Cardiacs performing in 1987, 1998 and 2005.

Cardiacs are an English rock band hailing from Kingston upon Thames, Surrey.[1] The band was formed by frontman Tim Smith with his brother bassist Jim Smith, vocalist Michael Pugh and drummer Peter Tagg in 1977.[2][3] Since its inception, more than a dozen members have cycled through the group, contributing keyboards, percussion, vocals and woodwind.[2] The Smith brothers were the only constant members in Cardiacs' regularly changing line-up.[4]

History

After playing his first gig as Gazunder, Tim Smith formed Cardiacs under the name Cardiac Arrest,[5][a] and released their debut single "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" in 1979.[8] It was recorded by the band's first full lineup, including keyboardist Colvin "Max" Mayers and saxophonist Ralph Cade.[9][7] The same year, Tagg was replaced by Mark Cawthra and went on to form the Trudy with Cade.[10] Cardiac Arrest's reputation was kickstarted with two cassette-only albums — The Obvious Identity (1980) and Toy World (1981) — and they adopted the name Cardiacs on the second.[11][5] During this time, Mayers left and later joined the Sound.[12] Cade was replaced by Sarah Cutts in 1981 on keyboards and saxophone,[13] who married Tim Smith three years later.[8] By 1983, the band had reached a semi-stable lineup with percussionist and keyboardist Tim Quy, keyboardist William D. Drake and drummer Dominic Luckman.[11] For a short time, Cardiacs were an eight-piece with the employment of guitarist Graham Simmonds and saxophonist Marguerite Johnston,[7] who featured on the cassette album The Seaside (1984) released by their own label the Alphabet Business Concern.[14]

The six-piece lineup toured extensively alongside Alphabet label representatives the Consultant and Miss Swift.[15] Shortly after releasing On Land and in the Sea (1989), Cardiacs were joined by guitarist Christian "Bic" Hayes the same year.[16] Hayes appeared on the video and subsequent live album All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1992; 1995), which was also their last performance with Quy.[7] Drake and Sarah Smith also left the group, continuing to guest on future albums, and Hayes was replaced by guitarist and keyboardist Jon Poole in 1991.[17][18] By 1992, the band had slimmed to a four-piece for Heaven Born and Ever Bright, displaying a new metal-leaning sound.[19] Mayers died due to complications with AIDS in 1993.[20] Luckman was replaced by drummer Bob "Babba" Leith the same year, giving Cardiacs their second "classic" lineup on Sing to God (1996).[21][22] The lineup continued on Guns (1999) with assistance from session musicians.[23]

Poole subsequently left Cardiacs to join the Wildhearts as a bassist after playing in Silver Ginger 5.[24] He was replaced by guitar tech, Kavus Torabi in 2003 who played on the two volume live album The Special Garage Concerts (2005).[15][25] Between 2004 and 2008, Cardiacs expanded their lineup to include vocalists Claire Lemmon and Melanie Woods of Sidi Bou Said and Sharron Fortnam of the North Sea Radio Orchestra, as well as percussionists Cathy Harabaras and Dawn Staple.[26][27] The collective released the single "Ditzy Scene" in 2007,[4] teasing an upcoming double album called LSD which was due to be released in October 2008.[17][28] Cardiacs stopped touring the same year,[29] and the band's lineup comprised Tim Smith, Jim Smith, Bob Leith, Kavus Torabi, Melanie Woods and Cathy Harabaras until the 2008 hospitalisation of Tim Smith resulted in an indefinite hiatus.[30][31] On 22 July 2020, it was confirmed by Torabi that Smith had died of a heart attack the previous night.[5][3] Former percussionist Tim Quy died on 2 February 2023 after a lengthy battle with several health problems.[32]

