Lager Lager – Kirkby indie-rock quintet (1986–c1988), feat; Kevin ‘Kunky’ Kelly (voc,gtr), Alan Kelly (drms), Carl Davies (keys), Billy Walsh (bass), Nigel McKeown (gtr,voc). Formed in the summer of 1986, the group was something of a Kirkby ‘supergroup’, boasting a pedigree that included Kevin Kelly of Cook Da Books and various members from the Lunjay Blue Armey and US Companion circles. They cultivated a polished, guitar-driven pop sound that benefitted from the Kelly brothers’ extensive experience on the national circuit, with frequent appearances at the Poly and the Mardi Gras. Despite their professional polish and a setlist featuring strong melodic contenders like The Love That You Give, the band remained a primarily live entity during a transitional period for the Liverpool music industry. While they didn’t match the international chart success of Kevin’s previous outfit, they served as a vital creative outlet for the Kirkby contingent before members moved on to further projects, including Kevin’s later associations with Freeze Frame and China Crisis
La La Bam Bam – band (1982-84), feat; Jeff Skellon (bass), Mick Bulger (gtr) (later Christians), Mark Kemp (voc),Mark Edmundson (later Nadsad Fashion, Feathers & The Fire, Visual Aids, Royal Family, Flock of Seagulls) (replaced by John McQueen), Clive Gee (keys). Rel 12” Colour of Your Eyes (on own First tooth recs Oct84). Had a track “Is it?” on ‘Blush on Black’ comp LP (1985). Supp Undertones on their farewell tour at Durham/Bradford Unis. Also supported various bands at the Royal Court and rec session for Janice Long on Radio 1. Some members went onto to form Empire.
Thomas Lang – (b.1962) solo artist from Toxteth who began his recording career in 1984 as Tom Jones and worked for British Rail and sang in the clubs. Rel EP (1000 copies pressed – early85) with David Hughes (ex OMD, Dalek I) and played debut gig at Berlin Café with John Murphy (bass). Signed to CBS (May86) and added Andrew Redhead (drms). They acted as Peter Coyle’s (ex Lotus Eaters) backing band to keep the money coming in while they recorded their own stuff. Paul Thomas (sax) and Mark Vormawah (gtr) were added. The debut LP ‘Scallywag Jazz’ (1987) was rel under the name Tom Cearns and was toured extensively (inc Japan and supp to Suzanne Vega). 2nd LP ‘Little Moscow’ (1990 CBS). 3rd LP ‘The Lost Letter Z’ (16.9.91 on their own Dry label). LP ‘Versions’ (1996 Telegraph). Murphy and Hughes colleborated a lot in early 90s on film soundtracks. Everything went a bit quiet for Lang himself by the end of 1997, but he re-emerged in 2006 to start gigging again. (website)
Language – Wallasey West Coast rock quartet (1983–1985), feat; Dean Johnson (voc,gtr), Barry Hilton (drms), Mike Power (bass), Steve Levy (gtr). Steering away from the prevailing synth-pop trends of the Wirral, the band cultivated a sun-drenched, harmony-heavy sound influenced by The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, quickly gaining a reputation as a polished live act. Their momentum peaked in 1984 when they released the live cassette ‘Live At The Cavern 18.7.84’ on the independent Racket Records label, which showcased standouts like The Last Resort and Shadows In The Rain. This recording caught the ear of Radio Luxembourg to name them Best Newcomers in October 1984, an accolade that briefly sparked major label interest. However, internal creative shifts saw the group disband by late 1985, with Barry Hilton having already brought a punk edge from his days in Instant Agony, while frontman Dean Johnson eventually moved into a solo career and formed the successful touring outfit Dean Johnson & The British Invasion
Larks In The Park – summer festivals held in Sefton Park. Began in 1979 and organised by Derek Murray, Terry Canning and Selwyn Hyams. Garry Gannicliffe says, ‘They did “guerilla” gigs, playing on the level with a generator in a van for the PA setups in Princes Park on 4 consecutive Sundays. It wasn’t quite right so they decided to get more people involved (Terry dropped out) which is when Martin Cooper and I were asked to help. Ann Borthwick was there in those days too but as she worked for Derek it was only in a clerical capacity. In 1981 Derek all but dropped out and Ann & I became the main artiste liaison people with the others doing more behind-the-scenes admin stuff. Derek was the BBC liaison guy too but by 1982 he was really just a figurehead.’ Just about every band on these pages from that era played there and attendances reached up to 20,000 when the weather was good. The events were free, with fundraising gigs and bucket collectors collecting for the cause, and all the bands were local. Ran until 1985. (history)
Larrikin – Liverpool indie-rock quartet (c1990–1992), feat; Ian ‘Eez’ Eagles (voc), Mike ‘The Red’ (gtr), Phil ‘Tils’ Tilsley (bass), Kev ‘The Stick’ (drms). Operating during the fertile transition between the ‘Baggy’ era and early Britpop, the band had regular slots at venues like the Casablanca and the original Lomax. Their sound was a punchy blend of melodic guitar pop and rhythmic indie, best captured on their 1991 four-track demo ‘Shoot Me’, which featured the standout title track Shoot Me alongside Looking For A Way Out. Despite generating significant local interest and a reputation for energetic live performances, the group never made the jump to a major label and drifted apart by 1993 as the musical landscape shifted toward heavier grunge influences.
