Department S (band)
| Department S | |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Post-punk, new wave |
| Years active | 1980–1982 2007–present |
| Labels | Demon, RCA, Stiff, LTM, Sartorial, J.A.M. UK, Westworld Recordings |
| Associated acts | Thunderthighs, The Banned, Cowboys International, Original Mirrors, Madness, Back to Zero, Public Image Ltd, Cowboys International, Brian Brain, Bug |
| Website | www |
| Members | Eddie Roxy Pete Jones Phil Thompson Alan Galaxy |
| Past members | Mike Herbage Vaughn Toulouse Tony Lordan Stuart Mizon Mark Taylor Jimmy Hughes Sam Burnett Alexander Lutes |
Department S are a British post-punk/new wave band formed in 1980, who took their name from the 1960s TV series Department S. They are best known for their debut single, "Is Vic There?", which was originally released in December 1980 and reached No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart the following year. Their latest album, When All Is Said and All Is Done, is set for release in 2016.
Department S evolved from a previous punk/ska combo, Guns for Hire, fronted by Vaughn Toulouse and also featuring former Madness drummer John Hasler. Mike Herbage joined them on guitar and wrote Guns for Hire's only single, "I'm Gonna Rough My Girlfriend's Boyfriend Up Tonight", released on the Korova record label. The group then became Department S with the addition of bassist Tony Lordan, drummer Stuart Mizon and keyboardist Eddie Roxy (born Anthony Edward Lloyd-Barnes).
They debuted at the Rock Garden in London on 24 September 1980.Demon Records released their debut single, "Is Vic There?", in December 1980. It was produced by former Mott the Hoople members Buffin and Overend Watts. The B-side, a cover version of T.Rex's "Solid Gold Easy Action", featured Thunderthighs on backing vocals.
"Is Vic There?" began to climb the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 22. The single's initial success led to the better-equipped RCA Records reissuing the single in March 1981. This edition, featuring a remix by David Tickle, reached No. 67 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart, and the band appeared on Top of the Pops.
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