Big Audio Dynamite
Encyclopedia
Big Audio Dynamite are a British musical group formed in 1984 by the ex-guitarist and singer of the Clash
, Mick Jones
. The group are noted for their effective mixture of varied musical styles, incorporating elements of punk rock, dance music, hip hop, reggae, and funk. BAD's one constant throughout frequent shifts in membership and musical direction are the vocals provided by Mick Jones. After releasing a number of well-received albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Big Audio Dynamite disbanded in 1997, but had a reunion tour in 2011.
, Mick Jones formed a new band called Top Risk Action Company (T.R.A.C.) He recruited bassist Leo "E-Zee Kill" Williams, saxophone player John "Boy" Lennard (from Theatre of Hate
), and ex-Clash drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon
. Headon was quickly sacked for his heroin addiction and Lennard either left or was fired and the band folded. Although the band released no material (only demos were recorded which have yet to be officially released), T.R.A.C. can be seen as a forerunner to Big Audio Dynamite in much the same way London SS
can be seen as an early incarnation of The Clash.
(maker of The Punk Rock Movie
, various Clash music videos, and later The Clash documentary Westway to the World
), bassist Leo Williams (from T.R.A.C.), drummer Greg Roberts
, and keyboardist Dan Donovan
. In 1985 the group's debut, This Is Big Audio Dynamite
, was released. The album's cover shows the group as a four-piece (minus Donovan); the full group is pictured on the back cover.
1986's No. 10, Upping St. reunited Jones for one album with former Clash band-mate Joe Strummer
, who was a co-producer of the album and co-writer of a number of its songs. BAD supported U2
on their 1987 world tour, then released 1988's Tighten Up, Vol. '88 and 1989's Megatop Phoenix. Tighten Up, Vol. 88
contained "Just Play Music!", which was the second #1 single on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks
. The band also recorded an unreleased track called "Keep off the Grass" which was a rock-style instrumental of the theme to the classic western film, The Magnificent Seven
. A promo video can be seen on YouTube.
In 1990, the original line-up wrote and recorded the song "Free" for the soundtrack to the movie Flashback. This would be the final song written with the original lineup, as the band would dissolve shortly after. Interesting note... "Bottom Line" from the first lp was remixed and used as the title track for "Flashback." However this track was not included on the soundtrack. It can be found on the 12" or by possible download. Later in 1990, Mick Jones would debut Big Audio Dynamite II and release the UK only album Kool-Aid. Dan Donovan would remain in BAD II for one song, a re-working of the final BAD track "Free" renamed "Kickin' In".
, only Jones remained from BAD, and the band was now called Big Audio Dynamite II. This new line-up featured two guitarists. The Globe featured the band's most commercially successful single, "Rush" which hit #1 on both the US modern rock chart and the Australian National Aria
Chart. "Innocent Child" and "The Globe" were also released as singles.
BAD supported U2 on their ZooTV tour and released the live E.P. "On The Road Live '92".
, which was released under the shortened name "Big Audio".
's Radioactive Records
in 1995, the band reverted to the original "Big Audio Dynamite" moniker and released their least successful album to date, F-Punk
.
Radioactive Records refused to release the next proposed BAD album, Entering a New Ride
. The line-up contained Mc vocals by
Joe Attard (Punks Jump Up), Ranking Roger
(The Beat
, General Public
) and drummer Bob Wond (Under Two Flags) In 1998, the band launched a new web site, primarily as a means to distribute songs from the Entering a New Ride album.
Since 2005, Jones has been working on a project with Tony James
(ex-member of Generation X
and Sigue Sigue Sputnik
) called Carbon/Silicon
.
In early 2007, a BAD II live DVD was released.
revealed to Billboard.com that he and Mick Jones
broached the idea of a Big Audio Dynamite reunion in 2011. He explained, "I could lie to you and say 'Not in a million years,' but...if Mick wasn't tied up with Gorillaz
it might happen this year. (Jones) has looked at me and said, 'Maybe next year,' but who knows. I've got to admit that in the past I'm not a great one for reformations; I always think if you're lucky in life, you get a window of opportunity, use it to the best of your ability and then fuck off and let someone else have their turn. But here I am 25 years down the line considering the thing." Besides a Big Audio Dynamite reunion, Letts said he was also hopeful for more Legacy Editions of the group's albums after finding more unreleased material—including live recordings—in the vaults. "There's definitely more stuff; whether Sony thinks it's worthwhile, that's another matter. But there seems to be a lot of respect for Big Audio Dynamite. Time has shown that a lot of the things we were dabbling in back then have come to manifest themselves today...so hopefully we'll get to do some more."
