Exploding The Teardrops

Version one Recorded 17th August 1981 for the Richard Skinner show, Radio 1. Broadcast August 1981. Later released on "Peel Sessions Plus" (2007) and "Wilder" deluxe edition (2013) Julian Cope - Vocals Troy Tate - guitar Jeff Hammer - Keyboards Alfie Agius - bass Gary Dwyer - drums Version two  Recorded Autumn 1981, released on "Wilder" album, November 1981. Julian Cope - vocals, bass? Dave Balfe - keyboards Troy Tate - guitar Gary Dwyer - drums Ted Emmett, Luke Tunney - brass James Eller - bass? Written by Julian Cope  The instant attraction between Julian Cope and Dorian Beslity was all consuming for both partners. There's plenty of words about it in "Head on" should you need written evidence. More audible evidence was in "Bent out of shape", the first song (of many) that Cope would write for his future wife within weeks of meeting her. America was a culture shock for Cope - the food, the distances from city to city, t...

What dreadful news to hear today that Gary Dwyer - drummer for the Teardrop Explodes - has passed away after a short illness.  Deepest condolences to his family and friends. It should be remembered that Gary was the beating human heart in the centre of the Teardrops from start to finish - the only other member besides Julian Cope to stay throughout the turbulence of the band's membership. It's also worth noting that once Dwyer joined the fledgeling band in the early autumn of 1978 he pressed the band to rehearse, to get better and to play their first gig at Eric's in November 1978. Without his enthusiasm and drive, the Teardrop Explodes could have been just another name on a long list of semi legendary Liverpool bands which existed more in the minds of their members than the actual music they may have created.  Dwyer's passing also closes the door on any possibility that the band would reform. It was never likely anyway - Cope had always said he would never go back. But...