Heaven 17

Heaven 17

Heaven 17 are a synth-pop group from Sheffield, England, formed in 1980. The band is centred on Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, both former members of the Human League, together with vocalist Glenn Gregory. Their line-up is also associated with John Wesley Barker and John Wilson. The group remains active and is identified with Sheffield’s new romantic scene.

Background and style

Heaven 17 work in synth-pop and related electronic styles, with links to new wave, dance-rock, pop and new romantic music. Their early recordings are mainly from the 1980s, when they establish their best-known catalogue.

Live work and later activity

Although the band forms in 1980, it does not begin live performance until 1997. Since then it appears occasionally in concert and continues as an active group.

Albums

The band’s studio albums include Penthouse and Pavement (1981), The Luxury Gap (1983), How Men Are (1984), Pleasure One (1986), Teddy Bear, Duke & Psycho (1988), Bigger Than America (1996), Before After (2005) and Naked as Advertised (2008).