Mission
UK rock band who evolved from the Sisters Of Mercy, when Wayne Hussey (b.26 May 1959, Bristol, England; ex-Walkie Talkies, Dead Or Alive) and Craig Adams split from Andrew Eldritch. They quickly recruited drummer Mick Brown(ex-Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry) and guitarist Simon Hinkler (ex-Artery). The original choice of title was the Sisterhood, which led to an undignifiedseries of exchanges in the press between the band and Eldritch. In order to negatetheir use of the name, Eldritch put out a single under the name Sisterhood on hisown Merciful Release label. Thus the title the Mission was selected instead. After twosuccessful independent singles on the Chapter 22 label, they signed to Mercury in the autumnof 1986. Their major label debut, Stay With Me, entered the UK singles charts while theband worked on their debut album. GOD'S OWN MEDICINE was the outcome, revealinga tendency towards straightforward rock, and attracting criticism for its bombast. A heavytouring schedule ensued, with the band's off-stage antics attracting at least as much attention astheir performances. A particularly indulgent tour of America saw Adams shippedhome suffering from exhaustion. His temporary replacement on bass was Pete Turner. Afterheadlining the Reading Festival, they began work on a new album under the auspices of LedZeppelin bass player John Paul Jones as producer. CHILDREN was even moresuccessful than its predecessor, reaching number 2 in the UK album charts, despite thecustomary critical disdain. 1990 brought Butterfly On A Wheel as a single, providingfurther ammunition for accusations that the band were simply dredging up rock history. InFebruary, the long-delayed third album, CARVED IN SAND, was released, revealing amore sophisticated approach to songwriting. During the world tour to promote the album, bothHinkler and Hussey became ill because of the excessive regime. Hinkler departed suddenly when they reached Toronto, leaving Dave Wolfenden toprovide guitar for the rest of the tour. On their return, Paul Etchells took over the positionon a more permanent basis. Hussey had meanwhile joined with the Wonder Stuffin proposing a fund-raising concert in London under the banner The Day Of Conscience, butthe event self-destructed with a barrage of allegations about commercial intrusion. In a similarvein over the Christmas period, members of the band joined with Slade's Noddy Holderand Jim Lea to re-record Merry Xmas Everybody for charity. However, 1992 wouldbring numerous further personnel difficulties. Craig Adams returned to Brighton, whileHussey brought in Andy Hobson (bass), Rik Carter(keyboards) and Mark Gemini Thwaite (guitar). A reflective Hussey, promoting the SUM AND SUBSTANCE compilation, would concede:‘We had an overblown sense of melodrama. It was great—pompous songs, big grandstatements. We've never attempted to do anything that's innovative’. A nation of rockcritics found something to agree with Hussey on at last.