Space Biography

Stealing from the campy styles of Echo the Bunnymen and the infectious sounds of the Boo Radleys, Liverpool's Space wasn't going to become just another U.K. band to burst on to the "alternative" scene in the early '90s. Tommy Scott (vocals/bass), Jamie Murphy (guitar), and Andy Kowalski (drums) formed in 1993 and aimed for a Who-influenced sound. A deal with Gut Records saw the release on the unnoticed Me and You Versus the World in 1996, but it was the kitschy single "Female of the Spiders" (1997) that made Space indie rock darlings. By now, keyboardist Franny Griffith and vocalist Dave "Yorkie" Palmer had joined the group, and Space was enjoying favorable success with their Universal debut, Spiders. Already a massive hit in the U.K., "Female of the Species" also gained moderate airplay on college radio and MTV in America as well. A tour of the U.S. followed in mid-1997; however, it wasn't as bright as the band and critics had hoped. Murphy disappeared for awhile, and the death of Palmer's mother, Gladys Palmer (a legendary singer from Liverpool), devastated the band. By the time Space had to record a follow-up, Kowalski left the band. Leon Caffrey (drums) took his place for the Tin Planet sessions and the album was issued in spring 1998, hitting number three on the U.K. charts. Space released a third studio effort, entitled Love You More Than Football (2001), and featured Edwyn Collins in the co-production seat.

MacKenzie Wilson.