Lee Mavers

The La's

Mavers gained a reputation for perfectionism and eccentricity in the music press for his famed scrapping of multiple versions of the band's debut album, and often came across as dry, acerbic and stubborn in interviews, although with a clearly defined notion of music as he thought it should be: genuine, rootsy and authentic. In earlier press interviews, however, Mavers was often enthusiastic, witty, driven and informed, but he eventually became more withdrawn and caustic before choosing to drop out of the limelight altogether. This consciously willful shunning of the limelight has led some to portray Mavers as a "recluse".

Obsessing over the group's troubled recording efforts between 1987 and 1992, Mavers eventually retreated back to his Liverpool home after the release of the La's' eponymous debut, his perception of the music industry highly soured by the fact the release was not a version of the album he wished to be made public.

More silence in the music press followed, barring one highly disturbing 1995 NME interview full of babble and bizarre imagery. Mavers was at this point occasionally playing with other Liverpool musicians. Mavers actively disavowed the album in print while struggling to maintain his artistic integrity.

In late 2003 a book about Mavers and his band was released, In Search of the La's: A Secret Liverpool which did contain a 2000 dated interview with Mavers discussing his band and what he intends to do with his music. While providing insight into Mavers' personality, the book ends on an ambiguous note concerning his return to music.

In March 2005 the La's announced dates in Britain and Ireland, their first in a decade, along with festivals sets such as Glastonbury and the Summer Sonic festival in Japan, with the line-up of Lee Mavers (vocals, guitar), John Power (bass), Jay Lewis of the band Cracatilla (guitar) and Nick Miniski (drums). The set generally consisted of old songs, including the perennial favourite "There She Goes", with new songs performed as encores. The drummer was quickly replaced by Mavers' old schoolfriend Jasper, and live reviews have generally been favourable. The La's' return may have been surprising, but Mavers' attitude being completely unchanged perhaps less so - the band are yet to conduct any interviews or features with the music press. New songs that would have featured, or will feature, on the 2nd album include "I Am the Key", "Fishing Net" A.K.A. "Something I Said", "Raindance" and "The Human Race".

In March 2009, Mavers made a surprise appearance in Birmingham, joining Pete Doherty on stage to play "Son of a Gun" and "There She Goes".

On 19 June 2011, Mavers made a rare outing, doing a secret acoustic set at the Deaf Institute, Manchester under the name of Lee Rude & the Velcro Underpants (apparently a play on the names of Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground): this featured Mavers playing with Gary Murphy of defunct Liverpool band the Bandits. Mavers and Gary continued impromptu gigs in Sunderland, Glasgow and London, before heading abroad to Amsterdam and later to the Rock En Seine Festival in Paris and at UK festivals Kendal Calling & Bestival, before bringing the 'stripped back' sets to a close at a homecoming show at Liverpool's 02 Academy after announcing they were set to return soon after recruiting a full band.

As of 2011 there was a plan for a documentary on Mavers by Flat5Productions.