Industrial Strength

As main songwriter and singer of mid-'80s English pop legends the June Brides, Phil Wilson's influence looms large over nearly all UK guitar pop since. A bridge between early '80s groups like Josef K and the later Creation scene, Phil and the June Brides kept the flame burning for earnest, tuneful pop underpinned by fiercely strummed, jangly guitars. Following the dissolution of the June Brides, Phil released a handful of solo singles on Creation and Caff, then, soured on the music business, he retired. His legend has only grown though, with bands as diverse as the Manic Street Preachers, Belle and Sebastian, The Aislers Set and Franz Ferdinand citing Phil and the Brides as important influences.