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The Mission (band)
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The Mission (known as the Mission UK in the United States) are an English gothic rock band formed in 1986. Initially known as the Sisterhood, the band was started by frontman Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams (both from the Sisters of Mercy), soon adding drummer Mick Brown (Red Lorry Yellow Lorry) and guitarist Simon Hinkler (Artery and Pulp). Aside from Hussey, the lineup has changed several times over the years, and the band has been on hiatus twice.[1][2]

Key Information

The band's catalogue consists of ten studio albums: God's Own Medicine (1986), Children (1988), Carved in Sand (1990), Masque (1992), Neverland (1995), Blue (1996), Aura (2001), God Is a Bullet (2007), The Brightest Light (2013), and Another Fall from Grace (2016), with several live albums, compilations, and other miscellaneous releases.[3]

History

[edit]

Incarnation

[edit]
Main article: The Sisterhood (gothic rock band)

After an aborted recording session with Andrew Eldritch in the summer of 1985, Wayne Hussey and Craig Adams left the Sisters of Mercy. Based in Leeds, the duo continued to work on various musical ideas and recorded them over the autumn.[4] Dismissing the use of a drum machine, Adams and Hussey asked Mick Brown (Red Lorry Yellow Lorry) to help out. By the end of the year, he had joined the band on a permanent basis.[5] With Hussey as frontman and main songwriter, the trio required a second guitarist to facilitate a live setup. They recruited Simon Hinkler (Artery), who also contributed keyboards. The name "the Sisterhood" was chosen as a nod to the past. Rehearsals for the first shows started in January 1986. The new name became a point of discussion in the UK music press, giving the four-piece significant publicity. As the Sisterhood, the band made their live debut on 20 January 1986 at the Alice in Wonderland, London.[6]

While the band was on tour as support to the Cult around Europe, Eldritch released a single as the Sisterhood. Back in the UK, Hinkler was briefly dismissed and reinstated for three dates where the band revealed their new name, the Mission. Although Hussey and Adams were still under contract with WEA, manager Tony Perrin prepared their material for a release.[7] In May, the EP I (Serpents Kiss) appeared on the Chapter 22 label as the Expedition I tour took the band around Europe. Two months later, II (Like a Hurricane/Garden of Delight) was released on the same label and supported by a number of festival slots that culminated in an appearance at the Reading Festival.[8]

Wayne Hussey in 1987

Crusade

[edit]

Hussey and Adams were released from their WEA contracts and the band signed a seven-album recording contract with Phonogram in July 1986. Their debut, God's Own Medicine, was recorded in six weeks with novice producer Tim Palmer, an acquaintance from Hussey's Dead or Alive days.[9] In October, the single "III" ("Stay with Me") was released, preceding the album that appeared the next month. The band set out on a three-month World Crusade I UK/European tour, with their dedicated followers, 'Eskimos', in tow. They appeared on British television a number of times and recorded a session for BBC radio. The single "IV" ("Wasteland") charted at No. 11 in January 1987.[10]

The World Crusade II tour brought the band to North America, where they were known as 'the Mission UK'. The 41-date trek was characterised by substance abuse and led to the collapse of an inebriated Craig Adams in Los Angeles, resulting in him temporarily quitting the band. Sound tech Pete Turner filled in for one show, before they enlisted Chris Bocast to play bass for the remainder of the tour, which included an opening slot for the Psychedelic Furs. In March 1987, the single "V" ("Severina"), with guest vocals by Julianne Regan, was released.[11] Back in England, Adams returned to the band to play a handful of European festivals, and two support dates in Leeds and Edinburgh on U2's Joshua Tree Tour. A live video entitled Crusade was released, capturing the band at the early stage of their career. It coincided with the release of The First Chapter in June 1987, a collection of material from the first two EPs.[12]

Children

[edit]

By 1987, Hussey had written new material that was first played during the band's summer festival shows and U2 warm-up performances. The Mission enlisted Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones to produce their second studio album, Children, engineered by Mark 'Spike' Stent. In October of the same year, Hussey fathered a girl named Hannah, an event that inspired much of the lyrical content. The band moved more towards a Led Zeppelin-inspired hard rock style.[13] In January 1988, the band recorded additional material in London with Stent. In February, the first single, "Tower of Strength", was released, reaching number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. At the end of the same month, the album appeared and charted at number 2 in the UK album chart.[14]

The rest of the year was taken up by the Children Play world tour, including a six-night residency at the London Astoria, Theatre where John Paul Jones made a guest appearance on keyboards. The rest of the tour included a support slot for Robert Plant, the first dates the band played in Latin America, and a small tour of Japan. A second single, "Beyond the Pale", made less of an impact, and a third scheduled for the end of the year was cancelled.[15] At the end of 1988, the Mission embarked on an eight-date arena tour around the UK, while a collection of their music videos, From Dusk to Dawn, was released.

