Original Mirrors were a British new wave band formed in Liverpool in 1979. Featuring members of several earlier punk/new wave bands, they signed to Mercury Records and released two albums before splitting in 1981, with members going on to play in the Lightning Seeds and Status Quo.

History[edit]

The band were formed in 1979 by songwriters Ian Broudie (formerly of Big in Japan and Secrets) and Steve Allen (formerly of Deaf School).^[1] They recruited former XTC and Stadium Dogs keyboardist/guitarist Jonathan Perkins, Phil Spalding, formerly bassist with Bernie Tormé, and drummer Pete Kircher.^[1][2]

They were signed by Mercury Records and their first release was the single "Could This Be Heaven" in November 1979.^[1] A second single, "Boys Cry", preceded a self-titled debut album in February 1980.^[1] Jimmy Hughes replaced Spalding prior to the band's second album, Heart-twango & Raw-beat (1981). A final single, "20,000 Dreamers", followed before the band split up.^[1]

Spalding left to join Toyah then later GTR and Mike Oldfield's band. Broudie went on to form Care and later the Lightning Seeds, also establishing himself as a successful producer.^[1] Kircher joined Status Quo in 1982, staying with the band until 1985.^[1] Allen went on to be Senior A&R Director at WEA's Eternal label.^[3] Hughes joined Department S.

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

• Original Mirrors (1980)
• Heart-twango & Raw-beat (1981)

Compilations

• Heartbeat - the Best of the Original Mirrors (1996)

Singles[edit]

• "Could This Be Heaven" (1979)
• "Boys Cry" (1980)
• "Flying" (1980) - Italy-only release
• "Dancing with the Rebels" (1981)
• "20,000 Dreamers" (1981)

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Original Mirrors discography at Discogs
• Original Mirrors at IMDb