Originally based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, England,[1] the band's first lineup released four albums and nearly 20 singles and EPs, enjoying considerable chart and live success in the UK.

Known for their catchy songs and Hunt's sharp lyrics, the band's sound evolved from guitar pop to include sampling and elements of folk and country.

The band - and Hunt in particular — were favourites of the UK music press,[4] and were often associated with fellow Black Country acts Ned's Atomic Dustbin and Pop Will Eat Itself, with whom they have toured throughout their careers.

Melody Maker made The Eight Legged Groove Machine one of their albums of the year for 1988, judging it, "A rollicking debut from the only band with enough wit, energy, charisma and acumen to cross over from loutish grebo into raffish pop.

"[10] In September 1989, "Don't Let Me Down, Gently", with its slick, American-shot video, became the Wonder Stuff's first Top-20 hit, heralding the release of second album, Hup, in October (UK No. 5).

In December the group celebrated their Brit Award nomination by turning down an invitation to the awards show at Wembley Arena, to play at Minsthorpe High School in South Elmsall in response to a fan's letter: a cover version of John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth", recorded at the show, was included on the "Caught in My Shadow" single.

Touring continued through the latter part of the year, with more dates in the United States (both as headliners and supporting Siouxsie and the Banshees) backed by an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, performing "Welcome to the Cheap Seats".

The Wonder Stuff performed the final contracted show on 15 July 1994 as headliners at the Phoenix Festival near Stratford-on-Avon in front of an audience of 30,000.

He then put together another band, Vent 414, with ex-Senseless Things bassist Morgan Nicholls and later Clash, Eat and Wonder Stuff drummer Peter Howard.

Hunt, Treece, Gilks, Bell and Whittaker, together with new bassist Stuart Quinell, reformed for a one-off concert at London's Forum in December 2000.

The result of this was The Wonder Stuff's first new album for over a decade, Escape from Rubbish Island, which was released in September 2004 with "Better Get Ready for a Fist Fight" and the title track becoming singles.

In April 2006, original Wonder Stuff drummer Martin Gilks was killed in a motorcycle accident in London.

The Wonder Stuff also began mixing a live record documenting the 2006 concerts and played several UK outdoor shows.

[20] In 2008, the Wonder Stuff entered into a deal with the Carling Academy Group where the band would play their first two studio albums, The Eight Legged Groove Machine and Hup, in full over the course of several shows.

Hunt and Treece were confident about the prospect, while the other members of the band who didn't play on either album, had a large workload ahead of them.

Hunt's main concern with Treece was due to him making zero effort to write potential new song ideas; Jerry DeBorg of Jesus Jones filled in his position.

[21] Hunt and Townshend both had home studios, the former's centred around programming and rock instruments, while the latter's was focussed on recording drums.

The Wonder Stuff was recorded at The Wain House and The Beeches in South Shropshire, with Hunt acting as producer.

[28] Following a successful Australian tour in early 2014, drummer Fuzz Townshend left the group to concentrate on his work with The Beat.

In March 2016, a PledgeMusic-funded album, 30 Goes Around the Sun, was released to celebrate 30 years since the band's very first rehearsal in the heart of The Black Country.

Thwaite moved to guitar on the live shows promoting the new album with Tim Sewell taking over bass duties.