List of bands and artists from Merseyside explained

This is a list of notable bands and artists from Merseyside, North West England. For over fifty years, the area has had a thriving pop and rock music scene, particularly since The Beatles popularised Merseybeat.[1]

0-9

2006 indie group.[3]

A

1980s new wave/synthpop band[5]

1980s new wave/post-punk band

2000s indie pop group[6]

2000s indie rock band led by singer/songwriter Martin Stilwell[8]

Led by singer/songwriter Ian Prowse

Formerly a death/doom metal band and alternative rock[9]

1990s dance act which had hits with "Ain't Talkin 'bout Dub" and "Stop the Rock"

Girl group formed in 1997 by OMD's Andy McCluskey

Rock musician and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist for the rock band The Cult.[10]

B

Although originally formed in Swansea, two members came from Liverpool.[12]

Michael Joseph Nelson, known under the stage name Banners is a singer-songwriter from Liverpool[13]

2000s blues rock band[14]

1998–2003 pop/rock band, biggest hit "Back Here" was No. 1 on the US Billboard AC chart for seven weeks; sold three million albums worldwide

1960s rock band, widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history[15]

1985–1990 indie pop band

1970s punk band that launched the careers of Budgie, Ian Broudie, Bill Drummond, David Balfe, Jayne Casey and Holly Johnson

Merseybeat band managed by Brian Epstein[16]

1960s singer discovered by Brian Epstein, later to become a successful television presenter

1980s singer-songwriter best known for the hit "Wonderful Life"[17]

2000s rock band[18]

1980s/90s Britpop/indie rock band, biggest hit "Wake Up Boo!"[19]

C

1990s death metal band and forebears of melodic death metal

1990s Britpop group[20]

1980s new wave band

1980s/90s soul-influenced sophisti-pop band

indie rock band formed in Liverpool in 2013.

indie pop band[21]

2000s acid punk band[22]

2000s indie group inspired by old-fashioned country, 1960s-style psychedelia and folk

1980s new wave band

2000s indie band influenced by the La's

1980s "supergroup in reverse" which launched the careers of Ian McCulloch, Julian Cope and Pete Wylie

1960s pop group[23]

D

1970s synthpop precursor to Teardrop Explodes, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark & Big in Japan

1980s synth/dance-pop band

Punk/ska/reggae band

1960s Merseybeat outfit. Had two singles in the UK Singles Chart in 1963 and 1964[24]

A Super group formed by John Lennon.

extreme metal band formed in 2006

E

1980s post-punk band, one of the most successful and long-lived of the era

1980s indie band

Reached number 6[25] in the UK Singles Chart in 2003 with "Baby I Don't Care".

Echo & the Bunnymen > 1994 - 1997

1979–1997 boogie-rock trio

1962–1967 band whose members later joined The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Hollies[26]

F

Indie dance band, famous for the track "All Together Now"

Merseybeat band whose members later graced The Peddlers and The Mojos[27]

X Factor finalist whose debut album went platinum in its first two weeks of release. Went on to sign an international deal with EMI to take her music worldwide

1960s Merseybeat band, managed by Brian Epstein and recorded songs written by Lennon–McCartney[29]

1980s dance-pop band

G

1960s beat group, most notable for their version of "You'll Never Walk Alone", which became an anthem for Liverpool F.C.

Indie rock band active since the late 1990s, Mercury Prize winners

H

post-punk surrealist pop band from Tranmere, Birkenhead; formed 1985, disbanded 1986; reformed 1990, still active .

rapper noted for a strong local accent, whose song "Packs and Potions" became hugely popular on TikTok[31] and peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.[32]

2010s alternative pop duo

1960s Merseybeat band in which Ozzie Yue began his career.[33]

Ian Astbury side project, 1995 to 1997

2010s alternative slacker band

2000s indie rock band[34]

I

1980s power pop/new wave stalwarts, led by Ian McNabb. Reformed in 2006 for a 25th anniversary tour[35]

J

Performance poet, most active in the 1980s

Former lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, had solo hits in the late 1980s

K

Jimmy Cauty was one half of this duo

L

Late 1980s to early 1990s pop/rock band[38]

