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Little Angels
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Little Angels were an English hard rock band predominantly active between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s. The band reformed to play the 2012 Download Festival.
Key Information
History
[edit]1984–1994: Early history and UK popularity
[edit]Little Angels formed in Scarborough, England in May 1984,[1] under the name of Zeus and then to Mr Thrud in September 1985, settling on Little Angels during recording of the Too Posh to Mosh mini-album at Fairview Studios, Willerby, Hull in 1987.[2] The founding members were Toby Jepson (vocalist), Mark Plunkett (bassist), Dave Hopper (drummer) and the brothers Bruce John and Jimmy Dickinson (guitarist and keyboardist respectively). Michael Lee joined the band to replace Hopper on 16 August 1988.[2]
It was at this time that the band met Kevin Nixon who became their manager and label boss when he signed them to his York-based company Powerstation Records. Eventually out-growing the local scene the band signed to Polydor Records on 19 May 1988.[2]
In 1991, the band released the album Young Gods that Q Magazine called "finely produced and well-arranged" while the single "Boneyard" charted in the UK.[1] Lee was fired from Little Angels during the Young Gods tour in New York, after it was discovered he had auditioned for The Cult behind their backs.[2] He went on to play the full Ceremony world tour. Lee was replaced by Mark Richardson, who filled in for him on several tour dates, before taking his place officially during the recording of the band's third album, Jam.[2]
"The Big Bad Horns" ("Big" Dave Kemp on saxophone, Frank Mizen on trombone and Grant Kirkhope on trumpet) had become synonymous with the 'Angels' sound over the years, contributing to a large majority of their recorded output, and appearing live with the band more often than not. However, they were keen to remain independent from the band, so appearances on stage and record are credited to Little Angels and The Big Bad Horns.
Little Angels were successful in the UK with four best selling albums, including a number 1 in the UK Albums Chart in 1993 with Jam,[2] plus 11 hit singles. They enjoyed a high profile in the UK, supporting bands including Van Halen[2] and Bon Jovi.
Despite the seemingly disappointing record sales, they followed the announcement of their split by playing a sold-out six date UK tour, culminating in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1994.[2]
1995–2011: After the break-up
[edit] |
After the demise of Little Angels, the Dickinson brothers formed b.l.o.w. with Richardson and the former No Sweat guitarist (turned vocalist) Dave Gooding. Jepson recorded and toured an album, Ignorance Is Bliss, under the moniker "Toby and the Whole Truth", which was intended to launch a solo career, but illness scuppered the tour and his immediate plans. He spent subsequent years away from the spotlight before a solo return in 2002.
When b.l.o.w. folded, Jimmy Dickinson became a member of the synth pop group Younger Younger 28's who had some success in Japan, and who released one album, Soap, on the V2 label. He gained his PhD in 2016 and Dr Jimmy is now the course leader for the Commercial Music course at BathSpa University, while working on developing new music projects.
Bruce John Dickinson went on to teach at, and manage, The Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Surrey. He is now the managing director of the Brighton Institute of Modern Music which he set up with former Angels manager, Kevin Nixon.
Mark Richardson joined Skunk Anansie to replace their original drummer. When that band folded, he joined Feeder, following the suicide of their original drummer Jon Lee. He remained with the band until the end of 2008 when he re-joined Skunk Anansie for a greatest hits tour and album, plus new material.
Mark Plunkett (bass) turned his hand to artist management, and went on to manage firstly Boyzone, then Ronan Keating.
Michael Lee worked as a jobbing drummer, often playing with Robert Plant.
After a long while away from the spotlight, Jepson struck out on his own in 2001, touring the "Refresh EP" in early 2002 and onwards. Financial pressures put the brakes on this solo venture, and it looked as though he would once again withdraw from the stage. However, he made a return as a solo artist supporting Thunder on their 2006 UK tour and has – once again – performed solo since then. A spot as guest vocalist for Gun, at a charity gig in Glasgow promoted by rockradio, on 8 January 2008 resulted in him taking the role permanently. This was confirmed in April 2008.
Toby Jepson left GUN in June 2010 due to increased responsibility in other aspects of his musical involvement.
2012–2013: Reunion
[edit]It was announced in January 2012 that the band were reforming to perform at that year's Download Festival.[3] Their newly launched website for the occasion credits the meeting of the four founding members at Michael Lee's funeral as the catalyst for this re-union, stating "From the tragic death of their band-mate old friendships are rekindled."[4] In an interview with EverythingRock,[5] guitarist Bruce Dickinson stated that he doubted the reunion would be a permanent one, although his answer was not definitive.
On 7 June, Little Angels played at the 2012 Sweden Rock Festival. The reunion culminated in a 9-date UK tour in December 2012 with venues including Nottingham Rock City and O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. The Glasgow date had to be moved to a larger venue due to "phenomenal demand".[6] Support came from fellow British band Skin.
