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Therapy? are a Northern Irish rock band from Larne, formed in 1989 by guitarist-vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer-vocalist Fyfe Ewing. Therapy? recorded their first demo with Cairns filling in on bass guitar. To complete the lineup, the band recruited Larne bassist Michael McKeegan.[1][2] The band signed with major label A&M Records in 1992, for which they released four albums, most notably Troublegum in 1994 and Infernal Love in 1995. Ewing's departure in early 1996 preceded the arrivals of his replacement Graham Hopkins, as well as Martin McCarrick on guitar and cello. Neil Cooper replaced Hopkins in 2002. McCarrick departed in 2004, and the band have remained a three-piece ever since.

Key Information

Therapy? are currently signed to UK independent label Marshall Records. The band have released 14 studio albums and sold over two million albums worldwide.[3]

History

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Early years (1989–1992)

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While attending a charity gig at the Jordanstown Polytechnic in 1988, Andy Cairns noticed Fyfe Ewing playing drums in a punk covers band. The two spoke afterwards and agreed to meet for rehearsal in Fyfe's house in Larne with Andy playing a small practice amp and Fyfe playing his kit with brushes. In April 1989 they recorded a four track demo tape (Thirty Seconds of Silence) with Andy playing a bass guitar borrowed from Fyfe's classmate Michael McKeegan. Deciding to play live, they recruited McKeegan and played their debut gig at the Belfast Art College supporting Decadence Within on 20 August 1989. They followed this up with another four track demo tape (Meat Abstract). Their sound was becoming highly influenced by artists of the indie rock movement such as The Jesus Lizard, Big Black, and The Membranes as well as new beat disco acts such as Belgian outfit Erotic Dissidents.[4]

Therapy? released its first single, called Meat Abstract in July 1990. The single was limited to 1,000 copies and released on the band's own Multifuckinational Records. During the summer of that year, the band made its first tour through the United Kingdom with The Beyond, catching the attention of influential DJ John Peel along the way. The band's early years followed the familiar pattern of hard graft on the local alternative music scene, with Cairns often putting in a full day at the Michelin tyre factory (where he worked as a quality controller), then speeding across Northern Ireland in order to make it to gigs. The band also took whatever support slot they could, opening for the likes of Loop, Ride, Teenage Fanclub, Inspiral Carpets, Tad, Fugazi and Ned's Atomic Dustbin. Therapy? quickly came to the attention of local music fans with their distinctively uncompromising style. Their use of guitar feedback as a "fourth instrument" and unconventional song structures, combined with a darkly original approach to lyrics and imaginative use of samples pulled from cult movies and obscure documentaries, led them to be spotted in 1990 by London-based independent label Wiiija Records. The move was helped by Lesley Rankine of Silverfish, who passed the band's first single on to Gary Walker of Wiiija.[4]

The band's first album, July 1991's Babyteeth, and its January 1992 follow-up, Pleasure Death, were successful enough to earn the band a major label deal with A&M Records. Both albums were underground successes, hitting number 1 in the UK Indie Charts. The attention led to support slots with both Babes in Toyland and Hole on their respective UK tours. A compilation of the two albums titled Caucasian Psychosis was prepared for the North American market,[4] and the band embarked on their first U.S. tour in October 1992.

Their debut A&M record, Nurse, made its way into UK's Top 40 Album Chart in November 1992, while lead single "Teethgrinder" became the band's first Top 40 single in both the UK[5] and Ireland.[6] The grunge revolution was in full swing, with US outfit Nirvana leading the way. Predictably, the media began to draw comparisons between the two bands. The heavy guitars and inventive drumming that was swiftly becoming Therapy?'s trademark led them more towards the grunge camp than away from it.[4]

The success (1993–1995)

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If there was one true "breakthrough" year in the band's history, it would almost certainly be 1993. The release of the Shortsharpshock EP catapulted Therapy? into the Top 40, peaking at nine, featuring the lead track "Screamager". The single led to the first of several appearances on the venerable UK music show Top of the Pops. Two more UK Top 40 EPs Face the Strange and Opal Mantra followed, as the band toured heavily on the European festival circuit, made two separate jaunts to the United States in support of Kings X initially, and then both Helmet and The Jesus Lizard, and played their debut shows in Japan.[4] Compilations of the three EP's were released in the U.S. and Japan (Hats Off to the Insane), and in Europe (Born in a Crash).

1994 saw the release of the commercially successful Troublegum album in February which earned the band appearances at a string of rock and indie festivals, including Reading (third consecutive appearance), Donington and Phoenix in the UK alone, as well as a clutch of top 40 singles. It achieved a string of nominations in end-of-year polls, including a Mercury Music Prize nomination, and success at the Kerrang! Awards.[7][4]

With impatience mounting for a new album, Infernal Love was released in June 1995. This time, the press reaction was lukewarm. The band had attempted to create a "cinematic" record with Belfast DJ David Holmes employed to link each track with "insanity", but in the eyes of many, had produced a disjointed piece over-subscribed with ballads. Despite a second consecutive Donington appearance at Metallica's request, and singles Stories and Loose charting in the UK earlier in the year, it was clear that Therapy? had changed direction. Although the string laden single Diane (originally by Hüsker Dü) was a Top 10 hit in 15 European countries later in the year, much of the early momentum had gone.[4]

Ewing quits / Four piece (1996–1998)

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Fyfe Ewing left the band in January 1996. The band quickly recruited Graham Hopkins to replace Ewing as well as the permanent addition of guest cellist Martin McCarrick, and steadily toured throughout the US and Canada in 1996.[4]

After the tour wound up in October 1996, Therapy? finally took a long break. They reconvened after a few months and spent most of 1997 writing, rehearsing and recording the follow-up to Infernal Love.[8][4]

While the Church of Noise single in March 1998 failed commercially, it marked the return of the band following three years out of the spotlight. The Semi-Detached album transcended the trajectory of Troublegum and Infernal Love with their dark, broody atmosphere.[9] However, promotion for the album was scant at best, due to problems at the A&M label, which culminated in the loss of their record deal with the company. Without label support, Cairns and McKeegan needed to finance the band's European tour in late 1998 themselves.[4]

The turn of the millennium (1999–2003)

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The band's sentiment towards newer alternative metal bands was expressed in the song Ten Year Plan from the band's uncompromising 1999 Ark21 album Suicide Pact – You First, which was packed full of vitriol, discontent and barely-repressed musical aggression. This album revealed a fuller-sound, yet was noticeably lacking in songs suitable of mainstream-radio airplay.[10][4]

The following year saw the release of the So Much for the Ten Year Plan: A Retrospective 1990–2000 album which (in title at least) was a self-deprecating poke at the bands' difficulties with corporate rock in recent years. It also allowed the band to fulfill some outstanding obligations to Universal Music.[4]

Therapy? in studio (Seattle, 2001), L-R: Graham Hopkins, Andy Cairns, Gabor Szakacsi, Michael McKeegan; Front: Martin McCarrick

Therapy? recorded follow-up record Shameless in early 2001 in Seattle. The album, produced by the legendary Jack Endino, was released by Ark21 in September. Graham Hopkins, who was unhappy with his musical limitation within the band, quit in December 2001. Following Hopkins' departure, the band yet again found themselves without a drummer and a record deal.[4]

The band toured Europe in 2002 with ex-3 Colours Red drummer Keith Baxter. Hopkins was permanently replaced in Therapy? by ex-The Beyond/Cable/Gorilla drummer Neil Cooper, while the band signed a new record deal with Spitfire Records.[4]

This line-up lasted one album, the commercially inclined High Anxiety. The bands' first home video release, a DVD titled Scopophobia was released shortly afterwards, consisting of a full concert recorded live at Belfast's Mandella Hall in June 2003, promo videos and other extras. The band completed a UK tour at the end of 2003 as a three piece, due to McCarrick leaving the tour midway through owing to a perforated eardrum.

