Mighty Mighty

Mighty Mighty

Mighty Mighty are a Birmingham, United Kingdom indie pop group active from 1983 to 1988. Formed in the early 1980s by Mick Geoghegan and Hugh Harkin, the group develops from their shared interest in soul music, Postcard Records, The Velvet Underground and Socialist Worker Party politics.

Line-up and sound

By 1985 the group settles into a line-up of Mick Geoghegan on guitar and lyrics, Hugh Harkin on vocals, Russell Burton on bass and backing vocals, David “H” Hennessy on drums, and Pete Geoghegan on Vox organ and guitar. Their sound is shaped by a wide range of influences, with Mick drawing on Al Green, Billie Holiday, Josef K and Phil Spector; his guitar style also reflects the influence of Scottish indie bands, Ian McCulloch and The Au Pairs. Hugh’s vocals echo Scott Walker and Edwyn Collins, while Hennessey’s drumming is informed by punk, The Only Ones and the Pogues. Russell Burton develops a melodic bass style through playing along to This Year’s Model at university in Sheffield, and Pete Geoghegan’s keyboard and guitar work is influenced by The Doors, Al Kooper, the Bunnymen, Johnny Marr and The Velvet Underground.

Releases and label history

The band builds a following on the Birmingham circuit, playing venues such as The Mermaid, the Hare & Hounds, the Peacocks and various halls of residence. Its first single, “Everybody Knows The Monkey” / “You’re On My Mind”, is recorded for £40 and released in 1986 on the group’s own Girlie Records. This is followed by Is There Anyone Out There, a four-track 12-inch release, before the band signs to Chapter 22.

Style and place in indie pop

Mighty Mighty are associated with c86, indie pop and jangle pop. Their sound stands apart from many of their contemporaries through the mix of pop melody, post-punk and soul influences that shape the writing, vocals and guitar work.