Original band promotion touted the Housemartins (with tongue firmly in cheek) as the 'fourth best band in Hull', with further geographical concerns humourously addressed in the capital-baiting title of their debut album 'London 0, Hull 4'. Their first UK hit was achieved with 'Happy Hour' reaching no.3 in the UK chart. This single and the debut album displayed a social awareness and dark humour that was both tender and biting at the same time. One often unmentioned factor in the Housemartins music is the socialist attitude of the lyrics, which should come as no surprise to anyone who shared their formative years with Heaton, Cook and pals under the early years of Margaret Thatchers' Conservative Government.
A number one single came in the form of cover version 'Caravan of Love' in December 1986, and they received BPI honours in 1987 as best newcomers. An example of their strong political leanings followed with the band supporting the 'Red Wedge' tour which included fellow activist musicians such as Paul Weller and Billy Bragg.
A final album 'The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death' appeared later the same year, with the band deciding to finish at the height of their commercial success, claiming the project was only originally intended to last three years.
The lyrical commentary that Heaton displayed so efficiently in the Housemartins has continued to shine in the Beautiful South, with more emphasis on the internal than the overtly political, although some subtle undercurrents still remain. In 1997 original drummer Hugh Whitaker (replaced in 1987 by Dave Hemingway) could be found in Percy, a band originally formed in York, who have yet to elevate themselves beyond the indie 'toilet' pub circuit. This return to music for Whitaker followed a spell in prison for arson and wounding with intent directed at a former business partner.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE THE HOUSEMARTINS: The Smiths, Aztec Camera, The Beautiful South, McCarthy, Jasmine Minks, Billy Bragg, World Party..