background:
Lacking the power required of their drummer, Mike Ogletree was asked to leave the band when
the New Gold Tour paused briefly before the UK dates in November 1982. His successor
was already well known to the band: Mel Gaynor had stood in during the recording of
New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84).
Mel's drumming power certainly helped propel the band towards the
changing, harder sound of Sparkle In The Rain.
After the Tour Du Monde and celebratory
Barrowlands concerts of 1985, most of the band were camped at
Barwell Court, working on ideas for their new album. Relations in the band were not 100%:
Derek had rowed with Jim over
the amount of screen time alloted to each band member in the
Don't You (Forget About Me) video, and had also attracted tabloid attention after a public
row with his girlfried.
However, he sealed his fate when he stopped turning up for rehearsals at Barwell Court.
recording/releases:
longevity:
November 1982 - March 1985
live legacy:
New Gold Tour 1982
Tour Du Monde
Barrowlands 1985
break-up:
Derek was expecting his dismissal when he was summoned to
Bruce Findlay's office and took it on the chin. After thinking of
a solo carrer, he later joined Propaganda and was reunited with
Brian McGee who became the group's drummer.
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