the Osmonds' "Crazy Horses" in early 1993. While Hussey and Joe Gibb were assembling the BBC live album No Snow, No Show for the Eskimo, work on a new studio album commenced. After a three-year hiatus, the band resumed touring, beginning with the "Off the Street" benefit event in Leeds. Andrew Eldritch's participation led to unfounded speculation about a reunion. The Club Mission tour focused on smaller venues across Europe and introduced new songs such as "Afterglow" and "Raising Cain."

Towards the close of 1993, Hussey collaborated with Youth to remix "Tower of Strength" and contributed to assembling a greatest hits collection. The remixed version of "Tower of Strength" entered the UK Singles Chart in January 1994, coinciding with their last appearance on Top of the Pops. The compilation Sum and Substance, released the following month, included two fresh tracks: "Sour Puss" and a Mark "Spike" Stent remix of "Afterglow," which also served as their final single under Vertigo/Phonogram. With their contractual obligation for seven albums fulfilled, both the band and label chose not to renew.

As negotiations for an independent contract took place, recording activities slowed. Hussey produced Salad Daze, a collection featuring three BBC sessions. In late 1994, Equator Records released "Raising Cain." Early 1995 saw the single "Swoon" precede the studio album Neverland, which maintained The Mission's characteristic sound but incorporated denser production elements. The Neverland tour slightly increased their popularity, including two concerts recorded for German television, a promotional live EP, and performances at several summer festivals.

In March 1996, new material was recorded in Bristol, resulting in the album Blue. The release received mixed feedback and disappointed some long-term followers. Hussey later voiced strong dissatisfaction with this album; only the reimagined B-side "Evermore & Again" became a staple in live performances. A brief UK and European tour followed, serving as a farewell after a decade together. The band's final shows took place at festivals in Spain and South Africa—the latter held at Johannesburg's Kyalami racetrack marking their concluding performance.

Afterlife

Following The Mission’s dissolution, Hussey settled in Orange County, California with his family. During his semi-retirement phase, he focused on producing remixes and singles for Cleopatra Records and Dancing Ferret Records, collaborated with emerging artists, and contributed a new track to a fan-curated Mission compilation.

In 1999, after issuing solo renditions of Mission classics, Hussey reassembled the band with Adams, drummer Scott Garrett, and Mark Thwaite for an intended one-off US tour alongside Gene Loves Jezebel, followed by a UK tour supporting All About Eve. The positive reception encouraged continuation, leading to an extensive world tour in 2000 featuring European festivals and a performance with Sisters of Mercy at Germany’s M'era Luna Festival. A souvenir CD titled Ever After from the 1999 tour combined live recordings with rare studio outtakes.

At the end of 2000, recording sessions took place at the studios of the Levellers in Brighton under producer Dave Allen’s guidance in Bath. Prior to releasing Aura, they supported Finnish group HIM during their German tour. Due to touring conflicts, Thwaite departed and was replaced by Rob Holliday from Sulpher.

Released via their own Playground label managed by former Phonogram A&R Charlie Eyre, Aura featured dense and complex production but faced criticism for echoes of earlier Mission tracks such as "Butterfly on a Wheel." The band embarked on an international tour; however, internal tensions resurfaced when Adams exited again during the 2002 South American leg. Hussey completed the remaining dates solo with acoustic performances and subsequently undertook successful solo acoustic shows across Europe.

In early 2003, Rich Vernon joined as bassist; shortly thereafter Garrett left and was succeeded by Steve Spring. This configuration remained stable until mid-2004.

Lighting the Candles

In September 2005, the band introduced their inaugural DVD release, Lighting the Candles, accompanied by a live CD. Hussey devoted more than a year to assembling this comprehensive two-DVD collection, which showcased live concerts, music videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. The release garnered favorable critical acclaim and achieved commendable sales figures. The track "Breathe Me In" reached the summit of Germany’s Alternative Chart, bolstering an extensive European tour. Mark Thwaite rejoined as Holliday toured alongside the Prodigy. During this period, the band amplified their hard rock sound while expanding their fan base.

Hussey declared that no tours would take place in 2006 to concentrate on creating a new album and pursuing individual endeavors. Besides Lighting the Candles, 2005 also saw the release of DVDs for Waves Upon the Sand and Crusade.

In 2006, to celebrate the Mission’s 20th anniversary, Hussey launched a limited-edition T-shirt. That same year, Phonogram Records issued Anthology: The Phonogram Years, a two-CD compilation containing all eleven Top 40 singles alongside rare mixes, B-sides, BBC sessions, previously unreleased tracks, and first-time CD appearances.

