Boing! is an album I keep going back to, time and time again – lovely pop music, as pop music should be.Nice site Robin, I’ll check around to see if I can find any more info for you!
Friends,I’m in Russia and can’t find this album for like ten years already! I owned it once, but it’s long gone! Could you PLEASE give me an MP3 link to I Might Fall, so I could have something at least.
Great site. Airhead are the band that got me into Indie music 15 years ago. I still really love Airhead and have spent ages buying up all the CD singles off eBay. They have permanent residence on my iPod.I’d love to know what happened to Michael Wallis.
Excellent site with some lovely visuals and some great tabs – well done indeed. Spent the best part of 10 years trawling 2nd hand record shops for Boing and, when I eventually stumbled across a pristine unplayed edition of it, had to take the afternoon off to listen to it.Thanks again for the site!
Rob, I’ve got your name and, um, URL from your other band sites, so I have very high hopes for this Airhead site. Absolutely fantastic to see something on the net about them after all these years. I’ll check back regularly.Does anyone know anything about that second album? About two years ago, almost any search for ‘Airhead’ on e-bay would bring up a CD-R containing ‘the demos for Boing 2′. I hate ripping bands off so didn’t buy it in the end, and no one seems to be offering it any more. Any pointers?
I’m not a fan, my mate had Boing so I might have heard it all those years ago, but I’d like to congratulate you on your site. I found it after searching for them on Wikipedia and then wondering “who writes these entries?”. Now I know, well done for being part of pop as we love it.
I’m lucky enough to have seen Airhead live (supporting Inspiral Carpets in February 1992), and at that gig they played some new songs that never appeared on any of their releases. I’m a bit hazy on their content, sorry, but one in particular stands out as it had sort of swirly, disjointed, Eastern-tinged verses, joined together by a sudden silence punctuated by three ‘beep’ noises from the keyboards. I’m not really describing this very well, am I! They also did one (possibly two) session for The Evening Session, which again featured some otherwise unheard songs. Cheers for doing this site, it’s about time that they were championed somewhere!
The song that had the 3 beeps in i think was released on the that’s enough ep called They don’t know but once recorded they did not include the beeps which in a way left the song lacking!
Well done on the site Rob. I was sat here at my computer this morning and I decided to write an entry for Wikipedia only to discover that you’d beaten me to it. I hope that you can expand the site – I don’t know the legalities for providing mp3 snippits but that is surely the way to go!I’ve done a fair amount of ebaying to buy some of the back catalogue – I won’t tell you how much I paid for the Mother Tongue EP! Just to let you know, I’m an English Teacher and I have a poster up on my wall of the song lyrics to ‘Funny How’ – not their best song lyrically or musically, but my Year 11′s think it’s great.Keep up the good work, I will contact you if I find anything useful for you.
i have a well listened to copy of boing!, it got me through school! and i still enjoy a listen (and singalong!) none of my friends have ever heard of airhead so it was nice to find this website and the cds selling at good prices on ebay! other people with delectable taste!
Wow what a blast from the past! I had Boing on tape but lost it a while back…still know all the words though! It’s great hearing the tracks on your myspace. I’ve always wondered what happened to them. Listening back now I think they’ve been a huge influence
I can’t believe it – there I was minding my own lunchtime business, jaws locked firmly on a pasty – and then it came on the radio: “Funny How” by Airhead!I couldn’t believe it – I bought the “Boing!” album way back when tape cassettes weren’t rude and OLD, and it very quickly became (and remains) one of my ‘favourite things’.To stop the music from degrading along with said cassette, it’s since been bounced to MP3 via a multitude of equal sins: DAT, midi, etc.! The vicious, nasty cassette has long since gone, but the music remains… I never thought I’d hear the day when it was played on Radio (guess I was waiting for the likes of 6 music – Wikipedia says it was “played heavily” by R1, but I never heard it…).It’s an album I keep going back to – it’s just so good.Anyone remember the Cleaners from Venus (Martin Newell)?
Scrap Happy is one of the greatest songs ever & an amazing tune to open an album with.I managed to see them twice back in the day,both in Northampton,at the Irish Centre(which is now a strip club!!) & at the Roadmender.2 fantastic gigs,it’s such a shame they never made it really big.I bought a couple of cd’s of unrealsed tracks & demos off E-Bay & they are really excellent.Great site,keep up the good work.
Nice to see Boing lives in others’ memories, too… Such a shame that worse bands have kept going and Airhead have just been forgotten.Went down to see them at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth and it was a great gig. I have the LP (jostick burn on the outside edge testament to many drunken nights in shared houses) but my taped copy gave up the ghost years ago. I would love to have a digital version for my iPod but can’t bring myself to bid for some German bootleg. Thanks for setting up the site.
Hello all. I loved this album at the time and was a real indie fan, my friends didn’t take to it though (probably not rough enough for them(?))!!! Still got my copy, it gets played on my MP3 occasionally. Most vivid memory of listening to this album was when i worked for Keycamp in the Loire valley, it got played in our tent quite a lot and on my walkman when we were setting up the camp sites. Great stuff. kingdaniel69@yahoo.com
I saw the band play live in 1992 at Trent University. It was the first concert I had ever been to and it is still the best. The music was amazing and they looked fantastic. I never go long without listening to Boing. A simply amazing album. I also own most of their singles. It is a tragedy that they only produced one album. Simply brilliant.
An Airhead website! Brilliant band. I was prompted to serach the web for them this week after listening to the new Kaiser Cheifs album; there are definitely a few similarities. They were sadly under-rated despite producing an excellent album, and I dare say they would’ve been bigger had they arrived during the Britpop era only a few years later. They supported Inspiral Carpets on their Dragging Me Down tour in February 1992 and went down very well. The Boing album was excellent; Couting Sheep, Funny How and Right Now are veritable classics. It’s been so long since I heard those tunes though, I must see if I can find my cassette copy.Airhead, if any of you happen to chance upon this site (as I just did) – you were a quality band. Brilliant, timeless album that was years ahead of it’s time. Why not get together for a tour to show the young ‘uns how it’s done? Go on…
What a blast from the past! I’d forgotten about Airhead until I heard ‘Funny How’ whilst out and about in Derby. I searched high and low for my cassette copy of ‘Boing!’ with no luck. It prompted me to search the net for info, and here I am!I was age 15/16 in 1992, and it was the likes of Airhead that got me through those GCSE years!!! ‘Easy’ is probably the stand out track for me, at that tender age the lyrics seemed amazing. Now I’ve managed to track down a copy on CD (bargain £14.99 on ebay, I’ve seen it got for £36!!!) I still think they’re amazing!’Boing!’ should have been the start of something fabulous – sorry to say this wasn’t the case and as US Grunge took over I got into raving. Sad…
After reading a previous comment, I agree with the idea of an Airhead reunion tour and album. They would still kick ass. Time to start the campaign for the comeback. Any one want to sign the petition?
Just had a ‘whatever happened to…’ moment and thanks to Wikipedia came across this site. I saw Airhead in Bangor University, presumably very shortly after Funny How was released, as I seem to recall it was right at the start of term. They played to a half-empty main bar, and anyone who’s ever been to Bangor will know that’s not many people. Can’t remember the set particularly well but I do know I thought the tunes were great.At the gig I got talking to a chap about the music and we went on to become best mates – and have since been best man for each other. I have happy memories of us sharing many ‘fruitless’ Friday nights in the student union followed up by drunken singing of the chorus to Funny How on the way home – all thanks to Airhead!
Think you are right about Mike Wallis…pretty sure he worked for Price Waterhouse in the late 90s as I am sure we talked about him being in Airhead and he was surprised I’d heard of them.
Wow!! I’ve only just found this site – after years of searching e-bay for Boing and never successfully winning it!They were my fave band in the 90′s but only had album on tape which is now mangled and won’t play.
Nice site !Good to see there are still Airhead fans out there. Airhead was one of the best gig’s I’ve been to. A sort of homecoming (as close as homecomings get to darkest Kent) at Metrognome in Folkestone where the band announced they were calling it a day. The gig seemed to last for hours with pretty much all their material played.Shame a good band had to call it off after such a good first album. I seem to remember there was some animosity between Airhead and Carter USM. Anyone know any more ?
For some totally bizarre reason I started humming’Counting Sheep’ a few weeks ago (not having heard it for what must be over 10 years) and only after a a quick search remembered it was Airhead…It all comes flooding back now, and now I’m another one looking to pick up a copy of Boing!
Not an actual fan as had never heard of them but am lucky enough to now be working with the gorgeous Ben Kesterven who i am happy to say has not lost his looks and can still bang out a good tune as they many a good tune played on a old fiddle
Boing was my fist love and it will have a place in my heart forever saw them at folkstone BRILLIANT cant belive some lucky lady is working with Ben is he still in the music business ?Airhead reunion tour Fab Idea sign me up
This is a great site. I am writing a book on the lesser known early to mid 90s english indie bands and was hoping on decvoting at least a chapter to the influential but oft overlooked Airhead.I would love to hear any fan anecdotes particularly more info on:Ben kesteven’s allegeded late 90s sessions with Herbie Flowers, Level 42 and Marc Almond and his current status as a property tycoon with massive Greek holiday complex developments The incident in which Airhead members allegedly tied “Fruitbat” from Carter USM to a chair and repeatedly played him Motorhead CDsThe rumors of a propossed reformation and tour featuring a spinal tap style “new skiffle direction” and a live greatest hits concert to be filmed in a disused cold war bunker complex also photos of any fans with Airhead tattoos or “our song” style reminsences
I bet Ben can still bang out a good tune. I followed them on various tours for a while – if Ben’s reading this then i still have the autograph and treasure the memory’s of how i came to get it.XX
I can certainly confirm that Ben is now heavily involved in the property business – he actually specialises in securing Greek Villas for use in the adult film industry. So the recent ancedote about his whereabouts was not all wrong!!
from what I remember his performances were always of a professional nature!Baron of Squatmilk: post you email address I have got lots of material for your book it could end up being as controversial as “The Dirt” about Motley Crueand I have lots of juicy bits on Sam Kesteven as well, also now involved in the “adult industry”, but back in the day he took no prisoners. had all the members of bananarama AND the wonderstuff!
I heckled the band once at the Wedgewood Rooms and afterwards the Kesteven brothers got hold of me outside in Albert rd and gave me a really hard timeI then saw them again down the road in the Wine Vaults, they both gave me a right doing over, really kicked me about, I lost a few teeth.
Indie Grrrl. I think various members of what later became the band “candy flip” were involved in that particular incident with Bananarama and the wonderstuff.Strawberry fields indeed.God they were not the clean cut boys of pop they made out.
I am glad to hear the brothers K have made out all right and are still around they’re CD is the best from the 90s! I have a video of them on the “Word” is anyone wants to trade.The K’s still owe me some money on some whizz and disco biscuits mind.Motely Crue’s “the dirt” is right they were both right hoovers, drug dustbins, space cadets…we called Ben “special K”!!!
I am liking this messages. The Airheads are very big in turkey. Tell me more about this book and can it be bought? I am worry that this may be drug music I did not think engish kesteven brother put drugs in only lagers
Funny you should say that about “special K.”I remember the night he slipped into a K hole while in the back of the transit on one of our earlier tours.Scariest thing i have ever seen – he ended up convinced Keith Chegwin was out to kill him. Went berserk – his brother had to knock him out with the supply of “jellies” they were giving to “the kids” after the show.Man i hope he got counselling for his anger!!!
Oh that Transit!That was so uncomfortable till the Kestevan’s installed their “groupie mattress”Wonder if Ben’s trophies are still stuffed underneath?Crazy Days!
Thanks for this site it is excellent I had no idea Airhead were so popular all these years later! They were a good band. Crap name.I remember telling one of the K’s that I thought the name was rubbish and he went for me! slapped me right across the face and said something in a fake jamaican accent “das claat jah” or some such tripecrazy days, indeed
Speaking as a former member, I feel I must make a contribution to this ‘discussion’ and apologise for the fact that my current workmates have got wind of this site and are obviously making ludicrous and false (if occassionally funny) remarks. For those of you who have made such kind and complimentary contributions I must say a humble thankyou – and apologise if my colleagues have reduced this all to a bit of a p*** take.As far as I’m aware, we’re all doing fine but Sam’s eyes remain too close together.Keep contributing and maybe we’ll get Boing on itunes!Regards,Ben K
Ben K,Have you heard the news that Dodgy have reformed and touring? This is a great opportunity to get Airhead back out on the road and just test the water as i am sure you will be surprised with the turn out?Also why haven’t you or any of the band members got a MYSPACE page as it would be great to find out more from the past and maybe to make a future AIRHEAD.Here’s hopingAndy W
To be honest Andy W I have seen a few of the members recently and if they did reform they would have to be called “Barehead” not “airhead” and would do well touring with Right Said Fred.
Andy W,I would love to get AIRHEAD back together but other members are not so keen. The way forward is to try and get on iTunes and get some ground roots level interest from former fans like yourselves.Failing that a big money offer from a label should give me a bit of leverage with the guys. I know that a few years ago Marillion, a band I am a huge admirer of, asked fans to each send £10 to them to fund an album. Marillion then made an album and mailed it to their fans. I am thinking along these lines for new recordings or even a live reformation project.RegardsBen K
AndyThere is no way I would reform the band with both of the Kesteven brothers involved. I would only be in if Roger Wells was on bass. He was a better musician than Ben K and a nicer bloke all around. The K twins or special K guys were absolute animals together and made the Gallaghar brothers look like Mormons. What is your email address Baron of Squatmilk I have got anecdotes and photos that will make your book a best seller!If Ben K wants to get the band back together without me he will have to call it “special K Airhead” or ” from the Airheads”RegardsMike Wallis
I like the idea of a joint tour. Apart from the odd Daz advert Right Said Fred aren’t exactly packing them in these days.I can see that ticket would sell: two 90s pop legends, two bisexual bald brothers!We must do it!RegardsRichard Fairbrass
Now is worrying time to be Airhead fan. First we are told that they put drugs and not just lagers in. Now we are told they are gays AND straights at the same time and put themselves in men and women. and feclicity kendal? who is this felicity?
Yes I must say I am more than a little disillusioned myself!People posting on her are not real fans or band members, the band themselves reforming under dubious circumstances…next we will be told that Airhead was not a real band and they didn’t play their instruments.
