Darling Buds
Formed in Wales in 1987 by Andrea Lewis (b. 25 March 1967, Newport, Wales), Harley Farr (b. 4 July 1964, Singapore), Bloss and Chris McDonagh (b. 6 March 1962, Newport, Wales), the early part of the Darling Buds’ career was as much of a pure adrenalin rush as was their poppypunk music. Following in the tradition of classic pop records, the Buds produced a series of sparkling sub-three minute singles on the independent Native label, becoming embroiled in the superfluous Blond scene of that time alongside the Primitives. With the added incentive of increasingly celebrational live performances, Epic Records swiftly signed the band in 1988 and earned moderate chart success for subsequent singles. Unfortunately, in the true spirit of bubblegum pop, the Darling Buds’ balloon began to deflate. Drummer Bloss was replaced by Jimmy Hughes (b. Liverpool, England) and the band's second album, CRAWDADDY witnessed a new sophisticated approach to recording which was at odds with their early material, creating few ripples in the musical pond.