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While Phil Collins was pursuing his solo career in 1985, Genesis
bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford formed the pop/rock band Mike + the
Mechanics. Featuring Mike Rutherford (bass, guitars), former Ace and Squeeze member Paul Carrack (vocals, keyboards), ex-Sad Cafe member Paul Young (vocals), keyboardist Adrian Lee, and drummer Peter Van Hooke,
the group released their self-titled first album late in 1985. The
record produced two Top Ten hit singles, "Silent Running (On Dangerous
Ground)" and "All I Need Is a Miracle," which both peaked on the charts
in early 1986.
During 1986, Rutherford returned to Genesis and Carrack revived his solo career. Mike + the Mechanics didn't release another album until 1988's The Living Years. The record was a greater success than the first album, spawning the number one hit single "The Living Years." After its release, the group was inactive for another few years; they returned in 1991 with Word of Mouth, which failed to duplicate the success of their first two records. Four years later, Mike + the Mechanics released their fourth record, Beggar on a Beach of Gold, which was a moderate hit in the U.K. In the spring of 1996, Mike + the Mechanics released the greatest-hits collection Hits in Britain; M6 followed four years later. Young died of a heart attack on July 15, 2000.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Mike & The Mechanics debuted with their stellar eponymous album in
1985 which highlighted Rutherford's innovative guitar work and the
vocal talents of the two Pauls, amongst other guest vocalists.
Initially, the group's albums were released between Genesis albums, all
three Genesis members having solo projects of their own, most notable
in the huge chart success of singer/drummer Phil Collins. This ended
with the disbanding of Genesis in 1998.
The classic song "The Living Years" from the album of the same name was to be the height of their critical success to date; the #1 single was written about the dissension between Rutherford and his father, a situation that was never rectified prior to his father's death, sung with great passion by Carrack. The album also featured the song "Nobody's Perfect" which received considerable airtime as the music to a successful television advertising campaign for Tennent's bitter. Their third album "Word of Mouth" followed in 1991 with less commercial and critical success although the lead single, with vocals by Paul Young, reached the Top 20. The fourth album "Beggar On a Beach of Gold" was a high watermark in the quality of their material, with both the album and first single "Over My Shoulder" charting well with many considering the album the band's best work.
After a hiatus following Young's death from a heart attack on July 17, 2000, the band reformed in 2004 as Mike & the Mechanics featuring Paul Carrack releasing the album "Rewired".
Official Site: www.mikeandthemechanics.com
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