The Mission’s frontman Wayne Hussey celebrates 66 today
During the mid 1980’s after being a member of the bands Dead or Alive and The Sisters of Mercy, he formed the gothic rock force The Mission
The Mission’s frontman Wayne Hussey celebrates 66 today
Wayne Hussey was born on May 26, 1958, in Bristol, England. Growing up in the culturally vibrant atmosphere of the 1960s and 70s, Hussey developed a deep love for music early on. Influenced by the glam rock and punk movements, he began to explore his musical talents during his teenage years, setting the stage for a career that would see him become a prominent figure in the gothic rock genre. Hussey’s early career started in the late 1970s when he moved to Liverpool and became involved with the local music scene. His first notable band was The Walkie Talkies, but he soon joined the influential post-punk band Dead or Alive, led by Pete Burns. Hussey played guitar and contributed to their debut album, “Sophisticated Boom Boom” (1984), which featured the hit single “That’s the Way (I Like It).”
In 1984, Hussey left Dead or Alive to join The Sisters of Mercy, a pioneering gothic rock band. His tenure with the band saw him contribute to their first studio album, “First and Last and Always” (1985). His distinctive guitar work and songwriting helped shape the band’s dark, atmospheric sound, which became highly influential within the gothic rock movement.
After leaving The Sisters of Mercy in 1985 due to creative differences, Hussey formed The Mission (originally known as The Mission UK in the United States), which would become his most enduring and successful project. The Mission quickly gained a loyal following with their grandiose sound and Hussey’s charismatic stage presence.
The band’s debut album, “God’s Own Medicine” (1986), was a commercial success, spawning hits like “Wasteland” and “Severina.” They followed up with “Children” (1988), produced by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, which further solidified their place in the gothic rock scene with tracks like “Tower of Strength” and “Beyond the Pale.”
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, The Mission released several more albums, including “Carved in Sand” (1990) and “Masque” (1992). Despite numerous lineup changes, Hussey’s vision and songwriting kept the band on course, and they maintained a strong presence in the alternative rock world.
In the 2000s, Hussey continued to lead The Mission, releasing new material and touring extensively. Albums like “Aura” (2001) and “God Is a Bullet” (2007) showcased his ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his gothic roots.
Apart from The Mission, Hussey has pursued solo projects and collaborations. His solo albums, such as “Bare” (2009) and “Songs of Candlelight & Razorblades” (2014), highlight his versatility as a musician and his skill in crafting intimate, acoustic-driven songs.
The Mission celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2016 with the release of “Another Fall from Grace,” an album that revisited the band’s classic sound while incorporating contemporary influences. The band’s ability to remain relevant and continue to attract new fans speaks to Hussey’s enduring appeal as an artist.
Wayne Hussey remains active in the music industry, both as the frontman of The Mission and as a solo artist. He continues to tour worldwide, bringing his music to new generations of fans. In addition to his musical endeavors, Hussey is known for his engaging storytelling and has authored a memoir, “Salad Daze” (2019), which chronicles his life and career in the music industry.
Look back at the 1987 music video “Wasteland” by The Mission
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