God Is a Bullet

March 2007 marked the release of the single "Keep It in the Family," followed by the album God Is a Bullet. This record featured contributions from Hussey, Thwaite, Vernon, Spring, as well as guest artists Simon Hinkler, Bricheno, and Julianne Regan. To coincide with this launch, Mercury Records reissued the band's first three albums as enhanced CDs with added bonus tracks.

Between February and March 2008, the band toured across Europe, culminating in a series of four themed concerts at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London. Hussey announced these would be their final performances before an indefinite hiatus aimed at focusing on other projects. Simon Hinkler appeared for encores and select main set pieces. The closing show was filmed, and recordings from all nights were compiled into a box set.

In February 2009, SPV GmbH released a double album titled Live & Last along with the DVD Final Chapter, documenting the final concert plus extra tour footage. The DVD debuted at No. 6 on the official UK BBC charts—the band's highest chart position in years within the UK. Later in June 2010, SPV issued Dum Dum Bullet, featuring material recorded during the God Is a Bullet sessions.

Full circle

As their 25th anniversary approached, Hussey was convinced to reunite the original lineup. Though initially hesitant due to other obligations, he consented by summer 2010. Craig Adams and Simon Hinkler returned; however, drummer Mick Brown declined participation and was replaced by Mike Kelly from Spear of Destiny.

This iteration concentrated exclusively on songs from 1986 to 1990. In October 2011, they performed a preliminary show under the name Blood Brothers in Bristol before embarking on the XXV UK/European tour, which concluded with a sold-out show at Brixton Academy. Both this performance and an earlier concert in Cologne were recorded and released as Silver, accompanied by an audio recording from Frankfurt.

Reinvigorated by this success, they toured South America, Mexico, Europe, and appeared at the Download Festival in 2012, incorporating "All Along the Watchtower" into their repertoire. In September 2012, they supported The Cult during a UK tour that encountered controversy due to venue capacity reductions and Killing Joke's withdrawal.

In October 2012, Hussey revealed plans to produce a new album with David M. Allen as producer. Released in September 2013, The Brightest Light was followed by tours across North America, Germany, and the UK. The band returned to South America for a nine-date tour in 2014.

By May 2016, Hussey confirmed Tim Palmer as producer for their tenth studio album, promising a return to their classic sound. The album Another Fall from Grace was initially released online with its lead single "Met-Amor-Phosis" premiering on YouTube in August and becoming available for download in September.

October 2016 marked their 30th-Anniversary tour featuring 33 shows throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand coinciding with the album's release on September 30; it entered the UK charts at No. 38.

Touring extended into 2017 with a headline appearance at Wave-Gotik-Treffen. Shortly thereafter, Hussey announced an indefinite hiatus for the band to focus on his autobiography slated for release in 2019. In November 2017, The Mission supported Alice Cooper on tour.

The United European Party Tour commenced in early 2020 but was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it resumed in 2021 and concluded with five consecutive dates across the UK in October 2023.

Names and aliases

Originally called the Sisterhood, the band altered their name following a claim by Andrew Eldritch. After some consideration, they settled on the name the Mission. Hussey referenced his Mormon background, linking the choice to the concept of a proselytising mission, while Mick Brown connected it to his preferred speaker brand, Mission. During their 1987 US tour, they performed as The Mission UK because a Philadelphia-based R&B group already used the original name.

The band has also performed under alternate names such as Blood Brothers for more intimate shows and created a glam rock tribute act called the Metal Gurus between 1989 and 1990.

Band members

  • Wayne Hussey – guitars, lead vocals, keyboards, piano (1986–1996, 1999–2008, 2011–present)
  • Craig Adams – bass guitar, backing vocals (1986–1992, 1999–2002, 2011–present)
  • Simon Hinkler – guitars, keyboards (1986–1990, 2011–present)
  • Alex Baum – drums (2022–present)

Discography

Further reading

  • Book: Names Are for Tombstones, Baby (Independent Press, 1993)
  • Wayne Hussey interview – Record Collector magazine (November 1993)

External links

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ↑ Martin Roach with Neil Perry, The Mission: Names Are for Tombstones, Baby (Independent Press, London, 1993), pp 270–276
  4. ↑ Roach, Names, pp 28–29
  5. ↑ Roach, Names, pp 30–35
  6. ↑ Roach, Names, pp 36–50
  7. ↑ Roach, Names, pp 50–58
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=The_Mission_(band)&oldid=82232"