Prefab Sprout

Prefab Sprout are an English pop band from Witton Gilbert, County Durham formed in 1976, who rose to fame during the 1980s. Though critically acclaimed, and considered by many to have released some of the best pop albums of the decade, the band never matched this acclaim with as much commercial success. The band's best known lineup was: Paddy McAloon (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Wendy Smith (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Martin McAloon (bass) and Neil Conti (drums)

Their biggest commercial and critical success came with 1990's Jordan: The Comeback, which was a hit in the UK and nominated for a Brit award. The band also had a UK Top 10 hit with 1988's "The King of Rock 'n' Roll"

Perhaps their finest album, Steve McQueen, originally released in June 1985, has been re-released in a 2-CD edition, this time with eight acoustic versions. The record company says: "Digitally remastered by original producer Thomas Dolby, the album is sounding even better than ever. As if that weren't enough it is complemented here with a second disc containing eight sublime acoustic versions, which have been specially re-recorded for this release by Paddy McAloon".

The album "Steve McQueen" was released in the US under the title "Two Wheels Good" following pressure from the late actor's estate.


Chronology of bandmembers (for factbox):

Paddy McAloon (born Patrick Joseph McAloon, 7 June 1957, Durham); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Martin McAloon (born 4 January 1962, Durham); bass guitar
Michael Salmon; drums / percussion
Wendy Smith (born 31 May 1963, Middlesbrough); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Neil Conti (born 12 February 1959, Luton); drums / percussion
Fiona Attwood (Chester-le-Street); backing vocals