The Albums 1974 - 1976

Be-Bop Deluxe was the creative vision of Bill Nelson, one of Britain’s most creative and enduring musicians. Thanks to the championing of DJ John Peel (who had been an advocate of Bill Nelson’s work since the release of Bill’s rudimentary self-released solo album Northern Dream in 1971), Be Bop Deluxe signed to EMI Records in 1974 and their debut album Axe Victim was issued in June of that year, featuring fine material such as ‘Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape ‘Jets at Dawn’ and ‘Darkness (L’Immoraliste)’.

The 1975 album Futurama saw a new line-up of the band with the arrival of Charlie Tumahai on bass and Simon Fox on drums. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker (who also produced Queen’s A Night at the Opera the same year), the album was a huge step forward creatively and included legendary tracks such as ‘Maid in Heaven’, ‘Sister Seagull’ and ‘Music in Dreamland’. Keyboard player Andy Clark joined the band around the time of the album’s release in July 1975.

Sunburst Finish, released in February 1976, was one of the most successful releases by Be Bop Deluxe both critically and commercially. Produced by Bill Nelson and John Leckie, the album included classic tracks such as ‘Ships in the Night’ (a UK hit single), ‘Crying to the Sky’, ‘Life in the Air Age’ and ‘Blazing Apostles’.

This three disc clamshell box features the albums Axe Victim, Futurama and Sunburst Finish and features an illustrated booklet.