Hi Damon Albarn here!Airhead, The Monkees and the Archies is where I got the idea for Gorilaz. AIRHEAD was actually a project by Robert Smith from THE CURE and Wayne Hussey from the MiSSION/SISTERS OF MERCY”AIRHEAD” was just a play on Robert’s nickname, “Bed Head”The guys that pretended to be in the band for touring purposes were just actors.Robert and I still chuckle about how they used BLUR as the inspiration for some of their artwork. and Ben K sat in on a few BLUR seesions when Alex James was too out of it.See yaDamon x
Great to see my brothers work mates have so much free time on their hands, and I thought I had a dossy job! Ben, exercise some control over those reprobates. Anyway, please don’t feel put off from leaving comments on this site. We’ve all been shocked to see how many people still remember the band and its great to hear how much the album was enjoyed. I’ve been in touch with Mike and Steve recently to invite them both to my wedding (Mike and Ben will definitely have to turn up as their both ushers). I’m hoping to pursuade them to bring their instruments along so we can bash out a few songs. Ben has been forcing his kids to listen to Boing for years and they know all the words to Funny How, so I guess that’s as good a reason as any to play at the wedding.Thanks again for visiting the site and leaving comments.Sam
Hi , Mike, Sam, BenIf you guys were to put on a comeback gig to test the water with the fanbase what sort of money would it cost to get a gig at the Bull & Gate pub in Kentish Town or something along those lines? There is a venue in Hertfordshire that i could find out if they would be interested in getting you back on the map and i would be willing to help with the groundwork?Come on guys give it a thought as you can see there are a lot of fans still out there.Lastly if one of you set up a MYSPACE page then the fans will surprise you with the lasting interest in AIRHEAD!!!!!Let Me Know Guys?????Andy W
Hi Andy W, Just in case you (and possibly others) have been confused by the recent nonsense written here, the person claiming to be Mike Wallis is NOT Mike Wallis – it’s a bored lay about who just happens to work with me.I’m hoping he’s gone onto something else now…..Ben K (genuine)
Hi Ben,I know your work colleagues have been putting up false comments but as you are being honest please would you answer my last few questions as it seems like at least you would like to get back out gigging?ThanksAndy W
Hi Andy,It’s not a matter of motivation to do some gigs, it’s more a problem of logistics. We all live in different areas now, have jobs etc and I’ve got 2 young kids so getting together for rehearsals let alone gigs would take a lot of organising.It’s certainly not something I’d rule out and it’d probably be good fun etc but I really can’t speak for the other guys. Sam’s wedding is definately an opportunity to see how it works on a small scale so who knows?Regards,Ben K
Sam,Used to be at college with you in Chelsea. We generally used to f*ck about and do nowt. You can contact me at thru my company http://www.karmabluedesign.co.uk.Hope you are well dude.James McAllister
Hi Ben K,Thanks for answering my questions and heres hoping that Sam’s Great day gets you boys back on the road?Keep the fans updated with any news from now on!!Cheers Andy W
Ben,What are your thoughts on the petition for the re release of Boing?Do you think it is possible and is there any money in it for the band and what rights do you have on it after all these years?Just a thought?Andy W
Hi Ben K,I thought you would be interested to know that a guy called Joel Mciver who works for Record Collector magazine would like to get in touch with any of your band members to write a piece about Airhead and the possible re release of Boing?Joel is running a petition on the Airhead website at the moment to send to Warner Bros about the re release of Boing.This is what he asked me to forward to you in an e-mail:Thanks Andy. I’m a big fan of that album and am in touch with various record companies, which is why I thought I’d lobby Warners for a reissue. I’ll definitely write a piece on them for RC if the guys are prepared to answer some questions, even if it’s by email — do you reckon you could pass them this email? If you are interested in getting in touch with him let me know and i will forward his e-mail address.Go on bring the good times back?Andy W
wow. i’ve been doing periodic scans on the internet for over 10 years now looking for any airhead stuff, and now i find this!i can honestly say that airhead are one of my all-time favourite bands, and i was only listening to boing! last week on the way down to glastonbury!saw the band 5 times in total (including the trent uni gig in 92 and the derby wherehouse gig on the “thats enough” tour) and these gigs helped shape my music taste into what it is today.if anyone wants to get in touch find me at poptunes.orgkeep the apple,wanye.
Just wanted to say airhead changed my life i bought the album back in 1992 on tape and played it so much i wore the out !!.What a fantastic band you were at the time and deserved much more recognition that you got.I live in the north-west and was very much part of the madchester indie scene and always thought you were a local band (not Kent !!).So glad i found the website and cant help smiling and singing along to Funnyhow.Absolutley superb thanks for all the memories.Karl
So glad to hear you guys are all OK. I bought the CD off e-bay in the end – hope you are still getting the royalties! Would love to see a reunion gig some time – http://www.the-brook.com? Have fun at the wedding.Love,
Hi Ben or Sam,Please give us an update about yourselves and how the get together went with the old members?Andy WP.S Surprise me and tell me you will be gigging again?
Great site – was looking for stuff on Airhead after finding my student record collection at my parents house.Was the Funny How video not the one that was on a beach with a Star Trek theme – oh I don’t know my memory from the eary 90′s is a bit of a haze.
You will all be pleased to find that BOING! is my classic album this week on my radio show (check http://www.atlantic.fm if you don’t live in Cornwall – I’m on from 9.00pm Monday til Friday – but this isn’t a plug for the show – just a statemet of support!!)I was sitting there thumbing through 20 different mildly pretentious albums this evening when BOING! just called to me on the rack. It was hardly ever off the cd player back when it was released – it always puts me in a good mood and there isn’t a bad track on it – what better excuse do you need to have a classic.Anyway – just thought I would share that with you all on here.LedgeP.S. I still think that Funny How has one of the bext opening lines ever!!
Hi, so glad to find this web site at last after 15 years of searching. Would love to see the boys tour, reccord etc, I still listen to their music and hear something new in it 15 years on. I love it!! I also the SPike tracks too – keep em coming guys and please reunite – happy to help and get things back on track where they should be, Julie Allen
Great website, particularly loved the interview with their former manager, tinged with more than a degree of regret and possible missed opportuniies. She obviously had a great affinity for the band and their music,that sounds like it has no less diminished over the years. Have to agree with her about the demos they had for a 2nd album. I didn`t get to hear them myself until just over a couple of years ago(along with a whole host of other great stuff they recorded)Anyway they certainly had more than enough material to make an album even better than Boing!Such a shame unfortunatly that it wasn`t to be.Michael Wallis I don`t know what yer up to now fella, but you were one hell of a songwriter…Thanks for the tunes!
Still have the vinyl knocking about somewhere, have to admit Boing! mostly gets aired during my random iTunes moments now, still go back to it for good old fashioned guitar pop! Sign the petition and let’s have a re-release…
Airhead produced the best album I’ve ever heard, it starts with the fantastic Scrap Happy and is consistantly amazing until the last note. Creative, melodic, original, great musicianship, great songwriting, great lyrics, great image… they had it all going. I reckon if they had come out 10 year later when guitar music was getting big again… Airhead would have been worldwide household megastars… as much as I love Oasis, they would have been blown out of the water by airhead.
10 years later?…. I meant if they had come out a few years later they would’ve been household names! I’m forgetting what bloody year it is myself!!! I reckon Mike to get one of those Iv??? Novell?? awards… (or whatever they’re called) for writing Boing
“Funny how” just about summed up how life was for me was in my late teens and early twenties, it was just great to have a song that did that without being morose. I had “Boing!” on cassette originally which eventually wore out and it was only about eighteen months ago (middle of 2005) that I eventually found a CD copy for sale online (no “Counting Sheep” sadly) which cost me about £25 but I just had to have it. The CD is now kept safe as I’ve got it on my MP3 player.
I started listening to Airhead because this girl at school who I fancied wore an ‘Airhead’ badge so I got the album. She hated me (after that incident at my mate Dave’s party) but it is probably in my top 10 most listened to albums ever, and I am delighted to have finally won the CD off eBay recently. Great stuff and good memories. I have been introducing it to my mates in the US with great success.
Boing is one of my fave albums of all time, unusual in that every song was great. I could never understand why they got dropped, and like a lot of other people on this blog about once a year I’ve searched for them on the internet without luck! Until today that is.
I cant seem to get boing album anywhere, anyone who does have it is out of stock, does anyone have the album which they could upload in an email or something for me so i can listen it Please Please Please
hi everyone , i had an email back from sam who said mike wallis has got a really successful career now ? but never said what in . does anyone know if its music or what it is thankyou as apart from here theres nothing on the web. he also confirmed the guys will play 2 songs at his wedding ….. i hope they video it
I met Ben and Sam a few times and saw them play in Maidstone. I met their Dad, a lovely bloke – an artist if I remember rightly. A really nice family! Of course I had a crush on Ben. We used to hang out in the pubs with another local band ‘Headspin’ with the Cruickshanks.Still playing Boing! I had an idea of a petition to get the band back together 8 years ago and it’s finally been done by someone else – hoorah! Jo – Maidstone/Caribbean
Hi BenIf you are still around I have a few questions…just a tiny bit of help.I was at art college in Maidstone and saw Airhead and fell in love with them. I am writing a book about them now…the time is right. I’m delving further than most would though…cos I’m intrigued. My question is….some Maidstonian contributors have told me that you and Sam played in ANOTHER band at the same time Airhead were playing. That band has been called Death In Venice. I’d love to know if you and Sam were principal writers and if you made any studio recordings or if you released any material? Googling Death In Venice is a nightmare cos it’s all about the book/film/opera….though it did link me to ANOTHER Maidstone band, Unlucky Fried Kitten. Any link there? Were any other Airhead guys in Death In Venice? Um..that’s it really..of course…if you want to furnish me with an interview for the book…that would be astonishing.Cheers…RockWriter
Hi ‘RockWriter’,Yes I’m still here – look in occasionally to see what’s happening.You’re right about Death in Venice. It was basically the brain child of a guy called Andy Fraser – very funny bloke and an excellent lyricist Sam and I did some demo stuff with him and an American guitarist called Chris which was pretty good if I remember rightly. Sadly I lost my copy years ago (so did Sam). It was all happening around the time that Airhead started (or the Apples as we were called then) – bit of a shame that Death in Venice stopped as a result as it could’ve had some legs.If you can be bothered to try and track Andy Fraser down it would be great to here from him (and get a copy of the demo).Don’t know anything about Unlucky Fried Kitten I’m afraid – there was a band called the Shoes around at that time who were pretty good I think. I believe the singer went on to record some stuff with Echo and the Bunnymen (could be wrong on that).Hope that helps,Ben
Does anyone remember the Killer Rabbits and Primitive Instinct? I heard from Mal from Don’t Ask and Lever the other day. There were some great bands in Maidstone, I loved Nicky Clarke (not the hairdresser).
Hi Ben…thanks for confirming that you were in Death In Venice…and for throwing up the name, Andy Fraser. The plot thickens…cos I googled said name and found that Unlucky Fried Kitten is his current band….AND on their MySpace page they have some Death In Venice songs…which I assume you and Sam are on. Your names were mentioned on the page…as was the American guitarist, Citizen Chris. If it is ones that you played on it means you can snag the songs from there, after losing the demo. They have a great full sound too. Ben and Sam…best rhythm section in the biz…seriously…so I hope you’ll be doing more music.
Thanks Rockwriter – found the Unlucky Fried Kitten site and have snagged what I could. Sam and I were only on a few – Baby Blue, Ballerina and This is England. Great to hear them again – Sam’s the one doing the fake scream in ‘..England’ by the way.Ben and Sam ‘rent a rhythm section’ in those days – I think sam was in 6 bands at once back then. He always was a tart….Ben
hi could someone tell me i know mike has a successful career now but no one seems to know what it is???? is it music or something else , as ive googled him and nothing, hes not on anything like facebook or myspace i wish he would, x
Hi Ben.I found Mr Fraser. (though he’s called Andy Export these days. He said you’re on three songs…the last one being Strange Summer. he’s sent me a copy of the album (in the post at the moment). If you ever go on MySpace send him a message and he’ll send a copy of the album to both you and Sam if you want one. When I said you got a mention it was actually on the ReverbNation site. You can find it onreverbnation.com/unluckyfriedkittenHa Ha…I’m gonna listen to Sam’s Kate Bush duties on This Is England again. I can totally recognise your bass style…espesh on Baby Blue.
Hi,I am wondering if anyone could please pass a message on to Mike? I worked with him many years ago (around 1999). A reunion is being organised in Dublin and I have been tasked with tracking Mike down. Please let him know that Niall O’C was looking for him – mobile number is the same as it was in 1999…ThanksNiall
Many people may not know this, but Airhead did get back together in 96. My band supported them at ‘The Villa’ in Uxbridge. Michael had written a superb song called ‘play-away’ which had a Weller-esque chorus about running machine guns for the Mob. They had also drafted my friend Richard Merrett in to play guitar. Sam is a superb drummer, and Michael a truly great voice. An overlooked talent and songwriter.
I spent ages trying to burn my vinyl copy of Boing! to mp3, without success, eventually I was forced to bite the bullet and buy the CD off ebay – it cost me over 30 quid and it was worth it – I love it as much as I did in 1992…
Just FYI kids, some awesome soul has posted a youtube video of the funny how live performance at Sam’s wedding. Jump on youtube and do a simple search for Airhead Funny How and it’ll turn up at the top of the list//p
Thank you so much to whoever put Funny How live from Sam’s wedding on You Tube! Its so good to see a performance from 2008! Great to see all band members looking well. Still listening to all your music guys and the tracks from Spike, your music lives on Mr Wallis! Please let me know if you have plans to record and play live so I don’t miss out on anything! Congratulations on your wedding Sam! Julie Allen
Thank you for your lyrics pages. I was going mental last week trying to remember where the line “I’m leaving today, can’t take this hypocrisy one minute more” was from. I found myself singing it in the shower, but with my CD’s in storage ready for moving, I wasn’t able to work through. Had a revelation this morning that it might have been Airhead, and thanks to your site the weight has fully been lifted. Although I feel I need to ask for forgiveness for thinking it might have been the Milltown Brothers !!! Sorry
‘I only love you ‘coz you don’t love me’One of the best opening lines to any song.Boing became pretty much the soundtrack of my teenage years.Nowadays i write for a teenage soap and tried to use Funny How in the opening sequences but was told we couldnt secure the rights. Gutted.The kids of today need to hear that tune.Loved the video too. Played it to death after taping it on the chart show. Someone needs to download it.
hey,,,so many memories,,,,i av still got original tapes,,,,yes cassettes of ‘the ratchet sound’. i can’t believe let a mate borra boing and never got it back,,,where can i get a copy???? Still got some of the original when a couple of you were in ‘planet of the apes’ mode. Re-hursing in somewhere above the market buildings,,,maidstone!!!!! an gigging in gravesend!!!! luv ya all. xxx Wotever happened to the Royal Albion in Maidstone???is it still there???
