Serious Drinking

After completing studies at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, a loose collective of former students came together in February 1981. Through songs laced with humorous frankness, they secured a foothold on the independent charts during the opening years of the decade. On bass, Jem voiced strong allegiance to the Socialist Workers Party, while the remaining members—drummer Lance, who alone had not studied at UEA, vocalists Martin Simon, formerly of the Higsons, and Eugene, plus guitarist Andy, once of the Farmers Boys—focused chiefly on football and drinking. The presence of two singers arose from a simple circumstance: Martin needed transport to rehearsal, Eugene owned a car, offered the ride, and remained in the lineup thereafter. Their name originated from a Sounds magazine headline that introduced an interview with Cockney Rejects. Though cast as figureheads of an imagined “herbert” scene, the group openly embraced classic British pastimes. Their independent-chart successes included the single “Love On The Terraces,” produced by Madness bassist Mark Bedford, and “Hangover,” whose B-side “Baby I’m Dying A Death” had first appeared on a well-received John Peel session. The albums The Revolution Begins At Closing Time and They May Be Drinkers Robin, But They’re Still Human Beings showcased the band’s distinctive eccentricity. Their outlook stayed unambiguous: “Basically what we’re saying is go out, get drunk and enjoy yourself, and don’t be nasty to other people.” Following the release of another headline-derived single, “Country Girl Became Drugs And Sex Punk,” both Jem and Lance left the group. Karen Yarnell, previously of the Gymslips, took over on drums. In 1990, timed with the World Cup, the band issued Love On The Terraces, a compilation of established favourites and fresh recordings. The subsequent album Stranger Than Tannadice coincided with occasional live performances.