The Christians

About the show

Described as "the Temptations in ripped jeans ......" by one rock critic, the Liverpool band's infectious melodies and warm harmonies had a deep emotional undercurrent. Feeding on accusations, protest, despair and even self-doubt, their "socially aware soul" made a big impact on the complacent music scene of the late 80s. The band's name came from the surname of the three brothers that were originally in the line-up (Garry, Russell and Roger Christian) and was also, coincidentally, their songwriter/guitarist/keyboards player Henry Priestman's middle name. Their 1987 triple-platinum debut album, "The Christians", entered the album chart at No.2 and featured the Top 30 singles "Forgotten Town", "Hooverville, "Ideal World" and "Born Again". A sell-out tour of the major British cities followed, including consecutive nights at the Hammersmith Odeon, with additional appearances in Holland, Germany and France. In 1988 they released a cover of the Isley Brothers' "Harvest for the World", with all proceeds going to British Third-World charities. They also performed with other Liverpool artists Paul McCartney, Holly Johnson and Gerry Marsden on a version of "Ferry Cross The Mersey", released in aid of those affected by the Hillsborough football disaster, which stayed at No.1 for 3 weeks. Their second album, "Colour", was released in 1990 and went to No.1 in the album chart.