[1] Formed in 1986 by the Griffiths brothers, the band was initially known as JoJo and the Real People with Dave Reilly (drums), Jay Norton (keyboards), Phil Coxon (guitars), and Gordon Morgan (guitars), although Norton departed from the band prior to any studio recordings.
Initially called JoJo & the Real People, the band started playing in local clubs and later toured as support act for the Inspiral Carpets, Ocean Colour Scene, the Pixies, Simple Minds, David Bowie, and others throughout the 1990s and onwards.
Several tracks subsequently appeared on a two band compilation album called Liverpool – The Calm Before the Storm, released in 1996 on the Columbia label.
Although another album called Closer was reported to be in preparation in 2002, it was never released; however, The Real People played a few live performances in 2002.
Oasis were still unsigned when Noel Gallagher first met Tony Griffiths of The Real People when he was roadie to the Inspiral Carpets.
Paul Moody of the NME reported:- 'Used to the hard-knock school of the Manchester scene, Oasis were shocked by the co-operation of their scouse mates.
[14] "Reaching Out" (co-written with Alistair Griffin and James and Tom Martin) was recorded by the Northern Irish band Bel's Boys and appeared on their 2007 album People Lets Go.
[15] Chris and Tony Griffiths continue to perform live, both as solo artists and as backing for other bands.
In November 2006 the Real People played a special benefit concert at the Carling Academy in Liverpool, for the mental health charity C.A.L.M.
They also appeared at Liverpool Arena on 19 January 2008 as part of The Number One Project singing a cover of "Hey Jude".
The Real People's latest album, Monday Morning Breakdown, was released on the 28 October 2016, through Townsend Records.
In 2018, the band performed as part of the high profile Star Shaped Festival tour at venues including the iconic Brixton Academy.
[17] Colour denotes main live duty "Window Pane" also peaked at #11 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1992.