The La’s – band (1984-91) feat; Chris Sharrock (drms) (ex Cherry Boys, Icicle Works, later Dave Stewart, World Party, Lightning Seeds), Lee Mavers (voc,gtr), Mike Badger (gtr,voc) (later Onset), John Power (bass) (later Cast). Signed to Go Discs & the well known There She Goes took an age to make the charts. Many line up changes after 1986 incl Paul Hemmings (gtr) (later of Onset, Lightning Seeds), Ian Templeton (drms) (ex Streetband). More…
Last Chance For A Slow Dance – orig name for Chance, used between Oct82-Jun84. Played Everyman, Bierkeller, Warehouse, going thru many drummers! Bought a drum machine and changed their name. See Chance entry.
Last Chant – Liverpool post-punk ensemble (1981–1987), feat; David ‘Dix’ Dickie (voc,gtr), Brian Ashcroft (bass), Andrew Hussey (gtr), Tim Blanthorn (violin), Richard Evans (perc), Colin Billinge (drms). Formed by a group of friends from the Liverpool Bluecoat School, the band crafted a sophisticated, atmospheric sound that leaned into the artier side of the city’s post-punk scene, releasing their debut 7″ EP ‘Run Of The Dove’ on the Chicken Jazz label in October 1981, which featured the titular Run Of The Dove, Strength Alone, and Tradition. Following the departure of Billinge to Heaven Tonight and Dickie to Black, the group went into a period of dormancy before re-surfacing in 1987 with a renewed line-up to record further material, including the track The Longest Day, though they never quite captured the same national momentum as their contemporaries before drifting apart again. Tragically, founding member David Dickie passed away on 07.05.25.
Last Night At The Fair – band formed Aug83, feat; Lee Walker (voc), Steve ‘G’ Griffith (bass), Grant Walker (drms) (all ex Barbed Wire, Dark Entries) & John Whitehead (gtr). Band temp split after Grant broke his wrist & reformed Jul84. Rec demo Eternal Flame (1985). Also feat; Gayle Lunken & Allison Jordan (b.voc) after 1985.
Late World Noise – radio show of mid 90s on BBC radio Merseyside. Presented by Roger Hill, Marc Jones, Ian Jackson & Keith Curtis. Played anything from trance, ambient to psychedelic to African music, plus local bands would play acoustic sessions live on air.
Lawnmower – band, formed 1982, feat; Alan Peters (voc) (ex Almost Blues, Supercharge, Opposition, 29th & Dearborn, Love Ponies, Beach Bastards), Mick Hucknall (voc) (later Simply Red), Martin ‘Yorker’ Smith (gtr) (ex Accelerators), Tony Doyle (gtr) (ex Accelerators, later Adams Family), Tony Dolman (drms) (ex English, Z Victor 1). Joined in 83 by Mike Nelson (sax) (ex Systems). Rel LP ‘The Cat’ (Jun85), 7″ Thin Man (Oct87). Line up changes were frequent incl; Kenny Roberts (gtr) (ex Opposition, 29th & Dearborn), Chris Larsen (drms) (ex Blue Poland), Brian O’Donnell (gtr) (ex Herbie Pops Out), Frank Maudsley (bass) (ex Flock of Seagulls), even Craig Charles. They were regular sunday nite crowd-pleaser at the Everyman Bistro
The Laze – Wirral based 4 piece hard rock formed in 2002. Dave Perry (voc) has been quoted as “As rock musicians we feel an affinity to Vikings. We’ve got long hair, and desire for excessive hedonism.” Have recently organised a ‘rock night’ at the Zanzibar called ‘Valhalla’ .