Drummer Richardson could not perform on the second leg of the tour due to commitments with Skunk Anansie, and was replaced by Dominic Greensmith (formerly of Reef).[7] Similarly, Grant Kirkhope (trumpet) was unavailable. The reason given on stage by Jepson was that he was "living in California as a tramp".[8][non-primary source needed]
Little Angels were booked to play the Isle of Wight Festival, supporting Bon Jovi, on 16 June 2013. On 9 May 2013 they issued a statement to say that this, in conjunction with warm up shows in Cardiff and Cambridge, would be the end of their reunion activities together. Drummer Richardson joined the band for these final three dates, but not trumpeter Grant Kirkhope.
In January 2026, Jepson’s personal and Little Angels’ own social accounts and website were updated to announce imminent tour dates under the title ‘Big, Bad and Back’ with dates for a further reunion to be announced on 9th February 2026. [9]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- Don't Prey for Me (1989)
- Young Gods (1991) UK No. 17
- Jam (1993) UK No. 1
- Too Posh to Mosh, Too Good to Last! (1994) UK No. 18[10]
Mini albums
[edit]- Too Posh to Mosh (1987)
Live albums
[edit]- Live at Hammersmith Odeon EP (1991)
Compilation albums
[edit]- A Little of the Past (1994) UK No. 20
Extended plays
[edit]- '87 (1987)
- Big Bad EP (1989) UK No. 74
- Big Bad World (Japan only) (1989)
Singles
[edit]- "90 in the Shade" (1988) UK No. 101
- "Do You Wanna Riot" (1989) UK No. 91
- "Don't Pray For Me" (1989) UK No. 93
- "Kicking up Dust" (1990) UK No. 46
- "Radical Your Lover" (1990) UK No. 34
- "She's a Little Angel" (1990) UK No. 21
- "Boneyard" (1991) UK No. 33
- "Product of the Working Class" (1991) UK No. 40
- "Young Gods" (1991) UK No. 34
- "I Ain't Gonna Cry" (1991) UK No. 26
- "First Cut Is the Deepest" (Germany only)(1992)
- "Too Much Too Young" (1992) UK No. 22
- "Womankind" (1993) UK No. 12; Ire. No. 29
- "Soapbox" (1993) UK No. 33
- "Sail Away" (1993) UK No. 45
- "Ten Miles High" (1994) UK No. 18
- "All Roads Lead to You" (1994)[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Henderson, Dave (5 March 1991). "Young Gods review". Q Magazine. 55: 75.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 203. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
- ^ "Download Festival 2013 | Official Download Festival Website". Downloadfestival.co.uk. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ Category: The Band (2 July 1994). "The Band". Littleangelsofficial.com. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ "EverythingRock". Everythingrocks.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ "Glasgow Show Upgraded to the O2 ABC". Littleangelsofficial.com. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ "Little Angels Announce Drummer For 'One More for the Road' Tour". Littleangelsofficial.com. 1 October 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ "Twitter / TobyJepson: @grantkirkhope oh mate! ya". Twitter. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ "Big Bad & Back". Official Website. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 324. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
External links
[edit]
Little Angels
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early years (1962–1964)
The Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea was founded on May 5, 1962—Children's Day in South Korea—by Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the [Unification Church](/page/Unification Church), as the Daehan Children's Art Troupe. The ensemble was established to project a positive image of South Korea during its post-Korean War recovery and to promote Korean culture and the nation's peace-loving spirit worldwide through performances by elementary and middle school students.[3] Initial training focused on traditional Korean dances, folk songs, and choral arrangements, with the troupe comprising young performers selected for their talent and discipline. The group held its debut domestic performances in Seoul, honing skills in venues like local theaters, before preparing for international outreach.[1]International debut and growth (1965–1980)
The troupe's inaugural overseas tour began on September 7, 1965, with performances across the United States, including a high-profile show for former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his Gettysburg farm on October 6, 1965, which marked their emergence as cultural ambassadors. This tour encompassed over 200 shows in major cities, introducing Korean heritage through fan dances (buchaechum), shaman rituals, and choral folk songs to American audiences.[4][3] By the 1970s, the Little Angels had expanded their reach, undertaking multiple world tours and performing for about 50 world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom in November 1971. They visited over 40 countries, delivering more than 2,000 performances by 1980, and appeared on numerous television broadcasts, such as U.S. network specials. The group's repertory evolved to include adaptations of Korean legends and seasonal customs, fostering global appreciation amid Cold War-era cultural exchanges. In recognition of their diplomatic efforts, they received early commendations from the South Korean government.[3][1]Continued tours and milestones (1981–2009)
The 1980s and 1990s saw the Little Angels sustain their international presence with over 60 global tours, performing in approximately 60 countries and accumulating more than 7,000 shows by the 2000s. Notable events included a 1992 performance for South Korean President Roh Tae-woo and Russian President Boris Yeltsin during a summit, and participation in the opening ceremony of the 3rd Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in October 2000 in Seoul. In 1998, they made history with performances in North Korea, promoting inter-Korean cultural dialogue. The troupe's role as civilian peace envoys was highlighted through appearances at UN-related events and awards ceremonies.[3][1] The ensemble earned four Presidential Awards from the South Korean government for its contributions to cultural diplomacy. Their programs emphasized vibrant depictions of Korean traditions, such as the ganggangsullae circle dance and gayageum instrumental pieces, while incorporating choral elements to appeal to diverse audiences.[1]Recent activities (2010–present)