The reformation of the original line up of B.A.D was officially confirmed on 25 January 2011 with the announcement of a UK tour. The 9-date tour was a commercial and critical success. The first of their two sold out Shepherd's Bush Empire shows received a 4 star review in The Times ('Not just a reformation - this is their time'), The Observer welcomed B.A.D's return with a glowing review declaring, 'they remain a joy'. News Of The World awarded their Manchester Academy show a 5 star review and proclaimed, 'Easily the reformation of the year'.. Their headline slot at Beautiful Days festival was favourably reviewed on the Louder Than War music website http://louderthanwar.com/featured/big-audio-dynamite-live-at-beautiful-days-festival-review
Big Audio Dynamite played sets at the 2011 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
, Glastonbury Festival 2011
, and Lollapalooza
. They are also confirmed to appear the Levellers festival Beautiful Days
, Bestival
V Festival
, and Fuji Rock Festival
.
Big Audio Dynamite II (1990–1993)
Big Audio (1994–1995)
Big Audio Dynamite (1996–1998)
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
, Mick Jones
Mick Jones (The Clash)
Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
. The group are noted for their effective mixture of varied musical styles, incorporating elements of punk rock, dance music, hip hop, reggae, and funk. BAD's one constant throughout frequent shifts in membership and musical direction are the vocals provided by Mick Jones. After releasing a number of well-received albums and touring extensively throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Big Audio Dynamite disbanded in 1997, but had a reunion tour in 2011.
T.R.A.C. (1984)
After being ousted from The Clash in 1983 and following a brief stint with the band General PublicGeneral Public
General Public were a band formed by The Beat vocalists, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, and which included former members of Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Specials and The Clash...
, Mick Jones formed a new band called Top Risk Action Company (T.R.A.C.) He recruited bassist Leo "E-Zee Kill" Williams, saxophone player John "Boy" Lennard (from Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate
Theatre of Hate were a post-punk band formed in Britain in 1980.Led by singer-songwriter and ex-member of punk band The Pack, Kirk Brandon, the original group also consisted of: guitarist Steve Guthrie, bassist Stan Stammers , saxophonist John Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle from Crisis/The...
), and ex-Clash drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon
Topper Headon
Headon was extensively interviewed for the Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten documentary film about the late Clash frontman. He related his experiences during this period, how he became addicted to heroin and how there were problems before his dismissal...
. Headon was quickly sacked for his heroin addiction and Lennard either left or was fired and the band folded. Although the band released no material (only demos were recorded which have yet to be officially released), T.R.A.C. can be seen as a forerunner to Big Audio Dynamite in much the same way London SS
London SS
London SS were an early British punk rock group founded in March 1975 by guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Tony James.The band spent most of their short history auditioning potential members. Besides Jones and James, however, guitarist Brian James was the only other semi-permanent member...
can be seen as an early incarnation of The Clash.
Big Audio Dynamite (1984–1990)
Jones then formed Big Audio Dynamite with film director Don LettsDon Letts
Don Letts is a British film director and musician. He is credited as the man who through his DJing at clubs like The Roxy brought together punk and reggae music.-Biography:...
(maker of The Punk Rock Movie
The Punk Rock Movie
The Punk Rock Movie was assembled from Super 8 camera footage shot by Don Letts, the disc jockey at The Roxy club during the early days of the UK punk rock movement, principally during the 100 days in 1977 in which punk acts were featured at The Roxy club in London.-History:Roxy club disc jockey...
, various Clash music videos, and later The Clash documentary Westway to the World
Westway to the World
The Clash: Westway to the World is a 2000 documentary film about the British punk rock band The Clash. In 2003 it won the Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video....
), bassist Leo Williams (from T.R.A.C.), drummer Greg Roberts
Greg Roberts (musician)
Greg Roberts is a British rock drummer. He was part of Big Audio Dynamite, who had a No. 11 UK hit single with 'E=MC2', from 1984–1989....