Leavers – Liverpool post-rock/doom quartet (c2016–2018), feat; Jon Campbell (gtr), along with members from Bolshy, The Hunx, and Queen Zee And The Sasstones. Mmade an immediate impact with a “bludgeoning” debut performance at the Dumballs. Their sound was characterised by a dense, atmospheric intensity that bridged the gap between sludge-inflected doom and expansive post-rock soundscapes. While the project eventually wound down as members migrated to other ventures—most notably Jon Campbell moving on to the ambient-electronic project Blynd Zenith.
Le Bateau – Liverpool nightclub and venue (1991–2012), run by Mike ‘The Red’ (founder), with Jules Bennett (DJ), Chris Ward (DJ). Located at 62 Duke Street, the venue became an essential hub for Liverpool’s alternative scene, famously defying the 90s house music explosion by focusing on indie, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Affectionately known as ‘The Boat’ due to its nautical-themed décor, it was the birthplace of seminal club nights like Liquidation (est. 1993), Voodoo, and Adult Books, where the floors famously shook under the weight of dancers. Beyond its reputation as a late-night haunt, the basement hosted high-profile live sets from the likes of Le Tigre, Silver Apples, and Arab Strap, while local legends like Ladytron’s Daniel Hunt honed their craft behind the decks. Despite its global reputation—once ranked by GQ as one of the best bars in the world—the venue closed its doors in April 2012 and the building has since been converted into a mix of apartments and a ground-floor restaurant.
Legsakimbo – Wirral band (1983-92), feat; Chris Farley (gtr,voc), Roy Jones (voc,gtr), Keith Wilson (sax), Les Rowlands (bass), Brian Douglas (dms). By 1984-85 Les was replaced by Geoff Davies (bass) (later H2II, Insanity Beach), & Brian by Keith Hughes (drms) (later of New Frontiers, Contortion Co.). From 1986-89 Keith had gone & the drumming was done by Chris Hooker with Denny Bolton (keys,voc) adding to the line up. Played NW and NWales, & in 86 toured Holland and Ibiza. Returned to Ibiza 1988 as 3 piece (Chris F, Roy and Denny). Frank Smith (keys) (1991-92) replaced Denny. Chris Farley lives and works in Ibiza. Roy Jones lived and worked in Tenerife, but has since returned and is doing solo shows on the Wirral. Legsakimbo started life as a soul band. Roy and Chris then started writing material. Built up good local following as good time rock-funk band. Gigged virtually non-stop for nine years.
L8 Connection – Toxteth soul and funk collective (c1975–1981), feat; Horace ‘H’ Augustine (voc,bass), Alvin ‘Al’ Augustine (voc,gtr), Robbie Augustine (voc,drms), Errol Augustine (voc,perc), Trevor Augustine (voc,keys). Heavily influenced by the success of fellow Liverpool 8 legends The Real Thing, the band was a cornerstone of the city’s Black music scene, famously performing at the ‘Alternative Jubilee’ street festival in 1977 alongside local punk and reggae acts. They provided a polished, high-energy alternative to the mainstream, capturing the social consciousness of the era with their 1980 12″ single ‘What’s Happening To Our Nation?’ on the Inescapable Records label, featuring the tracks What’s Happening To Our Nation? and The Same Old Story. Despite their reputation as a formidable live force at venues like the Palm Cove and the Ibo Club, the band struggled against the industry barriers faced by Black artists in the late seventies, eventually fragmenting as members moved into session work or community leadership roles in the wake of the 1981 Toxteth uprisings.
Liar – Liverpool hard-rock quartet (c1990–1992), feat; Mike Thorne (voc), Dave ‘Savage’ Pearse (gtr) (ex Marseille), Steve ‘Lager’ Williams (bass), John Myers (drms). Emerging from the city’s robust heavy metal scene, the band quickly developed a reputation for a high-octane live show that blended classic metal riffs with a contemporary grunge-adjacent edge. Following a string of local headline slots at the Krazy House and the original Lomax, the group underwent a significant stylistic shift and line-up reshuffle in 1993, eventually evolving into Silverback.
