03/01/2020
The British music scene of the 1990s was a vibrant tapestry, woven with the threads of Britpop. Amidst this exciting era, a band emerged from Hounslow that would capture the hearts of many with their infectious melodies and relatable lyrics: Dodgy. Known for anthems like "Staying Out for the Summer", "If You're Thinking of Me", and the chart-topping "Good Enough", Dodgy carved a significant niche for themselves. But as the Britpop wave subsided, many wondered, what became of Dodgy? This article delves into their journey, from their formative years to their present-day activities, exploring their evolution, hiatus, and eventual triumphant return.
Formation and the Britpop Boom (1990-1997)
Dodgy's story began in 1990 with the formation of the band by Nigel Clark, Mathew Priest, and Andy Miller. Having relocated from Worcestershire to London in 1988, Clark and Priest were already seasoned collaborators, having played together in the trio Purple with Frederic Colier on bass. The initial lineup saw Ben Lurie recruited as guitarist, but his tenure was brief, as he soon departed to join The Jesus and Mary Chain. Andy Miller then stepped in, solidifying the core of what would become Dodgy. Following Colier's departure, the band adopted the moniker Dodgy, a name that would soon become synonymous with a particular brand of British indie rock.
Their early days were marked by persistent gigging, including an eight-month residency at a wine bar in Kingston Upon Thames, where they cultivated a dedicated following. This groundwork paid off when, in 1991, they secured a significant six-album deal with A&M Records, alongside publishing with BMG. Their debut album, produced by the esteemed Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, was met with critical acclaim. Dodgy distinguished themselves not only through their music but also through their commitment to social causes. They actively supported organisations such as The Serious Road Trip, War Child, and the Liverpool Dockers' Strike, and championed youth democracy campaigns. Their humanitarian spirit was further exemplified in August 1996 when they became the second UK act, after China Drum, to perform in Sarajevo following the lifting of the siege, giving a concert at the Kuk club. Their commitment continued into 1997 when they returned to Bosnia to film a programme with Kate Thornton in Mostar, showcasing their dedication to using their platform for positive impact.
The Hiatus and Solo Endeavours (1998-2007)
The period following their initial success saw a shift in the band's dynamic. From 1998 to 2007, Nigel Clark was largely absent, focusing on his solo projects. However, Mathew Priest and Andy Miller continued to keep the Dodgy flame alive. They reformed the band as a five-piece, enlisting vocalist David Bassey, keyboardist Chris Hallam, and bassist Nick Abnett. This new iteration of Dodgy recorded an album titled Real Estate in 2001, which was produced and mixed by Robin Evans at T-Pot Studios in Perthshire. Meanwhile, Nigel Clark was not idle. In 2006, he released his solo album, 21st Century Man. The following year, he collaborated with the dance music duo SFG to produce a remix of Dodgy's enduring hit, "Good Enough", demonstrating the continued relevance and adaptability of their music.
Reunion and Renewed Activity (2008-Present)
The year 2008 marked a significant turning point, signalling the reunion of the original members. Dodgy played two sets at Guilfest in July, including an acoustic performance in the Unison tent in support of the organisation, followed by a full-band set on the main stage. They also headlined the Sunday night at Beached Festival in August and performed at ToneFest in September. Excitingly, the first new recordings from this period began to surface online in November. Their commitment to charitable causes remained strong, as they played a benefit show in May 2009 for the homelessness charity Crisis' 'Hidden Gigs' campaign, sharing the bill with fellow Britpop veterans The Bluetones.
The band's resurgence continued throughout 2009 with performances at the iconic Glastonbury Festival, alongside appearances at Bug Jam 2009, Whatfest, and Cornbury. On 29 August 2010, Dodgy graced the stage at The Galtres Festival in North Yorkshire, treating the audience to beloved tracks like "In a Room" and "Staying out for the Summer", as well as a rendition of Nigel Clark's solo track, "21st Century Man".
The momentum carried into 2011 and 2012. On 23 April 2011, Dodgy headlined the Mash Fest Festival in Trowbridge, and on 28 May 2011, they topped the bill at the LeeStock Music Festival in Sudbury, Suffolk, an event dedicated to raising funds for the Willow Foundation. In an interview with the BBC, Mathew Priest expressed the band's enthusiasm for their new material, stating, "If we can just get people to listen to it, they're going to love it", highlighting their confidence in their fresh output. On 25 August 2011, they also headlined the Garlic Festival on the Isle of Wight. For their live shows promoting new material, Stuart Thoy of the band Smoke Feathers was recruited to play bass, a move that would lead to his permanent inclusion in the band.
The year 2012 saw the release of "What Became of You", the first single from their new album, Stand Upright in a Cool Place. In a move that defied the trend of bands re-forming to play their classic albums, Dodgy focused on previewing their new work live in its entirety during their recent UK tour. The album was released on 20 February 2012, through the independent label Strikeback Records, and garnered favourable reviews from prominent publications like MOJO, The Guardian, and Q Magazine. Stuart Thoy officially joined the band as a full member, contributing to the recording of their fifth album, What Are We Fighting For, which was released on 2 September 2016.
Dodgy Today
In 2020, Nigel Clark continued his solo career with the release of the album Make Believe Love. Beyond his musical pursuits, Clark also dedicates his time to education, working as a music teacher at the Aspire Academy in Worcester. The band, while not constantly touring, remains active, periodically playing shows and releasing new material, demonstrating their enduring passion for music and their connection with their fanbase. The journey of Dodgy is a testament to their resilience, their commitment to their craft, and the lasting appeal of their unique sound, proving that even after decades, their music continues to resonate.
Key Hits: A Look Back
Dodgy's success was built on a foundation of memorable songs. Here's a look at some of their most celebrated tracks:
| Song Title | Year of Release (approx.) | Chart Performance (UK Singles Chart) |
|---|---|---|
| Staying Out for the Summer | 1996 | Top 20 |
| If You're Thinking of Me | 1997 | Top 20 |
| Good Enough | 1996 | No. 4 |
| In a Room | 1995 | Top 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Dodgy
1. What is Dodgy's most famous song?
While "Staying Out for the Summer" and "If You're Thinking of Me" are widely recognised, "Good Enough" is considered their biggest hit, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
2. Did Dodgy break up?
The band experienced a period where Nigel Clark pursued solo projects from 1998 to 2007, during which Mathew Priest and Andy Miller continued with a different lineup. However, the original members reunited and have been active since.
3. What was their latest album?
Their latest album, What Are We Fighting For, was released in September 2016.
4. Are Dodgy still together?
Yes, Dodgy are still together and continue to perform and release music, albeit with a less frequent touring schedule than in their heyday.
5. Where did Dodgy form?
Dodgy formed in Hounslow, London, in 1990.
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