The Housemartins were an English alternative rock band that was active in the 1980s. Many of the Housemartins' lyrics were a mixture of Marxist politics and Christianity, reflecting singer Paul Heaton's beliefs at the time (the back cover of London 0 Hull 4 contained the message, "Take Jesus, Take Marx, Take Hope"). The band was formed in 1983 by Paul Heaton (vocals) and Stan Cullimore (guitar) who initially performed as a busking duo.
They then expanded by recruiting Ted Key (bass), former guitarist with The Gargoyles, and Dodger (drummer on loan from 3-Action!) who was then replaced by Chris Lang. The band's membership changed considerably over the years. Ted Key left at the end of 1985 and was replaced by Norman Cook the future Fatboy Slim & drummer Chris Lang was replaced by Hugh Whitaker, former drummer with The Gargoyles, who in turn was replaced with Dave Hemingway.
The band often referred to themselves as "the 4th best band in Hull", referring to Hull, the city in England where the band formed in 1983. (The three bands that were "better" were Red Guitars, 3-Action!, and The Gargoyles.)
Albums
* London 0 Hull 4 (October 1986, Go! Discs, UK #3)
* The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death (Sep 1987, Go! Discs, UK #9)
Posts
0 comments