Altered Images

Scottish new wavers Altered Images formed in early 1979, consisting of vocalist Clare Grogan, guitarist Tony Mcdaid, drummer Tich Anderson, and bassist Johnny Mcelhone. The teenagers cut a demo and sent it to Siouxsie And The Banshees, who were impressed enough to have the band open for them for several dates in support of their Kaleidoscope record. Two impressive BBC Peel Sessions helped the band land a contract with Epic. The Banshees' Steve Severin took them under his wing, producing their first two singles. Though both didn't do well, "Dead Pop Stars" gained controversy for its release shortly after the assassination of John Lennon. (The song was recorded prior to his death.) Both singles were striking for their dark post-punk leanings, which oddly went well with Grogan's youthful, chirpy voice. (See Cranes for another example of this juxtaposition.)



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