Hipsway were a Scottish pop band who enjoyed international success with their hit single ‘The Honeythief’. The band was formed in Glasgow in 1984 by ex-Altered Images guitarist Johnny McElhone on bass, with front man Grahame Skinner (vocals), Pim Jones (guitar) and Harry Travers (drums). Their music was characterized by Skinner’s deep voice and Jones’ guitar playing. They were signed by Mercury/Phonogram and released their debut single ‘The Broken Years’ in June 1985, which peaked at #72. ‘Ask The Lord’ followed in August and also peaked at #72. It took the release of ‘The Honeythief’ in February 1986 to break the band on a national level, when the single made #17 and became one of the most memorable hits of the era.
Their debut album (produced by Paul Staveley O’Duffy and Gary Langan) followed in April and peaked at #42, but stayed on the album chart for an impressive 23 weeks, last appearing there in June 1987. The album track, ‘Tinder’, became well known in Scotland as the soundtrack to a McEwan’s Lager TV commercial. Its constant exposure helped keep the album a strong seller in their home country.
Released 25/2/22