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Biography
After signing a record deal with Virgin Records, China Crisis released their debut album “Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It’s Fun to Entertain” in December 1982. The album shot up the UK Albums charts to number 21 and was later certified Silver. Their career thereafter would go on to grow exponentially, with their sophomore efforts “Working with Fire and Steel – Possible Pop Songs” going to number 20 in the UK Charts and being certified Gold. “Wishful Thinking” was the biggest song from the album, managing to secure a place at number 9 in the UK charts.
It was “Flaunt the Imperfection” that was released in 1985 that catapulted the band to new levels of success making it to number 9 in the UK Albums charts. The album featured singles such as “Black Man Ray” which went to number 14 in the UK Chart and “King in a Catholic Style” which went to number 19 in the UK.
China Crisis followed their previous success by working with producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, on their album “What Price Paradise” which was later released in 1986. The album featured the song “Arizona Sky” which was the first single release from the band. It was the song “Best Kept Secret” that went to number 36 in the UK Singles Chart. Their following album “Diary of a Hollow Horse” released in 1989 was the fifth studio album by the band, unfortunately, it didn’t match the commercial success of previous records, but it still managed to achieve number 58 in the UK Albums Chart.
The band made a comeback in the 2000s with many national tours of the UK, including one in 2013.
Live reviews
I had the most beautiful concert experience I can remember while watching China Crisis live for the first time. The beauty in what China Crisis does in their simple precision. They simply write beautiful lyrics and have a knack for coming up with catchy elegant pop music to back it up.
The stage setup was sparse, intentionally, so we as the crowd would focus on the individuals playing the music on stage. The focus at the concert was on the music, not on the theatrics of the actual performers. It was very entrancing, the effect in the darkened theater was akin to having a private performance for each member of the audience.
The music itself was so uplifting and poppy that I instantly fell in love with it. It was pure ear candy. "Wishful Thinking" was a particularly engrossing, you could tell that the band had a real affection for that particular song the way to put their hearts and soul into the performance.
After the initial performance these guys came out for not one but two encores - that's home much they appreciate their fans! Great show, highly recommended that you check them out if they come to an area near you!
Pop/rock quintet China Crisis may have achieved the majority of their commercial success during the 80s yet they have managed to achieve a consistency in their demand mainly due to the commitment to the road. The Liverpudlian refuse to rest on the laurels of hits including 'Black Man Ray' and continued to record and release albums throughout the 90s however that was followed by a notable gap in the process due to lineup alterations and the like.
However in 2015 they return with a fan funded LP titled 'Autumn in the Neighbourhood' and as the whole reason this album exists is down to the fans, it feels like a small token of gratitude that the band heads out to air the new material. They always receive great reaction from the loyal following, especially at their annual Cavern Club performance in their home city of Liverpool. Now the band intermingles newer tracks with the classics including 'African and White' and 'Black Man Ray' which receive huge cheers from the baying masses. It is clear people hold the music of China Crisis dearly to them and this mutual respect from band and fan is a really fantastic thing to see.
sean-ward
I can not begin to express the joy of having China Crisis play East Coast shows. Dec 7: Iridium, NYC, Dec 8: Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT, Dec 9: Lighthouse, Glen Cove, NY & Dec 10: The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ.
From the 3 new songs to the hits off their first
2 Albums to the Walter Becker tribute, it was non-stop fan appreciation for an underrated 80's band still making music that matters. Eddies hair
was on point too.... literally! Each night more enjoyable than the previous one. Can't wait until they return Stateside. #ENRGYZRBunny
ijola-fitts
China Crisis were very entertaining as support for Howard Jones, Gary can be relied upon to come up with a wisecrack or two and is always very funny. Musically wise they gave a very good performance playing all the hits in their 40 minute slot. I just love their down to earth way and enthusiasm for the stage. Could watch them all day. Icing on the cake was bumping into Eddie when leaving the venue who was as friendly and approachable as always. Top men and a top band. Fantastic as always !
chris-garcia-38
This band get better Each time I go to see them. The band offered the crowd background to their success which was very amusing and well delivered. Musically and vocally they were excellent and the addition of the live saxophonist really added to their already wonderful music ability. The keyboard player particularly really made the whole sound come together. Thanks Gaz, Eddies and the rest great value no wonder you want to increase the ticket sales ha ha, wort every penny, thank you. Eamon
aims007
Another fantastic gig by superb artists who really know how to entertain a crowd. The Kirby banter between tracks is so personal with their audience you go away each time like you have been with your mates. Jack on synth is terrific as if he has been with them forever. Erik the session saxophonist brought a real depth to the tracks love to see him with them in the future. Small venues are great and Backstage at the Green in Kinross was perfect. Roll on December for Glasgow.
Rcamzzz
Great gig
All the classics and some new stuff from their latest album
Gary on form with his wt as usual
Great to see Gazza in the line up
The female drummer was awesome as was the sax player ( didn't catch their names).
Looking forward to seeing them in 2017
Flowerpot is a nice intimate size so your not too far away from the artists.
bigaub666
Fantastic Band Great Venue and a crowd on fire. China Crisis never fail to deliver the banter is so funny and the interaction with the fans is superb sometimes you wonder if you are there for the music or banter. Music is just brilliant and the classics like Black Man Ray and Christian never fail to please. Thanks guys for a superb evening.
Rcamzzz
Went to see them in Chester last week having seen them a few times now they never disappoint old and new Material, the band are also fantastic in everyday recreating the unique sounds of China Crisis these guys are proud of their roots in Kirkby as I am and was lucky to attend the same school as them in the 1970s , not to be missed gigs .
eddiegall57
