Five Or Six

Five or Six was a UK (Richmond/Sheen/Kingston/West London) post-punk band, originally signed to Cherry Red Records. The original line-up was fluid, and apart from their key contribution to the best-selling compilation album Pillows & Prayers, they are perhaps most notable for the various activities of former members. However, from 1981, a stable core of David Harper, Daniel Whittock, Ashley Wales and David Knight developed. They carved a strong following in the BeNeLux areas through constant touring of established venues and squat art centres.

Early member John Yorke became a senior executive for both Channel Four and the BBC and is currently head of independent drama. Dave Harper is involved in the management of bands including Goldfrapp. His brother, Simon Harper, became head of international at 4AD. David Knight and Ashley Walesjoined Karl Blake as members of Shock Headed Peters, with Wales then proceeding to great success as dance/jazz duo Spring Heel Jack, and David Knight working extensively with Danielle Dax and Lydia Lunch.

Although of no apparent interest to the glitterati (or music press) of the early 80's, they were ahead of their time enough for Death In Vegas to 'borrow' an early single - 'Another Reason' as the basis for their track 'Dirge'.

In 2008, Cherry Red released a short retrospective anthology, entitled Acting On Impulse, which has a small selection of tracks from the band's output. A definitive CD collection is still awaited.

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