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{{Redirect|S*M*A*S*H|the Swedish miniseries|S*M*A*S*H (TV miniseries)}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
'''Smash''' (often typeset as '''S*M*A*S*H''') are a [[punk rock]] trio who enjoyed brief notoriety in the early 1990s in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. Smash was formed by Ed Borrie (vocals, guitar), Salvatore Alessi (credited as Salv) (bass), and Rob Hague (drums) in [[Welwyn Garden City]] in [[Hertfordshire]], [[England]].
{{Use British English|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = S*M*A*S*H
| image =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Welwyn Garden City]], [[Hertfordshire]], England
| genre = {{hlist|[[Punk rock]]|[[new wave of new wave]]}}
| years_active = 1984–1996, 2004–2018
| label = Hi-Rise Recordings, [[Virgin Records|Virgin]], [[Sub Pop]], [[Major League Productions (MLP)]]
| associated_acts = [[Carter USM]], [[The Bleach Boys]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.facebook.com/smash-54281614881/|Official Facebook page}}
| current_members = Ed Borrie<br /> Salvatore Alessi<br /> Rob Hague
| past_members =
}}
'''Smash''' (normally typeset as '''S*M*A*S*H''') are an English [[punk rock]] [[trio (music)|trio]], who enjoyed brief notoriety in the early 1990s in the [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref name="Larkin"/> S*M*A*S*H was formed by Ed Borrie ([[human voice|vocals]], [[guitar]]), Salvatore Alessi (credited as Salv) ([[bass guitar|bass]]), and Rob Hague ([[drum]]s) in [[Welwyn Garden City]] in [[Hertfordshire]], [[England]].<ref name="PhoenixFM">{{cite web|url=https://www.phoenixfm.com/2019/09/29/resurrection-show-53-ed-borrie/|title=Resurrection - show 53 (with Ed Borrie)|date=29 September 2019|publisher=[[Phoenix FM]] }}</ref>


==Career==
The band's sound recalled the late 1970s and early 1980s [[Punk rock|punk]] and [[New Wave music|New Wave]] bands. The [[United Kingdom|British]] music press were extremely enthusiastic about the band creating a non-existent scene called [[New Wave of New Wave]], along with similar [[United Kingdom|UK]] bands of the time such as [[Echobelly]], [[Sleeper (band)|Sleeper]], [[Compulsion]] and [[These Animal Men]]. Most bands strongly disliked the term.
Ed Borrie and Salvatore Alessi formed S*M*A*S*H after meeting at school in the mid-1980s - Salvatore had previously been in a band called GLC.<ref name="Larkin">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997|edition=Concise|isbn=1-85227-745-9|page=1051}}</ref> Rob Hague joined soon afterwards.<ref name="PhoenixFM"/>


The band's sound recalled the late 1970s and early 1980s [[Punk rock|punk]] and [[New wave music|new wave]] bands. The [[United Kingdom|British]] [[music journalism|music press]] were enthusiastic about the band creating a scene called [[New wave of new wave]], along with similar [[United Kingdom|UK]] bands of the time such as [[Echobelly]], [[Sleeper (band)|Sleeper]], [[Compulsion (band)|Compulsion]] and [[These Animal Men]].<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |first= |last= |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p44808/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Biography by Michale Sutton |website=[[AllMusic]] |accessdate=23 April 2009}}</ref>
The band's second single was a tribute to [[feminism]] called "Lady Love your C*nt". It appeared on their debut mini album "S*M*A*S*H" which was a compilation of their first two limited edition 7" singles, and was well received by critics. The band made some memorable appearances on UK late night music TV programmes such as [[Naked City]], when a mob of crazed fans stormed the stage to share the limelight, as well as some stirring live performances, including a collaboration with [[Billy Bragg]] during an [[Anti-Nazi League]] rally.


