The Adverts

Biography

The Adverts first came to prominence in 1976 at the celebrated London punk venue the Roxy CluFronted by vocalist Tim TV Smith and Gaye Advert (b. Gaye Atlas, 29 August 1956, England; vocals, bass), the line-up was completed by Howard Pickup (b. Howard Boak, 1951, d. 1997; guitar) and Laurie Driver (drums). Damned guitarist Brian James was so impressed by their performance that he offered them a support slot, as well as introducing them to the new wave label Stiff Records. On tour they were initially promoted with the witty poster: ‘The Adverts can play one chord, the Damned can play three. Come and see all four at...’ Their debut single, the self-effacingly titled ‘One Chord Wonders’, was well received, but it was their second outing that attracted controversy and chart fame. ‘Gary Gilmore’s Eyes’, a song based on the death-row criminal who had requested permission to donate his eyes to science, was a macabre but euphoric slice of...

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