Members

Last active line-up

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Cardiacs bull and gate-23dec 05 (76549988).jpg
 Tim Smith
("Philip Pilf") 		1977–2008
(died 2020)
  • lead vocals
  • guitar
  • keyboards[18]
 all releases
Garage steve jim1.jpg
 Jim Smith
("Patty Pilf") 		1977–2008
  • bass
  • vocals
Cardiacs band photo 1.jpg
 Bob "Babba" Leith 1993–2008
  • drums
  • occasional vocals
 all releases from Sing to God (1996)
Kavus and Bill (76548962).jpg
 Kavus Torabi 2003–2008
  • guitar
  • vocals
קארדיאקס.jpg
 Cathy Harabaras 2004–2008 percussion LSD (TBA)
Knifeworld_-_City_Hall_-_Tramlines_2015_-_20012184352.jpg
 Melanie Woods vocals
Quoted names in brackets denote aliases used on early recordings as Cardiac Arrest.[7]

Former

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Michael Pugh
("Peter Boker") 		1977–1980 lead vocals
Peter Tagg
("Richard Targett") 		1977–1979 drums "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" (1979)
Colvin "Max" Mayers
("Duncan Doilet", "Max Cat", "Button Poppet") 		1978–1981
(died 1993)
  • keyboards
  • vocals
 all releases from "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" (1979) to Toy World (1981)
Ralph Cade[b]
("Raphel Cadd") 		1978–1979 saxophone "A Bus for a Bus on the Bus" (1979)
Mark Cawthra
("Little Bobby Shattocks")
  • 1979–1983
  • drums (1979–1981)
  • keyboards (1981–1983)
  • vocals
Cardiacs live in Amsterdam 1987 4.jpg
 Sarah Smith
(née Cutts, now Jones)[34] 		1980–1989
(touring and studio guest 1989–2007)
  • saxophone
  • vocals
  • occasional keyboards
  • all releases from Toy World (1981) to On Land and in the Sea (1989)
  • Songs for Ships and Irons (1991) – previously unreleased track "Everything is Easy"
  • Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992) – guest appearance on six tracks
  • All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1995)
  • Sing to God (1996) – guest appearance
  • Guns (1999) – guest appearance on two tracks
  • Greatest Hits (2002) – previously unreleased track "Faster Than Snakes with a Ball and a Chain"
Cardiacs live at Reading Rock Festival 1986 4.jpg
 Tim Quy 1981–1990
(substitute bass 1980–1981) (died 2023)
  • percussion
  • keyboards
Cardiacs live at Reading Rock Festival 1986 6.jpg
 Dominic Luckman 1982–1993
  • drums
  • occasional vocals
  • Toy World (1981) – lighting credits only
  • all releases from The Seaside (1984) to All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1995)
Daylight Music 17th October 2015- William D Drake.jpg
 William D. Drake 1983–1990[c]
  • keyboards
  • vocals
  • all releases from The Seaside (1984) to On Land and in the Sea (1989)
  • Songs for Ships and Irons (1991) – previously unreleased track "Everything is Easy"
  • Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992) – appears on one track
  • All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1995)
Graham Simmonds 1983–1984 guitar
  • The Seaside (1984)
  • all releases from Seaside Treats (1985) to On Land and in the Sea (1989) – production credits only
Marguerite Johnston[d] saxophone
  • The Seaside (1984)
  • Seaside Treats (1985)
Christian Hayes.jpg
 Christian "Bic" Hayes 1989–1991
  • guitar
  • vocals
  • Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992)
  • All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (1995)
Lifesigns live at Brickmakers 2, Norwich - 49662924023.jpg
 Jon Poole 1991–2003
  • guitar
  • keyboards
  • vocals
  • Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992)
  • Sampler (1995) – previously unreleased track "Angleworm the Angel"
  • Sing to God (1996)
  • Guns (1999)
  • Greatest Hits (2002) – previously unreleased track "Faster Than Snakes with a Ball and a Chain"
DM 238 - North Sea Radio Orchestra - 30652209870.jpg
 Sharron Fortnam
(née Saddington) 		2004–2008 vocals
  • Guns (1999) – guest appearance on four tracks
קארדיאקס.jpg
 Claire Lemmon
  • Sing to God (1996) – appears on one track
  • LSD (TBA)
קארדיאקס.jpg
 Dawn Staple percussion
  • Sing to God (1996) – songwriting credits only
  • LSD (TBA)
Quoted names in brackets denote aliases used on early recordings as Cardiac Arrest.[7]

