Leatherface was a British punk rock band from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, fronted by Frankie Stubbs. Trouser Press called them "England's finest, most exciting punk band of the 90s" and The Guardian has called them "the greatest British punk band of the modern era."

History and background

Formed in August 1988 by Frankie Stubbs and Dickie Hammond (also of HDQ), Leatherface released four full-length albums before their initial split in 1993. Third album Mush was, according to Allmusic, "one of the most intense records of the 90s, with some of the fiercest playing and song dynamics.. considered one of the best albums of the decade." The band split in late 1993, – releasing a posthumous mini album (The Last) the following year – but reformed in 1998, after the death of bass player Andy Crighton (also of Snuff). Four more albums followed between 1999 and 2012. Leatherface's music has been described as a cross between Hüsker Dü and Motörhead, a notable element being Stubbs' rasping, "gravelly" vocals. The lyrics often feature far-fetched similes, metaphors, word play and obscure allusions. Though never attaining much more than a cult following outside their native country, the band have been cited as an influence by higher-profile punk acts such as Hot Water Music and Dillinger Four. Rubber Factory Records released a tribute album to Leatherface in 2008, featuring 41 tracks by over 35 artists from several different countries who were influenced by the band, including Hot Water Music and The Sainte Catherines. There is confusion as to whether their cover of "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" was played in the final episode of Sons of Anarchy as there is evidence it was performed by Franky Perez & The Forest Rangers.

Post-split

Frankie Stubbs

After Leatherface split in 1993, Stubbs moved on to two new bands, Jesse and Pope. Jesse released three singles and one self-titled album between 1995 and 1998. Stubbs also performed solo and released one single in 1995 and a 10’’ EP in 2001. In addition Stubbs has produced records for almost 40 other (mostly) UK bands including China Drum, Four Letter Word, Drive, Hooton 3 Car, Midway Still, Monkhouse, Snuff and Wat Tyler. Stubbs was featured on Duncan Redmonds' 2009 collaboration album Bubble and Squeak on four tracks alongside Redmonds, Loz Wong (Snuff) and Wes Wasley (Consumed, Billy No Mates) calling themselves "The Pissmops". He was referenced in Franz Nicolay's song "Frankie Stubbs Tears". 'Heart is Home' was among the first four VinylVideos ever produced. Frankie Stubbs is a supporter of Sunderland A.F.C.

Other members

Graeme Philliskirk & Dickie Hammond went on to form Medictation with the remaining members consisting of members from Montreal, Quebec-based band The Sainte Catherine's. Their debut LP Warm Places was released in 2016. Hammond died in October 2015. David Lee Burdon has spent time occupying various roles in such outfits as Former Cell Mates, Anchor Bends and most recently forming D L Burdon & His Questionable Intentions with Omar Zehery (Hit The Lights, Trophy Girls) and Craig Dickman (Shitty Neighbors).

Discography

Albums

Compilation and live albums

Singles and EPs

Additionally, there was a limited edition single that came packaged with some copies of the vinyl edition of the Minx album, containing the songs "Dreaming" and "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Promotional videos

Compilation appearances