The Freshies are an English punk rock band, formed in Manchester in 1978. The band was founded by singer-songwriter and comedian Chris Sievey, whose best-known creation – comedy character Frank Sidebottom – originated as a mascot for the group.
Over a four-year period between their formation and break-up in 1982, the Freshies released several singles, as well as three studio albums.
Since Sievey's death in 2010, the Freshies reformed for sporadic appearances at tribute events to their founder; these occasionally included his son Harry Sievey on lead vocals and guitar, until his passing in 2017.
Original members Barry Spencer and Rick Sarko reformed the band permanently in 2019, following the release of the documentary Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story. This lineup of the Freshies includes Paul Taylor (guitar) and Chris Connolly (drums). In 2020, the band announced plans to release their first new material since 1982.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first played the group's material in the late 70's and would continue playing their songs into the early 80's. He also played their biggest hit song, "I'm in Love with the Girl on the Manchester Virgin Megastore Check-out Desk" renamed as "I'm in Love with the Girl on a Certain Manchester Megastore Check-out Desk" on request from his station, Radio 1 (a version with "Virgin" bleeped out to allow it to be played on the radio without being considered advertising was also released), which reached number 54 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1981 after being picked up by MCA, eventually selling over 40,000 copies. At the time, the girl who was the subject of the song was frequently asked by fans to autograph copies of the single. The single's success prompted Richard Branson to undertake a search for the former checkout girl in question in 2006, wishing to invite her to the opening of the new Virgin Megastore in Manchester, in recognition of the role she played in the history of the original store.
Shows Played[]
- 1979
- 21 May 1979: Skid Room (EP - Straight In At No. 2 EP) Razz
- 12 June 1979: Johnny Radar (stops record part way through to clean dust off needle)
- 20 March 1980: My Tape's Gone (single) Razz
- 29 March 1980 (BFBS): My Tape's Gone (7") Razz
- 17 April 1980: My Tape's Gone (7") Razz
- 14 May 1980: Yellow Spot (7”) Razz
- 11 June 1980: No Money (7"- Oh Girl/No Money) Razz
- 12 November 1980: I'm In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Checkout Desk (7") Razz
- 29 November 1980 (BFBS): I'm In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Checkout Desk (7") Razz
- 1983
- 14 March 1983: I Can't Get "Bouncing Babies" By The Teardrop Explodes (7") MCA