Reed recorded his first single aged 18, Psykik Volts' "Totally Useless" / "Horror Stories #5", which received heavy airplay from John Peel.
Although the band were only active for three years, they released the Machine LP along with the singles "Repulsion" / "Tear Down These Walls", "Caged" / "After the Fall", "Cry Wolf" / "Dream", and the unauthorised EP Earth Song.
1919 also recorded two Peel Sessions and featured on a number of compilations during this time, but in 1984 Reed's departure to form The Hive signalled the end of the band for three decades - his "tribal" drumming and partnership with Tighe having been fundamental to the 1919 sound.
[4] Reed formed the neo-prog psychedelic band Ship of Fools alongside guitarist Andy Banks, former 1919 synth player Sputnik (bass), and keyboardists Damien Clarke and Les Smith.
[8] After guitarist Tighe had set about reforming the band with vocalist Rio Goldhammer, recording a demo for Revenge in the process, it was announced that Reed would be returning to the fold full-time, introducing Donner to complete the lineup.