Artist

The Sisters of Mercy

1980-present·Leeds

Leeds band fronted by Andrew Eldritch and his drum machine Doktor Avalanche, named after Leonard Cohen's song because 'calling ourselves the Captains of Industry wouldn't have been as funny.' Their mechanized rhythms, cavernous reverb, and literary lyrics made them goth's darkest commercial success, despite Eldritch's lifelong rejection of the gothic label. First and Last and Always (1985) captured the scene at its peak.

The full story is in UK Goth.

At a glance

Active
1980–present
From
Leeds, England
Records in the issues
2 (1985–1987), 1 of them a Start here pick
Original labels
wea and WEA Records
Listening guide track
“More”

Listen

In the UK Goth listening guide: “More”

Spotify

In the issues

  • UK Goth
    Principal · 1978-1985 · Members

    UK Goth is a music scene from London, Leeds, Northampton, UK, 1978–1985. Its principal artists include Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy and The Cure. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 14 dated events.

Records

Places

  • The Phonogram Club (later The Warehouse)
    Leeds · 1980-1985 · UK Goth
  • The Riley Smith Hall
    Leeds · 1960s-present · UK Goth