The Godfathers formed after the demise of the Sid Presley Experience, who lasted from late 1983 through early 1985, and were a promising underground band, although it has been said they liked to brawl more than they liked to play. SPE featured the Coyne brothers along with guitarist Del Bartle and drummer Kev Murphy. After the split, Del and Kev went on to form the band Unholy Trinity.
1985 saw the Godfathers release a number of singles on their own independent Corporate Image label - including 'This Damn Nation' and 'I Want Everything'. These singles were compiled on 1986's 'Hit by Hit LP', and their sound can best be described as tough, R & B rock 'n' roll, reminiscent of late 60's U.S. garage.
They continued after being signed to Epic Records and released "Birth, School, Work, Death" in 1987. The title song was nominated for an MTV award for "Best New Artist In A Video" in 1988. (The winners were Guns N' Roses with "Welcome to the Jungle").
In 1989, the release "More Songs About Love and Hate", featured the college-radio hit "She Gives Me Love", but in 1990, Kris left the band and was replaced by Chris Burrows. (Kris is now with Del Amitri, but also played with Stiv Bators and the Damned)
The band continued with 1991's 'Unreal World', and with the departure of Chris and the death of long-time producer Vic Maile, their sound was changed, but remained exciting. 'Unreal World' was the last Epic Release, but the band soldiered on. releasing live album 'Dope, Rock'n'Roll, and Fucking in the Streets' in 1992.
In 1993, a self-titled album (a.k.a. 'Orange' because of the cover art) was released, which brought a return to four-on-the-floor rock'n'roll. The lineup of the band had changed once more, with Ali Byworth on drums and guitarist Gibson departing.
In 1995, 'Afterlife' was released on Intercord records. The Coynes were backed by Ricky Newson on guitars, Paul Ronney on guitars, and Grant Nicholas on drums. A "best of" retrospective of the three Epic-albums (with a few tracks from Hit by Hit) was released in 1996 containing all the singles, as well as some b-sides not readily available.
Beyond 'Afterlife', the band remained active, playing a few shows yearly to a core crowd of fans in Europe, with the line-up constantly changing. In August 2000, the band played their last official show in Mechelen, Belgium. Peter Coyne also surfaced in October 2000, on the British version of TV show Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.
In Feb of 2001, Sam Powell, bassist on the spring 2000 tour, committed suicide. On February 26, 2001, the Godfathers appeared at a London tribute concert for Sam. The lineup was: Peter, Paul Ronney, James Stirling, Igor, and Gary Mills on drums. They performed 'Birth, School, Work, Death' and 'I Wanna Be Your Dog'.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE THE GODFATHERS: 60's Garage, Stiv Bators, The Stooges, Beatles, Jesus & Mary Chain, Dr.Feelgood, The Cult, The Who,