On This Day 29/05/1999 Mike and the Mechanics

On this day, 29 May 1999, rock super group Mike and the Mechanics played Cardiff’s St David’s Hall.

Formed in Dover in 1985 by Mike Rutherford, initially as a side project during a hiatus period for his other group Genesis. The band are known for the hit singles "Silent Running", "All I Need Is a Miracle", "Taken In", "The Living Years", "Word of Mouth", and "Over My Shoulder".

Initially, the band included Rutherford (the only constant member), vocalists Paul Carrack and Paul Young, keyboardist Adrian Lee, and drummer Peter Van Hooke. After a decade together, Lee and Van Hooke dropped out in 1995 and were not replaced. Following Young's death in 2000, Carrack became the band's sole lead vocalist until 2004 when the band (essentially a duo at this point) dissolved, with Rutherford and Carrack both agreeing the band had "run its course". In 2010, the band was revived with Rutherford headlining a completely new set of musicians, including vocalists Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar.

On This Day 27/11/1980 Sad Café

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On this day, 27 November 1980, rock band Sad Café played Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.

Formed in Manchester in 1976, who achieved their peak of popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known for the UK Top 40 singles "Every Day Hurts", "Strange Little Girl", "My Oh My" and "I'm in Love Again", the first of which was their biggest hit, reaching number 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1979.

In October 1980 the band released their fourth studio album titled Sad Café, produced by Eric Stewart of 10cc fame.

The album failed to continue the success of the band's previous album and it charted at number 46 on the UK Album Charts. It was also certified silver by the BPI in February 1981.

In the UK, two singles were released, "La-Di-Da" and "I'm in Love Again" both of which charted on the UK Singles Chart.

Sad Café split up in 1990.

Band

Paul Young – lead vocals

Ashley Mulford – lead guitar, backing vocals

Ian Wilson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Vic Emerson – keyboards

Dave Irving – drums

Lenni – saxophone

Des Tong – bass, backing vocals