Deliverance

[edit]
Mick Brown in 1987
Hussey at the Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig, Germany, 2017
Simon Hinkler, 2017
Craig Adams, 2017
Mike Kelly, 2017

In the first half of 1989, Hussey wrote new material in the Black Mountains in South Wales, before the band reconvened in April to start recording. At the end of the same month, they played two shows, one in support of the Lockerbie bombing and another for the Hillsborough disaster fund. The latter featured guest appearances by Pete Wylie and Mick Jones of the Clash. Hussey, a lifelong Liverpool F.C. fan, was keen to support the victims.[16] In between recording, the band played a number of European festivals supporting the Cure. In contrast to the large shows the band had put on during the Children Play tour, they embarked on a low-key Scottish Highlands tour. The last commitment of the year was a headline appearance at the Reading Festival, before the band returned to the studio to complete the album.[17]

They once again enlisted Tim Palmer to produce the record, while Reeves Gabrels, Baluji Shrivastav, and Guy Chambers also made contributions. Slated for an early-1990 release, the recording of the Carved in Sand album was completed by the end of August 1989. To kill time, the foursome formed a glam rock tribute band, the Metal Gurus, playing support for the Wonder Stuff towards the end of the year. The first single, "Butterfly on a Wheel", was released in January 1990 and narrowly missed the top ten. The new album appeared a month later, together with the "Waves upon the Sand" video that documented the recording sessions and Scottish tour of the previous year.[18]

The Deliverance tour in support of the album was problematic. The band hired David Wolfenden as a supplemental guitarist to give Hussey free rein as the frontman. An inebriated Hussey showed up on the James Whale show and reports of their debauched behaviour continued to appear in the press. The release of a second single, "Deliverance", coincided with the UK arena dates.[19] Hinkler contracted scarlet fever, leading to some cancellations. Personal tensions led to a confrontation during the North American leg of the tour, and Simon Hinkler left the band after a show at Montreal's Metropolis. The remaining members continued with a variation of stand-ins that included Tim Bricheno (of All About Eve) before he joined the Sisters of Mercy. A third single, "Into the Blue" was released in May 1990 to coincide with a number of festival dates, including a headlining slot at Pinkpop and indoor dates to replace the cancelled French dates from earlier in the year. The band played in Australia and New Zealand for the first time in their career. For the second half of 1990, they enlisted Paul "Etch" Etchells (ex-Ghost Dance) on keyboards and guitars. This last leg of the tour, which included a performance filmed for the Rockpalast programme, saw Hinkler returning twice as a guest during the encores at Leeds and the final night at the Brixton Academy.[20]

The Mission had a lot of surplus material after the Carved in Sand sessions and had difficulties deciding on the running order of the album. In October 1990, the companion album, Grains of Sand, was released. It contained the rest of the candidates, some of which had already surfaced as B-sides, supplemented by acoustic renditions and cover versions. A single, "Hands Across the Ocean", co-produced by Andy Partridge of XTC, became a minor hit and was backed by a live version of "Amelia".[21] The band and Hinkler were on friendly terms again and they resurrected the Metal Gurus project to record a cover version of "Merry Xmas Everybody" with Noddy Holder and Jim Lea from Slade for the Childline charity.[22]

After a break to recuperate, the band teamed up with engineer Joe Gibb to create a high-tech studio setup. Brown had been soaking up the Leeds dance scene, while Hussey explored folk music. The band, asked to perform a lucrative headlining show at Finsbury Park in 1991, brought out quite a different side, joined by Maartin Allcock of Fairport Convention and Anthony Thistlethwaite of the Waterboys. Some fans left the gig worried about the direction of the forthcoming release, Masque (produced by Mark Saunders). Masque was intended to be a solo release by Hussey. However, the remaining band members contributed to the recording, and the album was released under the group name. Hussey later said, "with Masque, we attempted to break down these preconceptions that people had of us but it didn't go down very well".[23] Adams left the group subsequent to the release of the album. Reduced to a duo, the Mission searched for new members, even placing an advertisement in Melody Maker.

Childhood's end

[edit]

The second incarnation of the Mission consisted of Brown, Hussey, Mark Thwaite (formerly of Spear of Destiny) on guitar, Rik Carter (formerly of Pendragon) on keyboards, and eventually Andy Cousin (formerly of All About Eve) on bass. This lineup's first release was a fanclub-only flexi disc cover of the Osmonds song "Crazy Horses" in early 1993. The recording of a new album started, while a BBC live album, No Snow, No Show for the Eskimo, was compiled by Hussey and Joe Gibb. For the first time in three years, the band decided to tour, and a warm-up was arranged as the "Off the Street" benefit for the homeless in Leeds. As Andrew Eldritch signed up, completely unfounded press speculation about a Hussey/Eldritch reunion became rife. The Club Mission tour played smaller venues around Europe, with new tracks "Afterglow" and "Raising Cain" becoming a regular feature in the set.

The end of 1993 saw Hussey remixing "Tower of Strength" with Youth, and revisiting some of the past material for a greatest hits compilation album. A remixed version of "Tower of Strength" appeared in the UK Singles Chart in January 1994,[24] and the band made their last appearance on Top of the Pops. The compilation, entitled Sum and Substance, was released the next month and featured two new tracks: "Sour Puss" and a remix of "Afterglow" by Mark "Spike" Stent. The latter was also released as the final single through Vertigo/Phonogram. The seven-album contract was now up, and neither of the parties was interested in a continued relationship.

Recordings proceeded slowly, while the band negotiated a new independent record deal, and Hussey produced a collection of three BBC sessions as Salad Daze. In late 1994, a single, "Raising Cain", was released on Equator Records. Early in 1995, the single "Swoon" paved the way for the next studio album, Neverland, more or less a Mission signature sound but with a much heavier production. The Neverland tour saw a slight revival in popularity, with two of the concerts being filmed for German television, a promo-only live EP released, and a handful of summer festivals played.

