THE HUMAN LEAGUE (Synthpop/New Wave)

(Thanks to Kaleid)

The Human League are an English synthpop/new wave band. Formed in Sheffield in 1977, they achieved popularity after a key change in line-up in the early 1980s. They have continued recording and performing with moderate commercial success throughout the 1980s and '90s and up to the present day.

Originally an avant-garde all male synthesizer-based group from Sheffield, the only constant band member since 1977 is vocalist and songwriter Philip Oakey.
Since 1987, The Human League has essentially been a trio of Oakey and long-serving female vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley (who joined the band in 1980), with various studio musicians.
The Human League has influenced many electro-pop and mainstream acts including Madonna and Moby.
They have been sampled and covered by various artists including YMO, Ministry of Sound, George Michael and Robbie Williams.

Since 1979, they have released nine studio albums, eighteen singles (including 8 UK top 10 singles and 2 number one singles in the US) and played over 350 live concerts. The Human League have sold an estimated 20 million records worldwide.


Members:

Philip Oakey
Joanne Catherall
Susan Ann Sulley


Former members:

Ian Craig Marsh
Martyn Ware
Philip Adrian Wright
Ian Burden
Jo Callis




Discography

Studio Albums:

Albums:
- Reproduction (1979)
- Travelogue (1980)
- Dare! (1981)
- Love & Dancing (1982)
- Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder (1984) (released as Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder)
- Hysteria (1984)
- Crash (1986)
- Romantic? (1990)
- Octopus (1995)
- Secrets (2001)


Compilations and live albums:

> 1988 Greatest Hits
> 1995 Greatest Hits
> 1996 Soundtrack to a Generation
> 1998 The Very Best of the Human League (Ark 21)
> 1998 The Best Human League, Culture Club, Spandau Ballet, Heaven 17, Ultravox Album In The World ...Ever!
> 2002 The Golden Hour of the Future
> 2003 The Very Best of the Human League
> 2005 Live at the Dome
> 2005 Original Remixes and Rarities


Awards:

* 1982 BRIT Award - Best British breakthrough act
* 2004 Q Award - Innovation in sound

Nominations:

* 1982 Grammy Awards - Nominated for Best international act