Images may be subject to copyright
On this day, 20 October 1976, art/rock band Deaf School played Cardiff University. The band had just released their debut album 2nd Honeymoon.
Formed in Liverpool, England, in January 1974, between 1976 and 1978, the year in which they split up, Deaf School recorded three albums for the Warner Brothers label.
The first album's art rock style had roots in cabaret, and later releases moved towards a harder punk rock sound. Deaf School have been recognized as an important influence on many British musicians. According to Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson: "They revived Liverpool music for a generation." The journalist, author and founder of Mojo, Paul Du Noyer, went further: "In the whole history of Liverpool music two bands matter most, one is The Beatles and the other is Deaf School."
Nearly all the group's members went on to enjoy successful careers, notably guitarist Clive Langer, who produced Madness and Dexys Midnight Runners, two non-Liverpool acts which cite Deaf School as an influence. Langer also co-wrote (with Elvis Costello) the song "Shipbuilding".
