Formed in 1989, the group originally consisted of vocalist Stuart "Snake" Neale, guitarists Ginger (born David Walls) and C.J.
The current lineup of the Wildhearts also includes bassist "Random" Jon Poole (who first joined in 2003, and most recently rejoined in 2024), alongside 2024 additions Ben Marsden on guitar and Pontus Snibb on drums.
[8] Dowling played his last show with the Wildhearts at Reading Festival in August 1994, while Townsend remained for a European tour supporting Suicidal Tendencies in September.
[7] The Wildhearts returned in early 1995 with temporary touring guitarist Mark Keds, who remained until July when he was fired for failing to turn up for a show.
[4] Upon the album's release in October 1997, Ginger decided to disband the group due to drug addiction problems amongst certain band members.
[12] After Ginger teased a reunion a couple of months earlier,[13] in April 2001 it was announced that the Wildhearts would return for a string of UK shows that June.
[15] Early into the first tour, however, McCormack was forced to leave due to ongoing problems with heroin addiction, with Toshi Ogawa temporarily taking his place.
[18] During a tour in April 2003, prior to the album's release, McCormack left again to enter rehabilitation, with "Random" Jon Poole taking his place.
[21] A year-long unofficial hiatus followed, before the band were joined by bassist Scott Sorry in November 2006, with whom Ginger had briefly worked in Brides of Destruction.