From their inception THE WILDHEARTS provoked interest due to the pedigree of their members and the quirky Pop nature of their material. The band quickly established a loyal live following and GINGER (real name David Walls) showed ample evidence of his strong songwriting abilities on successive releases. The controversial figure of Ginger had travelled through THE LETTERS, IPANEMA KATZ, AVENGER, ZIG ZAG, THE QUIREBOYS and New York outfit THE THROBS where he lasted one gig before creating THE WILDHEARTS. Guitarist C.J. (Chris Jaghdar) was previously with London Glam mob TATTOOED LOVE BOYS.

The band dates from 1989 and an initial line-up comprising of GINGER, C.J., ex-TOBRUK vocalist Snake (real name Stuart John Neale), former SOHO ROSES bassist Joolz (real name Julien Dean) and erstwhile PHASSLAYNE, GUNSLINGER and BROKEN ANGELS drummer Stid (real name Andrew Stidolph).

This line-up was signed to Atco Records and duly recorded a planned EP with producer Ric Browde featuring the tracks 'Viva L'amour', 'Wild Wine And Whiskey', 'Same Sad Song', 'Please Baby Please' and 'Unsociable Emotions'. The EP was never released and the band's deal with Atco lapsed. Stid departed to create GOD'S LITTLE DEVILS and THE BABYSNAKES and his position was filled by another SOHO ROSES refugee drummer Patrice Panache (real name Patrick Walters).

Snake quit allowing ex-MOURNBLADE vocalist Dunken F. Mullet a brief sojourn with the band in mid 1990 prior to Snake's return. By March of 1991 Snake was out for good and GINGER adopted role as lead vocalist. Pat and Joolz also departed making way for HELLBASTARD and ENERGETIC KRUSHER bassist Danny McCormack and ex-DOGS D'AMOUR drummer Bam Bam. With this line-up completed in October the band undertook a 1991 UK tour supporting WOLFSBANE.

1992 started well with a series of high profile supports to the MANIC STREET PREACHERS. The band released the 'Mondo Akimbo A-Go-Go' EP in mid 1992 for the newly reactivated Bronze Records to enthusiastic response. By November Bam bailed out for a DOGS D'AMOUR reformation and Stid retook his place behind the kit. December had THE WILDHEARTS opening up for the former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist IZZY STRADLIN'. Friction developed quickly between the two parties though and after the opening date of the tour at Nottingham Rock City Ginger and co. found themselves ejected from the tour with media speculation that both Ginger and Izzy's mutual interests in the same woman prompted the split.

The release of the debut album was continually put back from its original launch of March 1993 to September. Original choice of producer was former MOTT THE HOOPLE man MICK RONSON but the guitarist's failing health put paid to these plans. Nevertheless, Ronson did lay down a guitar solo on the track 'My Baby Is A Headfuck'. Shortly after, on 30 April, Ronson passed away.

During this time the band remained strangely inactive only performing a short string of support dates to ALICE IN CHAINS and a one off support to PANTERA at the Marquee. By August Stid was out of the line-up once again and had joined Newcastle Grunge band WHATEVER. THE WILDHEARTS next drummer was Rich Battersby, previously with Birmingham AOR band RADIO MOSCOW, who debuted with a support show to WOLFSBANE at London's Marquee club.

THE WILDHEARTS opened the show for ALICE IN CHAINS again at the headliner's gig at the London Brixton Academy. East West issued a one off single for the event pairing 'Suckerpunch' with a track from Swedes CLAWFINGER. During the Autumn band teamed up with THE ALMIGHTY for a mammoth UK club tour supported by Irish newcomers KERBDOG. Further shows saw the band doing the rounds in Britain yet again, this time supporting STEVE VAI.

1994 opened unpleasantly with a headline British tour cancelled after GINGER broke his arm. As compensation the band's single 'Caffeine Bomb' was performed on TV's 'Top Of The Pops' show complete with original lyrics referring to diarrhoea which the BBC censors missed.