In March 1996, the band set up in Bristol for eight weeks to record new songs that Hussey had been developing. When the resulting album, Blue, was released, it received mixed reviews from music critics but left portions of the old fanbase rather unimpressed[citation needed]. Future interviews would see Hussey hating the album, with only the reworked B-side "Evermore & Again" ever becoming a regular staple in subsequent tours. A short stint around the UK, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands afterwards turned out to be a farewell tour: after ten years, Hussey and Brown decided that enough was enough. The band finished it all off with festivals in Spain and South Africa, the latter being their final gig, at the Kyalami racetrack in Johannesburg.

Afterlife

[edit]

After the Mission disbanded, Hussey spent his time in Orange County, California, with his wife and young daughter. In semi-retirement, he produced sporadic remixes and singles for Cleopatra Records and Dancing Ferret Records, as well as up-and-coming acts, and contributed a new song for a Mission album put together by Mission fans over the internet.

In 1999, after releasing an album of solo versions of Mission classics in his home studio, Hussey resurrected the band with Adams, drummer Scott Garrett (Adams' bandmate in the Cult), and Mark Thwaite, for what was intended to be a one-off tour with Gene Loves Jezebel across the United States and an also-resurrected All About Eve across the United Kingdom. The success of the tour and the reaction of the crowds gave the band plenty of encouragement to continue beyond the tour, and 2000 saw them take on a mammoth world tour, heading festivals in Europe and sharing the bill with the Sisters of Mercy at the M'era Luna Festival in Germany. A souvenir CD of the 1999 tour was released as Ever After, with the various live tracks complemented by three tracks from the 1995 promo-only Live EP and the even-rarer fanclub-only studio outtake "Crazy Horses".

At the end of 2000, the band recorded tracks for a new album at the Levellers' Brighton studios, and Dave Allen (who produced the first Sisters of Mercy album) was drafted in to oversee the recording of tracks in Bath. Before the release of the album, dubbed Aura, the band were invited to play support for the German tour of the Finnish band HIM. At this juncture, Thwaite left the band (first due to touring commitments with Tricky and later to form the group New Disease), to be replaced by Rob Holliday of Sulpher.

Aura was released on their own Playground label run by former Phonogram A&R man Charlie Eyre. The sound was heavy and the production intricate, but fans noted that several songs were similar to previous Mission songs, notably "Dragonfly", which was similar to the 1990 hit "Butterfly on a Wheel". Nonetheless, the Mission undertook a large world tour supporting the album. However, the stresses of touring and diminishing returns once again saw tensions grow, and during the South American leg of their 2002 tour, Adams decided to leave once more. Hussey continued the leg of the tour by himself, with some acoustic shows backed by pre-recorded tapes, also lining himself up for a number of much more successful solo acoustic shows in Europe.

In early 2003, the Mission gained a new bassist in the form of Rich Vernon and within a matter of months, Garrett also left, to be replaced by Steve Spring. This new lineup carried on through to mid-2004.

Lighting the Candles

[edit]

In September 2005, the band's first DVD, Lighting the Candles, was released, complemented by a live CD. It took over a year for Hussey to compile this two-DVD set, which includes a live gig, some video clips, a commented biography and discography, as well as a number of interviews, live performances, and backstage shots. The result gained good reviews and good sales. The single "Breathe Me In" hit the top of the Alternative Chart in Germany, and the Mission once again undertook an extensive EU tour. Mark Thwaite rejoined the band, as Holliday was occupied touring with the Prodigy. The band evolved the hard rock angle further, while audience ranks grew throughout the tour. Hussey announced that 2006 would hold no tours, as he would concentrate on a new album and his personal projects. As well as Lighting the Candles, 2005 saw the release of Waves Upon the Sand and Crusade for the first time on DVD.

In 2006, Hussey marked the 20th anniversary of the Mission with the issue of a limited edition T-shirt designed especially for the occasion. Meanwhile, Phonogram Records released another "best of", Anthology: The Phonogram Years, a two-CD set including all eleven of the band's Top 40 hits alongside rare mixes, long-lost B-sides, BBC sessions, five previously unavailable tracks, and five tracks appearing on CD for the first time.

God Is a Bullet

[edit]

A new single, "Keep It in the Family", was released in March 2007, followed a month later by the new album God Is a Bullet, featuring Hussey, Thwaite, Vernon, and Spring, and guest musicians Simon Hinkler, Bricheno, and Julianne Regan. To coincide with the release, Mercury Records reissued the first three Mission albums as enhanced CDs, complete with bonus tracks.

In February–March 2008, the band played a tour of Europe that culminated in a series of four concerts at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, with each night dedicated to a particular period of the band's history. Hussey announced that these would be the last ever Mission concerts, as he wished to have an indefinite break from band activity and concentrate on other personal projects.[25] Simon Hinkler joined on each night for the encores and occasional songs during the main set. The final concert in the series was filmed, and each night recorded and later released as part of a box set.

In February 2009, the Mission's record label SPV GmbH released a double album, Live & Last, plus the DVD Final Chapter recording of the final show, which included additional footage from the tour. The DVD debuted in the official UK BBC charts[which?] at No.6—the highest UK chart position in many years for the band.[citation needed] In June 2010, SPV released Dum Dum Bullet, a collection of recordings taken from the God Is a Bullet sessions.