Back to a three piece (2004–2009)

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McCarrick left the band permanently in March 2004, and the band were now slimmed down to a permanent three piece again for the first time since 1995. Never Apologise Never Explain was released in September 2004 to an audience re-acquainted with the three-piece Therapy? and was reminiscent of the claustrophobic sound of their earlier material.[11]

The following album One Cure Fits All was released in April 2006. The album, produced by Pedro Ferreira, was a return to the melodic tendencies of High Anxiety and again divided opinion among the band's fans.[11]

On 19 September 2006, Therapy? performed an exclusive studio show of songs chosen by fans who had voted for their three favourite tracks from a lengthy list on the band's website. These votes were counted and the twelve tracks with the most votes were then performed and recorded (both as audio and video). In early 2007, these tracks became available to buy from the band's official website. The Webgig is no longer available to purchase.[12] In addition to this release, the band received some attention from their old record company Universal Records (who own the rights to the band's material recorded on A&M Records) who released both a DVD of old promo clips (Gold) and a double-CD compilation of BBC sessions (Music Through A Cheap Transistor) in 2007. On the touring front, Therapy? focused on markets they had not usually played, including a slot at the NXNE festival in Canada, festival dates in Europe (one of which was as a late replacement for Helmet at the Nova Rock Festival) and a tour through countries such as Romania, Croatia and Serbia, even playing two gigs on Reunion Island, off the East African coast. The band ended 2007 by supporting New Model Army at their Christmas gig in Cologne.

Therapy? performing in 2006

Therapy? were a last minute replacement for Biffy Clyro on the Jägermeister Rock Liga tour of Germany which lasted five dates in February 2008. These dates were the only gigs played in 2008 as the band focused their energies exclusively on recording the new record. Therapy? began recording the new album in late July at Blast Studios in Newcastle and finished recording by late August. It was produced by Andy Gill. Video of rehearsals surfaced on Therapy?'s website offering previews of the new work, showcasing a more rythmetic jazz-influenced direction (Rehearsal),[13] alongside a rough track typical of newer Therapy? output (Clowns Galore).[14] The album, titled Crooked Timber, was released on 23 March 2009 via Blast Records/Global Music.[15] The band performed the new album in its entirety on selected live dates in May, played various European festivals throughout the summer (including a debut appearance at Oxegen in Ireland and a second outing at England's Download) and toured Europe extensively from October to December.

20th anniversary (2010–2013)

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To mark the 20th anniversary of their debut commercial recording release, Therapy? performed for three consecutive nights at London's Monto Water Rats in March which were recorded for the bands' first official live album titled We're Here to the End,[16] released in November. A deluxe gold edition of 2009's Crooked Timber album was released on 19 July. Therapy? also appeared at European festivals in the summer, including at Knebworth Sonisphere on 31 July when the band performed the Troublegum album in its entirety.[17] Later in 2010, the band performed several "Troublegum & more" sets throughout Europe as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations.

In December 2010, the band began recording their thirteenth studio album, titled A Brief Crack of Light,[18] in Newcastle's Blast Studio. The album recording was completed in February 2011 and mixing began in March.[19] In late May 2011, the group announced a change of plan for the new album; another recording session was planned for June in order to record new songs that had emerged. Those songs were mixed in July 2011 and included, along with songs from the first session, for the new album. The album was released in February 2012.[20] A preceding single and video titled Living in the Shadow of the Terrible Thing was released in January 2012.[21]

In May 2013, Cairns embarked on his first ever solo acoustic tour of the UK, as well as some dates in Europe. To especially mark the tour, he released a CD of acoustic material for sale exclusively at the shows, comprising 12 Therapy? songs, 6 original tracks freshly written for the tour and a cover version, all recorded in late April in Newcastle's Blast Studios[22]

The Gemil Box was released on 18 November 2013; a career-spanning box set of rare and unreleased material. Contents included remastered versions of Nurse, Troublegum, Infernal Love and Semi-Detached, three CDs of rare and unreleased tracks, a DVD of the band's 2010 Sonisphere performance of the Troublegum album, official bootlegs of London ULU '91 and London Mean Fiddler '92, a 12" vinyl of their early demo releases and a cassette of a live recording from Dublin 1990.[23]

Deluxe Edition releases of both Troublegum and Infernal Love were released by Universal Music on 31 March 2014.[24] The band promoted these releases with a series of retro video and audio uploads to their official YouTube channel, proceeding a short UK tour in early April. A compilation of singles from 1992 to 1998 followed on 14 April 2014 via Spectrum Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music, titled Stories: The Singles Collection.

Disquiet and acoustic shows (2014–2017)

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Therapy? at Beautiful Days Festival 2017

On 18 February 2014, the band began pre-production on studio album number 14 with producer Tom Dalgety in their now usual surroundings of Blast Studios in Newcastle. The session finished on 28 February with 18 tracks laid down in demo form.[25] Having chosen 11 songs, the band began recording the album proper on 17 April 2014 and it was completed on 30 April 2014.[24] The album, titled Disquiet, was released on the bands' new record label on 23 March 2015. Pre-orders of the album were announced on 23 February 2015 and included an instant download of two album tracks and an exclusive pre-order track called We Kill People. A digital only single called Still Hurts, featuring two more non-album tracks, was released on 9 March 2015.

The band began the first leg of their Disquiet Tour in the UK in March, before taking in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and returning to the UK throughout April. Their performance in Utrecht was filmed by 'Quantum VR Media' for a future 360 VR release. In early May, Therapy? recorded a session for XFM, their 4th overall following previous sessions in 2001, 2004 and 2012. Deathstimate was released as a download only single on 30 October 2015. The single Tides was released on 15 April 2016,[26] although it was available in early March to purchase on limited edition CD at the bands' UK tour performing the Infernal Love album in its entirety. Summer festivals on the European circuit followed, including a date at the Wacken Open Air in Germany.[27] Therapy? performed a fully acoustic "Wood & Wire" tour through Belgium, Holland, Austria, Germany and the UK from 14 November until 1 December 2016.[28] A newly recorded 11-track acoustic album titled Wood & Wire was available for purchase on CD at these shows. A six date Irish Wood & Wire tour took place in April 2017.

On 21 July 2017, the band announced a double live acoustic album, Communion: Live at the Union Chapel, for release on 21 August 2017.[29] The album was recorded in London on 1 December 2016 during the "Wood & Wire" European tour.

Cleave (2018–2019)

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On 15 January 2018 the band began recording their 15th studio album at Blast Recording in Newcastle with Chris Sheldon producing. Recording was completed on 6 February 2018.[30] In March, the band completed a 22-date UK and Ireland tour supporting The Stranglers.

On 10 May 2018, the band announced via their social media that they signed a worldwide record deal with Marshall Records:

"Absolutely delighted to announce we have signed to @marshallrecs for a worldwide deal! The first single, "Callow", from our 15th album "CLEAVE" will be released Fri May 25th 2018"[31]

A second single, "Wreck It Like Beckett", was released as a digital download on 7 September 2018, preceding the release of Cleave on 21 September 2018, following an extensive Pledge Music pre-order campaign which featured signed CDs, coloured vinyl, black vinyl and test presses.

"Kakistocracy" was released as a digital-only single along with a music video on 24 January 2019.[32]

30th anniversary (2020–2022)

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Therapy? at Wacken Open Air 2022

On 16 January 2020, the band announced that they would be releasing a greatest hits compilation, titled Greatest Hits (The Abbey Road Session).[33] The album featured newly re-recorded versions of 12 Top 40 UK singles spanning the albums Nurse, Troublegum, Infernal Love, and Semi-Detached, and was recorded at the venerable Abbey Road Studios in November 2019.