, and keyboardist Dan Donovan
Dan Donovan (keyboardist)
For other people with this name, see Dan Donovan.Daniel "Dan" Donovan is a British keyboardist probably best known for being a member of Big Audio Dynamite. Following a brief stint in 1990 with The Sisters of Mercy he became a founding member of Dreadzone...
. In 1985 the group's debut, This Is Big Audio Dynamite
This Is Big Audio Dynamite
-Personnel:* Mick Jones - vocals, guitar* Don Letts - sound effects, vocals* Dan Donovan - keyboards, photos* Leo Williams - bass, vocals* Greg Roberts - drums, vocals-Samples used on the album:Medicine Show...
, was released. The album's cover shows the group as a four-piece (minus Donovan); the full group is pictured on the back cover.
1986's No. 10, Upping St. reunited Jones for one album with former Clash band-mate Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer
John Graham Mellor , best remembered by his stage name Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the British punk rock band The Clash. His musical experience included his membership in The 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, The Mescaleros and The Pogues, in...
, who was a co-producer of the album and co-writer of a number of its songs. BAD supported U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
on their 1987 world tour, then released 1988's Tighten Up, Vol. '88 and 1989's Megatop Phoenix. Tighten Up, Vol. 88
Tighten Up, Vol. 88
-Personnel:* Mick Jones - vocals, guitar, producer* Don Letts - sound effects, vocals* Greg Roberts - drums, vocals* Dan Donovan - keyboards, vocals* Leo 'E-Zee-Kill' Williams - bass, vocals* Flea - Dynamite* Adele - Crew* Josh - Grand Poo-Bah...
contained "Just Play Music!", which was the second #1 single on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks
Modern Rock Tracks
Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs...
. The band also recorded an unreleased track called "Keep off the Grass" which was a rock-style instrumental of the theme to the classic western film, The Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven is an American Western film directed by John Sturges, and released in 1960. It is a fictional tale of a group of seven American gunmen who are hired to protect a small agricultural village in Mexico from a group of marauding Mexican bandits...
. A promo video can be seen on YouTube.
In 1990, the original line-up wrote and recorded the song "Free" for the soundtrack to the movie Flashback. This would be the final song written with the original lineup, as the band would dissolve shortly after. Interesting note... "Bottom Line" from the first lp was remixed and used as the title track for "Flashback." However this track was not included on the soundtrack. It can be found on the 12" or by possible download. Later in 1990, Mick Jones would debut Big Audio Dynamite II and release the UK only album Kool-Aid. Dan Donovan would remain in BAD II for one song, a re-working of the final BAD track "Free" renamed "Kickin' In".
Big Audio Dynamite II (1991–1993)
For 1990's The GlobeThe Globe (album)
-Big Audio Dynamite II:* Mick Jones – lead vocals, guitar* Nick Hawkins – guitar, backing vocals* Gary Stonadge – bass, backing vocals* Chris Kavanagh – drums, percussion, backing vocals-Additional personnel:* Gobblebox – vocals on 4...
, only Jones remained from BAD, and the band was now called Big Audio Dynamite II. This new line-up featured two guitarists. The Globe featured the band's most commercially successful single, "Rush" which hit #1 on both the US modern rock chart and the Australian National Aria
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
Chart. "Innocent Child" and "The Globe" were also released as singles.
BAD supported U2 on their ZooTV tour and released the live E.P. "On The Road Live '92".
Big Audio (1994)
The band later recruited keyboardist Andre Shapps (co-producer of The Globe) and Michael "DJ Zonka" Custance as DJ and vocalist. Both appeared on the band's 1994 album Higher PowerHigher Power (album)
-Personnel:* Mick Jones - guitar, vocals, producer* Nick Hawkins - vocals, guitar, engineer* Andre Shapps - keyboards, producer, engineer* Gary Stonadge - bass, vocals* Chris Kavanagh - drums, vocals* Mickey Custance - DJ, vocals* Ranking Roger - vocals...
, which was released under the shortened name "Big Audio".
