The Passengers formed in 1979. The line up was Michael Clark-vocals, Peter Passingham-guitar, Mark Blythman-guitar, Mark Moranne-bass and Neil Goldsmith-drums.
Their first gig ended in chaos and the ensuing riot caused the venue to be permanently closed down. Their place in the punk rock pantheon was assured when the press got wind of these events and the punk rock fanzine Savage Jaw dubbed them the Legendary Passengers.
1980 saw the long arm of the law take it's toll on the band. Peter Passingham had to quit the band due to commitments to Her Majesty the Queen and the band was forced to change it's name for legal reasons.
The band soldiered on as a four peice and played one gig as the Legendary Passengers and for a short while were the LPs. They were rewarded when one of their songs, "Cancer Sticks" appeared at number 10 in an alternative chart.
While the nameless band were drifting along with little sense of direction; the Svengali like figure of Maik Finch entered their lives. This was to prove a double edged sword.
He persuaded the band to rechristen itself Forward Edge and gave their artwork a very militaristic look. The band then went on to play a string of notable performances which saw attendances soar and many people were tipping them for further glory.
However with the rising attendances came a darker side. Violence became increasingly common at live events and the group noticed an alarming right wing element was creeping into the equation. With the band feeling more and more alienated from their audiences matters came to a head when a member of their entourage was stabbed in the eye and the band abandoned the gig to travel to the hospital with their friend.
The band sacked their manager and continued on for a while but their hearts were no longer in it and they played their final gig on new year's eve.
Forward Edge resurfaced in 2009 to play a reunion gig. The original Passengers line-up all turned out for the event. This was so well received and subsequent new material so strong that the core members of the band have decided to continue the project. However the rhythm section of Mark Moranne and Neil Goldsmith due to other contractual commitments are no longer involved with the band on a full time basis.
The current line up is Michael Clark-vocals, Mark Blythman-guitar, Pete Passingham-bass and (former Clash sticks man) John Doe-drums.
Forward Edge released their debut single, Chlamydia Asbo, on iTunes on the 30th May 2010 ahead of a self titled debut album and live dates later in the year.
1980 saw the long arm of the law take it's toll on the band. Peter Passingham had to quit the band due to commitments to Her Majesty the Queen and the band was forced to change it's name for legal reasons.
The band soldiered on as a four peice and played one gig as the Legendary Passengers and for a short while were the LPs. They were rewarded when one of their songs, "Cancer Sticks" appeared at number 10 in an alternative chart.
While the nameless band were drifting along with little sense of direction; the Svengali like figure of Maik Finch entered their lives. This was to prove a double edged sword.
He persuaded the band to rechristen itself Forward Edge and gave their artwork a very militaristic look. The band then went on to play a string of notable performances which saw attendances soar and many people were tipping them for further glory.
However with the rising attendances came a darker side. Violence became increasingly common at live events and the group noticed an alarming right wing element was creeping into the equation. With the band feeling more and more alienated from their audiences matters came to a head when a member of their entourage was stabbed in the eye and the band abandoned the gig to travel to the hospital with their friend.
The band sacked their manager and continued on for a while but their hearts were no longer in it and they played their final gig on new year's eve.
Forward Edge resurfaced in 2009 to play a reunion gig. The original Passengers line-up all turned out for the event. This was so well received and subsequent new material so strong that the core members of the band have decided to continue the project. However the rhythm section of Mark Moranne and Neil Goldsmith due to other contractual commitments are no longer involved with the band on a full time basis.
The current line up is Michael Clark-vocals, Mark Blythman-guitar, Pete Passingham-bass and (former Clash sticks man) John Doe-drums.
Forward Edge released their debut single, Chlamydia Asbo, on iTunes on the 30th May 2010 ahead of a self titled debut album and live dates later in the year.eir first gig ended in chaos and the ensuing riot caused the venue to be permanently closed down. Their place in the punk rock pantheon was assured when the press got wind of these events and the punk rock fanzine Savage Jaw dubbed them the Legendary Passengers.
1980 saw the long arm of the law take it's toll on the band. Peter Passingham had to quit the band due to commitments to Her Majesty the Queen and the band was forced to change it's name for legal reasons.
The band soldiered on as a four peice and played one gig as the Legendary Passengers and for a short while were the LPs. They were rewarded when one of their songs, "Cancer Sticks" appeared at number 10 in an alternative chart.
While the nameless band were drifting along with little sense of direction; the Svengali like figure of Maik Finch entered their lives. This was to prove a double edged sword.
He persuaded the band to rechristen itself Forward Edge and gave their artwork a very militaristic look. The band then went on to play a string of notable performances which saw attendances soar and many people were tipping them for further glory.
However with the rising attendances came a darker side. Violence became increasingly common at live events and the group noticed an alarming right wing element was creeping into the equation. With the band feeling more and more alienated from their audiences matters came to a head when a member of their entourage was stabbed in the eye and the band abandoned the gig to travel to the hospital with their friend.
The band sacked their manager and continued on for a while but their hearts were no longer in it and they played their final gig on new year's eve.
Forward Edge resurfaced in 2009 to play a reunion gig. The original Passengers line-up all turned out for the event. This was so well received and subsequent new material so strong that the core members of the band have decided to continue the project. However the rhythm section of Mark Moranne and Neil Goldsmith due to other contractual commitments are no longer involved with the band on a full time basis.
The current line up is Michael Clark-vocals, Mark Blythman-guitar, Pete Passingham-bass and (former Clash sticks man) John Doe-drums.
