Catherine Wheel (band)

History

Catherine Wheel formed in 1990 with singer-guitarist Rob Dickinson, guitarist Brian Futter, bassist Dave Hawes, and drummer Neil Sims. Hawes had previously played in a Joy Division-influenced band called Eternal. The band's name came from the firework known as the Catherine wheel, which itself derived from a medieval torture device. They were sometimes grouped with the shoegazing scene, known for guitar feedback, droning noise, and extensive use of effects pedals.

While still unsigned, the band performed a Peel session in early 1991 and released two 12" vinyl EPs on Norwich-based Wilde Club Records, named after weekly gigs run by Barry Newman at Norwich Arts Centre. After being courted by Creation Records and Brian Eno's Opal Records, they signed to Fontana Records. Their debut album Ferment (1991/92) made an immediate impression on the music press and included their second-biggest US hit "Black Metallic" and the moderate hit "I Want to Touch You".

The album featured re-recorded versions of songs from the Wilde Club EPs. The single "Waydown" and its plane-crash themed video received heavy US play. Britpop's rise in the UK meant Catherine Wheel continued to have greater success abroad than at home.

Did You Know?

• Futter and Sims have an ongoing project called 50 ft Monster.
• Dickinson released a solo album in 2005 called Fresh Wine for the Horses.