How is the petition going to get Boing! re released? I need that album again man….managed to get it off Robin the Chef in Maidstone a couple (hmmm – actually probably 7 years) ago, but one of my kids managed to tread on it and break it. Aaaaarrrgghhhh
many thanks for the site.. after 18 years of listening to the album and singles, and being driven mad by a line of the lyrics in ‘Counting Sheep’ that I could never make sense of, now I know (was it just me, or did other fans have probs with ‘don’t build your hopes up, because if I’m acting strange it’s just..’). In return perhaps I can help with lyrics on another song, your printed lyrics to ‘Keep the Apple’ miss a little of its excellent sarcasm.. I think the incomplete line is ‘ Change your hair, your face, your clothes, your taste and almost everything’.. more bitingly, my ears tell me that the prospective, well-connected AandR man says ‘ I’ve got the contacts, I know everyone from Bobby Davro down..’(part of keep the apple was just up on youtube with a ?1960′s film clip)I never saw Airhead live, but I’d love the opportunity to see them.. my son is 6 and currently loves the songs- he was first interested listening to the difference between the demos and the polished songs on the single cds..If over 500 people want to see the re-release of ‘boing’ on cd, would those 500 people also pay in advance for a gig? I think yes.. would they pay in advance to the rightful copyright holder for the demos for the second album? (seen on ebay a few years back)? I think yes.. Would/could that then lead to a ‘long-overdue’ for-the-fans-only second album??I understand that the bandmembers have different lives now and the above might not happen, and if it did, it might all just turn out to be pants!!But as long as everyone laughs /loves the experience, why not do it? Look at it as a bit of fun!!No pressure, but I’ve listened to a lot of music in my 40 years and still find myself returning to ‘Boing’ regularly (I’ve just reread that and don’t intend any ‘carry-on innuendo’!). Michael,thanks for the pleasure that your writing has and continues to give me and, obviously, many other people. I challenge the four of you to cheer us all up and announce something!!!The four of you (and producers and mixers and everyone else) should be proud of what you created in the 90′s.Thanks, Mike
thanks to ‘Mike’ above… he got the words right! Correct lyrics for ‘through my window’ are:There’s a man on the corner, he sells me water, he knows my name, he thinks I’m strangeWell I think he’s strange.There’s a mother and daughter, her daddy caught her and made her cry for playing gamesWell I think he’s strangeI can’t believe my luck, the sun shines through my windowI think that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goThere’s a ‘skin’ killing flowers, he’s been there hours, each one that dies – I take the blame… Well I think he’s strangeJust to his left there’s a lady, she’s selling daisies, “you buy some luck?”, she needs the change.And we think that’s strange!Can’t believe my luck, the sun shines through my windowI think that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goNo-one here to remind us – they’ll never find us, they’ll never change Well I think they’re strangeCan’t believe my luck, sun shines through my windowI think that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goThink that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goWherever we go
I was thrilled to finally find some info, at long last, about Airhead on the Internet. I absolutely treasure my copy of CD Boing which I bought at the time of release. September 1992 was amazing for me as I got married, went on honeymoon(first ever trip abroad) to Austria then a few days later went to see Airhead live at 'The Borderline'. On the flight home from Austria, with all the excitement of the Wedding & honeymoon over, I kept thinking 'At least we've still got Airhead to look forward to!' The live gig was great.I'm happy to say I am still happily married, now have 2 children & 'Boing' remains on the highest shelf of our CD collection (Alongside only CDs that we continually play-all the others are recent ones like Elbow, Muse) Boing always gets pride of place & now my 10 year old son enjoys it. It still sounds so fresh. I never tire of it. 'Easy' is one of the best songs ever. If I had to rescue one CD in a fire, Boing would be it!
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
I can’t belive I’ve just stumbled across this site! I’ve been listening to Boing! forever and can’t even remember where or when I got it – must have been at school…How fab that we can form a little appreciation society for them as I really love their album!
Hey I've got a spare copy of Boing! I'm selling on eBay. If you havent got this great CD nows your chance!Link below..Cheershttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=230343727292
I have loved Boing! ever since it came out in 1992, great memories of the gig at Northampton Irish Centre in 1992 – the soundtrack to one of the best summers of my life
HELP!!! My fiance is Airhead's BIGGEST fan. Does anybody know how I can get in contact with them to ask if they would play at our wedding??p.s great website. x x
this album still keeps me going ,ive got a recorded tape and have kept a tape deck just to hear it. still quality after all these years. reform go on , what else is there to do. may as well have a laugh and give us a gig.
iain lee (absolute radio) is backing us with a twitter campaign #bringbackairhead
i’m (finally) going to post the spike peel session tracks that marc riley played on bbc6music for me a couple of years ago. keep checking http://poptunes.org for info/downloads
I was in the support band for their UK tour in 1992, Nautical William. It was a fun time and we had some good laughs. I remember one Saturday night playing in the college town of Mold, N.Wales. We had to shorten the set so Airhead could be on early because they had some strict local law that stated “no dancing or cavorting to music on a Sunday”. Everything had to be wrapped up by midnight. Good luck with the re-issue!
Boing!! is a brilliant album. Was gutted when my copy got stolen in the mid-90s. Mentioned to a friend at work one day in the late-90s and he offered me his. Still have it to this day. Saw the band at the Powerhaus in Islington back in the day, remember jumping around at the front. Been listening to the tunes again since noticing the campaign to get the band to reform. They should do a Boing!! album tour, playing each song. I’d pay good money to see that and I’m sure others would too.
Hey guys… I remember going to some very early gigs, had demo’s of The Apples and recently dug out some Promo Copy Only issues of Boing! and all your singles… I even remember some backstage hanging out with the four of you, I was about fifteen I guess!!
I am a great old chum of Liam Watson, and I hung out heavily with Tim Madgwick back in the day… Anyone know where Tim is these days? Anyway, hope you do a reunion gig and get Boing! out on iTunes…
Good Luck, you were a good band that didn’t get the recognition or rewards you deserved.
All fingers and toes are crossed for Boing being realeased on itunes. I only ever owned it on cassette which is long gone and I really, really want to get hold of it again.
funny how…nearly twenty years pass and “boing” still soundtracks a crazy and emotional decade – i love its lack of pretention, its honesty and emotional expression (not to mention the hooks,beats and organ) Thanks and thanks again.
Dear Airhead members, please could you let us have your thoughts on the band reforming and the release of Boing! We are all so desperately waiting for this.
I remember a gig at the Princess Charlotte Leicester and it was the best night, I need a repeat performance! I’ve waited years for this and have continued to listen to your music regularly, I’ll carry on of course but please make all us fans happy!
Julie x
loved the album when it was released, of all the records (yes, my copy is on vinyl) that i owned in the early 90′s ‘Boing’ is the one that i really remember and it is one of the few records i still own (despite not currently having a record player).
would love to get a digital copy so i cvould actually listen to the album.
Hi everyone.
Thanks again for all your kind words on this site, it really means a lot to us.
Thought I’d give a brief update on proceedings so far, however limited:
After the Twitter campaign was set-up and Ben was interviewed on Iain Lee’s show it seemed someone would need to get in touch with the record label to discuss the digital release, that someone was me. After several failed attempts to contact the right person I finally spoke to someone in the ‘digital’ team (obvious really), he told me there was nothing on the ‘system’, to suggest that Boing was going to be released from the archive anytime soon.
After a few weeks my contact got back to me and said he couldn’t find a copy of Boing anywhere in the building??? Could I send him a copy – back in the day I used to have boxes of the things, but I’m down to my last precious copy, so I sent him the mp3 files and scans of the covers. It seemed I’d achieved the impossible….why wasn’t this done sooner?
All that was left to do was check the legal issues concerning a re-release….oops.
As you all know it was nearly 20 years ago since we made the album, in those days CD’s were relatively new, Boing even appeared in cassette format, mp3′s, digital files, and itunes weren’t even ideas in 1991.
Only a few years after its release the album was deleted and no longer available to buy?
The result is a lot of head scratching about what to do next, it will happen, but when isn’t clear right now.
Mike and I met up a few weeks ago to discuss the practicalities of playing live again, it was easy enough at my wedding as we only performed 2 songs, recreating most of the album would need a lot of work to do it any justice.
Sorry there’s not a great deal to report, fingers crossed I’ll have some more definite news soon
Sam
At last some positive news – hope it goes well Sam, give Mike my best – Dawn Adamson used to manage my old band Curl, I beleive she was your old manager!
Sam – thank you so much for the update, this news is just…well, fantastic! I can’t believe we are getting a little bit closer. Our fingers are all crossed and I’m sure we will keep checking this website regularly for your next update. Best regards to you all x
I’m a long time fan and I’d love to see the band play live. I never got the opportunity all those years ago and would like to put this right. In terms of venues, I can help out with this. I can access a couple of suitably sized & recognised central London venues all set up and ready to go. I’ve got some pedigree in this as Robin Byles who runs this web site will testify. I’d be willing to put up a modest sum to promote the gig properly – all at no cost to the band and no expectation of seeing any return on my investment…all just for the fun/hell of it and to see a great band play some great songs. I might also be able to help out with itunes…bit of a longer shot, but still have a few old strings to pull…you never know.
Please feel free to/do get in touch – this is absolutely a genuine post and I absolutely want to do my bit to keep the momentum going.
Just wanted to say I’m glad I found this site as I love ‘Boing’ and every few years or so rediscover my cd copy and love tracks like counting sheep, which you were here and funny how.
The odd thing is it’s like a club. most people who i mention the band to don’t really remember, but every so often I find someone who loved & loves the albums as much as me.
Wow – this takes me back!! I loved Airhead when I was a teen!! Played my old cassette of Boing!! to death!! Was trawling Google to see what the band were up to these days and stumbled on this!! Was it really 20 years ago?! That’s just scary!!
I remember this time so well. I discovered airhead, neds atomic dustbin, jesus jones, emf, and more. I would love to buy this again and neeeeeeeeeed to see a live show. Let me know where and when so i can get my 30 something nostalgic ass out there.
Found an old copy of Boing on CD in Camden on Saturday – only a quid! Forgotten how much I enjoyed this album (I had it on cassette but it got lost/chewed/stolen by an ex somewhere along the way).
I hope you fancy the reunion, I was too young to get along the first time…
I was forced to finally sort through my storage unit of boxes due to a move to the US. Along with embarrassing photos from those university years I found BOING!! Glorious. Sat in the mid west with a glass of nice red totally enjoying the tunes.
I’ve been waiting since the early 90′s for new Michael Wallis tunes. Still one of my musical influences, my best song being Take My Train. I never had the chance to see them live, it’s one of my dreams
I agree, Take My Train is a fantastic song. I bet no one can reach the high note in the line ‘I watched you smoulder’ as good as me – particularly at the traffic lights of a morning, I do get some funny looks, but do I care…certainly not, I’m in my own world by then ha ha.
To my Airhead mates out there, let me know your fave songs so we can reminisce together.
wicked!!! I thought I was the only person who knew that tune! Wow. The lyrical content is beautiful. I can’t believe Airhead only released one album therefore denying the worls of creative Wallis genius. What a shame. Can you really hit the high note;-)
It’s funny. Tonight out of nowhere I had “Right Now” in my head. I haven’t listened to it for years! This led to me watching all the Airhead videos on You Tube then I discovered this website.
I have “Boing” somewhere. I will be digging it out. What a fantastic album!!
That reminds me that Airhead were going to perform at the Glastonbury Festival in 1992. I was so excited but then they dropped out and I never got to see Airhead live. What a disappointment! Please, please, please do another gig now!
Glastonbury? Wow. It’s amazing how many people got into indie through them – nobody has mentioned much Everybody Needs – the lyrics very subversive. Ive been listening recently to the That’s Enough ep , Someone Should Have Told Me is beautiful. I happened to over hear a Jamie Cullum track a year ago which literally sounded exactly the same! Crazy.
If you are listening Airhead, get together for a one off show, you’ve loads of fans! It’s a shame the lads are a cult band but in a way it’s also nice, as they’ve never sold out or anything (not that they would but you know the industry!)
It’s my sons3rd birthday tomorrow – I’m sat here thinking about the old days and can’t get Airhead out of Myhead…… so many great memories and I can’t wait till tomorrow night as I think I’ve just remembered where my Funny How 12 inch is in the loft!!!
Come on guys – do a gig!!!!
Just found your lovely site after me and a good friend were reminiscing about the good ole’ Airhead days.
As I told him, Scrap Happy really is one of the greatest songs of all time and I don’t deal in hyperbole so you can trust my judgement….he he.
Really hope that Boing returns soon. My copy and those of all the 12″ singles are on vinyl and I don’t even have a turntable anymore. Very sad.
Keep up the good work, this is a lovely blog.
I love the lyrics to that tune! I had a crazy dream where the band had a gig this Summer – it must have been a dream as I yahood gig & Airhead & nothing came up ;-p
After watching The Brits recently, I remembered the video to Funny How was nominated – it was a classic video wasn’t it – ahhhh… those were the days.
Also, just been listening to Isn’t it Rich – I can still hear something new on this track all these years on – amazing.
You guys are still always near the top of what Im listening too. Im into all sorts but Boing always gets a play and is timeless. One of my all time fave albums. J
Boing has been one of my favourite CDs ever since I saw you at the Wedgewood Rooms (I think our band may even have supported you, but can’t be 100% sure) in Portsmouth in the early 90s. ‘I Might Fall’ is my personal favourite and has never been off my ‘Greatest Hits’ playlist on iTunes – love those drums. Great to hear you may get a digital release. Thanks to this site, I’ve just discovered the Spike tracks. Are there any more Airhead unreleased tunes lurking in your old cassette/cd box?
just bought the album on cd after losing my tape copy to a demon tape player
love the album as much today as i did when i first saw you live in Carlisle (supporting Voice of the Beehive!!!!)
think i may annoy the neighbours with my constant LOUD playing.
would be great to see you guys back together (hint hint hint hint)
or at least give us a fanpage thats current????
That show in Carlisle was my first real gig. The synth on “They Don’t Know” captivated me and Boing has to be my fave album ever – just so perfectly put together. Still got my cassette but must get a CD copy so I can take the lads with me in the car…
Thank you Airhead for always putting a smile on my face!
Me and my chums used to stalk Airhead back in the day and thinking about how we pestered them they were pleasantly tolerant! Can’t believe an opportunistic McFly style ‘proper’ boy band has not snapped up Funny How and done it like Airhead used to when they played it live. It’s a number 1 single (still) waiting to happen!
Bizarre…I woke up this morning with this line in my head “I…can’t…say…how…I..feel” and I could hear the exact voice and it was really frustrating not being able to remember who sang it, or even what the rest of the song was. I’ve spent the whole day singing that line, but the google machine had too many hits with people rabbiting on about not being able to express their feelings etc etc. Finally I remembered another line, this bloody war of words…and found my way to this site. As soon as I saw the lyrics I was able to sing the whole thing to tune. Man, Airhead!! I used to listen to this song over and over again. Great to see they are still being adored.
