Song:Airport
Album:101 70s Rock Anthems
The Motors were an early example of what became New Wave music. Airport was a top five hit in England in 1978. They split up soon after that. Lead singer Nick Garvey and bassist Andy McMaster were in the popular band Ducks Deluxe. They left in 1975 and Garvey formed The Snakes with drummer Ricky Slaughter (born Richard Wernham) and Robert Gotobed. They released one single and Gotobed left to form The Wire. McMaster replaced him and The Motors was the new group name. They added guitarist Bram Tchaikovsky (born Peter Bramall). The key development was McMaster started messing around with synthesizers. And that distinguished The Motors from punk bands or even a pub rock group like Ducks Deluxe. With the help of legendary BBC DJ John Peel, The Motors signed with Virgin Records. Airport is from the 1978 album Approved By The Motors. This was their second album. It reached #4 on the British Singles chart and it got US airplay too. It's a memorable song but I don't think most fans remember who recorded it. Unfortunately Tchaikovsky left soon after that to start his own band. He scored a top 40 US hit in 1979 with Girl Of My Dreams. Garvey and McMaster brought in bassist Martin Ace and drummer Terry Williams from the group Man. After the 1980 album Tenement Steps was unsuccessful, The Motors split up for good. There is a Motors comp CD available. But I think most fans will only want Airport and you can get it on this 5CD various artists budget comp. Garvey released a solo album in 1982. McMaster had success as a songwriter before The Motors and he returned to that after the split. I guess The Motors are now forgotten pioneers of New Wave. But Airport is certainly a memorable song. Here's the video for Airport by The Motors.
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