The Christians

The Christians are a Liverpool group active from 1985, known for a string of UK chart hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They are associated with contemporary R&B, R&B, rock, soft rock and sophisti-pop, and their membership includes Garry Christian, Roger Christian, Russell Christian and Henry Priestman.

Formation and name

The band forms in Liverpool, England. Its name comes from the Christian surname shared by the Christian brothers, and also connects to Henry Priestman’s middle name; it is not a religious reference.

Early success

The Christians’ first three singles all reach the UK Top 40. Their self-titled debut album comes out in 1987, enters the UK album chart at number 2 and goes on to sell over a million copies. The biggest single from that record is “Ideal World”, which reaches number 14 in the UK singles chart.

In 1988 they release a cover of the Isley Brothers’ “Harvest for the World” as a charity single. Its animated video is made by four leading animation companies, including Aardman, and wins several awards. The single reaches number 8. In 1989 they also perform on a version of “Ferry ’Cross the Mersey” released for those affected by the Hillsborough disaster; it stays at number one for several weeks.

Albums and later activity

Their second album, Colour, is released in 1990 and reaches number one in the UK album chart. Happy in Hell follows in 1992 and reaches number 18. After that, none of the group’s singles reach the Top 20. A greatest-hits collection, The Best of the Christians, is released in 1993 and peaks at number 22.

Garry Christian moves to Paris in 1995 to record a solo album, after which the group effectively breaks up without a formal announcement. They return in an acoustic “unplugged” format four years later, tour the UK in 1999 and 2000, and begin writing material for a comeback album in 2001. Prodigal Sons is released in 2003 and is supported by a UK tour and further promotion in France, Spain and the UK in 2004.

Line-up changes

In 2005 Russell Christian decides he no longer wants to tour, and the group returns to a full-band line-up rather than the four-piece unplugged format. That touring band includes Garry Christian on vocals, Henry Priestman on keyboards and accordion, Neil Griffiths on acoustic guitar and backing vocals, Stewart Boyle on electric guitar, Bobby Kewley on bass, and Craig Connet on drums.