“strike a light” a chuuffin site tae tell likeminded folk how crimanally underated the album boing hapened tae be, well i never. I must confess i dig yon album oot now and again and never fails tae deliver, diet blur my arse!
Someone mentioned to me the other day that this site existed… good work! Man I still love Boing! and every time I listen it’s like discovering it for the first time. So many classic songs but in particular Funny How… reminds me of my adolescence singing it with my mates outside the local chippy over a doner batch. Those were happy days! Why can’t you guys get together for one of the festivals next year?? How about the Wychwood in Cheltenham as it’s a good family one… seeing as many of us have kids now and I personally would like them to enjoy. How about It??
So it’s not just me then! Boing is such a strong album and rates in my mind as highly as The Stone Roses’ debut. so has it been re-issued then? I played my friend ‘Scrap Happy’ the other week and he thought it was the best track he’d heard in years. good luck with the campaign. just reform anyway, write some more songs and make a new generation happy. My fifteen year-old daughter thinks it’s the greatest album ever. she’s gonna play it to all her mates. Who knows where this could end up
Loved this album so much I used to do my step aerobics to it all the time in the days when I was thin, in-fact it was Boing that kept me thin, I think. The “funny how” video (with the jazzed-up austin 1300 car) is ace. Have still got the Boing cd and dig it out occasionally when I get the house to myself, my step has long gone though. Fab uplifting tunes in these miserable times.
Any news of the reunion gig anyone?
Currently listening to Someone Should Have Told Me, 40 Wishes and my fave…Something Wrong. How fantastic are these tracks…I love ‘em.
listened to ‘Someone’ last wk – I really hope the reunion gig can take place. Ive been listening to the same tunes for years now! Havent heard 40 Wishes or Something Wrong – which recordings are they on Julie?
I have several tracks that Spike recorded…errr…not exactly sure if I should have them…ahem…err… but they are very good as you can imagine! Not sure how to get you a copy as I am rubbish with computers – can anyone help?
Likewise, I have listened to the same music for years and its fantastic, will never stop listening. CDs are always in my car, best played loud!!!!!!!!!!!
julie – if you need any help transferring whatever you have to digital so it can be posted online, leave me a comment on my site with your email address, and ill get in touch. it screens comments so your email address wont actually appear on the site…
Hope you get the album re-released….I was thinking about one of my favourite tunes earlier (Right now – the 12″ version preferably) and wanted to hear it….great stuff. Googled you and here I am – one unsuccessful search later! Thanks for that tune btw!
So glad so many others think Boing is just the best. Used to listen to it religiously in the bath at Uni before heading out (was following Morty from Sultans of Ping around whenever we could at the time). Was at Glasto in 92, would’ve been my only chance to see them live. So much music I used to be into grates on me now but I could play Boing all day and not get sick of it.
Can’t find the promo video for Congratulations anywhere, Youtube etc. Can you post it, I haven’t seen it in years and don’t have a copy anywhere myself. All the best Nathan Detroit (director Congratulations video)
Loved Airhead then and still play Boing now when I need a pick me up. I’ve even got a 12 inch of counting sheep somewhere I think. Saw them support Voice of the Beehive, Inspiral Carpets and at the Borderline. All thanks to a guy I worked with called Kerry Davies whose sister at the time worked for Timeout and blagged us tickets to one of the gigs. Voice of’ I think. Wanted more from these guys at the time, shame it didn’t happen and they got swamped by Brit pop. It was good times while it lasted though and reminds me to get out and see live music more often.
Message for Sir Michael Wallis – do I have your permission to put Spike tracks onto this site (scroll back to my comment left on 2 August please). I won’t do it unless agreed as I could end up in trouble I guess! Please come back and do a gig or provide us with an update of your musical works. I’m still listening to your music daily, I never get tired of listening to it.
Thanks, Julie
julie, i reckon we should be ok, and if it causes a problem for the band/whoever, then we’ll take it back down again. the offer still stands if you want help ripping it to your computer.
Hi
Steve Lamacq played ‘Funny How’ on 6music yesterday. Cant believe how long it has been since I heard it or even thought about Airhead! It took me back to being at art college (91-93) as it is the record that holds great memories of that time.
I may still have a recording of Boing on cassette somewhere up in the loft, so a CD reissue or on itunes would be amazing as I now need it in my life again but at a sensible price!
Clearing out my cd collection and found a copy of Boing. Not heard it for what must be around 10 years. I’d forgotten how good it was. It’s now on my iPod
Funny How! A f*cking great song I still listen to now 20 years later! It has a great video too and seeing that on the Chart Show back in the day bot me in to the band. Trouble is, I want the version with the sample from the ‘Yellow Submarine’ film in it and that was only on the 12inch! I no longer can play records! Eeeek! Glad to see something on the net about Airhead after all this time. I’ve done searches from time to time and was frustrated nothing came up! I’ve never forgotten yous!
I last wrote a comment on this site as anonymous on 7th Feb 2009! (Can’t believe it was 3 years ago!!). Anyway, still checking out this great site and feel so happy that there are obviously so many fans of Airhead. Still playing Boing. Now have an i-pod in these modern times(!) so listen to ‘Boing’ on the train too: Feel like saying to my fellow passengers ‘Listen to this!”
Keep posting your comments everyone!
I have been getting sooo nostalgic listening to Airhead stuff again recently…all I can say is thank god for them really, totally brighten up my life I just wondered if anyone knew if Michael still sings? I love his voice and how awesome would it be to duet with him!
I’ve just rediscovered this album after twenty years (i brought it in my last year of uni) and it brought back some great memories. It’s a great album and will be on my iPhone within the hour.
Really hope they do a gig in London, I’d definitely go.
Yes, I would love a new CD. Even if it was original music that they never released ie when we saw them play in Sept
1992, they were playing great songs from their ‘new album’ which was never released. Why not release those songs NOW…Please!!
Oh, I ADORED your band – reminds me of some superb times at Uni, I finished my finals and danced my ass off to Boing (Scrap Happy as I remember….) after I got home from an epic night out of celebrations. Superb music, have really enjoyed finding you on YouTube. Wish you’d stayed around for longer and made some more tracks!!!
Was listening to Boing! today and thought ‘I wonder what happened to Airhead?’ Now I know. Still a great album 20 years on and one of my favourites of the 1990s. I’m not sure I’m with the reform-relive the glory days contingent. It’s hermetically sealed in a box at the fag end of my baggy university days, 10 near-perfect tracks and a worn thin cassette can transport me across time and I’m in a poster-lined, dingy room with Jesus Jones, Inspiral Carpets et al. Re-issue and leave it there.
I’m the opposite…I can’t get those happy times from my mind and the music….well I need to hear it live again and have more copies. yes copies because mine are getting worn out and I will need them for many more years to come!
Been to see the Mondays, Carpets and soon the Roses, constantly on the trail of the Wonderstuff and Carter but would be in ectasy if Airhead resurfaced, probably pay a pity penny myself for them to use my garden!! I have regularly lent out my CD of Boing to mates to stick on their ipods, we need a day of nostalgia Airhead style.
Yes, I love that song but haven’t heard it for years as it is on 10″ vinyl ‘That’s Enough’ EP that has been packed away in the loft since we moved house (and we no longer have a record-player!) Is it available on CD (?) and where could i find it (?) as I’d love to hear it again and have it on my i-pod.
It’s so depressing to see everything on vinyl isn’t it…I have acquired a different version on CD, I actually prefer this version, but I can’t copy it unfortunately. we need a gig or a CD please Airhead!!!!!
Just purchased the ‘That’s Enough’ 10″ vinyl EP from ebay.
Well chuffed!
Have most of the ‘Airhead’ stuff on my iPod and was listening to ‘Boing’ on the way to work this morning… Still sounds as fresh as a daisy (which is more than you can say for my sing-a-long ( ).
I may have to get my copy down from the loft just to look at even if I can’t play it! Congratulations on your purchase-enjoy! I also have ‘Boing’ on my I-Pod and listen to it on the train. My fellow commuters don’t know what they’re missing!
Moving house next week…anyone DARE touch my Airhead collection…yeeouch!! Seriously, Airhead Members…any news on a CD or gig purlease? Its been so long…
Julie Allen
I used to listen to Funny How & Counting Sheep in my student days 20 years ago. Phil Schofield used to play a lot of Airhead on his Sunday Radio 1 show. Great band!
Addicted to the ‘Spike’ songs at the moment-have them on my ipod-waking up singing the lyrics. If you haven’t already done so, I suggest you download the John Peel session (link at top of page) However, we need MORE Airhead songs!!
I notice that to keep this site open then us fans will need to make a donation!!! The thing I don’t get is what’s the point if we haven’t had an update of any credit since 2010? Comments please
Hi Johnny, there’s no imminent threat to close this site. I just wanted to give people the option of chipping in to keep the domain name if they wish. You don’t have to pay a penny if you don’t want.
Really pleased this Album is BACK!! I had on tape and it died! As a Director and Producer I loved the videos for the released singles would love to shoot and edit some more for the guys and fans. “I Might fall” and “Wish you were here” are great candidates! Best to all and thanks for keeping the site going will donate shortly!
Been outta action for a while…I’m back! So we are on i tunes…BRING IT ON! Well done and how did it happen then? WOW. Can’t turn my back for 5 mins! Guy..did you produce the video for Funny How? What a fantastic video it should have won the Brit award it was up for.
Alison – Someone Should have Told Me is the most amazing song isn’t it? Chokes me…every single time.
Mike, Sam, Ben, Steve – we would love to see you again.
Happy Christmas Airheads xxxxx
No I didn’t shoot Funny How Or Counting Sheep. Great videos that they are! I’m just an indie video freelance video Director who shoots music and comedy videos who’d love to shoot new vids for Airhead. As a grad of the NFTS I feel we’d do justice for them!
Hi Julie,
Nice to see you back! Yes I really love that song: Now that ‘Boing’ has been released on i tunes…here’s hoping for more!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas & Best Wishes for 2013.
Alison
xx
Dawn Adamson, Airhead’s first ( believe) manager, also managed my 1st band Curl (myspace.com/curl96), & I adore them. Great to see the itunes release, I still own the vinyl of Boing. I prsy for a reunion! C’mon lads… I prefered u to the Stone Roses for Christ’s sake
BTW – my favourite tune is Take My Train
21 years ago an album called Boing got two people together. 21 years later they are still together and now have 2 kids. I have a decent copy on CD, but have just bought a copy on iTunes, I think I owe the band that. Would love to see them live………..
Oh YES! Finally Boing! has made it onto iTunes. Must have been one of the last albums I ever bought on vinyl. But now it’s back, and as fresh, and fun as ever! A big thanks to everybody involved in making this happen.
I was 12 when my big sister bought Boing and I fell in love with the songs. It’s one of the best indie albums ever. Thanks for getting me through those secondary school years!
This is a message for Dawn Adamson – Not sure if you ever come in here but it’s worth a try – It’s Joanna (Trevor Danbys) daughter. Saw your name on this interview and just wanted to say hi and hope all is good with you x
Boing! is an album I keep going back to, time and time again – lovely pop music, as pop music should be.Nice site Robin, I’ll check around to see if I can find any more info for you!
Friends,I’m in Russia and can’t find this album for like ten years already! I owned it once, but it’s long gone! Could you PLEASE give me an MP3 link to I Might Fall, so I could have something at least.
Good old Airhead.The soundtrack to 1992, and still graces the CD player on occasion. Sing-along songs…”Right now”, “Funny How” – Boing is a classic.
Great site. Airhead are the band that got me into Indie music 15 years ago. I still really love Airhead and have spent ages buying up all the CD singles off eBay. They have permanent residence on my iPod.I’d love to know what happened to Michael Wallis.
Excellent site with some lovely visuals and some great tabs – well done indeed. Spent the best part of 10 years trawling 2nd hand record shops for Boing and, when I eventually stumbled across a pristine unplayed edition of it, had to take the afternoon off to listen to it.Thanks again for the site!
Rob, I’ve got your name and, um, URL from your other band sites, so I have very high hopes for this Airhead site. Absolutely fantastic to see something on the net about them after all these years. I’ll check back regularly.Does anyone know anything about that second album? About two years ago, almost any search for ‘Airhead’ on e-bay would bring up a CD-R containing ‘the demos for Boing 2′. I hate ripping bands off so didn’t buy it in the end, and no one seems to be offering it any more. Any pointers?
I’m not a fan, my mate had Boing so I might have heard it all those years ago, but I’d like to congratulate you on your site. I found it after searching for them on Wikipedia and then wondering “who writes these entries?”. Now I know, well done for being part of pop as we love it.
I’m lucky enough to have seen Airhead live (supporting Inspiral Carpets in February 1992), and at that gig they played some new songs that never appeared on any of their releases. I’m a bit hazy on their content, sorry, but one in particular stands out as it had sort of swirly, disjointed, Eastern-tinged verses, joined together by a sudden silence punctuated by three ‘beep’ noises from the keyboards. I’m not really describing this very well, am I! They also did one (possibly two) session for The Evening Session, which again featured some otherwise unheard songs. Cheers for doing this site, it’s about time that they were championed somewhere!
The song that had the 3 beeps in i think was released on the that’s enough ep called They don’t know but once recorded they did not include the beeps which in a way left the song lacking!
Well done on the site Rob. I was sat here at my computer this morning and I decided to write an entry for Wikipedia only to discover that you’d beaten me to it. I hope that you can expand the site – I don’t know the legalities for providing mp3 snippits but that is surely the way to go!I’ve done a fair amount of ebaying to buy some of the back catalogue – I won’t tell you how much I paid for the Mother Tongue EP! Just to let you know, I’m an English Teacher and I have a poster up on my wall of the song lyrics to ‘Funny How’ – not their best song lyrically or musically, but my Year 11′s think it’s great.Keep up the good work, I will contact you if I find anything useful for you.
Hey Robin,Just thought I’d let you know that I have put in a link on my blogs for you. I doubt anyone will read them but I thought I’d let you know!
i have a well listened to copy of boing!, it got me through school! and i still enjoy a listen (and singalong!) none of my friends have ever heard of airhead so it was nice to find this website and the cds selling at good prices on ebay! other people with delectable taste!
What a forgotten gem of a band and album – they deserved so much more….Long live airhead
Wow what a blast from the past! I had Boing on tape but lost it a while back…still know all the words though! It’s great hearing the tracks on your myspace. I’ve always wondered what happened to them. Listening back now I think they’ve been a huge influence
whoops pressed the wrong icon…a huge influence on my song-writing.Cheers mate!
