The Rumour comprised former members of British pub rock bands Brinsley Schwarz, Ducks Deluxe and Bontemps Roulez. Formed in 1975, they initially performed and recorded as the backing band for Graham Parker (starting with his 1976 album Howlin’ Wind).
The following year The Rumour began to issue their own recordings (while continuing with Parker), starting with the 1977 album Max (in response to Fleetwood Mac calling their latest album Rumours). In 1979 they released the LP, Frogs, Sprouts, Clogs and Krauts.
At various times, The Rumour also backed Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Carlene Carter and other acts.
Bob Andrews left the group in 1979, with session musician Nicky Hopkins stepping in on keyboards. The remaining quartet continued on, recording the album Purity of Essence (1980) and serving as the backing band on Graham Parker‘s The Up Escalator (1980) before breaking up in 1981.
Brinsley Schwarz
Guitar, vocals
Martin Belmont
Guitar, vocals
Andrew Bodnar
Bass, vocals
Bob Andrews
Keyboards, vocals
Stephen Goulding
Drums, vocals
Nicky Hopkins
Keyboards