The Popguns

The Popguns

The Popguns are an indie pop group from Brighton, England, formed in 1986. The core line-up includes Simon Pickles and Wendy Pickles, and the group has also included Greg Dixon on lead guitar, Pat Walkington on bass, and Shaun Charman on drums after early local gigs, following a period with a drum machine. Their sound sits within indie pop, indie rock, jangle pop, power pop and twee pop.

Early releases and label history

After a run of local performances and a flexi-disc release, the band signs to Manchester label Medium Cool and issues Landslide in 1988. The single enters John Peel’s Festive 50 at 46. Medium Cool closes on the first day of the band’s recording session for its debut album, and Midnight Music then releases a series of singles and two albums, Eugenie and Snog. The label later closes as well.

Later recordings and line-up changes

Shaun Charman leaves after three years, after which the group goes through several drummers. Bill Cox is one of the more notable later drummers and records on Love Junky and A Plus de Cent, both released on 3rd Stone. The band also records two John Peel sessions during this period.

Return and later activity

After a long gap, The Popguns reappear with Pop Fiction, which they release on Matinee Recordings in December 2014. They remain active and have a recording home on Snug Pop Recordings.