A Flock of Seagulls

A Flock of Seagulls

A Flock of Seagulls are a synth-pop group from Liverpool, England, formed in 1979 and active from 1980. The group is associated with new wave, new romantic, dance-pop, dance-rock, post-punk and synth-pop. The lineup includes Mike Score, Ali Score, Frank Maudsley, Paul Reynolds, A.J. Mazzetti and Dean Pichette.

Early line-up and breakthrough

The band forms around brothers Mike Score, who sings and plays keyboards, and Ali Score, who plays drums, with Frank Maudsley on bass and Paul Reynolds on guitar. They gain wider attention in the early MTV era through the videos for “I Ran (So Far Away)” and “Space Age Love Song”. Mike Score’s distinctive hairstyle also becomes closely associated with the group’s image.

Albums, singles and recognition

The band’s debut album is A Flock of Seagulls, released in 1982, following the 1981 EP Telecommunication. Its songs draw on themes including alien abduction and disorientation in modern society, and are compared with space rock. Their early 1980s hit records become closely identified with the band and bring a Grammy for best instrumental performance.

Split and later activity

The original group splits in 1985 after later songs, which take more influence from commercial pop rock, fail to find an audience. Mike Score reforms the band with new members in 1995. The original line-up reunites for a small number of club dates in 2003, and since then Score performs a version of the band with a changing line-up.