Full circle

[edit]

As the Mission's 25th anniversary was approaching, it was suggested to Hussey that he should reform the original lineup of the band. Hussey initially resisted, occupied with other projects.[26] Eventually he was convinced, and in the summer of 2010, the announcement was made that with Craig Adams and Simon Hinkler on board, the Mission had reformed. Drummer Mick Brown had passed on the invitation to join and Spear of Destiny's Mike Kelly took his place.[27]

In contrast to previous incarnations, the band only played material from the 1986–1990 period. In October 2011, they played a warm-up show as their alter ego, Blood Brothers, in Hussey's hometown of Bristol, before embarking on the XXV UK/European tour that culminated in a sold-out show at the Brixton Academy.[28] This performance and an earlier one in Cologne was captured on film and released as Silver, together with an audio recording from the Frankfurt show.[29]

Revitalised, the band decided to continue touring and played shows in South America, Mexico, Europe, and on the Download Festival in 2012. They also added a rendition of "All Along the Watchtower" to their repertoire. In September 2012, they supported the Cult on a tour of the UK, which attracted some controversy.[30]

In October 2012, Hussey announced that "The Mission are gonna be recording a new album next year. The band are spending time right now writing new songs and will convene to a rehearsal room near Bristol in early April to start working on these new songs together". He also revealed that David M. Allen would be producing. The Brightest Light was released in September 2013,[31] and the band embarked on a tour in support around North America, Germany, and the UK.[32] In 2014, the Mission returned to South America for a nine-date tour.[33]

In May 2016, Hussey confirmed Tim Palmer as producer for the band's tenth studio album. They promised a return to their 'classic' sound, and soon the album—titled Another Fall from Grace—was made available to pre-order online. On 12 August, the Mission pre-released the album's lead single, "Met-Amor-Phosis", through YouTube, eventually made available for download on 1 September.

In October 2016, the group embarked on a 30th-Anniversary tour with 28 shows across Europe, three in Australia, and two in New Zealand, to coincide with the release of Another Fall from Grace on 30 September; the album entered the UK album charts at No. 38.

The band continued to tour in support of Another Fall from Grace into 2017. The tour culminated in a headline set at Wave-Gotik-Treffen. Shortly after this, Wayne Hussey announced via Facebook that the band would be taking a break, with no definite plans in place for the near future. The Mission supported Alice Cooper in November 2017. Again via social media, Hussey announced that he would be spending much of 2018 working on his autobiography, scheduled for release in 2019.

The Mission embarked on their United European Party Tour in early 2020. This was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, however, and rescheduled for 2021.[34][35] The near-150 date world tour finished with five consecutive dates in the UK, in October 2023.[36][37]

Names and aliases

[edit]

Initially known as the Sisterhood, the band was forced to change their name after Andrew Eldritch claimed it.[38] After some deliberation, the Mission was chosen. Hussey claimed that the name was a reference to the proselytising mission that was part of his Mormon upbringing.[citation needed] Mick Brown has a different account, saying the name came from his favourite brand of speakers, Mission.[39] When the band planned to tour the US in 1987, it was found that a Philadelphia R&B band had already claimed the name and thus the band was thereafter known in the United States as The Mission UK.[40]

Throughout their existence, the group have used aliases to play smaller gigs, including Blood Brothers.[41] In the 1989–1990 period, they formed a glam rock cover band, the Metal Gurus.[citation needed]

Band members

[edit]
Main article: List of the Mission band members
  • Wayne Hussey – guitars, lead vocals, keyboards, piano (1986–1996, 1999–2008, 2011–present)
  • Craig Adams – bass, backing vocals (1986–1992, 1999–2002, 2011–present)
  • Simon Hinkler – guitars, keyboards (1986–1990, 2011–present)
  • Alex Baum – drums (2022–present)

Discography

[edit]
Further information: The Mission discography

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Mission (band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Mission is an English band formed in , initially as The Sisterhood in late 1985 by vocalist and guitarist and bassist Craig Adams, both formerly members of , along with drummer Mick Brown and guitarist ; the group was renamed The Mission in early 1986. The group emerged from the and goth scenes, blending cinematic, melodramatic guitar anthems with romantic and epic influences akin to Led Zeppelin, achieving commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like "Wasteland" and "Tower of Strength." The band's debut album, (1986), marked their entry into the charts at No. 14 and earned gold certification, followed by the compilation The First Chapter (1987) and their breakthrough second studio album Children (1988), which peaked at No. 2 on the and featured the top-10 single "Tower of Strength." Subsequent releases included (1990), (1992), (1995), and (1996), during which time Hinkler departed in 1990 and Adams left after 1992, with Hussey remaining the sole constant member amid shifting lineups. The Mission toured extensively, supporting acts like and The Cult, headlining festivals such as Reading, and selling over four million albums worldwide. After disbanding in 1996, Hussey reformed the band, releasing further studio albums including Aura (2001) and God Is a Bullet (2007), before playing farewell shows in 2008. The original lineup reunited in 2011 for their 25th anniversary, issuing The Brightest Light (2013) and Another Fall from Grace (2016). These later works shifted toward a more contemporary sound while retaining gothic elements, with the band continuing to tour actively into the 2020s under the name The Mission UK to distinguish from other acts.

History

Formation and early years (1986–1987)

The Mission was formed in , England, in early 1986 by vocalist and guitarist and bassist Craig Adams, who had recently departed from . Initially naming their new project The Sisterhood, Hussey and Adams aimed to build on their post-punk roots while exploring a more expansive sound. To complete the lineup, they recruited guitarist and keyboardist , a former associate from the Leeds music scene, and drummer Mick Brown, establishing a core quartet that would define the band's early identity. A legal dispute arose almost immediately when Sisters of Mercy frontman contested the use of The Sisterhood name, citing its similarity to his own of the same name and potential confusion with his band's fan community. Eldritch's objection, backed by swift action including the release of his own Sisterhood material, forced Hussey and Adams to rebrand the group as The Mission by mid-1986. This resolution allowed the band to proceed, and they quickly signed with , embarking on their first European tour supporting The Cult in early 1986. The band's nascent style drew heavily from influences and the brooding atmosphere of , blending dark lyrics with layered guitars and rhythmic drive. Under producer Tim Palmer, The Mission recorded their debut album throughout 1986, capturing a raw yet anthemic energy in tracks like "Wasteland," which would become a signature song. Released on November 10, 1986, the album peaked at No. 14 on the , marking a strong entry into the landscape of the era. Prior to the album, the band issued independent singles including "Serpent's Kiss," which topped the UK Indie Chart and showcased their emerging sound with its hypnotic riffs and evocative themes. "Wasteland," released as a single in January 1987, further propelled their visibility, reaching No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. Supporting the album, The Mission undertook initial UK tours, building a dedicated following through energetic live performances that emphasized their atmospheric and emotive style.

Rise to prominence (1988–1990)

Following the success of their debut album, The Mission achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of their second studio album, Children, on 29 February 1988 via . Produced by , the album peaked at No. 2 on the and spent nine weeks in the top 100. Key singles from the record included "Tower of Strength," which reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and seven weeks in the top 100, and "Beyond the Pale," peaking at No. 32 and charting for five weeks. These tracks exemplified the band's evolving sound, blending anthemic choruses with atmospheric production that propelled them into arena-level performances. The band capitalized on this momentum with extensive world tours throughout 1988 and 1989, including a high-profile support slot for on their * at in in July 1988, as well as headlining major festivals such as the Reading Festival in August 1989. These appearances solidified their dedicated fanbase within the gothic and scenes, with live shows emphasizing their dramatic stage presence and building anticipation for their next release. By late 1989, The Mission had toured extensively, fostering a strong following across the continent. In February 1990, the band released their third album, , produced by Tim Palmer and also via , which debuted at No. 7 on the and remained in the top 100 for eight weeks. The record featured introspective themes exploring personal vulnerability and emotional depth, highlighted by the lead single "," which peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and reached No. 23 on the US Alternative Airplay chart. This period marked their growing international profile, with significant chart success in Europe and increased exposure through video rotations that introduced their music to broader audiences. In the , where they performed as Mission UK, the album supported their first major promotional tour in April 1990, encompassing North American dates that grossed substantial revenue and expanded their stateside visibility. However, underlying creative tensions emerged during this peak, exacerbated by the band's intense touring schedule and personal strains, including differing lifestyles among members. Guitarist departed mid-tour on 20 April 1990 in , citing burnout and a heated argument with frontman over his perceived marginalization in the creative process. Stand-in guitarists filled in for the remainder of the shows, but the exit signaled the beginning of shifts in the band's classic lineup.

Challenges and hiatus (1991–1999)

Following the commercial peak of their early career, The Mission experienced a significant downturn in the 1990s as the genre waned in popularity amid the rise of and later , which shifted mainstream tastes toward heavier, more abrasive sounds and upbeat . Their fourth studio , Masque (1992), reflected this transition with a folk-leaning, experimental style that alienated some fans and critics, peaking at No. 23 on the — a notable drop from the top 10 successes of prior releases. Lineup instability compounded these challenges, beginning with guitarist Simon Hinkler's departure in 1990 during a fractious North American tour, prompted by personal tensions and a backstage confrontation that ended with him leaving a brief goodbye note. For Masque, frontman recruited guest Miles Hunt of for contributions, including co-writing the folk-inflected track "Shades of Green (Pt. II)", while the core rhythm section of Craig Adams and drummer Mick Brown remained. However, Adams became disenchanted with the band's direction and quit shortly after the album's release in 1992, further destabilizing the group. Hussey then assembled a new lineup featuring Mark Gemini Thwaite, Andy Cousin, and keyboardist Rik Carter for subsequent work. The band's struggles continued with (1995), which adopted a more atmospheric, shoegaze-influenced sound but received poor reviews and charted at No. 58 in the UK, signaling further commercial erosion. Internal conflicts persisted during this period, exacerbated by years of relentless touring and creative disagreements, as the group parted ways with their Phonogram in 1994 over contractual issues before signing with Sony's imprint. These tensions culminated in the recording of (1996) in , a introspective album that peaked at No. 73 on the UK Albums Chart and marked the end of the original run, with Hussey announcing the band's dissolution during the subsequent 'Tour '96' to allow members a respite from the . During the ensuing hiatus, Hussey relocated to , where he focused on personal life and began developing solo material, including early songwriting that would later inform his side projects. Drummer Mick Brown pursued limited musical endeavors, while Thwaite and others contributed to various artists in the alternative scene. A brief attempt at reformation in late 1999, involving Hussey, Brown, and Thwaite alongside new drummer , initially faltered due to logistical issues but ultimately succeeded, ending the hiatus and launching a new chapter for the band.

