The Only Ones

Event information

They formed in August 1976 and began gigging in January 1977, and made their record debut with a self-financed 45” single  'Lovers of Today' which the entire English music press made 'Single of the Week' helping it reach sales of 28,000 copies... Throughout 1977 they constantly toured and recorded so much material that, when CBS won the bidding war with Island and Sire Records, the band already had most of their debut album in the can.

Although The Only Ones gradually started to fall apart they always maintained their balance in the studio and recorded three superb albums for CBS, which all charted. They also recorded several Peel Sessions which were eventually released as an album to much acclaim. Their single 'Another Girl Another Planet' is probably the bands defining moment, a pure adrenaline rush of a pop song. When it was first released UK radio stations would not play it alleging “drug-references”. The opposite was happening in the States, New York radio stations played it so hard they sold out every venue they played in the City. The Only Ones headed to America.  They eventually disintegrated during a disastrous scandal ridden American tour in 1981. Despite their short lived career The Only Ones have been hugely influential on the alternative rock scene ever since and have continued to inspire the fiercest devotion on every corner of the planet with numerous bands covering their songs. This lead to them picking up a “Mojo Award” for their contribution to music.

In mid-2006 Vodafone unveiled a massive advertising campaign built around 'Another Girl, Another Planet'. Rumours of a reformation began. In Feb 2007 an offer came to play at 'All Tomorrow Parties'. The band, still vehemently denying they'd ever reform, confounded expectations and said ‘Yes’. The Only Ones never were predictable. ATP announced “We are incredibly privileged and unbelievably excited that The Only Ones are to perform with the full original line up for the first time in 25 years!”  Since that performance they have been touring and playing festivals all over the world, and recently performed on the first live “Later with Jools Holland” TV show.A new album is planned for 2009...  These are the Only Ones, back in their original line up.