The Real People

The Real People, pioneers of the 90’s Brit pop movement, were formed by Tony and Chris Griffiths in 1988. Signed to CBS in Dec 1989 they released their eponymously named debut album including the singles Window Pane, Open Up Your Mind and The Truth in 1991.

The band then embarked on a series of successful British, European, American and Japanese tours, also appearing at Glastonbury and supporting major artists such as The Pixies, David Bowie and Inspiral Carpets to name a few. The Realies (as they are known to their fans) then recorded their second album Marshmallow Lane with the help of legendary producer Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones etc). This album provided the Top 40 single ‘Believer’. Whilst touring with Inspiral Carpets, Chris and Tony took the then Inspirals roadie Noel Gallagher under their wing, along with his brother Liam and the rest of Oasis. The Real People invited Oasis into their studio to develop and record the new band, resulting in the now famous Live Demonstration Tape which subsequently secured them a major deal with Alan McGee and Creation Records. Once signed by Creation, Chris and Tony were instrumental in the recording of Oasis’ first single ‘Supersonic’, with Tony providing the backing vocals. Chris also co-wrote the B-side to ‘Roll With It’ entitled ‘Rockin’ Chair’ which helped set Oasis on the path to becoming world wide stars and the biggest band of the past 30 years. The Real People also inspired several other Oasis songs such as ‘Columbia’ and ‘Don’t Go Away’ (a BBC News item about the relationship between the The Realies and Oasis is attached below). https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9rmxlve9ko

Around this time Chris and Tony continued writing and developing other artists – including writing a Top 10 single for Cher and others. In 1996 The Real People signed to MGL Records and released their third album ‘What’s On The Outside’ which included the singles ‘Rolling Stone’, ‘Rayners Lane’ and ’People In The Telly’. The band also embarked on tours including numerous tours with their good friends Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and Simple Minds. The Real People continued writing and touring for the next few years resulting in their now cult following and new albums ’Think Positive’ and ‘Monday Morning Breakdown’.

The Realies continue to write, record and tour and this forthcoming tour ‘An Evening With….’ provides a very rare chance for fans old and new to see them perform their back catalogue in stripped down acoustic versions and hear some of the stories behind the songs. If you haven’t heard The Realies before, you really should. But don’t take my word for it – please read recent Jon Robb article (link attached) setting out why The Real People are one of the most respected and influential bands of the past 35 years. https://louderthanwar.com/the-real-people-live-review/#google_vignette