Final years and subsequent activities (1995–2010)
After signing with Gary KurfirstGary Kurfirst
Gary Kurfirst was an influential figure in late 20th and early 21st century pop music as a promoter, producer, manager, and record label executive.-Early years:...
's Radioactive Records
Radioactive Records
Radioactive Records was an American record label. It was formed as a joint venture between talent manager Gary Kurfirst and MCA Records, and it is now out of business....
in 1995, the band reverted to the original "Big Audio Dynamite" moniker and released their least successful album to date, F-Punk
F-Punk
F-Punk is a studio album by Mick Jones' post-Clash band Big Audio Dynamite. This was the first album to be released under the name of Big Audio Dynamite since 1989's Megatop Phoenix...
.
Radioactive Records refused to release the next proposed BAD album, Entering a New Ride
Entering a New Ride
Entering a New Ride is a downloadable album by Big Audio Dynamite, led by former Clash band member Mick Jones. After disagreement with their record label Radioactive Records they left it and released all the songs on their official site for free...
. The line-up contained Mc vocals by
Joe Attard (Punks Jump Up), Ranking Roger
Ranking Roger
Ranking Roger is an English musician. He was a vocalist in the 1980s two-tone band, The Beat and General Public...
(The Beat
The Beat (band)
The Beat are a 2 Tone ska revival band founded in England in 1978. Their songs fuse ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk rock, and their lyrics deal with themes of love, unity and sociopolitical topics....
, General Public
General Public
General Public were a band formed by The Beat vocalists, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, and which included former members of Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Specials and The Clash...
) and drummer Bob Wond (Under Two Flags) In 1998, the band launched a new web site, primarily as a means to distribute songs from the Entering a New Ride album.
Since 2005, Jones has been working on a project with Tony James
Tony James
Tony James is a British musician, best known as a bassist of Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik.- Career :He was originally a member of the punk band London SS, along with Brian James, , and Mick Jones plus Terry Chimes .Later, James joined the early punk band Chelsea...
(ex-member of Generation X
Generation X (band)
Generation X was a British punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.-History:...
and Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Sigue Sigue Sputnik were a British new wave band created in 1982 by the former Generation X bassist Tony James. The band had three UK Top 40 hit singles, including the song "Love Missile F1-11".-Early years:...
) called Carbon/Silicon
Carbon/Silicon
Carbon/Silicon is a punk rock duo consisting of two experienced punk rock musicians: Mick Jones formerly of The Clash and former Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik member Tony James. The band formed around 2002.-Career:...
.
In early 2007, a BAD II live DVD was released.
2011 reunion
In April 2010, Don LettsDon Letts
Don Letts is a British film director and musician. He is credited as the man who through his DJing at clubs like The Roxy brought together punk and reggae music.-Biography:...
revealed to Billboard.com that he and Mick Jones
Mick Jones (The Clash)
Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
broached the idea of a Big Audio Dynamite reunion in 2011. He explained, "I could lie to you and say 'Not in a million years,' but...if Mick wasn't tied up with Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Gorillaz is an English musical project created in 1998 by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. This project consists of Gorillaz music itself and an extensive fictional universe depicting a "virtual band" of cartoon characters...
it might happen this year. (Jones) has looked at me and said, 'Maybe next year,' but who knows. I've got to admit that in the past I'm not a great one for reformations; I always think if you're lucky in life, you get a window of opportunity, use it to the best of your ability and then fuck off and let someone else have their turn. But here I am 25 years down the line considering the thing." Besides a Big Audio Dynamite reunion, Letts said he was also hopeful for more Legacy Editions of the group's albums after finding more unreleased material—including live recordings—in the vaults. "There's definitely more stuff; whether Sony thinks it's worthwhile, that's another matter. But there seems to be a lot of respect for Big Audio Dynamite. Time has shown that a lot of the things we were dabbling in back then have come to manifest themselves today...so hopefully we'll get to do some more."
