Influenced by bands such as Buzzcocks, Joy Division, Gang of Four, and The Fall, The Wedding Present formed in 1985 in Leeds, England. With singer/songwriter David Gedge as the only consistent member throughout the group's history, the band initially also included guitarist Peter Solowka, bassist Keith Gregory, and drummer Shaun Charman. The band was affectionately known by fans as the Weddoes.
Early in their career, the group was championed by influential DJ John Peel, for whom The Wedding Present performed their first radio show in February 1986. The following year, their first album, George Best, was released. In 1988, the compilation album Tommy was released, featuring their first singles, covers, and radio performances.
Subsequently, Shaun Charman left the band and was replaced by Simon Smith. In 1989, the group released the album Bizarro, which featured the single "Brassneck," produced by Steve Albini. Albini also produced the following album, Seamonsters (1991). During this period, Solowka left The Wedding Present, leaving the position for guitarist Paul Dorrington.
After Keith Gregory's departure, David Gedge remained the band's only original member. And in 1994, with a new bassist, Darren Belk, the group released the album Watusi. Two years later, in 1996, the album Saturnalia was released.
In 1997, Gedge took a hiatus from The Wedding Present and began working on the project Cinerama, a band that also featured his then-girlfriend Sally Murrell.
Gedge returned with the revamped The Wedding Present in 2004, releasing their sixth studio album, Take Fountain. In 2008, their seventh, El Rey, was released. And in 2012, Valentina was released. The band returned with a new album in 2016, when they released Going, Going....
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