The band was due to embark on a European tour in support of the album beginning in March; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they postponed the tour until October 2020. In June 2020, they rescheduled the tour again for spring 2021. Once more, in March 2021, the tour was rescheduled to begin in January 2022. The over 18 months between the last show of 2019 and the first show of 2021 (a festival date in July which was one of only three gigs in 2021) was the longest the group has ever gone between shows in their existence. Therapy? spent the majority of 2022 touring the UK and Europe to celebrate their 30-year anniversary, since re-dubbed the "So Much for the 32 Year Plan" tour. The band rounded up the 30th anniversary celebrations by doing a special "Love Your Early Stuff" UK tour in November - December 2022, playing cities they rarely visited and a setlist including rarities and less often played songs.[34]

On 2 November 2021, the band announced that their major label debut Nurse would be reissued by Caroline Records on 26 November 2021. The remastered 2CD version contained b-sides and previously unreleased demo tracks. There was also a vinyl release.[35]

Hard Cold Fire (2023–present)

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The band's 16th studio album, Hard Cold Fire, was released on 5 May 2023.[36] The album was recorded in November 2021 at Marshall Studios with producer Chris Sheldon. Due to touring commitments in 2022 related to the delayed 30th anniversary tour, the album had been shelved for 18 months. The album was released across three formats, including CD, cassette and six colour vinyl variants.

In February 2023, supergroup JAAW (featuring Cairns on vocals) announced their debut album called Supercluster to be released on 26 May 2023 on Svart Records.[37]

Question mark suffix

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Much has been made over the years of the unusual question mark suffix to the band's name. In early interviews the band said that the name was "really deep" and intended to raise the question "do you need therapy?", but in a 1992 interview guitarist Andy Cairns admitted that it was a chance design when he was working on the band's first record sleeve. Working with Letraset transfers, Cairns misaligned the band's name, and used the "?" icon to fill the space to the right. "And then we thought, well maybe we can bluff our way through when people start reading into it."[38]

Collaborations and other appearances

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Therapy? collaborated with the short-lived rap group Fatal (part of the Soul Assassin camp, not to be confused with the hip hop artist Fatal) on the track "Come and Die" from the soundtrack to the 1993 film Judgment Night. Cairns has contributed vocals and guitar to various recordings with different bands throughout the years – "Jonestown Mind" (1994) and "Waiting For Earthquakes" (2001) by The Almighty, "Rehab" (2000) by UK band Manchild, "Radio" (2001) by UK band Dog Toffee (although this version remains unreleased), "Gleason" (2002) by Northern Irish band Throat, "Get Your Groove On" (2003) by The Wildhearts, "F8" (2005) by This Is Menace, "The Second Triumvirate of Lavonia" (2009) by Italian band Inferno, "Crisis? What Crisis?" and "Ignite" (2014) by UK band Thirty Six Strategies and "Celebrating Sinking" (2015) by Ricky Warwick. Therapy? appear on the 2005 "Welt Turbojugend Tage" DVD, performing three songs live in Hamburg. Therapy?, along with Biohazard and Gunshot, contributed with remixes on Pitchshifter's 1995 album, The Remix War.

Some of their songs were used in movies and video games. "Auto Surgery" and "Teethgrinder" are featured on Electronic Arts' video game Road Rash for the 3DO, Sega Saturn, and PlayStation consoles, while "Nowhere" is featured on EA Sports's video game NCAA Football 2006 for the Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 consoles.

"Accelerator" appears in Dominic Sena's 1993 movie Kalifornia while "He's Not That Kind of Girl" and "God Kicks" appear in John Carney's 2001 movie On the Edge, starring Cillian Murphy. "Screamager" and "Nowhere" are heard on the first series of the BBC sitcom Game On. "Speedball" appears in the movie S.F.W.

Influences

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Therapy? covered Black Sabbath's "Iron Man",[39] and other songs such The Police's "Invisible Sun", The Misfits' "Where Eagles Dare", The Smiths' "Vicar in a Tutu" and Turbonegro's "Denim Demon". Cairns cited in his other favorite bands, Siouxsie and the Banshees for John McGeoch's guitar playing on the album Juju,[40] and Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band for the album Trout Mask Replica.[41] Other influences they have cited include Stiff Little Fingers, the Undertones, the Ruts, the Outcasts, Rudi, FUAL, Pink Turds In Space, LMS, Strontium Dogs, the Membranes, Sonic Youth, Captain Beefheart, Minor Threat, Operation Ivy, Funkadelic, James Brown, Squirrel Bait, Snuff, Die Kreuzen, Minutemen, Big Black, N.W.A, Public Enemy, Silverfish, Stretcheads, the Stooges and MC5.[42]

The band's songs and artwork often reference the work of Irish novelist and playwright Samuel Beckett.[43][44]

Equipment

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Guitar effects pedalboard of Andrew Cairns as seen at the concert in Berlin on 16 November 2023
Andy Cairns guitar effects pedalboard

Andy Cairns uses several Gibson SG and a Gibson Explorer. He has changed his effects pedals a few times.[45] As of November 2023, he used a small pedalboard powered by a T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior: Boss Chromatic TunerElectro-Harmonix POG NanoMarshall SV-1 SupervibeBoss Digital Delay.

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Andy Cairns – guitar, lead vocals (1989–present)
  • Michael McKeegan – bass, backing vocals (1989–present)
  • Neil Cooper – drums (2002–present)

Current touring musicians

  • Stevie Firth – guitar, backing vocals (2010–present)

Former members

Former touring musicians

  • Charlie McKeegan – drums (1990, 1999, 2003)
  • Rosie Wetters – cello (1995)
  • Keith Baxter – drums (2002, 2003; died 2008)
  • Adam Sinclair – drums (2012)
  • Alan Lynn – drums (2012)
  • Herb Magee – bass, backing vocals (2014)
  • Jenny Nendick – cello (2016)

Timeline

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Discography

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Therapy? are a Northern Irish rock band from , formed in 1989 by guitarist-vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer , with bassist joining shortly after. The current line-up consists of Cairns (lead vocals, guitar), McKeegan (bass, backing vocals), and Neil Cooper (drums, since 2002). Known for their and sound influenced by punk and , the band achieved mainstream success with their 1994 album Troublegum, which sold over one million copies worldwide and was nominated for the . Therapy? have released 14 studio albums, including (2023), and continue to tour, with 30th anniversary celebrations for Troublegum in 2024 and festival appearances scheduled for 2025.

History

Formation and early years (1989–1992)

Therapy? was founded in 1989 in , , by guitarist-vocalist Andy Cairns from and drummer from Larne, initially as a project influenced by the local punk scene. The pair met when Cairns spotted Ewing performing in a punk covers band at a charity gig in Jordanstown Polytechnic earlier that year, leading to the duo's decision to form a band together. , an old school friend of Ewing, soon joined the lineup, completing the early trio. The band's first performance took place on August 26, 1989, at Art College, where they opened for Decadence Within and The Vision Thing. Seeking better opportunities in the larger music community, the members relocated from their hometowns to shortly thereafter, immersing themselves in the city's DIY punk and alternative scenes. In April 1989, they recorded their debut demo tape, 30 Seconds of Silence, in an attic using an 8-track recorder with engineer Colum Muinzer, which helped secure local interest. By 1990, Therapy? released their debut single, "Meat Abstract," on 7-inch vinyl through an independent label, gaining airplay on from and local DJ Mike Edgar. This was followed in 1991 by the mini-album Babyteeth on Wiija Records, recorded in and featuring raw tracks that topped the UK and Irish indie charts. The release built a dedicated local following through grassroots efforts in Northern Ireland's punk circuits. During this period, the band embarked on their first tours, supporting acts like and Gallon Drunk, which honed their intense live energy and expanded their audience beyond Belfast's venues. These early road trips, often in cramped vans, emphasized a DIY ethos rooted in the Northern Irish , where the trio developed their signature blend of aggression and melody. The in the band's name, a stylistic choice from their , reflected their approach to rock conventions.