2000s and 2010s electronic music band

Indie/pop band, whose frontman Ian Broudie wrote the "Three Lions" music for Euro '96

1960s-inspired indie band

Metal band from Liverpool[40]

Early–mid 1980s pop/new wave band. Emerged with another album in 2001 called Silentspace

Former members of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

M

best known as the drummer for The Yardbirds and Renaissance.

lead singer for Soft Cell

1970s heavy metal band from Liverpool, featuring television celebrity Neil Buchanan

Singer-songwriter, former member of the soul/R&B duo Floetry, she released her first solo album Late Nights & Early Mornings in 2011. Her debut album topped the Billboard R&B chart. Has been nominated for Grammy Awards

Band active since 2001

rapper[42] whose track "Murdaside" peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart[43]

Jazz musician, writer and expert on surrealist art

Alternative Electro Post-Punk collective formed 2007

Musician originally from the Wirral, best known as the co-frontman of The Last Shadow Puppets and former frontman of The Rascals. Formerly the vocalist and lead guitarist for The Rascals, but announced the band's break-up in August 2009. Pursuing a solo career, and continues to be part of his side-project, The Last Shadow Puppets. His debut solo album, Colour of the Trap, was released in May 2011

Post-punk band active 1978–1981

alternative rock band[45]

N

O

Indie pop band (late 1990s–2007)

5-piece indie band (2003–2006)

(aka OMD) Globally successful new wave/electronic band from Wirral

Enrico Cadillac Jnr's post Deaf School band

1970s boy band whose hit "You Just Might See Me Cry" went Top 5 in the UK Singles Chart

P

A pop-punk band formed from members of Flamingo 50 and Town Bike.[46]

Bacharach and Love-influenced early 1980s pop group, led by Mick Head. Later metamorphosed into Shack

1990s Celtic pop outfit led by Ian Prowse. Released three albums on Polydor/M&G and had a number 1 hit, "Megalomania" in South Africa.

post-punk band formed after Pink Military split up

post-punk band

band formed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Songwriter for The Christians and member of Yachts and It's Immaterial. Now has a solo career

Q

skiffle group formed by John Lennon.[47]

R

2000s band from Hoylake (The Wirral)

Proto-Britpop band from the early 1990s

Soul band who sang the 1970s classic "You To Me Are Everything"

Liverpool-born and US-raised synthpop duo

1950s–1960s rock band

1980s vocal duo signed to PWL

1980s and 1990s pop singer

a folk rock quartet formed in Liverpool in 1986 by vocalist Siobhan Maher, guitarist Tim Speed, his drummer brother Paul Speed and bassist Dave Snell

1960s band

Critically acclaimed (by John Peel and others) band from Liverpool, signed to Virgin 10, released three albums and several singles, one produced by Tom Verlaine, between 1980 and 1985

Released three albums from 1998 to 2000 and recorded a Radio 1 John Peel session in 1999

S

alternative folk band

1960s group featuring Mike McGear, Roger McGough and John Gorman. Had a number 1 with "Lily the Pink", and other hits with "Thank You Very Much", "Do You Remember?" and "Gin Gan Goolie" in the 1960s and "Liverpool Lou" in the 1970s

1990s indie rock group, whose style is inspired by Manchester's indie dance scene.

Post-punk band[48]

1960s Merseybeat group. No. 1 hits include "Sweets for My Sweet", "Needles and Pins" and "Don't Throw Your Love Away"

Cult band led by Mick Head, formerly of The Pale Fountains. Influential on Britpop bands such as Oasis; Noel Gallagher repaid the debt by signing them to his record label

are a 4-piece dreamy psych pop outfit.

