The Message were a band from Harrogate, North Yorkshire formed in the early 80's consisting of James, Norman, Dave and Mazz. The group only had one single released in 1981 called Empty Promise with a b-side titled War Of The Music, which was released on an indie label based on a farm called 'Is It...Original?'. Their second single, 'Angel Gang' was released in 1982 on the Headache Tablet label and did not include Norman or Mazz. Some of the band's other material were recorded on an old tape recorder, but never released. Their other songs include 'War of the Music', 'White Lady', 'Angle Gang', 'Penfriend in Sweden'. The band played mainly gigs in and around Harrogate and Darley and during the band's live performances, the crowd would shout the line 'boring old fart' from the song 'War Of The Music'.
Norman the guitarist was upset about his picture on the back of the Empty Promise sleeve as it featured the sound engineer. After gigs Mazz would leave the band to drink with friends even though he was under age. According to Mazz he received a formal letter telling him they didn't like his drinking and was kicked out of the band. James and Dave went up to EMI to get a recording contract. Norman wanted the band to stay local and without Mazz's contribution the band did not succeed. After this James and Dave recorded Angel Gang in 1982 on the Headache Tablet label.
Links To Peel[]
Peel played a track from the band's only single on his 15 October 1981 show, after having the record for some time, due to receiving so many demos and letters. He was also keen to play the record, because the band's record label, Is It...Original?, was based on a farm near Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Shows Played[]
John Peel's Message - Empty Promise
- 1981
- 04 October 1981 (BFBS): Empty Promise (7") Is It Original...? IS-IT 1
- 15 October 1981: Empty Promise (7") Is It...Original?