East 17
Four-piece UK pop band, featuring Anthony (Ant) Mortimer (b. c.1972; lead rapper), Brian Harvey (b. c.1976), Terry Goldwell (b. c.1975) and John Hendy (b. c.1972). Goldwell also runs a radio station; Radio MF. The band's mascot and ‘fifth member’ is Levy, a Staffordshire bull terrier. Their name was taken from the London postal code from which they originate, and they even called their debut album after their hometown, Walthamstow. Lyrics like ‘I disagree with murder ‘cos I know that it's wrong’ populated that record, while critics scoffed at their attempts to imitate hardcore Bronx rap crews. However, throughout 1993 they would prove themselves among the most popular of the ‘teen pop bands’, their success testified by hit singles House Of Love, Gold and the L.L. Cool J influenced Deep. In addition to coming second in the SMASH HITS Best New Band poll for 1992, they also took part in that magazine's New Year show. They are managed by Tom Watkins, who had formerly spearheaded the career of Bros.