Stephen Lennon, John Robinson, Paul Barry and Chris Kowalski were all pupils at a secondary school in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1978 when their home-recorded demo tape secured them a recording deal with Zoom, a local independent label.
The group’s two singles – Some Other Guy (1978) and I Can’t Get Over You (1979) betrayed an obvious immaturity but they also unveiled the germ of songwriting talent. The band left school in June 1980 and were voted ‘Best Young Band’ on television’s Saturday Banana show.
The Questions then came to the attention of Jam/Style Council leader Paul Weller who signed the quartet to his fledgeling Respond label.
When Lennon left the band, Paul Barry emerged as the group’ principal songsmith with his sister, Maureen, joining the band on vocals.
His melodic, soul-tinged direction was apparent on their three minor hits; Price You Pay (1983), Tear Soup (1983) and Tuesday Sunshine (1984). Belief, the band’s only full-length album was finally released in 1984.
They were unable to secure a significant breakthrough, though, and when Weller’s own commercial fortunes declined, so did those of his several proteges, including The Questions. The band played its final concert on 30 November 1984 at the 100 Club in Oxford Street, London.
Paul Barry
Vocals, bass
Stephen Lennon
Vocals, guitar
John Robinson
Vocals, guitar
Chris Kowalski
Drums
Frank Mooney
Drums
Joseph Jones
Keyboards, clarinet
Maureen Barry
Vocals
