Blue Orchid is a British post punk music band that originated in Manchester, England. The band was formed in late 1979. Since its formation, the band has released many albums. The name 'Blue Orchid' has been inspired by the poet John Cooper Clark who was a famous punk poet in Manchester. He imagined Blessed Orchids as a group of haemophiliacs raised by Alsatian dogs. The word 'blessed' was replaced by 'Blue'.
Martin Bramah and Una Baines are the main vocalists of Blue Orchid. Previously, Martin Bramah use to play for 'The Fall'. After recording the debut album 'Live at Witch Trials' he quit this band. He teamed up with Una Baines who was a renowned keyboard player and an ex Fall member. Later on guitarist Rick Goldstraw and bass player Steve Toyne along with drummer Joe Kin joined the band. Martin Bramah is recognized for his unusual voice. The flowing sounds of keyboard played by Una Baines perfectly complement the new innovative guitar patterns played by Bramah.
The first big break of Blue Orchids was from Geoff Travis of Rough Trade Records. The released their first debut album 'The Flood/Disney Boys' on November 1980. Mayo Thompson who belonged to Pere Ubu co produced it. The unusual musical notes caught the attention of a large number of audience. Kin and Toyne left the group after this release. Toby Toman an ex member of The Durutti column joined the band as the drummer and Goldstraw was shifted to Bass. With a
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new line up they went on to release their second debut album ' The Greatest Hit' (MoneyMountain). This album went on to become one of the biggest hit, and sold 10,000 copies.
Blue Orchids toured the whole of UK and Europe with Nico, a former German model and a singer also a member of the band 'The Velvet Underground' as a support act. Rick Goldstraw the bassist decided to continue the touring and was replaced by Mark Heyller. In the year 1982 after the release of their next album 'Agents of Change EP' after which the group split up.
The journey of Blue Orchids has never been smooth. It has witnessed many exits and entry of the members. In 1991 Martin Bramah returned with a new Blue Orchid featuring Craig Gannon as a guitarist. With this new line up of artists they went on to release a number of records like 'Diamond Age' or the 'Secret City EP'. 'View from the City' was the first compilation album of the Blue Orchids, which was released during this period. A second album, which was recorded in 1993 was unreleased for more than 10 years. 'Darker Bloom' is a recent compilation album of the Blue Orchids released in 2002.
'Secret City was the last recording by the band where the intimate number of 'Love Fiend' and 'Out of Sight' probably brought out the best of Martin Bramah. Blue Orchids is one of the unique musical bands, who have swayed the audience with their mesmerizing music and delivered several hits.
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