Honorary

Some members of the Cardiacs crew are listed on the album liner notes of Greatest Hits (2002) alongside the other band members.[33]

Image Name Role Release contributions
Mr Hiles
(Bill Hiles) 		Ordinary Shop Girl[30]
Cardiacs live at Oxford Festival 1986 4.jpg
 The Consultant
(James Stevens)[36]
  • Seaside Treats (1984) – video appearance
  • Big Ship (1987) – artwork and management credits only
  • "There's Too Many Irons in the Fire" (1987) – management credits only
  • A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988) – guest appearance
  • Cardiacs Live (1988) – artwork credits only
  • Archive Cardiacs (1989) – production credits only
Cardiacs live at Reading Rock Festival 1986 2.jpg
 Miss Swift
(Wendy Swift) 		label representative
  • Seaside Treats (1984) – video appearance
  • A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988) – guest appearance
  • Archive Cardiacs (1989) – production credits only

Session

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Tim Hills 1984 trombone
Mike Peters trumpet
Nick Pell
Lanze Lorrens
  • trumpet
  • vocals
Wendy Collins vocals on "A Little Man and a House"
Ashley Slater 1988 trombones A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window (1988)
Phil Cesar
Elain Herman violins
Mr Walmesley
(Mark Walmsley)[37] 		vocals
Natalie Box 1996 violins Sing to God (1996)
Jane Kyprianidis scissors
Mark Barratt trumpets
Chris Brierly
  • 1996
  • 1999
 string quartet
  • Sing to God (1996)
  • Guns (1999)
Catherine Morgan
Mark Pharaoh
Robert Woollard
David Murder 1996 orchestral arrangements on "Fiery Gun Hand" and "Wireless"
  • Sing to God (1996)
  • All That Glitters Is a Maresnest (1992) – technical credits only
  • Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1992) – technical credits only
  • On Land and in the Sea (1995 reissue) – technical credits only
Joanne Spratley 1999 vocals on "Sleep All Eyes Open" and "Come Back Clammy Lammy" Guns (1999)
Rob Deschamps
Suzanne Kirby 2007 vocals
  • "Ditzy Scene" (2007)
  • Some Fairytales from the Rotten Shed (2017) – management credits and video appearance
  • "Vermin Mangle" (2020)

Touring

Image Name Years active Instruments Notes
Jon Bastable 1983 (substitute) bass Bastable filled in for Jim Smith when neither he nor Tim Quy could make it to a gig.[7] A noted gig was at the Kingston Grove Tavern on 13 July 1983.[21]
Stuffy - 6997538476.jpg
 Stephen Gilchrist 2004 (substitute) drums Gilchrist filled in for Bob Leith at a show supporting the Wildhearts on 8 December 2004.[30][21]

