Memorabilia: Soft Cell & New Wave

Coming to prominence in the early 1980s, among a frenzy of punk and the boundary-pushing Leeds art school scene, Soft Cell’s Marc Almond and Dave Ball became pioneers of synth-pop and new wave; known for their absurdist lyrics and avant-garde performance language.

Following the release of The Quietus deputy editor + folk music columnist Patrick Clarke’s in-depth biography of the band — Bedsit land — this show will explore Soft Cell’s chaotic, enchanting and strange early years, with insights and comments from the author that bring new light to duo so often overlooked for their inimitable contributions to music and the art culture and education that shaped them.

Take a journey through music that will lead you far beyond the chart-topping success of Tainted Love.

Patrick’s recommended reading:

• 'No Machos or Pop Stars' by Gavin Butt

• 'Bomb Culture' by Jeff Nuttall

• 'Conform To Deform: The Weird And Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare' by Wesley Doyle

Read 'Bedsit land': manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526173560/ Follow Patrick: @paddy__clarke__