Evading Regular Employment: The Unconventional Journey of Half Man Half Biscuit
My Go-to Indie Rock Band: Half Man Half Biscuit
Ever since I fell in love with their witty, observational lyrics that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of small-town England, Half Man Half Biscuit has been my all-time favorite band. You guessed it – the indie rockers from Birkenhead, England, are none other than the guys behind the Urban Hymns.
My passion for their music led me to set some offbeat writing challenges, like drafting ten stories revolving around offal, in anticipation of their iconic album "Urge for Offal."
Now, you might be wondering, how did this band that Tony Wilson's Factory Records turned down end up becoming so popular? Well, the pivotal moment came when they were offered a contract by local record store owner, Geoff Davies. Since then, all 13 Half Man Half Biscuit albums have graced shelves under Davies' indie label, Probe Plus.
Now, Probe Plus wasn’t just any run-of-the-mill record label. It was an integral part of the UK's indie music scene, especially during the 80s and 90s, with an eclectic roster that reflected the diverse musical landscape of Liverpool.
Davies, a staunch supporter of Half Man Half Biscuit, often manned the merchandise stand at their gigs. In fact, the shirt I'm wearing now, I bought from him during one of their shows at Cambridge a few years ago.
Fast forward to this year, Davies announced his retirement after an impressive 40-year stint with Probe Plus. Over these years, the label has released 76 albums and 36 singles, with Half Man Half Biscuit being a notable flagship act.
What's most impressive about Davies is his commitment to avoiding mainstream success, accurately portrayed by his turn-down of a slot on Channel 4's The Tube because he had tickets for a Tranmere Rovers home game instead. His devotion to music and artistry, even at the cost of a telecast, truly defines the indie spirit.
Here's to a well-deserved retirement for Davies, who's spent four glorious decades avoiding the nine-to-five grind, at least on one occasion escaping the bailiffs too. May he embrace the golden years, enjoying the fruits of his labor without the confines of the corporate world.
Follow Probe Plus' musical journey on Facebook or Twitter!
Note: Probe Plus, a significant indie record label from Liverpool, pioneered the UK's indie music scene in the 80s and 90s. The label played a crucial role in fostering local talent, one of which being Half Man Half Biscuit. After 40 years, the label, established by Geoff Davies, released its final title in 2021, marking Davies' retirement after years of unwavering support to indie music and avoiding corporate obligations.
As Probe Plus, the pioneering force of the UK's indie music scene in the 80s and 90s, journeyed through the years, they released music from various artists, including my favorite indie rock band, Half Man Half Biscuit. This label, significant in fostering local talent, made a place for the witty and observational voice of Half Man Half Biscuit in the world of music.
