The Passions (British band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Shepherd's Bush, London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Post-punk and new wave music |
| Website | www |
The Passions were a post-punk and new wave group with British-Irish roots, formed in 1978 and active until 1983. Their musical identity was shaped by Barbara Gogan's unique vocal style and Clive Timperley's subtle use of the Echoplex on guitar. Although their commercial success was limited beyond one major hit, they are chiefly remembered for their 1981 Top 40 single, "I'm in Love with a German Film Star," which cemented their place in music history.
Formation
Originating from Shepherd's Bush in west London, the band initially came together in early 1978 under the name the Youngsters. The lineup included Gogan (guitar, vocals), Claire Bidwell (bass), Richard Williams (drums), Dack Dyde (guitar), and Mitch Barker (vocals). Prior to this, Williams and Gogan had played together in the punk outfit the Derelicts. After briefly adopting the name Rivers of Passion, then settling on The Passions, Dyde was replaced by Clive Timperley, formerly of The 101ers.
Their debut single, a double A-side featuring "Needles and Pills" (composed by Dyde) and "Body and Soul," was released in March 1979 on Soho Records. This release helped them secure a recording contract with Fiction Records. By the time of their first Peel session in November 1979, Barker had left the group, with Gogan stepping up as lead vocalist.
Debut album
Their first album, Michael & Miranda, arrived on 18 April 1980, preceded by the second single "Hunted." The album was produced by Fiction Records head Chris Parry and engineered by Mike Hedges. Following its release, The Passions toured across the UK and Europe alongside labelmates The Cure. After this tour, Bidwell departed to join The Wall, with David Agar stepping in as bassist. Subsequently, Fiction Records dropped the band.
A collaboration with producer Peter Wilson led to a contract with Polydor Records. Under this label, their third single "The Swimmer" was released on 1 October 1980.
Their breakthrough chart success came with the fourth single, "I'm in Love with a German Film Star," launched on 23 January 1981. Written by Gogan about Steve Connelly—a former roadie for both The Clash and Sex Pistols who appeared in German cinema—the song was produced by Wilson. It garnered widespread critical praise, earning accolades such as "Single of the Week" from music publications and "Peoples Choice" on Capital Radio, resulting in two performances on Top of the Pops in February 1981.
Second album
On 2 July 1981, they released "Skin Deep," produced by Nigel Gray. This track, along with earlier singles like "The Swimmer" and "I'm in Love with a German Film Star," appeared on their sophomore album Thirty Thousand Feet Over China, which came out on 18 September 1981 and included fresh recordings.
In December 1981, during the Italian segment of their "Tour Till We Crack" tour in Verona, Clive Timperley exited the band citing "serious political differences."
The next single, "Africa Mine," released on 8 January 1982, was recorded by the remaining members prior to a lineup reshuffle; producer Peter Wilson contributed guitar parts. Reflecting on these changes, Gogan stated: "Some bands last for a decade... More often than not, you reach a stage where you've exhausted your possibilities and seek change. Every time we've hit that point someone has left, pushing us forward. Bands performing original material have an obligation to evolve and remain creative." The Canadian group Go Four 3 later covered "Africa Mine" on their 1987 album Six Friends.
Third album
In 1982, guitarist Kevin Armstrong, recognized for his involvement with Local Heroes SW9 and contributions to Thomas Dolby's first album, became a member of The Passions. Alongside him, keyboardist Jeff Smith, who previously played with Lene Lovich, joined the lineup. Both Armstrong and Smith were integral to the creation of the band's third studio album, Sanctuary, which was produced by Mick Glossop. The album’s lead single, "Jump for Joy," debuted on 5 May 1982, followed by the release of the full album and the single "Sanctuary" on 18 September 1982.
Subsequently, Stephen Wright from Bim took over guitar duties from Armstrong. The Passions embarked on tours across Europe and the United States, making television appearances on programs such as The Old Grey Whistle Test (BBC 2) and Whatever You Want (Channel 4). Several of these live performances are accessible online.
Dissolution and reissues
The Passions officially dissolved in mid-1983 after their concluding show at London's Marquee Club in August.
In 1985, Polydor issued a vinyl compilation titled Passion Plays, which was later re-released on CD in 1995. The track "I'm in Love with a German Film Star" was made available again as a digital download in December 2006. Additionally, Thirty Thousand Feet Over China was reissued on CD by Cherry Red Records on 21 July 2008, featuring five bonus tracks.
Cherry Red Records also reissued Michael & Miranda in November 2015, including three additional tracks. In November 2019, Rubellan Remasters released a CD version of Sanctuary enhanced with nine bonus tracks.
Later projects
In 1997, Gogan resurfaced with the album Made on Earth, a collaboration recorded with French experimental musician Hector Zazou.
Armstrong pursued a career as guitarist and songwriter for various artists including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Steve Nieve, and Sinéad O'Connor. He also played as a member of Tin Machine.
Band members
- Barbara Gogan — guitar, vocals (1978–1983)
- Claire Bidwell — bass guitar (1978–1980)
- Richard Williams — drums (1978–1983)
- Dack Dyde — guitar (1978)
- Mitch Barker — vocals (1978–1979)
- Clive Timperley — guitar (1978–1981)
- David Agar — bass guitar (1980–1983)
- Kevin Armstrong — guitar (1982)
- Jeff Smith — keyboards (1982–1983)
- Stephen Wright — guitar (1982–1983)
Studio albums
- 1980: Michael & Miranda (Fiction)
- 1981: Thirty Thousand Feet Over China (Polydor) — No. 92 (UK Albums Chart)
- 1982: Sanctuary (Polydor)
Compilation albums
- 1985: Passion Plays (Polydor)
- 2004: The Passions Singles (Lulumusic)
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart Positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | IRE | ||
| 1979 | "Needles and Pills" / "Body and Soul" | - | - |
| "Hunted" | - | - | |
| 1980 | "The Swimmer" | - | - |
| 1981 | "I'm in Love with a German Film Star" | 25 | 30 |
| "Skin Deep" / "I Radiate" | - | - | |
| "The Swimmer" (reissue) | - | - | |
| 1982 | "Africa Mine" | - | - |
| "Jump for Joy" | - | - | |
| "Sanctuary" | - | - | |
| "Love is Essential" (French promo only) | - | - | |
| 2006 | "I'm in Love with a German Film Star" (download only) | - | - |