Play Dead

Play Dead

Play Dead is an English post-punk and gothic rock group from Banbury, active from 1980 to 1986. The band comes out of the fading punk scene and is often linked with goth acts such as UK Decay and Sex Gang Children, although it does not describe itself as part of the gothic movement.

Line-up

The original line-up includes Rob Hickson on vocals, Pete Waddleton on bass, Mark “Wiff” Smith on drums and Re Vox on guitar. In July 1981, Re Vox leaves and Steve Green takes over on guitar. The members listed for the group are Barry Turnbull, Steve Green, Rob Hickson, Mark “Wiff” Smith and Pete Waddleton.

Recordings and labels

The band releases three studio albums across four independent labels: Fresh Records, Jungle Records, Situation 2 and Clay Records. For its final album, Company of Justice, released in 1985, it creates its own label, Tanz.

Side project and later activity

In 1984, Rob Hickson and Pete Waddleton start a side project called Mankinds Audio Development, or M.A.D., which issues a single containing the tracks “Craving” and “Sunfeast.” The band later records under the name The Beastmaster Generals before dissolving in 1986.