Haircut 100: The Bright Sound of British New Pop

Haircut 100 was a vibrant British pop band that epitomized the optimistic sound of the early 1980s. Hailing from Beckenham, England, the group achieved major commercial success with their debut album Pelican West, which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold.

Early career

Formed in 1980, the core of Haircut 100 was singer and guitarist Nick Heyward, bassist Les Nemes, and drummer Blair Cunningham. They quickly expanded to include guitarist Graham Jones, percussionist Marc Fox, and saxophonist Phil Smith, creating a distinctive, full-bodied sound. The band's early demos caught the attention of Arista Records, which signed them and released their first single, "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)," in late 1981.

Breakthrough

The year 1982 marked the explosive breakthrough for Haircut 100. Their second single, "Love Plus One," became a major international hit, soaring to number three on the UK Singles Chart and breaking into the US Billboard Hot 100. This success propelled their debut album, Pelican West, released in March 1982, to immediate commercial and critical acclaim.

Key tracks

Love Plus One — This infectious single defined their breakthrough sound with its buoyant bassline and sunny horns.

Fantastic Day — Another top ten UK hit that perfectly captured the band's energetic and polished jazz-pop style.

Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) — Their debut single introduced their catchy, sophisticated pop to the charts.

Nobody's Fool — A deeper album cut that showcased the band's tight musicianship and sophisticated arrangements.

Following this whirlwind success, internal tensions arose, leading to the sudden departure of frontman Nick Heyward in early 1983. The remaining members attempted to continue, releasing the single "Whistle Down the Wind" and the album Paint and Paint in 1984, but they were unable to replicate their earlier success and disbanded shortly after. Nick Heyward embarked on a solo career, finding further chart success in the UK. The original lineup of Haircut 100 has reunited sporadically for performances since the 2000s, reminding audiences of their unique contribution to the era.

For fans of Haircut 100's brand of sophisticated, horn-driven pop, several contemporaries explored similar territory. The smooth jazz-funk of Level 42 shared a focus on melodic bass and polished musicianship. The upbeat, chart-friendly sound of The Style Council offered another take on sophisticated 80s British pop. The intricate arrangements of Prefab Sprout appealed to those who admired Haircut 100's musical ambition. Lastly, the pure pop sensibility of ABC captured a similar blend of style and infectious melody from the same period.

The music of Haircut 100 maintains a cherished place on radio playlists dedicated to classic 80s hits and new wave revivals. Their tracks are staples on classic pop FM stations, alternative rock radio stations that feature retro segments, and various online radio streams focused on iconic decades. Independent music radio stations also frequently program their songs as prime examples of early-80s British pop craftsmanship.

Listeners can explore the bright, energetic sound of Haircut 100 through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover why Pelican West remains a definitive album of the British new pop movement, available to hear on radio stations across the onairium.com network.