Reformation and middle period (1999–2011)

Following the band's hiatus in the late 1990s, reformed The Mission in 1999 alongside bassist Craig Adams, guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite, and drummer . This incarnation launched the tour, spanning the and to reconnect with fans during a period of renewed interest in . The tour was supported by the release of the Resurrection: Greatest Hits in November 1999, which featured re-recorded versions of classic tracks and helped reestablish the band's presence. The group built momentum through extensive touring, including the Recon 2000 world tour that visited , , , , the , , and , alongside appearances at the Eurorock and M'era Luna festivals. In 2001, they performed at the in the UK, further capitalizing on the indie gothic revival to rebuild their audience. That same year, the band released their first studio album in five years, Aura, on Playground Recordings in November; it topped the German alternative chart for eight weeks and marked a return to their atmospheric, guitar-driven sound. Lineup changes began to affect stability soon after. Thwaite departed in October 2001 due to scheduling conflicts, and Adams left during the 2002 South American tour, citing homesickness after a grueling schedule. Hussey assembled a new configuration with guitarist Rob Holliday, bassist Ritchie Vernon, and drummer Steve Spring, which toured Europe as special guests for HIM in Germany and undertook a six-week European headline run. Subsequent tours, including Pilgrimage in 2003, Breathen and Absolution in 2004, and Lighting the Candles in 2005 across Europe, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Ireland, Germany, the US, and the UK, maintained activity amid these shifts. Thwaite rejoined in 2005 for select South African dates and the Lighting the Candles tour, contributing to a more consistent sound. The band released God Is a Bullet in April 2007 on SPV Records in and in the UK, an album described as adventurous and forward-looking with tracks like "Keep It in the Family" emphasizing emotional depth over nostalgia. Sessions for what would become later material, including elements influencing The Brightest Light, began around this time but were sidelined by growing fatigue. By early 2008, internal exhaustion and Hussey's desire to pursue solo projects led to the announcement of the band's second hiatus; Hussey stated that The Mission had consumed too much of his life, prompting a focus on personal endeavors after a final European tour culminating in four sold-out shows at London's in March. This period of inactivity lasted until 2011, when Hussey, Adams, and —along with new drummer Mike Kelly—announced a permanent to mark the band's 25th with a sold-out European tour ending at .

Recent developments (2011–present)

Following their reformation in 2011 with core members (vocals/guitar), Craig Adams (bass), and (guitar), alongside new drummer Mike Kelly, The Mission launched a sold-out 25th-anniversary European tour that extended to South and , culminating at London's . The band began recording sessions for their ninth studio album, The Brightest Light, during this period, with production handled by ; the album was released on September 20, 2013, marking the first full-length recording by the original trio since 1990. In 2016, to commemorate their 30th anniversary, the band released their tenth studio album, Another Fall from Grace, on September 30, produced by Hussey and Tim Palmer, which peaked in the UK Top 40 and featured contributions from guests including and . This release coincided with a reunion tour featuring the classic lineup of Hussey, Adams, Hinkler, and original drummer Mick Brown. Post-2016, the band maintained momentum with appearances at festivals like the in on June 4, 2017. They then embarked on the extensive Deja Vu world tour from 2020 to 2023, spanning nearly 150 dates and concluding with five UK shows in 2023. In January 2025, the band announced they were in the process of writing and preparing to record their eleventh studio album—their first since Another Fall from Grace—with a planned release in 2026 to align with their 40th anniversary. On October 23, 2025, they issued the single "Just Wait for the One." That same month, on October 18 for National Album Day, Demon Records reissued their 1996 album Blue as a limited-edition "Drown in Blue" colored vinyl, expanded with B-sides "Perfect Sunrise" and "Coming Home (Godlike Version)." A planned summer 2025 North American tour, including dates supporting The Psychedelic Furs, was cancelled in March 2025 due to an unspecified medical issue affecting a band member. In 2023, frontman published Heady Daze: The Mission Years, 1985–1990, the second volume of his autobiography following 2019's Salad Daze, offering a detailed account of the band's early success and excesses.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound evolution