Breakthrough and success (1993–1995)

The band's major label debut album Nurse, released in November 1992 on , marked a turning point by achieving commercial traction in the UK, peaking at number 38 on the and featuring the breakthrough single "Teethgrinder," which reached number 30 on the UK Singles Chart. This momentum prompted reissues of their early indie material, including the 1991 mini-album Babyteeth, a compilation of their initial EPs that captured their raw origins and helped bridge their underground roots to a wider audience. The success of Nurse also aligned with the rising wave, influencing Therapy?'s sound with elements of punk aggression and Seattle-style intensity, though they carved a distinct path through their Northern Irish lens. The pinnacle of this era arrived with the February 1994 release of Troublegum, Therapy?'s second album for A&M, which propelled them to international prominence by debuting at number 5 on the , earning gold certification, and selling over one million copies worldwide. Key singles like "Screamager" (number 25 ) and "Nowhere" (number 18 ) dominated airplay, topping the Indie Chart and securing heavy rotation on , including a landmark live performance at London's broadcast on the network. The album's explosive mix of punk-metal hooks and dark lyrics drew critical acclaim, with Kerrang! naming it the best album of 1994 and NME featuring prominently in features that highlighted their rapid ascent. Buoyed by Troublegum's impact, Therapy? signed a broader distribution deal with A&M and embarked on extensive US tours in 1994, performing at venues across the Midwest and East Coast to build an American following amid the post-grunge boom. In 1995, they shared stages with heavyweights like Metallica at the in , contributing to sold-out European headline shows and appearances that solidified their status as a top act. The follow-up Infernal Love, released in June 1995, extended this peak by reaching number 16 on the and spawning hits like "Stories" (number 23 ), while the band garnered a nomination for Troublegum and continued to dominate indie charts with their visceral live energy.

Line-up changes and challenges (1996–2003)

Following the release of Infernal Love in June 1995, Therapy? faced significant internal upheaval when original drummer departed the band in January 1996, citing exhaustion from relentless touring that had defined their post-Troublegum schedule. The split was described as amicable in the band's official statement, though it nearly derailed ongoing promotional efforts for the album, which had already shifted toward a darker, more atmospheric and experimental sound influenced by cinematic and industrial elements, diverging from the raw punk-metal energy of their breakthrough era. To stabilize the lineup, the band quickly recruited as Ewing's replacement after auditions, with Hopkins bringing a fresh rhythmic drive from his prior work in Irish alternative scenes. Concurrently, multi-instrumentalist , who had contributed to Infernal Love, joined full-time on guitar and strings, expanding the group into a temporary four-piece configuration that allowed for broader sonic textures, including orchestral flourishes amid the core rock aggression. This reconfigured lineup debuted on , released in March 1998 via , an album that leaned further into experimental with misanthropic themes, abrasive riffs, and introspective lyrics exploring isolation and , though it received mixed reviews and failed to recapture commercial momentum. Sales declined notably from Troublegum's platinum success, with Infernal Love peaking at No. 18 on the charts and Semi-Detached at No. 38, exacerbated by A&M's corporate instability during a takeover by Seagram/Universal, which led to reduced promotional support and forced the band to self-finance aspects of their 1998 European tour. Frontman Andy Cairns grappled with personal struggles during this period, including bouts of depression in the mid- and late that influenced the album's brooding tone and contributed to creative tensions within the group. Further instability arose in December 2001 when Hopkins exited due to creative differences over the band's evolving direction, prompting another lineup shift as Neil Cooper joined on drums in early 2002, restoring the core trio dynamic with McCarrick remaining for live support. Albums like Suicide Pact – You First (2000) and Shameless (2001), both on A&M, continued the experimental pivot with electronic and ambient influences but struggled commercially amid ongoing label disinterest, culminating in the band's departure from the major after Shameless. By 2003, Therapy? signed with independent metal label Spitfire Records, releasing High Anxiety in May—a raw, high-energy return to punk roots that addressed lingering frustrations from the major-label era, though sales remained modest, reflecting the challenges of rebuilding visibility in a post-grunge landscape.

Reformation as a trio (2004–2009)

Following a period of lineup instability, Therapy? continued as a trio in 2004 with vocalist-guitarist Andy Cairns, bassist , and drummer Neil Cooper, following the departure of multi-instrumentalist . This configuration allowed the group to refocus on their raw, sound without the complications of additional members or major label pressures. The trio's album, Never Apologise Never Explain, was released in 2004 on the independent label Demolition Records, capturing a renewed sense of urgency and aggression that echoed their early grunge-influenced energy. Critics praised the record for its fresh vitality and unexpected twists, produced by Pete Bartlett to emphasize noisy, riff-driven tracks that revitalized the band's presence. Building on this momentum, Therapy? issued One Cure Fits All on April 24, 2006, via Spitfire Records, their ninth studio album that demonstrated a honed songwriting prowess with fast, heavy alternative rock elements defying easy categorization. The release received positive reception for its memorable tunes and the band's evident experience, solidifying their independent resurgence. Subsequently, Crooked Timber arrived on March 23, 2009, again on Demolition Records, earning acclaim for its hypnotic rhythms, vivid guitar textures, and hallucinatory atmospheres that signified a confident return to the band's roots. Reviewers highlighted the album's heavy yet nuanced qualities, particularly in standout tracks like the title song and instrumental "Magic Mountain," which impressed with their rumbling intensity. Throughout this era, the band undertook extensive European touring, including festival appearances that helped rebuild their fanbase independently of major labels. A notable highlight was their energetic set at the 2007 , where they delivered a mix of classic and new material to enthusiastic crowds. Internally, the trio format stabilized dynamics, fostering creative renewal as Cairns, McKeegan, and Cooper collaborated more cohesively on songwriting and performances.

20th anniversary activities (2010–2013)

To mark the band's 20th anniversary since their formation in 1989, Therapy? launched a series of commemorative performances in 2010, including a special show at Dublin's on September 25 where they played their 1994 Troublegum in its entirety for the first time. This event was part of a broader European tour featuring "Troublegum & more" sets, blending the full with additional tracks from the era to celebrate the milestone. The tour highlighted the trio's enduring stability and fan appreciation for their breakthrough record, which had propelled them to international success. In March 2010, Therapy? performed three consecutive nights at London's Monto Water Rats venue, specifically selected for its intimate size to capture the band's raw energy; these shows were recorded and resulted in their first official live album, We're Here to the End, released on November 8 via Blast Records. Produced by Adam Sinclair and Andy Cairns, the double-disc set documented over two hours of material spanning their career, emphasizing the anniversary's reflective tone while engaging fans with previously unreleased live interpretations of classics like "Screamager" and "Nowhere." Complementing the tour, the band reissued their 2009 album as a Deluxe Gold Edition digipak CD on July 19, 2010, through Demolition Records, adding bonus tracks and remastered audio to revisit their post-reformation sound during the celebratory period. This release underscored Therapy?'s commitment to their catalog amid the anniversary, providing fans with enhanced access to material from their trio era. The anniversary momentum continued into 2011 with a at Belfast's on as part of the "Belfast Rocks!" event during Belfast Music Week, where delivered a high-energy set drawing from their extensive repertoire to a home crowd. This show, supported by local acts like The Answer, reinforced Therapy?'s roots in and their role in the regional rock scene, fostering direct fan interaction through sold-out hometown celebrations.

