The Opposition (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Opposition was a London-based post-punk ensemble with a lengthy career. Their initial sound blended elements of new wave and reggae beats. Subsequently, as a 'power trio' consisting of Mark Long, Marcus Bell, and Ralph Hall, they evolved toward a darker new wave style marked by atmospheric guitar work, echo effects, and prominent funky bass grooves.
Established in 1979, The Opposition built their reputation through performances across Southern England, which secured them a deal with the major label Ariola Records in early 1980. Their first single, This Year/Punishment Of Luxury, was released but did not achieve commercial success, leading to their contract termination. The associated album remained shelved until it was finally issued by Right Back Records in 2005.
After regrouping as a trio, the band moved away from 'Two Tone' and saxophone influences, embracing a denser post-punk sound infused with synthesizers. In 1980, they released "Very Little Glory" via the independent Double Vision Records, garnering acclaim from NME which described it as "a song recorded before its time." Following this, they produced Breaking The Silence under the guidance of producer Kenny Jones, whose rich production style became integral to their distinctive sound.
Positive critical reception led to a contract with Charisma Records, affiliated with Virgin Records, culminating in the 1983 album Intimacy. This record reflected inspirations drawn from bands like the Chameleons and Joy Division. Subsequent releases included Promises (1984) and Empire Days (1985).
The group took a hiatus in 1987 when Bell and Long formed So, focusing on more mainstream music. Their album Horseshoe in the Glove featured the modest US charting single "Are You Sure," which reached number 41 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart and climbed to number 62 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1988.
Reuniting once more, The Opposition released Blue Alice Blue in 1990, again collaborating with producer Kenny Jones.
Marcus Bell succumbed to cancer in December 2014. Mark Long also passed away from cancer in 2022 at the age of 67.
Discography
- The Lost Album (1980), Right Back Records (Recorded in 1980 but unreleased until 2005)
- Breaking the Silence (1981), Double Vision Records
- Intimacy (1983), Double Vision Records
- Promises (1984), Charisma Records
- Empire Days (1985), Charisma Records
- Blue Alice Blue (1990), Declic Records
- '81/'82 (1991), Midnight Music
- War Begins at Home (1994), Universal
- Blinder (2004), Mrs Jones Records
- New York, Paris, Peckham (2004), Right Back Records – live album
- EP2 (2010), Mrs Jones Records
- Love and Betrayal (2011), Mrs Jones Records
- Somewhere in Between (2018), Aztec Musique
- Live Eighties (2018), Aztec Musique – live album
- Hope (2021), Aztec Musique