The Fat Tulips were formed in the late 1980s in Peterborough by Mark D. Their first release was a flexi disc called You Opened Up My Eyes and featured Sarah C. on vocals.
Mark then recruited new members consisting of Katie Keen on vocals, Paul Huckerby on bass, Shelagh Clarkson on guitar and Matthew Johnson on drums.
Soon after the release of their single "Where's Clare Grogan Now" (played by John Peel), Katie left the band and Sheggi became the new singer.
Subsequent releases, including the EP Four Songs for Simon, Ferensway and The Tulip Explodes, led to a recording contract with the London based Vinyl Japan label, home and future home of BMX Bandits, the McCluskey Bros, and Thee Headcoats.
The first of their Vinyl Japan output was an EP entitled Nostalgia and was recorded by Ken McPherson at his studio in Burton upon Trent.