The Real People, pioneers of the 90’s Brit pop movement, were formed by Tony and Chris
Griffiths in 1988.
Signed to CBS in Dec 1989 they released their eponymously named debut album including the
singles Window Pane, Open Up Your Mind and The Truth in 1991.
The band then embarked on a series of successful British, European, American and Japanese
tours, also appearing at Glastonbury and supporting major artists such as The Pixies, David
Bowie and Inspiral Carpets to name a few.
The Realies (as they are known to their fans) then recorded their second album Marshmallow
Lane with the help of legendary producer Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones etc). This album provided
the Top 40 single ‘Believer’.
Whilst touring with Inspiral Carpets, Chris and Tony took the then Inspirals roadie Noel
Gallagher under their wing, along with his brother Liam and the rest of Oasis. The Real People
invited Oasis into their studio to develop and record the new band, resulting in the now famous
Live Demonstration Tape which subsequently secured them a major deal with Alan McGee and
Creation Records. Once signed by Creation, Chris and Tony were instrumental in the recording
of Oasis’ first single ‘Supersonic’, with Tony providing the backing vocals. Chris also co-wrote the
B-side to ‘Roll With It’ entitled ‘Rockin’ Chair’ which helped set Oasis on the path to becoming
world wide stars and the biggest band of the past 30 years. The Real People also inspired several
other Oasis songs such as ‘Columbia’ and ‘Don’t Go Away’
Around this time Chris and Tony continued writing and developing other artists – including
writing a Top 10 single for Cher and others.
In 1996 The Real People signed to MGL Records and released their third album ‘What’s On The
Outside’ which included the singles ‘Rolling Stone’, ‘Rayners Lane’ and ’People In The Telly’.
The band also embarked on tours including numerous tours with their good friends Ocean
Colour Scene, Paul Weller and Simple Minds.
The Real People continued writing and touring for the next few years resulting in their now cult
following and new albums ’Think Positive’ and ‘Monday Morning Breakdown’.
The Realies continue to write, record and tour and this forthcoming tour ‘An Evening With….’
provides a very rare chance for fans old and new to see them perform their back catalogue in
stripped down acoustic versions and hear some of the stories behind the songs.
Venue
Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1DB
UK