The band formed in Liverpool in 1983 and initially comprised singer Peter Hooton, guitarists Steve Grimes and John Melvin and Andrew John “Andy” McVann on drums. In 1984, they released the single Hearts and Minds, produced by Suggs from Madness.
Drummer Andy McVann died in a crash during a police chase in October 1986, aged just 21. John Melvin left the band shortly afterwards and Hooton brought in a new line-up.
The new lineup released the single Stepping Stone – a dance remake of The Monkees‘ 1960-s hit (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone. Their first single to reach the Top 10 was Groovy Train (September 1990) which was followed by their biggest hit, All Together Now, which made it to #3.
Their first album, Spartacus, reached the #1 position in the UK Albums Chart when it was released in March 1991.
In October 1991, guitarist Keith Mullen was attacked and stabbed needing over 80 stitches. In the same year, the single All Together Now was used by the British Labour party in their General election campaign.
In October 1992, The Farm reached the Top 20 with a cover version of The Human League‘s Don’t You Want Me, while a re-recorded version of Love See No Colour was used as the title track of their 1992 album.
The album Hullabaloo was released on the Sire label in 1994, followed by their last major single.
Pete Hooton Vocals Steve Grimes Guitar John Melvin Guitar Philip Strongman Bass Andy McVann Drums Tony Evans Trombone George Maher Trumpet Steve ‘Snowy’ Levy Saxophone Mick Hanratty Drums Roy Boulter Drums Keith Mullen Guitar Carl Hunter Bass Ben Leach Keyboards
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