The Mighty Lemon Drops
This UK independent label pop band broke through in 1985 with the highly-touted Like An Angel. It featured Paul Marsh (vocals/guitar), David Newton (guitar), Tony Linehan (bass) and Keith Rowley (drums), who had all enjoyed chequered careers in numerous Wolverhampton outfits. Newton had previously played with Active Restraint in 1982, which also included Marsh and Linehan. They played regularly alongside Another Dream, and both bands featured on single releases by local label Watchdog Video And Records. Newton and Neal Cook of Another Dream put together the Wild Flowers, alongside Dave Atherton (also ex-Another Dream; guitar/keyboards), Pete Waldron (bass) and Dave Fisher (drums). After a further single and a support to Simple Minds, Newton moved on once more, forming the Mighty Lemon Drops with Marsh and Linehan. The temporary drummer was Martin Gilks (now with the Wonder Stuff), before Keith Rowley stepped in full-time. As part of the New Musical Express’ C-86 generation, they were snapped up by Chrysalis subsidiary Blue Guitar. Despite the charm of several singles in an Echo And The Bunnymen vein, they failed to translate independent chart success into hits. Although they were dropped by Chrysalis after three albums, they remain favourites on the US college circuit.