I can’t believe it – there I was minding my own lunchtime business, jaws locked firmly on a pasty – and then it came on the radio: “Funny How” by Airhead!I couldn’t believe it – I bought the “Boing!” album way back when tape cassettes weren’t rude and OLD, and it very quickly became (and remains) one of my ‘favourite things’.To stop the music from degrading along with said cassette, it’s since been bounced to MP3 via a multitude of equal sins: DAT, midi, etc.! The vicious, nasty cassette has long since gone, but the music remains… I never thought I’d hear the day when it was played on Radio (guess I was waiting for the likes of 6 music – Wikipedia says it was “played heavily” by R1, but I never heard it…).It’s an album I keep going back to – it’s just so good.Anyone remember the Cleaners from Venus (Martin Newell)?
Scrap Happy is one of the greatest songs ever & an amazing tune to open an album with.I managed to see them twice back in the day,both in Northampton,at the Irish Centre(which is now a strip club!!) & at the Roadmender.2 fantastic gigs,it’s such a shame they never made it really big.I bought a couple of cd’s of unrealsed tracks & demos off E-Bay & they are really excellent.Great site,keep up the good work.
Nice to see Boing lives in others’ memories, too… Such a shame that worse bands have kept going and Airhead have just been forgotten.Went down to see them at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth and it was a great gig. I have the LP (jostick burn on the outside edge testament to many drunken nights in shared houses) but my taped copy gave up the ghost years ago. I would love to have a digital version for my iPod but can’t bring myself to bid for some German bootleg. Thanks for setting up the site.
Hello all. I loved this album at the time and was a real indie fan, my friends didn’t take to it though (probably not rough enough for them(?))!!! Still got my copy, it gets played on my MP3 occasionally. Most vivid memory of listening to this album was when i worked for Keycamp in the Loire valley, it got played in our tent quite a lot and on my walkman when we were setting up the camp sites. Great stuff. kingdaniel69@yahoo.com
I saw the band play live in 1992 at Trent University. It was the first concert I had ever been to and it is still the best. The music was amazing and they looked fantastic. I never go long without listening to Boing. A simply amazing album. I also own most of their singles. It is a tragedy that they only produced one album. Simply brilliant.
An Airhead website! Brilliant band. I was prompted to serach the web for them this week after listening to the new Kaiser Cheifs album; there are definitely a few similarities. They were sadly under-rated despite producing an excellent album, and I dare say they would’ve been bigger had they arrived during the Britpop era only a few years later. They supported Inspiral Carpets on their Dragging Me Down tour in February 1992 and went down very well. The Boing album was excellent; Couting Sheep, Funny How and Right Now are veritable classics. It’s been so long since I heard those tunes though, I must see if I can find my cassette copy.Airhead, if any of you happen to chance upon this site (as I just did) – you were a quality band. Brilliant, timeless album that was years ahead of it’s time. Why not get together for a tour to show the young ‘uns how it’s done? Go on…
What a blast from the past! I’d forgotten about Airhead until I heard ‘Funny How’ whilst out and about in Derby. I searched high and low for my cassette copy of ‘Boing!’ with no luck. It prompted me to search the net for info, and here I am!I was age 15/16 in 1992, and it was the likes of Airhead that got me through those GCSE years!!! ‘Easy’ is probably the stand out track for me, at that tender age the lyrics seemed amazing. Now I’ve managed to track down a copy on CD (bargain £14.99 on ebay, I’ve seen it got for £36!!!) I still think they’re amazing!’Boing!’ should have been the start of something fabulous – sorry to say this wasn’t the case and as US Grunge took over I got into raving. Sad…
After reading a previous comment, I agree with the idea of an Airhead reunion tour and album. They would still kick ass. Time to start the campaign for the comeback. Any one want to sign the petition?
Just had a ‘whatever happened to…’ moment and thanks to Wikipedia came across this site. I saw Airhead in Bangor University, presumably very shortly after Funny How was released, as I seem to recall it was right at the start of term. They played to a half-empty main bar, and anyone who’s ever been to Bangor will know that’s not many people. Can’t remember the set particularly well but I do know I thought the tunes were great.At the gig I got talking to a chap about the music and we went on to become best mates – and have since been best man for each other. I have happy memories of us sharing many ‘fruitless’ Friday nights in the student union followed up by drunken singing of the chorus to Funny How on the way home – all thanks to Airhead!
Last I heard Mike Wallis was back working as an accountant in Maidstone, he was never terribly rock and roll…
Think you are right about Mike Wallis…pretty sure he worked for Price Waterhouse in the late 90s as I am sure we talked about him being in Airhead and he was surprised I’d heard of them.
There was a music video for ‘Funny How.’ Has anyone uploaded it yet?
Wow!! I’ve only just found this site – after years of searching e-bay for Boing and never successfully winning it!They were my fave band in the 90′s but only had album on tape which is now mangled and won’t play.
Nice site !Good to see there are still Airhead fans out there. Airhead was one of the best gig’s I’ve been to. A sort of homecoming (as close as homecomings get to darkest Kent) at Metrognome in Folkestone where the band announced they were calling it a day. The gig seemed to last for hours with pretty much all their material played.Shame a good band had to call it off after such a good first album. I seem to remember there was some animosity between Airhead and Carter USM. Anyone know any more ?
For some totally bizarre reason I started humming’Counting Sheep’ a few weeks ago (not having heard it for what must be over 10 years) and only after a a quick search remembered it was Airhead…It all comes flooding back now, and now I’m another one looking to pick up a copy of Boing!
Not an actual fan as had never heard of them but am lucky enough to now be working with the gorgeous Ben Kesterven who i am happy to say has not lost his looks and can still bang out a good tune as they many a good tune played on a old fiddle
Boing was my fist love and it will have a place in my heart forever saw them at folkstone BRILLIANT cant belive some lucky lady is working with Ben is he still in the music business ?Airhead reunion tour Fab Idea sign me up
This is a great site. I am writing a book on the lesser known early to mid 90s english indie bands and was hoping on decvoting at least a chapter to the influential but oft overlooked Airhead.I would love to hear any fan anecdotes particularly more info on:Ben kesteven’s allegeded late 90s sessions with Herbie Flowers, Level 42 and Marc Almond and his current status as a property tycoon with massive Greek holiday complex developments The incident in which Airhead members allegedly tied “Fruitbat” from Carter USM to a chair and repeatedly played him Motorhead CDsThe rumors of a propossed reformation and tour featuring a spinal tap style “new skiffle direction” and a live greatest hits concert to be filmed in a disused cold war bunker complex also photos of any fans with Airhead tattoos or “our song” style reminsences
I bet Ben can still bang out a good tune. I followed them on various tours for a while – if Ben’s reading this then i still have the autograph and treasure the memory’s of how i came to get it.XX
oh yes sweet Ben strummed and banged a few tunes out of me!
I can certainly confirm that Ben is now heavily involved in the property business – he actually specialises in securing Greek Villas for use in the adult film industry. So the recent ancedote about his whereabouts was not all wrong!!
from what I remember his performances were always of a professional nature!Baron of Squatmilk: post you email address I have got lots of material for your book it could end up being as controversial as “The Dirt” about Motley Crueand I have lots of juicy bits on Sam Kesteven as well, also now involved in the “adult industry”, but back in the day he took no prisoners. had all the members of bananarama AND the wonderstuff!
I heckled the band once at the Wedgewood Rooms and afterwards the Kesteven brothers got hold of me outside in Albert rd and gave me a really hard timeI then saw them again down the road in the Wine Vaults, they both gave me a right doing over, really kicked me about, I lost a few teeth.
Indie Grrrl. I think various members of what later became the band “candy flip” were involved in that particular incident with Bananarama and the wonderstuff.Strawberry fields indeed.God they were not the clean cut boys of pop they made out.
I am glad to hear the brothers K have made out all right and are still around they’re CD is the best from the 90s! I have a video of them on the “Word” is anyone wants to trade.The K’s still owe me some money on some whizz and disco biscuits mind.Motely Crue’s “the dirt” is right they were both right hoovers, drug dustbins, space cadets…we called Ben “special K”!!!
I am liking this messages. The Airheads are very big in turkey. Tell me more about this book and can it be bought? I am worry that this may be drug music I did not think engish kesteven brother put drugs in only lagers
Funny you should say that about “special K.”I remember the night he slipped into a K hole while in the back of the transit on one of our earlier tours.Scariest thing i have ever seen – he ended up convinced Keith Chegwin was out to kill him. Went berserk – his brother had to knock him out with the supply of “jellies” they were giving to “the kids” after the show.Man i hope he got counselling for his anger!!!
Oh that Transit!That was so uncomfortable till the Kestevan’s installed their “groupie mattress”Wonder if Ben’s trophies are still stuffed underneath?Crazy Days!
hy annonymus where in turkey are you? i am an indie english fan in turkey maybe we can meet about airheads talk
is it true that felicity kendal was the inspiration for many of their songs?:
I saw the ‘Head at Trent in ’92, too. I agree it was a cracking gig one of the best
Thanks for this site it is excellent I had no idea Airhead were so popular all these years later! They were a good band. Crap name.I remember telling one of the K’s that I thought the name was rubbish and he went for me! slapped me right across the face and said something in a fake jamaican accent “das claat jah” or some such tripecrazy days, indeed
Speaking as a former member, I feel I must make a contribution to this ‘discussion’ and apologise for the fact that my current workmates have got wind of this site and are obviously making ludicrous and false (if occassionally funny) remarks. For those of you who have made such kind and complimentary contributions I must say a humble thankyou – and apologise if my colleagues have reduced this all to a bit of a p*** take.As far as I’m aware, we’re all doing fine but Sam’s eyes remain too close together.Keep contributing and maybe we’ll get Boing on itunes!Regards,Ben K
Ben K,Have you heard the news that Dodgy have reformed and touring? This is a great opportunity to get Airhead back out on the road and just test the water as i am sure you will be surprised with the turn out?Also why haven’t you or any of the band members got a MYSPACE page as it would be great to find out more from the past and maybe to make a future AIRHEAD.Here’s hopingAndy W
To be honest Andy W I have seen a few of the members recently and if they did reform they would have to be called “Barehead” not “airhead” and would do well touring with Right Said Fred.
Andy W,I would love to get AIRHEAD back together but other members are not so keen. The way forward is to try and get on iTunes and get some ground roots level interest from former fans like yourselves.Failing that a big money offer from a label should give me a bit of leverage with the guys. I know that a few years ago Marillion, a band I am a huge admirer of, asked fans to each send £10 to them to fund an album. Marillion then made an album and mailed it to their fans. I am thinking along these lines for new recordings or even a live reformation project.RegardsBen K
AndyThere is no way I would reform the band with both of the Kesteven brothers involved. I would only be in if Roger Wells was on bass. He was a better musician than Ben K and a nicer bloke all around. The K twins or special K guys were absolute animals together and made the Gallaghar brothers look like Mormons. What is your email address Baron of Squatmilk I have got anecdotes and photos that will make your book a best seller!If Ben K wants to get the band back together without me he will have to call it “special K Airhead” or ” from the Airheads”RegardsMike Wallis
Enough!!!!!Ben K (original)
I like the idea of a joint tour. Apart from the odd Daz advert Right Said Fred aren’t exactly packing them in these days.I can see that ticket would sell: two 90s pop legends, two bisexual bald brothers!We must do it!RegardsRichard Fairbrass
Now is worrying time to be Airhead fan. First we are told that they put drugs and not just lagers in. Now we are told they are gays AND straights at the same time and put themselves in men and women. and feclicity kendal? who is this felicity?
Yes I must say I am more than a little disillusioned myself!People posting on her are not real fans or band members, the band themselves reforming under dubious circumstances…next we will be told that Airhead was not a real band and they didn’t play their instruments.
Hi Damon Albarn here!Airhead, The Monkees and the Archies is where I got the idea for Gorilaz. AIRHEAD was actually a project by Robert Smith from THE CURE and Wayne Hussey from the MiSSION/SISTERS OF MERCY”AIRHEAD” was just a play on Robert’s nickname, “Bed Head”The guys that pretended to be in the band for touring purposes were just actors.Robert and I still chuckle about how they used BLUR as the inspiration for some of their artwork. and Ben K sat in on a few BLUR seesions when Alex James was too out of it.See yaDamon x
Great to see my brothers work mates have so much free time on their hands, and I thought I had a dossy job! Ben, exercise some control over those reprobates. Anyway, please don’t feel put off from leaving comments on this site. We’ve all been shocked to see how many people still remember the band and its great to hear how much the album was enjoyed. I’ve been in touch with Mike and Steve recently to invite them both to my wedding (Mike and Ben will definitely have to turn up as their both ushers). I’m hoping to pursuade them to bring their instruments along so we can bash out a few songs. Ben has been forcing his kids to listen to Boing for years and they know all the words to Funny How, so I guess that’s as good a reason as any to play at the wedding.Thanks again for visiting the site and leaving comments.Sam
Hi , Mike, Sam, BenIf you guys were to put on a comeback gig to test the water with the fanbase what sort of money would it cost to get a gig at the Bull & Gate pub in Kentish Town or something along those lines? There is a venue in Hertfordshire that i could find out if they would be interested in getting you back on the map and i would be willing to help with the groundwork?Come on guys give it a thought as you can see there are a lot of fans still out there.Lastly if one of you set up a MYSPACE page then the fans will surprise you with the lasting interest in AIRHEAD!!!!!Let Me Know Guys?????Andy W
Hi Andy W, Just in case you (and possibly others) have been confused by the recent nonsense written here, the person claiming to be Mike Wallis is NOT Mike Wallis – it’s a bored lay about who just happens to work with me.I’m hoping he’s gone onto something else now…..Ben K (genuine)
Hi Ben,I know your work colleagues have been putting up false comments but as you are being honest please would you answer my last few questions as it seems like at least you would like to get back out gigging?ThanksAndy W
Hi Andy,It’s not a matter of motivation to do some gigs, it’s more a problem of logistics. We all live in different areas now, have jobs etc and I’ve got 2 young kids so getting together for rehearsals let alone gigs would take a lot of organising.It’s certainly not something I’d rule out and it’d probably be good fun etc but I really can’t speak for the other guys. Sam’s wedding is definately an opportunity to see how it works on a small scale so who knows?Regards,Ben K
Sam,Used to be at college with you in Chelsea. We generally used to f*ck about and do nowt. You can contact me at thru my company http://www.karmabluedesign.co.uk.Hope you are well dude.James McAllister
Hi Ben K,Thanks for answering my questions and heres hoping that Sam’s Great day gets you boys back on the road?Keep the fans updated with any news from now on!!Cheers Andy W
Ben,What are your thoughts on the petition for the re release of Boing?Do you think it is possible and is there any money in it for the band and what rights do you have on it after all these years?Just a thought?Andy W
Hi Ben K,I thought you would be interested to know that a guy called Joel Mciver who works for Record Collector magazine would like to get in touch with any of your band members to write a piece about Airhead and the possible re release of Boing?Joel is running a petition on the Airhead website at the moment to send to Warner Bros about the re release of Boing.This is what he asked me to forward to you in an e-mail:Thanks Andy. I’m a big fan of that album and am in touch with various record companies, which is why I thought I’d lobby Warners for a reissue. I’ll definitely write a piece on them for RC if the guys are prepared to answer some questions, even if it’s by email — do you reckon you could pass them this email? If you are interested in getting in touch with him let me know and i will forward his e-mail address.Go on bring the good times back?Andy W
wow. i’ve been doing periodic scans on the internet for over 10 years now looking for any airhead stuff, and now i find this!i can honestly say that airhead are one of my all-time favourite bands, and i was only listening to boing! last week on the way down to glastonbury!saw the band 5 times in total (including the trent uni gig in 92 and the derby wherehouse gig on the “thats enough” tour) and these gigs helped shape my music taste into what it is today.if anyone wants to get in touch find me at poptunes.orgkeep the apple,wanye.
