The Jesus and Mary Chain

The Jesus and Mary Chain

The Jesus and Mary Chain are an alternative rock, indie rock, noise pop, post-punk and shoegaze group from East Kilbride, United Kingdom. Formed in 1984 by brothers Jim Reid and William Reid, they are active from 1984 to the present. Their early line-up includes bassist Douglas Hart and drummer Bobby Gillespie.

Early sound and reputation

The band becomes known for very short, feedback-heavy performances that often last only a few minutes. In these early shows, they sometimes play with their backs to the audience and do not speak between songs. Their concerts also end with the Reids destroying equipment, which sometimes leads to audience unrest.

Recordings and key releases

Their debut single, Upside Down, appears on Creation in 1984. They then sign to Blanco y Negro, which releases their debut album Psychocandy. That record combines noise and avant-garde rock influences with 1960s pop, and includes the song Just Like Honey. It receives divided reactions because of its abrasive sound, but also earns positive critical reviews.

After Gillespie leaves, the band records Darklands with John Moore briefly joining before Dave Evans takes over drums. Darklands is noted for a less noisy and more reflective style, and includes April Skies and Happy When It Rains. Later albums include Automatic, Honey's Dead, Stoned & Dethroned, Munki, Damage and Joy and Glasgow Eyes.

Line-up changes and later activity

Other members and contributors include Martin Hewes, John Moore, David Evans, Ben Lurie, Steve Monti, Philip King, Scott Von Ryper, Nick Sanderson and Richard Thomas. Ben Lurie appears as bassist, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist from 1989 to 1998, while Richard Thomas plays drums from 1988 to 1990. Steve Monti drums from 1990 to 1995, and Nick Sanderson drums from 1993 to 1998.

The band splits in 1998, then reunites in 2007. They play Coachella in April 2007, then perform at Summercase in Spain and later return for more shows in London. Their later catalogue also includes Barbed Wire Kisses, The Sound of Speed, Hate Rock N' Roll, 21 Singles, BBC Live in Concert, The Complete John Peel Sessions and The Power of Negative Thinking: B-Sides & Rarities.

Influence

The Jesus and Mary Chain are widely cited as an influence on alternative rock, indie rock and indie pop acts. Artists associated with that influence include My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Butthole Surfers, Nine Inch Nails and Interpol. Jim Reid is also name-checked in Alvvays’ 2017 song Lollipop (Ode to Jim).