The reformation of the original line up of B.A.D was officially confirmed on 25 January 2011 with the announcement of a UK tour. The 9-date tour was a commercial and critical success. The first of their two sold out Shepherd's Bush Empire shows received a 4 star review in The Times ('Not just a reformation - this is their time'), The Observer welcomed B.A.D's return with a glowing review declaring, 'they remain a joy'. News Of The World awarded their Manchester Academy show a 5 star review and proclaimed, 'Easily the reformation of the year'.. Their headline slot at Beautiful Days festival was favourably reviewed on the Louder Than War music website http://louderthanwar.com/featured/big-audio-dynamite-live-at-beautiful-days-festival-review
Big Audio Dynamite played sets at the 2011 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is a music festival held annually in San Francisco, California at Golden Gate Park. The first edition occurred August 22–24 in 2008, and included over 60 musical acts from around the world, as well as several art installations...
, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a three-day annual music and arts festival, organized by Goldenvoice and held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley...
, Glastonbury Festival 2011
Glastonbury Festival 2011
The 2011 Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts was held from 22–26 June 2011. Tickets for the festival went on sale from 9 am on Sunday 3 October 2010, over 37 weeks before the festival was set to begin, with a deposit of £50 being paid, while the whole cost of a ticket is £195...
, and Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival featuring popular alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands, dance and comedy performances, and craft booths. It has also provided a platform for non-profit and political groups. The music festival hosts more than 160,000 people over a...
. They are also confirmed to appear the Levellers festival Beautiful Days
Beautiful Days
Beautiful Days is a South Korean television drama series broadcast by SBS in 2001. It stars Lee Byung-hun and Choi Ji-woo.- Synopsis :...
, Bestival
Bestival
Bestival is a four-day music festival held at the Robin Hill country park on the Isle of Wight, England. It has been held annually in late summer since 2004. The event is organized by DJ and record producer Rob da Bank and is an off-shoot of his Sunday Best record label and club nights. The initial...
V Festival
V Festival
The V Festival is an annual music festival held in England during the penultimate weekend in August. The event is held at two parks simultaneously which share the same bill; artists perform at one location on Saturday and then swap on Sunday. The sites are located at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and...
, and Fuji Rock Festival
Fuji Rock Festival
Fuji Rock Festival is an annual rock festival held in Naeba Ski Resort, in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The 3 day event, organized by Smash Japan, features more than 200 Japanese and international musicians, making it the largest outdoor music event in Japan...
.
Personnel
Big Audio Dynamite (1984–1990, 2011–present)- Mick JonesMick Jones (The Clash)Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
– vocals and guitar - Don LettsDon LettsDon Letts is a British film director and musician. He is credited as the man who through his DJing at clubs like The Roxy brought together punk and reggae music.-Biography:...
– sound effects and vocals - Dan DonovanDan Donovan (keyboardist)For other people with this name, see Dan Donovan.Daniel "Dan" Donovan is a British keyboardist probably best known for being a member of Big Audio Dynamite. Following a brief stint in 1990 with The Sisters of Mercy he became a founding member of Dreadzone...
– keyboards - Leo Williams – bass
- Greg RobertsGreg Roberts (musician)Greg Roberts is a British rock drummer. He was part of Big Audio Dynamite, who had a No. 11 UK hit single with 'E=MC2', from 1984–1989....
– drums and background vocals
Big Audio Dynamite II (1990–1993)
- Mick JonesMick Jones (The Clash)Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
– vocals and guitar - Nick HawkinsNick Hawkins (musician)Nick Hawkins was a guitarist with Big Audio Dynamite II.Hawkins, who was born in Luton, England, joined Big Audio Dynamite II in 1990, and went on to receive gold and platinum awards with the band for their hit singles, "Rush" and "The Globe". He left the band in 1997, but continued to write and...
– guitar and background vocals - Gary StonadgeGary StonadgeGary Stonadge is a British bass guitarist and DJ. He started playing in Mick Jones' band Big Audio Dynamite in 1989 when he changed the previous lineup completely and renamed it Big Audio Dynamite II. He left the band in 1995 after recording 5 albums with them. Since then he focused more on DJ'ing,...
– bass and background vocals - Chris KavanaghChris KavanaghChris Kavanagh is an English drummer, best known for playing in Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Big Audio Dynamite II....
– drums and background vocals
Big Audio (1994–1995)
- Mick JonesMick Jones (The Clash)Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
– vocals and guitar - Nick HawkinsNick Hawkins (musician)Nick Hawkins was a guitarist with Big Audio Dynamite II.Hawkins, who was born in Luton, England, joined Big Audio Dynamite II in 1990, and went on to receive gold and platinum awards with the band for their hit singles, "Rush" and "The Globe". He left the band in 1997, but continued to write and...
