Band Members: John Spinks - Guitar, Backing Vocals, Lyrics Tony Lewis - Bass, Lead Vocals, Lyrics Simon Dawson - Drums, Backing Vocals
Originally from the east end of London, the three founding members, John Spinks, Tony Lewis and Alan Jackman began recording and playing together as "The Baseball Boys" in the early 80's. They played a series of shows around London and recorded a couple of early demos, which eventually caught the ear of management who put them in touch with Columbia Records in the U.S. Shortly thereafter, they were signed as a CBS/Columbia Records recording artist and began polishing up the songs which would become their debut album, "Play Deep" released in 1985. This album spawned a series of hit singles including "Say It Isn't So", "All The Love In The World", "Everytime You Cry" and the most memorable of all, "Your Love". In support of "Play Deep", they mounted a massive summer tour, opening for Journey and Starship.
In 1986, they began recording the "Play Deep" follow-up album, titled "Bangin'". This album, released in 1987, was no disappointment to fans and cranked out more hit singles, such as, "Since You've Been Gone" and the groove oriented ballad, "No Surrender". No strangers to the road, they headed back out on tour with Night Ranger, in support of "Bangin'".
The band's third album, "Voices of Babylon" for CBS/Columbia, was released in 1988. The lead-off single, "Voices of Babylon" was well received in Billboard's Rock Charts. Other noteable tunes from this album included "My Paradise" and "The Night Ain't Over". This album marked a bit of a change in the band's sound, it was an incredibly well produced album with a very polished sound. It was definitely the band at their best. After the recording of this album, original drummer, Alan Jackman, made the decision to leave the band before the supporting tour began. The band quickly hired Paul Reed to fill in on the drums for the "Voices" tour. That summer, "The Outfield" played a series of very successful shows that opened for "Mike and The Mechanics". In many cases, getting a more energetic and excitable response from the crowd than the headliner.
With the dawn of the early 90's, John Spinks and Tony Lewis set out to record their fourth album, on a new label, MCA. Officially now a duo, the band began experimenting more with electronic drums and a session drummer named, Simon Dawson. The album titled "Diamond Days" (East London slang for: The Best of Times) was released in 1990 and produced one of their biggest hits, the ballad "For You". This single rocketed up the pop and adult contemporary charts because of the connection many people felt to the song with the Gulf War closing in. Because of the war, the band were unable to tour in support of this album.
Choosing rather to go back and begin work on their fifth album and the second for MCA called "Rockeye". This album was much more a throw back to the band's earlier sound and featured more of an energetic "live drum" sound from Simon Dawson who was becoming more involved in the sound of the band. With songs like "Closer To Me" and "Winning It All" this album definately satisfied the rock craving in it's fan base! The song "Winning it All" was used in several sports broadcasts and videos for the NBA, as well as landing on the soundtrack for one of the "Mighty Ducks" movies.
As music changed in the mid 90's and as the band saw classic, well written pop/rock become overthrown by the raw gritty grunge sound of band's like Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. It became clear to them that they would need to take a few steps back and see where all this was leading. Never one to follow fads or trends, and not interested in changing their style to suit the major label craving to sign every "alterna-rock, look-a-like and sound-a-like" band in the mid 90's, they decided to stay out of the limelight and rather opted to write and record for themselves and wait until the time was right. In 1998 as a renewed interest in the music of the 80's began to surface, the band once again started compiling songs for demos to pitch to record companies.
In 1998 released a self produced CD, for the fan club and tour only, that was appropriately titled "It Ain't Over". The band toured the states in the fall of 1998 and sold out nearly 80% of the club dates and theatres that they played. Highlighting the tour was a show in Trinidad where they played along with "Survivor" and "Air Supply" for nearly 40,000 fans. Having received a massive response from "It Ain't Over" and having sold out every last copy of it, they decided to look into major distribution.
The band has now signed with "Platinum Entertainment" to release "Extra Innings - Unreleased", which is a compilation of music that they recorded over the past 5 years as well as 4 brand new songs recorded in 1998/99. The album showcases the classic style and timeless sound of The Outfield and is a testament to the band's early influences including the Police, The Beatles, Led Zepplin, & The Cars. This release, set for July 13, is being promoted now with a summer tour across America, including many festivals, theatres, and club dates. For a schedule see the Official Outfield Website at "www.theoutfield.com"
Now an official three piece again, John Spinks, Tony Lewis, and Simon Dawson are one of the loudest, most energetic live band's around. And the chance to catch one of their shows should not be missed! The guitar sounds range from "The Police" to "Metallica" and for fans of high vocals and harmonies, Tony's voice has never sounded better! As for Simon's drums, well let's just say the kit has to be bolted to the floor!
Source: www.theoutfield.com/outbiog.html
