John Murphy, later of SPK and Death in June, was the Associate's drummer in 1981.
They had several hits that made it to at least the Top 20 of the British charts, including "Party Fears Two", "18 Karat Love Affair", and "Club Country". The band also produced several critically acclaimed albums. Sulk, in particular being widely regarded as their masterpiece and exciting comparisons with Brian Wilson's production style.
Lead singer Billy Mackenzie, became renowned for his dramatic vocal style, and he achieved a cult following, eventually becoming involved with Swiss avant garde outfit Yello. During his tenure with Yello he sang backing vocals on "The Rhythm Divine" with Shirley Bassey. Mackenzie was also a close friend (and rumoured lover) of Morrissey for several years, and is rumoured to be the subject of The Smiths' song "William, It Was Really Nothing". (Furthering the rumours, the Associates subsequently recorded a song entitled "Stephen, You Were Really Something".)
Tragically Billy Mackenzie committed suicide in 1997 aged 39, after suffering from depression. He was contemplating a comeback at the time. The albums 'Beyond the Sun' (1997) and 'Eurocentric' (2000) were released posthumously. Alan Rankine is now a lecturer in music at Stow College in Glasgow. A book 'The Glamour Chase' (Tom Doyle) documents the Bands career and Mackenzie's subsequent life.
