New Model Army

New Model Army biography

New Model Army are an English post-punk/alternative rock band who formed in Bradford, West Yorkshire in 1980.

Overview

New Model Army's earliest material on their debut album Vengeance (1984) was described as "crusty-punk", albeit more melodic than the works of many of their classic counterparts.

Their lyrics are often poetic, but express political and humanitarian messages. earned the band cult status in movements against American imperialism, but made it more difficult for the band to tour the US. The contradiction and search for truths explored in New Model Army's lyrics stem from lyricist Justin Sullivan's Quaker and literary upbringing.

As a band New Model Army (NMA) had a close relationship with British artist, novelist, and poet Joolz Denby, who is often credited as a consultant or muse and sometimes even co-writer. Sullivan and Denby are long-term partners, and Denby was also the first manager of the band. She is also responsible for the characteristic artwork on their covers, merchandise, t-shirts etc. The Arts Council/Yorkshire Museums & Galleries international touring exhibition of Denby's artworks for NMA and their memorabilia entitled 'One Family, One Tribe - The Art & Artefacts Of New Model Army', is unique in its presentation of the art of a working rock band. NMA and Denby often appeared on the same bill when performing live.

Career

The band was named after the English revolutionary army of Oliver Cromwell. Led by guitarist / vocalist, Justin Sullivan (who performed briefly under the name 'Slade the Leveller' in the early 1980s), the group has a loyal, global, multi-generational cult following called The Family. The band has also collaborated with electric violinist Ed Alleyne-Johnson, who worked with them on their Top 40 single "Vagabonds", and their albums Thunder & Consolation (1989) and Impurity (1990), as well as touring extensively with them for five years. New Model Army frequently toured with more than five band members.

In November 1985, the British music magazine, NME reported that the New Model Army had been refused work permits to the United States. This was because the US Immigration Department had said the band's work is of 'no artistic merit'. Nigel Morton, NMA's manager commented "If it's all down to the band's politics, it's a bit strange because Billy Bragg and Poison Girls, whose politics are exactly the same as New Model Army's, have all been allowed entry into the States recently. We've already appealed against the decision". In the magazine's December 1986 edition they stated that New Model Army had finally got permission to tour in the US. In January 1993, just six months after Sullivan was nearly accidentally electrocuted on stage, the band issued the single "Here Comes the War". The resultant controversy stemmed from its enclosed instructions of how to construct a nuclear device.

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