World of Twist
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Sheffield , England |
| Products | Indie pop music |
World of Twist was an English indie pop ensemble that originated in Sheffield in 1985.
History
The band's initial roster featured James Fry on vocals, Andrew Hobson handling bass duties, Gordon King playing guitar, Tony Ogden on drums, Rory Conolly on saxophone, Nick Phillips at the organ, and Andy Robbins on synthesizer. This original lineup soon disbanded, and several years later, a new formation based in Manchester took shape.
In 1986, a short-lived version of the group included King as vocalist and co-songwriter, Ogden also contributing to songwriting, Hobson on bass and keyboards, and Neil Drabble responsible for visual elements.
By 1989, the lineup had evolved to include Ogden as vocalist and co-songwriter, King on guitar and co-writing, Hobson managing synthesizers, Alan Frost providing visual effects and synthesizers, Julia (also known as M.C. Shells), Angela Reilly working on visuals, with Nick Sanderson joining later as drummer.
An early demo tape from 1990 containing tracks such as "The Storm," "Blackpool Tower Suite," "The Spring," and "She's a Rainbow" secured a deal with Circa Records. Between 1990 and 1991, singles "The Storm" and "Sons of the Stage," both produced by Clif Brigden, were released. In 1992, their rendition of The Rolling Stones' "She's a Rainbow," initially issued as a B-side, was re-released featuring dance remixes by Fluke. This song was among the final productions by Martin Hannett prior to his passing in 1991.
Their live shows and sessions recorded for BBC Radio 1 with John Peel and Mark Goodier, combined with early singles, built anticipation around the band. Nevertheless, their debut album Quality Street, released in 1991, achieved only modest critical acclaim and commercial performance.
Although World of Twist did not embark on tours in North America, the track "Sons of the Stage" gained popularity within indie and club scenes in Toronto and New York. The band Oasis reportedly considered adopting this song's title as their name; subsequently, Oasis's successor group Beady Eye covered it as a B-side to their first single "Bring the Light."
Plans for a second album and touring were derailed when Ogden decided to cease vocal duties. These creative disagreements eventually led to the group's dissolution in 1992.
Afterward, Gordon King, James Fry, and Nick Sanderson formed Earl Brutus in 1993 and later collaborated on The Pre New starting in 2010. As of 2020, some former members are active under the name Quatermass 3.
Tony Ogden passed away on 26 July 2006 in Bramhall, Stockport, Greater Manchester. His death occurred shortly before he was set to re-enter the music scene with Bubblegum Secret Pop Explosion. He was aged 44.
In 2013, Quality Street was reissued by independent label 3 Loop Music on CD and heavyweight vinyl formats with additional bonus material.
Albums
- Quality Street (Circa, 1991) – reached UK chart position No. 50
Singles
- "The Storm" (Circa, 1990) – peaked at UK No. 42
- "Sons of the Stage" (Circa, 1991) – attained UK No. 47
- "Sweets" (Circa, 1991) – reached UK No. 58
- "She's a Rainbow (remixes)" (Circa, 1992) – climbed to UK No. 62
- "The Sausage" (Caff Records, 1992; comprising demo tracks from 1985)
External links
- World of Twist archive blog
- Obituary: Tony Ogden at The Guardian, dated 8 August 2006
- World Of Twist profile at Discogs.com