Eve Libertine – anarcho-punk vocalist (1977–present), real name Bronwyn Lloyd Jones. Born in Liverpool in 1949, she moved to the Dial House commune in Essex in the late 1970s after initially attending Crass’ early performances as a fan. She became a pivotal member of Crass, providing a sophisticated and elocuted vocal counterpoint to the band’s abrasive sound. Known for her staggering vocal range and confrontational performance style, she also performed on the controversial 1978 track Reality Asylum. Since the group’s 1984 disbandment, she has continued to work in the avant-garde and experimental scenes, collaborating frequently with Penny Rimbaud on projects like ‘The Death Of Imagination’ and most recently releasing the 2024 album ‘I Am That Tempest’
Lies All Lies – Liverpool post-punk trio (1980–1981), feat; Jim Turner (voc,gtr), Graham ‘Leafy’ Wood (bass), Paul Hornby (drms). The band acted as a creative bridge between several influential local acts, notably featuring the prolific Paul Hornby who brought a wealth of experience from his time in Pink Military Stands Alone and Nightmares In Wax. The group’s sound was a driving, rhythmic take on the genre, often drawing comparisons to the early, more aggressive work of The Sound or Echo & The Bunnymen, yet they remained largely a live fixture of the Eric’s and Brady’s circuit rather than a recording entity. Following their dissolution in late 1981, Turner went on to front the atmospheric Electric Morning, while Hornby’s storied career continued through a staggering array of bands including The Quireboys and Dogs D’Amour, eventually seeing him relocate to the United States where he performed with the Gunslingers before his passing in 2015.
The Light – Liverpool synth-pop quartet (c1984–1986), feat; Brian Atherton (voc,keys), Phil Shone (drms), Roy ‘The Boy’ (gtr), Paul ‘T’ (bass). Emerging from the dissolution of the whimsical pop outfit Box Of Toys, the band opted for a more sophisticated, atmospheric sound, eventually signing to Jeremy Lewis’s influential Inevitable Records. Their debut single, the 1985 7″ ‘Contrasting Strangers’, showcased Atherton’s distinctive vocal delivery over shimmering layers of electronics and peaked with the brooding B-side The Better Way, which gained traction on local radio playlists. They followed this in 1986 with the more upbeat ‘Pride Of Winning’, featuring the titular Pride Of Winning and The Miracle, yet despite the high-quality songwriting and sleek aesthetic, the group failed to secure the major label backing needed to break nationally and dissolved shortly thereafter, with Atherton later resurfacing in various collaborative projects.
Lightning Seeds – Band that began as a side project by ex Big in Japan and Care member Ian Broudie. After leaving Care Ian went back into production work for bands like Icicle Works and Frazier Chorus. In 1989, though, Ian turned to writing songs. Still signed to Ghetto, he rec Cloudcuckooland and chose the name Lightning Seeds, hoping that one day this little side project would become a band. In 1989, the single Upside Down was due to be released. This was cancelled and Pure was released, making # 16 in UK charts. In the same year, Joy was released, which failed to break the top 100. Apr90, All I Want was rel. Life Of Riley was his 1st Top 30 hit but having signed to Virgin they were soon to drop him. For LPs Ian recruited Simon Rogers for co-production work, Clive Layton (keys), Terry Hall (ex Fun Boy 3)was co-writing and b.voc, as did Ian McNabb (Icicle Works). 1994 the 3rd LP ‘Jollification’ was to be toured & a live line-up was formed with Chris Sharrock (drms)(ex The La’s, World Party, Icicle Works), and Martyn Campbell (ex Rain) who was a friend of a friend. The 3 rehearsed in The Warehouse, owned by ex-Bunnymen member Les Pattison. 1st single, Lucky You as did the album. An extra guitarist Paul Hemmings (ex-The La’s) and Ali Kane (keys) joined the live lineup. New single in ’95 Change went straight in at number 13. With tours over the UK and Europe, festival appearances and the singles that followed Change (Marvellous, Perfect and a re-release of Lucky You, all with imaginative and quirky packaging), helped Jollification to clock up well over 600,000 sales quite quickly. 1996 saw the #1 hit 3 Lions On My Shirt with Baddiel & Skinner. In ’96, Angie Pollock (sung on Terry Hall’s album “Home”, worked with Shakespeare’s Sister) joined the group replacing Ali Kane. Chris Sharrock left to work with World Party on the album “Egyptology” in 1997, with Mat Priest (drms) from Dodgy. 1997 Zak Starkey (drms) took over for the Like You Do tour. By the end of 1999 Paul Hemmings had now left. New single Life’s Too Short showed a new more dance-orientated sound. The album, ‘Tilt’, features Ian collaborating with a few of his old mates (namely Terry Hall and Steven Jones from Babybird) plus some new friends to work with. Tim Simenon helped with the beats and co-produced / mixed a track called Get It Right on the new LP and a few songs were co-written by Mark Cullen of Fixed Stars. The band then took a ‘long break’.
