JoBoxers comprised English based, expatriate American singer Dig Wayne, backed by the Bristol-based quartet of Rob Marche (guitar), Dave Collard (keyboards), Chris Bostock (bass), and Sean McLuskey (drums).
Rob, Dave, Chris and Sean had previously played as The Subway Sect, behind Vic Godard, before setting up shop as the house band at the Whisky A Go Go (WAGG) Club in London’s Soho.
As Jo Boxers, they first attracted attention in 1982 after appearing on the BBC’s Oxford Road Show. Signed to RCA in February 1983, they hit the charts with their debut single, Boxerbeat. The song made it to #3 on the British charts during April, and was followed in May by the second single – a Northern Soul infused gem called Just Got Lucky.
Written by bassist Chris Bostock and vocalist Dig Wayne, Just Got Lucky also reached #3 on the British charts in mid ’83. It also became JoBoxers’ only hit Stateside (#36), and in Australia, where it charted at #25 late in 1983.
JoBoxers released their debut album, Like Gangbusters, during September 1983. Produced by Alan Shacklock, the LP reached #18 in the UK and peaked at #70 in America.
The next single was Johnny Friendly, which peaked at #31 on the British charts, but the fourth single, Jealous Love, released late in 83, only managed a relatively disappointing #72.
JoBoxers took some time to record their sophomore album (Skin & Bone) and by the time it was released in 1985 the band had lost much of the momentum amassed during 1983.
Neither the album nor single, Is This Really The First Time (You’ve Been In Love), managed to crack the British charts.
The band had already gone back to the studio to work on tracks for a third album, but before the sessions were completed JoBoxers threw in the towel in disappointment early in 1986.
Dig Wayne
Vocals
Rob Marche
Guitar
Dave Collard
Keyboards
Chris Bostock
Bass
Sean McLuskey
Drums
