Mary had once been runner-up in an alternative Miss Universe competition held in Leicester, and continued this trend for cross-dressing when performing live, which apparently left critics unsure regarding his gender due to the bands unusual name, which obviously says more about journalist prejudices than the band itself (and is likely to have been part of the gameplan). His unusual name was a tribute to Mary Millington, a British soft-porn actress from the 70's who led a tragic lifestyle that ended in suicide.
Thier first single 'Everythang's Groovy' was produced by the Mekons' Jon Langford. After the exciting follow-up, 'Nosedive Karma', topped the UK indie chart with it's blend of hip-hop, dance beats and loud guitars, a debut album on Virgin Records emerged. 'Drill Your Own Hole' required vinyl purchasers to fulfil the request in the title, as the disc was issued with no gap in the centre through which a record player spindle could be placed. This innovative and provocative stance was partially matched in the musical output, with single 'Git Down' continuing the fascination with dirty guitars, samples and funky bass and drums.
A further album followed before leaving Virgin records, which prompted the band to set up their own label, Naked Brain, due to disinterest from any other potential outlets. Another 2 albums were released before the band went their separate ways.
Even before the split, they had been active with other projects - 'Lesbian Dopeheads on Mopeds' who were publicised as originating from New Zealand, and 'Rektum' a thrash metal band who allegedly originated from Eastern Europe - both of which were the Bykers under a pseudonym.
Kevin left to form a new band, G.R.O.W.T.H., Tony joined Camp Collision, and Mary Mary entered proto-industrial outfit Pigface, before achieving chart success with current sample-heavy left field dance band Apollo 440. Under this guise, remixes have also been plentiful for Mary, not least for the Manic Street Preachers, whose 'Everything Must Go' era singles all featured mixes by the Stealth Sonic Orchestra, who were Apollo 440 in all but name.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE GAYE BYKERS ON ACID: Pop Will Eat Itself, Crazyhead, Apollo 440, Age of Chance, Iggy & the Stooges, Primal Scream, Hawkwind.
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