The rejigged tour, dubbed 'Full Roar', finally took place during March and April. The band, now with Willie Dowling on keyboards, formerly of THE GRIP, had BABY CHAOS as support band. The success of the 'Caffeine Bomb' single persuaded East West to re-release the album adding the single as an extra track.

During the summer THE WILDHEARTS headlined the 'Metal Hammer' magazine stage at the legendary Castle Donington 'Monsters Of Rock' event.

In keeping with the volatile nature of the band just prior to completion of the album Ginger sacked C.J., apparently for personal reasons. C.J. set about forming a new act HONEYCRACK with WILDHEARTS keyboard player Willie Dowling. By 1997 HONEYCRACK had folded and C.J. created pop act THE JELLYS.

His temporary replacement was ex STEVE VAI Canadian frontman DEVIN TOWNSEND. The band also invited Dowling back into the fold. For the video of new single 'If Life Is Like A Lovebank I Want An Overdraft' WOLFSBANE bassist Jeff Hateley stood in albeit with a brown paper bag on his head to preserve anonymity. The video was not widely screened, banned by most TV stations due to it's depiction of masturbation.

During the Autumn of 1994 the band performed at the Reading Festival. During the show McCormack badly dislocated his knee and had to sit down for most of the performance. The band then undertook a support tour of Europe with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES.

The mini album 'Fishing For Luckies' was a limited edition mini album available through the band's fan club. Originally intended as a thank you to fans of the band its release would come back to haunt the band.

The band performed their 'Geordie In Wonderland' single on TV's 'Top Of The Pops' utilising the temporary services of ex WOLFSBANE bassist Jeff Hately on Mandolin and full PAUL STANLEY facepaint and SENSELESS THINGS guitarist Marks Keds.

The band relocated to New York in 1995. A new album 'P.H.U.Q.' incited uproar when the original artwork, rendered by GINGER's erstwhile colleague Danny Deen from THE LETTERS, was deemed obscene. Anyone viewing the drawings could fail to disagree and the artwork was changed. Strangely Japanese copies leaked out with Deen's artwork fully intact.

Following many denials by both parties Keds finally was announced as new guitarist with THE WILDHEARTS. However, Keds completed farewell shows in Japan with THE SENSELESS THINGS prior to THE WILDHEARTS proposed Phoenix festival headline performance but failed to return. The band were forced to pull out of this show and other scheduled dates on the festival circuit in Scotland, Ireland and Denmark. Not surprisingly Keds was given his marching orders. The guitarist later formed JOLT. Undeterred THE WILDHEARTS, now back in Britain, put in gigs as a trio billing themselves THE MOODSWINGERS.

THE WILDHEARTS added ex-SCHMOOZER guitarist Jeff Streatfield for their winter 1995 UK tour. The band also put in their first ever tour of Japan, a country which would take THE WILDHEARTS, and Ginger in particular, to its heart.

As 1996 dawned McCormack underwent surgery to fix his knee upfront of further gigs billed as THE MOODSWINGERS. The group also performed at the BBC 'Sound City' festival in Leeds and a live version of 'I Wanna Go Where The People Go' surfaced on a resulting BBC compilation album.

Next single 'Sick Of Drugs' came novelly packaged with a genuine grass mat. Purchasers were invited to water the mat and watch the grass grow! Backing up the single release the group went back out on tour in Britain sharing billing with 3 COLOURS RED, a band featuring Danny's brother Chris.

The repackaged mini album 'Fishing For More Luckies' had it's release cancelled following protests from the band and only a few copies made it into the stores. The album was finally given a release in early 1996 titled 'once again 'Fishing For Luckies' but with different tracks. In keeping with the chaos surrounding this release original versions were released in Scandinavia.