Lilac Trumpets – Liverpool melodic pop quartet (1983–1985), feat; Steve Caughton (voc,gtr), Neil Senior (bass), Ian Lewis (keys), John Patterson (drms). Rising from the remnants of the short-lived new wave outfit The Precautions, the band transitioned toward a more expansive, keyboard-driven sound that prioritised lush arrangements and sophisticated vocal harmonies. Frequently appeared at venues like The System and the Mardi Gras, where their setlists were anchored by the unreleased but locally popular anthem Wait For The Sun. Despite the seasoned pedigree of the line-up—particularly Ian Lewis, who would soon find national success with the duo Alternative Radio—the group struggled to secure a stable recording contract during a period of intense competition within the Merseyside scene. Following their split in 1985, the members dispersed into various high-profile projects, with Caughton and Senior largely stepping back from the limelight while Lewis moved on to the Dream Legion before his eventual chart breakthrough with the single Valley Of Love
LIPA Live at The Cavern – Liverpool live music showcase (c2013–present). This monthly event is run by the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and takes place at the iconic Cavern Club, offering a stage for emerging musicians and singer-songwriters connected to LIPA or the wider Liverpool scene. The series features a mix of solo artists and full bands across genres such as indie, pop, rock, and electronic, providing students and recent graduates with live performance experience in a historic venue famously associated with The Beatles. Notable performers have included TERE!, Monks, and other Liverpool-based acts, with shows often highlighted for their tight arrangements, professional stagecraft, and exposure to local audiences. LIPA Live at The Cavern continues to be a key stepping-stone for young talent seeking to develop live performance skills and establish themselves in the city’s music community. (website)
Liver Aid – Liverpool charity benefit concert (20.09.82), feat; Electric Morning, Mel-o-tones, Fragile Friends, Reverb Brothers, Liverpool Express with Sandie Shaw and Billy Marsden, The Searchers, Personal Column, Mr. Amir, Lawnmower, This Island Earth, Black, It’s Immaterial, The Christians, Bingo Bros, The Lotus Eaters, Icicle Works, Cook Da Books. Held at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, this ambitious local marathon was organised to raise funds for the city’s unemployed youth, showcasing a staggering cross-section of Merseyside talent from veteran hitmakers to the rising stars of the post-punk ‘New Liverpool’ scene. Highlights of the evening included a collaborative performance of Always Something There To Remind Me by 60s icon Sandie Shaw backed by Liverpool Express, alongside early career sets from Black—performing Human Features—and The Lotus Eaters, who mesmerised the crowd with their breakout hit The First Picture Of You. Despite the logistical challenge of rotating over fifteen bands on a single stage, the event was a resounding cultural success, culminating in a communal atmosphere that solidified the era’s sense of musical solidarity before many of the younger acts, such as The Icicle Works and The Christians, achieved mainstream national success.
Liverpool Express – Liverpool melodic pop-rock group (1975–present), feat; Billy Kinsley (voc,bass) (ex Merseybeats, Rockin’ Horse), Kenny Parry (voc,gtr) (later Da Biffs), Pete Phillips (gtr,keys) (ex Foxglove), Roger Scott Craig (keys,voc), Tony Coates (voc,gtr), Derek Cashin (drms). Formed from the ashes of Rockin’ Horse after a chance meeting at a local football match, the band became 70s chart mainstays with a polished, harmony-rich sound that famously earned the admiration of Paul McCartney. They secured a string of hits including You Are My Love, Every Man Must Have A Dream, and Hold Tight, achieving such immense stardom in South America that they became the first band to perform major stadium tours in Brazil. While the lineup evolved—with Pete Phillips and Kenny Parry joining during the late 70s and 80s transitions—the group’s enduring appeal led to a high-profile reunion in 2002. This comeback coincided with the August release of their definitive compilation CD, ‘The Best Of Liverpool Express’, which featured the Beatles tribute track John George Ringo & Paul. Despite the passing of time, the band remains active in various forms, continuing to celebrate their legacy as one of Merseyside’s premier pop exports
Liverpool Scene – Anarchic ‘poetry’ band of the 60s, feat; Andy Roberts, Adrian Henri, Roger McGough, Mike Evans (later Deaf School), Percy Jones (bass), Mike Hart (gtr), Brian Dodson (drms), replaced by Pete Clarke (The Escorts), who in turn was replaced by Frank Garrett. Debut album was produced by John Peel in 1968. Had songs like The Entry of Christ into Liverpool. Toured with Led Zep in ’69 and split on stage in May70 when Henri attacked Evans with a mic stand. Evans, Henri and Garrett are all natives of Rhyl (see North Wales section – Purple Chapter, The Informers)
Live Transmission – duo, formed May85 feat; Peter McVeigh (gtr,bass,voc), Paul Whelan (keys,bass), both ex Transmission, Apathy Ru, In Vogue. Had 3 tracks on comp tape ’98 Miles’ (Jan87), and You’ll Be Free on ‘Modesty Kills’ comp LP (Audiovisual Jan88). Debut gig at Merseyside Int Youth Fest (1985).
