Knife Edge

Knife Edge formed in Leeds in 1976 and released one classic single in 1980. The band were not happy with the weak sound of the single as it did not represent their live power but it sold well locally and got some radio airplay on local stations -as well as getting a few plays by John Peel. 'Favourite Girl' was released as a double A-Side -with the up-tempo "Say You Will" being backed with the more commercial "Favourite Girl". The single was released on the bands own No Hessle label. 

 

The strength of the band was it's live performances. Knife Edge started during the dawn of Punk in the UK and played a huge amount of gigs. As well as headlining their own gigs they also gained support slots with the likes of Wreckless Eric, 999, The Only Ones and Penetration. The style of the band was to always play loud and to be exciting. The singer, Mark Sweeney, always stripped to the waist (Iggy Pop being his idol) and he used his 100 foot microphone lead to sing everywhere within the venue (and sometimes outside). 

 

The only other recorded output of the band appears on the various artist LP called 'Rock On' which was released on the EMI label. This was an album that featured Battle of the Band winner Knife Edge which featured "Street Credibility" on it. Another unreleased track, "Fighting in the Chapel" which appears on the 'Bored Teenagers Volume 2' compilation LP/CD is taken from a 6-track tape that the band used to sell at gigs. The band played their final gig on the 1st of August 1981 with Mark Sweeney going onto form Red Lorry Yellow Lorry. [SOURCE: BORED TEENAGERS]