Disquiet era and acoustic explorations (2014–2017)

Following the 20th anniversary celebrations, Therapy? entered a period of creative experimentation with the release of their fourteenth studio , Disquiet, on March 23, 2015, via the independent Amazing Record Co.. Produced by Tom Dalgety at Blast Studios in , the comprises 11 tracks that revitalize the band's signature energetic rock sound, incorporating melodic punk and metal influences with raw, in-your-face intensity. Standout singles such as "Still Hurts" and "" exemplified this blend, drawing comparisons to the band's earlier breakthrough era while introducing subtle atmospheric textures through dynamic guitar riffs and driving rhythms. A bonus track edition, featuring an additional song, expanded the release and underscored the 's immediate promotional push, including live previews that highlighted its bruising yet accessible style. The Disquiet era transitioned into acoustic explorations as the band sought to reinterpret their catalog in stripped-down formats, culminating in the "Wood & Wire" tour from November 2016 to April 2017. This fully acoustic outing spanned intimate venues across Europe—including stops in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and the UK—before extending to a six-date Irish leg, where Therapy? performed reimagined versions of hits like "Nowhere" and "Stories for Boys" using minimal instrumentation for a more vulnerable, unplugged presentation. The tour emphasized emotional depth over sonic assault, allowing frontman Andy Cairns' vocals and lyrics to take center stage in theater-like settings, which critics praised for revealing the band's sensitive undercurrents and fostering closer audience connections. To support these sets, the group adapted their equipment with acoustic guitars and simplified percussion, prioritizing resonance in smaller spaces without electronic amplification. Complementing the tour, Therapy? released the Wood & Wire EP in December 2016, capturing 11 new acoustic recordings of tracks spanning their career, produced at Blast Studios to document the tour's intimate ethos. This was followed by the announcement of the live album Communion: Live at the Union Chapel on July 21, 2017, featuring performances from a acoustic show that further highlighted the era's focus on raw reinterpretation. Despite logistical hurdles such as scheduling conflicts in smaller European venues, the acoustic phase garnered acclaim for its bold vulnerability, reinforcing Therapy?'s evolution beyond high-energy rock while maintaining their core intensity. Key highlights included a charged full-band appearance at in August 2016, bridging the album's promotion with the incoming acoustic shift.

Cleave release and touring (2018–2019)

Therapy? released their fifteenth studio album, Cleave, on 21 September 2018 through Marshall Records, marking a shift back to their signature aggressive alternative rock sound after the more introspective acoustic focus of Disquiet (2015). The album, produced by Chris Sheldon—who had previously helmed the band's breakthrough Troublegum (1994) and Semi-Detached (1998)—explores themes of division and duality amid global unrest, with frontman Andy Cairns describing it as a response to societal fractures. Recording took place at Blast Studios in Newcastle upon Tyne, emphasizing raw, empowering riffs and Cairns' incisive lyrics that blend personal frustration with broader political commentary. To promote Cleave, the band issued singles including "Callow," accompanied by an official promo video directed with stark, high-contrast visuals capturing the track's urgent punk-infused energy, and "Wreck It Like Beckett," released with a lyric video highlighting its chaotic, literary-inspired drive. Additional visuals followed, such as the music video for "," which critiques power structures through gritty, performance-based footage, and a lyric video for "? Success Is Survival," underscoring the album's themes of resilience. These releases were praised for revitalizing Therapy?'s visceral style, with noting the album's "remarkably fresh-sounding belligerence" and its overflow of metal-edged hooks that refused to pander. Supporting Cleave, Therapy? embarked on an extensive tour spanning late 2018 into 2019, beginning with a 22-date and run as special guests to The Stranglers, followed by headline shows across the in 2018 at venues like The Globe in and Engine Rooms in . The itinerary expanded into in early 2019, including dates in , , , , , , and beyond, delivering high-octane sets blending new material with classics like "Screamager" and "Nowhere." Live performances were lauded for their intensity, with Distorted Sound highlighting the trio's "trademark chug" and Cairns' commanding stage presence that infused tracks like "Expelled" with raw, unrelenting force. In the streaming-dominated era, Therapy? leaned into physical formats for Cleave, issuing limited-edition vinyl pressings alongside CD and digital versions to appeal to longtime fans and collectors, a strategy that reinforced their status and emphasized tangible rock artifacts over algorithmic playlists. This approach, combined with the album's critical reception—earning scores around 8/10 from outlets like for its "fresh" belligerence—solidified Cleave as a high point in the band's post-reformation output.

30th anniversary celebrations (2020–2022)

The onset of the significantly disrupted Therapy?'s planned 30th anniversary celebrations in 2020, leading to the postponement of a major tour titled "So Much For The 30 Year Plan," which was originally scheduled for March and April across the and . Lockdowns and restrictions forced the band to cancel all live performances that year, marking the longest break from touring since their formation in 1989. In response, they pivoted to virtual formats, including a acoustic set performed by frontman Andy Cairns in April 2020, featuring stripped-down versions of tracks from their upcoming release to engage fans remotely during isolation. To commemorate the milestone amid these challenges, Therapy? released Greatest Hits (2020 Versions) on March 13, , a collection of re-recorded versions of their Top 40 singles captured at , accompanied by a bonus disc of live recordings drawn from their personal archives—one track per studio album. This release served as a creative outlet during the early months, with the band adapting by writing remotely and amassing 26 new songs by late , reflecting their DIY ethos and financial prudence that helped sustain operations without live income. A companion book on the band's history was also planned but delayed due to production issues caused by the crisis. As restrictions eased, Therapy? resumed live shows in 2021 with a cautious return, performing 13 concerts across the and under strict health protocols, including reduced venue capacities, , and testing requirements. By 2022, they ramped up activity with 83 performances, including a dedicated 30th tour in to April that revisited key career highlights and drew strong fan turnout. These shows emphasized the band's endurance, with Cairns noting in interviews how their history of lineup changes and industry shifts had prepared them for the pandemic's uncertainties, allowing a focus on creative output and fan connection rather than despair. Throughout 2020–2022, the band maintained online fan interactions via updates, live streams, and merchandise drops tied to their anniversary, such as limited-edition vinyl and apparel featuring archival imagery to celebrate their legacy. Cairns reflected on this period as a test of resilience, crediting the band's independent spirit for navigating cancellations and protocols without major setbacks, ultimately strengthening their bond with supporters through adaptive, digital-era engagement. Podcasts and media appearances, like Cairns' discussions on remote songwriting, further highlighted themes of perseverance amid global disruptions.

Hard Cold Fire and recent developments (2023–2025)

In 2023, Therapy? released their sixteenth studio album, Hard Cold Fire, on May 5 through Marshall Records. Produced by longtime collaborator Chris Sheldon, the album explores themes of raw emotion, social commentary, and post-pandemic challenges through a mix of abrasive riffs and melodic hooks. The lead single, "Joy," was unveiled on March 10, 2023, offering a sardonic take on disillusionment with its urgent riffing and anthemic chorus. To promote Hard Cold Fire, the band embarked on tours across in 2023 and 2024, including headline shows and festival appearances that highlighted their enduring trio dynamic. Notable performances included a set at on June 30, 2024, where they celebrated the 30th anniversary of Troublegum alongside tracks from the new album. In 2025, Therapy? continued their momentum with festival bookings emphasizing Troublegum anniversary sets, such as at Forest Fest in Laois, , on July 26, and Beautiful Days Festival at Escot Park, , on August 17. A special one-off show took place on September 5 at The 229 in , marking frontman Andy Cairns' 60th birthday with an intimate performance. These events underscored the band's focus on live energy and catalog deep cuts amid the ongoing Troublegum 30th anniversary celebrations, which began in 2024 and extended into 2025 across multiple countries. In a September 16, 2025, interview on the Slowhands Rock Talk Show, Andy Cairns discussed the band's future, noting three writing sessions for new material had been completed, with additional sessions planned for November and December 2025, and recording slated for 2026. However, no new album has been officially announced as of November 2025.