– guitar and background vocals - Gary StonadgeGary StonadgeGary Stonadge is a British bass guitarist and DJ. He started playing in Mick Jones' band Big Audio Dynamite in 1989 when he changed the previous lineup completely and renamed it Big Audio Dynamite II. He left the band in 1995 after recording 5 albums with them. Since then he focused more on DJ'ing,...
– bass and background vocals - Chris KavanaghChris KavanaghChris Kavanagh is an English drummer, best known for playing in Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Big Audio Dynamite II....
– drums and background vocals - Andre Shapps – keyboards
- Michael 'Zonka' Custance – DJ, percussion and background vocals
Big Audio Dynamite (1996–1998)
- Mick JonesMick Jones (The Clash)Michael Geoffrey "Mick" Jones is the former lead guitarist, secondary vocalist and co-founder for the British punk rock band The Clash until his dismissal in 1983. He went on to form the band Big Audio Dynamite with Don Letts before line-up changes led to the formation of Big Audio Dynamite II and...
– vocals and guitar - Nick HawkinsNick Hawkins (musician)Nick Hawkins was a guitarist with Big Audio Dynamite II.Hawkins, who was born in Luton, England, joined Big Audio Dynamite II in 1990, and went on to receive gold and platinum awards with the band for their hit singles, "Rush" and "The Globe". He left the band in 1997, but continued to write and...
– guitar - Andre Shapps – keyboards
- Michael 'Zonka' Custance – Dj
- Darryl Fulstow – bass
- Bob Wond – drums
- Joe Attard – Mc vocals
- Ranking RogerRanking RogerRanking Roger is an English musician. He was a vocalist in the 1980s two-tone band, The Beat and General Public...
– vocals
Studio albums
| Year | Album information | Chart positions | Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (sales thresholds) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK |
AUS ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
NZ Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
|||
| 1985 | This is Big Audio Dynamite This Is Big Audio Dynamite -Personnel:* Mick Jones - vocals, guitar* Don Letts - sound effects, vocals* Dan Donovan - keyboards, photos* Leo Williams - bass, vocals* Greg Roberts - drums, vocals-Samples used on the album:Medicine Show... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite')
|
27 | – | 8 | 103 |
British Phonographic Industry The British Phonographic Industry is the British record industry's trade association.-Structure:Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four "major" record companies , associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of independent music companies... : Gold |
| 1986 | No. 10, Upping St. No. 10, Upping St. - Notes :* "Dial A Hitman" contains a spoken-word outro featuring Matt Dillon and Laurence Fishburne* "C'mon Every Beatbox" was remixed and released in the USA as "Badrock City"* "C'mon Every Beatbox", "V... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite') |
11 | – | 23 | 135 |
|
| 1988 | Tighten Up Vol. 88 (as 'Big Audio Dynamite')
|
33 | – | – | 102 | |
| 1989 | Megatop Phoenix Megatop Phoenix - Samples :The album makes copious use of sampling from various musical and other sources. Many of the tracks listed are created mainly from samples... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite') |
26 | – | – | 85 | |
| 1990 | Kool-Aid Kool-Aid (album) -Personnel:* Some bloke. * Some other bloke. * Some other other bloke. * Some other other other bloke.... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite II') Columbia Records Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company... (limited release) |
55 | – | – | – | |
| 1991 | The Globe The Globe (album) -Big Audio Dynamite II:* Mick Jones – lead vocals, guitar* Nick Hawkins – guitar, backing vocals* Gary Stonadge – bass, backing vocals* Chris Kavanagh – drums, percussion, backing vocals-Additional personnel:* Gobblebox – vocals on 4... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite II') |
61 | 10 | 16 | 76 |
|
| 1994 | Higher Power Higher Power (album) -Personnel:* Mick Jones - guitar, vocals, producer* Nick Hawkins - vocals, guitar, engineer* Andre Shapps - keyboards, producer, engineer* Gary Stonadge - bass, vocals* Chris Kavanagh - drums, vocals* Mickey Custance - DJ, vocals* Ranking Roger - vocals... (as 'Big Audio') |
– | – | – | – | |
| 1995 | F-Punk F-Punk F-Punk is a studio album by Mick Jones' post-Clash band Big Audio Dynamite. This was the first album to be released under the name of Big Audio Dynamite since 1989's Megatop Phoenix... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite') Radioactive Records Radioactive Records was an American record label. It was formed as a joint venture between talent manager Gary Kurfirst and MCA Records, and it is now out of business.... |
– | – | – | – | |
| 1997 | Entering a New Ride Entering a New Ride Entering a New Ride is a downloadable album by Big Audio Dynamite, led by former Clash band member Mick Jones. After disagreement with their record label Radioactive Records they left it and released all the songs on their official site for free... (as 'Big Audio Dynamite') |
– | – | – | – | |
Live albums
- Ally Pally ParadisoAlly Pally ParadisoAlly Pally Paradiso is a live promo only album by Big Audio Dynamite II released in 1991. It formed part of the limited edition version of The Globe album and was also available by sending in a sticker included in the regular version of The Globe to the NME music magazine...
