The Bolshoi

The Bolshoi were a London-based music group prominent mostly in the mid-late 1980s. They managed to stand out in the sea of post-punk UK acts vying for notability at the time.

Related Topics:
London - 1980s - Post-punk

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The band formed in 1984. The original lineup consisted of singer/guitarist Trevor Tanner, drummer Jan Kalicki, and bassist Nick Chown. Early gigs supported the likes of The Cult, The March Violets, and Lords of the New Church. In 1985, the band released their debut single, "Sob Story", followed by the mini-LP, Giants. Word-of-mouth was such that the Bolshoi were able to sell out many of their early headlining performances.

Related Topics:
1984 - Trevor Tanner - Jan Kalicki - Nick Chown - The Cult - The March Violets - Lords of the New Church - 1985

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The lineup expanded in 1985 to include Paul Clark on keyboards. In 1986, they released their first full-length LP, Friends, and expanded their touring schedule to to US, South Africa, and Poland.

Related Topics:
Paul Clark - 1986 - US - South Africa - Poland

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Stylistically, the Bolshoi were difficult to categorize. They have been described as a proto-goth band, similar in their live act to fellow Beggar's Banquet signees, Bauhaus. Tanner was recognized for his dark, pensive lyrics that belied a social responsibility and awareness.

Related Topics:
Beggar's Banquet - Bauhaus

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Overall, the Bolshoi recorded three albums, but were unable to sustain their initial promise and disbanded as the 1980s drew to a close.

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