Formed in 1977, North London band, The Inmates, soon established themselves as one of London's most popular live groups. Enthusiastic media coverage brought them to the attention of Andrew Lauder at Radar Records. A lean, able company working with artists like Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, was the ideal home for the group. Contracts were signed and work began on the 'First Offence' album. Top producer, Vic Maile, was given the job of capturing the band's unique sound on vinyl. This was to be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship, with Vic producing a further five albums with the band ('Shot in the Dark', 'True Live Stories', 'Five', 'Meet the Beatles - Live in Paris' and 'Fast Forward').

Capitalising on chart success throughout Europe and North America, the early 80's saw the band confirm their international status. 1983 would bring major changes in the band's career. The take-over of Radar by WEA, together with the departure of Jim Russell and vocalist Bill Hurley (through illness), saw the remaining Inmates close ranks. Old friend, Barrie Masters (Eddie and The Hot Rods), stepped in on vocals and a deal was struck with EVA Records in France to relaunch the group. The partnership would see the release of two highly regarded albums. (Now available as a double CD on Revenge Records).

In 1985 Barrie departed to reform The Hot Rods. Bill Hurley, fresh from success with his solo album 'Double Agent', returned to his old position, centre stage. The band's French connection continued with a collaboration between The Inmates and the French daily newspaper, Libération, to record a special live concert of Lennon/McCartney songs in Paris as part of the Sgt. Pepper 25th anniversary.

Entering the 1990's, the band added to their already extensive repertoire of songs, with the recording of the powerful 'Inside Out' album for New Rose. This new phase of the band's development was taken a stage further with the 'Wanted' album, produced in London by respected producer, Pat Collier, in 1993.

The tenth album 'On the Run', again produced by Pat Collier, released in January 1997 on Last Call Records, confirms The Inmates power, range and progression through the years providing a fitting testament for the 20th anniversary of the band.

THE INMATES are :

Bill Hurley Vocals
Peter Gunn Guitar
Tony Oliver Guitar
Mark Duncan Bass
Eddie Edwards Drums

DISCOGRAPHY :

ALBUM TITLE PRODUCER LABEL YEAR

First Offence Vic Maile Radar 1979
Shot In The Dark Vic Maile Radar 1980
Heatwave In Alaska Stuart Coleman WEA 1981
True Live Stories Vic Maile EVA 1984
Five Vic Maile EVA 1984
Meet The Beatles Vic Maile MFS 1987
Fast Forward Vic Maile Sonet 1989
Inside Out Richard Lightman New Rose 1991
Wanted Pat Collier New Rose 1993
Silverio - Run Pat Collier Last Call 1997
In the Heat of the Night Last Call 1999

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