Band name

Origin of the name

The name "Therapy?" was selected during the band's formation in 1989 as a straightforward word evoking emotional release and catharsis through music, reflecting founder Andy Cairns' view of the group as an outlet for creativity and personal expression. Cairns has described the band as representing "thirteen years and counting of catharsis, creativity and fun," underscoring the therapeutic role music played in his life and the group's early dynamic. This choice aligned with the punk and alternative rock ethos of the late 1980s Northern Ireland scene, where the band drew initial support from DIY collectives like Belfast's War Zone organization, which provided their first gigs and helped propagate the name locally. Early local press in , including coverage in regional music publications and fanzines, contributed to fan embrace within the burgeoning alternative scene around and . The name appeared with the question mark suffix on the band's first album, Babyteeth (1991), and subsequent releases. A question mark suffix was incorporated as a design element on promotional materials.

Question mark suffix

The question mark suffix was added to the band's name in 1990 during the design of an early promotional poster using transfers, where frontman Andy Cairns misplaced the lettering for "Therapy" and appended the to balance the layout aesthetically. Although initially a practical decision, the band embraced it in early interviews as an intentional element evoking uncertainty and irony within rock naming conventions, playfully suggesting the question "do you need therapy?" to tie into psychological themes. This addition drew loose inspiration from punk aesthetics, including bands like The Clash, whose straightforward yet provocative naming challenged musical norms, serving as a visual nod to questioning established conventions in the genre. Despite hurdles, the question mark has remained a persistent branding element, featured prominently in logos, album artwork from Babyteeth (1991) through Hard Cold Fire (2023), and all official communications as of 2025, reinforcing the band's distinctive identity in the alternative rock scene. Fans have interpreted the punctuation through various lenses, including online memes that humorously debate its "deep" meaning or mock sub-editor frustrations with the non-standard formatting in press coverage.

Musical style and influences

Musical style

Therapy? has maintained a core sound rooted in , incorporating , punk, and elements that emerged prominently in their output. The band's early work features abrasive, dissonant guitar textures and concise song structures, often clocking in under three minutes to deliver punchy, high-energy bursts. Andy Cairns' raw, emotive vocals—characterized by howling intensity and unpolished delivery—serve as a signature, conveying angst and urgency while harmonizing with the chaotic instrumentation. Throughout their career, Therapy? has demonstrated stylistic shifts that reflect artistic experimentation. Their 1994 album Troublegum emphasized heavy, chugging riffs and a punk-metal hybrid, blending dark verses with hook-driven choruses for a more accessible yet aggressive edge. This evolved into the experimental territory of Infernal Love (1995), which incorporated ambient interludes, string arrangements, and introspective, less commercial arrangements influenced by and noise acts, diverging from the snappier format of prior releases. By the , particularly during the Disquiet era (2014–2017), the band explored acoustic textures, with Cairns performing stripped-down versions of tracks that highlighted melodic vulnerability and folk-leaning introspection. Production techniques have paralleled these changes, transitioning from the raw, indie grit of their initial recordings—marked by screeching feedback and minimal polish—to a more refined sound. Collaborations with producer Chris Sheldon, beginning with Troublegum, introduced tighter guitar-focused mixes and professional sheen that amplified the band's dynamics without diluting their intensity. This evolution continued in later works, balancing raw energy with structured clarity. In their most recent album, (2023), Therapy? blends metal-edged riffs with melodic hooks, retaining a heavy foundation while infusing lightness and rhythmic complexity for an addictive, forward-looking vibe. Tracks like "They Shoot the Terrible Master" erupt in feedback-driven frenzy, contrasted by tender vocal moments that underscore the band's enduring balance of abrasion and accessibility.

Influences

Therapy?'s musical influences are deeply rooted in the punk scene, particularly the Northern Irish punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which provided a foundation for the band's raw energy and DIY ethos. Frontman Andy Cairns has frequently cited local acts such as , , Rudi, and the Outcasts as pivotal inspirations during his formative years, emphasizing their role in shaping his guitar-playing and songwriting approach. Broader punk influences include the and the , which Cairns credits with sparking his interest in music at age 13 or 14, describing punk as a "gateway" that made rock accessible and urgent. Additionally, the anarchic and noisy elements of bands like Discharge and Loop informed the band's early hypnotic, repetitive structures and touring mentality. The grunge explosion of the early 1990s significantly impacted Therapy?'s sound, aligning with their breakthrough albums and contributing to a visceral, distorted edge. While not directly touring with Nirvana, the band's emergence during this era led to a "punky yet pop-grungy" style evident in releases like Nurse (1993), which echoed the raw intensity of Seattle's scene. Influences from American alternative acts such as Helmet and the Jesus Lizard, encountered through U.S. tours, further reinforced this grungy aggression in their live performances and riffing. Metal elements have also permeated Therapy?'s music, particularly in their heavier riffing and intensity, drawing from Black Sabbath's doom-laden heaviness and Metallica's thrash precision. Cairns has described tracks like "Screamager" as a fusion where "Metallica meets ," highlighting how metal's power chords blended with punk's brevity to create the band's signature bite. Though Cairns has distanced himself from traditional heavy metal fandom, these influences added a Sabbath-esque weight to songs like "Deathstimate." Beyond punk, , and metal, broader rock influences include , whom Cairns recalls as part of his early childhood musical exposure alongside acts like Sparks and T. Rex, though Bowie's glam experimentation felt more remote compared to punk's immediacy. These diverse occasionally manifest in melodic hooks across albums like Troublegum (1994), where punk aggression meets subtle pop sensibilities. Culturally, in profoundly shaped Therapy?'s lyrical themes of alienation, discomfort, and dark humor, reflecting the region's divided "mongrel nation" identity. Cairns has linked this backdrop to his upbringing in , where religious tensions and subcultural isolation influenced the band's exploration of pessimism and social unease in songs. This context continues to inform recent work, such as the 2023 album , titled after a phrase capturing 's intense psyche.

Collaborations and side projects

Collaborations with other artists

Therapy? have engaged in several notable collaborations with external musicians throughout their career, often contributing to tribute projects, soundtracks, and shared performances that highlight their roots. In 1994, Therapy? backed on a cover of 's "" for the tribute album Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath. The track featured Osbourne's vocals over the band's heavy riffing and driving , marking a significant crossover with heavy metal icons and exposing Therapy? to a broader audience. The collaboration was produced by and . Additionally, Therapy? shared festival stages with prominent acts, such as the 1998 Ozzfest UK event at Milton Keynes Bowl, where they performed alongside , , , and headliners and . This lineup positioned Therapy? within a major metal and billing, replacing Korn at short notice and delivering sets that included tracks like "Isolation" and "Teethgrinder." On the production front, Therapy? worked with guitarist , who produced their 2009 album Crooked Timber and co-wrote the track "Exiles" with Andy Cairns. Gill's involvement brought a edge to the record, emphasizing hypnotic rhythms and textured guitars. In the 2020s, the band revisited collaborations during their 30th anniversary celebrations, re-recording their 1994 hit "Die Laughing" with guest vocals from ' for the 2020 compilation Greatest Hits (The Abbey Road Sessions). Bradfield's harmonies added a fresh, emotive layer to the song, reflecting ongoing ties with UK peers.

Side projects and solo work

Andy Cairns has pursued several individual endeavors outside of Therapy?, including the industrial noise project JAAW, formed in collaboration with musicians Wayne Adams of Petbrick and Jason Stoll of USA Nails, released on Svart Records. In the 2020s, Cairns performed solo acoustic sets, such as a lockdown version of four songs from the band's Greatest Hits (The Abbey Road Session) album in April 2020, shared via the band's official channels. He has also made guest appearances on podcasts, including discussions on Therapy?'s history and influences in episodes like Beyond Recognition in 2024. Bassist has engaged in multiple side projects, including the noise rock outfit Sons of Massey, formed in the early 2000s with local Northern Irish musicians, and the experimental groups the Gemils and Haunch, which explore heavier, improvised sounds. In 2014, he recorded tracks for a collaborative effort called East Antrim with fellow Northern Irish artists in Belfast's Start Together studio. Drummer Neil Cooper, prior to joining Therapy? in 2002, played in bands like The Beyond and Cable, contributing to their and outputs in the . Since then, he has taken on session roles, such as remixing GodNo!'s noise rock single "Hulk" in an style in 2019, and creating audio works for arts projects like Come Into The Open during the 2020 , designed for outdoor listening experiences. Former drummer Fyfe Ewing, who left Therapy? in 1996, relocated to Brighton and continued his career in music. After moving, he played drums for the band Static Kill and formed his own band, Rescue Rooms.

