The Moors Murderers
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| The Moors Murderers | |
|---|---|
| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | Punk rock |
| Years active | 1977–1978 |
| Associated acts | Johnny Moped, The Photons, Visage, The Pretenders, The Clash, The Psychedelic Furs, Adam and the Ants, Strange Cruise |
| Past members | Steve Strange Soo Catwoman Chrissie Hynde The Kid John Vince Ely Tex Topper Headon |
The Moors Murderers were a short-lived punk band who caused controversy by naming themselves after the perpetrators of the Moors Murders. The band was founded in 1977 by Steve Strange (lead vocals), later to be in Visage, and comprised Chrissie Hynde (guitar), later in The Pretenders, Tex (bass), Topper Headon (drums), who was then borrowed from The Clash,[1] Vince Ely (drums), later in The Psychedelic Furs, and The Kid, whose real name was Mark Ryan and was a member of Adam and the Ants.
History
The Moors Murderers was one of the punk bands Steve Strange formed after coming to London.
The band's history is very vague. The main person involved was Strange, who had the idea to form a band with the name The Moors Murderers. They never actually played music, but only did a photo session.[2] However, in 1981 Strange claimed that, after he left Wales and went to London, a person got him involved in the band.[3]
After the photo session, Strange decided to form a real band. Their first gig was supporting The Slits at Holland Park Comprehensive School.[4] The line-up comprised Strange on vocals, The Kid (ex-Adam and the Ants) on guitar, John on bass and drummer Vince Ely (ex-The Unwanted).[5]Chrissie Hynde (from Johnny Moped) was also present at the gig and was involved with the band,[6] writing songs with Strange. At the first concert, The Kid claimed later, the band debuted live as The Photons, but Dave Goodman wrote that the band performed as The Moors Murderers, causing a controversy.[7] After that, it seemed The Kid quit and joined a more permanent version of The Photons, being replaced by Chrissie Hynde. By then, Strange wanted to record, and "Free Hindley" was issued as a single, backed with "Ten Commandments", on the suggestion of Dave Goodman.
During their brief existence, the band composed songs, which were played live and during rehearsals, one of them filmed by an Italian TV crew in 1978.[4] After this, Strange lost interest and the band split up.
Apparently, sometime late in 1977 or 1978, The Kid left the band, being replaced by Tex Axile (ex-Peroxide Romance), called simply Tex during those days. Another who apparently left during those days was Vince Ely, who later went on to form The Psychedelic Furs, being replaced by Topper Headon, borrowed from The Clash.[8]
Line-up
Around early 1977
- Steve Strange
- Soo Catwoman
Around Mid-to-late 1977 (The Holland Park School gig)
- Steve Strange: vocals
- The Kid: guitar
- John: bass
- Vince Ely: drums
1978: probably last line-up
- Steve Strange: vocals
- Chrissie Hynde: guitar
- Tex: bass
- Topper Headon: drums