Just wanted to say airhead changed my life i bought the album back in 1992 on tape and played it so much i wore the out !!.What a fantastic band you were at the time and deserved much more recognition that you got.I live in the north-west and was very much part of the madchester indie scene and always thought you were a local band (not Kent !!).So glad i found the website and cant help smiling and singing along to Funnyhow.Absolutley superb thanks for all the memories.Karl
So glad to hear you guys are all OK. I bought the CD off e-bay in the end – hope you are still getting the royalties! Would love to see a reunion gig some time – http://www.the-brook.com? Have fun at the wedding.Love,
Hi Ben or Sam,Please give us an update about yourselves and how the get together went with the old members?Andy WP.S Surprise me and tell me you will be gigging again?
Great site – was looking for stuff on Airhead after finding my student record collection at my parents house.Was the Funny How video not the one that was on a beach with a Star Trek theme – oh I don’t know my memory from the eary 90′s is a bit of a haze.
Funny how was the soundtrack to my school days !!Great bandKev
You will all be pleased to find that BOING! is my classic album this week on my radio show (check http://www.atlantic.fm if you don’t live in Cornwall – I’m on from 9.00pm Monday til Friday – but this isn’t a plug for the show – just a statemet of support!!)I was sitting there thumbing through 20 different mildly pretentious albums this evening when BOING! just called to me on the rack. It was hardly ever off the cd player back when it was released – it always puts me in a good mood and there isn’t a bad track on it – what better excuse do you need to have a classic.Anyway – just thought I would share that with you all on here.LedgeP.S. I still think that Funny How has one of the bext opening lines ever!!
Hi, so glad to find this web site at last after 15 years of searching. Would love to see the boys tour, reccord etc, I still listen to their music and hear something new in it 15 years on. I love it!! I also the SPike tracks too – keep em coming guys and please reunite – happy to help and get things back on track where they should be, Julie Allen
Great website, particularly loved the interview with their former manager, tinged with more than a degree of regret and possible missed opportuniies. She obviously had a great affinity for the band and their music,that sounds like it has no less diminished over the years. Have to agree with her about the demos they had for a 2nd album. I didn`t get to hear them myself until just over a couple of years ago(along with a whole host of other great stuff they recorded)Anyway they certainly had more than enough material to make an album even better than Boing!Such a shame unfortunatly that it wasn`t to be.Michael Wallis I don`t know what yer up to now fella, but you were one hell of a songwriter…Thanks for the tunes!
The video for Funny How has turned up on YouTube. It’s great, of course. Here it is.
Still have the vinyl knocking about somewhere, have to admit Boing! mostly gets aired during my random iTunes moments now, still go back to it for good old fashioned guitar pop! Sign the petition and let’s have a re-release…
Airhead produced the best album I’ve ever heard, it starts with the fantastic Scrap Happy and is consistantly amazing until the last note. Creative, melodic, original, great musicianship, great songwriting, great lyrics, great image… they had it all going. I reckon if they had come out 10 year later when guitar music was getting big again… Airhead would have been worldwide household megastars… as much as I love Oasis, they would have been blown out of the water by airhead.
10 years later?…. I meant if they had come out a few years later they would’ve been household names! I’m forgetting what bloody year it is myself!!! I reckon Mike to get one of those Iv??? Novell?? awards… (or whatever they’re called) for writing Boing
“Funny how” just about summed up how life was for me was in my late teens and early twenties, it was just great to have a song that did that without being morose. I had “Boing!” on cassette originally which eventually wore out and it was only about eighteen months ago (middle of 2005) that I eventually found a CD copy for sale online (no “Counting Sheep” sadly) which cost me about £25 but I just had to have it. The CD is now kept safe as I’ve got it on my MP3 player.
thanks for setting up this site, I’ve been searching for updated info on them for ages. The sound of my youth!!
I started listening to Airhead because this girl at school who I fancied wore an ‘Airhead’ badge so I got the album. She hated me (after that incident at my mate Dave’s party) but it is probably in my top 10 most listened to albums ever, and I am delighted to have finally won the CD off eBay recently. Great stuff and good memories. I have been introducing it to my mates in the US with great success.
Boing is one of my fave albums of all time, unusual in that every song was great. I could never understand why they got dropped, and like a lot of other people on this blog about once a year I’ve searched for them on the internet without luck! Until today that is.
I cant seem to get boing album anywhere, anyone who does have it is out of stock, does anyone have the album which they could upload in an email or something for me so i can listen it Please Please Please
hi everyone , i had an email back from sam who said mike wallis has got a really successful career now ? but never said what in . does anyone know if its music or what it is thankyou as apart from here theres nothing on the web. he also confirmed the guys will play 2 songs at his wedding ….. i hope they video it
I met Ben and Sam a few times and saw them play in Maidstone. I met their Dad, a lovely bloke – an artist if I remember rightly. A really nice family! Of course I had a crush on Ben. We used to hang out in the pubs with another local band ‘Headspin’ with the Cruickshanks.Still playing Boing! I had an idea of a petition to get the band back together 8 years ago and it’s finally been done by someone else – hoorah! Jo – Maidstone/Caribbean
Hi BenIf you are still around I have a few questions…just a tiny bit of help.I was at art college in Maidstone and saw Airhead and fell in love with them. I am writing a book about them now…the time is right. I’m delving further than most would though…cos I’m intrigued. My question is….some Maidstonian contributors have told me that you and Sam played in ANOTHER band at the same time Airhead were playing. That band has been called Death In Venice. I’d love to know if you and Sam were principal writers and if you made any studio recordings or if you released any material? Googling Death In Venice is a nightmare cos it’s all about the book/film/opera….though it did link me to ANOTHER Maidstone band, Unlucky Fried Kitten. Any link there? Were any other Airhead guys in Death In Venice? Um..that’s it really..of course…if you want to furnish me with an interview for the book…that would be astonishing.Cheers…RockWriter
Hi ‘RockWriter’,Yes I’m still here – look in occasionally to see what’s happening.You’re right about Death in Venice. It was basically the brain child of a guy called Andy Fraser – very funny bloke and an excellent lyricist Sam and I did some demo stuff with him and an American guitarist called Chris which was pretty good if I remember rightly. Sadly I lost my copy years ago (so did Sam). It was all happening around the time that Airhead started (or the Apples as we were called then) – bit of a shame that Death in Venice stopped as a result as it could’ve had some legs.If you can be bothered to try and track Andy Fraser down it would be great to here from him (and get a copy of the demo).Don’t know anything about Unlucky Fried Kitten I’m afraid – there was a band called the Shoes around at that time who were pretty good I think. I believe the singer went on to record some stuff with Echo and the Bunnymen (could be wrong on that).Hope that helps,Ben
Does anyone remember the Killer Rabbits and Primitive Instinct? I heard from Mal from Don’t Ask and Lever the other day. There were some great bands in Maidstone, I loved Nicky Clarke (not the hairdresser).
Yep…I remember Killer Rabbits…great band…and Primitive Instinct. Saw both of them at The Royal Albion.
Hi Ben…thanks for confirming that you were in Death In Venice…and for throwing up the name, Andy Fraser. The plot thickens…cos I googled said name and found that Unlucky Fried Kitten is his current band….AND on their MySpace page they have some Death In Venice songs…which I assume you and Sam are on. Your names were mentioned on the page…as was the American guitarist, Citizen Chris. If it is ones that you played on it means you can snag the songs from there, after losing the demo. They have a great full sound too. Ben and Sam…best rhythm section in the biz…seriously…so I hope you’ll be doing more music.
Thanks Rockwriter – found the Unlucky Fried Kitten site and have snagged what I could. Sam and I were only on a few – Baby Blue, Ballerina and This is England. Great to hear them again – Sam’s the one doing the fake scream in ‘..England’ by the way.Ben and Sam ‘rent a rhythm section’ in those days – I think sam was in 6 bands at once back then. He always was a tart….Ben
hi could someone tell me i know mike has a successful career now but no one seems to know what it is???? is it music or something else , as ive googled him and nothing, hes not on anything like facebook or myspace i wish he would, x
Hi Ben.I found Mr Fraser. (though he’s called Andy Export these days. He said you’re on three songs…the last one being Strange Summer. he’s sent me a copy of the album (in the post at the moment). If you ever go on MySpace send him a message and he’ll send a copy of the album to both you and Sam if you want one. When I said you got a mention it was actually on the ReverbNation site. You can find it onreverbnation.com/unluckyfriedkittenHa Ha…I’m gonna listen to Sam’s Kate Bush duties on This Is England again. I can totally recognise your bass style…espesh on Baby Blue.
No….you are on 4 songs…sorry (I have the cd album now)Baby BlueThis Is EnglandBallerinaStrange Summer
Hi,I am wondering if anyone could please pass a message on to Mike? I worked with him many years ago (around 1999). A reunion is being organised in Dublin and I have been tasked with tracking Mike down. Please let him know that Niall O’C was looking for him – mobile number is the same as it was in 1999…ThanksNiall
I remember a very fun tour in the early 90s with Airhead. I used to work with Voice of the Beehive.A great bunch of guys!!
Many people may not know this, but Airhead did get back together in 96. My band supported them at ‘The Villa’ in Uxbridge. Michael had written a superb song called ‘play-away’ which had a Weller-esque chorus about running machine guns for the Mob. They had also drafted my friend Richard Merrett in to play guitar. Sam is a superb drummer, and Michael a truly great voice. An overlooked talent and songwriter.
I spent ages trying to burn my vinyl copy of Boing! to mp3, without success, eventually I was forced to bite the bullet and buy the CD off ebay – it cost me over 30 quid and it was worth it – I love it as much as I did in 1992…
Just FYI kids, some awesome soul has posted a youtube video of the funny how live performance at Sam’s wedding. Jump on youtube and do a simple search for Airhead Funny How and it’ll turn up at the top of the list//p
hi noone seems to know what michael wallace is upto these days ????
Thank you so much to whoever put Funny How live from Sam’s wedding on You Tube! Its so good to see a performance from 2008! Great to see all band members looking well. Still listening to all your music guys and the tracks from Spike, your music lives on Mr Wallis! Please let me know if you have plans to record and play live so I don’t miss out on anything! Congratulations on your wedding Sam! Julie Allen
Thank you for your lyrics pages. I was going mental last week trying to remember where the line “I’m leaving today, can’t take this hypocrisy one minute more” was from. I found myself singing it in the shower, but with my CD’s in storage ready for moving, I wasn’t able to work through. Had a revelation this morning that it might have been Airhead, and thanks to your site the weight has fully been lifted. Although I feel I need to ask for forgiveness for thinking it might have been the Milltown Brothers !!! Sorry
‘I only love you ‘coz you don’t love me’One of the best opening lines to any song.Boing became pretty much the soundtrack of my teenage years.Nowadays i write for a teenage soap and tried to use Funny How in the opening sequences but was told we couldnt secure the rights. Gutted.The kids of today need to hear that tune.Loved the video too. Played it to death after taping it on the chart show. Someone needs to download it.
hey,,,so many memories,,,,i av still got original tapes,,,,yes cassettes of ‘the ratchet sound’. i can’t believe let a mate borra boing and never got it back,,,where can i get a copy???? Still got some of the original when a couple of you were in ‘planet of the apes’ mode. Re-hursing in somewhere above the market buildings,,,maidstone!!!!! an gigging in gravesend!!!! luv ya all. xxx Wotever happened to the Royal Albion in Maidstone???is it still there???
How is the petition going to get Boing! re released? I need that album again man….managed to get it off Robin the Chef in Maidstone a couple (hmmm – actually probably 7 years) ago, but one of my kids managed to tread on it and break it. Aaaaarrrgghhhh
many thanks for the site.. after 18 years of listening to the album and singles, and being driven mad by a line of the lyrics in ‘Counting Sheep’ that I could never make sense of, now I know (was it just me, or did other fans have probs with ‘don’t build your hopes up, because if I’m acting strange it’s just..’). In return perhaps I can help with lyrics on another song, your printed lyrics to ‘Keep the Apple’ miss a little of its excellent sarcasm.. I think the incomplete line is ‘ Change your hair, your face, your clothes, your taste and almost everything’.. more bitingly, my ears tell me that the prospective, well-connected AandR man says ‘ I’ve got the contacts, I know everyone from Bobby Davro down..’(part of keep the apple was just up on youtube with a ?1960′s film clip)I never saw Airhead live, but I’d love the opportunity to see them.. my son is 6 and currently loves the songs- he was first interested listening to the difference between the demos and the polished songs on the single cds..If over 500 people want to see the re-release of ‘boing’ on cd, would those 500 people also pay in advance for a gig? I think yes.. would they pay in advance to the rightful copyright holder for the demos for the second album? (seen on ebay a few years back)? I think yes.. Would/could that then lead to a ‘long-overdue’ for-the-fans-only second album??I understand that the bandmembers have different lives now and the above might not happen, and if it did, it might all just turn out to be pants!!But as long as everyone laughs /loves the experience, why not do it? Look at it as a bit of fun!!No pressure, but I’ve listened to a lot of music in my 40 years and still find myself returning to ‘Boing’ regularly (I’ve just reread that and don’t intend any ‘carry-on innuendo’!). Michael,thanks for the pleasure that your writing has and continues to give me and, obviously, many other people. I challenge the four of you to cheer us all up and announce something!!!The four of you (and producers and mixers and everyone else) should be proud of what you created in the 90′s.Thanks, Mike
thanks to ‘Mike’ above… he got the words right! Correct lyrics for ‘through my window’ are:There’s a man on the corner, he sells me water, he knows my name, he thinks I’m strangeWell I think he’s strange.There’s a mother and daughter, her daddy caught her and made her cry for playing gamesWell I think he’s strangeI can’t believe my luck, the sun shines through my windowI think that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goThere’s a ‘skin’ killing flowers, he’s been there hours, each one that dies – I take the blame… Well I think he’s strangeJust to his left there’s a lady, she’s selling daisies, “you buy some luck?”, she needs the change.And we think that’s strange!Can’t believe my luck, the sun shines through my windowI think that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goNo-one here to remind us – they’ll never find us, they’ll never change Well I think they’re strangeCan’t believe my luck, sun shines through my windowI think that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goThink that I’m in love, the sun shines wherever we goWherever we go
I know the kesteven’s brothers younger brother, he says there twats, one had an affair.
