Years active 1989-1993, 2015- Record label London Records | Labels London | |
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Members Andy Couzens
John Matthews
Tony Meehan
Richard Thomas
Scott Parkinson Past members Simon Davies
Chris Goodwin
Jack Couzens Origin Manchester, United Kingdom (1987) Albums Somewhere Soon, Standing On The Rock Genres Alternative rock, Madchester, Baggy Associated acts The Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets, Flag of Convenience Similar The Stone Roses, Nigel Ipinson, Inspiral Carpets, Simon Wolstencroft, Martin Hannett | ||
The High are an English rock group from Manchester, who combine the late 60's style pop and psyche guitar sound.
Contents
The first incarnation of band (1989-1993) were signed to London Records.
The High reformed in early 2015, with John Matthews and Andy Couzens the only original members; they are joined by Tony Meehan (bass), Jack Couzens (drums), and Richard Thomas (keyboards).
The new line-up headlined at the "Gigantic" Festival in Manchester at the Academy 2 on 23 May 2015, as their comeback gig and have played a number of headline shows since.
The band has also been writing and recording new material, and in June 2016 released their first single for 25 years. 'Kiss The Sun' on their own label Thin Line Productions.
Warner Brothers re-released their debut album Somewhere Soon in June 2016, and a long awaited album is due for release in early 2017.
In 2016 the new drummer Jack Couzens left due to schedule clashes and was succeeded by Scott Parkinson.
History
The band was formed in 1989 by former Turning Blue singer John Matthews, along with former Buzzcocks F.O.C. members Andy Couzens (guitar, also formerly of The Stone Roses and pre-Roses bands The Patrol and Waterfront), Simon Davies (bass), and drummer Chris Goodwin (also formerly of Inspiral Carpets), when Steve Diggle left Buzzcocks F.O.C. to reform the Buzzcocks.
They were signed by London Records and had three minor UK Singles Chart hits in 1990 before breaking into the top 30 in 1991 with a revamped version of their debut single, the Martin Hannett-produced "Box Set Go". The band's debut album, Somewhere Soon, peaked at number 59 in the UK Album Chart.
With the Madchester scene losing favour with the critics, the band's later releases failed to chart, the band splitting up in 1993. John Matthews and Chris Goodwin went on to form the Manchester group 'One Summer' with local musicians Stephen Fitzpatrick (guitar) and Carl Wolstenholme (bass). One Summer worked with Factory Records group A Certain Ratio and recorded a demo for the label before it went into administration.
The High have recently appeared on Jon Savages compilation, Perfect Motion - Jon Savage's Secret History Of Second-Wave Psychedelia 1988-93
Discography
Chart placings are from the UK singles and album charts.
Singles
Albums
Songs
Box Set GoSomewhere Soon · 1990
A Minor TurnSomewhere Soon · 1990
Somewhere SoonSomewhere Soon · 1990