Equipment

Guitars and effects

Andy Cairns, the guitarist and vocalist of Therapy?, has relied primarily on Gibson SG guitars since the 1990s to achieve the band's signature aggressive, riff-driven sound. These instruments, known for their thick tone and playability, were central to recordings like Troublegum (1994), where Cairns employed a straightforward setup emphasizing power chords and direct guitar tones. He has also incorporated Gibson Les Paul Custom models in live performances and select sessions, adding sustain and bite to the mix. As of August 2024, Cairns owns a 1991 Gibson Les Paul SG Custom. For effects, Cairns favors a minimalist approach, often forgoing heavy pedal chains in favor of amp-driven augmented by select units that enhance the band's edges. The Boss DSD-2 Digital Sampler/Delay has been a staple since the early , providing looping, delay, and sampling capabilities that enabled experimental noise textures on early albums like Nurse (), including dive-bomb effects via integrated whammy bar techniques on modified guitars. This pedal's versatility supported custom setups for the band's abrasive, feedback-laden sound during their formative phase. In the , Cairns evolved toward digital pedals for broader tonal flexibility, incorporating units like the Marshall Supervibe for chorus effects. The Nano POG octave pedal became prominent for layering sub-octaves, simplifying complex arrangements in tracks reliant on low-end drive. On the 2023 album , Cairns paired his with the Boss DSD-2 and Nano POG, integrating them into a streamlined signal path that complemented the record's intense, riff-heavy dynamics and marked a return to the band's foundational noise elements. This setup underscored Therapy?'s enduring emphasis on gear that prioritizes immediacy and aggression over elaborate processing.

Amplifiers and recording gear

Therapy? has employed a variety of amplifiers and recording equipment to define their aggressive sound, with choices emphasizing high-gain and tight rhythms across studio and live contexts. Andy Cairns has long favored Marshall amplifiers for their powerful, saturated tones, particularly during the band's peak. The Marshall JCM900 head and stacks were central to the high-gain guitar sounds on albums like Troublegum (1994), providing the crunchy overdrive that characterized tracks such as "Screamager." In later years, Cairns incorporated the Marshall DSL100 head for live tours, including performances in , offering versatile channel switching for rhythm and lead tones while maintaining the brand's signature British crunch. These setups contrast with studio sessions, where more focused configurations, like the , allowed for precise layering without the full stack volume of live rigs. Bassist Michael McKeegan's rig contributes the band's driving low end, with heads proving essential for the punchy, aggressive bass lines in their output. On Troublegum and Infernal Love (1995), McKeegan paired a black Status bass with an head and 8x10 cabinet, delivering the thick, mid-focused growl that underpinned the albums' intensity. This classic Ampeg configuration provided reliable headroom for both recording and early live shows, emphasizing low-end drive without muddiness. In studio environments, the SVT's tube warmth integrated seamlessly with the band's Marshall-driven guitars, while live versions scaled up to larger cabinets for arena-filling projection. Drummers have utilized kits suited to the band's dynamic rhythms, evolving from the original lineup to current members. Former drummer recorded Troublegum using a Sonor Prolite Custom , which delivered the sharp, punchy snare and tom attacks heard on like "Teethgrinder." Zildjian cymbals complemented the setup for crisp overheads, with Pearl hardware providing sturdy support during intense sessions. Current drummer Neil Cooper employs Mapex Orion Classic on 2020s tours and recordings, offering modern versatility with birch shells for balanced, articulate tones that maintain the band's rhythmic drive. Live incorporate reinforced hardware to withstand high-energy performances, differing from studio versions tuned for closer mic placement and isolation. Early recordings relied on analog tape for warmth and immediacy, as seen in Troublegum's sessions across Black Barn in , Livingstone, RAK, and in 1993. By the post-2000s era, the band transitioned to platforms for albums such as Never Apologise (), enabling efficient editing and effects integration while preserving their organic edge through hybrid workflows. This shift allowed greater flexibility in overdubs and mixing, with live setups retaining analog-inspired amplification for authenticity.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Therapy? consists of founder Andy Cairns on vocals and guitar, bassist , and drummer Neil Cooper, forming a stable trio since 2003 that has driven the band's output through numerous albums and tours. This configuration has allowed the group to maintain its and metal sound while adapting to contemporary festival circuits. Andy Cairns, born on September 22, 1965, in , , serves as the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, having founded Therapy? in 1989 and remaining its primary songwriter throughout its history. Now aged 60, Cairns handles the majority of lyrical and compositional duties, drawing from punk and alternative influences to shape tracks like those on the band's 2023 album . Residing in , he has discussed in recent interviews the challenges of balancing band life with personal relocation amid 's cultural shifts. Michael McKeegan, born March 25, 1971, in , , joined Therapy? as bassist and backing vocalist shortly after its formation in 1989, providing essential stability to over three decades. At age 54 and based in the area, McKeegan's contributions include anchoring the low-end drive on , where his playing complements Cairns' riffs on songs like "" and "Woe." His long-term presence has been pivotal in the band's endurance, as noted in discussions of their collaborative recording process. Neil Cooper, born August 1, 1973, in , , joined Therapy? on in 2002, bringing technical precision to handle the band's intricate rhythms and replacing prior members to solidify the current trio. Aged 52 and residing in , , Cooper's work is evident in the dynamic percussion on , supporting complex patterns during live performances. In 2025, he has been active in the band's festival appearances, including Troublegum anniversary sets at events like the Moen Festival, where the lineup delivers high-energy renditions of classics alongside newer material. Collectively, the members contributed to , recorded with producer Chris Sheldon to capture their live intensity, marking a return to raw, resilient songcraft after lineup adjustments in the early . Their ongoing Belfast-area ties, despite some relocations, underscore the band's Northern Irish roots in recent festival lineups and interviews reflecting on 35 years of evolution.

Former members

Fyfe Ewing served as Therapy?'s founding drummer and backing vocalist from the band's inception in 1989 until his departure in January 1996. His exit was attributed to burnout from the group's relentless touring schedule and internal creative tensions exacerbated by the pressures of success following their breakthrough Troublegum. After leaving, Ewing relocated to , , and continued his music career in various projects. Graham Hopkins replaced Ewing on drums in 1996 and remained with the band until December 2001, contributing to albums including Infernal Love (1995, completed post-departure of Ewing) and Suicide Pact – You First (1999). Hopkins departed under entirely amicable circumstances to explore new musical opportunities. Post-Therapy?, he established himself as a session , collaborating with acts such as and , and formed his own project . Martin McCarrick joined as a full-time and cellist in 1998, after earlier guest appearances on Therapy? recordings and live performances dating back to 1995. He left the band in March 2004 due to a sustained during touring, which prompted a temporary absence that became permanent. His departure facilitated the band's return to a stripped-down trio configuration with Andy Cairns, , and Neil Cooper, revitalizing their raw sound on the 2004 album Never Apologise Never Explain.