Crossover hardcore/thrash band from Wirral[49]

lead vocalist of River City People during the late 1980s and early 1990s, solo career since 2002

1995 to 1998 indie pop band later known as Monochrome

Mid-1990s indie band featuring Digsy of Oasis fame

Pop singer from the PWL stable. Born in Skelmersdale but mostly associated with Liverpool

Alternative Rock band formed in 2008

1990s indie band best known for "Female of the Species" and their six other Top 20 hit singles

new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) band

punk band

2000s rock & roll band led by songwriter Howie Payne. Split in 2006

pop band formed in 2010

rapper who featured on Digga D's "Pump 101"[50] which peaked at number 9 in the UK Singles Chart.[51]

indie rock band

1970s funk/rock band, led by Albie Donnelly and featuring Ozzie Yue

1960s Merseybeat group. Top 3 hits include "Hippy Hippy Shake" and "You're No Good"[52]

T

a British indie pop band

Julian Cope led an ever-changing line-up mixing pop, new wave and psychedelia with commercial success. Split in 1982 after two albums

1980s acoustic-pop band, signed to Magnet Records and produced by Glenn Tilbrook. Members included Ian Finney and ex-Prefab Sprout member Steve Dolder

A Super Group that was formed by George Harrison.

Liverpool indie band, known for the single "Gimme Love"

U

V

W

alternative rock band formed in 1986

Indie band (2007–present)

Female solo artist born in Liverpool and raised in Widnes.

Post-punk/new wave band

Freakbeat band

Indie rock band formed in 2003 consisting of Matthew Murphy, Tord Overland Knudsen and Daniel Haggis. Best known for their 2007 hit Let's Dance To Joy Division.

A band formed by Paul McCartney.