Living Legends – Liverpool post-punk duo (1982), feat; Paul Simpson (voc) (ex Teardrop Explodes, Wild Swans), Peter Coyle (voc,keys) (later Jass Babies, The Lotus Eaters). This extremely short-lived but historically significant collaboration formed during a transitional period for both artists, following the initial fracture of The Wild Swans and just prior to Coyle’s mainstream breakthrough. Despite the formidable songwriting pedigree of the pair, the project was primarily a studio-based creative experiment that sought to blend Simpson’s neo-psychedelic sensibilities with the more synth-oriented melodicism that Coyle would soon perfect. They recorded a handful of elusive tracks, most notably the haunting The Gilded Cage, which showcased the dual-vocal dynamic that would define their respective future projects, though no formal releases emerged at the time. The group dissolved later that year as Simpson focused on the nascent Care with Ian Broudie, while Coyle joined forces with Jerry Kelly to form The Lotus Eaters and record the quintessential eighties anthem The First Picture Of You
Lloyd Collection – band of 1985 formed by Mike Lloyd (keys) (ex Neuklon), Mark Birchall (drms) (ex Rafique, later La’s), Donna Lowe (voc) (ex Neuklon), Colin McCann (ex Neuklon), Tony Brown, Steve Walsh. Rel 7″ Maggie’s Farm (Mayday Jan86) as a benefit for L’pool Council Support Fund & sleeve was designed by Sex Pistols’ artist Jamie Ried. In late ’85 they played as a duo with just Lloyd & Birchall.
LO Girls – London based Liverpool band (c1987), feat; Peter Bowe (voc), Martin O’Hara (drms) (both ex Split Pigs, Kracken, Platnum-Hi), Rob Rea (bass) (ex Platnum-Hi), Neil Kay (gtr). Rel one single
Lomax – Liverpool music venue (1993–2015), run by Mike Hindley (owner), Frank Hedges (owner). Originally opening on Cumberland Street during the height of Britpop, the venue became a cornerstone of the UK touring circuit, famously hosting Oasis in 1994 just days before the release of their debut single Supersonic. The building’s reputation grew as it showcased emerging titans such as Radiohead, Muse, and The Verve, while also serving as the birthplace for local acts like Atomic Kitten. In 2000, the brand briefly migrated to the larger L2 site on Hotham Street (now the O2 Academy) before returning to its original Cumberland Street home under new management. Despite a passionate ‘Save The Lomax’ campaign following a police closure order in early 2015, the iconic three-storey warehouse was eventually shuttered and, as of 2024, has been granted planning permission for conversion into residential flats.
Look Out Oscar – Wirral jazzy-pop band (c1987), feat; Natalie (voc), Mark Tilliston (bass) (ex Founder Members, Waterfront), Steve Lawson (keys) (ex Founder Members now with Superbad – see Foghorn Leghorn in North Wales listing), Trev Dodd (voc) replaced Natalie, Ian Davies (bass) (ex-Sahara Crew) replaced Mark. Name change to Pyjama Party, broke up mid 90’s.