The Mission's early sound in the late was firmly rooted in , incorporating rhythms, new wave melodies, and psychedelic flourishes such as echoing guitars and atmospheric keyboards, which defined their debut album (1986). This core style blended dark, introspective tones with accessible pop hooks, drawing from the melodic side of influences like Led Zeppelin while establishing a niche in the gothic subgenre alongside contemporaries such as . Their production during the era provided a polished sheen, particularly through collaborations with producer Tim Palmer on albums like and (1990), enhancing the atmospheric depth with professional mixing that amplified the band's epic, stadium-ready sound. By the 1990s, the band's sound evolved toward and pop-oriented territory, marking a departure from their gothic origins as seen in (1992), which introduced pop-oriented tunes and stripped away much of the genre's gloomier elements for a lighter, more commercial accessibility. This shift continued on (1995), where the production leaned into broader rock structures but resulted in a less dynamic, more subdued aesthetic compared to their earlier work, reflecting a period of experimentation amid label changes to indie imprints like Equator Records. The indie label phase introduced a rawer edge to their output, contrasting the prior major-label gloss and allowing for unpolished textures that highlighted guitar-driven aggression over synth layers. In the 2000s, The Mission returned to synth-driven with Aura (2001), reviving the epic goth-pop of their formative years through bombastic arrangements and melodic , produced under indie auspices that preserved a confident, contemporary vitality without the overproduction of their Mercury days. This resurgence continued with the guitar-focused swagger of God Is a (2007) on SPV Records, emphasizing raw indie energy. By the , albums like Another Fall from Grace (), again produced by Tim Palmer, hybridized with subtle nods to their roots, featuring layered 12-string guitars and melodic rock drama that bridged their evolutionary arc while maintaining gothic essence. As of 2025, the band remains active with extensive touring, maintaining their sound infused with gothic elements, and has begun work on a new studio album, their first since . Influences from pioneers like and glam innovator permeated this progression, informing the band's atmospheric and theatrical sonic palette alongside their foundational ties to .

Lyrics, themes, and artistry

The lyrics of The Mission, primarily penned by frontman , recurrently explore themes of spirituality, redemption, and intertwined with loss. In "Wasteland," Hussey grapples with the internal conflict arising from his strict Mormon upbringing and the hedonistic rock lifestyle, as evident in lines like "I still believe in , but God no longer believes in me," reflecting a struggle with and existential . Similarly, "" delves into the fragility of romantic relationships, inspired by the breakup of a close associate, portraying emotional devastation through imagery of shattered innocence and inevitable decay. These motifs of redemption often manifest as quests for amid personal turmoil, drawing from Hussey's rejection of in his teens, which fueled a broader thematic tension between divine longing and earthly excess. Hussey's songwriting style is characteristically poetic and introspective, blending mystical obliqueness with raw personal that evolved from the romantic goth intensity of the band's early work to more mature, reflective narratives in later albums. Early emphasize visceral emotion and self-indulgence, as in songs addressing romantic obsession like "Love Me to Death." Over time, his approach shifted toward broader, less ego-centric explorations, incorporating freeform structures and spoken-word elements that prioritize emotional authenticity over rigid rhyme, marking a transition from youthful bombast to contemplative depth. Biblical allusions appear subtly through spiritual imagery, underscoring themes of fall and grace without overt preaching, a direct outgrowth of Hussey's formative religious doubts. The band's visual artistry reinforces these lyrical themes, employing religious and dramatic staging to evoke a sense of ritualistic grandeur. Album titles like invoke spiritual quests, paired with covers featuring ethereal, symbolic artwork that aligns with gothic . In live performances, the group adopts all-black attire, a staple of their aesthetic since the , complemented by low-key and red lighting with sharp white spotlights to heighten dramatic tension. A simple white-on-black serves as a recurring backdrop, symbolizing their thematic blend of and . Music videos from the era, such as the extended "Wasteland" clip, amplify this through cinematic visuals that mirror the songs' introspective turmoil. Critics have praised the emotional depth of Hussey's for their raw and ability to capture lost-soul , yet often critiqued them for excess in reviews, describing the band's output as bombastic and pompous despite its promise. This duality underscores their polarizing artistry, blending heartfelt vulnerability with theatrical flair. In goth culture, The Mission's legacy endures through anthemic tracks like "Wasteland" and "," which inspired a devoted fanbase known as "Missionaries" or "Eskimos," fostering subcultural symbolism of romantic and against gloomier stereotypes. Their influence extended fan engagement, shaping rituals around live communal experiences that celebrated excess and emotional within the broader UK goth scene of the .

Personnel

Current lineup

The current lineup of The Mission consists of on vocals and guitar, Craig Adams on bass, on guitar and keyboards, and Alex Baum on drums. is the band's founder and primary songwriter, serving continuously on vocals and guitar since its inception in 1986; prior to forming The Mission, he was the guitarist for from 1984 to 1985. Craig Adams, the co-founder, plays bass and has been active with the band from 1986–1992, 1999–2002, and continuously since 2011; he also departed alongside Hussey in 1985 to start the group. Simon Hinkler contributes on guitar and keyboards, having been an original member from 1986 to 1990 before rejoining in 2011 and remaining active since; he has also handled production duties for several of the band's albums. Alex Baum joined as drummer in 2022, supporting recent tours and recordings following the departure of previous percussionists.

