How a punk supergroup used a Madonna cover to conquer the indie charts
In short: Born from the wreckage of 1970s punk, the Lords of the New Church blended gothic gloom with unexpected pop sensibilities. While their stage antics once pushed frontman Stiv Bators to the brink of clinical death, it was a surprising suggestion from their manager that led them to a chart-topping Madonna cover.
Formed in 1981, the Lords of the New Church was a high-profile supergroup featuring veterans of the UK and US punk scenes. The original lineup brought together Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys, guitarist Brian James of the Damned, bassist Dave Tregunna of Sham 69, and drummer Nick Turner of the Barracudas. Unlike the raw aggression of their peers, the band embraced a more melodic, polished production style that blended punk, glam, and gothic elements.
The band's identity was deeply tied to their aesthetic, creating a tribal connection with fans that avoided mainstream fashion trends. Their commercial peak arrived through unexpected avenues; in 1985, at the suggestion of manager Miles Copeland, the band recorded a cover of Madonna's "Like a Virgin." The single became a significant hit, reaching number 2 on the UK Indie Chart in May 1985, even as the band was being dropped by their label, I.R.S. Records.
Despite their success, the band's history was marked by instability and dramatic exits. Internal tensions and financial struggles led to lineup shifts, including the departure of Tregunna following disputes over management. The group's original era ended abruptly on May 2, 1989, at London's Astoria, when Bators famously appeared on stage wearing an advertisement for a replacement singer and proceeded to fire the band. The group's legacy remains defined by this volatile mix of musical innovation and theatrical chaos.
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