Primitives - Primitives
by Darren Aston
published: 23 / 6 / 2012

intro
Darren Aston photographs reformed 80's pop/punk act the Primitives at a show at the Liverpool Lomax
The Primitives were one of the best known pop/punk acts of the late 80s and early 90s. Formed in 1985 in Coventry, they had initial indie chart success with singles such as 'Thru the Flowers', 'Really Stupid' and 'Stop Killing Me'. In late 1987, shortly after Morrissey had named them one of his favourite groups, the Primitives signed to major label RCA. Early 1988 saw the Primitives reach national fame and plunge into the Top 5 with the classic single 'Crash'. Their debut album, 'Lovely', also went into the Top 10. The group would release several more singles including 'Out of Reach' and 'Sick of It' and another two albums, 'Pure'(1989) and 'Galore' before splitting up shortly after the release of 'Galore' in 1992. Steve Dullahan, the group's first bassist, died in 2009 and the band reformed shortly afterwards with original members, singer Tracy Tracy, guitarist Paul Court and drummer Tig Williams, all still present and Raph Moore taking Dullahan’s place. The Primitives released in 2010 ‘Never Kill a Secret’, an EP on Fortuna POP! of their own material. They also put out earlier this this year on Elefant Records ‘Echoes and Rhymes’, an album of covers by often obscure girl groups. They have also toured almost constantly since reforming. These photographs were taken on the 23rd May on a tour to promote ‘Echoes and Rhymes’ at a gig at the Lomax in Liverpool.
Band Links:-
https://twitter.com/primitivesbandhttps://www.facebook.com/ThePrimitivesOfficial
http://elefant.com/bands/the-primitives
http://the-primitives.co.uk/
https://theprimitives.bigcartel.com
Have a Listen:-
Picture Gallery:-




interviews |
Interview (2021) |
![]() |
Indie pop pioneers The Primitives are currently on the road on their Electric Acoustic tour which celebrates the release of boxset 'Bloom! The Complete Recordings 1985-92'. Guitarist/vocalist Paul Court chats to Richard Lewis about the group’s early days, chart success and returning to the stage. |
live reviews |
Live Rooms, Chester, 12/9/2021 |
![]() |
Indie pop progenitors The Primitives roll back the years with a career-scanning set delivered in breathless fashion. Richard Lewis reviews |
Relentless Garage, London, 24/3/2011 |
favourite album |
Galore (2015) |
![]() |
Anthony Strutt reflects on the Primitives' underrated 1991 third album 'Galore', which has just been reissued in a double CD edition |
Lovely (2013) |
soundcloud
reviews |
Spin-O-Rama (2014) |
![]() |
Excellent second comeback album from reformed 80's indiepop act, the Primitives |
Everything’s Shining Bright: The Lazy Recordings 1985-87 (2013) |
Echoes and Rhymes (2012) |
Never Kill a Secret (2011) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Sukie Smith - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBoomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Doris Brendel - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Kay Russell - Interview with Kay Russell
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Pulp - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Jay Reatard - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart