Where there's a will there's a way - and with any luck The Way will succeed. They're probably the area's most politically involved band, although they refuse to align themselves to any party.

"We're living in an age of I'm alright Jack, the message which the Tories are putting out, and we oppose. Basically we support freedom around the world and anything which tries to bring people together," said their singer, guitarist and songwriter Tel Sutton.

These causes include the Anti Apartheid movement and the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign, and the band with Ian Deakin on drums and Johnny White on bass, along with a brass section of trumpeter Andy Probert and Rick Stick on trombone, have played quite a few benefits.

Coming from Mexborough, one of Britains's most heavily hit areas, they feel in a fair position to comment on the state of the nation.

"Our musical influences are soul music, punk and youth, but our lyrics are mainly based on the deprivation we see around us."

And they've been gaining interest from EMI and WEA Records, with the latter disturbing Tel's sleep with a 4am phone call.

They're confident they can beat the Redskins (who they sound rather like) and score even bigger success with a major label.

"We used to comment on certain issues like the miners' strike, but now our songwriting is broader. "We've watered down the lyrics. They're not as strong as the Redskins' but not as soft as the Style Council's. We're aiming for the middle ground." See them at the Cavern on Friday. The Star, Saturday, February 6, 1988. Pop Talk . John Quinn's Weekly Round Up.

 

Tel' Sutton - vocals/guitar

Jon' White - bass

The Deakin - drums

Tracie! - vocals

 

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