Timeline

Lineups

Period Members Releases
Late 1977 – 1978 none
1978
(The Filth)
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass
  • Michael Pugh – vocals
  • Colvin Mayers – keyboards
  • Peter Tagg – drums
  • Ralph Cade – saxophone
1978 – 1979
(Cardiac Arrest)
July 1979 – June 1980
(Cardiac Arrest)
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass
  • Michael Pugh – vocals
  • Colvin Mayers – keyboards
  • Mark Cawthra – drums
c. June 1980 – March 1981
  • Tim Smith – guitar, keyboards, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Colvin Mayers – keyboards
  • Sarah Cutts – keyboards, saxophone, vocals
  • Mark Cawthra – drums, vocals
c. March 1981 – 30 August 1983
  • Tim Smith – guitar, keyboards, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Sarah Cutts – keyboards, saxophone, vocals
  • Mark Cawthra – drums, vocals
 none
31 August 1983 – 10 July 1984
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Graham Simmonds – guitar
  • Sarah Smith – saxophone
  • Marguerite Johnston – saxophone
  • William D. Drake – keyboards
  • Tim Quy – percussion
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
11 July 1984 – 13 August 1984
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Sarah Smith – saxophone
  • Marguerite Johnston – saxophone
  • William D. Drake – keyboards
  • Tim Quy – percussion
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
 none
14 August 1984 – 11 February 1989
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Sarah Smith – saxophone, vocals
  • William D. Drake – keyboards, vocals
  • Tim Quy – percussion, keyboards
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
1989 – 30 June 1990
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Christian Hayes – guitar, vocals
  • William D. Drake – keyboards, vocals
  • Tim Quy – percussion, keyboards
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
31 June 1990 – 16 May 1991
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Christian Hayes – guitar, vocals
  • William D. Drake – keyboards, vocals
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
 none
c. 17 May 1991 – 20 October 1991
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Christian Hayes – guitar, vocals
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
21 October 1991 – 20 July 1993
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Jon Poole – guitar, keyboards, vocals
  • Dominic Luckman – drums
2 December 1993 – 16 October 2003
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Jon Poole – guitar, keyboards, vocals
  • Bob Leith – drums
17 October 2003 – 2004
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Kavus Torabi – guitar, vocals
  • Bob Leith – drums
2004 – 2008
2008 – 21 July 2020
  • Tim Smith – guitar, vocals
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Kavus Torabi – guitar, vocals
  • Bob Leith – drums
  • Cathy Harabaras – percussion
  • Melanie Woods – vocals
21 July 2020 – present
  • Jim Smith – bass, vocals
  • Kavus Torabi – guitar, vocals
  • Bob Leith – drums
  • Cathy Harabaras – percussion
  • Melanie Woods – vocals

Notes

  1. ^ The band was initially called "The Filth" and went by various other names before deciding on Cardiacs, including "The Obvious Identity" and "The Alphabet".[6][7]
  2. ^ Written "Ralf Cade" on the liner notes of Greatest Hits.[33]
  3. ^ Drake was not replaced; live keyboard parts after his absence were pre-recorded on tape.[35]
  4. ^ Written "Margurite Jonston" on the liner notes of Greatest Hits.[33]
  5. ^ Mark Cawthra also featured on tracks recorded prior to his absence.[38]
  6. ^ Sarah Smith appeared as a guest musician.[39]
  7. ^ Christian Hayes also featured on tracks recorded prior to his absence.[40]
  8. ^ Sharron Fortnam did not feature on "Ditzy Scene".[41]

