The Stranglers

The Stranglers are a rock group from Guildford, United Kingdom, active from 1974 to the present. They begin in Guildford, Surrey, and initially work from an off-licence in the town, also spending time based in Chiddingfold. The band first uses the name The Guildford Stranglers.

Formation and early line-up

The original line-up includes singer and guitarist Hugh Cornwell, keyboardist and guitarist Hans Wärmling, bass guitarist Jean-Jacques Burnel, and drummer Jet Black, whose real name is Brian Duffy. Cornwell is from Kentish Town in London, Wärmling is from Sweden, Burnel is London-born, and Black is from Ilford in Essex. Wärmling leaves within two years and is replaced by Brighton-born keyboardist Dave Greenfield.

Style and genre associations

The Stranglers start as a hard-edged pub rock band with a dark sound, then move into other styles. They are linked with punk rock from 1976, partly because they open for The Ramones on their first British tour. They are also associated with new wave and gothic rock, although their music does not fit neatly into any one genre. Their wider classification includes alternative rock, art punk, baroque pop, new wave, pop rock, post-punk, punk and rock.

Later membership changes

In August 1990, Hugh Cornwell leaves the band to pursue a solo career. The remaining members bring in two replacements, including John Ellis, who had previously supported the band as a member of The Vibrators, and singer Paul Roberts. In 2000, guitarist Baz Warne replaces John Ellis and later becomes the main vocalist.

Notable songs and albums

The Stranglers regain wider attention in 2001 when Tori Amos covers “Strange Little Girl” and uses it as the title of her album Strange Little Girls. Their songs also appear in film: “Golden Brown” is used in Snatch and in He Died With A Felafel In His Hand, “No More Heroes” is covered by Violent Femmes and used in Mystery Men, and “Peaches” appears prominently in Sexy Beast.

The band has a critical and popular revival in 2004, helped by “Big Thing Coming”, their first top 40 hit in 14 years, and the album Norfolk Coast, followed by a sell-out tour. Their next album, Suite XVI, is their 16th studio album and its title refers both to “Sweet 16” and that numbering. During its recording, Paul Roberts leaves the band.