Die Laughing are an English goth band formed in 1986 by John Berry.
Die Laughing are mainly remembered for their input to the 1990s goth scene with the classic lineup of Rachel Iden (formerly Rachel Speight) (vocals), John Berry (guitar) and Ian Holman (guitar). Between 1992 and 1999 this line-up went on to release several albums and headline major venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe.
Mick Mercer said in his book Hex Files: The Gothic Bible what they have "which virtually every other UK act lacks, is this knowledge of melody and how to twist things into delightful forms". They were notable from their contemporaries because of the way they combined driving female vocals with hard edged gothic rock, a style typically dominated by male vocalists. Their unique and influential sound would lead them to become one of Britain's most popular gothic ethereal bands in the 1990s.
History
1986 to 1992
Die Laughing's roots go back into the mid 1980s when the band was formed in Nottingham, UK by John Berry and vocalist Alison uTurner. The name Die Laughing was chosen after Alison became hysterical with laughter during rehearsal. This line up was completed by bassist Stuart 'Rock God' Salt and Drummer Ian Fletcher, The band played a number of live shows with this original line up and recorded Two Demos - Insomnia (originally recorded for a 3 Track Single) & Wake, The title track "Wake" was Also re-recorded at Hemingbrough Hall Studios and featured on the rare compilation album "Underground Resistance" Shortly After this Ian Fletcher left and Was Replaced By Ricki 'baby face' Martin, The band split in 1988 after the release of their final 4 track demo "Of Hearts & Tears" when Alison left the band. Auditions were held but a new vocalist was not found and the band remained in hiatus until 1992.
1992 to 1994
In 1992, Berry met vocalist Rachel Iden and the second incarnation of Die Laughing was born. The pair began writing new tracks and further band members Dave Shiner and Ruth Tyson were recruited alongside a drummer to complete the live line up. The band recorded their first demo Poems of Your Life at Cage Studios in Sheffield which saw the group record four tracks from the first incarnation of the band. After purchasing a drum machine (Dr Duck), the band played their first live show on 12 February 1993, at The Narrow Boat venue in Nottingham.
The band's second demo Love Amongst The Ruins was recorded in March 1993. Extended touring around the UK during the summer of 1994 with Children On Stun followed, with the band making the decision to enhance the live sound with the addition of second guitarist, Ian Holman. Ian was felt by the band to complement the songwriting dynamic and joined as a permanent member later the same year. October 1994 saw the release of the three track Shadows & Silhouettes demo on cassette which was engineered by Matt Howden (Sieben).
1995 to 1997
Ian made his recording debut with Die Laughing on the band's final visit to Cage Studios in 1995 after the band had been approached by independent London label Grave News Ltd and Gothic Rock's Mick Mercer. Following critical acclaim within the genre media, and growing popularity on the live music circuit, the band recorded two new songs which appeared on two important and notable gothic rock compilations, "Harlequin" for the "Dreams in the Witch House" compilation (Grave News), and "Safe Little World" for Mick Mercer's Gothic Rock Volume 2: 80's into 90's compilation (Jungle Records), both released in 1995. During this time they were interviewed by the BBC World Service for their views on the goth music scene whilst playing a live show at The Marquee, London.
Die Laughing were now gaining worldwide fans and publicity, with the track "Nemesis" receiving regular club play in the goth venues of New York. The band was signed by Grave News 1995 and released a seven-track mini-album Glamour & Suicide which was notable in the fact that it sold out on pre-orders prior to release. The band chose to record the album at Purple Studios in Great Yarmouth which was owned and run by Richard Hammerton the vocalist of indie band Stare. Shortly after the album had been recorded it was announced that live keyboard player Ruth, and then a few months later bassist Dave, were both to leave the band due to work commitments.