The band's second [[single (music)|single]] was a tribute to [[feminism]] called "Lady Love Your Cunt".<ref name="Larkin"/> It appeared on their debut mini [[album]] "S*M*A*S*H" which was a compilation of their first two limited edition 7" singles, and was well received by critics. The band made some appearances on [[United Kingdom|UK]] [[television program|TV programmes]] such as ''[[Naked City (1993 TV series)|Naked City]]'', as well as live performances, including a collaboration with [[Billy Bragg]] during an [[Anti-Nazi League]] rally.
With a record deal obtained, the band toured tirelessly, increasing press coverage and attention from fans by playing small venues for low prices, literally bringing their music to the masses. Playing gigs almost every night of the year, the trio still found time to laugh at themselves and their critics, occasionally performing under the name S*H*I*T*E.


With a [[recording contract]], the band [[concert tour|toured]] tirelessly, increasing press coverage and attention from [[fan (person)|fans]].<ref name="Larkin"/> The trio still found time to laugh at themselves, occasionally performing under the name S*H*I*T*E.
The trio made a memorable appearance on [[Top of the Pops]], singing "Shame" live to a backing track which had been recorded at a studio especially for the programme. They became the first to appear on the BBC's flagship chart show without officially releasing a single - their debut EP reaching number 26 in the album charts.


S*M*A*S*H became the first act to appear on the [[BBC Television]] flagship chart show ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' (TOTP) without having released a single. The trio played "Shame" on TOTP, after their debut [[Extended play|EP]] reached number 26 in the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
[[Image:Self.jpg|frame|right|Self Abused LP Cover]] The band's finest moment was arguably the single "I Want to Kill Somebody", an angry and passionate list of members of the current UK [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] government, and how the band though that each should be disposed of. The song had an appropriately controversial video in which Salv appeared to bite off [[John Major]]'s penis. In the song the band stated that they did not think that the people named should actually be killed, but simply that they believed that the world would be a better place had they never existed. The single was only available in the shops for one day in May 1994 and there was enough press interest to ensure a UK chart hit. Not surprisingly the song was banned on most radio stations and was heavily censored on Radio One's top forty programme, and there was a brief [[tabloid]] backlash which worked in the band's favour.
| first= David
| last= Roberts
| year= 2006
| title= British Hit Singles & Albums
| edition= 19th
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
| location= London
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| page= 508}}</ref>


Their only [[hit single]] was "(I Want to) Kill Somebody", which was only available in the shops for one day in 1994. It reached number 26 in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> Its controversial subject matter eventually lead to its banning.<ref name="AMG"/> Their debut full-length album, ''Self Abused'', was not a commercial success, although the group remained a favourite of the critics.<ref name="AMG"/>
Their debut full-length album, "Self Abused", was not a commercial success; due perhaps to some difficult production and a release date which coincided with new albums from the period's top acts, however, the group remained a favorite of critics.


The band [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] a single for the [[Seattle]] based [[record label|label]] [[Sub Pop]], but S*M*A*S*H remained virtually unknown outside the UK, despite a whistle-stop tour of the [[United States]] and support slots across Europe.<ref name="AMG"/> The EP "Another Love Song E.P." followed in 1995, before the group released their final single, "Rest of My Life", a year later.<ref name="AMG"/> The band split up in 1996.<ref name="AMG"/>
Although renowned for their heavy, unapologetic political anthems, such as "Bang Bang Bang", Borrie's writing also displayed a sensitive and highly literate intelligence, most notably in slower songs such as "Oh Ovary" and album track "Time" which features the memorable line, "I may never live to see [[Machiavelli]], on my telly."


In 1997 bass player Salv joined [[Carter USM]] as a full-time member, but in 2004 the trio reformed, recording a number of tracks for a forthcoming EP and playing several gigs around the UK.
The band recorded a single for [[Seattle]] label [[Sub Pop]], but S*M*A*S*H remained virtually unknown outside the UK, despite a whistle-stop tour of America and support slots across Europe. The EP "Another Love Song E.P." followed in 1995 with a typically generous selection of tracks, before the group released their final single, "Rest of My Life", a year later. The band split up in 1996. The band did not fit into the [[Britpop]] mould as some other [[New Wave of New Wave]] bands did (such as [[Sleeper (band)|Sleeper]] and [[Echobelly]]) and consequently their releative lack of further success compared to their former contemporaries was disappointing.


