Gay Dad were one of the last UK Brit rock bands to be launched in the late 1990s. They generated massive media interest and had moderate chart success but they failed to sustain their popularity and broke up in 2002. The original line-up consisted of rock critic Cliff Jones (guitar/vocals), James Riseboro (keyboards), Nigel Hoyle (bass), Charley Stone (guitar) and Nicholas Crowe (drummer). Gay Dad was first formed in 1994 by former Mojo and The Face journalist Cliff Jones, his schoolfriend Baz Crowe, and Nigel Hoyle. ...show more

Gay Dad were one of the last UK Brit rock bands to be launched in the late 1990s. They generated massive media interest and had moderate chart success but they failed to sustain their popularity and broke up in 2002. The original line-up consisted of rock critic Cliff Jones (guitar/vocals), James Riseboro (keyboards), Nigel Hoyle (bass), Charley Stone (guitar) and Nicholas Crowe (drummer). Gay Dad was first formed in 1994 by former Mojo and The Face journalist Cliff Jones, his schoolfriend Baz Crowe, and Nigel Hoyle.

Their first demo was recorded with legendary Rolling Stones record producer, Andrew Loog Oldham but proved unsuccessful, and they did not make their live debut until 1995. Early gigs were often a shambles, and by 1996 Jones, who had developed a fascination with psychedelia and glam-rock, began to rethink the band's approach. Joined by new keyboardist James Riseboro, they recorded several new tracks at Raezor Studio, Wandsworth, including a song called "To Earth With Love". Although it was only intended to win them some live dates, the demo attracted keen record company interest and the band signed to London Records in December 1997.

With (female) guitarist Charley Stone they toured the UK in early 1998 before starting recording sessions at The Dairy studio in Brixton with producers/sound engineers Gary Langan (ex-Art of Noise) and Chris Hughes (ex-Adam and The Ants). The band's controversial name and their eye-catching blue and white "Walking Man" logo designed by fashionable graphic artist, Peter Saville generated a huge amount of interest from the media and Gay Dad were hailed as the "saviours" of British rock. Their debut single "To Earth With Love" entered the UK Singles Chart at #10 in January 1999. Their debut album Leisure Noise, co-produced by Tony Visconti and Mark Frith, was released in June 1999. ...show less