Former members and contributors

Mick Brown was a foundational member of The Mission, serving as the band's from its formation in 1986 through 1996, and rejoining from 1999 until 2008. As one of the original lineup alongside , Craig Adams, and , Brown's powerful and driving style on drums shaped the band's early sound, providing a solid rhythmic foundation for their atmospheric guitars and vocals during key albums like and Children. His contributions extended into the band's reformation period, where he helped maintain continuity amid lineup shifts. Brown departed in 2008 amid creative differences within the group, marking the end of his primary involvement. Following his exit, he pursued other musical endeavors, including work with . Several other musicians filled key roles during periods of transition. David Wolfenden (guitar, 1990–1991), Tim Bricheno (guitar, 1991–1992), and Paul Etchells (guitar, 1992) replaced after his departure, supporting the band during the early tours and recordings for albums like Grains of Sand. Andy Cousin appeared on bass from 1995 to 1996, providing support during tours and sessions around the Neverland and Blue recordings. Later, during the 2000s reformation, Rob Holliday (guitar, 2001–2008), Ritchie Vernon (bass, 2002–2008), and Steve Spring (drums, 2001–2008) joined, contributing to albums like and God Is a . Mike Kelly served as drummer from 2011 to 2022. These members' tenures often stemmed from the band's fluid structure, with departures frequently tied to personal projects or lineup realignments. Session contributors played significant roles in shaping The Mission's discography. Producer Hugh Jones helmed the 1980s albums (1986) and Children (1988), infusing their production with a polished yet raw gothic edge that defined the band's rise. Guest appearances added unique flavors, such as of Mötley Crüe providing vocals on the track "God Is a Bullet" from the 2007 album God Is a Bullet, enhancing its hard rock crossover appeal. These collaborations highlighted the band's willingness to draw from broader rock influences during experimental phases.

Discography

Studio albums

The Mission's studio discography spans nearly four decades, beginning with their roots and evolving through various influences, with ten original studio albums released as of and an eleventh in production. The band's albums are characterized by Wayne Hussey's distinctive vocals and themes of , romance, and , often produced with collaborators like Tim Palmer and . The debut album, , was released on 10 November 1986 by in the UK, peaking at No. 14 on the and certified silver by the BPI for 60,000 units shipped. The album contains 10 tracks and marked the band's breakthrough with singles like "Wasteland" and "Stay With Me." Children, the follow-up, arrived on 29 February 1988 via , reaching No. 2 on the and earning gold certification from the BPI for 100,000 units. Featuring 9 tracks on the standard edition, it represented a commercial breakthrough with the hit single "Tower of Strength." In 1990, was issued by , achieving a peak of No. 7 on the and gold certification from the BPI. The 10-track album saw a US release under the band name Mission UK and included singles such as "." The fourth studio album, , came out in 1992 on Vertigo (Mercury Records), entering the at No. 23. Comprising 11 tracks, it incorporated influences amid the changing rock landscape of the early 1990s. followed in 1995 on Equator Records, peaking at No. 58 on the . The 11-track release explored an experimental edge with orchestral elements and darker themes. The band's sixth album, , was released in 1996 by Equator Records, reaching No. 73 on the . Featuring 12 tracks, it served as the final studio effort before the band's hiatus, blending rock with ambient textures. Following their , Aura, released in 2001 on Playground Recordings () and (US), consists of 11 tracks with a focus on markets and did not chart in the UK top 100. The album emphasized the band's mature style. In 2007, God Is a Bullet was put out by , featuring 11 tracks that shifted toward a harder rock edge without entering the UK top 100. The Brightest Light, the ninth studio album, appeared in 2013 on SPV (Europe) and (US) with 10 introspective tracks and no UK chart entry. The tenth album, Another Fall from Grace, was released in 2016 by Recordings, peaking at No. 38 on the and comprising 11 tracks as an anniversary celebration of the band's legacy. As of November 2025, the band is writing and recording their eleventh studio album, planned for a 2026 release to mark their 40th anniversary.

Compilation and live releases

The Mission have released several compilation albums that collect their singles and key tracks from the late 1980s and early 1990s, providing overviews of their early commercial success on . Their first such release, The First Chapter (1987, ), compiled tracks from their initial EPs including "Serpent's Kiss" and "Garden of Delight," and peaked at No. 35 on the . Later, Grains of Sand (1990, ) gathered B-sides and alternate mixes from sessions for Carved in Sand, reaching No. 28 on the . In 1994, Sum and Substance (Vertigo/Phonogram Records) offered a hits collection spanning their first five years, featuring tracks like "Wasteland" and "Tower of Strength," and charted at No. 49 in the UK. Subsequent compilations have served as career retrospectives, often including rarities and remixes. Resurrection: Greatest Hits (1999, ; reissued 2005, ) compiled 17 tracks from their Mercury era alongside later material, emphasizing their anthems. More recently, Collected (2021, Universal Music) is a three-disc set covering singles, remixes, and album cuts from 1986 to 2016, highlighting their evolution across independent and major label phases. Live releases capture the band's energetic performances, particularly from milestone tours. Silver (2012/2013, Entertainment One) documents their 25th anniversary reunion tour with full sets from and European venues, released as a CD/DVD package that showcases their core catalog in a celebratory context. In 2018, For Ever More (), a five-CD box set of live recordings from their 2008 shows, was issued, compiling archival concert material to illustrate their stage presence over three decades. The band's most recent live offering, The Last Rehearsal (2023, self-released), features raw 1986 studio rehearsal tapes of early hits like "Wasteland" and "Stay with Me," mastered for release to mark the origins of their sound. Reissues have kept the band's early catalog accessible, often with bonus content. In 2007–2008, Mercury/Universal remastered and expanded their first four albums (, Children, , and ) with additional B-sides and live tracks, enhancing audio quality for CD formats. Gratuitous Sax & Violins (1990 original, Mercury) saw multiple reissues in the , including expanded editions with remixes and demos via labels like Snapper Music. In October 2025, (1996 original, ) was reissued on 'Drown in Blue' blend vinyl by Demon Records for National Album Day, marking its first dedicated vinyl pressing since the original CD era.

References

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