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Personalities | The Stranglers | Seventies | Rock

(Vocal/instrumental group, 1974–present)

Formed in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey, The Stranglers were relatively experienced musicians when they broke through at the same time as punk in 1977. Comprising Hugh Cornwell (guitar, vocals), Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass, vocals), Dave Greenfield (keyboards) and Jet Black (drums), the band’s early sound was notable for The Doors-like keyboards and grumbling bass. The Stranglers’ two 1977 albums Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes made them new wave’s best-selling band. Black And White (1978) and The Raven (1979) kept their profile high.

A more experimental direction was forged with 1981’s Gospel According To The Meninblack whilst La Folie (1982) yielded the band’s biggest hit, ‘Golden Brown’. After 10 albums, Cornwell quit for a solo career in 1990. The Stranglers remain popular on the live circuit with Paul Roberts (vocalist, left 2006) and John Ellis (guitar), who was replaced by Baz Warne (now also lead vocalist) in 2000.

Source: The Definitive Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, general editor Michael Heatley

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