Memorabilia: Soft Cell & New Wave | Milly Burroughs

Coming to prominence in the early 1980s, among a frenzy of punk and the boundary-pushing Leeds art school scene, Soft Cell’s Marc Almond and Dave Ball became pioneers of synth-pop and new wave; known for their absurdist lyrics and avant-garde performance language.

Following the release of The Quietus deputy editor + folk music columnist Patrick Clarke’s in-depth biography of the band — Bedsit land — this show will explore Soft Cell’s chaotic, enchanting and strange early years, with insights and comments from the author that bring new light to a duo so often overlooked for their inimitable contributions to music, artistic culture, and education that shaped them.

Take a journey through music that will lead you far beyond the chart-topping success of Tainted Love.

Patrick’s recommended reading:

• 'No Machos or Pop Stars' by Gavin Butt

• 'Bomb Culture' by Jeff Nuttall

• 'Conform To Deform: The Weird And Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare' by Wesley Doyle

Read 'Bedsit land': manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526173560/ Follow Patrick: @paddy__clarke__