Rare photos of the cult Bristol 1980s synth pop act Electovox have emerged on the internet.
These pictures of bassist Smith Ure and drummer Vowlsie Le Bon are said to date from the 1987 – 1988 period when the band were in their pomp.
Described by someone close to the band as “a bit like Depeche Mode but more shit”, they’re best remembered for the “agit-pop” style independent singles ‘Visions in Green’ and ‘Red Monday’ on the local ‘Rubbish Leaflet’ label.
Both singles unfortunately went nowhere due, claimed the band, to poor marketing and management.
A photo has yet to appear of the band’s mysterious flame-haired, skirt wearing keyboard player, Kylie. But the two photos we do have will be sent to Bristol’s Museum’s Sarwat Siddiqui to form an exciting part of the council’s “memory collecting sessions” of the city’s 1980s music scene.
Electovox split in 1989 citing “political differences”. Smith Ure went on to have some success with Britpop act Blair whose 1997 ‘Relaxed and Filthy Rich’ LP is available in all good bargain bins.
Vowlsie Le Bon, meanwhile, gave up pop music altogether for a career in experimental atonal jazz. He currently plays noseflute with the Charlie Bolton Jazz Five, who are said to have a small committed following in the Southville area.
Kylie was last seen playing second fiddle for a washed-up cabaret drag act – Babs Janke.
I remember at the end of gigs they used to go round the audience collecting autographs; I think it was for something called a ‘nomination paper’…
You have to admire their retro chic though. I thought band members wearing ties died out in the 1960s.
Do you think I look a bit like Gerry Adams in that photo?
“Do you think I look a bit like Gerry Adams in that photo?”
i was thinking more peter sutcliffe 😉 😀
Unfortunately back then I couldn’t grow a beard and tache, so I was stuck in a pre ‘Rubber Soul’ era.
The one on the left has gone from ugly bloke with big ears and hair to ugly bloke with big ears and no hair !
I helped distribute that leaflet in Knowle or somewhere similar. All the Green Party candidate leaflets had a ‘house style’ with rather sinister photos gazing out at the voter like monstrous entities from beyond the grave. Hence our electoral success.
Des is too modest. Surely he’s the mysterious svengali management figure behind Electovox?
“Do you think I look a bit like Gerry Adams in that photo?”
i was thinking more peter sutcliffe
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Never mind the green policies, looks like I better get myself a shave and a wig if I’m going to get votes then….
Bob
I guess that means I have no chance with you then
Glenn
surely shaving is an unnecessary use of the world’s resources and against green policy
Thats right paul I am NOT a BUM BOY ANYWAY !