References

  1. ^ Bendel, Graham (4 May 2010). "Why A Heart Attack Must Not Arrest The Cardiacs". The Quietus. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b Kaufman, Gil (22 July 2020). "Tim Smith Dead: The Cardiacs Singer Dies". Billboard. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b Ede, Christian (22 July 2020). "Cardiacs' Tim Smith Has Died, Aged 59". The Quietus. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  4. ^ a b Malt, Andy (13 July 2020). "Cardiacs frontman Tim Smith dies". Complete Music Update. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Kitching, Sean (24 July 2020). "Remembering Tim Smith Of Cardiacs". The Quietus. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  6. ^ Sacher, Andrew (22 July 2020). "Cardiacs' Tim Smith, RIP". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Webmaster (July 1999). "CARDIACS: History". Pete's Cardiacs Site. Archived from the original on 17 August 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  8. ^ a b Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (22 July 2020). "Tim Smith, frontman of cult band Cardiacs, dies aged 59". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  9. ^ Sacher, Andrew (10 August 2020). "A look back on underrated post-punk legends The Sound; Adrian Borland doc streaming". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  10. ^ Larkin, Colin (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music, Volume 1 (Reprinted ed.). Guinness Pub. p. 413. ISBN 9781882267019.
  11. ^ a b Phillips, Lance (2003). "The Cardiacs". In Buckley, Peter (ed.). The Rough Guide to Rock (3rd ed.). London: Rough Guides. ISBN 978-1-85828-457-6.
  12. ^ Sacher, Andrew (23 July 2020). "The Essentiality of Cardiacs' 'A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window'". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  13. ^ Ewing, Jerry (22 July 2020). "Cardiacs singer Tim Smith dead at 59". Prog. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  14. ^ Lawson, Dom (2 March 2021). "Cardiacs' best albums - a buyers guide". Classic Rock. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  15. ^ a b Voorvelt, Martijn (April 2004). "Cardiacs at the Garage: it's history". Perfect Sound Forever. Archived from the original on 15 December 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  16. ^ Petrella, Martino (11 June 2021). ""Sing To God": la guida galattica dei Cardiacs". ImpattoSonoro (in Italian). Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  17. ^ a b Reed, Nick (20 May 2014). "Once In A Lifetime: On Land And In The Sea By Cardiacs Revisited". The Quietus. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  18. ^ a b Hobson, Rich (2 September 2021). "Shane Embury: My Life In 10 Songs". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  19. ^ Rowlands, Marc (10 January 2018). "Members Of Faith No More, Voivod And Napalm Death Join Fundraiser For Cardiacs Vocalist". Kerrang!. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  20. ^ Potter, Jordan (10 November 2021). "The Sound, a tragically overlooked 1980s post-punk band". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  21. ^ a b c "CARDIACS: THE ULTIMATE CARDIACS GIG LIST". Pete's Cardiacs Site. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  22. ^ Shepherd, Sam (11 July 2014). "Spotlight: Cardiacs – Sing To God". MusicOMH. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  23. ^ Benjamin, Stuart (12 July 2015). "Echoes of the Past: Cardiacs – Guns". Echoes and Dust. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  24. ^ Wilding, Philip; Jeffries, Neil; Lewry, Fraser (18 November 2019). "Ginger Wildheart: a guide to the best albums". Classic Rock. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  25. ^ Lawson, Dom (11 August 2014). "Kavus Torabi's Guide To Cardiacs". Prog. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  26. ^ Sgrignoli, Marco (20 July 2022). "Cardiacs - biografia, recensioni, streaming, discografia, foto". Ondarock [it] (in Italian). Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  27. ^ Davis, Steve; Torabi, Kavus (15 April 2021). Medical Grade Music. London: Orion Publishing Group. ISBN 9781474619509. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  28. ^ a b Mr. Spencer (20 April 2011). "The Cardiacs - an epic overview by Mr. Spencer with help from Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Captain Sensible". Louder Than War. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  29. ^ Monroe, Jazz (22 July 2020). "Cardiacs Singer Tim Smith Dead at 59". Pitchfork. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  30. ^ a b c Bell, Adrian (2011). Aylesbury Bolton Wolverhampton Hove: A Little Man and 101 Cardiacs Gigs. Sullivan County, New York: Iron Bell Publishing. pp. 5–12. ISBN 978-0-95-687950-9.
  31. ^ "Tim Smith, the lead singer of Cardiacs, has died aged 59". Far Out Magazine. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  32. ^ "The Consultant's Memorabilia Collection". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  33. ^ a b c Greatest Hits (liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 2002. ALPH CD029.((cite AV media notes)): CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  34. ^ "Sarah Jones (Sarah Smith)". Misfit City. 30 May 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  35. ^ Taylor, Steve (27 September 2006) [6 July 2004]. The A to X of Alternative Music. A&C Black. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-8264-8217-4. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  36. ^ a b Kitching, Sean (3 July 2022). "The Strange (Parallel) World of… Tim Smith Of Cardiacs". The Quietus. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  37. ^ Kitching, Sean (3 July 2013). "A Little Man & A House & The Whole World Window By Cardiacs Revisited". The Quietus. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  38. ^ The Seaside (1990 reissue) (liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1990. ALPH 013.((cite AV media notes)): CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ All That Glitters Is a Mares Nest (liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH CD018.((cite AV media notes)): CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  40. ^ Heaven Born and Ever Bright (1995 reissue) (liner notes). Cardiacs. Alphabet Business Concern. 1995. ALPH 017.((cite AV media notes)): CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  41. ^ "Ditzy Scene" (CD liner notes). Cardiacs. Org Records. 2007. ORG419.((cite AV media notes)): CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)

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