Loop Garu – (pic) Toxteth band (formed 1988), feat; Adrian Jackson (ex Royal Family), Dave Kennedy and Peter Jones (aka Pete Fuck). One time drummer was Ian Templeton (later La’s). Got signed but had to change name to Garu, due to London based Loop Guru. (website)
Lori And The Chameleons – project (1978-80) feat; art student Lori Lartey (voc) (married to Martin Healy of Dead or Alive), David Balfe (keys) (ex Dalek I Love You, Big in Japan, later of Teardrop Explodes, Food Recs, Bill Drummond (gtr,voc) (ex Big in Japan, later KLF), Gary Dwyer (of Teardrop Explodes), Ray Martinez, Tim Whittaker (drms) (ex Deaf School, Sex Gods, Gale Force). Rel 7″ on Zoo Recs Touch which was reissued twice again on other labels up to 1981 & Lonely Spy on Korova (1980).
Lost – band formed 1991 to 1994, feat; Dave Woodworth (voc,gtr), Mike Shepherd (gtr) (later Skinny), Steve Parker (bass) and Pat Davey (drms) (later Skinny), played gigs in L’pool with Small, (now Smaller), Honey, Melthead. Mike, Steve and Pat then joined Richville.
Lost Gravity – band (c1975), feat; Tommy Horton (bass), Jonte Wilkins (drms) (later O Boogie Bros, Flock of Seagulls & many others). Played a couple of pub gigs in Toxteth area
Lotus Eaters – band of early 80s feat; Peter Coyle (voc), Jeremy Kelly (also Wild Swans, The Lovers, Psycamesh, Care, Diamond Sutra), Mike Dempsey (bass) (ex Cure / Associates), Gerard Quinn (gtr), Stephen Creese (drms), and (at some point) Dave Whittaker (ex Jass Babies, Here’s Johnny, Herr Lune). Rec several radio sessions in 1982 & signed by Arista Recs. Rel The First Picture Of You Jun83 hitting No.15 in UK charts. Followed by You Don’t Need Someone New Aug83 & Set Me Apart (early84) also the LP ‘No Sense Of Sin’ and one more single Out On Your Own. Early 1985 released It Hurts and shortly after Jeremy Kelly left they split up. Vinyl Japan rel LP ‘Silentspace’ (2001) with a single Stay free. (website)
Louie And the Lettermen – band (1986), prev called Be La Deuce, feat; Richi Riding (voc), Alan Gillibrand (gtr), Paul Grivosti (bass), Graham Chesters (drms). Demoed a song Don’t Stop Believing with high hopes, but nothing materialised. 3 of them worked for the Royal Mail and their work manager John Smith came up with the name. Alan married Pete Pennels’ (Social Rejects) sister.
Lovebomb – Acid-jazz band formed 1995, feat; Nel (voc), Steve Cox (gtr) (ex Reaction, Call It Belief, Lovelight, Traveller, later Trinity), Glyn Williams (keys) (later China Crisis), Steve Frankland (bass) (later Trinity), Darren Frankland (drms) and Lauren (b.voc). Firm favourites of Bourbon Street (now Zanzibar) Played alongside Space at a Radio City competition when they gracefully withdrew, after revealing they had just been signed, but still performed! ‘….linking unashamedly commercial pop with a subtle Jazz texture.’ Radio City.
Lovecraft – Widnes band (c2004), feat; Craig Sinclair (gtr,voc), Karen (bass) (ex Flamingo 50). Regular performers in the current crop of bands to be emanating around the 24/7 & Defcon set up.
Lovelight – psych rock band (formed 1990), feat; Wayne Johnson (voc), Daryl Palmer (gtr), Tim Doyle (bass), John Marsden (keys), Ritchie Long (drms). Played first gig at The Picket and numerous other gigs before Daryl left, to be replaced by Ste Cox (Traveller, Lovebomb)
Love Look Away – band (formed 1982), feat; Paul Curran (voc,bass) (ex Hambi & The Dance, Knopov’s Political Package, Mogodons), Adrian Mitchell (gtr) (ex Mogodons), Phil Allen (drms) (ex Moderates). Described themselves as ‘romantic pop with an edge.’ Made debut gig xmas82. More info req’d
The Lovers – 1989-90 project feat; Jeremy Kelly (ex Lotus Eaters, Wild Swans, Psycamesh, Care, Diamond Sutra) on instruments and Darren Jones (voc). Rec demos. Re-formed in 1995 with Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets) as vocalist and this project continued through the following years (website)
Love Pastels – band (c1978) that never got off the ground feat; Les Pattinson (bass) (later Echo & Bunnymen) & many girl vocalists incl, Shirley Alston, Rosie Hamlin & Arlene Smith. (See also Cicero Gymnasts, The Geoffs)
Love Ponies – band (1980-81), feat; Alan Peters (voc) (ex Almost Blues, 29th & Dearborn, later Lawnmower) & Terry Canning (bass), Terry Sterling (drms) (later Afraid of Mice), Lenny Vartel (gtr), Andy Hughes (bass) (later Joker), Bill Nighey (voc), Steve Cockrill (gtr). Prev called Opposition
Lovers By Design – solo project from 1984 by Steve Downey (gtr,voc) (ex Come in Tokio), using various musicians inc, Steve Hilton (voc), John Jenkins (keys), Gary Cooke (drms), Andy Griffin (gtr,voc), Roy Campbell (bass), Andy Redhead (drms,keys,voc). Rel 3 demos, one each year 1984-85-86.