(CBS/Columbia, 1991) (as 'Big Audio Dynamite II')
Compilation albums
| Year | Album information |
|---|---|
| 1993 | The Lost Treasure of Big Audio Dynamite I & II
|
| 1994 | Looking for a Song Looking for a Song Looking for a Song is a 2CD promo only compilation album by Big Audio Dynamite released in the US in 1994. It comprises Greatest Hits - The Radio Edits and Looking for a Song EP and was issued under the shortened band name Big Audio.... (promo) |
| 1995 | Planet B.A.D. Planet B.A.D. Planet B.A.D. is a compilation album by Big Audio Dynamite. The album was released 12 September 1995.The compilation highlighted singles from all four major incarnations of BAD. Almost all versions of the songs included are single versions... |
| 1999 | Super Hits Super Hits (Big Audio Dynamite album) Super Hits is a compilation album by Big Audio Dynamite. The album was released on 4 May 1999.-Track listing:#"The Bottom Line" - 3:46#"C'mon Every Beatbox" - 4:32#"Rush" 3:11... |
| 2000 | Big Audio Dynamite I & II Big Audio Dynamite I & II Big Audio Dynamite I & II is a compilation album by Big Audio Dynamite released in 2000 on the Sony Music Special Products label. It comprises tracks from the albums This is Big Audio Dynamite, No. 10, Upping St., Tighten Up Vol. 88, Megatop Phoenix and The Globe.-Track listing:#"C'Mon Every... Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment ' is the second-largest global recorded music company of the "big four" record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japan's Sony Corporation.... |
| 2008 | Original Album Classics
Legacy Recordings Legacy Recordings is Sony Music Entertainment's catalog division. It was founded in 1990 by CBS Records under the leadership of Jerry Shulman, Richard Bauer, Gary Pacheco and Amy Herot to handle reissues of recordings from the vast catalogues of Columbia Records, Epic Records and associated... |
| 2009 | The Best of Big Audio Dynamite The Best of Big Audio Dynamite The Best of Big Audio Dynamite is a budget compilation album by Big Audio Dynamite released in 2009 on the Camden record label. It comprises the majority of their singles together with selected album tracks, although nothing is included from either F-Punk or Entering a New Ride.-Track... |
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
AUS ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
IRL Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... |
NZ Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
US Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... |
|||||
| Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Club Play Hot Dance Club Play The Hot Dance Club Songs chart is a weekly national survey of the songs that are most popular in U.S. dance clubs... |
Modern Rock | |||||||
| 1985 | "The Bottom Line" | 97 | 34 | – | 38 | – | 33 | – | This Is Big Audio Dynamite |
| 1986 | "E=MC² E=MC² (song) "E=MC2" is a 1985 single by Big Audio Dynamite, released as the second single from their debut album This is Big Audio Dynamite. The song was the group's first Top 40 hit on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at #11. Additionally, it peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the... " |
11 | 47 | 11 | 18 | – | 37 | – | |
| "Medicine Show" | 29 | – | – | – | – | 42 | – | ||
| "C'Mon Every Beatbox" | 51 | – | – | – | – | 19 | – | No 10, Upping Street | |
| 1987 | "V. Thirteen" | 49 | – | – | – | – | 15 | – | |
| "Sightsee M.C.!" | 94 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1988 | "Just Play Music! Just Play Music! "Just Play Music!" is a song by English band Big Audio Dynamite in 1988 as the first single from their third studio album Tighten Up, Vol. 88.In the US, it was the second song to top Billboard's then-new Modern Rock songs chart.-Track listing:... " |