You mean ‘they’re twats’ not ‘there twats’ – write it out a hundred times and see me next week….
I was thrilled to finally find some info, at long last, about Airhead on the Internet. I absolutely treasure my copy of CD Boing which I bought at the time of release. September 1992 was amazing for me as I got married, went on honeymoon(first ever trip abroad) to Austria then a few days later went to see Airhead live at 'The Borderline'. On the flight home from Austria, with all the excitement of the Wedding & honeymoon over, I kept thinking 'At least we've still got Airhead to look forward to!' The live gig was great.I'm happy to say I am still happily married, now have 2 children & 'Boing' remains on the highest shelf of our CD collection (Alongside only CDs that we continually play-all the others are recent ones like Elbow, Muse) Boing always gets pride of place & now my 10 year old son enjoys it. It still sounds so fresh. I never tire of it. 'Easy' is one of the best songs ever. If I had to rescue one CD in a fire, Boing would be it!
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
‘Funny how the girls you fall in love with never fancy you, funny how the one’s you dont do’. Probably the best line of any pop song ever written. And I’ll stand by that comment till the day I die.
I can’t belive I’ve just stumbled across this site! I’ve been listening to Boing! forever and can’t even remember where or when I got it – must have been at school…How fab that we can form a little appreciation society for them as I really love their album!
Hey I've got a spare copy of Boing! I'm selling on eBay. If you havent got this great CD nows your chance!Link below..Cheershttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=230343727292
I have loved Boing! ever since it came out in 1992, great memories of the gig at Northampton Irish Centre in 1992 – the soundtrack to one of the best summers of my life
If anyone fancies seeing the Funny How, Scrap Happy and Sheep vids, go to vimeo.com
HELP!!! My fiance is Airhead's BIGGEST fan. Does anybody know how I can get in contact with them to ask if they would play at our wedding??p.s great website. x x
Airhead – You're really, really great. Please go on tour again so we can see you play live!
this album still keeps me going ,ive got a recorded tape and have kept a tape deck just to hear it. still quality after all these years. reform go on , what else is there to do. may as well have a laugh and give us a gig.
Without a doubt, ‘Boing’ is one of the all-time greatest albums ever. It still sounds as fresh today as the day it was released.
iain lee (absolute radio) is backing us with a twitter campaign #bringbackairhead
i’m (finally) going to post the spike peel session tracks that marc riley played on bbc6music for me a couple of years ago. keep checking http://poptunes.org for info/downloads
w.
the spike tracks are now up.
http://poptunes.org/?p=237
#bringback6music
w.
Hi saw Airhead at London ulu and windsor old trout back in the day. Have boing and thats enough ep. Love it especially like isn’t it rich!
Hi,
I was in the support band for their UK tour in 1992, Nautical William. It was a fun time and we had some good laughs. I remember one Saturday night playing in the college town of Mold, N.Wales. We had to shorten the set so Airhead could be on early because they had some strict local law that stated “no dancing or cavorting to music on a Sunday”. Everything had to be wrapped up by midnight. Good luck with the re-issue!
Hi Damian. I agree. It was great supporting Airhead in Nautical William. Fond memories of NW and AH. Ditto re-issue.
Boing!! is a brilliant album. Was gutted when my copy got stolen in the mid-90s. Mentioned to a friend at work one day in the late-90s and he offered me his. Still have it to this day. Saw the band at the Powerhaus in Islington back in the day, remember jumping around at the front. Been listening to the tunes again since noticing the campaign to get the band to reform. They should do a Boing!! album tour, playing each song. I’d pay good money to see that and I’m sure others would too.
Airhead members – we need you!!
Please tell us if you are planning to reform for a tour etc, we would all love to see you xx
Julie
Hey guys… I remember going to some very early gigs, had demo’s of The Apples and recently dug out some Promo Copy Only issues of Boing! and all your singles… I even remember some backstage hanging out with the four of you, I was about fifteen I guess!!
I am a great old chum of Liam Watson, and I hung out heavily with Tim Madgwick back in the day… Anyone know where Tim is these days? Anyway, hope you do a reunion gig and get Boing! out on iTunes…
Good Luck, you were a good band that didn’t get the recognition or rewards you deserved.
Chris
Excited about the possibility of a one off gig, keep me posted!!!!!!!!!
All fingers and toes are crossed for Boing being realeased on itunes. I only ever owned it on cassette which is long gone and I really, really want to get hold of it again.
Hi – please can we have an up date as to whether the release of Boing and possible gig is going to happen – I can’t wait much longer aaargh xx
Julie
funny how…nearly twenty years pass and “boing” still soundtracks a crazy and emotional decade – i love its lack of pretention, its honesty and emotional expression (not to mention the hooks,beats and organ) Thanks and thanks again.
Dear Airhead members, please could you let us have your thoughts on the band reforming and the release of Boing! We are all so desperately waiting for this.
I remember a gig at the Princess Charlotte Leicester and it was the best night, I need a repeat performance! I’ve waited years for this and have continued to listen to your music regularly, I’ll carry on of course but please make all us fans happy!
Julie x
If anyone wants to get in touch about Airhead (eg Iain Lee – any news?) please contact me, especially if you have any updates. Thanks
Julie x
loved the album when it was released, of all the records (yes, my copy is on vinyl) that i owned in the early 90′s ‘Boing’ is the one that i really remember and it is one of the few records i still own (despite not currently having a record player).
would love to get a digital copy so i cvould actually listen to the album.
Hi everyone.
Thanks again for all your kind words on this site, it really means a lot to us.
Thought I’d give a brief update on proceedings so far, however limited:
After the Twitter campaign was set-up and Ben was interviewed on Iain Lee’s show it seemed someone would need to get in touch with the record label to discuss the digital release, that someone was me. After several failed attempts to contact the right person I finally spoke to someone in the ‘digital’ team (obvious really), he told me there was nothing on the ‘system’, to suggest that Boing was going to be released from the archive anytime soon.
After a few weeks my contact got back to me and said he couldn’t find a copy of Boing anywhere in the building??? Could I send him a copy – back in the day I used to have boxes of the things, but I’m down to my last precious copy, so I sent him the mp3 files and scans of the covers. It seemed I’d achieved the impossible….why wasn’t this done sooner?
All that was left to do was check the legal issues concerning a re-release….oops.
As you all know it was nearly 20 years ago since we made the album, in those days CD’s were relatively new, Boing even appeared in cassette format, mp3′s, digital files, and itunes weren’t even ideas in 1991.
Only a few years after its release the album was deleted and no longer available to buy?
The result is a lot of head scratching about what to do next, it will happen, but when isn’t clear right now.
Mike and I met up a few weeks ago to discuss the practicalities of playing live again, it was easy enough at my wedding as we only performed 2 songs, recreating most of the album would need a lot of work to do it any justice.
Sorry there’s not a great deal to report, fingers crossed I’ll have some more definite news soon
Sam
At last some positive news – hope it goes well Sam, give Mike my best – Dawn Adamson used to manage my old band Curl, I beleive she was your old manager!
Sam – thank you so much for the update, this news is just…well, fantastic! I can’t believe we are getting a little bit closer. Our fingers are all crossed and I’m sure we will keep checking this website regularly for your next update. Best regards to you all x
Julie Allen
Thanks for the update Sam – Do a gig mate! – I know a Central London basement venue that would be perfect for a small gig – Ave it!
I was serious by the way – It would be free hire and its near Virgin & Radio 1!
Andy
07786 987040
Hi Sam/Rest of the gang…
I’m a long time fan and I’d love to see the band play live. I never got the opportunity all those years ago and would like to put this right. In terms of venues, I can help out with this. I can access a couple of suitably sized & recognised central London venues all set up and ready to go. I’ve got some pedigree in this as Robin Byles who runs this web site will testify. I’d be willing to put up a modest sum to promote the gig properly – all at no cost to the band and no expectation of seeing any return on my investment…all just for the fun/hell of it and to see a great band play some great songs. I might also be able to help out with itunes…bit of a longer shot, but still have a few old strings to pull…you never know.
Please feel free to/do get in touch – this is absolutely a genuine post and I absolutely want to do my bit to keep the momentum going.
Come on guys – lets party like its 1992!
My contact number is 07977 242 951
Alan V
Hi,
Just wanted to say I’m glad I found this site as I love ‘Boing’ and every few years or so rediscover my cd copy and love tracks like counting sheep, which you were here and funny how.
The odd thing is it’s like a club. most people who i mention the band to don’t really remember, but every so often I find someone who loved & loves the albums as much as me.
Wow – this takes me back!! I loved Airhead when I was a teen!! Played my old cassette of Boing!! to death!! Was trawling Google to see what the band were up to these days and stumbled on this!! Was it really 20 years ago?! That’s just scary!!
I remember this time so well. I discovered airhead, neds atomic dustbin, jesus jones, emf, and more. I would love to buy this again and neeeeeeeeeed to see a live show. Let me know where and when so i can get my 30 something nostalgic ass out there.
Found an old copy of Boing on CD in Camden on Saturday – only a quid! Forgotten how much I enjoyed this album (I had it on cassette but it got lost/chewed/stolen by an ex somewhere along the way).
I hope you fancy the reunion, I was too young to get along the first time…
still trying in vain to get hold of this album again. my long time ex girlfriend still got it. its the only thing i miss about her
I was forced to finally sort through my storage unit of boxes due to a move to the US. Along with embarrassing photos from those university years I found BOING!! Glorious. Sat in the mid west with a glass of nice red totally enjoying the tunes.
I’ve been waiting since the early 90′s for new Michael Wallis tunes. Still one of my musical influences, my best song being Take My Train. I never had the chance to see them live, it’s one of my dreams
I agree, Take My Train is a fantastic song. I bet no one can reach the high note in the line ‘I watched you smoulder’ as good as me – particularly at the traffic lights of a morning, I do get some funny looks, but do I care…certainly not, I’m in my own world by then ha ha.
To my Airhead mates out there, let me know your fave songs so we can reminisce together.
Julie
wicked!!! I thought I was the only person who knew that tune! Wow. The lyrical content is beautiful. I can’t believe Airhead only released one album therefore denying the worls of creative Wallis genius. What a shame. Can you really hit the high note;-)
You stole my eyes!
It’s funny. Tonight out of nowhere I had “Right Now” in my head. I haven’t listened to it for years! This led to me watching all the Airhead videos on You Tube then I discovered this website.
I have “Boing” somewhere. I will be digging it out. What a fantastic album!!
That reminds me that Airhead were going to perform at the Glastonbury Festival in 1992. I was so excited but then they dropped out and I never got to see Airhead live. What a disappointment! Please, please, please do another gig now!
Glastonbury? Wow. It’s amazing how many people got into indie through them – nobody has mentioned much Everybody Needs – the lyrics very subversive. Ive been listening recently to the That’s Enough ep , Someone Should Have Told Me is beautiful. I happened to over hear a Jamie Cullum track a year ago which literally sounded exactly the same! Crazy.
If you are listening Airhead, get together for a one off show, you’ve loads of fans! It’s a shame the lads are a cult band but in a way it’s also nice, as they’ve never sold out or anything (not that they would but you know the industry!)
Someone Should Have Told Me seems to be about the record deal ending – would I be right? It brings a tear to my eye.
Julie
It’s my sons3rd birthday tomorrow – I’m sat here thinking about the old days and can’t get Airhead out of Myhead…… so many great memories and I can’t wait till tomorrow night as I think I’ve just remembered where my Funny How 12 inch is in the loft!!!
Come on guys – do a gig!!!!
Just found your lovely site after me and a good friend were reminiscing about the good ole’ Airhead days.
As I told him, Scrap Happy really is one of the greatest songs of all time and I don’t deal in hyperbole so you can trust my judgement….he he.
Really hope that Boing returns soon. My copy and those of all the 12″ singles are on vinyl and I don’t even have a turntable anymore. Very sad.
Keep up the good work, this is a lovely blog.
Just been listening to I Might Fall – what a classic!
Any more news on the re-release or gig chaps?
Thanks
Julie
I love the lyrics to that tune! I had a crazy dream where the band had a gig this Summer – it must have been a dream as I yahood gig & Airhead & nothing came up ;-p
After watching The Brits recently, I remembered the video to Funny How was nominated – it was a classic video wasn’t it – ahhhh… those were the days.
Also, just been listening to Isn’t it Rich – I can still hear something new on this track all these years on – amazing.
Julie
You guys are still always near the top of what Im listening too. Im into all sorts but Boing always gets a play and is timeless. One of my all time fave albums. J
PS Would absolutely love to see you guys live…amazing.
Boing has been one of my favourite CDs ever since I saw you at the Wedgewood Rooms (I think our band may even have supported you, but can’t be 100% sure) in Portsmouth in the early 90s. ‘I Might Fall’ is my personal favourite and has never been off my ‘Greatest Hits’ playlist on iTunes – love those drums. Great to hear you may get a digital release. Thanks to this site, I’ve just discovered the Spike tracks. Are there any more Airhead unreleased tunes lurking in your old cassette/cd box?
just bought the album on cd after losing my tape copy to a demon tape player
love the album as much today as i did when i first saw you live in Carlisle (supporting Voice of the Beehive!!!!)
think i may annoy the neighbours with my constant LOUD playing.
would be great to see you guys back together (hint hint hint hint)
or at least give us a fanpage thats current????
That show in Carlisle was my first real gig. The synth on “They Don’t Know” captivated me and Boing has to be my fave album ever – just so perfectly put together. Still got my cassette but must get a CD copy so I can take the lads with me in the car…
Thank you Airhead for always putting a smile on my face!
Hi Airhead Members, any news on a gig etc this year? We are all desperate to know what’s happening!! Thanks alot, Julie
Me and my chums used to stalk Airhead back in the day and thinking about how we pestered them they were pleasantly tolerant! Can’t believe an opportunistic McFly style ‘proper’ boy band has not snapped up Funny How and done it like Airhead used to when they played it live. It’s a number 1 single (still) waiting to happen!
