[1] The band's classic lineup featured frontman Jaime Harding (born Jamie Brian Harding, 27th February 1975),[2][3] guitarist Phil Cunningham, guitarist Tony Grantham (born Anthony Paul Grantham), bassist Julian Phillips and drummer Murad Mousa.
[4] Although originally lumped in with the "Madchester" scene they were later seen more as a northern version of Suede and the band felt that this latter label held them back.
The original lineup of the band reformed, minus drummer Murad Mousa who was replaced by Jack Mitchell, in September 2011.
[7] Moss, who at the time promoted shows at The Night and Day Café in Manchester's Northern Quarter, allowed the band to rehearse in the cafe's basement.
In March 1995, bassist Julian Phillips left the band to join Electrafixion & work with Ian McCulloch[9] so was replaced by Nick Gilbert formerly of the Hot Bananas who featured on all other Marion recordings.
Constant gigging saw the band supporting the likes of Morrissey, Radiohead, Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen and Manic Street Preachers.
[1] Guitarist Phil Cunningham toured with Bernard Sumner's and Johnny Marr's band Electronic, and subsequently went on to become a full-time member of Bad Lieutenant and New Order, co-writing material.
[12] Drummer Murad Mousa fell into substance abuse, was hospitalised several times and almost jailed for grievous bodily harm.
[5][15] In 2006, Harding and Cunningham reformed the band with additional guitarist Jake Evans, bassist Che Hargreaves and former Haven drummer Jack Mitchell.
[16] However, in early 2007 Harding was hospitalised after being diagnosed with infective endocarditis, caused by injecting heroin with a dirty or contaminated needle.
[17] In late 2011, the original line up of the band reformed, minus drummer Murad Mousa who was replaced by Jack Mitchell.
[21] However, the gig was rescheduled after Harding was incarcerated at HM Prison Forest Bank in Pendlebury, Salford for an unknown offence.
[25] However, the following day it was revealed in the press that Harding had actually been sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for two years and eight months for arson.
The twentieth anniversary edition of the band's debut album, This World and Body, was released as an expanded three CD set and vinyl LP.