The House Of Love

The post-Smiths guitar pop of The House of Love was popular for a short time in the late '80s. They became cult favourites thanks to a mixture of shiny ringing guitars, pseudo-psychedelic melodies, and bursts of noise.

The House Of Love formed in 1986 featuring Guy Chadwick (vocals, guitar), Terry Bickers (guitar), Andrea Heukamp (vocals, guitar), Pete Evans (drums), and Chris Groothuizen (bass). Their demo tape attracted the attention of Alan McGee, the head of Creation Records. McGee signed the band for a single, 'Shine On' which was released in May 1987 to critical acclaim.

Following a tour supporting the singles, Heukamp left the group. The House of Love continued as a quartet, releasing their untitled debut album in the spring of 1988 which was heralded by many UK critics as one of the albums of that year.

The band moved to Fontana Records releasing two singles, 'Never' and 'I Don't Know Why I Love You' that failed to crack the British Top 40. By the end of 1989, Bickers left the group amid stories of eccentric behavior, and a strained relationship with Chadiwck. He was replaced by Simon Walker. The House of Love's second untitled album (commonly called 'Fontana') was released in early 1990 but suffered commercially due to the the emergence of the likes of Happy Mondays & The Stone Roses.

After the group's 1990 tour, Walker left the group and was replaced by Simon Mawby. The House of Love returned in early 1992 with Babe Rainbow, which received favorable reviews yet weak sales. A lack of commercial success began to wear on the band, leading to their disbandment in 1994.

Following the band's demise, Chadwick attempted a brief solo career and Bickers formed Levitation, perhaps best remembered for the 1993 album & cult classic 'Need For Not'.

Chadwick & Bickers have since patched up their differences & reformed The House Of Love. A new single, album & tour are scheduled for 2005.