Bizarre…I woke up this morning with this line in my head “I…can’t…say…how…I..feel” and I could hear the exact voice and it was really frustrating not being able to remember who sang it, or even what the rest of the song was. I’ve spent the whole day singing that line, but the google machine had too many hits with people rabbiting on about not being able to express their feelings etc etc. Finally I remembered another line, this bloody war of words…and found my way to this site. As soon as I saw the lyrics I was able to sing the whole thing to tune. Man, Airhead!! I used to listen to this song over and over again. Great to see they are still being adored.
“strike a light” a chuuffin site tae tell likeminded folk how crimanally underated the album boing hapened tae be, well i never. I must confess i dig yon album oot now and again and never fails tae deliver, diet blur my arse!
Someone mentioned to me the other day that this site existed… good work! Man I still love Boing! and every time I listen it’s like discovering it for the first time. So many classic songs but in particular Funny How… reminds me of my adolescence singing it with my mates outside the local chippy over a doner batch. Those were happy days! Why can’t you guys get together for one of the festivals next year?? How about the Wychwood in Cheltenham as it’s a good family one… seeing as many of us have kids now and I personally would like them to enjoy. How about It??
So it’s not just me then! Boing is such a strong album and rates in my mind as highly as The Stone Roses’ debut. so has it been re-issued then? I played my friend ‘Scrap Happy’ the other week and he thought it was the best track he’d heard in years. good luck with the campaign. just reform anyway, write some more songs and make a new generation happy. My fifteen year-old daughter thinks it’s the greatest album ever. she’s gonna play it to all her mates. Who knows where this could end up
Loved this album so much I used to do my step aerobics to it all the time in the days when I was thin, in-fact it was Boing that kept me thin, I think. The “funny how” video (with the jazzed-up austin 1300 car) is ace. Have still got the Boing cd and dig it out occasionally when I get the house to myself, my step has long gone though. Fab uplifting tunes in these miserable times.
Any news of the reunion gig anyone?
Currently listening to Someone Should Have Told Me, 40 Wishes and my fave…Something Wrong. How fantastic are these tracks…I love ‘em.
listened to ‘Someone’ last wk – I really hope the reunion gig can take place. Ive been listening to the same tunes for years now! Havent heard 40 Wishes or Something Wrong – which recordings are they on Julie?
I have several tracks that Spike recorded…errr…not exactly sure if I should have them…ahem…err… but they are very good as you can imagine! Not sure how to get you a copy as I am rubbish with computers – can anyone help?
Likewise, I have listened to the same music for years and its fantastic, will never stop listening. CDs are always in my car, best played loud!!!!!!!!!!!
julie – if you need any help transferring whatever you have to digital so it can be posted online, leave me a comment on my site with your email address, and ill get in touch. it screens comments so your email address wont actually appear on the site…
http://poptunes.org/bringbackairhead-spike-peel-session-tracks
wanye
Hope you get the album re-released….I was thinking about one of my favourite tunes earlier (Right now – the 12″ version preferably) and wanted to hear it….great stuff. Googled you and here I am – one unsuccessful search later! Thanks for that tune btw!
Is there any chance of a gig or finding out how or where they are playing?
James
So glad so many others think Boing is just the best. Used to listen to it religiously in the bath at Uni before heading out (was following Morty from Sultans of Ping around whenever we could at the time). Was at Glasto in 92, would’ve been my only chance to see them live. So much music I used to be into grates on me now but I could play Boing all day and not get sick of it.
30th September 1991..20 years of the best pop single of all time!
Can’t find the promo video for Congratulations anywhere, Youtube etc. Can you post it, I haven’t seen it in years and don’t have a copy anywhere myself. All the best Nathan Detroit (director Congratulations video)
Saw Airhead at Grafton in Hull in the 90s loved the band. Would be great to see them do a gig again
Ian Clegg
Loved Airhead then and still play Boing now when I need a pick me up. I’ve even got a 12 inch of counting sheep somewhere I think. Saw them support Voice of the Beehive, Inspiral Carpets and at the Borderline. All thanks to a guy I worked with called Kerry Davies whose sister at the time worked for Timeout and blagged us tickets to one of the gigs. Voice of’ I think. Wanted more from these guys at the time, shame it didn’t happen and they got swamped by Brit pop. It was good times while it lasted though and reminds me to get out and see live music more often.
Dave
Brilliant tracks, how come it was only short lived?! my dad showed me your band, love the songs!
Timeless album, I keep getting it out time and time again, Boing brilliant, classic album, good look boys and get on tour!!
Listening to Boing right now! Top 5 in my favourite album list.
Come back Airhead…
You Guys need to go out and Support Inspiral Carpets in March and bring the good times back for us 40 plus gigsters ::)
Message for Sir Michael Wallis – do I have your permission to put Spike tracks onto this site (scroll back to my comment left on 2 August please). I won’t do it unless agreed as I could end up in trouble I guess! Please come back and do a gig or provide us with an update of your musical works. I’m still listening to your music daily, I never get tired of listening to it.
Thanks, Julie
julie, i reckon we should be ok, and if it causes a problem for the band/whoever, then we’ll take it back down again. the offer still stands if you want help ripping it to your computer.
w.
Happy Christmas to all Airheads out there!!!
Julie
Have a good one yourself Julie X
Hi
Steve Lamacq played ‘Funny How’ on 6music yesterday. Cant believe how long it has been since I heard it or even thought about Airhead! It took me back to being at art college (91-93) as it is the record that holds great memories of that time.
I may still have a recording of Boing on cassette somewhere up in the loft, so a CD reissue or on itunes would be amazing as I now need it in my life again but at a sensible price!
Graham
Anyone who loved Airhead should check the band Electrasy !!!
Clearing out my cd collection and found a copy of Boing. Not heard it for what must be around 10 years. I’d forgotten how good it was. It’s now on my iPod
Perfect pop that reminds me of those heady teenage years…
Why weren’t Airhead and their US counterparts Jellyfish, ever more popular and successful??!
Funny How! A f*cking great song I still listen to now 20 years later! It has a great video too and seeing that on the Chart Show back in the day bot me in to the band. Trouble is, I want the version with the sample from the ‘Yellow Submarine’ film in it and that was only on the 12inch! I no longer can play records! Eeeek! Glad to see something on the net about Airhead after all this time. I’ve done searches from time to time and was frustrated nothing came up! I’ve never forgotten yous!
I last wrote a comment on this site as anonymous on 7th Feb 2009! (Can’t believe it was 3 years ago!!). Anyway, still checking out this great site and feel so happy that there are obviously so many fans of Airhead. Still playing Boing. Now have an i-pod in these modern times(!) so listen to ‘Boing’ on the train too: Feel like saying to my fellow passengers ‘Listen to this!”
Keep posting your comments everyone!
I have been getting sooo nostalgic listening to Airhead stuff again recently…all I can say is thank god for them really, totally brighten up my life
I just wondered if anyone knew if Michael still sings? I love his voice and how awesome would it be to duet with him!
I’ve just rediscovered this album after twenty years (i brought it in my last year of uni) and it brought back some great memories. It’s a great album and will be on my iPhone within the hour.
Really hope they do a gig in London, I’d definitely go.
Any news of a little CD just for us Airhead Online fans or perhaps a little gig……pretty please…. Julie Allen
Hey I agree! I would love a gig for this year – I feel we are being denied ;-p
Yes, I would love a new CD. Even if it was original music that they never released ie when we saw them play in Sept
1992, they were playing great songs from their ‘new album’ which was never released. Why not release those songs NOW…Please!!
Did anyone record the radio6 tracks that were played Wed 11 April ?
It was an old session with Mark Goodyear
Can it be put on this site?
Sorry I didn’t know it was on even…damn!
I found a copy of Bing in a charity shop last week…..£1. Well chuffed, its back up incase I lose my original copy.
Found a copy of Boing in a charity shop last feel for a quid…back up copy incase I lose my original……..result!!!
As Airhead would say: “Congratulations!’
Oh, I ADORED your band – reminds me of some superb times at Uni, I finished my finals and danced my ass off to Boing (Scrap Happy as I remember….) after I got home from an epic night out of celebrations. Superb music, have really enjoyed finding you on YouTube. Wish you’d stayed around for longer and made some more tracks!!!
Was listening to Boing! today and thought ‘I wonder what happened to Airhead?’ Now I know. Still a great album 20 years on and one of my favourites of the 1990s. I’m not sure I’m with the reform-relive the glory days contingent. It’s hermetically sealed in a box at the fag end of my baggy university days, 10 near-perfect tracks and a worn thin cassette can transport me across time and I’m in a poster-lined, dingy room with Jesus Jones, Inspiral Carpets et al. Re-issue and leave it there.
I’m the opposite…I can’t get those happy times from my mind and the music….well I need to hear it live again and have more copies. yes copies because mine are getting worn out and I will need them for many more years to come!
Been to see the Mondays, Carpets and soon the Roses, constantly on the trail of the Wonderstuff and Carter but would be in ectasy if Airhead resurfaced, probably pay a pity penny myself for them to use my garden!! I have regularly lent out my CD of Boing to mates to stick on their ipods, we need a day of nostalgia Airhead style.
Ha I’ve just seen the roses, inspirals and Monday’s too – but airhead would really make my day! C’mon guys!
Really needing an Airhead gig right now!!!!!
Julie Allen
I’ve given up! You could always follow me instead – Airhead / Michael Wallis are one of my noted influences…
Just spent a pretty penny on ebay trying to scratch my Airhead itch, picked up a copy of Boing on CD and intend wearing this one out aswell!!
Never say never on the reforming though, just look at Jesus Jones, PWEI, and the Cult.
Does anyone find the lyrics to Someone Should of Told Me so emotional! It gets me every time….
Yes, I love that song but haven’t heard it for years as it is on 10″ vinyl ‘That’s Enough’ EP that has been packed away in the loft since we moved house (and we no longer have a record-player!) Is it available on CD (?) and where could i find it (?) as I’d love to hear it again and have it on my i-pod.
It’s so depressing to see everything on vinyl isn’t it…I have acquired a different version on CD, I actually prefer this version, but I can’t copy it unfortunately. we need a gig or a CD please Airhead!!!!!
Just purchased the ‘That’s Enough’ 10″ vinyl EP from ebay.
( ).
Well chuffed!
Have most of the ‘Airhead’ stuff on my iPod and was listening to ‘Boing’ on the way to work this morning… Still sounds as fresh as a daisy (which is more than you can say for my sing-a-long
I may have to get my copy down from the loft just to look at even if I can’t play it! Congratulations on your purchase-enjoy! I also have ‘Boing’ on my I-Pod and listen to it on the train. My fellow commuters don’t know what they’re missing!
Moving house next week…anyone DARE touch my Airhead collection…yeeouch!! Seriously, Airhead Members…any news on a CD or gig purlease? Its been so long…
Julie Allen
Hope the house move went well and your Airhead collection survived the journey!
The move went well thanks…all Airhead stuff accounted for!
I used to listen to Funny How & Counting Sheep in my student days 20 years ago. Phil Schofield used to play a lot of Airhead on his Sunday Radio 1 show. Great band!
The silver fox was a great supporter bless him. Those were the days….WE NEED THOSE DAYS BACK AGAIN BOYS!!!!!!
Julie Allen x
Addicted to the ‘Spike’ songs at the moment-have them on my ipod-waking up singing the lyrics. If you haven’t already done so, I suggest you download the John Peel session (link at top of page) However, we need MORE Airhead songs!!
Wheres the link Alison?
Hi, If you haven’t yet found it, it’s on the right hand side towards the top of every page on the website. Hope you find it!
I notice that to keep this site open then us fans will need to make a donation!!! The thing I don’t get is what’s the point if we haven’t had an update of any credit since 2010? Comments please
Hi Johnny, there’s no imminent threat to close this site. I just wanted to give people the option of chipping in to keep the domain name if they wish. You don’t have to pay a penny if you don’t want.
BOING!! was released today on iTunes….. get your copy now!
Wow!!! Amazing!! Where did that come from? Given up expecting anything! Great News for anyone that doesn’t still have/never had the CD.
Any plans to release songs from their EP ‘Someone should have told me’ as would LOVE to get this on i tunes?
Finally downloaded Boing from ITunes!!!!! Yay!! I have waited soooo long (cassette version died years ago)!!! Yipieeeeeeeeeeee
Really pleased this Album is BACK!! I had on tape and it died! As a Director and Producer I loved the videos for the released singles would love to shoot and edit some more for the guys and fans. “I Might fall” and “Wish you were here” are great candidates! Best to all and thanks for keeping the site going will donate shortly!
Been outta action for a while…I’m back! So we are on i tunes…BRING IT ON! Well done and how did it happen then? WOW. Can’t turn my back for 5 mins! Guy..did you produce the video for Funny How? What a fantastic video it should have won the Brit award it was up for.
Alison – Someone Should have Told Me is the most amazing song isn’t it? Chokes me…every single time.
Mike, Sam, Ben, Steve – we would love to see you again.
Happy Christmas Airheads xxxxx
Hi Julie,
No I didn’t shoot Funny How Or Counting Sheep. Great videos that they are! I’m just an indie video freelance video Director who shoots music and comedy videos who’d love to shoot new vids for Airhead. As a grad of the NFTS I feel we’d do justice for them!
Best for now,
GUY
Hi Julie,
Nice to see you back! Yes I really love that song: Now that ‘Boing’ has been released on i tunes…here’s hoping for more!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas & Best Wishes for 2013.
Alison
xx
Dawn Adamson, Airhead’s first ( believe) manager, also managed my 1st band Curl (myspace.com/curl96), & I adore them. Great to see the itunes release, I still own the vinyl of Boing. I prsy for a reunion! C’mon lads… I prefered u to the Stone Roses for Christ’s sake
BTW – my favourite tune is Take My Train
New year comin…new gig comin…?
Just listening to our vinyl copy of Boing – very excited to see we can now get it on itunes! I agree reunion would be good…..
Just bought an MP3 version to supplement my tired looking eBay CD. It’s great to see Boing! on sale again.
All thanks to this website and the previous campaigns for keeping the memory alive.
21 years ago an album called Boing got two people together. 21 years later they are still together and now have 2 kids. I have a decent copy on CD, but have just bought a copy on iTunes, I think I owe the band that. Would love to see them live………..
Oh YES! Finally Boing! has made it onto iTunes. Must have been one of the last albums I ever bought on vinyl. But now it’s back, and as fresh, and fun as ever! A big thanks to everybody involved in making this happen.
Airhead, blast from the past for me was one of my favorites at the time, now to look for The Mill Town Brothers and Applegreen.
I was 12 when my big sister bought Boing and I fell in love with the songs. It’s one of the best indie albums ever. Thanks for getting me through those secondary school years!
This is a message for Dawn Adamson – Not sure if you ever come in here but it’s worth a try – It’s Joanna (Trevor Danbys) daughter. Saw your name on this interview and just wanted to say hi and hope all is good with you x