THE WILDHEARTS pulled off a major coup when they secured the support dates to AC/DC's UK tour. These shows spilled over into AC/DC's American tour. With THE WILDHEARTS in the midst of their first American tour the record company pulled the plug on the band who were forced to abandon their exploits and return to Britain.

A second tour of Japan was embarked upon during October. A low key date had the band guesting for JASON & THE SCORCHERS at the Mean Fiddler venue in London. Further shows included support to the SEX PISTOLS and a Phoenix Festival appearance.

The band's much heralded return was announced with their signing to Mushroom Records, a label seemingly more in keeping with various Pop acts of the day. Contracts were signed in rebellious outside the offices of their erstwhile record company East West but these moves intended to gain press attention were soon to force the band into the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Initially the press were treated to an anonymous promotional single. A version of ELVIS COSTELLO's 'Pump It Up' (complete with bicycle pump nozzle!) the track came with GINGER's vocals heavily disguised.

THE WILDHEARTS Mushroom debut single proper 'Anthem' was released in various formats with exclusive tracks on each. An old quote from Ginger stating in typically vehement fashion that this kind of marketing as used by other acts was a blatant rip off came back to haunt the band. Fans picketed gigs handing out leaflets urging audiences not to buy the single.

Further to that, in what can only be supposed as an intended attempt at controversy, the promotion copies of the 'Anthem' single came with the message "Play, or the kitten gets it". When the CD case is opened it's graphically evident from the blood splatters the innocent furball gets it anyway.

the band, after a show at Camden Dingwalls played entirely in drag, put in a show at a festival in Finland. The show ended as a near riot with McCormack dislocating a shoulder and GINGER breaking a rib after he had asked the audience to invade the stage.

The band set out on an extensive UK club tour during the winter of '97 with support from STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, the band assembled by a post WILDHEARTS Devin Townsend, and GROOP DOGDRILL. The group also chalked up their third Japanese tour.

Towards the end of 1997 the band unleashed their first album for the Mushroom label, entitled 'Endless Nameless'. In keeping with tradition though within a matter of days of the record's release the band announced their end had come and a lengthy scheduled tour of the UK was pulled.

McCormack announced plans for a fresh act THE YO-YOS. Retitling the band THE CHASERS McCormack drafted former WHATEVER guitarist Nick Parsons before reverting back to THE YO-YOS and replacing Parsons with ex-B MOVIE HEROES man Nick Parsons. McCormack would also dabble with a band project titled LITTLE GODS working with DOGS D'AMOUR mainman TYLA.

Battersby created THE INFIDELS with producer Ralph Jezzard and female singer Zeitia. Meantime Streatfield was involved with the SACK TRICK collective and the '(Music From) The Mystery Rabbits' album.

As 1998 dawned GINGER maintained his media profile having been arrested in Thailand for possessing an expired visa and having languished for a while in the notorious Bangkok Hilton jail for his crime.

Ginger resurfaced in March at a London Water Rats club gig opening for BACKYARD BABIES with an improvised act titled THE UNREHEARSED which included former MARIONETTE vocalist Ray Zell. Ex-REAL TV singer Jay Butler and members of McCormacks new act THE YO-YOS. This union with the leading Swedish Punk Rock 'n Roll act would see GINGER later songwriting with the BACKYARD BABIES and appearing on their version of FASTER PUSSYCAT's 'Babylon'.

By the middle of the year a new act CLAM ABUSE had been founded for live work centering on Ginger and ex DOGS D'AMOUR frontman TYLA. However, the lure of the yen was to prompt yet another THE WILDHEARTS tour of Japan in October before disbanding for good.

1999 had Ginger as part of CLAM ABUSE and also alternative 'supergroup' SUPERSHIT 666 with BACKYARD BABIES frontman Dregan and HELLACOPTERS Nicke Royne. McCormack meanwhile scored an American deal with his new act THE YO-YOS.

Battersby re-emerged, alongside ex 3 COLOURS RED guitarist Chris McCormack, in 2000 in their new act GRAND THEFT AUDIO for the 'Blame Everyone' album.

