The Jesus and Mary Chain are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in East Kilbride in 1983. The band revolves around the songwriting partnership of brothers Jim and William Reid, who are the two founders and only consistent members of the band since its formation.
They are recognized as key figures in the development of the shoegaze and noise pop subgenres. The band have had twelve top 40 entries and two top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart in the course of their career.
Members:
Jim Reid - vocals, guitar, bass (1983-1999, 2007-present)
William Reid - guitar, bass, vocals (1983-1999, 2007-present)
Mark Crozer - rhythm guitar (2007-2008, 2012), bass (2013-present), backing vocals (2007-2008, 2012-present)
Scott Von Ryper - guitar, backing vocals (2015-present)
Justin Welch - drums (2021-present)
Former members:
Douglas Hart - bass (1984-1991)
Murray Dalglish - drums (1984)
Bobby Gillespie - drums (1984-1986, 2017)
John Moore - rhythm guitar (1986-1987, 2012), drums (1985-1986)
Martin Hewes - drums (1986)
James Pinker - drums (1986)
Dave Evans - rhythm guitar (1987-1989)
Richard Thomas - drums (1988-1990)
Ben Lurie - rhythm guitar, bass, organ (1989-1998)
Steve Monti - drums (1990-1995)
Matthew Parkin - bass (1992)
Barry Blackler - drums (1992)
Nick Sanderson - drums (1993-1998; died 2008)
Lincoln Fong - bass (1994-1995)
Geoff Donkin - drums (1998)
Phil King - bass, rhythm guitar (1998, 2007-2015)
Loz Colbert - drums (2007-2008)
Brian Young - drums (2012-2021)
Name Origin:
Originally called The Poppy Seeds, and then Death of Joey, they initially told journalists that they had taken their eventual name from a line in a Bing Crosby film, although six months later they admitted that this was not true. Other accounts suggest that the name derived from an offer on a breakfast cereal packet, where customers could send off for a gold Jesus & Mary chain.
From: East Kilbride, Scotland
Genre(s):
Alternative rock,
indie rock,
noise pop,
post-punk,
shoegaze
Active From: 1983-1999, 2007-present