The Wendys

The Wendys are a Scottish alternative indie rock band, that were part of the Madchester music scene, and were signed to the Factory Records music label by Tony Wilson. They were formed in Edinburgh by Jonathan Renton (vocals), Ian White (guitar), Johnny MacArthur (drums), and Arthur Renton (bass).

For the fast food restaurant chain, see Wendy's.

The Wendys
Background information
OriginEdinburgh, Scotland
GenresIndie pop, baggy
Years active1990–1999, 2012, 2017 - present
LabelsFactory Records, East West Records, Starshaped Records
Associated actsSons Of The Descent, A.A.Renton, The Social Leopards, Bendy Toy

History

Formed in 1987, the Wendys were the second Scottish band to be signed to Factory Records, after The Wake. Their name came about after a nights drinking the evening before they were due to sign for Factory. They decided upon The Marys, but when the time came to sign for Factory, none of them could remember what they had decided upon. Believing they had chosen the Wendys, that's the name they registered. After the group opened for the Happy Mondays, Shaun Ryder's father suggested that they send in a demo tape.[1] After they were signed to the label, Phil Saxe acted as their manager. Having felt at odds with the contemporary Scottish music scene, the Wendys found a common spirit among the Factory Records roster, saying they shared similar influences as their labelmates but still wanted to be known as their own distinct band.[2] Although they enjoyed critical acclaim with the release of their debut album Gobbledygook in 1991 (produced by Ian Broudie), they did not achieve the widespread popularity of labelmates such as New Order or the Happy Mondays. The timing of their album's release directly preceded the demise of the label, also hurting their chances at success. Following a long hiatus, the group released their second album Sixfootwingspan (originally intended to be called Sixfootwingspan Yoga Birds) in 1999.

On 4 February 2012, the band reformed for a one-off gig at the Berkeley Suite, Glasgow to promote the re-release of their Factory album Gobbledygook and other singles tracks.

In 2017, they signed up to play the Shiiine ON Weekender festival in Minehead, UK on Friday 10 November 2017 – Monday 13 November 2017. Rehearsals started in April 2017. This was their 1st show outside Scotland in 23 years.

On 11 May 2017, via their Twitter feed, they announced that they would be playing a rare live show in Glasgow on 30 September 2017 at Audio on Midland Street.

Discography

Albums
Year Albums
1991 Gobbledygook (FAC 285)
1991 I Instruct (EP) (FAC 337)
1999 Sixfootwingspan

Singles
Year Singles
1990 "More Than Enough" (FAC 280)
1991 "The Sun's Going to Shine for Me Soon" (FAC 289)
1991 "Pulling My Fingers Off" (FAC 297)

References
  1. Anderson, Penny (27 October 1990). "Kilt Your Idols". NME. Retrieved 29 September 2007.
  2. Dalton, Stephen (4 May 1991). "Where Gleneagles Dare". NME. Retrieved 29 September 2007.
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