Timeline

PeriodAndy Cairns
Guitar, Vocals
(1989–present)
Michael McKeegan
Bass, Backing Vocals
(1989–present)
DrumsOther MembersKey Events/Albums
1989–1996YesYes (1989–1996)NoneFormation (1989);
Babyteeth (1990);
Troublegum (1994);
Infernal Love (1995) [](https://www.last.fm/music/Therapy%3F/+wiki
1996–2001YesYesGraham Hopkins (1996–2001)
Cello, Guitar, Backing Vocals (1998–2004)
Fyfe Ewing departure (1996);
Semi Detached (1998);
Suicide Pact...You First (1999) [](https://www.last.fm/music/Therapy%3F/+wiki
2001–2002YesYesVacant (post-Hopkins);
Keith Baxter (brief, 2002)
(1998–2004)Graham Hopkins departure (2001);
Shameless (2001) [](https://www.last.fm/music/Therapy%3F/+wiki
2002–2004YesYesNeil Cooper (2002–present) (1998–2004)Neil Cooper joins (2002);
High Anxiety (2003) [](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Music/Therapy
2004–2025YesYesNeil Cooper (2002–present)NoneMartin McCarrick departure (2004);
Never Apologise (2004);
Crooked Timber (2009);
A New Low (2013);
Disquiet (2015);
Cleave (2018);
Hard Cold Fire (2023) [](https://www.last.fm/music/Therapy%3F/+wiki
This table provides a chronological overview of Therapy?'s lineup changes from formation in 1989 to the present day in 2025. The core members Andy Cairns and have remained constant throughout the band's history.

Discography

Studio albums

Therapy? has released 15 studio albums since 1992, spanning their evolution from and to more experimental and mature rock sounds. These albums represent the band's core original full-length works, with early releases on indie labels giving way to major label deals and later independent ventures.
AlbumRelease dateLabelProducerUK chart peakSelect singles
Pleasure Death27 January 1992Wiiija RecordsTherapy?52"Lung", "Potato Junkie"
Nurse2 November 1992A&M RecordsHarvey Birrell38"Teethgrinder", "Screamager", "Nausea"
Troublegum7 February 1994A&M RecordsChris Sheldon5"Nowhere", "Delilah", "Die Laughing", "Trigger Inside"
Infernal Love12 June 1995A&M RecordsChris Sheldon9"Epiphany", "Stories", "Diane"
Semi-Detached30 March 1998A&M RecordsChris Sheldon21"Church of Noise", "High Anxiety", "Lonely, Cryin', Only"
Suicide Pact – You First18 October 1999Ark 21 RecordsHead61"My Voodoo Doll", "Out of Order"
Shameless3 September 2001Ark 21 RecordsJack Endino"I Am the Money", "This One's For You"
High Anxiety5 May 2003Spitfire RecordsPete Bartlett113"If It Kills Me", "Rust"
Never Apologise Never Explain27 September 2004Spitfire RecordsAndy Cairns"Rise Up", "Polar Bear"
One Cure Fits All24 April 2006Spitfire RecordsPedro Ferreira152"Dopamine, Serotonin, Adrenaline", "Walk Through Darkness"
Crooked Timber23 March 2009Big Scary MonstersAndy Gill124"Crooked Timber", "The Head That Tried to Strangle Itself"
A Brief Crack of Light14 September 2012Superball MusicGeorge A. Reece"Still Believe", "Plucked"
Disquiet4 September 2015Another Century RecordsTom Dalgety79"Still Hurts", "Tides"
Cleave28 September 2018Another Century RecordsChris Sheldon43"Still End Up Hurting You", "Rawneck"
Hard Cold Fire3 February 2023Marshall RecordsChris Sheldon29"Hard Cold Fire", "Joy"
Notes: UK chart peaks sourced from the . Producers and select singles drawn from album credits and reviews. Troublegum marked the band's commercial breakthrough, achieving platinum certification in the for sales exceeding 300,000 copies and earning a nomination. No new studio album has been announced as of 2025.

Compilations and live albums

Therapy? have released several compilation albums that aggregate their early work, singles, and rarities, alongside a pair of live recordings capturing their performances in intimate settings. These releases serve as retrospectives for fans, often including bonus material like B-sides, demos, and remixes not found on original studio efforts. As of 2025, the band's compilations and live discography totals over five entries, emphasizing their evolution from roots to more melodic . The earliest compilation, Caucasian Psychosis (1992), combines tracks from the band's first two mini-albums, Babyteeth (1991) and (1992), providing a foundational overview of their abrasive, experimental sound on Wiiija Records. This was followed by Hats Off to the Insane (1993), a mini-album compilation exclusive to the , , and markets on , featuring key singles like "Screamager" and "Auto Surgery" to bridge the gap before their major-label breakthrough. A major retrospective came with So Much for the Ten Year Plan: A Retrospective 1990–2000 (2000), issued by Ark 21 Records, which includes 16 tracks spanning the band's first decade, plus two new songs ("Bad Karma Follows You Around" and "Fat Camp") and a bonus disc of unreleased B-sides, remixes, and demos. This collection highlights their grunge-influenced hits from Troublegum (1994) and Infernal Love (1995), peaking at No. 117 on the . Later compilations include Stories: The Singles Collection (2014) on Demolition Records, compiling 18 non-album singles and radio edits from 1991 to 2003, and Greatest Hits (2020 Versions) (2020) on Five Rise Records, offering re-recorded takes on classics like "Teethgrinder" and "Screamager" for a refreshed listen. Live albums capture Therapy?'s raw energy in performance. We're Here to the End (2010), a double CD on Blast Records, documents three nights at London's venue in March 2010, featuring 36 tracks drawn heavily from their catalog up to Crooked Timber (2009), with no overdubs to preserve authenticity. The acoustic-focused Communion: Live at the Union Chapel (2017), self-released as a double CD, records a 2015 performance at London's Union Chapel, including 29 songs like "Trigger Inside" and covers such as Iron Maiden's "Phantom of the Opera," emphasizing stripped-down arrangements and fan favorites. Reissue projects often expand on classics with anniversary editions. The Troublegum (Deluxe Edition) (2014) on Universal Music, marking 20 years since the original, adds two discs of rarities including covers like Judas Priest's "" and outtakes, alongside remastered audio and expanded artwork. Similarly, Infernal Love (Deluxe Edition) (2014) includes 29 tracks with B-sides, alternate mixes, and live recordings from the era, offering deeper insight into the album's darker themes. A 30th-anniversary vinyl reissue of Troublegum (2024) on further includes 14 bonus tracks on lavender and silver pressing, continuing the trend of archival releases with unique content like session demos.

Singles and EPs

Therapy? debuted on the UK Singles Chart with "Teethgrinder" in 1992, marking their initial breakthrough as an act signed to . Their early EPs, such as Shortsharpshock (1993) and Face the Strange (1993), showcased a raw, punk-influenced sound and achieved strong chart performance, with Shortsharpshock peaking at number 9. These releases built anticipation for their major-label success. The band's 1994 album Troublegum spawned several hit singles, including "Nowhere," "Trigger Inside," "Die Laughing," and "Stories," all of which entered the Top 40 and exemplified their blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks. "Nowhere" (1994) reached number 18, while "Stories" (1994) climbed to number 14, contributing to the album's commercial dominance. Subsequent singles from Infernal Love (1995), like "Loose," "Diane," maintained momentum, peaking between numbers 25 and 29. In the late 1990s and beyond, Therapy? shifted toward independent releases, with singles like "I Am the Money" (1998) charting lower at number 84. Later EPs and singles, often digital-only, reflect their enduring output, including the Tides EP (2016) and singles such as "Deathstimate" (2015), "Still Hurts" (2015), "Wreck It Like Beckett" (2018), and "Callow" (2018). These post-major-label works emphasize experimental and introspective elements while sustaining fan engagement.

Charted Singles and EPs

TitleYearUK Peak Position
Teethgrinder199230
Shortsharpshock (EP)19939
Face the Strange (EP)199318
Opal Mantra199313
Nowhere199418
Trigger Inside199422
Die Laughing199431
Stories199414
Loose199525
Diane199526
Lonely, Cryin', Only199532
Church of Noise199829
I Am the Money199884
If It Kills Me / Rust199876
Note: Table focuses on UK-charting releases; peaks sourced from Official Charts Company data. Years based on release or first chart entry dates.

References

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