51 | – | – | 49 | – | 45 | 1 | Tighten Up, Vol. 88 |
| "Other 99" | 81 | – | – | – | – | – | 13 | ||
| 1989 | "James Brown James Brown (song) James Brown is a 1989 single by Big Audio Dynamite on their album Megatop Phoenix that came #2 on the Billboard US Modern Rock charts.... " |
– | – | – | – | – | 19 | 2 | Megatop Phoenix |
| "Contact" | 86 | – | – | – | – | 18 | 6 | ||
| 1990 | "Free" | – | – | – | – | – | 47 | 22 | Flashback OST |
| 1991 | "Rush" | – | 1 | – | 1 | 32 | 36 | 1 | The Globe |
| "The Globe The Globe (song) "The Globe" is a song by Alternative dance group Big Audio Dynamite II. It was released as a single in the US and is taken from their album The Globe... " |
– | 8 | – | 10 | 72 | 28 | 3 | ||
| 1992 | "Innocent Child" | – | 67 | – | – | – | – | – | |
| On the Road Live '92 On the Road Live '92 On The Road Live '92 is a live extended play by Big Audio Dynamite II released in the US only in 1992.-Track listing:#"Kool-Aid" - 4:40 #"Can't Wait" - 5:02 #"Innocent Child" - 2:29 #"Contact" - 6:21 #"Rush" - 5:10... |
– | – | – | – | – | – | – | — | |
| 1994 | "Looking for a Song" | 68 |
– | – | – | – | – | 24 | Higher Power |
| 1995 | "I Turned Out a Punk" | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | F-Punk |
| 1998 | "Sunday Best" | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Entering a New Ride |
Contributions
- Flashback (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (WTG Records, 1990) - "Free" (UK #98, US #86)
Other information
- Mick Jones was noted for playing a high-tech British-made guitar called the Bond ElectraglideBond ElectraglideThe Bond Electraglide was a carbon fiber electric guitar manufactured by Bond Guitars between 1984 and 1985. It resembled a matte-black, 3-pickup Gibson Melody Maker , with a unique stepped aluminum fingerboard instead of traditional frets...
with BAD. It's worn by Mick Jones on the cover of No. 10 Upping St. - During the 1980s, "The Bottom Line" was used as the music for the opening credits to "Sports Sunday", a weekly sports magazine TV show shown on the Nine Network, an Australian television station.
- During the 1980s, "The Bottom Line" was also used as the music for the opening credits to the weekly American Football highlights show on UK Channel 4.
- Shawn StussyStussyStussy, or Stüssy , is a clothing brand and private company started in the early 1980s by Shawn Stussy. The company is one of many that benefited from the surfwear trend originating in Orange County, California, United States but has largely been adopted by the streetwear and hip-hop...
was responsible for the album artwork and design for The Globe
See also
- DreadzoneDreadzoneDreadzone are a British band whose music is an eclectic fusion of dub, reggae, techno, folk and rock. They have so far produced six studio albums and two live albums.-Career:...
- Sigue Sigue SputnikSigue Sigue SputnikSigue Sigue Sputnik were a British new wave band created in 1982 by the former Generation X bassist Tony James. The band had three UK Top 40 hit singles, including the song "Love Missile F1-11".-Early years:...
(featuring Chris Kavanagh from BAD II and Jones' partner in Carbon/Silicon Tony JamesTony JamesTony James is a British musician, best known as a bassist of Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik.- Career :He was originally a member of the punk band London SS, along with Brian James, , and Mick Jones plus Terry Chimes .Later, James joined the early punk band Chelsea...
)
External links
- Official site
- Unofficial site
- Interview with the original lineup of Big Audio Dynamite after the release of Megatop Phoenix ([ftp://ftp.2600.org/pub/oth/1989/bad-interview.mp3 FTP])
- www.theclash.org.uk visual website