The Weekenders

The Weekenders came out of the Camden Town in 1993, part of the scene around the Blow Up club at the centre of the music explosion later dubbed 'Britpop'. The band released only three singles, all on Blow Up Records and contributed a track to Fierce Panda Records EP Return to Splendour (along with The Bluetones). A compilation of these recordings, That Was Now But This Is Then released Jan 1996 made the UK indie charts (Melody Maker and NME) despite being an export only release. Their third single ‘Inelegantly Wasted’ was a Melody Maker Single of the Week (peaking at No.3 in the Melody Maker indie chart / No 4 NME indie charts). The band receiving considerable press coverage at the time, both UK and internationally. This included an NME ‘On’ feature, a full page Melody Maker feature and being tipped for commercial breakthrough. The Weekenders sold out a headline show at The Garage London (1995), co-headlining The Carling Stage at the Reading Festival that same month. But these shows turned out to be the bands last UK shows. Despite the momentum behind the band they made only one further live performance in Spain, after which the band effectively ceased operating. It could be said that their legacy was both the music and stylistic influence they had in the era, including with some of their musical contemporaries, this despite the few tracks they ever released. The Weekenders: Paul Tunkin (vocals), James Hender (guitar), Chris Remington (Bass guitar), Steve Smith (Drums).