GINGER meantime surfaced again in yet another guise as SILVER GINGER 5 for the 'Black Leather Mojo' album. This high profile band, which included Conny Bloom of the highly rated Swedish Funk Rockers the ELECTRIC BOYS and Jon Poole of THE CARDIACS, would score a major deal with the Mercury label in Japan. Touring would see Bladder, from Danny McCormack's band THE YO YOS, occupying the drum stool.

In 2001 an expected reunion of THE WILDHEARTS occurred for a June British tour. Alongside Ginger both C.J. and Stidi from THE JELLYS and Danny McCormack from THE YO-YOS made up the numbers. GINGER also announced solo dates and the intention of releasing no less than twelve solo singles, one a month, throughout the year. His acoustic solo album 'Grievous Acoustic Behaviour' arrived in June to enthusiastic reviews.

Tour support for THE WILDHEARTS summer dates came from ANTI PRODUCT and DECKARD. However, it was soon revealed that McCormack's battle against heroin abuse had meant his non appearance for these gigs. ANTI PRODUCT's Toshi took the role temporarily. However, after a period of rehabilitation McCormack was back in the role in time for the August 'Bulldog Bash' festival. THE WILDHEARTS would also put in a one off acoustic date at the London Camden Barfly in September, albeit minus McCormack once more- this time nursing a damaged leg.

McCormack unveiled his new band, THE CHASERS, by issuing the opening EP 'Onwards & Upwards' for the Change One label and putting in three club shows during November. During 2002 the band reformed for the umpteenth time putting in a successful series of dates across the UK. This burst of energy would also prompt the group's first new product in six years, an eight track mini album 'The Black Box'. A single, 'Vanilla Radio', would be slated for September issue.

THE WILDHEARTS cancelled a proposed 'secret' gig at the London Hope & Anchor pub in Islington slated for July 18th when reports leaked out to the internet. The band would confirm their inclusion in the Japanese GUNS N' ROSES headlined 'Summer Sonic 2002' festival scheduled for August 17th and 18th in Osaka and Tokyo. Returning home THE WILDHEARTS put in place a run of headline gigs commencing on September 24th at Leicester University. The band would then be announced as forming part of an ALICE COOPER and THUNDER headed UK package tour in November 2002 billed as 'The Monsters Of Rock' tour. However, within days of the press release a further statement announced their withdrawl from these gigs, the band apparently objecting to THUNDER's inclusion on the billing.

THE WILDHEARTS UK September single 'Vanilla Radio' came issued in various formats spreading new material across each. All of these songs plus the exclusive track 'Stormy In The North, Karma In The South' would also surface on the Japanese released album 'Riff After Riff After Motherfucking Riff'. 'Vanilla Radio' gave the band their first UK hit in over five years. GINGER would also release his latest solo single 'The Saga Of Me And You'. THE WILDHEARTS announced Japanese tour plans for December. Erstwhile drummer Rich Battersby debuted his new act in September, NEW DISEASE being a union with TRICKY guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite and former DAISY CHAINSAW bassist Richard Adams and vocalist Jacob Lee Bane.

