The Passions formed in Shepherds Bush, west London, in 1978. Guitarist Clive Timperley was formerly with The 101ers, whilst drummer Richard Williams and singer/guitarist Barbara Louise Gogan were in punk band The Derelicts.
Their first single, Needles and Pills (March 1979), won them a recording contract with Fiction Records.
Their debut album, Michael and Miranda, was released in 1980, followed by the singles Hunted and Swimmer. Bidwell and Barker left the band at this stage, with David Agar (once a member of the fledgeling Spandau Ballet) taking over duties on the bass.
Their big break came with a major chart hit in I’m In Love With a German Film Star (1981) – a misty, trance-like song featuring delicate echoplex guitar work from Timperley.
A second album, 30,000 Feet Over China, was released in August 1981 and included previously released A-sides and several brand-new recordings.
Unfortunately, The Passions were unable to ever repeat the success they had with German Film Star and – after a number of line-up changes and tours of Europe and the US – eventually disbanded in 1983.
Barbara Gogan Vocals, guitar
Clive Timperley
Guitar, vocals
Mitch Barker
Vocals ClaireBidwell
Bass, vocals Richard Williams
Drums Kevin Armstrong
Guitar David Agar
Bass Jeff Smith
Keyboards
Stephen Wright
Guitar
Dack Dyde
Guitar
Video
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