Haircut One Hundred release new music

Featuring founder members Nick Heyward, guitarist Graham Jones and bassist Les Nemes, Haircut One Hundred release their first new music in 40 years.

The group’s new single, The Unloving Plum, came about when it seemed like the book was closed on Haircut One Hundred. However, with little in the way of planning, the band somehow instigated its own rebirth through a string of live shows and new music was soon on the agenda.

The three key members, alongside drummer Blair Cunningham, enjoyed a rapid-fire writing and recording session with Sean Read (Dexys) at his Famous Times studio in Hackney. In a process described as near identical to how they had recorded Love Plus One, The Unloving Plum quickly emerged and a new album is now firmly underway too.

Listen to The Unloving Plum below:

Second Chance

Nick Heyward said: “It’s about that first bad relationship that you have, which makes you think the first bite of the unloving plum is poisonous. Being dismissed by someone for the first time feels awful, but it turns out to be the best thing that could’ve happened. The unloving plum takes you to the depths, but that’s a step you often need to go through to find the loveliest thing you’ve ever experienced.”

Haircut One Hundred achieved the kind of success that they could have only dreamed of: four UK Top 10 hits, all of which were definitive 80s classics – Love Plus One, Fantastic Day, Favourite Shirts (Boys Meets Girl) and Nobody’s Fool – followed by a debut album, Pelican West, which peaked at No.2 during an 11-week run in the Top 10, in the process reaching Platinum status.

The original Haircut One Hundred era came to a halt due to two interlinked issues. With no management, they had no leadership, but no management also meant a near infinite quantity of cooks spoiling the broth. Too naive to say no, and with Nick suffering from stress and depression, it all rapidly unravelled. But now having a second chance in their sixties is something too special to take for granted.

‘What Did I Do To Deserve This?’

As Nick says: “There have been hugs and tears because we’re so glad to have each other’s friendship back. That’s the most important thing, because you know that’s going to last for the rest of your life. To be out with your best mates at this age, still doing the thing that you love together… I just think, wow, what did I do to deserve this? This is amazing!”

Haircut One Hundred are currently completing an extensive North American tour with ABC and Howard Jones, which has seen them receive rapturous receptions from fans who have waited so long to see them. Their next UK show comes with a main stage set at Radio 2 in the Park on 8 September, before they play as special guests to David Gray at Manchester Opera House on 13 September.

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