From June 2010 to November 2011, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, the Little Angels toured 22 United Nations member nations that sent troops to aid South Korea, performing for veterans and presenting medals in gratitude. This initiative underscored their ongoing mission of peace and remembrance.[3][1] In 2022, the troupe celebrated its 60th anniversary with special performances titled "The Flight of Angels" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on December 1–2, featuring classic repertory connecting past, present, and future themes. As of 2025, the Little Angels continue to perform domestically and internationally, maintaining their legacy as young ambassadors of Korean arts and peace, with over 600 television appearances to date.[1][5][6]Band members
Ensemble Composition
The Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea consists of approximately 30-40 young performers, primarily girls, who are elementary and middle school students trained in traditional Korean dance and choral singing.[3] Members are selected through rigorous auditions and typically serve for several years before graduating, ensuring a rotating ensemble that maintains the troupe's youthful energy and cultural authenticity. As of 2025, the group includes children aged 8 to 15, with a focus on fostering discipline and artistic skill as civilian peace envoys.[7] The troupe is supported by adult instructors and choreographers who guide the children's performances, drawing from Korea's folk traditions such as fan dances and shaman rituals. Notable leadership includes representative Moon Julia Hoon Sook (Park Hoon-suk), under the Hyojeong Korea Cultural Foundation, continuing the vision established by founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon.[3]Directors and Instructors
While the performing members are children, the troupe's operations are directed by experienced adults. Bo Hi Pak served as a key figure in early leadership and public relations, promoting international tours.[8] Current direction emphasizes educational training, with instructors specializing in Korean classical dance, acrobatics, and vocal harmony to prepare the young artists for global stages. No fixed "core" adult performers exist, as the emphasis remains on the children's ensemble.[9]Musical style and influences
Genre classification and evolution
The Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea specializes in traditional Korean folk ballet and choral performances, blending classical dance forms with vocal music to showcase the nation's cultural heritage and peace-loving ethos. Their style draws from Korea's 5,000-year-old artistic traditions, including regional folk dances and songs that emphasize harmony, nature, and historical narratives, without incorporation of Western rock or modern genres.[3] Founded in 1962, the troupe's early repertoire focused on authentic Korean dances and choral arrangements of folk songs to project a positive image of South Korea post-Korean War. By the 1970s, their performances expanded to include adaptations suitable for international audiences, such as multilingual choral pieces and UNESCO-recognized dances like Ganggangsullae, while maintaining fidelity to traditional forms.[10] Over decades, the ensemble evolved to incorporate orchestral accompaniment for choral works, blending piano, traditional instruments, and occasionally Western classical influences in song selections, as seen in albums like The Little Angels Smile (1973). This progression reflected growing global outreach, with tours adapting repertoire for cultural diplomacy without diluting core Korean elements.[1]Signature elements and instrumentation
The signature style of the Little Angels features vibrant folk ballets depicting Korean legends and seasonal rituals, accompanied by choral singing in Korean and multiple languages to convey universal themes of peace and joy. Iconic elements include the Fan Dance (Buchaechum), where performers use colorful fans to mimic natural movements like butterflies and waves, and the Arirang medley, evoking national sentiment through synchronized dance and song. Other staples are the Flower Crown Dance (Hwagwanmu) and the Moon Festival circle dance (Ganggangsullae), which highlight communal harmony and are performed in traditional hanbok costumes.[11] Instrumentation centers on traditional Korean instruments such as the gayageum (a 12-string zither), haegeum (two-string fiddle), and various percussion like janggu drums, providing rhythmic and melodic foundations for dances. Choral performances are supported by piano and full orchestra, enabling lush arrangements of folk tunes, Western classics, and popular songs. This integration creates a layered sound that balances the delicacy of string instruments with the troupe's youthful voices, fostering an accessible yet authentic portrayal of Korean musical traditions in live spectacles.[3]Discography
The Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea has released a series of recordings capturing their traditional Korean folk dances, shaman rituals, and choral arrangements of folk songs. These primarily consist of vinyl LPs from the 1970s, issued by international labels to promote Korean culture during their global tours. No major commercial singles or digital releases are documented, though performances appear on streaming platforms.[12][13]Studio albums
As a performing ensemble, the group's albums are studio or live captures of their stage repertoire rather than original rock compositions.- The Little Angels, Vinyl LP, Philips – 6308 137, 1972 (UK, Australia)[14]
- Children of the World Unite, Vinyl LP, Philips – 6006 270, 1972 (Netherlands)[15]
- The Little Angels Smile, Vinyl LP, MGM Records – SE-4927, 1973 (US)[16]
- Little Angels in Wonderland, Vinyl LP, London Records – SPS-21130, 1973 (Japan)
- The Little Angels, Vinyl LP, Philips – 92 99 022, 1974 (Netherlands)
- The Little Angels of Korea, Vinyl LP, Everest Records – 3342, 1975 (US)
- Music for Folk Dance Vol. 1, 오아시스레코드, 1975[17]
- 리틀엔젤스 애창곡 (Little Angels Favorite Songs), 1987 (South Korea)[18]