1. Blitz
Were: Hardcore skinheads
Became: Synth experimentalists
What happened:
A skinhead Oi band from New Mills, Derbyshire - these Bushell blessed rowdies suddenly pitched up with a synth heavy, Sisters sounding LP called Second Empire Justice. Just as quickly they disowned it and went back to noisy chanting.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOagiBRl-ls
Verdict: FAIL
2. Pat Boone
Was: Bible thumping Republican crooner
Became: S&M metal king, sort of ...
What happened:
One of America's most beloved entertainers. Wholesome and devout, Pat surprised everyone in 1997 by releasing In A Metal Mood - an album of hard rock covers. Sacked by the Gospel America show for his troubles, he never tackled the genre again.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z67IqrmygZY
Verdict: FAIL
3. Depeche Mode
Were: Synth popsters
Became: Dark industrialists
What happened:
Having enjoyed a string of sweet, pop hits with Vince Clarke, the Mode turned to Martin Gore for their songs. Morphing into gloomy, clanging mood merchants, they unexpectedly conquered America's stadia and sold millions.
Listen: http://tinyurl.com/6zbju48
Verdict: SUCCESS
4. Stiff Little Fingers
Were: Growling Irish punksters
Became: New romantic power poppers
What happened:
After two fine albums of tight, angry punk, Ulster's SLF lost their way releasing instrumental singles (Go For It) and sub-Alarm new wave lite (Listen). That said, they still tour and have a considerable fan base.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTBhcqhy6O0
Verdict: FAIL
5. Joy Division
Were: Emotional indie northeners
Became: Electronic dance god northerners
What happened:
After the suicide of Ian Curtis, the band regrouped and changed their name to New Order. After one or two transitional albums and visits to New York's Garage club they produced the most remarkable blend of indie and electronic dance music and were untouchable for at least a decade. No longer on speaking terms, however.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1HAkjOuL0
Verdict: SUCCESS
6. Garth Brooks
Was: Platinum selling country hat act
Became: Moody rock star called Chris Gaines
What happened:
Who knows? If you produce sales for your record company they will indulge your misguided concepts. From nowhere, Brooks re-invented himself as Chris Gains - a sort of tortured rock star with blue hair. Confused, the world avoided the project like bird flu.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_obtqtdu3w
Verdict: FAIL
7. Roxy Music
Were: Experimental glam rock from space
Became: Smooth lounge lizards
What happened:
Storming the 70s with debut Virginia Plain, Roxy were exotic, glamorous and most unusual. Then Brian Eno quit and sharp suits and crooning became the order of the day. Fortunately the music was still outstanding and the band's popularity only increased. Best not to mention the whole fox hunting thing though.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOnde5c7OG8
Verdict: SUCCESS
8. The Beatles
Were: The first boy band
Became: The first conceptual band
What happened:
They stopped playing live and started getting stoned. As a result Revolution 9 sounded a little different from Please Please Me.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oQTU0fFyts
Verdict: JURY OUT
9. Adam & The Ants
Were: Fetish art punks
Became: Dandy panto cartoons
What happened:
Having had his band stolen by Malcolm Mclaren, Adam went for all out for pop stardom by dressing as a pirate with a poorly nose. For about 12 months it was the most exciting thing in pop music. Rapidly became a bit tired.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvtzHxr-7g8
Verdict: SUCCESS (until Prince Charming)
10. UB40
Were: Distinctive political UK reggae
Became: Dull covers act
What happened:
After two albums of uniquely British reggae reflecting the turmoil of the times, cash and fame turned their heads and they opted for lame covers which sold in truckloads but were also massively boring.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT1Sa91N75E
Verdict: FAIL
Magnus Shaw, January 2011
