The Circles

The Circles are a UK mod revival band from the West Midlands. Formed in May, 1979 by Mick Walker (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Tony Howells (lead guitar/vocals), Glenn Tranter (bass guitar/vocals) and Keith Allen, former drummer with the new wave outfit the Neon Hearts.

After circulating a few demos they released their debut single ‘Opening Up’ on Graduate Records in November 1979. It reached no. 3 in the indie charts and over the years has achieved cult status.

Like many of the mod revival bands of ‘79 The Circles never released an album and after another promising single on the Vertigo record label ‘Angry Voices’ (which went to sell some 20,000 copies) they decided to call it a day in late 1980.

In 1985 Graduate released the track ‘Circles’ (not a Who cover) with a demo version of ‘Summer Nights’ as the b-side. The single went nowhere with no existing band to promote it.

In 1999 the Circles reformed to play the 20th anniversary of the legendary Mods Mayday 79. Inspired by the fresh interest they have since continued to play live and also released a comeback single on Detour records.