Active until 1992 | ||
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Years active 1989–1996, 2007–2008, 2013–present Associated acts Silent Partners, V Thirteen Past members Warren "Dermo" DermodyTimmy WalshCliff OgierPaul WalshMichael UptonSpencer BirtwistleDanny YatesDom Morrison Albums Chicken Rhythms, Nightmare on the Northside, Stay True, The Music of Westlife, My Rising Star Similar Paris Angels, Flowered Up, The Mock Turtles, New Fast Automatic Daffodils, Cath Carroll | ||
Northside are an English band from Blackley and Moston, Manchester. Formed in 1989, they released their only album Chicken Rhythms on Factory Records in 1991. The band became known for their concerts as part of what was the 1990 Madchester/baggy/indie-rave scene.
Contents
- Chart success
- Second album and breakup
- Post Northside
- Reformation
- Selected discography
- Albums
- Singles
- Music videos
- Songs
- References
Northside was formed by Warren "Dermo" Dermody (vocals/lyrics) and Cliff Ogier (bass). They were later joined by Michael Upton (guitar) and Paul Walsh (drums). Upton was replaced by Timmy Walsh prior to the release of their first single "Shall We Take A Trip".
Chart success
"Shall We Take A Trip" was banned by the BBC for its many references to drugs (specifically LSD) but despite the subsequent lack of airplay, it eventually broke into the Top 50 in the UK Singles Chart.
On 6 May 2006, BBC 6 Music played this song in its entirety on the Marc Riley show, and did again on the Steve Lamacq show on 2 December 2016 as part of the my generation series on 1989. "Shall We Take A Trip" was also used as Granada's Soccer Night theme tune throughout the 1990s.
The next single from Chicken Rhythms, "My Rising Star", was released in October 1990 and reached No. 32, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
The album itself peaked at No. 19 in June 1991. It was produced by Ian Broudie.
In 1991, Northside scored a minor hit in the United States when their single "Take 5" reached No. 5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart on the week of 5 October. It also reached No. 34 on the Dance/Club Play Songs charts that same month. The band performed "Take 5" on Top of the Pops on 6 June 1991 - a rare occasion where a song that was not in the Top 40 was played on the show.
Second album and breakup
A second album was recorded, with a planned release date and a catalogue number for the first single "Want a Virgin", however Northside's label Factory Records declared bankruptcy in November 1992 and the band split up.
Post-Northside
In 2003, Dermo and Ogier formed the band Silent Partners, with drummer Malc Law and guitarist Danny Yates; however Ogier left and was replaced by Dom Morrison. The band toured extensively in the UK opening for Happy Mondays and numerous other bands.
Drummer Paul Walsh went on to record and tour with Manchester rock outfit Sons of the Stage, releasing an independent LP, Angel Hill.
In 2006, Northside played gigs in Leeds and Manchester, however singer Dermo was the only returning original member. Chicken Rhythms was also re-issued in 2006 on LTM Recordings.
Dermo formed V Thirteen in March 2011 with Matt Rynn, Doug McCloud and Miz DeShannon. V Thirteen is named after a song by Big Audio Dynamite.
Reformation
In late 2013, Northside announced that they are reforming with all four original members. They toured England in April/May 2014.
Selected discography
Vinyl Releases on Factory Records
Albums
Singles
* longer version.
Music videos
Songs
Shall We Take a TripChicken Rhythms · 1991
My Rising StarChicken Rhythms · 1991
Moody PlacesChicken Rhythms · 1991