Northside

Northside are an English madchester band from Manchester, formed in 1989 in the suburbs of Blackley and Moston in North Manchester. The group belongs to the 1990s Madchester, baggy and rave scene, and is associated with the early 1990s Manchester indie movement.

Early line-up and formation

The band is founded by Warren “Dermo” Dermody, who handles vocals and lyrics, and Cliff Ogier on bass. Michael Upton later joins on guitar and Paul Walsh on drums, replacing Timmy Walsh, who plays guitar on the band’s first single. The verified line-up lists Dermo as the principal member.

Recordings and chart success

Northside release their only album, Chicken Rhythms, on Factory Records in 1991. Ian Broudie produces the album, which reaches No. 19 in June 1991. Their first single, “Shall We Take A Trip,” is banned by the BBC because of its drug references, but still enters the UK Singles Chart Top 50 without radio support. “My Rising Star” follows in October 1990 and reaches No. 32.

In 1991, the group also has a minor US hit with “Take 5,” which reaches No. 5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. A second album is recorded, but the band splits after Factory Records declares bankruptcy in 1992.

Later activity

After the split, Dermo and Ogier form Silent Partners in 2003, while Walsh plays with the Manchester rock band Sons of the Stage. Northside play gigs in Leeds and Manchester in 2006, when Chicken Rhythms is re-issued on LTM Recordings.

In March 2011, Dermo forms V Thirteen. In 2014, Northside reunite with all four original members and tour England. Dermo later releases his debut single “Vultures” on Eromeda Records and records a debut solo album for release in 2018.