The Farm

The Farm formed in Liverpool in 1983, Peter Hooton's political songwriting and the band's indie dance sound giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They spent several years building a following before their commercial breakthrough in 1990. The sound drew on the Madchester scene but had a more explicitly political character.

'All Together Now' (1990) was the breakthrough — a song built on a sample of Pachelbel's Canon that became one of the most recognisable British singles of the year. The song's message of unity and solidarity resonated deeply. 'Spartacus' (1991) was the debut album — it reached number one and established the Farm as one of the most successful British bands of the year.

The Farm have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. Their political engagement — particularly around Liverpool's history and working-class culture — has remained as prominent as their music. They remain one of the most beloved Liverpool bands of their era.