Recently Rob has been playing drums for [[The Bleach Boys]].
In 1997 bass player Salv joined [[Carter USM]] as a full time member, but in 2004 the trio reformed, recording a number of tracks for a forthcoming EP and playing several gigs around the UK.


S*M*A*S*H's second LP, ''Icon'', will be released 8th October 2007, 13 years after their ''Self Abused'' album.<sup>[1]</sup>
S*M*A*S*H's second LP, ''Icon'' was released on 8 October 2007, 13 years after their ''Self Abused'' album.


The band released a third album, ''Goodbye WGC'', in 2017. They were due to release a fourth album in 2018/2019, but split at the end of 2018.<ref name="PhoenixFM"/>
==Footnote==

[1] Details of the album available are on [http://www.mlplive.com/mlp_sept_25_003.htm RSK Entertainment]
On 24 July 2019, Ed Borrie played his first solo gig at the Lexington, London, supporting [[My Life Story]], and in promotion of his solo album ''What Goes On''.

==Discography==
{{Infobox artist discography
|Artist = S*M*A*S*H
|Image =
|Caption =
|Studio = 3
|Live =
|Compilation =
|Video =
|Tribute =
|EP = 3
|Singles = 5
|Miscellaneous=
|Music videos =
|B-sides =
|Soundtrack =
|References =
}}
;Studio albums
* ''Self Abused'' (5 September 1994, Hi-Rise Recordings) UK No.&nbsp;59
* ''Icon'' (October 2007, Hyper)
* ''Goodbye W.G.C.'' (24 February 2017, self-released)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/goodbye-welwyn-garden-city/1207273878|title=Goodbye Welwyn Garden City by S*M*A*S*H|website=Music.apple.com|accessdate=2 October 2019}}</ref>

;Extended plays
* ''S*M*A*S*H'' (March 1994, Hi-Rise Recordings/Virgin) UK No.&nbsp;28
* ''Another Love Song E.P'' (1995, Hi-Rise Recordings/Virgin)
* ''(Without Regret.)'' (2014, esprit de corps)

;Singles
* "Real Surreal" b/w "Drugs Again" / "Revisited No 3" (1993)
* "Lady Love Your Cunt" b/w "Shame" (1993)
* "(I Want to) Kill Somebody" (1994) UK No.&nbsp;26<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
* "Barrabas (Piloted)" b/w "Turn on the Water" (1994, Sub Pop)
* "Rest of My Life" b/w "Tidal Wave (Parts One And Two)" (1995)

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://myspace.com/llyc S*M*A*SH on Myspace]
* [http://myspace.com/llyc S*M*A*S*H on Myspace]
* [http://www.anarchy666.freeserve.co.uk/smash.html Unofficial S*M*A*SH / New Wave of New Wave website]
* [http://www.selfabused.co.uk Selfabused.co.uk - a S*M*A*SH Site - no longer updated]


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Alternative musical groups]]


[[Category:English punk rock groups]]
[[de:S*M*A*S*H]]
[[Category:English musical trios]]
[[Category:Britpop groups]]
[[Category:People from Welwyn Garden City]]
[[Category:Musicians from Hertfordshire]]

Latest revision as of 00:38, 10 July 2024

"S*M*A*S*H" redirects here. For the Swedish miniseries, see S*M*A*S*H (TV miniseries).

