Boo Radleys

The Boo Radleys formed in Wallasey, Merseyside in 1988, Sice's distinctive vocals and Martin Carr's adventurous songwriting giving the band a quality that was immediately apparent. They signed to Creation Records and spent several years making increasingly experimental music — 'Everything's Alright Forever' (1992) and 'Giant Steps' (1993) were both ambitious, challenging records that drew on shoegaze, jazz, and avant-garde influences.

'Giant Steps' in particular was a remarkable achievement — a record of extraordinary ambition that ranged from noise rock to orchestral pop to jazz-influenced experimentation. It was critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful. The band's response was to write 'Wake Up Boo!' — one of the most joyful and immediate pop songs of the decade. The single reached number nine and introduced the band to a much wider audience.

'Wake Up!' (1995) was the commercial peak — the album reached number one. But the band were uncomfortable with their new pop status, and subsequent albums moved away from the accessibility of 'Wake Up Boo!'. They split in 1999. The Boo Radleys reformed in 2024 and released new material, to the delight of their devoted fanbase.