The Bill Mason Band was one of the earliest Christian punk rock bands in the UK. They were active in the 1970s and 1980s.
Background The band originated in England's northwest and was founded by Bill Mason and Simon Hawthorne. Hawthorne's brother is Andy Hawthorne, a youth evangelist and founder of the group, World Wide Message Tribe.Indie Vision Music, October 7, 2022 - Song of the Day: Bill Mason Band - Out on the Streets By Loyd Harp The Bill Mason Band was heavily influenced by the Boomtown Rats, The Clash, and Elvis Costello. In turn they, themselves had an effect on the punk and new wave scene. They were blackballed by the mainstream Christian community but they did via playing to young audiences, bring many youths to Christianity. They also had an appeal to the secular audience.Dangerdog Music Reviews, 1 September 2012 - Bill Mason Band: No Sham! (Reissue) by Craig Hartranft
The Bill Mason Band had established themselves as a Christian punk band some five years before The Altar Boys appeared on the scene.Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music Volume 1, By Mark Allan Powell · 2002 - Page 564
Career In 1977, the Bill Mason Band played at the Greenbelt Festival. They were followed by U2 who came without their instruments. They had to borrow the drum kit from the Bill Mason Band.Hope Unleashed By Andy Hawthorne · 2013 - IISBN 9780781403382 - Page 148
The Bill Mason Band recorded their debut album which was released on the Kingsway label in 1979. The following year, it had a reissue in the US on Star Song Records.Dead to Self Radio - No Sham! By that time the group's reputation was growing due to their loud, aggressive, spiritually passionate music.Cross Rhythms, 21 Jan 2007 - 1979 - Christian Music's Year Zero!: A Personal Reflection by Mike Rimmer
The group appeared on The Old Grey Whistle Test that was broadcast on Tuesday 1 April 1980.TV Pop Diaries - 1980, Tuesday 1st April 1980
Later years It was reported by Cross Rhythms on 1 July 2012 that Bill Mason was now based in Canada and was going by the name of Captain Bill. He had also released a children's album entitled Run to the Lord.Cross Rhythms, Monday 1st July 2002 - Liverpudlian Bill Mason has been busy with a children's album called 'Run To The Lord'
The Bill Mason Band got together to play a charity concert with band, After the Fire at the Maxwell Hall on 16 October 2010. The event was to raise money for the Dalit people of India.Cross Rhythms, Wednesday 10th March 2010 - The Bill Mason Band reformed to play Manchester charity concert
The group's No Sham! album was reissued on CD by Born Twice Records in 2011.Indie Vision Music, October 7, 2022 - Song of the Day: Bill Mason Band - Out on the Streets By Loyd Harp
Musicians Bill Mason - Lead vocals, percussion Simon Hawthorne - Guitars, backing vocals Iain Beeston - Bass guitar, backing vocals Dave Rawding - Drums, percussion
Others Phil Holmes - Fender Rhodes, Korg synth, acoustic piano, vocals Paula Holmes - Backing vocals Steve Gilbert - Congas, whale noises The Christian Underground Encyclopedia - Bill Mason Band No Sham!Real 80s CCM - Bill Mason Band – No Sham! – 1979
References
External links Discogs - Bill Mason Band