Formed: Crosby, Merseyside, England, UK

Mark Damron Q&A Interview / Discography

The Resistance were an art/pop/rock new wave band formed by Mark Damron and John O’Leary in Liverpool in 1976. The band was formed as a showcase for Mark’s songs.

BAND MEMBERS:
Mark Damron - guitar, lead vocals
John O’Leary - bass, backing vocals
Iain Reid - keyboards, backing vocals
Martin Saunders - drums

(The above images are clickable.)

The Resistance recorded their first single Kidnapped (c/w 'Say No To The Macho') at London’s legendary Pathway Studios in 1978. The single was released on Maquis Records, distributed by Miles Copeland’s label – Faulty Products.

In 1980, the band signed to Phonogram Records and released their second single Survival Kit (c/w 'Big Flame') on Fontana Records in that same year. They also recorded an album - Black Comedy - produced by Roxy Music/Japan producer John Punter. The album was never released.

Recordings of their first two John Peel sessions are currently available on YouTube. The first one was recorded 2nd May 1979 and features 'Svengali Number Two', 'Incognito', 'Closet Kings' and 'Walking Talking Abstract Man'. The second, recorded 15th December 1980, contained 'Don't Fraternise With The Fraternity', 'Ego', 'Black Comedy' and 'Nuclear Family'.

INFLUENCES: Peter Gabriel, Abba, Chic, Kevin Coyne, Bowie, Roxy Music, John Lennon, Joan Armatrading, Kate Bush.

GIGS: The band played in many of the key London venues of the time: Rock Garden, Dingwall’s, Hope & Anchor, Marquee, Fulham Greyhound, Half Moon Herne Hill. They also supported the following contemporary acts: The Police, Punishment of Luxury, A Certain Ratio, Holly & The Italians and The Photos.

PUNKY GIBBON WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO MARK DAMRON FOR HIS INPUT ON THIS PAGE, DESPITE PUNKY BEING SO RUDE ABOUT HIS RECORDS!

THANKS ALSO TO RICHARD BLANCHARD FOR THE RESISTANCE PRESS ARCHIVES.

Punky would also like to add that Damron's post-Resistance musical career included writing a handful of songs for A&M recording artist Annabel Lamb.