Luglo Slugs – late 70s punk band feat; Alix Johnson, Dave Hardbattle (drms) and Danny Hampson (all later of Modern Eon), Mal Jackson and Joey McKeckney. John Peel once described them as ‘Ugh!’. Had track Benched Down and Bottled Up on the Street To Street comp LP rec at Open Eye Studios. Changed name to Tank Time then One Two. Alex now has studio in Southport (Naboo), Danny teaches art in L’pool, Mal is a psychiatric community officer in Ormskirk.
Lumberjack Ballet – band formed by Phil Franz-Jones of Afraid of Mice after he sacked his touring band in 1983. In ’84 he worked with a new band this new name which was essentially a new Afraid of Mice. It was a basic five piece. After about three gigs, he decided to sack the whole band (although he may have continued working with the drummer).
Lumiesence – band of mid-90s feat; Karl Bader-Bailey (gtr,voc) (ex Jules Verne, Playhouse, Bulah Wig later Acacia Gum, Superdude), Rob Harrison (drms), Tracey Smith (voc). Dave Potts (ex Jules Verne) replaced Rob. Karl described the band as ‘a horrible guitar pop type thing).
Luminous Beings – Birkenhead avant-garde jazz-punk collective (c1978–1981), feat; Steve Hardstaff (voc), plus a revolving cast of experimental musicians from the Wirral scene. Shunning the traditional three-chord structure of their punk contemporaries, the group pioneered a dissonant, improvisational sound that incorporated free-jazz elements and spoken-word performance art, often appearing at the Chelsea Reach and various underground art spaces. They gained broader recognition in November 1980 when they contributed three seminal tracks—Myself And My Hero, Shadows Giants, and TV Can Kill—to the Skeleton Records compilation LP ‘A Trip To The Dentist’, which served as a definitive document of the Birkenhead post-punk explosion. While their recorded output remained sparse, the band was highly influential for their uncompromising rejection of commercial pop tropes, with frontman Steve Hardstaff later becoming a renowned graphic designer responsible for some of the most iconic record sleeve art in the North West
Lunar Apple – Birkenhead space-rock/psych quartet (c1984–1987), feat; Ian ‘H’ (voc,gtr), Dave (bass), Chris (gtr), Paul (drms). A fixture of the Wirral’s alternative underbelly, the band drew heavily from the swirling, repetitive intensity of Hawkwind and the dark, street-level cool of the Velvet Underground. They were synonymous with the local counterculture scene centered around The Angel on Beckwith Street—a legendary biker haunt and ‘freak’ sanctuary where the band were regulars alongside various roadies and local legends. Their live shows were often multi-sensory experiences, featuring basic but effective oil-lamp light projections that suited their Doors-inflected psychedelic jams. While they remained a largely independent entity without formal vinyl releases, their high-decibel rehearsals and gigs at the likes of the Birkenhead YMCA and Hamiltons helped maintain a bridge between the 70s rock tradition and the mid-80s indie explosion before the lineup eventually fractured and members moved into the burgeoning local goth and heavy metal scenes
Lyle Marshall Band – L’pool/Widnes group (1971-72), feat; Roger Tinsley (voc), Nick Gryzb (gtr), Keith Jones (bass), Bob Gibson (drms), Mick Kearns (sax). They were a sort of minor “super” soul band formed from 4 ex-members of The Chris Carma Road Show plus sax player from Barney Rubbles Booze Band (both very well known in the north west). Roger and Nick got back together in 2011 and are still together in the 60s soul band Memphis Nites mostly playing gigs for the Merseycats charity.
The Lynwood Sessions – Wirral based group that I was told to look out for whilst at The Iron Door – All very mysterious, as I know nothing about them nor can I find anything…