The boys from Liverpool are back

MANILA, Philippines - What do the Beatles have in common with China Crisis? Both groups are from Liverpool and ruled both British music invasions of the world. The Beatles in the ’60s and China Crisis in the ’80s.

What else do they have in common? China Crisis founding member Eddie Lundon is music faculty member at the Paul McCartney founded and mentored LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts).

China Crisis was founded in Liverpool, England by Gary Daly and Eddie. The two started working together in 1979 after leaving school. Their debut was in 1981 with the single African and White, followed another single Scream Down At Me in 1982. Both these releases were on a small Liverpool independent label Inevitable Records. Then the band signed with Virgin Records and re-released African and White, which became a UK hit, reaching Top 20 in the singles chart.

Their first album Difficult Shapes And Passive Rhythms was released in late 1982 and was in the worldwide Top 20 albums survey at that period. Two more Top 20 singles No More Blue Horizons and Christian which hit No. 10 in the British charts came from the album.

In 1983, the second album Working With Fire And Steel was released and immediately spawned two Top 40 hits Working With Fire & Steel and Tragedy and Mystery. A third single Wishful Thinking became its biggest worldwide hit. It was No. 1 in the UK and Europe and a Top 20 song in the US. Hanna Hanna was the fourth hit single from the second album. China Crisis toured extensively with Simple Minds in 1984. Because of its immense popularity and success, legendary producer and Steely Dan founding member Walter Brecker came on board to produce the third album Flaunt the Imperfection. The album was China Crisis’ most successful album to date hitting the Top 3 spot on both sides of the Atlantic. It had the smooth and slick Steely Dan flair. Four hit singles emerged from the album: Black Man Ray (UK/US Top 12), King in a Catholic Style (UK Top 15), You Did Cut Me (UK Top 40) and the Pinoy favorite The Highest High. From 1985 to the present, China Crisis has released at least 16 more albums including Greatest Hits and various compilations and 22 Top 40 singles.

Gary and Eddie are excited once again to return to Manila where they have a cult following. In tomorrow’s performance at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort & Casino, featured guests are Mark Mabasa & Friends and Kudos Loves 80s. The concert is presented by Steve O’ Neal Productions and Solaire Resort & Casino in collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe, HDI, Business Mirror, IBC 13, Telenovela Channel, Home Radio, Retro and the official concert station RJ 100.3 FM. Tickets are on sale at Ticketworld, Ticketnet, SM Tickets and the concierge at Solaire Resort & Casino. Ticket prices start at P600+.