The band formed in 1974 with a line-up of Andy Ellison (vocals, ex-John's Children, solo artist), Martin Gordon (bass, ex-Sparks), Chris Townson (drums, formerly in John's Children), David O'List (lead guitar, ex-member of The Nice and an early member of Roxy Music) and Peter Oxendale (keyboards for a short-lived live version of Sparks).
[2] The band briefly reformed in 2000 for a European tour, playing dates in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, which resulted in the live album, Music for the Herd of Herring.
Ellison, Gordon, Townson and Macleod were augmented for the tour by Trevor White (a former member of Sparks) and Boz Boorer (Morrissey's musical director).
After a long period as a sideman/producer, Martin Gordon embarked on a solo career in 2001, releasing six albums in the so-called 'Mammal Trilogy', with Chris Townson playing drums, on Radiant Future Records.
Gordon continues to record, his most recent solo release being in 2022 with 'Another Words - the Phone Call' which featured Donald Trump on vocals.