Them | Artist

Them was a Northern Irish group formed 1964 in Belfast, by Alan Henderson (bass), Van Morrison (vocals, harmonica, saxophone), Billy Harrison (guitar, vocals), Ronnie Millings (drums) and Eric Wrixon (piano). They are mostly known for the rock standard "Gloria" and launching singer Van Morrison's musical career. In April 1964, Van Morrison responded to an advert for musicians to play at a new R&B club at the Maritime Hotel – an old dance hall frequented by sailors. Morrison brought together Millings, Harrison and Henderson from East Belfast group the Gamblers, and piano player and keyboardist Eric Wrixon, who was still a schoolboy at the time. Morrison played saxophone and harmonica and shared vocals with Billy Harrison. They changed their name from the Gamblers to 'Them', taking the name from the Fifties horror movie. The band's strong R&B performances at the Maritime attracted attention, with their repertoire of covers plus Morrison's early songs, including "Gloria". Them's first recording session took place in London July 1964. "Turn on Your Love Light" and "Gloria" were recorded during this session as were both sides of their first single "Don't Start Crying Now" and "One Two Brown Eyes". Further singles soon followed, including "Baby Please Don't Go" and "Here Comes The Night". The band's big breakthrough came on 11 April 1965, when they appeared at the NME Pollwinners Concert at Wembley Empire Pool, MC'ed by Jimmy Saville. On the same bill were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Animals, The Searchers, The Mood Blues and Dusty Springfield. The band released their first album, The Angry Young Them in June 1965 and their second album Them Again came out in January 1966. They began a US tour in May 1966 where they held a three week residency at the Whisky a Go Go club in LA, supported at one stage by The Doors. They went on to headline at The Fillmore in San Francisco and then to Hawaii. However disputes erupted among band members and management over money. The band broke apart, with Van Morrison returning to Belfast to pursue a solo career. Them reformed without Morrison and went on to release five more albums. Standout albums include The Angry Young Them, Them Again, Now and "Them" and Time Out! Time in For Them.

Artist Website: wikipedia/Them_(band)

Featured Albums: Them

Related Artists: Van Morrison, Truth

Video Clips: Gloria, Here Comes The Night, Baby Please Don't Go