Y

power pop/new wave band

Z

2000s indie group inspired by 1960s psychedelia

2000s pop punk band

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Blogging the Beatles: The Beatles Spread the "Mersey Sound". Wickman. Forrest. 2013-03-29. Slate.com. en. 2019-06-12.
  2. Web site: 28 Costumes, Pale Rider: EBGBS, Liverpool. 2018-02-26. Getintothis.co.uk. en-GB. 2019-06-12.
  3. Web site: 747s. Clashmusic.com. May 2007 . en. 2019-05-31.
  4. Web site: a.P.A.t.T.. 2016-06-01. Bidolito.co.uk. en-GB. 2019-06-01.
  5. Web site: A Flock of Seagulls (plus support from KNIGHT$). Cavernclub.com. en-GB. 2019-05-31.
  6. Web site: Alexis Blue. 2008-05-06. Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2019-06-01.
  7. Web site: Droids, by alpha male tea party. Alphamaleteaparty.bandcamp.com. 2019-06-12.
  8. Web site: Tips for 2007. BBC. Bbc.co.uk. en-gb. 2019-06-01.
  9. Web site: Anathema Music Liverpool Band. The Optimist out now. Anathemamusic.com. en-US. 2019-05-31.
  10. Web site: A Quietus Interview The Last Of The True Believers: Ian Astbury Interviewed. Thequietus.com. en-us. 2019-06-01.
  11. News: Why doesn't everyone rap in scouse? How British hip-hop broke free of London. 9 March 2017. The Guardian. 2 September 2021.
  12. Web site: BBC - Out Of Liverpool - Media Centre. Bbc.co.uk. 2019-06-01.
  13. News: Zyzda . Rachel . A Chat With: BANNERS . 27 November 2020 . Anchr Magazine . 6 February 2018.
  14. Web site: TIME UP FOR THE BANDITS. 2004-07-08. Nme.com. en-US. 2019-05-31.
  15. Web site: Beatles bucket list: 30 Liverpool landmarks to visit. Browne. Amy. 2018-08-13. Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  16. Web site: The Big Three. Merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk. 2019-06-01.
  17. Web site: Merseyside's emotional farewell to Wonderful Life singer Colin Vearncombe. Wirral Globe. en. 2019-06-01.
  18. Web site: Black Velvets to get Liverpool music honour. 2005-08-25. Nme.com. en-US. 2019-06-12.
  19. Web site: After the Boos have gone . Theguardian.com. 2019-06-01.
  20. Web site: Home of Cast, John Power, Skin Tyson, Keith O'Neill' New album 'Singles 1995-2017' released in November 2018. Castband.co.uk. en-GB. 2019-06-13.
  21. Web site: Clean Cut Kid. Circawaves.com. en-US. 2019-06-13.
  22. Web site: CLINIC. 2016-10-14. Bidolito.co.uk. en-GB. 2019-06-01.
  23. Web site: MerseyCats - The Liverpool R 'N' R Childrens Charity-From Bumblies to Cryin Shames. Merseycats.com. 2019-05-31.
  24. Web site: Harris . Craig . The Dennisons - Music Biography, Credits and Discography . . 2013-02-06.
  25. Book: British Hit Singles & Albums. 2006. Guinness World Records. 1904994105. 19th . London. 64098209.
  26. Web site: The Escorts. Merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  27. Web site: [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p198712/biography|pure_url=yes}} allmusic (((Faron's Flamingos > Biography))) ]. . 2010-03-14 .
  28. Web site: Tear It Up LP, by Flamingo 50. Drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com. 2019-06-13.
  29. Web site: The Fourmost. Merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  30. Web site: The Billy Fury Years. Liverpool. M&S Bank Arena. Mandsbankarena.com. en. 2019-06-01.
  31. Web site: Hazey Releases Official Video For "Packs & Potions" After Going Viral On TikTok. Courtney. Wynter. Grmdaily.com. 14 January 2022.
  32. Web site: HAZEY. 13 January 2022. Officialcharts.com.
  33. Web site: It All Came Tumbling Down . Merseysidermagazine.com. en-US. 2019-06-01.
  34. Web site: Archived copy . 2019-06-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190520051644/http://www.hotclubdeparis.com/ . 2019-05-20 . dead .
  35. Web site: The Icicle Works. Selective.agency. en-GB. 2019-06-01.
  36. Bruce Eder, [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p18725/biography|pure_url=yes}} The Koobas] at AllMusic
  37. Web site: Merseybeat Nostalgia Central. Webmaster. 2 July 2014 . en-US. 2019-06-01.
  38. Web site: The La's - 25 years on from one of the UK's greatest ever debut albums. Guy. Peter. 2015-10-02. Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  39. Web site: Lost Liverpool #5: Girls with guitars - The Liverbirds, Britain's first all female rock band. 2016-01-27. Getintothis.co.uk. en-GB. 2019-05-31.
  40. Web site: Liverpool's Loathe Announced As Support To Hollywood Undead As Los Angeles Rap Rock Band Come To Liverpool University This Month. 2019-04-12. Liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk. en-US. 2019-05-31.
  41. Web site: Welcome to Liverpool Express. Liverpoolexpress.co.uk. en-US. 2019-05-31.
  42. https://www.newwavemagazine.com/single-post/rising-liverpool-rapper-mazza-l20-shares-murdaside-remix-featuring-aitch-potter-payper
  43. Web site: Official Singles Chart Top 100 on 17/11/2023. 24 November 2023. Officialcharts.com.
  44. Web site: The Mojos. Merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  45. Web site: The Moonies. Gigwise.com. 2019-06-12.
  46. Web site: Pardon Us. Pardonusband.com. 2019-05-31.
  47. Web site: Home. Originalquarrymen.co.uk. 2019-06-12.
  48. Web site: BBC - Music - Review of The Seal Cub Clubbing Club - Royal Variety. Gardner. Noel. Bbc.co.uk. en-GB. 2019-05-31.
  49. Web site: Short Sharp Shock - Short Sharp Shock - Reviews - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives. Metal-archives.com. 2019-05-31.
  50. Web site: Digga D Drops Highly-Anticipated Visuals For "Pump 101" Featuring Liverpool's StillBrickin. Naimah. Archibald-Powell. Grmdaily.com. 20 January 2022.
  51. Web site: DIGGA D/STILL BRICKIN'. 3 February 2022. Officialcharts.com.
  52. Web site: history. Swingingbluejeans.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  53. Web site: Poet Levi Tafari on what it means to be a black Scouser. Belger. Tom. 2014-09-30. Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2019-05-31.
  54. Web site: 'Out of control' Liverpool rapper rants about petrol bomb attack. Lauren. Wise. 14 February 2021. Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2 September 2021.
  55. Web site: Liverpool Echo, July 2017. Liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2 September 2021.
  56. Web site: The Undertakers. Merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk. 2019-05-31.