S*M*A*S*H
OriginWelwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
Genres
Years active1984–1996, 2004–2018
LabelsHi-Rise Recordings, Virgin, Sub Pop, Major League Productions (MLP)
MembersEd Borrie
Salvatore Alessi
Rob Hague
WebsiteOfficial Facebook page

Smash (normally typeset as S*M*A*S*H) are an English punk rock trio, who enjoyed brief notoriety in the early 1990s in the UK.[1] S*M*A*S*H was formed by Ed Borrie (vocals, guitar), Salvatore Alessi (credited as Salv) (bass), and Rob Hague (drums) in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England.[2]

Career

[edit]

Ed Borrie and Salvatore Alessi formed S*M*A*S*H after meeting at school in the mid-1980s - Salvatore had previously been in a band called GLC.[1] Rob Hague joined soon afterwards.[2]

The band's sound recalled the late 1970s and early 1980s punk and new wave bands. The British music press were enthusiastic about the band creating a scene called New wave of new wave, along with similar UK bands of the time such as Echobelly, Sleeper, Compulsion and These Animal Men.[3]

The band's second single was a tribute to feminism called "Lady Love Your Cunt".[1] It appeared on their debut mini album "S*M*A*S*H" which was a compilation of their first two limited edition 7" singles, and was well received by critics. The band made some appearances on UK TV programmes such as Naked City, as well as live performances, including a collaboration with Billy Bragg during an Anti-Nazi League rally.

With a recording contract, the band toured tirelessly, increasing press coverage and attention from fans.[1] The trio still found time to laugh at themselves, occasionally performing under the name S*H*I*T*E.

S*M*A*S*H became the first act to appear on the BBC Television flagship chart show Top of the Pops (TOTP) without having released a single. The trio played "Shame" on TOTP, after their debut EP reached number 26 in the UK Albums Chart.[4]

Their only hit single was "(I Want to) Kill Somebody", which was only available in the shops for one day in 1994. It reached number 26 in the UK Singles Chart.[4] Its controversial subject matter eventually lead to its banning.[3] Their debut full-length album, Self Abused, was not a commercial success, although the group remained a favourite of the critics.[3]

The band recorded a single for the Seattle based label Sub Pop, but S*M*A*S*H remained virtually unknown outside the UK, despite a whistle-stop tour of the United States and support slots across Europe.[3] The EP "Another Love Song E.P." followed in 1995, before the group released their final single, "Rest of My Life", a year later.[3] The band split up in 1996.[3]

In 1997 bass player Salv joined Carter USM as a full-time member, but in 2004 the trio reformed, recording a number of tracks for a forthcoming EP and playing several gigs around the UK.

Recently Rob has been playing drums for The Bleach Boys.

S*M*A*S*H's second LP, Icon was released on 8 October 2007, 13 years after their Self Abused album.

The band released a third album, Goodbye WGC, in 2017. They were due to release a fourth album in 2018/2019, but split at the end of 2018.[2]

On 24 July 2019, Ed Borrie played his first solo gig at the Lexington, London, supporting My Life Story, and in promotion of his solo album What Goes On.

Discography

[edit]
S*M*A*S*H discography
Studio albums3
EPs3
Singles5
Studio albums
  • Self Abused (5 September 1994, Hi-Rise Recordings) UK No. 59
  • Icon (October 2007, Hyper)
  • Goodbye W.G.C. (24 February 2017, self-released)[5]
Extended plays
  • S*M*A*S*H (March 1994, Hi-Rise Recordings/Virgin) UK No. 28
  • Another Love Song E.P (1995, Hi-Rise Recordings/Virgin)
  • (Without Regret.) (2014, esprit de corps)
Singles
  • "Real Surreal" b/w "Drugs Again" / "Revisited No 3" (1993)
  • "Lady Love Your Cunt" b/w "Shame" (1993)
  • "(I Want to) Kill Somebody" (1994) UK No. 26[4]
  • "Barrabas (Piloted)" b/w "Turn on the Water" (1994, Sub Pop)
  • "Rest of My Life" b/w "Tidal Wave (Parts One And Two)" (1995)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 1051. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  2. ^ a b c "Resurrection - show 53 (with Ed Borrie)". Phoenix FM. 29 September 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Biography by Michale Sutton". AllMusic. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 508. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  5. ^ "Goodbye Welwyn Garden City by S*M*A*S*H". Music.apple.com. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
[edit]
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