Nineties rock band unrecognisable 34 years after debut hit, band split and surprise reunion
A NINETIES rock band look completely different to their chart heyday more than three decades after their debut single was released.
The much-loved Scottish group – who split 29 years ago before announcing a surprise reunion – appear unrecognisable in a new Instagram snap.
The Soup Dragons formed in the late 1980s and were named after a children’s cartoon character.
The group released their first EP The Sun In The Sky in 1986.
The four-strong bunch, formed in Motherwell, are best known for their cover of Rolling Stones track I’m Free.
The track reached the top five in the UK chart back in 1990 while their next release Divine Thing sat snug in the top 40 in the US two years later.
Lead singer Sean Dickson recently opened out about the wider impact of I’m Free.
He told The Guardian: “The music press called us ‘indie dance’ in a derogatory way – and now it’s become a genre!
“In America, I’m Free was a big hit in the gay clubs.
“I came out as gay a few years ago, so I’m very proud of that.”
The track was later used as the outro for film Renfield.
BACK ON
The group disbanded in 1995 with the members going on to explore a host of varied music projects.
The story of their band was covered in 2017 TV documentary Teenage Superstars.
Yet the show may need another instalment after the rockers re-formed last year.
Last March, they revealed six reunion tours in the UK in October and November 2024.
The rockers recently uploaded a black and white snap to their Instagram page with the words: “Proof it’s happening.”
Meanwhile, their comeback was subject to a spot of controversy courtesy of ITV daytime host Lorraine Kelly, 64.
Previously vocalist Sean and Paul Quinn went on TV-am to discuss their sudden rise to fame back in 1990.
They went partying after a gig in the Astoria, in London, the night before without realising they were due to do the TV interview.
They were then banned from the show – which Lorraine fronted – completely.
Yet Lorraine recalled the moment on X in a recent message and wrote: “OMFG I remember this so well!
“Loved these guys – they were so totally wasted! I didn’t know they were banned”.
Sean replied: “I’m so sorry it’s totally true I had no clue we were to do this!
“Maybe one day you’ll have me back and I’ll make up for it”.