April 2003 UK gigs packaged with American Punk-Metal act AMEN would witness bass duties being doled out to SILVERGINGER 5 and CARDIACS man John Poole as McCormack was once again to enter a rehab programme. Meantime the rest of the band set about recording a new studio album 'The Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed'. Andy Cairns of THERAPY? donated guest vocals to the track 'Get Your Groove On' with Justin Hawkins from THE DARKNESS and the MARILYN MANSON credited Kim Nail also contributing. The band supported MOT?RHEAD in the UK during October and would close out the year with Japanese headline shows in December. GINGER also made space for a short burst of acoustic solo dates in the UK that same month. This progress in their homeland sparked renewed interest in North America with Gearhead Records opting to issue the 'Riff After Riff' album loaded with extra tracks. European touring throughout February and March of 2004 saw THE DARKNESS as running mates. The band then headed out to North America, set to commence a month long trek alongside the DRAGONS starting on 19th March at Sam's Burger Joint in San Antonio, Texas. However, many of these gigs would be pulled when the band instead opted to support THE DARKNESS on their US trek. Back on UK soil the band put in a fourteen date headline tour in April, coinciding with the Gut Records release of 'Coupled With', a compilation of B side tracks. The band, allied once again with THE DARKNESS, undertook a further round of US dates in June as Sanctuary belatedely set a 4th May US release date for 'The Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed'. Taking time out from touring the band cut their version of 'Wild Zero' as a donation to the Japanese GUITAR WOLF tribute album 'I Love Guitar Wolf Very Much' released through Ki/oon Records. Meantime, former drummer Ritch Battersby and ex-GRAND THEFT AUDIO singer Jay Butler joined forces in a new band entitled SECURITY.

THE WILDHEARTS were out on the road in the UK once again in November plugging a live album entitled 'The Wildhearts Strike Back'. Also on the agenda for January 2005 would be a compilation billed 'A Break In The Weather', comprising rarities from the band's singles club. Amongst four previously unreleased tracks would be 'The Dying Art Of The Chorus' with a guesting Barney Greenway of NAPALM DEATH. As 2005 opened Ginger joined US outfit BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION as their second guitarist. However, Ginger's position in BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION was to last a matter of weeks, an announcement in early March confirming he had vacated his post due to personal issues.

2005 found ex-THE WILDHEARTS member Willie Dowling fronting Pop Rock outfit JACKDAW4. In early 2006 THE WILDHEARTS guitarist CJ announced he was working on a solo album. Entitled 'Something's Gotta Give' this recording included contributions from Jase Edwards of WOLFSBANE and SONIC CIRCUS.

On November 20th GINGER launched a split 7" single 'Yeah Yeah Yeah', as a two-track CD and a limited edition white vinyl 7", with fellow Round Records artist HOWLING WILLIE. The double A-sided single also features a cover version of THE WILDHEARTS 'Caffeine Bomb', as recorded by HOWLING WILLIE and produced by Ginger. Ginger was also announced as having enrolled into the bass position of THE GOD DAMN WHORES, featuring former WOLFSBANE guitarist Jase 'The Ace' Edwards.

Former vocalist of THE WILDHEARTS Snake passed away from congestive heart failure on December 20th 2006.

THE WILDHEARTS, announcing the addition of bassist Scott Sorry of BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION, HATED PIGS and AMEN to the group's ranks, closed 2006 with their first live appearance in 18 months with a one-off Christmas show on December 21st at the Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall.

A self-titled album was recorded, with a returning Ritch Battersby on drums, during January and February 2007 over various locations including London's Strongroom Studios, a country house in Ipswich, and at a "haunted castle" in the Midlands. North American tour dates were scheduled for March but would be cancelled just days beforehand due to visa issues.

THE WILDHEARTS released a covers collection billed as 'Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before Vol. 1' digitally on 19th May 2008, followed by a CD release in July.Artists given the cover treatment included WARREN ZEVON, HELMET, THE UNBAND, THE DISTILLERS, FUGAZI, GEORGIA SATELLITES, TOADIES, THE ICICLE WORKS, THE LEE HARVEY OSWALD BAND, SUPER FURRY ANIMALS, BABY CHAOS, and THE DESCENDENTS.

To celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the release of the 'Earth Vs The Wildhearts' album the band performed the entire album, plus B sides from that era, at three concerts held at the Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland on Friday, 19th September 19, a show the following day at Shepherds Bush Empire in London and a 23rd November gig at Akasaka Britz in Tokyo, Japan. UK headliners took place in December.

THE WILDHEARTS released their ninth studio album, 'Chutzpah!' recorded in Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen, on 31st August 2009 via Backstage Alliance.

Garry Sharpe-Young