Blue Plate Special: The Bolshoi

by Christian Buckley · Published September 7, 2024 · Updated September 4, 2024

(Left to right: Nick Chown, Jan Kalicki, Trevor Tanner, Paul Clark) The Bolshoi emerged from the UK music scene in 1984, quickly gaining attention with their unique blend of proto-goth and post-punk sounds. Originally formed in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, the band consisted of singer/guitarist Trevor Tanner, drummer Jan Kalicki, and bassist Nick Chown, later joined by keyboardist Paul Clark. Their early live shows, supporting acts like The Cult and The March Violets, helped build a dedicated following. Their debut single, “Sob Story,” and mini-album Giants solidified their reputation, and they soon moved to London, where they began headlining sold-out shows. Their dark, introspective lyrics paired with catchy melodies distinguished them from their peers.

In 1986, The Bolshoi released their first full-length album, Friends, followed by Lindy’s Party in 1987, which saw the band embracing a more pop-oriented sound. Giants was where I first came across the band, with variations of the song Fly appearing on several compilations. I tracked down Friends on vinyl in early 1986, and then Lindy’s Party shortly after its release. Both albums were in regular rotation on my stereo before going off to university in August of that year.

Despite their shifting style, they remained difficult to categorize, often compared to Bauhaus for their theatrical live performances and moody atmospherics. Their biggest hits, “Sunday Morning” and “A Way” (or “Away”), captured the attention of audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. However, their momentum was cut short when issues with their record label stalled the release of their fourth album, Country Life, leading to their breakup in 1988.

The Bolshoi’s influence endured long after their disbandment, with Country Life finally being released in 2015 as part of a five-disc box set celebrating their legacy. Both Trevor Tanner and Paul Clark pursued solo careers, with Tanner exploring various musical projects in the U.S., including acoustic reworkings of Bolshoi classics. Their music, characterized by its social awareness and emotional depth, continues to resonate with fans of 1980s alternative and gothic rock, solidifying The Bolshoi as an enduring name in the era’s musical landscape.

Some of my favorites from their catalog: