[3] Born in Wibsey, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, Fassbender (which was her mother's maiden name) began studying classical piano, clarinet and timpani (later also playing synthesizer) at age 13.
Prior to their collaboration, Russell was with poet Nick Toczek in a Bradford-based new wave outfit called Ulterior Motives.
Two appearances on BBC Television's Top of the Pops followed in January 1981, with a band also consisting of drummer Gary Walsh and bassist Mike Close.
In January 1982, Fassbender and Russell appeared on another British TV show, Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, to promote "Merry-Go-Round".
The release contained 70 minutes of music, remastered from cassette tapes preserved by Kay Russell.